force_v to_o speak_v this_o language_n one_o time_n or_o other_o i_o find_v it_o more_o bitter_a than_o death_n 4._o when_o sinner_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n they_o be_v very_o studious_a to_o ensnare_v other_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a before_o temptation_n be_v often_o strong_a to_o ensnare_v and_o hold_v other_o fast_o in_o the_o snare_n with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v plague_v with_o subtlety_n of_o wit_n for_o that_o end_n for_o the_o whorish_a woman_n heart_n and_o hand_n go_v together_o her_o heart_n be_v snare_n and_o net_n and_o her_o hand_n band_n 5._o as_o the_o temptation_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o uncleannss_n especial_o from_o lascivious_a and_o light_a woman_n be_v subtle_a and_o not_o easy_o discern_v so_o when_o man_n be_v once_o entangle_v in_o that_o sin_n they_o be_v often_o make_v absolute_a slave_n to_o it_o and_o hold_v fast_o in_o it_o it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o reclaim_v any_o such_o only_a god_n wisdom_n must_v discover_v the_o net_n and_o the_o snare_n and_o his_o power_n must_v loose_v the_o band_n for_o as_o her_o heart_n be_v snare_n and_o net_n which_o be_v set_v so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o see_v so_o her_o hand_n be_v as_o band_n 6._o if_o man_n entangle_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n especial_o the_o base_a bewitch_v enticement_n of_o whorish_a woman_n can_v look_v right_a upon_o their_o own_o case_n they_o will_v see_v themselves_o like_o silly_a bird_n or_o fish_n deprive_v of_o their_o true_a liberty_n and_o catch_v in_o the_o devil_n net_n to_o be_v prey_v upon_o but_o such_o slave_n think_v their_o bondage_n liberty_n for_o her_o heart_n be_v snare_n and_o net_n and_o her_o hand_n band_n 7._o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sign_n of_o god_n special_a favour_n and_o delight_n in_o a_o person_n to_o be_v keep_v from_o sinful_a snare_n or_o to_o be_v liberat_fw-la after_o they_o be_v entangle_v with_o they_o so_o the_o best_a way_n to_o be_v keep_v free_a of_o they_o or_o to_o escape_v from_o they_o be_v to_o make_v the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n our_o pleasure_n so_o shall_v man_n find_v as_o much_o true_a pleasure_n in_o god_n service_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o as_o will_v make_v sinful_a pleasure_n loathsome_a to_o they_o for_o say_v he_o who_o please_v god_n the_o word_n signify_v either_o one_o favour_v by_o and_o please_v to_o god_n or_o one_o that_o study_v to_o please_v he_o shall_v escape_v from_o she_o 8._o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o man_n natural_a disposition_n to_o chastity_n their_o education_n fear_v of_o shame_n or_o censure_n their_o own_o vow_n resolution_n or_o cross_n as_o it_o be_v god_n take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o and_o his_o set_v they_o in_o the_o way_n that_o please_v he_o to_o which_o their_o preservation_n or_o deliverance_n from_o temptation_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v for_o say_v he_o who_o please_v god_n shall_v escape_v from_o she_o 9_o those_z who_o habituat_fw-la themselves_z to_o other_o sin_n suppose_v they_o less_o and_o more_o secret_a and_o make_v a_o trade_n of_o live_v in_o they_o be_v ordinary_o give_v up_o to_o those_o more_o gross_a disgraceful_a and_o vile_a sin_n of_o fornication_n whoredom_n and_o the_o like_a for_o the_o sinner_n who_o as_o be_v clear_v in_o the_o exposition_n be_v one_o giving_z up_z himself_z to_o a_o trade_n of_o sin_v shall_v be_v take_v by_o she_o ver._n 27._o behold_v this_o have_v i_o find_v say_v the_o preacher_n count_v one_o by_o one_o to_o find_v out_o the_o account_n 28._o which_o yet_o my_o soul_n seek_v but_o i_o find_v not_o one_o man_n among_o a_o thousand_o have_v i_o find_v but_o a_o woman_n among_o all_o these_o have_v i_o not_o find_v here_o be_v the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o success_n of_o the_o pain_n which_o solomon_n take_v to_o know_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v observe_v it_o a_o very_a rare_a and_o consequent_o a_o difficult_a thing_n for_o one_o ensnare_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n especial_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o make_v a_o escape_n therefrom_o or_o recover_v themselves_o by_o true_a repentance_n and_o to_o make_v his_o testimony_n in_o this_o have_v the_o more_o weight_n and_o credit_n he_o 1._o call_v all_o to_o consider_v it_o as_o experimental_o know_v to_o himself_o 2._o he_o mind_v they_o again_o of_o his_o call_v which_o do_v fit_v he_o and_o oblige_v he_o to_o search_v and_o hold_v forth_o what_o may_v be_v most_o profitable_a for_o the_o church_n 3_o he_o show_v how_o exact_a a_o survey_n he_o have_v take_v of_o many_o particular_a person_n and_o their_o case_n not_o as_o a_o man_n will_v determine_v the_o number_n of_o some_o great_a flock_n by_o take_v a_o general_a view_n of_o they_o but_o as_o one_o that_o count_v they_o all_o one_o by_o one._n 4_o that_o he_o be_v yet_o upon_o that_o search_n very_o desirous_a to_o find_v example_n of_o god_n power_n and_o mercy_n in_o reclaim_v sinner_n and_o deliver_v satan_n captive_n but_o with_o grief_n he_o regrate_v he_o can_v find_v few_o or_o none_o 5._o he_o show_v some_o success_n that_o he_o have_v even_o in_o this_o inquiry_n he_o have_v find_v one_o among_o a_o thousand_o by_o which_o one_o may_v be_v mean_v some_o few_o who_o he_o have_v observe_v to_o be_v reclaim_v by_o god_n grace_n or_o by_o this_o one_o he_o may_v understand_v himself_o who_o be_v a_o penitent_a but_o a_o woman_n among_o so_o many_o he_o have_v not_o find_v this_o be_v not_o speak_v to_o derogat_n from_o the_o one_o sex_n more_o than_o the_o other_o for_o both_o be_v alike_o impotent_a in_o order_n to_o their_o recovery_n out_o of_o temptation_n rom._n 3.23_o gal._n 6.3_o and_o solomon_n himself_o do_v know_v some_o gracious_a woman_n 2_o chron_n 9.1_o and_o frequent_o commend_v such_o prov._n 19.14_o and_o 31_o 30._o but_o he_o seem_v to_o speak_v of_o these_o idolatrous_a and_o whorish_a woman_n of_o the_o moabite_n ammonite_n and_o egyptian_n who_o have_v steal_v away_o his_o heart_n from_o god_n for_o 1_o king_n 11.3_o it_o be_v mark_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o number_n of_o those_o as_o be_v here_o mention_v and_o it_o seem_v he_o have_v not_o observe_v any_o of_o they_o all_o penitent_n though_o he_o do_v not_o determine_v but_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v so_o or_o we_o may_v take_v he_o here_o to_o speak_v only_o of_o woman_n under_o this_o particular_a consideration_n as_o entice_a and_o draw_v away_o man_n to_o wickedness_n according_a to_o the_o description_n give_v of_o they_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n and_o of_o such_o he_o have_v observe_v few_o or_o none_o reclaim_v from_o their_o vileness_n hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o lord_n have_v vouchsafe_v upon_o his_o church_n the_o help_n of_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o scripture_n to_o commend_v his_o truth_n that_o man_n may_v be_v the_o more_o afraid_a to_o slight_v it_o consider_v that_o those_o who_o deliver_v it_o may_v be_v witness_n against_o they_o upon_o a_o double_a account_n both_o that_o they_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o lord_n name_n and_o that_o they_o have_v speak_v their_o own_o experience_n behold_v this_o have_v i_o find_v say_v the_o preacher_n 2._o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n have_v need_n to_o mind_n often_o the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n lest_o they_o take_v the_o word_n as_o the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n only_o for_o it_o be_v not_o without_o cause_n that_o solomon_n mention_n his_o ecclesiastic_a office_n here_o again_o this_o have_v i_o find_v say_v the_o preacher_n 3._o they_o that_o will_v have_v their_o experience_n well_o ground_v must_v go_v through_o many_o particular_n and_o consider_v many_o person_n and_o case_n wherein_o they_o have_v observe_v the_o conclusion_n they_o draw_v to_o be_v verify_v as_o for_o example_n they_o that_o will_v be_v persuade_v of_o god_n willingness_n and_o readiness_n to_o pardon_n and_o comfort_v humble_a sinner_n they_o must_v count_v all_o the_o instance_n they_o can_v in_o scripture_n or_o otherwise_o of_o such_o particular_a person_n as_o he_o have_v pardon_v and_o comfort_v and_o so_o they_o that_o will_v be_v confirm_v and_o confirm_v other_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n in_o temptation_n and_o such_o impotency_n in_o person_n once_o enslave_v with_o they_o that_o few_o or_o none_o of_o they_o escape_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o remain_v slave_n till_o they_o perish_v they_o must_v go_v through_o many_o instance_n to_o see_v this_o truth_n verify_v for_o so_o do_v solomon_n here_o count_v one_o by_o one_o to_o find_v out_o the_o account_n 4._o true_a penitent_n be_v very_o desirous_a to_o see_v other_o sinner_n especial_o those_o who_o have_v be_v their_o companion_n in_o sin_n merciful_o
fail_n when_o the_o same_o may_v glorify_v god_n or_o edify_v other_o so_o shall_v they_o also_o be_v to_o avow_v what_o grace_n god_n have_v give_v they_o especial_o their_o qualification_n for_o their_o call_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o same_o by_o his_o blessing_n upon_o their_o labour_n they_o must_v not_o so_o fear_v the_o suspicion_n of_o self-seeking_a as_o always_o to_o conceal_v the_o lord_n liberality_n towards_o they_o but_o whensoever_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o make_v way_n for_o his_o truth_n they_o ought_v humble_o to_o declare_v the_o same_o as_o here_o this_o exemplary_a preacher_n do_v and_o moreover_o because_o the_o preacher_n be_v wise_a he_o still_o teach_v etc._n etc._n 3._o the_o great_a measure_n of_o gift_n especial_o of_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n any_o man_n have_v attain_v to_o the_o more_o careful_a shall_v he_o be_v to_o communicate_v the_o same_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o in_o his_o place_n and_o station_n this_o be_v the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v 1_o cor._n 12.7_o and_o the_o same_o be_v reward_v as_o if_o it_o be_v gain_v and_o advantage_n to_o god_n mat._n 25.21_o as_o likewise_o the_o communication_n of_o our_o gift_n be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v they_o grow_v prov._n 11.25_o for_o solomon_n do_v therefore_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n because_o he_o be_v wise_a and_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v the_o great_a abundance_n of_o wisdom_n he_o have_v the_o more_o he_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n 4._o albeit_o christ_n minister_n can_v be_v alwise_o about_o the_o actual_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_v yet_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v very_o assiduous_a and_o frequent_a therein_o and_o in_o some_o sense_n still_o about_o their_o work_n gather_v variety_n of_o matter_n fit_a to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o people_n mat._n 13.52_o keep_v their_o heart_n always_o in_o a_o right_a frame_n for_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o prov._n 16.23_o and_o watch_v all_o opportunity_n for_o communicate_v the_o same_o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o and_o when_o they_o have_v not_o ability_n or_o opportunity_n to_o teach_v their_o practice_n and_o carriage_n must_v still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n 1_o tim._n 4.12_o for_o so_o do_v solomon_n here_o set_v forth_o himself_o at_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o a_o example_n to_o all_o preacher_n because_o the_o preacher_n be_v wise_a he_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n 5._o they_o that_o be_v most_o able_a to_o teach_v other_o shall_v still_o be_v scholar_n themselves_o not_o only_o diligent_a hearer_n of_o other_o preacher_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v more_o but_o accurate_a searcher_n for_o all_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o profit_v in_o knowledge_n there_o be_v still_o more_o knowledge_n to_o be_v have_v philip._n 3.13_o and_o success_n promise_v to_o the_o sincere_a seeker_n hos_n 6_o 3._o for_o though_o solomon_n be_v wise_a and_o able_a to_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o so_o satisfy_v with_o his_o measure_n as_o to_o become_v lazy_a or_o give_v over_o far_a pain_n for_o more_o yea_o he_o give_v good_a heed_n and_o seek_v out_o etc._n etc._n 6._o we_o shall_v neither_o rash_o receive_v nor_o vent_v any_o thing_n for_o truth_n till_o first_o we_o have_v weigh_v and_o ponder_v the_o same_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o sanctify_a reason_n compare_v the_o same_o with_o the_o scripture_n consider_v what_o particular_a truth_n be_v most_o fit_v for_o the_o people_n we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o and_o what_o be_v the_o fit_a opportunity_n of_o deliver_v the_o same_o for_o so_o do_v solomon_n he_o give_v good_a heed_n the_o word_n signify_v to_o weigh_v in_o a_o balance_n and_o he_o seek_v out_o which_o signify_v very_o accurate_o and_o careful_o to_o search_v and_o both_o may_v be_v refer_v either_o to_o what_o he_o himself_o receive_v from_o other_o or_o to_o what_o he_o give_v out_o to_o other_o 7._o even_o these_o of_o the_o lord_n servant_n who_o be_v immediate_o furnish_v with_o gift_n for_o their_o employment_n and_o infallible_o assist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o be_v not_o exeme_v from_o ordinary_a pain_n and_o diligence_n to_o clear_v themselves_o more_o and_o more_o concern_v the_o truth_n reveal_v to_o they_o and_o to_o find_v out_o the_o fit_a way_n and_o season_n of_o deliver_v these_o truth_n to_o the_o people_n see_v 1_o pet._n 1.10_o how_o then_o shall_v ordinary_a minister_n of_o meanner_n part_n and_o gift_n stretch_v their_o ability_n to_o the_o outmost_a and_o improve_v much_o of_o their_o time_n in_o prayer_n and_o reading_n for_o increase_v of_o their_o gift_n and_o fitness_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o see_v such_o a_o man_n as_o solomon_n be_v thus_o exercise_v he_o give_v good_a heed_n and_o seek_v out_o and_o set_v in_o order_n etc._n etc._n 8._o there_o be_v no_o form_n of_o speech_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v prevalent_a with_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o the_o lord_n have_v condescend_v upon_o it_o in_o his_o word_n where_o we_o find_v song_n and_o lamentation_n plain_a language_n and_o parable_n large_o insist_v upon_o one_o purpose_n and_o proverb_n which_o be_v short_a sentence_n clear_v by_o similitude_n and_o so_o apt_a to_o prevail_v and_o have_v dominion_n as_o the_o word_n proverb_n signify_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n he_o set_v in_o order_n many_o proverb_n 9_o as_o the_o case_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v various_a difficulty_n duty_n temptation_n and_o consolation_n many_o so_o the_o lord_n word_n be_v fit_v for_o they_o all_o it_o be_v divide_v in_o many_o parcel_n and_o every_o one_o that_o handle_v it_o shall_v labour_v to_o enrich_v himself_o with_o much_o of_o it_o that_o he_o may_v bring_v forth_o variety_n of_o it_o to_o people_n according_a to_o their_o need_n for_o so_o do_v solomon_n he_o give_v good_a heed_n and_o seek_v out_o and_o set_v in_o order_n many_o proverb_n 10._o there_o be_v a_o sweet_a order_n and_o wise_a disposal_n of_o the_o truth_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n though_o we_o seldom_o see_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o christ_n minister_n shall_v digest_v and_o put_v in_o order_n the_o truth_n they_o deliver_v to_o his_o people_n he_o first_o humble_v and_o then_o comfort_n he_o first_o give_v faith_n and_o then_o holiness_n and_o which_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o order_n of_o doctrine_n in_o this_o book_n first_o wean_v man_n heart_n from_o earthly_a delight_n before_o they_o can_v be_v set_v upon_o heavenly_a for_o though_o man_n do_v least_o apprehend_v a_o method_n in_o solomon_n writing_n of_o any_o other_o in_o scripture_n yet_o here_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o order_n in_o they_o he_o seek_v out_o and_o set_v in_o order_n many_o proverb_n ver._n 10._o the_o preacher_n seek_v to_o find_v out_o acceptable_a word_n and_o that_o which_o be_v write_v be_v upright_o even_a word_n of_o truth_n the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o commendation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v take_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o it_o and_o these_o be_v three_o first_o that_o what_o he_o have_v study_v be_v acceptable_a word_n or_o as_o the_o original_n bear_v word_n of_o desire_n that_o be_v purpose_v worthy_a of_o acceptation_n fit_a to_o gain_v the_o desire_n and_o delight_n of_o man_n and_o to_o take_v they_o whole_o up_o in_o study_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v they_o and_o this_o he_o set_v forth_o as_o intend_v by_o he_o in_o all_o his_o great_a diligence_n second_o that_o what_o he_o have_v write_v be_v upright_o or_o as_o the_o word_n signify_v approven_n namely_o of_o god_n or_o straight_o and_o consonant_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o able_a to_o make_v straight_o in_o heart_n and_o practice_n all_o that_o get_v grace_n to_o understand_v and_o believe_v it_o see_v prov._n 8.8_o and_o this_o he_o set_v down_o as_o the_o success_n of_o his_o diligent_a study_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a branch_n three_o that_o what_o ever_o he_o have_v affirm_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o earthly_a delight_n and_o the_o worth_n of_o holiness_n in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n happiness_n be_v truth_n or_o firm_a and_o worthy_a to_o be_v rest_v on_o in_o sum_n the_o pupose_v of_o this_o book_n be_v fit_v powerful_o to_o work_v upon_o the_o affection_n be_v acceptable_a word_n wise_o to_o regulat_fw-la the_o practice_n be_v upright_o or_o straight_o word_n and_o solid_o to_o inform_v the_o judgement_n be_v word_n of_o truth_n hence_o learn_v 1._o though_o it_o be_v a_o detestable_a thing_n in_o a_o minister_n to_o study_v to_o please_v the_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a humour_n of_o man_n by_o conceal_v necessary_a truth_n or_o vent_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o truth_n
mention_n this_o and_o often_o afterward_o this_o alone_a as_o hold_v forth_o the_o chief_a consideration_n of_o he_o that_o shall_v gain_v reverence_n and_o acceptance_n to_o his_o message_n and_o encourage_v himself_o in_o his_o duty_n the_o word_n of_o the_o preacher_n 2._o as_o these_o who_o have_v be_v very_o eminent_a for_o office_n grace_n and_o the_o like_a qualification_n may_v when_o the_o lord_n be_v provoke_v to_o withdraw_v fall_v into_o such_o gross_a abomination_n as_o may_v make_v they_o just_o to_o be_v seclude_v from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n so_o when_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v repentance_n upon_o they_o they_o will_v esteem_v their_o reconciliation_n with_o the_o church_n a_o great_a benefit_n and_o will_v be_v content_a to_o preach_v their_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n that_o god_n may_v be_v honour_v and_o other_o wai_v in_o which_o case_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v welcome_a to_o the_o church_n again_o and_o the_o lord_n message_n send_v by_o they_o receive_v with_o no_o less_o respect_n than_o ever_o for_o solomon_n in_o testimony_n of_o his_o grief_n that_o ever_o he_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o of_o his_o joy_n that_o he_o be_v admit_v again_o to_o that_o sweet_a society_n he_o call_v himself_o here_o ecclesiaste_v which_o according_a to_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n touch_v in_o the_o exposition_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v a_o penitent_a soul_n reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n call_v to_o preach_v this_o penitential_a sermon_n to_o the_o same_o and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v not_o only_o as_o a_o member_n thereof_o but_o a_o public_a preacher_n the_o word_n of_o the_o preacher_n 3._o although_o descent_n from_o wicked_a or_o obscure_a parent_n aught_o to_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o prejudice_n against_o their_o godly_a child_n who_o be_v by_o faith_n serve_v heir_n to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a gal._n 3.7_o yet_o descent_n from_o godly_a parent_n be_v such_o a_o advantage_n to_o godly_a child_n as_o may_v be_v very_o comfortable_a to_o they_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o clear_v their_o right_n to_o such_o promise_n as_o be_v make_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o upright_a ps_n 37.26_o and_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o strong_a motive_n to_o they_o to_o imitate_v their_o parent_n and_o unto_o other_o also_o to_o accept_v the_o more_o hearty_o any_o message_n that_o such_o have_v from_o the_o lord_n to_o they_o for_o which_o cause_n beside_o other_o mention_v in_o the_o exposition_n we_o may_v judge_v solomon_n here_o to_o commend_v the_o purpose_n of_o this_o book_n from_o this_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o david_n 4._o the_o lord_n have_v see_v it_o fit_a to_o employ_v some_o of_o all_o rank_n of_o man_n to_o be_v the_o preacher_n and_o penman_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n some_o obscure_a person_n as_o herdsman_n amos_n 1.1_o fisher_n mat._n 4_o 8._o and_o of_o other_o employment_n act_n 18.3_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n and_o grace_n may_v be_v the_o more_o conspicuous_a some_o noble_a as_o solomon_n isaiah_n and_o other_o that_o man_n may_v see_v his_o truth_n worthy_a to_o take_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o great_a and_o both_o sort_n be_v choose_v that_o all_o rank_n of_o man_n may_v meet_v with_o something_o in_o the_o stile_n of_o his_o word_n suitable_a for_o they_o for_o here_o be_v a_o book_n of_o scripture_n write_v by_o the_o son_n of_o david_n king_n in_o jerusalem_n 5._o the_o great_a on_o earth_n shall_v think_v it_o no_o dispiragement_n to_o they_o nor_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o manage_n of_o the_o weighty_a civil_a affair_n to_o spend_v some_o of_o their_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o use_v all_o mean_n competent_a for_o they_o in_o their_o place_n to_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o advance_v true_a piety_n this_o be_v the_o best_a policy_n they_o can_v use_v for_o establish_v their_o just_a power_n and_o make_v people_n dutiful_a to_o they_o prov._n 16.12_o for_o though_o solomon_n write_v this_o book_n as_o a_o extraordinary_a man_n yet_o in_o his_o study_n to_o edify_v the_o church_n and_o in_o his_o pain_n for_o acquire_v much_o of_o that_o experimental_a knowledge_n communicate_v to_o the_o church_n in_o it_o he_o act_v as_o a_o ordinary_a man_n and_o therein_o be_v a_o precedent_n to_o all_o especial_o christian_a magistrate_n painful_o to_o improve_v their_o time_n and_o gift_n by_o write_v or_o other_o way_n for_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n the_o word_n of_o the_o preacher_n king_n in_o jerusalem_n 6._o although_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n he_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n for_o its_o own_o excellency_n and_o usefulness_n ps_n 119_o 97_o 98._o even_a though_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o shepherd_n luk._n 2_o 17_o 18._o yet_o these_o who_o the_o lord_n employ_v as_o his_o ambassador_n to_o carry_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o church_n may_v make_v use_n of_o any_o external_a privilege_n they_o have_v to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o more_o hearty_a acceptance_n of_o their_o message_n among_o the_o people_n who_o be_v hardly_o move_v to_o receive_v the_o truth_n upon_o more_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a consideration_n provide_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o not_o their_o own_o vainglory_n be_v their_o end_n in_o so_o do_v for_o though_o solomon_n call_v to_o be_v a_o preacher_n be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o gain_v acceptance_n to_o his_o message_n yet_o to_o add_v the_o more_o weight_n unto_o it_o he_o mention_n also_o his_o royal_a birth_n and_o dignity_n and_o this_o in_o a_o modest_a may_v omit_v many_o other_o title_n of_o honour_n which_o vainglorious_a man_n for_o inferior_a to_o he_o delight_v to_o multiply_v to_o themselves_o the_o word_n of_o the_o preacher_n the_o son_n of_o david_n king_n in_o jerusalem_n verse_n ii_o vanity_n of_o vanity_n say_v the_o preacher_n vanity_n of_o vanity_n all_o be_v vanity_n the_o scope_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o this_o divine_a preacher_n be_v to_o point_n out_o to_o miserable_a fall_v man_n the_o way_n to_o recover_v his_o lose_a happiness_n he_o do_v first_o proceed_v negative_o to_o convince_v he_o wherein_o it_o can_v be_v find_v and_o for_o this_o end_n he_o propound_v to_o be_v prove_v that_o all_o be_v vanity_n whereby_o be_v mean_v that_o all_o the_o creature_n and_o all_o humane_a endeavour_n about_o they_o be_v insufficient_a for_o yield_v any_o true_a contentment_n to_o man_n or_o as_o the_o word_n signify_v all_o be_v nothing_o or_o empty_a of_o any_o virtue_n as_o to_o the_o forementioned_a effect_n and_o so_o this_o expression_n all_o be_v vanity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v make_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o be_v of_o it_o all_o thing_n that_o way_n consider_v be_v very_o good_a gen._n 1_o 13._o nor_o of_o man_n right_a use_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o creature_n so_o as_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o they_o to_o his_o maker_n and_o engage_v to_o his_o fear_n and_o obedience_n for_o so_o all_o thing_n be_v holy_a and_o good_a to_o the_o user_n tit._n 1.15_o 1_o tim._n 4.4_o neither_o yet_o of_o a_o man_n lawful_a diligence_n and_o pain_n in_o his_o lawful_a call_v and_o employment_n as_o if_o that_o be_v vain_a 1_o tim._n 5.8_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v first_o of_o all_o create_a delight_n such_o as_o riches_n honour_n worldly_a pleasure_n particular_o instance_a afterward_o as_o they_o be_v abuse_v and_o subject_v to_o vanity_n rom._n 8.20_o by_o man_n seek_v his_o chief_a good_a and_o place_v his_o happiness_n in_o they_o neglect_v withal_o the_o stupy_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o of_o live_v in_o his_o fear_n and_o obedience_n recommend_v to_o he_o as_o the_o only_a way_n to_o true_a happiness_n eccl._n 12.23_o and_o next_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o the_o pain_n a_o man_n can_v take_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o humane_a power_n or_o skill_n to_o make_v himself_o happy_a or_o content_v whether_o in_o the_o contemplation_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o create_a thing_n which_o be_v also_o instance_a and_o prove_v to_o be_v vain_a in_o the_o follow_a purpose_n all_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n he_o do_v proclaim_v to_o be_v vain_a in_o this_o sense_n unable_a to_o afford_v to_o man_n any_o thing_n but_o disappointment_n and_o that_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n for_o by_o this_o form_n of_o speech_n vanity_n of_o vanity_n the_o hebrew_n use_v to_o express_v the_o superlative_a degree_n gen._n 9.25_o cant._n 1.1_o and_o to_o make_v this_o truth_n take_v the_o deep_a impression_n he_o propound_v it_o by_o way_n of_o exclamation_n as_o it_o be_v wonder_v at_o and_o pity_v the_o madness_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n who_o be_v so_o ravish_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o
of_o all_o these_o work_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v be_v study_v he_o have_v find_v that_o man_n live_v out_o of_o fellowship_n with_o god_n can_v find_v nothing_o by_o they_o but_o disappointment_n or_o emptiness_n of_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v vanity_n and_o a_o gnaw_a of_o his_o conscience_n or_o feed_v of_o his_o soul_n upon_o the_o wind_n which_o be_v the_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n here_o speak_v of_o verse_n 14._o as_o for_o the_o time_n when_o solomon_n have_v be_v exercise_v in_o in_o this_o painful_a study_n here_o speak_v of_o it_o may_v be_v either_o refer_v to_o the_o time_n of_o his_o defection_n and_o estrangment_n from_o god_n when_o he_o be_v employ_v his_o wit_n which_o even_o then_o remain_v with_o he_o eccles_n 2.9_o to_o the_o utmost_a for_o find_v out_o a_o happiness_n beside_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o so_o it_o make_v to_o his_o propose_a scope_n see_v he_o be_v now_o a_o penitent_a sad_o reflect_v and_o at_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n pass_v sentence_n upon_o his_o former_a folly_n or_o this_o painful_a study_n of_o he_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o time_n of_o his_o nearness_n to_o god_n whether_o before_o his_o defection_n or_o after_o his_o recovery_n from_o it_o and_o so_o the_o purpose_n agree_v no_o less_o to_o the_o same_o scope_n consider_v that_o his_o end_n in_o that_o study_n be_v to_o see_v what_o man_n be_v wit_n can_v attain_v unto_o in_o or_o about_o the_o creature_n for_o make_v he_o true_o happy_a that_o so_o he_o may_v the_o more_o effectual_o convince_v his_o own_o and_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o of_o vanity_n in_o seek_v happiness_n that_o way_n beside_o what_o be_v observe_v from_o solomon_n description_n of_o himself_o verse_n 1_o we_o may_v hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o eminency_n of_o a_o man_n place_n and_o employment_n whether_o ecclesiastic_a or_o civil_a as_o also_o the_o dignity_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o people_n over_o who_o he_o have_v charge_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v he_o slack_a and_o negligent_a in_o pain_n for_o better_v of_o his_o gift_n as_o if_o his_o measure_n of_o these_o be_v sufficient_a already_o see_v he_o be_v so_o employ_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o consideration_n thereof_o shall_v stir_v he_o up_o to_o the_o great_a pain_n and_o diligence_n that_o he_o may_v grow_v in_o ability_n for_o the_o more_o faithful_a and_o successful_a discharge_n of_o his_o employment_n for_o the_o consideration_n of_o solomon_n office_n in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n of_o jsrael_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o here_o mention_v by_o he_o as_o a_o special_a motive_n to_o that_o exceed_a great_a diligence_n afterward_o describe_v i_o the_o preacher_n be_v king_n over_o israel_n in_o jerusalem_n 2_o as_o these_o who_o have_v a_o call_n to_o point_n out_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o blessedness_n to_o other_o and_o to_o dissuade_v they_o from_o follow_v lie_v vanity_n shall_v labour_v for_o the_o experimental_a knowledge_n and_o feel_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o deliver_v themselves_o that_o with_o the_o great_a affection_n and_o confidence_n they_o may_v speak_v they_o to_o other_o so_o when_o the_o lord_n send_v preacher_n who_o may_v in_o charity_n be_v judge_v to_o speak_v from_o their_o own_o experience_n people_n may_v take_v advantage_n of_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o messenger_n to_o move_v their_o own_o heart_n to_o receive_v the_o truth_n with_o a_o special_a measure_n of_o attention_n and_o reverence_n for_o here_o solomon_n draw_v a_o argument_n to_o gain_v weight_n to_o the_o truth_n from_o his_o own_o experience_n who_o preach_v it_o i_o the_o preacher_n give_v my_o heart_n to_o seek_v and_o search_v out_o by_o wisdom_n etc._n etc._n 3._o although_o these_o extraordinary_a and_o infallible_o assist_v man_n who_o write_v the_o scripture_n have_v much_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o they_o immediate_o and_o without_o their_o pain_n and_o study_n for_o acquire_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o 2_o pet_n 1.21_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o exeme_v from_o ordinary_a pain_n but_o rather_o call_v to_o more_o than_o ordinary_a diligence_n for_o further_a clear_v to_o themselves_o and_o confirm_v of_o their_o own_o heart_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o these_o truth_n so_o immediate_o reveal_v and_o for_o acquire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o truth_n see_v 1_o pet._n 1_o 10._o which_o both_o warrant_n and_o oblige_v ordinary_a minister_n not_o to_o spare_v their_o pain_n for_o profit_v in_o knowledge_n and_o edifiy_v the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o even_o this_o extraordinary_a man_n preacher_n and_o king_n in_o jerusalem_n give_v away_o his_o heart_n to_o seek_v and_o to_o search_v by_o wisdom_n 4._o the_o lord_n people_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o disapprove_v the_o pain_n and_o study_v of_o minister_n or_o dislike_a the_o message_n which_o by_o much_o labour_n and_o premeditation_n be_v fit_v for_o they_o as_o enthusiast_n do_v such_o pain_n be_v command_v 1_o tim._n 4.13.16_o and_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o blessing_n prov._n 10.4_o that_o by_o the_o contrary_a these_o lesson_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o result_v of_o much_o serious_a diligence_n in_o the_o preacher_n shall_v be_v receive_v with_o the_o more_o attention_n and_o acceptation_n by_o the_o hearer_n for_o so_o do_v solomon_n here_o commend_v the_o purpose_n in_o hand_n and_o labour_n to_o gain_v attention_n and_o respect_n to_o it_o by_o this_o that_o it_o have_v cost_v he_o so_o much_o pain_n and_o study_n in_o the_o acquire_n of_o it_o i_o give_v my_o heart_n to_o seek_v and_o search_v out_o by_o wisdom_n etc._n etc._n 5._o they_o that_o will_v grow_v in_o that_o knowledge_n which_o may_v be_v profitable_a for_o their_o own_o soul_n must_v give_v their_o heart_n away_o to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o by_o divert_v their_o mind_n frequent_o from_o other_o study_n and_o labour_v to_o get_v their_o heart_n in_o love_n with_o that_o knowledge_n they_o aim_v at_o as_o conduce_v to_o their_o happiness_n so_o will_v the_o whole_a man_n concur_v in_o the_o study_n to_o which_o the_o heart_n be_v apply_v pain_n will_v be_v sweeten_v and_o success_n will_v be_v certain_a prov._n 2.2_o etc._n etc._n for_o this_o course_n do_v solomon_n take_v and_o i_o give_v my_o heart_n say_v he_o to_o seek_v etc._n etc._n 6._o for_o attain_v to_o that_o knowledge_n which_o may_v be_v profitable_a for_o the_o save_v of_o a_o man_n soul_n there_o must_v be_v variety_n of_o mean_n use_v such_o as_o bend_n of_o the_o wit_n in_o search_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o meditate_v upon_o they_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o use_v make_v of_o all_o the_o help_v we_o can_v have_v from_o other_o for_o increase_v of_o our_o knowledge_n add_v one_o degree_n of_o diligence_n to_o another_o even_o when_o after_o many_o essay_n there_o remain_v unsatisfaction_n with_o the_o measure_n attain_v and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o man_n study_n in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n must_v he_o so_o order_v as_o his_o employ_v of_o divine_a help_n and_o consult_v of_o the_o scripture_n may_v ordinary_o go_v before_o the_o use_n of_o other_o mean_n for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o two_o word_n here_o use_v to_o express_v solomon_n pain_n in_o seek_v signify_v a_o man_n own_o secret_a diligence_n which_o be_v especial_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n the_o other_o signify_v to_o ask_v the_o help_n of_o other_o and_o likewise_o a_o orderly_a dispose_n of_o his_o pain_n in_o his_o study_n i_o give_v my_o heart_n to_o seek_v and_o to_o search_v out_o etc._n etc._n 7._o as_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o bestow_v at_o once_o all_o that_o measure_n of_o true_a and_o sound_a knowledge_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o give_v to_o his_o child_n but_o let_v it_o out_o by_o little_a and_o little_a so_o one_o degree_n or_o measure_n of_o the_o same_o be_v the_o best_a guide_n to_o direct_v a_o man_n in_o seek_v after_o more_o of_o it_o in_o so_o much_o as_o none_o can_v move_v to_o any_o good_a purpose_n in_o the_o study_n thereof_o till_o they_o be_v first_o prevent_v with_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o some_o measure_n of_o that_o knowledge_n it_o be_v that_o only_a which_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o further_a 1_o cor._n 2.14_o and_o set_v they_o upon_o the_o fit_a mean_n of_o attain_v thereto_o eccles_n 10.10_o for_o here_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o solomon_n have_v one_o degree_n of_o his_o wisdom_n before_o another_o and_o that_o the_o former_a be_v his_o guide_n in_o seek_v after_o the_o latter_a i_o give_v my_o heart_n to_o seek_v and_o to_o search_v out_o by_o wisdom_n 8._o the_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n any_o attain_n unto_o they_o will_v be_v the_o more_o desireous_a of_o more_o the_o more_o accurate_a and_o serious_a will_v their_o search_n
do_v not_o at_o all_o watch_n to_o prayer_n nor_o prepare_v for_o that_o duty_n they_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o take_v the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o memory_n from_o they_o when_o they_o go_v about_o it_o that_o though_o they_o can_v speak_v as_o a_o oracle_n in_o other_o thing_n they_o shall_v speak_v as_o man_n in_o a_o dream_n when_o they_o go_v to_o prayer_n and_o though_o some_o thing_n speak_v rash_o by_o they_o in_o prayer_n may_v fall_v out_o to_o be_v pertinent_a yet_o be_v the_o whole_a no_o more_o regard_v by_o the_o lord_n than_o man_n dream_n use_v to_o be_v though_o sometime_o the_o event_n may_v fall_v out_o according_a to_o the_o dream_n for_o that_o truth_n which_o this_o proverbial_a speech_n or_o similitude_n lead_v to_o according_a to_o the_o scope_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o man_n rashness_n in_o their_o prayer_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n but_o their_o dream_n flow_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o worldly_a affair_n and_o the_o distraction_n of_o their_o mind_n with_o they_o a_o dream_n come_v through_o the_o multitude_n of_o business_n 4._o they_o that_o will_v have_v their_o sleep_n sanctify_v and_o so_o will_v be_v preserve_v from_o sinful_a or_o affright_a dream_n shall_v watch_v over_o themselves_o in_o the_o day_n time_n and_o take_v good_a heed_n what_o business_n they_o entangle_v themselves_o with_o for_o ready_o their_o dream_n in_o the_o night_n will_v have_v something_o of_o the_o prevalent_a temper_n of_o their_o spirit_n along_o the_o day_n stamp_v upon_o they_o as_o be_v import_v in_o the_o truth_n that_o the_o similitude_n hold_v forth_o in_o itself_o dream_n come_v through_o the_o multitude_n of_o business_n 5._o even_o when_o the_o lord_n do_v extraordinarly_a manifest_v himself_o to_o his_o servant_n through_o dream_n and_o vision_n these_o be_v not_o otherways_o look_v upon_o in_o ordinary_a man_n than_o as_o the_o result_n of_o multitude_n of_o business_n or_o some_o such_o natural_a cause_n much_o less_o when_o the_o lord_n take_v not_o that_o way_n therefore_o solomon_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n appear_v extraordinarly_a by_o dream_n 1_o king_n 3.5_o hold_v forth_o this_o to_o other_o that_o they_o shall_v look_v no_o otherway_n upon_o their_o dream_n than_o as_o come_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o business_n 6._o as_o much_o discourse_n even_o in_o common_a thing_n argue_v much_o folly_n so_o especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o in_o prayer_n to_o he_o wherein_o though_o man_n think_v they_o kith_v much_o wit_n even_o so_o much_o as_o to_o prevail_v with_o god_n by_o their_o much_o speak_v mat_n 6.7_o yet_o multitude_n of_o word_n in_o that_o duty_n do_v often_o betray_v man_n great_a ignorance_n and_o darkness_n concern_v most_o necessary_a truth_n especial_o the_o excellency_n and_o greatness_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o baseness_n and_o unworthiness_n for_o this_o proverbial_a speech_n have_v a_o truth_n in_o the_o literal_a meaning_n of_o it_o and_o also_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o scope_n both_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o doctrine_n a_o fool_n voice_n be_v know_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o word_n ver._n 4._o when_o thou_o vowe_v a_o vow_n unto_o god_n defer_v not_o to_o pay_v it_o for_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n pay_v that_o which_o thou_o have_v vow_v 5._o better_a be_v it_o that_o thou_o shall_v not_o vow_v than_o that_o thou_o shall_v vow_v and_o not_o pay_v here_o be_v the_o three_o direction_n for_o attain_v to_o that_o true_a spiritual_a peace_n and_o contentment_n of_o spirit_n wherein_o much_o of_o man_n happiness_n attainable_a in_o this_o life_n do_v consist_v and_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o conscionable_a and_o speedy_a performance_n of_o vow_n make_v to_o god_n because_o at_o public_a ordinance_n and_o secret_a prayer_n man_n be_v often_o engage_v to_o that_o duty_n therefore_o solomon_n after_o he_o have_v teach_v the_o right_a way_n of_o go_v about_o the_o former_a now_o press_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o latter_a when_o thou_o vowe_v a_o vow_n etc._n etc._n he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o rash_a or_o unlawful_a vow_n whereby_o man_n engage_v themselves_o it_o may_v be_v to_o thing_n in_o themselves_o lawful_a but_o either_o rash_o or_o without_o consideration_n of_o what_o may_v fall_v out_o such_o as_o be_v jephtha_n vow_n or_o for_o some_o wicked_a end_n as_o be_v absalom_n pretend_a vow_n in_o hebron_n much_o less_o of_o vow_n concern_v thing_n simple_o sinful_a as_o that_o of_o the_o man_n who_o vow_v to_o kill_v paul_n act._n 23.14_o see_v such_o vow_n be_v make_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v pay_v at_o all_o neither_o do_v he_o speak_v of_o these_o general_a vow_n and_o engagement_n whereby_o all_o within_o the_o church_n that_o be_v capable_a ought_v express_o to_o devot_n and_o consecrat_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o lord_n &_o his_o obedience_n and_o to_o renunce_v the_o service_n of_o satan_n the_o world_n and_o their_o own_o lust_n see_v these_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a precept_n ps_n 76.12_o isa_n 19.21_o and_o to_o refuse_v the_o take_n of_o such_o vow_n be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a sin_n whereof_o a_o man_n can_v be_v guilty_a and_o the_o last_o reason_n whereby_o he_o press_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o vow_n here_o speak_v of_o agree_v not_o to_o vow_n of_o that_o sort_n therefore_o he_o must_v be_v understand_v to_o speak_v of_o vow_n engage_v to_o thing_n lawful_a but_o for_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o they_o arbitrary_a and_o in_o our_o own_o power_n as_o for_o example_n when_o the_o lord_n people_n under_o some_o great_a trouble_n oblige_v themselves_o to_o thankfulness_n for_o a_o delivery_n and_o to_o express_v the_o same_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o be_v not_o particular_o determine_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n ps_n 116.13_o 14._o or_o when_o they_o engage_v to_o abstain_v from_o lawful_a delight_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n and_o at_o such_o particular_a occasion_n for_o promove_v of_o mortification_n or_o better_a discharge_n of_o duty_n ps_n 132.2_o to_o consecrat_v so_o much_o of_o their_o time_n or_o substance_n to_o some_o pious_a use_n gen._n 28.20_o or_o when_o they_o engage_v themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n or_o forbearance_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o necessary_a for_o attain_v some_o good_a end_n as_o paul_n take_v on_o the_o vow_n of_o a_o nazarite_n for_o the_o more_o effectual_a gain_n of_o the_o jew_n act._n 21.23_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v leave_v for_o that_o time_n indifferent_a now_o the_o conscionable_a and_o speedy_a performance_n of_o such_o engagement_n the_o wise_a man_n press_v here_o by_o two_o reason_n the_o first_o be_v that_o god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o yea_o as_o the_o expression_n import_v he_o do_v extreme_o detest_v and_o abhor_v such_o fool_n as_o slight_v their_o engagement_n think_v to_o please_v he_o with_o empty_a promise_n whereupon_o he_o press_v the_o duty_n again_o pay_v or_o as_o the_o word_n signify_v perfect_a and_o accomplish_v that_o which_o thou_o have_v vow_v ver_fw-la 4._o the_o second_o reason_n be_v that_o it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o come_v under_o engagement_n in_o such_o case_n than_o to_o slight_v the_o same_o be_v take_v on_o by_o which_o reason_n it_o appear_v he_o speak_v of_o vow_n about_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v in_o a_o man_n own_o power_n at_o least_o such_o as_o for_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o may_v without_o sin_n have_v be_v otherwise_o resolve_v upon_o but_o be_v now_o determine_v and_o engage_v unto_o aught_o to_o be_v conscionable_o and_o speedy_o perform_v see_v deut._n 23_o 21.22_o doct._n 1._o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o tie_v themselves_o by_o their_o express_a promise_n to_o he_o for_o the_o perform_n of_o duty_n at_o such_o time_n or_o with_o such_o other_o circumstance_n as_o be_v not_o particular_o determine_v in_o the_o word_n and_o which_o without_o sin_n may_v have_v be_v otherwise_o condescend_v upon_o provide_v always_o they_o neither_o tie_v themselves_o to_o any_o thing_n in_o confidence_n of_o their_o own_o strength_n nor_o to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v impossible_a or_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o any_o other_o necessary_a duty_n which_o may_v be_v for_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o more_o particular_o determine_v but_o only_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o christian_a prudence_n walk_v by_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_a spirit_n to_o lead_v they_o in_o all_o truth_n may_v direct_v they_o unto_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o incite_v to_o duty_n and_o may_v thereby_o declare_v their_o hearty_a approbation_n of_o and_o desire_v to_o be_v at_o their_o duty_n psal_n 119_o 62-106_a for_o of_o such_o
14.15_o yet_o so_o prone_a be_v the_o best_a at_o such_o occasion_n to_o forget_v god_n the_o giver_n while_o they_o be_v liberal_o use_v his_o gift_n deut._n 8.10.11_o to_o forget_v the_o affliction_n of_o other_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n amos_n 6.3.6_o to_o speak_v rash_o or_o indecent_o of_o god_n or_o other_o job_n 1.5_o to_o contemn_v threaten_v judgement_n and_o put_v the_o evil_a day_n far_o off_o isa_n 22.13_o that_o when_o it_o be_v in_o a_o christian_n option_n to_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o mourning_n or_o to_o the_o house_n of_o feast_v he_o shall_v prefer_v the_o first_o voyage_n to_o the_o last_o it_o be_v better_a to_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v than_o to_o the_o house_n of_o feast_v 5._o as_o there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o whatsoever_o rank_n or_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n exeem_v from_o death_n which_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o his_o earthly_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n so_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o certainty_n hereof_o shall_v move_v man_n to_o frequent_v these_o occasion_n and_o society_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v mind_v of_o it_o and_o stir_v up_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o for_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v rather_o than_o to_o the_o house_n of_o feast_v for_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o men._n 6_o no_o man_n that_o be_v wise_a will_v put_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n till_o he_o be_v a_o die_a man_n but_o while_o he_o be_v live_v and_o have_v health_n and_o strength_n he_o will_v lay_v it_o to_o heart_n and_o prepare_v for_o it_o for_o solomon_n speak_v of_o mind_v death_n as_o a_o thing_n so_o equitable_a and_o suitable_a for_o man_n that_o none_o live_v who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n can_v neglect_v it_o and_o as_o if_o he_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a man_n while_o he_o live_v who_o do_v not_o mind_n death_n serious_o and_o prepare_v for_o it_o 7._o death_n be_v not_o right_o mind_v till_o the_o thought_n thereof_o be_v fasten_v to_o a_o man_n heart_n that_o go_v whether_o he_o will_v or_o be_v do_v what_o he_o will_v he_o may_v never_o altogether_o lose_v at_o least_o the_o impression_n which_o the_o sanctify_a consideration_n of_o his_o death_n have_v put_v upon_o his_o heart_n for_o so_o the_o word_n signify_v the_o live_n will_v lay_v it_o or_o fasten_v it_o upon_o his_o heart_n or_o give_v his_o heart_n up_o to_o it_o ver._n 3._o sorrow_n be_v better_a than_o laughter_n for_o by_o the_o sadness_n of_o the_o countenance_n the_o heart_n be_v make_v better_a 4._o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wise_a be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v but_o the_o heart_n of_o fool_n be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o mirth_n solomon_n have_v commend_v the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o death_n he_o do_v now_o commend_v that_o frame_n of_o spirit_n which_o the_o sanctify_a consideration_n thereof_o work_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a unto_o as_o a_o step_z near_o to_o that_o true_a joy_n and_o peace_n wherein_o man_n happiness_n here_o do_v consist_v and_o this_o be_v that_o sober_a compose_v and_o tender_a temper_n of_o heart_n stamp_v with_o godly_a grief_n for_o sin_n here_o call_v sorrow_n under_o which_o also_o may_v be_v comprehend_v moderate_a grief_n even_o for_o worldly_a cross_n which_o be_v sanctify_v be_v turn_v into_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n this_o sorrow_n say_v he_o be_v better_a than_o laughter_n whereby_o he_o mean_v all_o that_o carnal_a mirth_n and_o joy_n which_o man_n use_v to_o express_v by_o laughter_n or_o such_o like_a light_a carriage_n especial_o at_o their_o merry_a meetting_n with_o other_o and_o that_o this_o sorrow_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v to_o carnal_a joy_n he_o prove_v by_o reason_n 1._o because_o by_o the_o sadness_n of_o the_o countenance_n whereby_o he_o mean_v the_o grave_n humble_a and_o sober_a deportment_n of_o the_o whole_a outward_a man_n which_o be_v the_o result_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n within_o the_o heart_n be_v make_v better_o i._n e._n it_o be_v wrought_v to_o a_o more_o mortify_a frame_n and_o prepare_v for_o spiritual_a peace_n and_o consequent_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o may_v also_o be_v better_v by_o it_o ver_fw-la 3._o 2._o because_o it_o be_v the_o disposition_n of_o they_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o that_o save_v wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o to_o have_v their_o heart_n much_o take_v up_o with_o such_o object_n and_o conversant_a in_o such_o place_n whether_o their_o body_n be_v there_o or_o not_o as_o serve_v to_o increase_v and_o cherish_v a_o humble_a and_o sympathize_v frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o upon_o the_o contrary_a the_o fool_n or_o the_o wicked_a man_n who_o have_v ordinary_o this_o name_n in_o solomon_n writing_n even_o when_o he_o be_v restrain_v from_o the_o occasion_n or_o place_n of_o carnal_a mirth_n his_o heart_n be_v still_o in_o they_o hence_o learn_v 1._o when_o the_o lord_n sanctify_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n to_o man_n godly_a sorrow_n will_v be_v wrought_v or_o promove_v in_o the_o heart_n as_o the_o result_n and_o effect_n of_o these_o thought_n they_o will_v grieve_v not_o because_o they_o must_v go_v through_o death_n but_o because_o they_o have_v do_v the_o lord_n so_o little_a honour_n and_o be_v so_o unable_a to_o do_v he_o more_o before_o they_o die_v and_o because_o they_o find_v themselves_o so_o defective_a in_o prepare_v for_o death_n for_o suppose_v this_o frame_n to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o these_o consideration_n which_o may_v be_v have_v in_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v and_o by_o lay_v death_n to_o heart_n he_o here_o commend_v it_o sorrow_n be_v better_a than_o laughter_n 2._o however_o they_o that_o be_v stranger_n to_o godly_a sorrow_n esteem_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o comfortless_a and_o unprofitable_a mal._n 3.14_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o his_o saint_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o carnal_a mirth_n of_o the_o world_n because_o it_o make_v way_n for_o true_a and_o solid_a consolation_n isa_n 61.3_o it_o have_v joy_n and_o peace_n intermix_v with_o it_o 1_o pet._n 1.6_o and_o always_o end_v in_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o praise_n ps_n 126.5_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a carnal_a mirth_n have_v always_o if_o the_o conscience_n be_v awake_a a_o mixture_n of_o sorrow_n and_o always_o end_v in_o heaviness_n prov._n 14.13_o therefore_o say_v solomon_n speak_v doubtless_o his_o own_o experience_n at_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n sorrow_n be_v better_a than_o laughter_n 3._o the_o entertain_v of_o a_o mournful_a frame_n of_o spirit_n for_o sin_n and_o sympathize_v with_o other_o in_o affliction_n be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o attain_v to_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o guard_v the_o heart_n against_o these_o vexation_n which_o eat_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n so_o that_o stranger_n to_o godly_a sorrow_n must_v needs_o be_v stranger_n to_o their_o own_o blessedness_n for_o solomon_n point_v out_o some_o remedy_n of_o these_o sinful_a distemper_n which_o more_o man_n happiness_n commend_v this_o as_o one_o sorrow_n be_v better_a than_o laughter_n 4._o godly_a sorrow_n be_v not_o a_o sudden_a motion_n or_o flash_n that_o evanish_v leave_v no_o effect_n upon_o the_o person_n that_o have_v it_o but_o be_v a_o frame_n that_o abide_v and_o affect_v the_o heart_n so_o that_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o outward_a carriage_n and_o so_o become_v visible_a in_o the_o effect_n thereof_o which_o be_v not_o a_o sullen_a and_o austere_a behaviour_n or_o retirement_n from_o lawful_a society_n these_o be_v rather_o the_o effect_n of_o natural_a distemper_n such_o as_o melancholy_a excess_n of_o worldly_a grief_n etc._n etc._n than_o of_o godly_a sorrow_n but_o a_o sober_a grave_a modest_a behaviour_n and_o compose_v of_o the_o outward_a man_n for_o solomon_n commend_v godly_a sorrow_n from_o the_o effect_n thereof_o suppose_v that_o it_o will_v compose_v the_o outward_a man_n to_o a_o modest_a and_o sober_a deportment_n by_o the_o sadness_n of_o the_o countenance_n etc._n etc._n 5._o that_o soft_a walk_n and_o humble_a deportment_n which_o flow_v from_o godly_a sorrow_n or_o a_o tender_a frame_n of_o spirit_n within_o have_v influence_n back_o again_o upon_o the_o heart_n to_o increase_v a_o good_a frame_n and_o make_v it_o better_o it_o be_v blessed_v with_o peace_n and_o comfort_n isa_n 57.18_o 19_o and_o increase_v of_o every_o grace_n jam._n 4.6_o for_o say_v he_o by_o the_o sadness_n of_o the_o countenance_n the_o heart_n be_v make_v better_a 6._o levity_n in_o the_o outward_a carriage_n as_o it_o flow_v often_o from_o the_o want_n of_o humility_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n so_o it_o make_v the_o heart_n much_o worse_o cast_v it_o open_a to_o many_o temptation_n make_v it_o
gal._n 1.10_o by_o extenuate_a man_n sin_n or_o speak_v peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o they_o in_o their_o evil_a way_n ezek._n 13.18_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o study_v such_o a_o strain_n and_o method_n in_o deliver_v truth_n and_o such_o a_o time_a thereof_o as_o may_v be_v most_o please_v to_o his_o hearer_n for_o their_o good_a to_o edification_n rom._n 15.2_o and_o most_o powerful_a with_o they_o to_o disengage_v they_o from_o their_o idol_n and_o engage_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n for_o this_o be_v solomon_n study_n worthy_a to_o be_v imitate_v by_o all_o faithful_a minister_n the_o preacher_n seek_v to_o find_v out_o acceptable_a word_n 2._o although_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n loathe_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v unworthy_a to_o have_v their_o spirit_n and_o time_n spend_v upon_o it_o and_o do_v delight_n more_o in_o fable_n than_o in_o most_o necessary_a truth_n 2_o tim._n 4.3_o 4._o yet_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o itself_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n and_o when_o the_o beauty_n and_o worth_n of_o it_o be_v see_v in_o order_n to_o the_o soul_n true_a peace_n and_o happiness_n it_o can_v but_o draw_v the_o desire_n and_o delight_n of_o man_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v renew_v to_o embrace_v and_o practice_v it_o therefore_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o this_o book_n here_o call_v acceptable_a word_n 3._o they_o be_v not_o rash_a indigested_a and_o extemporary_a discourse_n that_o usual_o be_v blessed_v to_o gain_v acceptance_n and_o to_o draw_v the_o delight_n and_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o be_v true_o wise_a towards_o they_o but_o rather_o such_o as_o be_v digest_v and_o accurate_o seek_v out_o by_o pain_n in_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o other_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v satan_n who_o suggest_v prejudices_fw-la to_o man_n mind_n against_o truth_n because_o it_o be_v study_v and_o elaborat_a for_o thus_o solomon_n commend_v the_o purpose_n of_o this_o book_n that_o he_o seek_v to_o find_v out_o which_o signify_v great_a study_n acceptable_a word_n 4._o however_o many_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n appear_v unreasonable_a to_o unreasonable_a man_n ezek._n 18.25_o such_o as_o all_o unbeliever_n be_v 2_o thes_n 3.2_o yet_o nothing_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n nor_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o it_o by_o a_o right_a consequence_n but_o what_o be_v upright_o straight_o and_o consonant_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n the_o rule_n of_o all_o reason_n and_o equity_n and_o which_o be_v understand_v and_o believe_v tend_v to_o make_v man_n straight_o in_o heart_n and_o practice_n psal_n 119.9_o sincere_a and_o without_o dissimulation_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n as_o the_o word_n here_o translate_v upright_a signify_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o straight_a way_n to_o their_o own_o happiness_n 2_o tim._n 3.17_o for_o say_v he_o that_o which_o be_v write_v be_v upright_o 5._o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v upright_o or_o clear_o consonant_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v acceptable_a to_o any_o so_o that_o before_o man_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v take_v with_o what_o be_v hold_v forth_o as_o truth_n they_o shall_v try_v as_o the_o noble_a berean_o do_v whether_o the_o same_o be_v upright_a or_o not_o for_o have_v say_v he_o seek_v to_o find_v out_o acceptable_a word_n and_o speak_v of_o his_o success_n as_o suitable_a and_o satisfactory_a to_o his_o desire_n he_o say_v that_o which_o be_v write_v be_v upright_o 6._o where_o god_n give_v a_o sincere_a desire_n to_o seek_v out_o that_o which_o may_v be_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o and_o to_o give_v diligence_n for_o that_o effect_n he_o do_v also_o bless_v the_o mean_n with_o some_o success_n though_o not_o always_o in_o reference_n to_o other_o profit_v yet_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o instrument_n pain_n and_o attain_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o mind_n for_o though_o solomon_n do_v not_o say_v that_o have_v seek_v to_o find_v out_o acceptable_a word_n he_o do_v find_v word_n that_o be_v acceptable_a yet_o he_o can_v say_v that_o which_o be_v write_v be_v upright_o and_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reward_n to_o he_o 7._o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o deceive_v or_o disappoint_v any_o that_o receive_v it_o they_o will_v find_v threaten_n to_o be_v truth_n and_o verify_v upon_o themselves_o who_o fly_v not_o from_o the_o wrath_n threaten_v and_o whosoever_o embrace_v promise_n will_v find_v at_o last_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o and_o till_o the_o word_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o such_o it_o can_v never_o be_v receive_v nor_o acceptable_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o commendation_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v even_o word_n of_o truth_n ver._n 11._o the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a be_v as_o goad_n and_o as_o nail_n fasten_v by_o the_o master_n of_o assembly_n which_o be_v give_v from_o one_o shepherd_n in_o the_o three_o place_n he_o commend_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o efficacy_n and_o authority_n thereof_o and_o this_o branch_n of_o the_o commendation_n he_o do_v not_o apply_v as_o before_o to_o the_o purpose_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n only_o but_o to_o the_o truth_n in_o general_n deliver_v by_o any_o who_o god_n send_v and_o qualify_v for_o that_o end_n the_o expression_n seem_v to_o be_v borrow_v from_o shepherd_n who_o make_v use_v of_o goad_n to_o drive_v up_o the_o dull_a and_o sluggish_a beast_n of_o their_o flock_n and_o of_o nail_n for_o fix_v their_o fold_n wherein_o they_o assemble_v their_o flock_n and_o all_o this_o they_o do_v at_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n or_o owner_n of_o the_o flock_n under_o which_o metaphor_n be_v hold_v forth_o first_o a_o twofold_a effect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a to_o incite_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n and_o shake_v off_o their_o laziness_n which_o resemble_v the_o use_n of_o the_o goad_n 2._o that_o it_o serve_v to_o fix_v confirm_v and_o establish_v man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o to_o prevent_v their_o inconstancy_n resemble_v by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o nail_n next_o there_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o dispenser_n or_o preacher_n of_o this_o word_n they_o be_v call_v the_o master_n of_o assembly_n or_o collection_n as_o the_o word_n be_v not_o as_o if_o they_o have_v any_o magisterial_a or_o lordly_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o the_o lord_n people_n assemble_v to_o enjoin_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o but_o because_o they_o preside_v in_o public_a worship_n and_o direct_v the_o lord_n people_n how_o to_o manage_v it_o aright_o three_o there_o be_v hold_v forth_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o be_v give_v from_o christ_n as_o also_o the_o authority_n and_o subordination_n of_o all_o the_o preacher_n thereof_o to_o he_o for_o these_o word_n which_o be_v give_v etc._n etc._n may_v be_v refer_v both_o to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a which_o have_v the_o foremention_v effect_n and_o to_o the_o master_n of_o assembly_n both_o these_o be_v give_v from_o one_o shepherd_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v frequent_o make_v know_v to_o the_o church_n of_o old_a by_o that_o stile_n ezek._n 34.23_o and_o 37.24_o isai_n 40.11_o and_o who_o only_o have_v power_n to_o make_v law_n and_o appoint_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n isai_n 33.22_o hence_o learn_v 1._o these_o minister_n who_o do_v sincere_o aim_v at_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o success_n of_o his_o truth_n among_o they_o will_v not_o only_o commend_v the_o truth_n as_o deliver_v by_o themselves_o but_o they_o will_v also_o commend_v it_o as_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o all_o other_o who_o be_v send_v and_o qualify_v for_o that_o end_n it_o will_v be_v their_o pleasure_n to_o see_v the_o truth_n successful_a and_o efficacious_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o faithful_a minister_n and_o they_o ought_v to_o express_v the_o same_o to_o the_o people_n lest_o in_o commend_v that_o truth_n only_o which_o themselves_o preach_v they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v seek_v their_o own_o esteem_n and_o undervalue_v other_o and_o so_o may_v prejudge_v the_o truth_n therefore_o do_v solomon_n here_o no_o less_o high_o commend_v the_o truth_n deliver_v by_o any_o that_o be_v true_o wise_a than_o he_o do_v commend_v it_o before_o as_o deliver_v by_o himself_o in_o this_o book_n and_o other_o of_o his_o write_n the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a be_v as_o goad_n 2._o as_o every_o man_n natural_o have_v beside_o his_o impotency_n for_o what_o be_v good_a much_o slowness_n backwardness_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o draw_v in_o christ_n yoke_n to_o put_v forth_o the_o power_n he_o have_v in_o his_o duty_n and_o to_o call_v for_o that_o
which_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v he_o so_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n faithful_o preach_v and_o accompany_v with_o his_o blessing_n will_v give_v man_n no_o ease_n in_o their_o security_n and_o neglect_v of_o necessary_a duty_n but_o will_v be_v still_o goad_v they_o thereunto_o by_o serious_a exhortation_n and_o obtestation_n though_o they_o shall_v spurn_v against_o their_o teacher_n by_o severe_a threaten_n if_o they_o continue_v lazy_a and_o negligent_a it_o will_v leave_v wound_n in_o their_o conscience_n act._n 2.37_o it_o will_v divide_v between_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n that_o they_o may_v be_v force_v to_o fly_v to_o christ_n the_o good_a samaritan_n that_o he_o may_v pour_v oil_n in_o their_o wound_n and_o by_o solid_a refutation_n of_o their_o error_n and_o mistake_n it_o will_v cut_v they_o sharp_o tit._n 1_o 13._o for_o this_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n faithful_o preach_v and_o accompany_v with_o the_o powerful_a blessing_n of_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n be_v here_o set_v forth_o under_o this_o similitude_n the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a be_v as_o goad_n 3._o when_o people_n be_v engage_v to_o christ_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n establish_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o at_o their_o duty_n they_o be_v prone_a to_o make_v defection_n therefrom_o and_o therefore_o the_o word_n serve_v to_o fasten_v they_o to_o he_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o their_o duty_n to_o unite_v they_o among_o themselves_o by_o love_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v henceforth_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n distract_v from_o christ_n by_o their_o idol_n or_o rend_v one_o from_o another_o by_o schism_n and_o division_n and_o consequent_o christ_n minister_n shall_v not_o slight_o pass_v the_o press_n of_o their_o duty_n but_o by_o earnest_n press_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o frequent_a inculcate_v of_o their_o duty_n by_o scripture_n argument_n and_o motive_n shall_v drive_v home_o the_o same_o as_o a_o nail_n in_o a_o sure_a place_n that_o so_o what_o they_o deliver_v may_v be_v as_o nail_n fasten_v 4._o as_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v meeting-place_n for_o his_o people_n to_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o in_o for_o uphold_v his_o visible_a glory_n before_o the_o world_n the_o mutual_a upstirring_a of_o his_o people_n in_o his_o service_n and_o that_o the_o same_o word_n and_o ordinance_n may_v do_v good_a to_o many_o at_o once_o from_o which_o assembly_n none_o of_o his_o people_n ought_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o heb._n 10.25_o so_o his_o pubick_a minister_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a actor_n in_o the_o worship_n perform_v there_o they_o ought_v to_o see_v that_o these_o assembly_n be_v frequent_v that_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v keep_v in_o they_o that_o the_o worship_n be_v right_o manage_v and_o all_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o own_o command_n in_o which_o respect_n minister_n be_v here_o call_v the_o master_n of_o assembly_n 5._o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a one_o or_o chief_a shepherd_n of_o the_o flock_n who_o alone_o have_v power_n to_o persuade_v and_o lead_v the_o same_o in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n by_o the_o still_o run_v water_n psal_n 23.2.3_o who_o will_v deal_v tender_o with_o the_o weak_a lamb_n and_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o flock_n isai_n 40.11_o and_o who_o only_o have_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n for_o he_o be_v here_o call_v that_o one_o shepherd_n 6._o then_o only_o the_o truth_n have_v the_o forementioned_a effect_n when_o christ_n be_v the_o dispenser_n of_o it_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n convey_v it_o through_o his_o send_v minister_n to_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o none_o shall_v take_v upon_o they_o public_o to_o deliver_v the_o truth_n but_o they_o who_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n from_o he_o truth_n shall_v be_v both_o deliver_v and_o receive_v as_o that_o which_o be_v give_v from_o he_o minister_n shall_v beware_v of_o deliver_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o people_n shall_v try_v both_o who_o and_o what_o they_o hear_v for_o both_o of_o the_o person_n and_o of_o the_o word_n which_o have_v the_o forename_a effect_n this_o last_o clause_n may_v be_v understand_v which_o be_v give_v from_o one_o shepherd_n ver._n 12._o and_o far_o by_o these_o my_o son_n be_v admonish_v of_o make_v many_o book_n there_o be_v no_o end_n and_o much_o study_n be_v a_o weariness_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o three_o article_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o book_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o right_a use_n make_v of_o the_o whole_a as_o sufficient_a to_o admonish_v man_n of_o their_o danger_n and_o duty_n wherein_o all_o other_o write_n come_v short_a and_o in_o press_v this_o he_o do_v first_o take_v up_o every_o hearer_n under_o that_o very_a warm_a and_o love_a relation_n of_o a_o son_n that_o so_o he_o may_v gain_v the_o better_a acceptance_n to_o his_o message_n next_o he_o show_v the_o principal_a use_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v write_v and_o not_o of_o these_o only_a but_o of_o all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a commend_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o be_v of_o every_o message_n of_o any_o send_v minister_n of_o christ_n to_o wit_n that_o by_o these_o man_n shall_v be_v admonish_v the_o word_n signify_v to_o be_v enlighten_v that_o be_v inform_v and_o consequent_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o translation_n make_v cautious_a and_o wary_a that_o they_o mistake_v not_o in_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n as_o this_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o near_a way_n to_o their_o true_a happiness_n three_o he_o press_v this_o by_o two_o reason_n the_o 1._o be_v in_o these_o word_n for_o in_o make_v many_o book_n there_o be_v no_o end_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o write_n of_o many_o book_n like_o this_o in_o hand_n to_o wit_n book_n of_o scripture_n see_v after_o solomon_n time_n there_o behoove_v to_o be_v many_o book_n of_o this_o sort_n make_v for_o so_o he_o shall_v seem_v to_o have_v condemn_v the_o write_n of_o more_o scripture_n and_o likewise_o there_o be_v a_o end_n put_v to_o the_o make_n of_o book_n of_o that_o sort_n by_o close_v these_o book_n with_o a_o curse_n upon_o any_o that_o shall_v add_v to_o they_o rev._n 22_o 18._o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o if_o man_n do_v not_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o that_o light_n and_o these_o admonition_n which_o be_v hold_v out_o in_o this_o book_n and_o other_o scripture_n they_o will_v become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o every_o man_n will_v fancy_v a_o new_a and_o near_a way_n to_o happiness_n than_o another_o and_o out_o of_o his_o boundless_a desire_n of_o vain_a glory_n will_v make_v no_o end_n of_o his_o enquiry_n but_o will_v spend_v the_o best_a of_o his_o time_n and_o strength_n to_o vent_v his_o own_o notion_n and_o commend_v his_o 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