our_o way_n as_o to_o turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sermon_n iii_o 2_o tim_n iii_o 5._o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o this_o know_v say_v st._n paul_n ver._n 1._o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n periolous_a time_n shall_v come_v because_o of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n as_o he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a proud_a boaster_n blasphemer_n and_o all_o which_o he_o comprehend_v under_o one_o character_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a reason_n why_o the_o time_n will_v be_v so_o perilous_a because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o wicked_a person_n shall_v conceal_v their_o crime_n under_o a_o form_n and_o show_v of_o godliness_n be_v they_o profess_o and_o open_o wicked_a there_o be_v some_o ingenuity_n even_o in_o their_o impudence_n because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v tax_v or_o upbraid_v with_o hypocrisy_n be_v they_o covetous_a proud_a blasphemer_n without_o a_o show_n of_o zeal_n and_o pretence_n of_o religion_n than_o all_o man_n may_v plain_o discern_v and_o detect_v they_o 55.12_o psal_n 55.12_o and_o from_o a_o open_a enemy_n i_o will_v have_v hide_v myself_o say_v david_n shelf_n and_o quicksand_n that_o have_v light_n always_o burn_v to_o discover_v they_o by_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o avoid_v and_o we_o be_v forewarn_v against_o the_o dog_n that_o bark_v first_o but_o these_o deceiver_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n speak_v have_v a_o fair_a and_o glorious_a outside_n though_o they_o be_v foul_a within_o these_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n cry_v lord_n lord_n and_o be_v great_a professor_n of_o religion_n they_o put_v on_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n though_o they_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v the_o great_a sin_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a company_n and_o we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o observe_v the_o caution_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o text_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o from_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v show_v i._n what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o godliness_n what_o by_o a_o form_n and_o what_o by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o ii_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o form_n without_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n iii_o how_o we_o may_v discover_v whether_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o else_o only_a the_o form_n of_o it_o iu._n and_o last_o how_o far_o we_o must_v turn_v away_o from_o such_o as_o have_v only_o the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o godliness_n what_o by_o a_o form_n and_o what_o by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o godliness_n in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o devout_a and_o sincere_a worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n both_o inward_o and_o outward_o according_a to_o his_o word_n or_o to_o describe_v it_o more_o full_o and_o express_o 1.5_o 1_o tim._n 1.5_o it_o be_v a_o earnest_a love_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a whereby_o we_o be_v incite_v to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a towards_o man_n so_o that_o in_o this_o one_o word_n be_v imply_v our_o whole_a duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man._n this_o be_v express_v by_o st._n 2.2_o 1_o tim._n 2.2_o paul_n by_o lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 4.8_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o this_o be_v that_o godliness_n which_o be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v by_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v mean_v a_o outward_a resemblance_n a_o colourable_a show_n or_o likely_a appearance_n of_o godliness_n when_o a_o man_n put_v on_o the_o face_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n act_n and_o mimic_n it_o so_o well_o as_o to_o deceive_v and_o impose_v upon_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o he_o who_o judge_v according_o to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o honest_a holy_a and_o religious_a man_n though_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v nothing_o less_o he_o may_v not_o only_o deceive_v other_o but_o delude_v himself_o also_o and_o be_v confident_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n when_o indeed_o he_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o form_n must_v be_v like_o the_o pattern_n or_o else_o it_o be_v no_o form_n at_o all_o for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v a_o picture_n or_o statue_n be_v such_o a_o man_n picture_n or_o statue_n unless_o it_o bear_v a_o lively_a resemblance_n of_o his_o look_n and_o person_n thus_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n must_v be_v such_o a_o show_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o hue_n and_o complexion_n with_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o lively_a portraiture_n of_o it_o though_o in_o many_o respect_v it_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o imply_v that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n that_o internal_a principle_n and_o spring_n of_o action_n which_o be_v well_o express_v by_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o a_o man_n be_v make_v as_o st._n 8.12_o 1_o tiâ—â—_n 41_o 8.12_o paul_n say_v a_o example_n of_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n and_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v he_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n if_o a_o man_n have_v charity_n in_o conversation_n faith_n and_o purity_n in_o spirit_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v all_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o in_o himself_o and_o righteous_o towards_o other_o and_o godly_a towards_o his_o maker_n and_o redeemer_n then_o be_v his_o soul_n and_o body_n entire_o subject_a to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n then_o his_o form_n of_o godliness_n proceed_v from_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o work_v mighty_o unto_o salvation_n and_o this_o power_n of_o god_n be_v most_o evident_o see_v in_o reduce_v the_o most_o stiffnecked_a and_o hard-hearted_a sinner_n in_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o leave_v their_o belove_a sin_n and_o bosom_n vice_n and_o in_o beat_v down_o and_o subdue_a the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o unruly_a passion_n such_o as_o pride_n envy_n malice_n and_o revenge_n those_o sin_n our_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v most_o subject_a to_o and_o in_o make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o men._n the_o lion_n become_v a_o lamb_n and_o the_o serpent_n a_o dove_n a_o natural_a man_n a_o man_n whole_o spiritual_a and_o a_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n a_o child_n of_o god_n he_o aim_v at_o new_a end_n act_n by_o new_a principle_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o expose_v his_o life_n by_o give_v his_o testimony_n to_o those_o truth_n which_o before_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v 1.16_o rom._n 1.16_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v this_o be_v that_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o those_o hypocrite_n mention_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o text_n be_v without_o here_o it_o be_v they_o be_v defective_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o show_v 2._o that_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n may_v be_v without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v forewarn_v that_o we_o do_v not_o look_v to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n 11.14_o 2_o cor._n 11.14_o for_o the_o devil_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o his_o servant_n can_v put_v on_o the_o guise_n and_o appearance_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n there_o be_v numerous_a instance_n set_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o a_o man_n may_v pretend_v to_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n and_o yet_o preach_v another_o gospel_n than_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o hereby_o deserve_v a_o anathema_n nay_o he_o may_v preach_v the_o true_a gospel_n with_o such_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o wonderful_a efficacy_n
we_o reprove_v in_o another_o and_o the_o consideration_n that_o his_o eye_n be_v upon_o we_o will_v make_v we_o more_o wary_a in_o our_o carriage_n towards_o he_o and_o more_o exact_a in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n thou_o that_o teach_v another_o say_v the_o apostle_n teach_v thou_o not_o thyself_o 2.21_o rom._n 2.21_o thou_o that_o preach_v a_o man_n shall_v not_o steal_v do_v thou_o steal_v thou_o that_o say_v a_o man_n shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n do_v thou_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o that_o abhor_v idol_n do_v thou_o commit_v sacrilege_n 3._o we_o shall_v entitle_v ourselves_o to_o a_o bless_a reward_n he_o that_o say_v to_o the_o wicked_a thou_o be_v righteous_a shall_v the_o people_n curse_n 25._o prov._n 24.24_o 25._o nation_n shall_v abhor_v he_o but_o to_o they_o that_o rebuke_v he_o shall_v be_v delight_n and_o a_o good_a blessing_n shall_v come_v upon_o he_o last_o we_o shall_v hereby_o avoid_v those_o mischief_n which_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n will_v certain_o bring_v upon_o we_o for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o admonish_v our_o neighbour_n when_o we_o see_v he_o commit_v any_o grievous_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n we_o ourselves_o be_v partaker_n in_o his_o gild_n and_o shall_v be_v accountable_a for_o it_o before_o god_n have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n 5.11_o eph._n 5.11_o but_o rather_o reprove_v they_o and_o not_o to_o reprove_v they_o will_v be_v account_v to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o they_o these_o be_v such_o weighty_a consideration_n and_o powerful_a motive_n as_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v encourage_v every_o one_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n though_o never_o so_o difficult_a but_o since_o it_o require_v not_o only_a courage_n and_o ability_n but_o also_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o prudence_n and_o circumspection_n to_o perform_v it_o aright_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o iv_o and_o last_o place_n lay_v down_o some_o direction_n for_o a_o due_a and_o prudential_a execution_n of_o it_o 1._o propose_v to_o yourself_o a_o good_a end_n in_o reprove_v other_o 2._o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o offence_n 3._o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v that_o fault_n yourself_o you_o reprove_v in_o other_o 4._o use_v the_o most_o inoffensive_a word_n and_o do_v it_o after_o the_o mild_a manner_n imaginable_a 5._o observe_v such_o due_a circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n as_o your_o christian_a prudence_n shall_v direct_v 1._o be_v sure_a to_o propose_v to_o yourself_o a_o good_a end_n in_o reprove_v other_o which_o must_v be_v the_o benefit_n and_o amendment_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v reprove_v for_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o you_o reprove_v he_o be_v to_o vent_v your_o own_o passion_n or_o to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o resentment_n of_o your_o own_o mind_n the_o person_n reprove_v will_v reap_v very_o little_a benefit_n by_o it_o he_o will_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o personal_a quarrel_n proceed_v from_o the_o illwill_a of_o his_o adversary_n and_o rather_o seek_v a_o way_n how_o he_o may_v retaliate_v the_o injury_n as_o he_o call_v it_o than_o look_v into_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o amend_v his_o fault_n it_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o a_o cure_n to_o have_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o our_o physician_n which_o will_v incline_v we_o to_o follow_v his_o advice_n and_o make_v a_o due_a application_n of_o his_o prescription_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o excellency_n of_o a_o medicine_n without_o a_o proper_a and_o timely_a application_n of_o it_o can_v make_v it_o effectual_a if_o therefore_o we_o desire_v our_o reproof_n shall_v take_v place_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a so_o to_o manage_v it_o that_o the_o person_n admonish_v may_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o our_o love_n and_o goodwill_n our_o sincere_a desire_n to_o promote_v his_o interest_n rather_o than_o of_o any_o advantage_n we_o may_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o by_o it_o or_o the_o gratify_v a_o peevish_a and_o querulous_a humour_n 2._o let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o offence_n before_o we_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o reprove_v any_o one_o a_o uncertain_a rumour_n or_o common_a fame_n which_o be_v to_o frequent_o a_o common_a liar_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o reproof_n much_o less_o a_o groundless_a surmise_n or_o wide_a conjecture_n but_o we_o must_v be_v moral_o certain_a of_o the_o offence_n and_o either_o witness_n of_o it_o ourselves_o or_o else_o we_o must_v have_v such_o plain_a evidence_n for_o it_o though_o not_o ocular_a demonstration_n as_o no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v call_v in_o question_n before_o we_o believe_v a_o ill_a report_n of_o our_o neighbour_n to_o yield_v a_o ready_a and_o willing_a ear_n to_o defamation_n and_o tale-bearing_a show_v that_o either_o we_o be_v very_o ill-natured_a ourselves_o or_o else_o very_o credulous_a that_o we_o want_v the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o christianity_n i_o mean_v love_n and_o charity_n to_o our_o neighbour_n which_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v think_v no_o evil_a 6._o 1_o cor._n 13.4_o 5_o 6._o bear_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n i._n e._n believe_v and_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o every_o thing_n and_o every_o man._n and_o this_o be_v a_o grace_n so_o essential_a to_o christianity_n that_o whosoever_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o may_v make_v what_o pretence_n he_o please_v to_o purity_n holiness_n and_o perfection_n but_o he_o be_v in_o the_o low_a form_n of_o christ_n school_n and_o ignorant_a of_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o true_a religion_n 3._o be_v sure_a you_o yourself_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o that_o fault_n 141.5_o psal_n 141.5_o which_o you_o reprove_v in_o other_o let_v the_o righteous_a smite_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o kindness_n and_o let_v he_o reprove_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o excellent_a oil_n which_o shall_v not_o break_v my_o head_n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a christian_a to_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n and_o reproof_n though_o from_o the_o worst_a man_n and_o his_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o reproof_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n make_v very_o little_a impression_n upon_o we_o we_o can_v hardly_o believe_v they_o in_o earnest_n who_o blame_v we_o for_o the_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o recommend_v by_o their_o own_o example_n and_o we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o cry_v down_o the_o vice_n be_v that_o they_o may_v engross_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o themselves_o but_o when_o a_o man_n of_o know_a virtue_n and_o probity_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o reprove_v his_o admonition_n earty_a weight_n and_o authority_n along_o with_o they_o the_o reverence_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o his_o person_n set_v a_o edge_n upon_o his_o reproof_n and_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o request_n as_o command_v a_o reformation_n 4._o in_o reprove_v we_o must_v use_v the_o most_o inoffensive_a word_n and_o do_v it_o after_o the_o mild_a manner_n imaginable_a brethren_n 6.1_o gal._n 6.1_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o any_o man_n be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n you_o that_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n consider_v thyself_o lest_o thou_o also_o be_v tempt_v if_o his_o offence_n proceed_v either_o from_o weakness_n or_o inadvertency_n from_o mistake_n or_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o oil_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n a_o mild_a and_o friendly_a admonition_n will_v sink_v deep_o into_o his_o mind_n and_o soon_o heal_v the_o wound_n than_o a_o more_o rough_a and_o churlish_a medicine_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o time_n when_o we_o must_v use_v the_o caustick_a and_o the_o corrosive_n when_o we_o meet_v with_o a_o dare_a and_o insolent_a offender_n at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o to_o be_v cold_a or_o lukewarm_a be_v to_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o to_o encourage_v man_n in_o their_o wicked_a do_n we_o must_v show_v ourselves_o zealous_a for_o the_o law_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o our_o brother_n but_o then_o we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o this_o zeal_n be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n 10.2_o rom._n 10.2_o that_o it_o be_v moderate_v and_o temper_v with_o true_a christian_a prudence_n 5._o and_o last_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v such_o due_a circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n etc._n etc._n as_o our_o christian_a prudence_n shall_v direct_v and_o right_a reason_n dictate_v to_o we_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o man_n conversant_a in_o business_n that_o the_o success_n of_o our_o
and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v seasonable_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n which_o many_o of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o deep_a and_o serious_a sense_n what_o a_o weighty_a and_o solemn_a duty_n the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o forbear_v it_o because_o they_o think_v they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n these_o very_a man_n presume_v to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o address_v themselves_o unto_o god_n throne_n and_o hear_v his_o holy_a word_n without_o any_o preparation_n at_o all_o as_o if_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o only_a duty_n of_o religion_n which_o require_v care_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o thus_o they_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n whilst_o they_o be_v too_o negligent_a and_o profane_a on_o the_o other_o they_o whole_o omit_v one_o ordinance_n of_o god_n because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n because_o they_o will_v not_o prepare_v themselves_o at_o all_o for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o man_n who_o live_v so_o long_o under_o the_o most_o powerful_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n edify_v so_o little_a by_o it_o why_o their_o understanding_n be_v so_o little_o improve_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n so_o little_o better_v thereby_o but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o bring_v prepare_v mind_n and_o good_a disposition_n along_o with_o they_o their_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o with_o worldly_a affair_n their_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o many_o wicked_a and_o impure_a spirit_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o take_v up_o his_o abode_n with_o they_o when_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o give_v he_o any_o suitable_a entertainment_n some_o preparation_n therefore_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v before_o we_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v after_o this_o or_o such_o like_a manner_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o any_o other_o day_n dedicate_v to_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o set_v apart_o from_o our_o private_a employment_n to_o the_o more_o solemn_a worship_n of_o our_o creator_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o awake_v let_v our_o soul_n be_v season_v with_o some_o holy_a and_o devout_a meditation_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o sun_n salute_v our_o eye_n and_o refresh_v our_o body_n with_o his_o comfortable_a beam_n 4.2_o mal._n 4.2_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v arise_v with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n and_o make_v we_o the_o overture_n of_o some_o peculiar_a favour_n that_o this_o day_n be_v set_v apart_o by_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o receive_v the_o homage_n of_o his_o vassal_n and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o enter_v his_o court_n appear_v before_o his_o throne_n admire_v his_o excellency_n adore_v his_o perfection_n celebrate_v his_o praise_n and_o lay_v open_a their_o want_n before_o he_o and_o beg_a supply_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o improve_v these_o season_n of_o grace_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o meet_v our_o god_n and_o not_o only_o to_o put_v our_o body_n into_o a_o decent_a and_o become_a dress_n but_o to_o adorn_v our_o soul_n with_o such_o qualification_n and_o disposition_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o poor_a sinful_a man_n when_o they_o appear_v before_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o because_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n 16.1_o prov._n 16.1_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o to_o beseech_v god_n 1.17_o jam._n 1.17_o who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o he_o will_v inspire_v our_o heart_n with_o holy_a disposition_n and_o afford_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o cast_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n all_o vain_a and_o worldly_a thought_n to_o subdue_v all_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n a_o pure_a undefiled_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n that_o we_o may_v spend_v this_o day_n especial_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o iâ—â—edicated_v to_o god_n immediate_a service_n â—â—ter_v so_o holy_a and_o devout_a a_o manner_n as_o may_v promote_v our_o spiritual_a welfare_n and_o hereby_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 5.16_o matth._n 5.16_o let_v we_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n that_o his_o good_a spirit_n may_v go_v along_o with_o we_o through_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n and_o incite_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o every_o good_a work_n that_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v with_o fervency_n and_o a_o holy_a assurance_n that_o all_o our_o request_n which_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v grant_v we_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n with_o attention_n and_o firm_a resolution_n of_o perform_v whatsoever_o we_o be_v convince_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o with_o gladness_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o soul_n with_o heart_n fill_v with_o the_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o his_o benefit_n and_o love_a kindness_n towards_o we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o read_v some_o portion_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o make_v this_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o meditation_n till_o the_o hour_n approach_v when_o we_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o our_o devotion_n and_o we_o hear_v the_o summons_n to_o attend_v god_n public_a worship_n it_o will_v then_o be_v time_n to_o enter_v upon_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n how_o we_o have_v pass_v the_o last_o week_n how_o well_o we_o have_v perform_v those_o resolution_n which_o we_o have_v former_o take_v up_o what_o sin_v we_o have_v since_o be_v guilty_a of_o what_o good_a duty_n we_o have_v omit_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v sorry_a for_o these_o our_o neglect_v and_o bewail_v our_o mis-carriage_n and_o resolve_v that_o we_o will_v amend_v our_o life_n and_o never_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o that_o we_o will_v walk_v more_o upright_o and_o more_o exact_o in_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o preparation_n of_o soul_n which_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o make_v before_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v serve_v with_o unclean_a hand_n and_o a_o unsanctify_v heart_n he_o abhor_v even_o the_o most_o solemn_a fast_n of_o those_o man_n who_o smite_v with_o the_o fist_n of_o wickedness_n 58.4_o isa_n 58.4_o he_o expect_v that_o the_o sprinkle_v water_n shall_v be_v sprinkle_v upon_o we_o 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n when_o we_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o wash_v our_o hand_n in_o innocency_n 26.6_o psal_n 26.6_o before_o we_o compass_n god_n altar_n let_v we_o therefore_o never_o omit_v this_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o before_o we_o enter_v into_o god_n house_n when_o we_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o upon_o some_o sudden_a emergency_n all_o this_o precaution_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v this_o exactness_n of_o preparation_n may_v be_v omit_v and_o a_o general_a and_o habitual_a preparation_n of_o mind_n will_v suffice_v yet_o this_o will_n in_o no_o wise_a excuse_n the_o constant_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n nor_o take_v off_o the_o blame_n from_o those_o man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a omission_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o self-examination_n be_v a_o duty_n in_o some_o degree_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v before_o we_o attend_v god_n public_a worship_n as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o receive_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o sacrament_n be_v ancient_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o of_o late_a year_n it_o have_v be_v scandalous_o neglect_v and_o therefore_o as_o when_o man_n come_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o due_a preparation_n 11.29_o 1_o cor._n 11.29_o they_o trample_v under_o foot_n christ_n holy_a body_n and_o blood_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v condemnation_n to_o themselves_o so_o when_o they_o frequent_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o attend_v upon_o
as_o well_o upon_o the_o bad_a as_o the_o good_a of_o his_o fullness_n all_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n 1.9_o joh._n 1.9_o and_o though_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v not_o impart_v to_o all_o alike_o yet_o every_o man_n receive_v a_o sufficient_a portion_n of_o it_o sufficient_a to_o supply_v all_o his_o want_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a for_o as_o if_o you_o dip_v vessel_n of_o different_a size_n into_o the_o sea_n every_o one_o will_v be_v full_a of_o water_n though_o every_o one_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o same_o quantity_n so_o though_o there_o be_v different_a gift_n and_o different_a administration_n and_o different_a measure_n of_o grace_n communicate_v to_o man_n yet_o god_n withhold_v from_o no_o man_n sufficient_a grace_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o to_o answer_v all_o his_o press_a and_o unavoidable_a necessity_n the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n gather_v manna_n 16.18_o exod._n 16.18_o according_a to_o every_o man_n be_v eat_v when_o they_o do_v measure_v it_o with_o a_o omer_n he_o that_o have_v gather_v much_o have_v nothing_o over_o and_o he_o that_o have_v gather_v little_a have_v no_o lack_n so_o god_n give_v his_o grace_n unto_o man_n according_a to_o every_o man_n necessity_n measure_v it_o with_o a_o omer_n weigh_v all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o neither_o he_o that_o have_v little_a have_v cause_n to_o repine_v nor_o he_o that_o have_v much_o to_o boast_v one_o man_n be_v surround_v with_o temptation_n burden_v and_o load_v even_o to_o the_o ground_n with_o affliction_n oppress_v with_o difficulty_n and_o to_o this_o man_n god_n give_v a_o great_a portion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o assist_v he_o more_o powerful_o he_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v he_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o close_v and_o grapple_v with_o the_o difficulty_n or_o temptation_n which_o assault_v he_o another_o have_v be_v nurture_v in_o vice_n and_o bring_v up_o in_o debauchery_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v reclaim_v from_o his_o evil_a do_n with_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o a_o outstretched_a arm._n a_o three_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_a to_o good_a and_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o sobriety_n and_o virtue_n and_o require_v only_o the_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o keep_v he_o so_o thus_o god_n like_o a_o wise_a housholder_n proportion_v his_o gift_n to_o the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n and_o will_v require_v of_o every_o one_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v and_o reward_v they_o according_a to_o their_o work_n he_o that_o have_v but_o one_o talon_n give_v he_o if_o he_o well_o employ_v that_o one_o may_v obtain_v the_o government_n of_o one_o city_n though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o high_a place_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yet_o he_o will_v find_v admittance_n there_o where_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o happiness_n will_v consist_v of_o joy_n unspeakable_a which_o transcend_v all_o comparison_n but_o if_o god_n call_v out_o any_o one_o to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n or_o to_o be_v a_o eminent_a example_n of_o patience_n or_o long_o suffer_v or_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n he_o will_v furnish_v he_o with_o proportionable_a measure_n of_o strength_n so_o that_o the_o good_a christian_a may_v rest_v assure_v that_o though_o at_o present_a he_o find_v himself_o weak_a and_o frail_a and_o unable_a to_o undergo_v the_o affliction_n which_o he_o fear_v will_v sudden_o fall_v upon_o he_o yet_o i_o say_v he_o may_v assure_v himself_o that_o the_o divine_a assistance_n will_v always_o attend_v he_o god_n will_v never_o leave_v he_o nor_o forsake_v he_o but_o as_o his_o trouble_n grow_v upon_o he_o so_o shall_v he_o be_v supply_v with_o more_o power_n more_o courage_n and_o more_o ability_n to_o bear_v up_o under_o they_o god_n be_v faithful_a 10.13_o 1._o cor._n 10.13_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v as_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o and_o that_o god_n have_v be_v faithful_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o as_o well_o as_o his_o other_o promise_n we_o need_v no_o other_o testimony_n but_o that_o of_o our_o own_o conscience_n for_o if_o we_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o past_a transaction_n of_o our_o life_n we_o shall_v find_v how_o frequent_o god_n grace_n have_v suggest_v to_o we_o this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o when_o we_o be_v in_o suspense_n how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o and_o have_v as_o it_o be_v point_v out_o our_o duty_n to_o we_o how_o often_o we_o have_v be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n when_o we_o have_v commit_v any_o sin_n and_o stir_v up_o and_o incite_v to_o do_v good_a and_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o transgress_v god_n command_n have_v general_o be_v because_o we_o have_v not_o improve_v those_o good_a motion_n and_o follow_v the_o dictate_v and_o impulse_v of_o god_n grace_n within_o we_o for_o though_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o any_o other_o direction_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n beside_o those_o of_o god_n write_a word_n and_o if_o we_o have_v any_o thing_n suggest_v to_o we_o which_o be_v opposite_a to_o this_o establish_a rule_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o instigation_n of_o a_o evil_a spirit_n yet_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o find_v any_o vigorous_a and_o strong_a inclination_n to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o be_v full_o assure_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v at_o that_o time_n and_o in_o that_o place_n then_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o this_o be_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n work_v in_o we_o and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o comply_v with_o it_o to_o encourage_v and_o improve_v it_o and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o then_o it_o will_v certain_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o effect_n for_o which_o god_n at_o the_o first_o design_v and_o intend_v it_o it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o i._n e._n give_v we_o strength_n ability_n and_o mean_n enough_o to_o subdue_v the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o if_o we_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o dominion_n and_o power_n of_o any_o of_o these_o we_o must_v accuse_v our_o own_o sloth_n and_o laziness_n in_o neglect_v to_o use_v and_o improve_v to_o the_o uttermost_a those_o mean_n and_o help_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v we_o this_o will_v be_v make_v more_o evident_a by_o consider_v 3._o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n according_a to_o that_o account_n which_o be_v give_v of_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o his_o life_n such_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n so_o very_o remarkable_a and_o instructive_a that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o condition_n we_o can_v fall_v into_o wherein_o we_o may_v not_o receive_v benefit_n by_o his_o example_n and_o have_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o powerfulness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n let_v we_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o jew_n how_o zealous_a be_v he_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o faith_n how_o furious_a in_o the_o persecution_n of_o all_o such_o who_o either_o teach_v or_o live_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 23.6_o act_n 23.6_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi the_o son_n of_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o by_o consequence_n a_o rigid_a observer_n not_o only_o of_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n but_o also_o of_o all_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o rabbi_n so_o that_o though_o he_o live_v at_o that_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v on_o earth_n and_o have_v hear_v of_o if_o not_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v yet_o be_v he_o a_o inveterate_a enemy_n to_o he_o and_o his_o religion_n and_o this_o mistake_a zeal_n for_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n carry_v he_o forth_o to_o a_o furious_a persecution_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v consent_v to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o martyr_n st._n stephen_n 9.1_o act_n 22.20_o acts._n 8.3_o act_n 9.1_o he_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n and_o breathe_v out_o nothing_o but_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n drag_v man_n and_o woman_n to_o prison_n and_o procure_v letter_n of_o inquisition_n against_o they_o from_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v he_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o only_a righteousness_n in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o make_v he_o preach_v that_o