be_v good_a you_o know_v well_o the_o apostle_n precept_n 1_o thes_n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a we_o have_v find_v the_o thing_n in_o kind_n that_o single_a christian_n and_o conjoin_v christian_n in_o church-fellowship_n be_v to_o hold_v fast_o respective_o viz._n matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o religious_a and_o moral_a practice_n and_o of_o church-administration_n now_o all_o these_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v and_o then_o so_o far_o as_o find_v good_a steadfast_o retain_v here_o divers_a thing_n may_v be_v speak_v touch_v the_o business_n of_o prove_v and_o try_v touch_v the_o course_n take_v for_o prove_v what_o will_v the_o apostle_n have_v christian_n wander_v up_o and_o down_o into_o every_o conventicle_n or_o every_o corner_n to_o hear_v the_o broacher_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o opinion_n or_o will_v he_o have_v christian_n adventure_v to_o travel_v into_o all_o country_n and_o to_o intermingle_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o company_n to_o get_v information_n what_o all_o man_n hold_v and_o all_o man_n practice_n o_o no_o beloved_n woeful_a experience_n in_o our_o time_n show_v that_o a_o number_n of_o lightheaded_a curious_a gadder_n and_o traveller_n have_v no_o ballast_n of_o weighty_a judgement_n in_o they_o be_v so_o toss_v up_o and_o down_o with_o the_o various_a kind_n of_o opinion_n and_o wave_n of_o man_n practice_n clash_v and_o break_v one_o upon_o another_o that_o they_o scarce_o ever_o come_v to_o side_n at_o anchor_n at_o sea_n much_o less_o put_v in_o at_o any_o safe_a harbour_n but_o still_o fluctuate_v as_o sceptic_n in_o opinion_n and_o antinomist_n in_o practice_n and_o half_a atheist_n at_o least_o in_o both_o we_o need_v not_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o for_o variety_n to_o bring_v under_o trial_n for_o we_o may_v find_v too_o much_o bring_v home_o to_o we_o to_o our_o own_o place_n to_o exercise_v our_o judgement_n if_o we_o have_v any_o and_o if_o not_o to_o distract_v and_o disquiet_v we_o a_o great_a part_n of_o solomon_n curious_a scarch_n experimental_o be_v so_o unnecessary_a and_o unseemly_a as_o we_o may_v suppose_v it_o cost_v he_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o repentance_n afterward_o i_o say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o but_o then_o again_o for_o what_o be_v necessary_o bring_v under_o our_o eye_n for_o prove_v remember_v that_o our_o only_a true_a test_n or_o touchstone_n or_o rule_v for_o prove_v be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o here_o we_o need_v beg_v of_o god_n sound_a wisdom_n how_o to_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o this_o prove_a touchstone_n for_o sure_o it_o be_v most_o gross_o abuse_v and_o wrest_v and_o pervert_v among_o our_o people_n at_o this_o day_n what_o through_o want_n of_o learning_n what_o through_o want_n of_o humility_n because_o they_o will_v be_v dogmatize_v and_o i_o fear_v there_o be_v creep_v in_o among_o they_o a_o number_n of_o popish_a and_o profane_a wit_n who_o though_o secret_a scoffer_n at_o the_o scripture_n be_v leader_n into_o manifold_a error_n by_o counterfeit_v very_o great_o a_o reverence_n to_o scripture_n authority_n and_o urge_v the_o letter_n of_o it_o and_o express_v command_n and_o example_n from_o it_o while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o aim_v at_o both_o the_o disparagement_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o confusion_n of_o their_o silly_a self-conceited_a follower_n the_o lord_n direct_v we_o all_o to_o a_o right_a esteem_n and_o use_v of_o holy_a writ_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o may_v be_v such_o find_v like_o those_o of_o old_a who_o melt_v and_o mould_v their_o golden_a earing_n of_o precious_a doctrine_n if_o right_o use_v into_o idolatrous_a image_n and_o such_o as_o can_v turn_v a_o brazen_a serpent_n from_o a_o divine_a institution_n to_o become_v a_o superstitious_a idol_n thus_o have_v consider_v well_o what_o course_n we_o take_v in_o the_o way_n of_o trial_n let_v we_o as_o be_v say_v hold_v fast_o only_o that_o which_o be_v good_a only_o pure_a and_o holy_a doctrine_n only_o approvable_a gracious_a practice_n suitable_a to_o such_o doctrine_n and_o in_o church-respect_n whether_o as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o other_o ecclesiastic_a officer_n only_o such_o administration_n and_o way_n of_o government_n as_o may_v be_v find_v agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o duty_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o our_o text_n viz._n to_o hold_v what_o be_v have_v already_o be_v either_o express_o or_o implicit_o charge_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o those_o asian_a church_n write_v to_o by_o christ_n except_o that_o of_o laodicea_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n have_v somewhat_o commend_v in_o they_o but_o she_o nothing_o as_o if_o she_o have_v nothing_o worthy_a to_o hold_v fast_o but_o why_o this_o have_v she_o not_o much_o precious_a doctrine_n retain_v by_o she_o grant_v it_o yet_o it_o seem_v while_o she_o hold_v her_o lukewarm_a temper_n in_o point_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n all_o her_o doctrine_n be_v as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o o_o beloved_n that_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o among_o we_o a_o number_n of_o old_a laodicean_n obstruct_v what_o they_o can_v all_o proceed_n in_o way_n of_o a_o right_a wise_a and_o sober_a reformation_n and_o zealous_a only_o to_o damp_n the_o zeal_n of_o people_n that_o way_n and_o stiff_o to_o hold_v fast_o humane_a superstitious_a invention_n and_o their_o proud_a vainglorious_a conceit_n of_o they_o the_o lord_n soften_v and_o bend_v their_o spirit_n use_v 2_o use_v 2._o a_o second_o use_v of_o this_o point_n let_v be_v by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n or_o incitation_n to_o the_o act_n o_o that_o we_o will_v all_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o hold_v fast_o what_o good_a we_o have_v and_o let_v we_o all_o be_v stir_v up_o thereunto_o at_o present_a sure_o there_o be_v very_o strong_a motive_n hereunto_o which_o may_v easy_o be_v perceive_v if_o we_o look_v about_o we_o i_o shall_v only_o press_v a_o little_a those_o two_o which_o lie_v on_o either_o hand_n the_o duty_n in_o our_o text_n or_o what_o be_v equivalent_a thereunto_o the_o first_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o verse_n behold_v i_o come_v quick_o say_v the_o lord_n jesus_n a_o motive_n take_v from_o his_o quick_a apprehension_n unto_o they_o now_o that_o speedy_a come_n of_o his_o need_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v mere_o of_o a_o personal_a visible_a come_n but_o of_o his_o come_n in_o such_o way_n of_o providence_n as_o wherein_o he_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o virtual_o and_o effectual_o present_a for_o the_o manage_v of_o they_o and_o so_o we_o must_v needs_o understand_v the_o phrase_n chap._n 2._o 5_o 16._o remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o repent_v repent_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n where_o his_o quick_a come_n be_v doubtless_o in_o a_o way_n of_o punishment_n or_o chastisement_n etc._n etc._n but_o how_o be_v we_o here_o to_o understand_v christ_n his_o quick_a come_n first_o in_o a_o way_n of_o trial._n he_o have_v intimate_v immediate_o before_o that_o there_o be_v a_o hour_n of_o tentation_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o he_o be_v to_o be_v think_v to_o be_v in_o that_o trial_n profess_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o reins_o and_o heart_n chap._n 2._o 23._o and_o here_o as_o refer_v unto_o it_o he_o say_v behold_v take_v notice_n i_o come_v quick_o viz._n to_o try_v you_o among_o other_o in_o that_o hour_n of_o temptation_n what_o hour_n be_v that_o immediate_o it_o signify_v as_o some_o expositor_n think_v with_o good_a consent_n that_o persecution_n which_o soon_o after_o follow_v upon_o the_o church_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o trajanus_n the_o emperor_n and_o in_o which_o persecution_n philadelphia_n be_v try_v as_o well_o as_o other_o strabo_n the_o geographer_n write_v that_o philadelphia_n be_v terrae_fw-la motibus_fw-la crebrò_fw-la concussa_fw-la often_o shake_v with_o earthquake_n well_o whatever_o natural_a or_o proper_a earthquake_n she_o as_o a_o city_n with_o the_o region_n thereabouts_o be_v subject_n unto_o certain_o as_o she_o be_v a_o church_n both_o she_o and_o other_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n be_v often_o shake_v with_o political_a earthquake_n shake_v violence_n and_o assault_n by_o adversary_n threaten_v their_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o lest_o this_o consideration_n shall_v not_o seem_v to_o reach_v we_o at_o this_o day_n take_v notice_n that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o godly_a learned_a there_o be_v now_o a_o hour_n
fear_n and_o tremble_a at_o the_o denunciation_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o especial_o at_o the_o prognostic_n and_o signal_n of_o danger_n and_o misery_n hang_v over_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n my_o flesh_n tremble_v for_o fear_n of_o thou_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a of_o thy_o judgement_n so_o david_n psal_n 119._o 120._o good_a king_n jehoshaphat_n have_v certain_a intelligence_n of_o great_a force_n of_o combine_a enemy_n prepare_v against_o he_o and_o god_n people_n he_o fear_v 2_o chr._n 20._o 3._o and_o jehoshaphat_n fear_v and_o set_v himself_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a throughout_o all_o judah_n and_o such_o a_o fear_n well_o temper_v aught_o to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o that_o most_o rational_o for_o consider_v with_o i_o i_o beseech_v you_o 1._o the_o speech_n and_o voice_n of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v but_o preceptive_a only_o and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o command_v be_v enough_o to_o strike_v his_o people_n with_o fear_n as_o it_o may_v be_v present_v to_o they_o in_o a_o majestic_a manner_n so_o it_o do_v at_o mount_n sinai_n when_o god_n deliver_v his_o law_n to_o his_o people_n though_o then_o they_o stand_v upon_o good_a term_n with_o he_o for_o there_o be_v a_o dreadfulness_n ever_o in_o the_o sovereign_n majestic_a presence_n of_o god_n see_v psal_n 89._o 7._o god_n be_v great_o to_o be_v fear_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o be_v have_v in_o reverence_n of_o all_o they_o that_o be_v about_o he_o much_o rather_o then_o when_o he_o utter_v himself_o in_o the_o way_n of_o threaten_n of_o judgement_n which_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o beget_v fear_n in_o the_o soul_n 2._o we_o know_v that_o the_o very_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o pardon_v mercy_n shall_v work_v the_o soul_n about_o by_o the_o way_n of_o love_n unto_o a_o reverential_n and_o cautionary_a fear_n of_o offend_v he_o psal_n 130._o 4._o but_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v how_o much_o more_o proper_o than_o may_v the_o severity_n of_o god_n and_o his_o menace_v judgement_n cause_v a_o tremble_a fear_n in_o they_o who_o they_o concern_v 3._o we_o find_v god_n offend_v at_o man_n and_o those_o of_o his_o own_o people_n not_o only_o for_o formal_a sinful_a matter_n of_o provocation_n but_o even_o for_o not_o fear_v as_o they_o shall_v and_o not_o tremble_v before_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o judgement_n so_o with_o judah_n i_o see_v say_v he_o when_o for_o all_o the_o cause_n whereby_o backslide_a israel_n commit_v adultery_n i_o have_v put_v she_o away_o and_o give_v she_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n yet_o her_o treacherous_a sister_n judah_n fear_v not_o etc._n etc._n jer._n 3._o 8._o so_o with_o the_o remnant_n of_o judah_n during_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n who_o go_v down_o into_o egypt_n for_o god_n threaten_v they_o for_o have_v forget_v the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o father_n and_o for_o not_o be_v humble_v at_o that_o day_n nor_o have_v fear_v etc._n etc._n jer._n 44._o 9_o 10._o 4._o and_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o find_v god_n in_o a_o just_a expectal_n of_o this_o fearful_a tremble_a disposition_n at_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o threaten_n and_o judgement_n and_o well_o please_v with_o it_o the_o lion_n have_v roar_v who_o will_v not_o fear_v amos_n 3._o 8._o shall_v a_o trumpet_n be_v blow_v in_o the_o city_n and_o the_o people_n not_o be_v afraid_a judas_n ver_fw-la 6._o to_o this_o man_n will_v i_o look_v say_v god_n even_o to_o he_o that_o be_v poor_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n isa_n 66._o 2._o quest_n but_o what_o manner_n of_o fear_n and_o tremble_a at_o god_n threaten_n may_v this_o be_v which_o be_v require_v do_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o the_o righteous_a man_n shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o evil_a tiding_n because_o his_o heart_n be_v fix_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n psal_n 112._o 7._o and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n divers_a time_n forbid_v and_o reprove_v the_o people_n of_o god_n for_o their_o fear_n of_o enemy_n and_o oppressor_n and_o a_o sad_a and_o calamitous_a condition_n under_o they_o who_o be_v thou_o say_v god_n that_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o man_n that_o shall_v die_v and_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v as_o grass_n &_o c_o and_o that_o have_v fear_v continual_o because_o of_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o oppressor_n as_o if_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o destroy_v etc._n etc._n psal_n 51._o 12_o 13._o answ_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o fear_n that_o the_o poor_a people_n of_o god_n be_v subject_a unto_o in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v and_o may_v most_o just_o be_v interdict_v and_o forbid_v to_o they_o and_o check_v in_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o be_v inordinate_a and_o sinful_a in_o sundry_a respect_n and_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v hold_v that_o there_o be_v a_o fear_n of_o threaten_a judgement_n from_o god_n which_o be_v not_o only_o indulge_v to_o they_o but_o fall_v under_o duty_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o base_a slavish_a fear_n in_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o &_o of_o excessive_a fear_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o and_o of_o either_o preposterous_a or_o otherwise_o unseasonable_a fear_n in_o the_o time_n of_o it_o as_o it_o then_o work_v unreasonable_o when_o god_n after_o a_o time_n of_o long_a public_a trial_n and_o affliction_n discover_v himself_o by_o sundry_a token_n and_o evidence_n ready_a to_o comfort_v his_o people_n and_o so_o in_o that_o place_n mention_v in_o isa_n 51_o 12_o 13._o see_v the_o context_n thereabouts_o but_o while_n god_n speak_v terrible_a thing_n unto_o his_o his_o people_n they_o ought_v to_o fear_v provide_v that_o their_o fear_n be_v thus_o qualify_v 1._o it_o must_v be_v a_o fear_n that_o have_v the_o great_a god_n proper_o for_o its_o object_n and_o not_o the_o creature_n i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v general_o observable_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o god_n find_v not_o fault_n with_o his_o people_n or_o any_o other_o for_o fear_v he_o no_o not_o mere_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o power_n and_o wrath_n as_o king_n of_o nation_n see_v jer._n 10._o 7._o who_o will_v not_o fear_v thou_o o_o king_n of_o nation_n for_o to_o thou_o do_v it_o appertain_v forasmuch_o as_o among_o all_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o in_o all_o their_o kingdom_n there_o be_v none_o like_o unto_o thou_o and_o psal_n 90._o 11._o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o anger_n even_o according_a to_o thy_o fear_n so_o be_v thy_o favour_n isa_n 19_o 16._o in_o that_o day_n shall_v egypt_n be_v like_a unto_o woman_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v afraid_a and_o fear_v because_o of_o the_o shake_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n which_o he_o shake_v over_o it_o but_o for_o fear_v the_o creature_n suppose_v the_o instrument_n he_o use_v of_o his_o wrath_n or_o punish_v displeasure_n be_v that_o werein_o the_o base_a degeneration_n of_o humane_a fear_n lie_v that_o man_n look_v not_o at_o or_o consider_v not_o the_o chief_a efficient_a and_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o judgement_n threaten_v but_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o &_o the_o instrument_n of_o it_o only_o and_o so_o not_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o his_o displeasure_n stir_v up_o by_o sin_n but_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n or_o other_o creature_n execute_v it_o and_o the_o matter_n of_o loss_n or_o smart_n in_o it_o their_o fear_n be_v not_o before_o the_o name_n of_o god_n mal._n 2._o 5._o but_o before_o the_o name_n and_o face_n of_o man_n now_o this_o be_v base_a and_o quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o temper_n that_o god_n require_v who_o in_o case_n of_o judgement_n or_o danger_n will_v not_o have_v sensual_a but_o spiritual_a consideration_n take_v on_o for_o they_o that_o know_v god_n name_v aright_o shall_v learn_v by_o a_o holy_a chemistry_n as_o it_o be_v to_o abstract_n a_o spiritual_a fear_n of_o the_o creator_n from_o the_o carnal_a fear_n of_o creature_n and_o preserve_v that_o fear_n by_o they_o 2._o it_o must_v be_v a_o fear_n that_o rise_v not_o only_o out_o of_o self-love_n as_o apprehensive_a only_o of_o personal_a danger_n but_o a_o fear_n that_o arise_v from_o true_a brotherly_a charity_n bear_v towards_o the_o community_n of_o god_n people_n and_o apprehensive_a of_o divine_a anger_n kindle_v against_o they_o and_o of_o danger_n towards_o they_o this_o prophet_n fear_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n and_o pray_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o himself_o either_o only_a or_o chief_o public_a respect_n shall_v outweigh_v private_a in_o all_o that_o will_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n
and_o will_v fulfil_v his_o determine_a work_n within_o his_o appoint_a time_n for_o they_o or_o in_o plenitudine_fw-la temporis_fw-la in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n determine_v yet_o this_o be_v a_o sense_n that_o fall_v too_o short_a of_o the_o emphasis_n of_o the_o double_n of_o this_o phrase_n in_o our_o text_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o import_v more_o than_o so_o yet_o second_o neither_o do_v i_o take_v the_o midst_n here_o geometricè_fw-la &_o precisè_fw-la for_o the_o midst_n according_a to_o a_o precise_a measure_n as_o some_o do_v for_o they_o that_o think_v he_o pray_v that_o this_o revive_a work_n of_o god_n may_v be_v wrought_v either_o about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n duration_n presume_v it_o shall_v last_v 6000._o year_n or_o just_a between_o samuel_n prophesy_v and_o christ_n his_o come_n or_o suffer_v suppose_v just_o 490._o year_n between_o that_o prophet_n and_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o as_o many_o between_o the_o captivity_n and_o christ_n they_o build_v upon_o uncertainty_n and_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o late_a english_a annotator_n etc._n etc._n what_o construction_n then_o may_v we_o make_v of_o this_o expression_n the_o meaning_n may_v be_v take_v up_o as_o i_o conceive_v 24._o as_o the_o psalmist_n pray_v for_o himself_o or_o rather_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n ps_n 102._o 23_o 24._o with_o those_o who_o i_o account_v most_o judicious_a in_o these_o two_o particular_n 1._o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o year_n i._n e._n in_o the_o middle_a course_n of_o thy_o church_n or_o people_n while_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o maturity_n or_o ripeness_n of_o age_n suffer_v they_o not_o to_o perish_v but_o hold_v they_o up_o in_o life_n now_o that_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n say_v calvin_n and_o our_o genevian_a annotator_n after_o he_o come_v not_o to_o their_o fullness_n of_o age_n till_o christ_n and_o therefore_o shall_v they_o not_o have_v be_v hold_v up_o in_o a_o church_n frame_v till_o then_o they_o have_v sink_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o flower_n or_o middle_a of_o their_o age_n therefore_o he_o pray_v thus_o etc._n etc._n 2._o in_o the_o midst_n of_o year_n i._n e._n illorum_fw-la calamitosorum_fw-la &_o infaelicium_fw-la dierum_fw-la etc._n etc._n of_o those_o calamitous_a and_o unhappy_a day_n or_o year_n when_o thy_o people_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o chaldean_a bondage_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v tumble_v headlong_o into_o misery_n and_o be_v even_o overwhelm_v with_o the_o wave_n of_o affliction_n rush_v in_o upon_o they_o and_o over_o they_o then_o do_v thou_o revive_v thy_o work_n thy_o work_n of_o promise_a grace_n and_o goodness_n on_o their_o behalf_n etiamsi_fw-la videmur_fw-la destinati_fw-la esse_fw-la morti_fw-la tamen_fw-la nos_fw-la restâ—tâ—e_fw-la so_o calvin_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o most_o genuine_a sense_n of_o this_o expression_n this_o midst_n of_o year_n be_v as_o emphatical_a as_o david_n midst_n of_o trouble_n psal_n 138._o 7._o or_o the_o mountain_n be_v carry_v into_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n psal_n 46._o 2_o etc._n etc._n but_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o quere_z four_o what_o mean_v that_o abrupt_a speeh_n make_n know_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o etc._n etc._n what_o will_v he_o have_v make_v know_v true_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o gather_v both_o what_o and_o how_o by_o refer_v to_o the_o forego_n word_n viz._n make_v know_v thy_o revive_n and_o revive_v work_n etc._n etc._n let_v it_o be_v actual_o see_v that_o it_o be_v thy_o work_n that_o such_o people_n be_v thou_o and_o that_o such_o work_n of_o providence_n for_o they_o be_v thou_o let_v they_o and_o all_o the_o world_n about_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o withal_o in_o so_o do_v make_v know_v what_o a_o god_n thou_o be_v as_o for_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o power_n and_o other_o excellency_n so_o for_o mercy_n in_o wrath_n remember_v mercy_n as_o follow_v in_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o which_o excellent_a and_o comfortable_a sentence_n i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o speak_v but_o brief_o and_o that_o as_o a_o ground_n only_o of_o that_o one_o point_n i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o for_o our_o instruction_n which_o i_o gather_v up_o out_o of_o this_o branch_n of_o the_o use_n thus_o ob_v there_o be_v good_a ground_n for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o build_v their_o faith_n and_o prayer_n upon_o that_o god_n will_v preserve_v his_o church_n and_o restore_v it_o unto_o a_o comfortable_a condition_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n or_o misery_n they_o can_v fall_v into_o in_o this_o life_n or_o thus_o god_n people_n may_v rely_v on_o he_o for_o revive_a grace_n amid_o their_o most_o perplex_a desperate_a and_o according_a to_o man_n deade_v condition_n when_o there_o be_v otherwise_o no_o hope_n of_o recovery_n they_o may_v hopeful_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o he_o i_o take_v the_o observation_n in_o this_o frame_n because_o i_o find_v the_o prophet_n pray_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o all_o warrantable_a prayer_n be_v ground_v upon_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o prayer_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o use_n of_o god_n people_n and_o not_o for_o the_o prophet_n himself_o only_o as_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n have_v show_v they_o how_o god_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v unto_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v state_n the_o point_n thus_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n people_n to_o pray_v unto_o he_o to_o revive_v his_o work_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o most_o unlikely_a year_n so_o calvin_n sect._n now_o that_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o distress_n the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v good_a ground_n of_o reliance_n on_o he_o for_o revive_a grace_n i_o will_v first_o show_v by_o way_n of_o instance_n and_o then_o of_o reason_n by_o way_n of_o instance_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o god_n have_v revive_v his_o work_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o calamitous_a and_o disastrous_a time_n beside_o those_o of_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n i_o will_v mind_v you_o but_o of_o two_o most_o memorable_a case_n instance_n instance_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v not_o to_o omit_v that_o revive_n be_v grant_v for_o which_o most_o direct_o this_o prayer_n be_v make_v in_o that_o god_n have_v preserve_v life_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o people_n drue_v the_o captivity_n refresh_v and_o confirm_v they_o by_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n as_o ezekiel_n daniel_n and_o other_o lest_o they_o shall_v despair_v and_o utter_o sink_v with_o grief_n and_o restore_v they_o etc._n etc._n witness_v haggie_a and_o zacharie_n follow_v one_o before_o that_o captivity_n viz._n god_n deliverance_n of_o his_o people_n out_o of_o egypt_n for_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o year_n of_o their_o bondage_n there_o under_o pharaoh_n while_o they_o be_v groan_v heavy_o under_o it_o and_o feel_v their_o pressure_n task_n and_o burden_n multiply_v upon_o they_o then_o god_n send_v they_o revive_v comfort_n by_o moses_n and_o wrought_v their_o deliverance_n wonderful_o when_o according_a to_o man_n they_o be_v out_o of_o all_o hope_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v that_o case_n which_o this_o prophet_n most_o of_o all_o commend_v to_o their_o posterity_n in_o this_o prayer_n as_o a_o ground_n of_o faith_n by_o way_n of_o precedent_n though_o there_o be_v some_o mix_a reference_n in_o it_o to_o some_o other_o writing_n vouchsafe_v they_o in_o languish_v and_o faint_a case_n while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n among_o other_o verse_n see_v the_o 13_o 14_o 15_o etc._n etc._n another_o after_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n viz._n the_o redemption_n of_o his_o people_n wrought_v by_o christ_n for_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o year_n of_o sad_a and_o mournful_a condition_n when_o his_o people_n be_v much_o degenerate_v and_o corrupt_v though_o they_o have_v the_o second_o temple_n stand_v among_o they_o yet_o much_o pollute_v in_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o sinful_a course_n and_o thereupon_o leave_v destitute_a of_o prophet_n for_o a_o time_n and_o deprive_v of_o the_o royal_a dignity_n among_o they_o be_v subdue_v by_o roman_n then_o be_v christ_n send_v into_o the_o world_n and_o when_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o best_a be_v trouble_v with_o long_a expextation_n of_o a_o messiah_n venit_fw-la christus_fw-la cum_fw-la morbus_fw-la creverit_fw-la ad_fw-la summum_fw-la paroxysmum_fw-la then_o christ_n come_v as_o a_o great_a physician_n when_o the_o disease_n be_v grow_v to_o the_o high_a and_o sharp_a fit_n of_o it_o than_o come_v he_o to_o work_v the_o patient_n most_o necessary_a spiritual_a deliverance_n and_o this_o be_v that_o revive_a act_n which_o divers_a pontificial_a expositor_n at_o least_o make_v the_o allegorical_a sense_n of_o our_o text_n and_o think_v it_o most_o intend_a by_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o place_n but_o it_o may_v suffice_v
8._o use_v or_o be_v use_v for_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o land_n isa_n 63._o 17_o 18._o the_o people_n of_o thy_o holiness_n have_v enjoy_v it_o but_o a_o while_n and_o in_o a_o small_a scantling_n etc._n etc._n but_o to_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n 3._o will_v we_o have_v god_n revive_v this_o work_n for_o his_o people_n then_o we_o must_v pray_v also_o that_o god_n will_v revive_v his_o work_n in_o his_o people_n and_o with_o it_o his_o people_n themselves_o and_o each_o of_o we_o be_v to_o look_v that_o it_o be_v revive_v in_o himself_o what_o work_n be_v this_o first_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o main_a remember_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n chap._n 2._o 4._o that_o be_v faith_n shall_v be_v a_o principle_n of_o life_n exercise_v many_o lively_a act_n in_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v attain_v to_o the_o life_n of_o restauration_n and_o comfort_n by_o believe_a god_n promise_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o lie_v down_o in_o any_o dejection_n or_o despondence_n of_o mind_n through_o distrust_n of_o god_n power_n or_o promise_n in_o any_o case_n that_o may_v conduce_v most_o to_o his_o glory_n in_o his_o people_n good_a second_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o reparation_n of_o zion_n the_o spiritual_a restorement_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n shall_v stir_v up_o his_o servant_n more_o general_o and_o hearty_o to_o pray_v with_o melt_a compassionate_a affection_n towards_o the_o spiritual_a dilapidation_n &_o deformity_n of_o his_o church_n it_o will_v be_v a_o good_a sign_n that_o the_o set_a time_n to_o favour_v his_o zion_n be_v come_v see_v psal_n 102_o 13_o 14._o thou_o shall_v arise_v and_o have_v mercy_n upon_o zion_n for_o the_o time_n to_o favour_v she_o yea_o the_o set_a time_n be_v come_v for_o thy_o servant_n take_v pleasure_n in_o her_o stone_n and_o favour_v the_o dust_n thereof_o 3_o resolution_n for_o best_a endeavour_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n this_o concern_v you_o all_o belove_v in_o your_o several_a place_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v far_o from_o be_v obstructor_n of_o it_o through_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a end_n instead_o of_o be_v its_o promoter_n and_o advancer_n and_o they_o that_o have_v pretend_v to_o build_v with_o god_n people_n when_o they_o have_v intend_v to_o hinder_v as_o they_o in_o ezra_n 4._o 2_o 3._o god_n will_v discover_v they_o but_o more_o especial_o this_o concern_v you_o my_o reverend_a and_o much_o respect_a brethren_n of_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n to_o look_v that_o you_o put_v forth_o revive_v spirit_n towards_o this_o work_n if_o that_o be_v true_a sano_fw-la sensu_fw-la jupiter_n quos_fw-la seruare_fw-la vult_fw-la suscitat_fw-la then_o it_o be_v as_o true_a eos_fw-la per_fw-la quos_fw-la seruare_fw-la vult_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o god_n quicken_v up_o those_o who_o he_o will_v save_v than_o those_o by_o who_o he_o will_v save_v other_o instrumental_o o_o let_v we_o therefore_o through_o grace_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d stir_v up_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o we_o let_v we_o quicken_v up_o ourselves_o to_o use_v all_o counsel_n and_o endeavour_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o god_n church-work_n and_o joint_o attend_v upon_o and_o prosecute_v all_o those_o good_a mean_n according_a to_o our_o trust_n undertake_v whereby_o it_o may_v be_v carry_v on_o forward_o wait_v on_o god_n for_o the_o issue_n of_o all_o our_o prayer_n and_o all_o our_o endeavour_n which_o shall_v seem_v best_a to_o his_o heavenly_a wisdom_n however_o event_n shall_v fall_v out_o to_o we_o in_o our_o time_n resolve_v as_o our_o prophet_n do_v infer_v ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o although_o the_o figtree_n shall_v not_o blossom_n neither_o shall_v fruit_n be_v in_o the_o vine_n the_o labour_n of_o the_o olive_n shall_v fail_v and_o the_o field_n shall_v yield_v no_o meat_n the_o flock_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o fold_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o herd_n in_o the_o stall_n yet_o i_o will_v rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v joy_v in_o the_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n finis_fw-la christ_n counsel_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n rev._n 3._o 11._o hold_v that_o fast_o which_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n these_o be_v a_o parcel_n of_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n immediate_o direct_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o philadelphia_n but_o mediate_o to_o that_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o yea_o intend_a for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o church_n also_o and_o therefore_o of_o we_o for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o common_a epiphonema_n which_o our_o lord_n subjoin_v to_o all_o his_o epistle_n unto_o those_o asian_a church_n write_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o spirit_n by_o the_o pen_n of_o his_o apostle_n john_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n he_o will_v have_v every_o one_o that_o have_v a_o hear_v ear_n to_o lend_v his_o attention_n to_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o what_o church_n soever_o in_o that_o such_o be_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o all_o church_n and_o church-member_n as_o either_o they_o do_v or_o may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o all_o such_o divine_a admonition_n as_o be_v address_v occasional_o to_o any_o of_o they_o now_o whether_o those_o seven_o particular_a church_n write_v unto_o by_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o context_n be_v type_n of_o several_a church_n of_o several_a constitution_n and_o temperament_n and_o condition_n to_o follow_v in_o aftertime_n by_o divine_a providence_n i_o will_v forbear_v to_o assert_v positive_o though_o i_o can_v but_o say_v what_o i_o think_v that_o the_o invention_n of_o one_o of_o our_o own_o worthy_n be_v very_o bright_a and_o clear_a in_o find_v out_o those_o suitable_a correspondency_n between_o these_o seven_o and_o other_o succeed_a down_o to_o this_o present_a age_n respective_o now_o for_o that_o church_n in_o philadelphia_n to_o which_o my_o text_n be_v part_n of_o that_o which_o be_v write_v this_o be_v remarkable_a concern_v it_o that_o it_o &_o that_o of_o smyrna_n be_v the_o only_a church_n of_o all_o the_o seven_o which_o our_o lord_n christ_n open_o reprove_v not_o at_o all_o whereas_o he_o find_v something_o reprovable_a in_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v remarkable_a concern_v that_o of_o the_o laodicean_n that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a church_n of_o the_o seven_o which_o christ_n commend_v not_o at_o all_o whereas_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o something_o commendable_a in_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o why_o this_o not_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o faulty_a or_o imperfect_a in_o those_o of_o smyrna_n and_o philadelphia_n but_o to_o show_v how_o much_o the_o lord_n favour_v humble_a modesty_n nor_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o good_a in_o that_o of_o leodicea_n but_o to_o show_v how_o much_o the_o lord_n dislike_v proud_a vainglory_n but_o i_o wave_v such_o general_a observation_n i_o draw_v nigh_o to_o the_o word_n read_v unto_o sect._n sect._n you_o and_o not_o to_o take_v up_o any_o of_o our_o time_n with_o a_o exact_a analysis_n of_o christ_n his_o epistle_n to_o philadelphia_n because_o i_o shall_v go_v near_o to_o draw_v all_o the_o line_n from_o the_o utmost_a circumstance_n of_o it_o into_o the_o centre_n of_o my_o text_n know_v only_o that_o after_o he_o have_v give_v testimony_n to_o the_o present_a good_a that_o be_v in_o she_o ver_fw-la 8._o and_o assurance_n of_o after_o goodness_n he_o will_v show_v to_o she_o ver_fw-la 9_o 10._o both_o in_o subdue_a disguise_a adversary_n and_o in_o preserve_v she_o under_o temptation_n he_o come_v in_o the_o word_n i_o have_v hint_v upon_o to_o exhort_v she_o unto_o duty_n upon_o a_o double_a motive_n the_o duty_n be_v to_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o she_o have_v brevis_fw-la est_fw-la hortatio_fw-la sed_fw-la emphatica_fw-la valde_fw-la pareus_n the_o first_o motive_n which_o be_v place_v in_o the_o front_n be_v take_v from_o the_o speediness_n of_o christ_n his_o come_n behold_v i_o come_v quick_o the_o second_o which_o follow_v in_o the_o rear_n be_v from_o the_o possibility_n of_o danger_n upon_o neglect_n of_o that_o duty_n that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n first_o of_o the_o duty_n touch_v which_o take_v up_o this_o observation_n that_o it_o concern_v the_o best_a of_o god_n obser_n obser_n church_n and_o people_n to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o they_o have_v i_o purpose_v to_o handle_v this_o point_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a in_o the_o use_n so_o as_o you_o shall_v perceive_v it_o reach_v not_o only_a church-officer_n but_o also_o church-member_n and_o those_o of_o what_o condition_n soever_o this_o duty_n be_v of_o universal_a concernment_n to_o
it_o in_o this_o sense_n infringe_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o perseverance_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o saint_n answ_n no_o it_o do_v not_o for_o in_o the_o community_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o hypocrite_n with_o sincere_a professor_n now_o hypocrite_n may_v lose_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n because_o they_o never_o have_v real_o either_o true_a faith_n or_o holiness_n but_o only_o seem_v to_o have_v they_o and_o therefore_o though_o they_o lose_v that_o crown_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o they_o to_o run_v and_o strive_v and_o labour_v for_o yet_o be_v not_o the_o tenure_n of_o divine_a election_n in_o the_o least_o weaken_a by_o their_o fail_n because_o though_o they_o be_v call_v external_o yet_o not_o elect_v and_o never_o have_v the_o faith_n or_o grace_n of_o the_o elect._n and_o for_o sincere_a christian_n who_o only_o be_v elect_v though_o they_o shall_v not_o lose_v the_o crown_n prepare_v and_o reserve_v for_o they_o yet_o they_o have_v need_n of_o such_o caveat_n as_o this_o partly_o to_o mind_v they_o though_o they_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n yet_o in_o themselves_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o defection_n and_o apostasy_n and_o be_v they_o leave_v unto_o themselves_o they_o shall_v let_v go_v all_o grace_n and_o lose_v all_o glory_n and_o therefore_o need_v be_v the_o more_o wary_a partly_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o looseness_n and_o defection_n for_o exhortation_n and_o admonition_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o set_v on_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v instrumental_a in_o god_n hand_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o duty_n and_o hold_v they_o in_o perseverance_n the_o premise_n consider_v o_o beloved_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v strengthen_v in_o our_o resolution_n and_o actuate_v in_o our_o strong_a endeavour_n to_o stand_v fast_o and_o hold_v fast_o that_o truth_n that_o grace_n and_o all_o those_o spiritual_a liberty_n and_o privilege_n bestow_v upon_o we_o use_v 3_o use_v 3_o a_o three_o use_v of_o this_o point_n may_v be_v to_o give_v and_o take_v some_o direction_n for_o the_o more_o effectual_a practice_n of_o this_o rule_n since_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n both_o of_o so_o much_o difficulty_n and_o of_o so_o great_a consequence_n to_o observe_v it_o in_o the_o way_n of_o hopeful_a mean_n therefore_o be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o few_o particular_n 1._o will_v we_o hold_v fast_o what_o good_a we_o have_v personal_o and_o ecclesiastical_o then_o take_v a_o humble_a recognition_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n respective_o it_o be_v say_v of_o this_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n a_o little_a before_o at_o ver_fw-la 8._o that_o she_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o little_a strength_n and_o indeed_o this_o duty_n of_o holdfast_n be_v direct_v neither_o to_o liveless_a person_n nor_o mere_a impotent_a person_n in_o spiritual_a respect_n but_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a strength_n so_o it_o be_v with_o she_o that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a of_o the_o sister_n we_o be_v then_o to_o be_v humble_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o smallness_n of_o our_o own_o strength_n even_o when_o we_o be_v at_o the_o best_a and_o then_o beside_o we_o may_v reflect_v back_o and_o consider_v whether_o in_o some_o particular_n we_o have_v not_o slip_v back_o with_o ephesus_n and_o fall_v from_o our_o first_o love_n and_o whether_o we_o be_v not_o in_o some_o particular_n in_o a_o languish_a condition_n as_o sardis_n and_o so_o need_v to_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v but_o i_o say_v we_o be_v to_o be_v humble_o sensible_a of_o our_o little_a strength_n at_o the_o best_a and_o that_o will_v dispose_v we_o to_o more_o care_n to_o hold_v fast_o what_o we_o have_v etc._n etc._n 2._o take_v we_o and_o keep_v we_o fast_o hold_v on_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n imitate_v jacob_n in_v not_o let_v of_o he_o go_v he_o look_v that_o his_o people_n shall_v do_v so_o even_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o he_o and_o his_o strength_n in_o a_o good_a sense_n isa_n 27._o 5._o not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o presumptuous_a contest_v with_o he_o but_o for_o our_o own_o support_n by_o he_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o isa_n 64_o 7._o for_o why_o qui_fw-la habet_fw-la habentem_fw-la omne_fw-la habet_fw-la omne_fw-la so_o qui_fw-la retinet_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o his_o own_o might_n shall_v no_o man_n no_o church_n be_v strong_a but_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v always_o to_o walk_v and_o act_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n psal_n 71._o 16._o maintain_v sound_a doctrine_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n keep_v the_o way_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n perform_v all_o church-duty_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n 3._o let_v it_o be_v our_o holy_a covetous_a aim_n to_o be_v get_v more_o of_o that_o good_a which_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o in_o external_a thing_n if_o they_o be_v not_o on_o the_o increase_a hand_n they_o be_v on_o the_o diminish_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o our_o condition_n in_o spiritual_n if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o evangelical_n parable_n of_o the_o servant_n that_o have_v talent_n or_o pound_n commit_v to_o their_o usance_n we_o may_v find_v the_o evil_a servant_n there_o keep_v his_o talon_n and_o wrap_v it_o up_o in_o a_o napkin_n and_o do_v he_o not_o then_o hold_v it_o fast_o but_o that_o prove_v neither_o please_v to_o his_o master_n nor_o comfortable_a to_o himself_o because_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v employ_v and_o improve_n it_o which_o because_o he_o be_v not_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v not_o to_o have_v and_o sentence_v to_o have_v that_o take_v from_o he_o which_o he_o only_o seem_v to_o have_v for_o without_o some_o improvement_n a_o stock_n can_v long_o be_v keep_v entire_a together_o wherefore_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n belove_v if_o we_o will_v with_o philadelphia_n hold_v fast_o what_o we_o have_v we_o must_v affect_v the_o commendation_n of_o thyatira_n chap._n 2._o 19_o to_o have_v our_o last_o work_n more_o than_o our_o first_o to_o advance_v in_o solid_a knowledge_n in_o true_a and_o sincere_a holiness_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v our_o after_o church-ministery_n church-assembly_n church-administrations_a better_a than_o our_o former_a this_o i_o say_v must_v still_o be_v our_o aim_n or_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v soon_o cast_v backward_o when_o man_n be_v in_o a_o broad_a wheel_n either_o to_o crane_n up_o thing_n from_o the_o earth_n or_o to_o draw_v up_o basket_n out_o of_o the_o water_n they_o be_v still_o stepe_v forward_o or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o stay_v in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o circumstance_n of_o posture_n where_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v also_o with_o bird_n in_o a_o turn_a bellcage_n and_o so_o when_o christian_n or_o church-member_n be_v set_v into_o such_o a_o frame_n as_o the_o wheel_n of_o occurrent_n be_v still_o turn_v upon_o they_o either_o they_o must_v be_v still_o step_v forward_o or_o else_o they_o can_v keep_v the_o same_o sight_n of_o their_o station_n but_o be_v drive_v backward_o and_o overturn_v 4._o we_o must_v be_v industrious_a and_o zealous_a in_o all_o the_o affair_n which_o make_v for_o the_o preservation_n and_o improvement_n of_o what_o we_o have_v i_o commend_v that_o cluster_n of_o apostolical_a precept_n unto_o you_o in_o rom._n 12._o 11._o be_v not_o slothful_a in_o business_n but_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n and_o these_o be_v connex_v and_o subordinate_a one_o to_o the_o other_o first_o not_o slothful_a i._n e._n neither_o altogether_o idle_a nor_o remiss_a or_o careless_a how_o we_o do_v what_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v do_v how_o slow_o how_o seldom_o how_o slight_o for_o he_o that_o be_v slothful_a in_o his_o work_n be_v brother_n to_o he_o that_o be_v a_o great_a waster_n prov._n 18._o 9_o so_o far_o will_v he_o prove_v from_o a_o holder_n fast_o of_o what_o he_o have_v for_o the_o slothful_a get_v nothing_o as_o the_o waster_n spend_v all_o and_o so_o in_o their_o emptiness_n and_o needinesse_n they_o come_v to_o shake_v hand_n together_o again_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v slothful_a we_o must_v be_v fervent_a in_o spirit_n for_o sloathfulnesse_n be_v from_o coldness_n of_o temper_n corporal_o or_o spiritual_o and_o activity_n be_v from_o heat_n and_o fervency_n so_o that_o unless_o one_o be_v somewhat_o zealous_a he_o can_v be_v constant_o laborious_a as_o the_o light_n be_v go_v in_o a_o manner_n when_o the_o flame_n of_o a_o candle_n be_v extinguish_v and_o the_o fire_n will_v quick_o