a_o elephant_n may_v swim_v but_o the_o gain_n will_v countervail_v the_o loss_n and_o charge_n here_o be_v a_o lamp_n to_o light_v we_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n to_o refresh_v we_o a_o sword_n to_o defend_v we_o a_o key_n to_o open_a christ_n will_n to_o we_o flagon_n of_o wine_n and_o apple_n of_o paradise_n take_v therefore_o these_o direction_n in_o thy_o read_n 4._o direction_n if_o thou_o will_v read_v the_o word_n with_o profit_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o thou_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n for_o so_o solemn_a a_o duty_n come_v not_o out_o of_o a_o huddle_n of_o business_n with_o thy_o heart_n full_a of_o the_o world_n to_o discourse_v with_o god_n take_v not_o god_n word_n any_o more_o than_o his_o name_n in_o vain_a take_v it_o not_o profane_o into_o thy_o mouth_n without_o due_a regard_n or_o consideration_n lest_o he_o turn_v thou_o away_o with_o a_o curse_n instead_o of_o a_o blessing_n it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o great_a concernment_n even_o of_o life_n and_o death_n 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he_o will_v know_v vice_n from_o virtue_n and_o discern_v what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v duty_n that_o he_o be_v not_o like_o those_o that_o in_o persecute_v the_o saint_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n he_o will_v be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o know_v the_o state_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o whether_o his_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n be_v good_a or_o no_o he_o observe_v what_o qualification_n the_o scripture_n require_v for_o heaven_n and_o then_o by_o scripture-light_n he_o will_v discern_v they_o in_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o endeavour_n to_o read_v his_o own_o name_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o see_v what_o interest_n he_o have_v in_o
will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o that_o those_o to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v most_o shall_v do_v least_o be_v a_o question_n shall_v be_v think_v of_o a_o bare_a profession_n make_v many_o a_o man_n have_v a_o high_a conceit_n of_o himself_o but_o the_o law_n allow_v not_o a_o man_n to_o be_v judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a tract_n be_v not_o to_o make_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n narrow_a nor_o the_o gate_n strait_o than_o it_o be_v but_o to_o put_v you_o up_o some_o way-mark_n that_o you_o mistake_v not_o the_o road_n it_o be_v not_o to_o make_v the_o burden_n heavy_a than_o needs_o must_v but_o to_o show_v you_o what_o burden_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n will_v have_v you_o take_v up_o it_o be_v not_o to_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n or_o to_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n but_o to_o awaken_v the_o dull_a and_o drowsy_a formalist_n and_o to_o set_v he_o on_o fire_n that_o be_v quite_o out_o and_o to_o show_v the_o mistake_n of_o those_o that_o 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have_v it_o and_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o have_v no_o better_o i_o can_v give_v thou_o this_o brief_a account_n when_o by_o providence_n i_o be_v lay_v aside_o as_o a_o break_a vessel_n and_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o the_o levite_n be_v send_v every_o one_o to_o his_o field_n nehem._n 13.10_o and_o i_o not_o have_v that_o provision_n make_v as_o many_o other_o have_v and_o but_o little_a if_o any_o thing_n leave_v to_o maintain_v a_o numerous_a family_n i_o be_v force_v to_o fight_v against_o poverty_n almost_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o my_o study_n so_o that_o i_o can_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n act_v 20.34_o and_o many_o that_o know_v i_o may_v say_v as_o much_o for_o i_o these_o hand_n minister_v to_o my_o necessity_n and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o i_o my_o head_n be_v fill_v with_o other_o distract_n study_v and_o my_o hand_n with_o other_o employment_n that_o i_o have_v few_o spare_a hour_n except_o by_o night_n to_o mind_v those_o study_n so_o that_o i_o hrought_v forth_o this_o as_o a_o bear_n do_v her_o whelp_n a_o confuse_a lump_n and_o have_v no_o time_n to_o lick_v it_o into_o form_n it_o be_v a_o basket_n of_o unripe_a fruit_n blow_v down_o by_o the_o wind_n of_o worldly_a distraction_n yet_o mistake_v not_o have_v my_o time_n be_v more_o and_o my_o ability_n great_a it_o shall_v have_v speak_v plain_a english_a i_o will_v not_o have_v hide_v any_o fruit_n with_o leave_n nor_o be_v a_o barbarian_a to_o the_o mean_a reader_n nor_o have_v wrap_v up_o my_o meaning_n in_o a_o cloud_n reader_n my_o advice_n be_v if_o thou_o find_v christ_n here_o though_o not_o in_o soft_a raiment_n but_o as_o in_o his_o infancy_n but_o mean_o clad_v yet_o reject_v he_o not_o good_a counsel_n in_o plain_a english_a be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o a_o good_a stomach_n will_v not_o reject_v good_a meat_n though_o not_o modish_o dress_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n here_o offer_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n reject_v it_o and_o so_o shall_v i_o when_o i_o know_v it_o if_o not_o reject_v of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o dissow_a god_n himself_o if_o thou_o meet_v with_o as_o i_o fear_v thou_o may_v some_o tautoligy_n or_o repetition_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o break_a study_n and_o interrupt_v meditation_n i_o have_v say_v enough_o and_o perhaps_o too_o much_o and_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o but_o wish_v that_o god_n who_o have_v incline_v my_o heart_n to_o write_v it_o may_v incline_v thou_o to_o read_v and_o practise_v it_o and_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o benefit_n by_o it_o i_o shall_v think_v my_o pain_n well_o bestow_v this_o be_v the_o unfeigned_a desire_n of_o he_o who_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n servant_n and_o a_o well-willer_n to_o thy_o soul_n health_n edward_n bury_n eton_n nou._n 2._o 1674._o a_o help_n to_o holy_a walk_v or_o a_o guide_n to_o glory_n chap._n i._o motive_n to_o holy_a duty_n have_v in_o a_o former_a treatise_n handle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o holy_a walk_n and_o show_v the_o excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o give_v you_o mark_v and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v you_o to_o it_o and_o direction_n in_o it_o and_o answer_v the_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o i_o shall_v come_v now_o to_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o particular_a and_o show_v you_o how_o to_o demean_v yourselves_o towards_o god_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n wherein_o consist_v the_o main_a though_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o holy_a walk_n and_o in_o every_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o direction_n for_o the_o right_a performance_n but_o reader_n will_v thou_o resolve_v to_o follow_v those_o direction_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o i_o to_o write_v or_o thou_o to_o read_v it_o will_v but_o make_v thou_o sin_n with_o a_o candle_n in_o thy_o hand_n what_o good_a will_v meat_n do_v if_o not_o eat_v and_o digest_v or_o physic_n do_v if_o not_o take_v or_o a_o plaster_n if_o not_o apply_v so_o what_o good_a will_n direction_n do_v if_o not_o follow_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o read_v thy_o duty_n but_o thou_o must_v do_v it_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o do_v it_o but_o thou_o must_v do_v it_o well_o those_o that_o worship_n god_n must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a lip_n labour_n or_o knee_n service_n will_v serve_v his_o turn_n without_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n right_o qualify_v he_o regard_v it_o not_o he_o will_v have_v none_o of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v none_o holy_a as_o the_o lord_n 1_o sam_n 22._o and_o the_o lord_n admit_v of_o none_o into_o his_o service_n that_o be_v not_o holy_a leu._n 10.3_o i_o will_v be_v sanctify_v by_o those_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o i_o leu._n 20.7_o be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a he_o be_v a_o live_a god_n and_o require_v live_a sacrifice_n and_o will_v not_o take_v up_o with_o a_o dead_a heart_n there_o must_v be_v a_o principle_n of_o life_n in_o thou_o or_o thou_o be_v nor_o fit_a to_o come_v into_o his_o presence_n for_o he_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n unto_o his_o enemy_n there_o must_v be_v regeneration_n or_o there_o can_v be_v no_o salvation_n john_n 3.5_o and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o heb._n 11.6_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o worship_v he_o but_o it_o must_v be_v in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n josh_n 24.14_o what_o be_v thy_o resolution_n will_v thou_o worship_v he_o or_o will_v thou_o not_o there_o be_v few_o in_o plain_a word_n will_v deny_v it_o but_o in_o action_n they_o do_v either_o they_o worship_v he_o not_o at_o all_o or_o give_v he_o that_o he_o
many_o especial_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n they_o come_v to_o see_v and_o to_o be_v see_v to_o show_v their_o new_a clothes_n or_o observe_v the_o fashion_n that_o other_o wear_v and_o be_v examine_v this_o be_v most_o they_o can_v remember_v many_o come_v that_o they_o may_v be_v account_v forward_a prosessor_n and_o be_v tickle_v with_o popular_a applause_n but_o when_o it_o be_v more_o in_o credit_n to_o persecute_v than_o profess_v these_o perhaps_o follow_v that_o profession_n some_o come_v with_o the_o butterfly_n to_o paint_v her_o wing_n and_o these_o be_v all_o for_o gaudy_a notion_n and_o store_v their_o head_n and_o not_o their_o heart_n with_o what_o they_o learn_v some_o weary_a of_o their_o own_o house_n come_v to_o drive_v away_o the_o time_n perhaps_o to_o get_v a_o nap_n of_o sleep_n some_o come_v for_o fear_n of_o the_o law_n lest_o that_o take_v hold_v upon_o they_o and_o some_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o conscience_n which_o otherwise_o will_v give_v they_o no_o rest_n some_o come_v to_o speak_v with_o a_o friend_n which_o otherwise_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o meet_v with_o so_o convenient_o and_o as_o they_o come_v by_o chance_n it_o be_v a_o great_a chance_n if_o they_o receive_v any_o good_a by_o their_o come_n some_o come_v to_o inquire_v out_o some_o good_a bargain_n other_o to_o appoint_v some_o merry_a meeting_n or_o some_o drunken_a match_n or_o game_n at_o card_n or_o die_n or_o bowl_n and_o perhaps_o some_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o entrap_v the_o minister_n in_o his_o word_n or_o wrest_v they_o to_o a_o wrong_a sentence_n these_o man_n memory_n be_v much_o like_o to_z sives_z they_o keep_v the_o refuse_n all_o the_o best_a run_v through_o christ_n himself_o have_v such_o hearer_n if_o these_o or_o like_v to_o these_o be_v thy_o end_n thy_o heart_n be_v rot_v thy_o duty_n stink_v in_o god_n nostril_n and_o they_o will_v never_o do_v thou_o good_a thou_o may_v expect_v a_o curse_n from_o god_n and_o not_o a_o blessing_n but_o a_o true_a christian_a aim_n at_o high_a end_n viz._n that_o he_o may_v know_v his_o master_n will_v and_o know_v may_v obey_v it_o and_o may_v glorify_v he_o by_o obey_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v get_v near_o unto_o christ_n and_o have_v and_o maintain_v more_o communion_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v know_v more_o of_o the_o excellency_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v be_v more_o enamour_v on_o he_o that_o he_o may_v see_v more_o of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o it_o and_o more_o of_o the_o vileness_n of_o sin_n to_o hate_v it_o more_o that_o we_o may_v have_v clear_a evidence_n of_o god_n love_n to_o his_o soul_n and_o of_o his_o interest_n in_o christ_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v a_o believer_n end_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n if_o now_o thy_o end_n be_v low_a it_o be_v a_o bad_a sign_n of_o a_o hypocritical_a or_o profane_a heart_n 3._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v come_v unto_o it_o with_o thy_o heart_n right_o qualify_v and_o right_o dispose_v with_o thy_o affection_n right_o order_v one_o reason_n among_o other_o why_o so_o many_o come_v to_o and_o return_v from_o the_o word_n empty_a be_v because_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o fit_v for_o the_o duty_n get_v thy_o heart_n in_o love_n with_o god_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o thrive_v by_o his_o word_n how_o greedy_o do_v we_o read_v a_o letter_n from_o a_o friend_n especial_o if_o we_o expect_v some_o promise_n in_o it_o of_o some_o great_a courtesy_n the_o word_n be_v god_n epistle_n send_v from_o heaven_n stuff_v thick_a with_o gracious_a promise_n if_o we_o entertain_v hard_a thought_n of_o god_n we_o seldom_o profit_v by_o his_o word_n get_v a_o love_n also_o to_o his_o word_n as_o david_n o_o how_o love_v i_o thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n continual_o we_o remember_v that_o which_o we_o love_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o many_o can_v remember_v a_o idle_a story_n or_o love_v song_n or_o stage_z play_n that_o can_v remember_v one_o passage_n or_o sentence_n in_o a_o whole_a sermon_n why_o because_o they_o love_v it_o better_o exercise_n love_v also_o to_o the_o minister_n or_o thou_o will_v hardly_o profit_v by_o his_o preach_n prejudice_n be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o soul_n see_v this_o in_o ahab_n he_o have_v a_o prejudice_n against_o micaiah_n and_o hate_v he_o and_o therefore_o his_o wholesome_a counsel_n be_v reject_v 1_o king_n 22.8_o etc._n etc._n the_o pharisee_n also_o have_v a_o prejudice_n against_o christ_n carp_v and_o cavil_v with_o he_o but_o few_o or_o none_o believe_v in_o he_o which_o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v believe_v on_o he_o all_o his_o gracious_a word_n will_v not_o win_v upon_o they_o and_o when_o a_o people_n have_v a_o prejudice_n against_o their_o pastor_n ten_o to_o one_o they_o profit_v little_a by_o he_o come_v also_o with_o a_o believe_a heart_n the_o word_n which_o they_o hear_v profit_v they_o not_o because_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o heb._n 4.2_o if_o the_o devil_n can_v but_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o distrust_n in_o god_n and_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n he_o have_v what_o he_o will_v have_v for_o who_o will_v leave_v a_o certain_a inheritance_n for_o a_o uncertain_a hope_n and_o take_v much_o pain_n when_o they_o doubt_v of_o a_o recompense_n or_o leave_v belove_v sin_n or_o perform_v self_n deny_v duty_n upon_o such_o uncertainty_n they_o shall_v bring_v also_o humble_a heart_n to_o the_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v the_o humble_a that_o god_n will_v teach_v when_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o proud_a afar_o off_o james_z 4.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.5_o a_o proud_a spirit_n be_v like_o laodicea_n and_o think_v himself_o rich_a and_o want_v nothing_o when_o he_o be_v poor_a and_o blind_a and_o miserable_a and_o naked_a rev._n 3.16,17_o if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o congregation_n that_o set_v themselves_o against_o god_n and_o his_o word_n it_o be_v common_o the_o proud_a and_o self_n conceit_v person_n it_o be_v they_o that_o set_v themselves_o against_o jeremy_n jer._n 42.3_o it_o be_v the_o proud_a man_n that_o say_v he_o speak_v false_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o that_o come_v with_o absence_n of_o his_o own_o want_n be_v most_o like_a to_o have_v a_o supply_n he_o that_o come_v with_o a_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n be_v likely_a to_o go_v away_o empty_a he_o fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n but_o the_o rich_a he_o send_v empty_a away_o luk._n 1.53_o he_o that_o think_v he_o know_v any_o thing_n know_v nothing_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v 1_o cor._n 8.2_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o ordinance_n with_o a_o hunger_a long_a thirst_v pant_v desire_n after_o this_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n for_o than_o thou_o be_v most_o like_a to_o prevail_v for_o something_o to_o fill_v thy_o soul_n a_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o hony-comb_n but_o to_o a_o hungry_a soul_n every_o bitter_a thing_n be_v sweet_a many_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o hungry_a those_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n be_v bless_v mat._n 5.6_o these_o thirst_a soul_n shall_v have_v wine_n and_o milk_n christ_n and_o his_o grace_n without_o money_n or_o money_n worth_n isa_n 5.51_o come_v not_o with_o a_o slight_a apprehension_n of_o or_o a_o slight_a desire_n after_o it_o lest_o it_o be_v deny_v thou_o set_v not_o light_a by_o it_o as_o those_o that_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o wedding_n mat._n 22.2_o etc._n etc._n david_n have_v high_a prize_v thought_n of_o it_o it_o be_v sweet_a to_o he_o than_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n yea_o better_o than_o thousand_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n psalm_n 19.10_o and_o to_o job_n better_a than_o his_o appoint_a food_n this_o make_v david_n meditate_v in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o come_v to_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o his_o teacher_n bring_v also_o a_o mind_n free_a from_o worldly_a care_n and_o fear_n and_o desire_n these_o be_v the_o thorn_n that_o choke_v the_o word_n mat._n 13.22_o bring_v not_o the_o love_n of_o any_o sin_n along_o with_o thou_o for_o this_o will_v make_v the_o word_n unprofitable_a he_o that_o say_v i_o will_v not_o be_v make_v clean_o god_n may_v say_v thou_o shall_v never_o be_v make_v clean_o resolve_v to_o obey_v the_o word_n in_o the_o strict_a passage_n of_o it_o 4._o direct_v will_v thou_o profit_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v it_o be_v necessary_a then_o that_o thou_o make_v some_o preparation_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o ground_n the_o minister_n to_o the_o
what_o he_o teach_v thou_o that_o thou_o know_v not_o before_o now_o when_o thou_o have_v thus_o call_v these_o thing_n to_o mind_n meditate_v upon_o they_o for_o as_o meat_n can_v nourish_v if_o not_o digest_v no_o more_o will_v the_o word_n till_o by_o meditation_n thou_o make_v it_o thy_o own_o meat_n be_v easy_o cast_v up_o when_o it_o lie_v undigested_a in_o the_o stomach_n so_o here_o when_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_o and_o not_o cover_v by_o harrow_n the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n pick_v it_o up_o and_o when_o the_o word_n be_v not_o cover_v by_o mediration_n the_o devil_n steal_v it_o away_o mat._n 13.4.19_o if_o any_o thing_n lie_v dark_a or_o difficult_a to_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o minister_n or_o some_o understanding_n christian_n to_o confer_v of_o it_o make_v know_v thy_o doubt_n and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o get_v knowledge_n the_o two_o disciple_n that_o come_v to_o emaus_n inquire_v by_o the_o way_n and_o discourse_v and_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o word_n in_o thy_o house_n and_o as_o thou_o go_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o deut._n 6.7_o oh_o what_o benefit_n may_v christian_n get_v be_v they_o careful_a of_o this_o duty_n the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v then_o dwell_v plentuous_o in_o they_o this_o will_v make_v a_o deep_a impression_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n when_o thou_o have_v pass_v thus_o far_o than_o press_v it_o upon_o thy_o own_o heart_n for_o what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v thou_o otherwise_o examine_v thyself_o by_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n whether_o thou_o have_v those_o gracious_a qualification_n yea_o or_o no_o whether_o thou_o be_v yet_o under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o whether_o deliver_v and_o be_v according_o affect_v press_v home_o every_o reproof_n to_o thyself_o and_o see_v how_o far_o guilty_a thou_o have_v be_v mourn_v for_o it_o and_o reform_v lay_v to_o heart_n every_o exhortation_n to_o duty_n and_o let_v every_o motive_n strengthen_v thy_o resolution_n practice_n every_o direction_n and_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o every_o passage_n for_o thy_o soul_n good_a and_o be_v sure_a to_o practise_v what_o be_v teach_v thou_o otherwise_o thou_o may_v hear_v all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n to_o little_a purpose_n it_o be_v not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o doer_n that_o be_v justify_v he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o thou_o practise_v it_o thyself_o but_o thou_o must_v endeavour_v that_o other_o may_v do_v so_o also_o to_o this_o end_n thou_o must_v instruct_v thy_o family_n thy_o child_n and_o thy_o servant_n what_o in_o thou_o lie_v press_v they_o on_o also_o to_o obedience_n this_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n eph._n 6.4_o deut._n 4.9_o and_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o age_n deut._n 18.19_o prov._n 4.4_o and_o 31.1_o and_o because_o all_o thy_o service_n without_o god_n blessing_n be_v worth_a nothing_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o go_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o fasten_v these_o truth_n upon_o thy_o heart_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v and_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o thy_o family_n paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_n but_o it_o be_v god_n must_v give_v the_o increase_n mark_v also_o from_o time_n to_o time_n how_o thou_o do_v grow_v or_o decrease_v these_o direction_n well_o use_v through_o god_n blessing_n will_v make_v thou_o profit_n by_o hear_v chap._n iu_o direction_n in_o read_v the_o word_n the_o next_o duty_n i_o shall_v point_v out_o unto_o you_o be_v the_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n which_o open_a and_o apply_v it_o for_o this_o also_o be_v necessary_a and_o very_o beneficial_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a where_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v have_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a addition_n and_o many_o a_o soul_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o much_o good_a receive_v by_o it_o this_o word_n be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n and_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o man_n convert_v by_o it_o especial_o where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v not_o ordinary_o be_v preach_v that_o it_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n see_v deut._n 17.19_o where_o the_o king_n be_v command_v to_o take_v this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o read_v therein_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o if_o king_n themselves_o be_v not_o exempt_v notwithstanding_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o their_o business_n who_o then_o can_v plead_v exemption_n yea_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o read_v it_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o israel_n deut._n 31.11_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n even_o to_o timothy_n to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v 1_o tim._n 4.13_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n so_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o all_o age_n moses_n take_v the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o read_v it_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o people_n exod._n 24.7_o so_o do_v joshua_n chap._n 8.34,35_o so_o do_v josiah_n 2_o chron._n 34,35_o and_o nehemiah_n chap._n 8.38.18_o and_o 9.3_o thus_o the_o eunuch_n act_v 8.30_o yea_o there_o be_v a_o blessing_n pronounce_v upon_o it_o rev._n 1.3_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o the_o world_n such_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o a_o christian_a the_o very_a light_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o life_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o as_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o sun_n because_o it_o common_o rise_v and_o set_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o heed_v and_o admire_v so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o word_n be_v common_a it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o prize_v mannah_n you_o know_v be_v at_o first_o admire_v at_o the_o last_o loathe_a so_o it_o be_v here_o if_o god_n shall_v send_v a_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n it_o will_v be_v prize_v as_o it_o be_v when_o a_o cart_n load_n of_o hay_n be_v give_v for_o a_o few_o chapter_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o worth_n of_o it_o will_v be_v know_v in_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o health_n be_v best_a prize_v in_o sickness_n peace_n in_o war_n and_o liberty_n in_o bondage_n now_o for_o the_o person_n that_o ought_v to_o read_v they_o be_v all_o that_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n for_o if_o any_o be_v exempt_v they_o will_v be_v king_n for_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o their_o business_n but_o the_o book_n of_o god_n must_v be_v to_o they_o a_o vade_fw-la mecum_fw-la a_o constant_a companion_n parent_n be_v to_o teach_v their_o child_n in_o it_o and_o under_o these_o two_o relation_n all_o superior_n and_o inferior_n be_v contain_v deut._n 6.7_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n practice_n and_o policy_n no_o doubt_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o read_v the_o scripture_n christ_n bid_v search_v the_o scripture_n and_o how_o dare_v papist_n and_o other_o speak_v the_o contrary_a we_o be_v command_v to_o let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v plentiful_o in_o we_o and_o it_o be_v make_v a_o mark_n for_o a_o bless_a man_n to_o meditate_v in_o day_n and_o night_n here_o be_v the_o mine_n out_o of_o which_o we_o must_v dig_v for_o knowledge_n prov._n 2.3,4_o oh_o that_o man_n will_v spend_v that_o time_n in_o read_v meditate_v and_o confer_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o do_v in_o vain_a and_o idle_a visit_n needless_a recreation_n card_v dice_a drink_v drab_v and_o such_o like_a how_o much_o will_v it_o conduce_v to_o their_o soul_n health_n this_o make_v more_o to_o the_o evening_n their_o account_n with_o god_n and_o make_v preparation_n for_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o other_o will_v i_o know_v it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v difficult_a to_o understand_v and_o therefore_o dangerous_a to_o be_v meddle_v with_o lest_o they_o be_v abuse_v this_o be_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n and_o the_o slothful_a on_o the_o other_o who_o will_v not_o plough_n because_o of_o winter_n prov._n 20.4_o but_o this_o shall_v rather_o quicken_v our_o diligence_n than_o serve_v for_o a_o discouragement_n if_o difficult_a duty_n be_v neglect_v we_o shall_v never_o reach_v heaven_n it_o be_v true_a some_o thing_n be_v difficult_a but_o the_o most_o necessary_a be_v plain_a and_o easy_a here_o indeed_o a_o lamb_n may_v wade_v and_o
be_v also_o necessary_a that_o thou_o understand_v what_o thou_o read_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o the_o sense_n thou_o shall_v look_v after_o the_o jew_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o have_v great_a care_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o count_v the_o word_n syllable_n and_o letter_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o sense_n and_o miss_v of_o the_o meaning_n when_o thou_o read_v a_o dark_a passage_n in_o the_o scripture_n rest_v not_o till_o thou_o understand_v it_o to_o this_o end_n divine_n have_v give_v several_a direction_n such_o as_o these_o if_o thou_o be_v able_a compare_v the_o original_a and_o translation_n together_o and_z perhaps_o this_o may_v resolve_v thy_o doubt_n every_o language_n have_v a_o peculiar_a elegancy_n and_o some_o word_n be_v of_o so_o hard_a a_o signification_n that_o they_o can_v full_o be_v express_v in_o a_o translation_n now_o know_v the_o original_a will_n abundant_o help_v and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o art_n and_o science_n be_v also_o of_o great_a use_n let_v the_o enemy_n to_o learning_n say_v what_o they_o will_v to_o the_o contrary_n if_o this_o help_v thou_o not_o look_v into_o the_o context_n observe_v the_o circumstance_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o receive_v no_o interpretation_n which_o cross_v that_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v compare_v this_o place_n with_o other_o the_o like_a and_o admit_v not_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o contradict_v other_o scripture_n especial_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n those_o plain_a doctrinal_a conclusion_n gather_v out_o of_o other_o plain_a scripture_n of_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v make_v and_o if_o it_o agree_v not_o with_o this_o reject_v it_o for_o truth_n itself_o can_v oppose_v itself_o we_o must_v reduce_v dark_a place_n to_o those_o that_o be_v plain_a and_o not_o force_v those_o that_o be_v plain_a to_o the_o dark_a one_o if_o this_o help_v not_o read_v some_o learned_a exposition_n upon_o the_o place_n if_o this_o fail_v seek_v assistance_n from_o god_n for_o as_o the_o sun_n can_v be_v see_v but_o by_o its_o own_o light_n so_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n he_o that_o faithful_o and_o careful_o observe_v these_o direction_n may_v through_o god_n blessing_n come_v to_o know_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a 5._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n thou_o read_v careful_o observe_v the_o general_a scope_n of_o it_o and_o what_o design_n god_n be_v aim_v at_o and_o what_o end_v he_o aim_v at_o in_o it_o and_o prosecute_v the_o same_o design_n and_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o mark_n that_o he_o do_v for_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v for_o our_o instruction_n now_o if_o we_o heedful_o mark_v the_o general_a scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o end_n which_o god_n drive_v on_o in_o the_o main_a be_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o the_o world_n in_o his_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n may_v own_v he_o as_o their_o lord_n owner_n and_o benefactor_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n that_o he_o may_v get_v himself_o glory_n in_o their_o salvation_n now_o in_o thy_o read_n prosecute_v the_o same_o design_n that_o god_n do_v and_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o end_n which_o he_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o likely_a way_n to_o profit_n the_o scripture_n in_o general_n set_v before_o thou_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o thyself_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v what_o thou_o be_v by_o nature_n what_o by_o the_o fall_n and_o what_o by_o thy_o restauration_n and_o also_o what_o god_n require_v at_o thy_o hand_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o end_n the_o scripture_n handle_v those_o point_n which_o conduce_v hereunto_o as_o first_o in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n thou_o may_v see_v god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n for_o none_o else_o can_v make_v the_o world_n of_o nothing_o yea_o every_o creature_n will_v point_v out_o god_n to_o a_o understand_a man_n for_o it_o pass_v the_o power_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n to_o make_v the_o least_o fly_n especial_o without_o pre-existent_a matter_n nay_o the_o creature_n do_v not_o only_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o also_o sâ—…_n forth_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n as_o his_o eternity_n wisdom_n power_n majesty_n goodness_n and_o perfection_n these_o clear_o shine_v forth_o in_o these_o his_o work_n the_o least_o creature_n if_o you_o follow_v he_o home_o to_o his_o original_a by_o divine_a meditation_n will_v point_v out_o a_o omnipotent_a arm_n for_o his_o creator_n and_o when_o thou_o read_v of_o his_o work_n of_o providence_n these_o also_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o teach_v the_o same_o lesson_n the_o wonderful_a work_n and_o miracle_n he_o have_v wrought_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o people_n the_o rule_n and_o government_n which_o he_o have_v set_v in_o the_o world_n the_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o frequent_a deliverance_n he_o have_v give_v to_o his_o people_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n bespeak_v to_o we_o his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n when_o thou_o read_v of_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n this_o bespeak_v christ_n the_o lord_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v witness_v from_o heaven_n by_o angel_n by_o saint_n by_o enemy_n by_o devil_n all_o which_o give_v testimony_n to_o his_o divinity_n and_o that_o he_o be_v true_o man_n be_v also_o evident_a by_o his_o incarnation_n birth_n growth_n action_n passion_n death_n and_o burial_n and_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o evident_a by_o scripture_n light_n here_o thou_o may_v find_v that_o all_o the_o prophecy_n that_o go_v before_o of_o he_o be_v clear_o fulfil_v in_o he_o and_o no_o other_o and_o such_o miracle_n wrought_v and_o such_o mighty_a work_v do_v and_o such_o gracious_a word_n speak_v that_o make_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v indeed_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n again_o when_o thou_o read_v the_o command_n threaten_n punishment_n etc._n etc._n know_v these_o be_v to_o deter_v thou_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o drive_v thou_o home_o to_o god_n thy_o benefactor_n and_o when_o thou_o read_v the_o promise_n invitation_n and_o encouragement_n these_o be_v to_o draw_v the_o near_a to_o he_o therefore_o careful_o observe_v what_o ever_o thou_o read_v and_o some_o way_n or_o other_o it_o will_v conduce_v to_o bring_v thou_o near_o to_o god_n this_o be_v god_n end_n in_o write_v the_o word_n and_o shall_v be_v thy_o end_n in_o read_v it_o 6._o direct_v will_v thou_o profit_v by_o read_v then_o meditate_v upon_o what_o thou_o read_v this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v what_o thou_o read_v thy_o own_o it_o be_v this_o way_n that_o david_n get_v more_o understanding_n than_o the_o ancient_n and_o become_v wise_a than_o his_o teacher_n psal_n 119.98,99,100_o and_o 66.11_o now_o meditation_n be_v a_o studious_a art_n of_o the_o mind_n wherein_o a_o man_n search_v out_o some_o hide_a truth_n by_o the_o discourse_n of_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o profitable_a heart-enriching_a duty_n thou_o can_v perform_v this_o will_v fetch_v in_o provision_n like_o a_o bee_n from_o every_o herb_n and_o flower_n yea_o from_o every_o weed_n thorn_n and_o bramble_n will_v yield_v some_o honey_n this_o will_v store_v thy_o heart_n with_o treasure_n new_a and_o old_a there_o be_v no_o creature_n so_o barren_a but_o will_v yield_v some_o fruit_n nor_o dead_a tree_n or_o hard_a stone_n that_o be_v so_o barren_a but_o it_o will_v yield_v some_o increase_n no_o creature_n but_o will_v yield_v a_o help_a hand_n no_o fowl_n but_o will_v lend_v a_o feather_n to_o mount_v the_o soul_n aloft_o a_o christian_a skill_v in_o the_o divine_a art_n of_o holy_a meditation_n can_v never_o want_v a_o object_n fit_a to_o work_v upon_o and_o if_o the_o creature_n thus_o furnish_v we_o doubtless_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v fruitless_a the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o itself_o be_v mysterious_a and_o dark_a at_o least_o some_o part_n of_o it_o the_o well_o be_v deep_a and_o meditation_n be_v the_o bucket_n hereby_o divine_a mystery_n be_v draw_v out_o and_o the_o water_n of_o life_n pump_v in_o cursory_a read_v many_o thing_n pass_v by_o without_o regard_n which_o by_o meditation_n be_v fetch_v back_o and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o help_n to_o the_o understanding_n but_o the_o memory_n also_o it_o leave_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o it_o what_o in_o cursory_a read_n be_v soon_o forget_v be_v press_v hard_o upon_o and_o imprint_v to_o the_o memory_n by_o meditation_n hereby_o the_o heart_n
meditation_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n and_o at_o all_o time_n but_o of_o set_v and_o solemn_a meditation_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n at_o some_o time_n only_o and_o when_o thou_o come_v unto_o it_o thou_o shall_v come_v prepare_o no_o duty_n can_v be_v well_o perform_v without_o much_o less_o this_o so_o serious_a and_o solemn_a a_o duty_n this_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o whole_a bent_n of_o the_o mind_n they_o must_v be_v whole_o set_v upon_o some_o special_a object_n which_o for_o the_o time_n we_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o meditation_n this_o duty_n be_v as_o the_o chew_v of_o the_o cud_n in_o the_o clean_a beast_n or_o as_o in_o digestion_n to_o the_o body_n for_o as_o digestion_n turn_v food_n into_o soil_n and_o blood_n and_o spirit_n and_o flesh_n so_o meditation_n turn_v thou_o truth_n receive_v into_o affection_n resolution_n act_n yea_o into_o a-ho_o life_n and_o conversation_n now_o the_o preparation_n require_v be_v either_o internal_a or_o external_n the_o internal_a be_v chief_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o understanding_n the_o heart_n be_v the_o chief_a instrument_n in_o the_o work_n if_o the_o instrument_n be_v in_o tune_n the_o music_n will_v be_v good_a if_o that_o be_v out_o it_o will_v be_v little_a worth_n the_o success_n of_o the_o work_n depend_v much_o upon_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o heart_n if_o that_o be_v right_a god_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o dwell_v there_o and_o give_v in_o his_o assistance_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o without_o his_o assistance_n the_o duty_n will_v do_v we_o little_a good_a there_o must_v be_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o knowledge_n in_o the_o brain_n or_o the_o work_n will_v not_o prosper_v in_o our_o hand_n get_v thy_o affection_n as_o much_o off_o from_o the_o world_n and_o as_o resolve_o set_v upon_o christ_n as_o thou_o can_v for_o christ_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o partner_n and_o as_o a_o gracious_a heart_n so_o a_o understanding_n head_n will_v much_o forward_a the_o work_n it_o be_v a_o sweet_a conjunction_n where_o these_o meet_a but_o if_o sever_a the_o former_a be_v most_o requisite_a come_v with_o a_o empty_a heart_n and_o it_o will_v be_v fill_v with_o a_o enlarge_a heart_n and_o it_o will_v be_v satisfy_v this_o duty_n be_v enough_o to_o exercise_v the_o whole_a man_n be_v the_o faculty_n a_o thousand_o time_n more_o capacious_a than_o they_o be_v angel_n themselves_o can_v dive_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o many_o mystery_n lay_v by_o therefore_o all_o other_o thought_n occasion_n business_n and_o concernment_n whatsoever_o and_o gather_v in_o thy_o whole_a strength_n and_o set_v upon_o the_o duty_n bring_v not_o a_o full_a vessel_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o more_o if_o a_o vessel_n be_v full_a of_o water_n there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o wine_n if_o thy_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o muck_n thou_o can_v hold_v no_o money_n if_o thy_o heart_n be_v stuff_v with_o trifle_n it_o can_v hold_v no_o better_a treasure_n when_o thou_o mounte_v this_o hill_n of_o contemplation_n be_v sure_a with_o abraham_n leave_v all_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o hill_n say_v stand_v by_o pleasure_n stand_v by_o friend_n stand_v by_o world_n and_o worldly_a thing_n i_o be_o go_v to_o sacrifice_n and_o will_v come_v again_o when_o we_o come_v into_o our_o prince_n presence_n we_o leave_v our_o muck_n behind_o we_o and_o bring_v no_o unsuitable_a company_n with_o we_o much_o more_o when_o we_o come_v into_o god_n presence_n cast_v off_o all_o sin_n out_o with_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a thought_n yea_o all_o other_o thought_n though_o at_o other_o time_n good_a which_o will_v any_o way_n disturb_v thou_o and_o dispose_v thy_o business_n so_o that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v hinder_v and_o for_o external_a preparation_n it_o consist_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o needful_a circumstance_n as_o time_n place_n etc._n etc._n for_o occasional_a meditation_n all_o time_n and_o all_o place_n be_v fit_a when_o a_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v but_o not_o so_o here_o the_o sabbath_n day_n be_v a_o fit_a time_n when_o other_o duty_n be_v not_o on_o foot_n but_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o upon_o other_o day_n experience_n will_v best_o instruct_v thou_o when_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o lively_a and_o active_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o work_n in_o the_o morning_n or_o in_o the_o evening_n the_o like_a i_o say_v for_o place_n where_o thou_o find_v it_o most_o convenient_a at_o home_n or_o abroad_o in_o the_o house_n or_o in_o the_o field_n the_o place_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a and_o free_a from_o distraction_n be_v the_o fit_a isaac_n walk_v into_o the_o field_n christ_n in_o the_o garden_n peter_n on_o the_o top_n of_o the_o house_n but_o i_o conceive_v ordinary_o for_o this_o set_a meditation_n that_o place_n which_o christ_n appoint_v for_o private_a prayer_n be_v suitable_a for_o this_o secret_a duty_n viz._n the_o closet_n with_o the_o door_n shut_v mat_n 6.46_o in_o a_o word_n when_o thou_o feel_v a_o sweet_a gale_n of_o the_o spirit_n assist_v thou_o lose_v not_o the_o opportunity_n strike_v while_o the_o iron_n be_v hot_a perhaps_o thou_o may_v do_v more_o than_o in_o a_o hour_n than_o at_o another_o time_n in_o a_o day_n 3._o direct_v have_v thus_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n for_o the_o work_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o a_o fit_a time_n and_o place_n set_v upon_o it_o set_v thyself_o serious_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n apprehend_v he_o take_v notice_n of_o thou_o how_o thou_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o this_o will_v keep_v thy_o heart_n from_o wander_a and_o thy_o thought_n from_o rove_a yea_o before_o thou_o begin_v put_v up_o some_o pithy_a fervent_a petition_n for_o god_n assistance_n and_o direction_n and_o that_o he_o will_v give_v thou_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o end_n and_o that_o he_o will_v take_v possession_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o keep_v thy_o thought_n from_o wander_v from_o the_o duty_n for_o without_o god_n assistance_n thou_o will_v but_o strive_v in_o thy_o own_o strength_n and_o lose_v all_o thy_o labour_n when_o thou_o have_v make_v this_o entrance_n by_o prayer_n make_v choice_n of_o some_o profitable_a subject_n to_o meditate_v upon_o all_o meditation_n though_o set_v and_o solemn_a and_o serious_a be_v not_o that_o i_o treat_v of_o how_o serious_o do_v the_o covetous_a man_n study_v how_o to_o grow_v rich_a yea_o perhaps_o how_o to_o deceive_v his_o brother_n how_o serious_a be_v the_o voluptuous_a man_n study_v how_o to_o get_v pleasure_n or_o satisfy_v his_o lust_n the_o ambitious_a man_n how_o to_o get_v honour_n &_o the_o envious_a man_n how_o to_o do_v his_o neighbour_n a_o mischief_n yea_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v he_o can_v sleep_v till_o it_o be_v do_v but_o this_o be_v devilish_a and_o not_o divine_a meditation_n but_o single_a out_o some_o choice_n profitable_a subject_n and_o let_v thy_o thought_n run_v upon_o that_o that_o which_o may_v wind_v up_o thy_o affection_n near_o unto_o god_n and_o which_o be_v well_o worth_a the_o time_n thou_o imploye_v about_o it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o nature_n garden_n will_v furnish_v thou_o with_o flower_n enough_o to_o gather_v honey_n on_o the_o scripture_n will_v abundant_o furnish_v thou_o to_o this_o end_n no_o verse_n but_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o meditation_n this_o be_v the_o cannon_n whereby_o thou_o may_v try_v good_a from_o bad_a and_o truth_n from_o error_n by_o this_o thou_o may_v know_v what_o be_v duty_n what_o be_v sin_n what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v false_a or_o thou_o may_v take_v any_o common_a place_n in_o divinity_n for_o the_o subject_a of_o thy_o meditation_n here_o thou_o may_v find_v a_o large_a field_n to_o walk_v in_o and_o many_o necessary_a yea_o fundamental_a truth_n may_v fall_v under_o consideration_n but_o take_v heed_n of_o meddle_v with_o secret_a thing_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n there_o be_v enough_o reveal_v for_o thy_o salvation_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o thy_o satisfaction_n be_v it_o needful_a i_o may_v lead_v thou_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o show_v thou_o matter_n sufficient_a to_o work_v upon_o as_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o bottomless_a gulf_n that_o the_o angel_n themselves_o can_v never_o sound_v or_o fathom_n yet_o here_o we_o may_v sail_v by_o the_o scripture_n chard_n in_o safety_n consider_v also_o the_o work_n of_o god_n the_o decree_n creation_n and_o providence_n consider_v thy_o own_o estate_n in_o the_o creation_n after_o the_o fall_n and_o in_o thy_o restauration_n consider_v christ_n the_o mediator_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o office_n his_o incarnation_n birth_n life_n doctrine_n miracle_n death_n and_o passion_n his_o resurrection_n ascention_n and_o intercession_n and_o his_o come_n at_o the_o
or_o thy_o affection_n cool_v overhasty_o keep_v up_o that_o spiritual_a life_n and_o vigour_n as_o long_o as_o thou_o can_v live_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o that_o meat_n if_o possible_a as_o long_o as_o elijah_n do_v forty_o day_n yea_o labour_v to_o be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o all_o thy_o life_n it_o be_v not_o safe_a in_o a_o great_a heat_n to_o cool_v too_o hasty_o he_o that_o climb_v high_a shall_v descend_v by_o leisure_n have_v thou_o meet_v with_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n stir_v not_o thy_o foot_n before_o thou_o have_v give_v he_o thanks_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o press_a want_n and_o our_o desire_n be_v let_v out_o for_o a_o supply_n in_o our_o need_n god_n hear_v of_o we_o then_o we_o cry_v arise_z and_o save_v we_o but_o a_o gracious_a heart_n shall_v be_v as_o sensible_a of_o mercy_n as_o of_o misery_n and_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o render_v praise_n for_o the_o one_o as_o to_o put_v up_o prayer_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o other_o but_o most_o man_n be_v like_o the_o leper_n of_o ten_o that_o be_v heal_v but_o one_o give_v thanks_o and_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n also_o to_o treasure_n up_o that_o knowledge_n which_o thou_o have_v gain_v by_o this_o duty_n store_n up_o in_o thy_o book_n or_o memory_n the_o conclusion_n thou_o have_v gather_v haste_v by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n find_v that_o sin_n be_v bitter_a lay_v up_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n for_o hereafter_o have_v thou_o find_v that_o grace_n be_v lovely_a and_o holiness_n amiable_a remember_v this_o also_o lay_v up_o these_o resolve_n that_o they_o may_v stand_v thou_o in_o steed_n in_o a_o day_n of_o temptation_n that_o if_o ever_o satan_n the_o world_n or_o thy_o own_o deceitful_a heart_n shall_v hereafter_o persuade_v thou_o to_o love_v sin_n or_o disow_v holiness_n thou_o may_v reply_v nay_o but_o at_o such_o a_o time_n in_o such_o a_o place_n i_o find_v by_o such_o scripture_n and_o such_o argument_n that_o sin_n be_v filthy_a and_o holiness_n lovely_a in_o what_o false_a glass_n soever_o you_o now_o represent_v they_o to_o we_o nay_o not_o only_o so_o but_o devote_v thyself_o whole_o unto_o god_n and_o resolve_v that_o thou_o will_v live_v according_a to_o those_o conclusion_n thou_o have_v raise_v and_o those_o truth_n thou_o have_v find_v out_o and_o that_o thou_o submit_v thyself_o to_o his_o will_n so_o far_o as_o he_o shall_v reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o without_o this_o what_o benefit_n can_v expect_v from_o the_o duty_n when_o thou_o have_v find_v out_o the_o duty_n and_o by_o undeniable_a argument_n can_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v thy_o duty_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o do_v it_o thou_o will_v be_v beat_v with_o the_o more_o stripe_n if_o by_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n thou_o find_v out_o that_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v forsake_v and_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n to_o be_v perform_v and_o yet_o thou_o forsake_v holiness_n and_o choose_v sin_n what_o excuse_n can_v thou_o plead_v thou_o will_v but_o sin_n with_o a_o candle_n in_o thy_o hand_n but_o if_o upon_o these_o consideration_n thou_o set_v thyself_o to_o hate_v sin_n as_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o path_n which_o be_v call_v holy_a in_o sincerity_n then_o shall_v thou_o reap_v fruit_n by_o thy_o meditation_n if_o thou_o find_v upon_o consideration_n that_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a good_a and_o love_v he_o as_o the_o chief_a good_a happy_a will_v thou_o be_v if_o thou_o find_v the_o devil_n to_o be_v the_o worst_a master_n and_o break_v out_o of_o his_o prison_n and_o resolve_v thou_o will_v never_o give_v he_o one_o more_o act_n of_o willing_a obedience_n it_o be_v well_o or_o if_o thou_o find_v in_o the_o reach_n of_o thy_o heart_n that_o thy_o grace_n be_v not_o true_a and_o thereupon_o thou_o resolve_v never_o to_o give_v thy_o heart_n any_o rest_n till_o thy_o relation_n be_v change_v and_o god_n be_v thy_o father_n and_o christ_n thy_o husband_n it_o be_v well_o or_o if_o in_o the_o search_n thou_o find_v evidence_n of_o true_a grace_n record_v they_o they_o will_v be_v of_o use_n in_o a_o day_n of_o desertion_n and_o help_v against_o the_o devil_n fiery_a dart_n the_o result_n of_o david_n meditation_n be_v to_o return_v home_o to_o god_n psal_n 119.59_o so_o it_o shall_v of_o we_o if_o it_o make_v we_o not_o more_o in_o love_n with_o god_n and_o holiness_n and_o more_o to_o hate_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n it_o do_v we_o no_o good_a if_o it_o strengthen_v not_o our_o grace_n or_o weaken_v not_o our_o corruption_n we_o lose_v our_o labour_n in_o a_o word_n conclude_v the_o whole_a duty_n either_o with_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n or_o if_o it_o may_v be_v convenient_a with_o some_o verse_n of_o a_o psalm_n that_o be_v suitable_a chap._n vi_o direction_n in_o prayer_n the_o next_o duty_n i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o be_v prayer_n which_o be_v not_o only_a work_n but_o wage_n not_o only_o a_o duty_n but_o a_o privilege_n now_o prayer_n be_v a_o offer_v up_o our_o desire_n unto_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n mercy_n receive_v psal_n 92.8_o john_n 18.23_o rom._n 8.26_o psal_n 36.5,6_o dan._n 9.4_o phil._n 4.6_o for_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o you_o may_v take_v notice_n there_o be_v confession_n when_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o sin_n to_o god_n there_o be_v petition_n when_o we_o beg_v of_o god_n those_o thing_n necessary_a for_o soul_n or_o body_n for_o this_o life_n or_o that_o to_o come_v there_o be_v deprecation_n when_o we_o beseech_v god_n to_o turn_v away_o the_o evil_n feel_v or_o fear_v from_o ourselves_o or_o other_o there_o be_v intercession_n when_o we_o pray_v for_o other_o also_o and_o there_o be_v thanksgiving_n when_o we_o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o mercy_n receive_v now_o prayer_n be_v either_o public_a in_o the_o congregation_n or_o private_a in_o the_o family_n or_o secret_a in_o the_o closet_n each_o of_o these_o shall_v have_v their_o time_n each_o have_v a_o promise_n and_o we_o may_v find_v precept_n for_o and_o example_n of_o they_o that_o prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o most_o and_o deny_v by_o few_o till_o of_o late_a year_n wherein_o some_o have_v argue_v themselves_o above_o ordinance_n but_o the_o scripture_n own_v no_o such_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o command_n of_o god_n for_o it_o which_o be_v authority_n sufficient_a and_o the_o only_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a command_n that_o make_v it_o duty_n read_v these_o follow_a scripture_n 1_o thes_n 5.17_o pray_v without_o cease_v col._n 4.2_o continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o watch_v in_o the_o same_o with_o thanksgiving_n rom._n 12.12_o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n psal_n 59.15_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n etc._n etc._n i_o may_v instance_n in_o many_o promise_v make_v to_o it_o and_o many_o threaten_n to_o those_o that_o neglect_v it_o and_o show_v you_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a of_o saint_n yea_o of_o christ_n himself_o that_o spend_v whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n all_o which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o set_v upon_o it_o with_o all_o alacrity_n many_o be_v the_o encouragement_n unto_o this_o duty_n some_o from_o god_n some_o from_o prayer_n itself_o and_o some_o from_o our_o own_o necessity_n from_o god_n his_o promise_n to_o hear_v and_o help_v may_v encourage_v we_o psal_n 50.15_o and_o many_o other_o place_n his_o attribute_n this_o assure_v we_o he_o be_v able_a to_o help_v and_o faithful_a in_o his_o promise_n and_o will_v do_v it_o the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o god_n and_o a_o believer_n give_v he_o hope_n he_o be_v their_o father_n christ_n their_o elder_a brother_n their_o head_n and_o husband_n yea_o their_o redeemer_n and_o intercessor_n the_o experience_n they_o have_v record_v of_o all_o age_n the_o return_v of_o prayer_n be_v no_o small_a encouragement_n which_o show_v the_o efficacy_n and_o force_n of_o it_o and_o how_o prevalent_a it_o have_v be_v with_o god_n and_o therefore_o one_o call_v it_o the_o almost_o if_o not_o altogether_o omnipotent_a grace_n of_o prayer_n i_o may_v give_v you_o a_o taste_n of_o it_o thus_o it_o have_v change_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n stop_v the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n josh_n 10.12_o and_o bring_v it_o back_o ten_o degree_n 2_o king_n 20.11_o quench_v the_o rage_n of_o the_o fire_n dan._n 3.27_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n dan._n 6.22_o divide_a the_o red_a sea_n that_o israel_n pass_v through_o exod._n 14.21_o it_o have_v prevail_v over_o great_a army_n and_o potent_a prince_n as_o over_o pharaoh_n which_o it_o
foundation_n for_o thy_o faith_n and_o when_o thou_o be_v come_v before_o he_o set_v thyself_o as_o in_o his_o presence_n and_o let_v thy_o heart_n be_v affect_v with_o awful_a reverence_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o tryer_n of_o the_o reins_o there_o be_v many_o that_o come_v to_o he_o in_o prayer_n and_o little_o consider_v with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v come_v also_o with_o a_o full_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n or_o else_o never_o come_v to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v all_o those_o sin_n thou_o shall_v confess_v for_o if_o thou_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o thy_o heart_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v thy_o prayer_n psal_n 66.18_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o think_v to_o get_v pardon_n for_o those_o sin_n thou_o will_v not_o leave_v or_o a_o dispensation_n to_o sin_n meditate_v before_o hand_n of_o the_o number_n nature_n and_o quality_n of_o thy_o sin_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o god_n law_n the_o justice_n of_o god_n his_o threaten_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n and_o the_o punishment_n he_o have_v bring_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o sin_n the_o little_a good_a that_o sin_n have_v do_v thou_o and_o the_o great_a hurt_n etc._n etc._n these_o consideration_n may_v work_v in_o thou_o a_o loathe_n of_o sin_n when_o thou_o see_v that_o it_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thy_o misery_n then_o will_v thou_o put_v up_o real_a desire_n to_o have_v it_o mortify_v and_o till_o than_o thou_o will_v but_o dally_v with_o god_n study_v well_o beforehand_o what_o be_v thy_o want_n which_o thou_o will_v have_v supply_v by_o god_n let_v it_o be_v thy_o daily_a work_n to_o think_v what_o sin_n and_o corruption_n be_v strong_a in_o thou_o and_o what_o grace_n be_v weak_a or_o want_v and_o what_o thou_o will_v beg_v at_o god_n hand_n and_o have_v not_o thy_o errand_n to_o seek_v when_o thou_o shall_v do_v it_o study_v well_o also_o what_o mercy_n thou_o have_v receive_v and_o forget_v not_o to_o render_v to_o god_n the_o tribute_n of_o praise_n thankfulness_n for_o one_o mercy_n be_v a_o real_a petition_n for_o another_o many_o like_o the_o leper_n will_v come_v in_o a_o petition_n for_o mercy_n they_o want_v but_o few_o in_o thanksgiving_n for_o mercy_n receive_v most_o man_n be_v like_o the_o swine_n under_o the_o tree_n they_o eat_v the_o crab_n or_o acorn_n but_o look_v not_o up_o from_o whence_o they_o come_v and_o where_o as_o it_o be_v a_o command_a duty_n to_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o sympathize_v one_o with_o another_o mourn_v with_o those_o that_o mourn_v and_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o rejoice_v it_o be_v nehemiah_n practice_n and_o he_o shall_v herein_o be_v our_o precedent_n when_o all_o go_v well_o with_o he_o in_o his_o own_o particular_a the_o affliction_n of_o the_o church_n can_v wring_v tear_n from_o his_o eye_n nehem._n 1.4_o and_o if_o any_o jar_n be_v between_o thou_o and_o another_o be_v reconcile_v this_o be_v christ_n counsel_n mat._n 5.23_o mark_v 11.26_o come_v thus_o prepare_v and_o there_o be_v great_a hope_n of_o speed_a 3._o direct_v will_v thou_o put_v up_o a_o prevail_a prayer_n see_v that_o thou_o make_v it_o to_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o to_o saint_n or_o angel_n or_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v that_o homage_n which_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o and_o that_o honour_n that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v to_o another_o many_o be_v the_o command_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n for_o this_o duty_n psal_n 50.15_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o and_o christ_n bid_v we_o go_v to_o our_o father_n in_o secret_n and_o our_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_n will_v reward_v we_o open_o mat._n 6.6_o this_o be_v the_o refuge_n which_o the_o godly_a run_v to_o in_o all_o their_o strait_n hither_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n go_v gen._n 18.27_o &_o 28.3_o &_o 32.11_o hither_o moses_n go_v when_o god_n threaten_v israel_n exod._n 39.11_o yea_o joshua_n hannah_n samuel_n david_n solomon_n elijah_n jehoshaphat_n hezekiah_n peter_n and_o christ_n himself_o and_o thus_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o do_v mat._n 6.9_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n many_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o those_o that_o go_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o many_o be_v the_o experience_n which_o believer_n have_v have_v of_o the_o return_n of_o prayer_n make_v to_o god_n but_o in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n there_o be_v not_o one_o precept_n for_o or_o approve_a example_n of_o any_o one_o that_o seek_v either_o to_o saint_n or_o angel_n nor_o any_o promise_n to_o any_o that_o do_v so_o or_o any_o experience_n that_o any_o have_v have_v any_o return_n to_o their_o prayer_n no_o nor_o encouragement_n to_o provoke_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n approve_v it_o but_o the_o contrary_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n to_o ground_v our_o faith_n upon_o and_o what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n we_o may_v find_v god_n himself_o style_v a_o god_n hear_v prayer_n a_o title_n give_v to_o no_o creature_n in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n god_n be_v omniscient_a and_o know_v all_o thing_n the_o very_a thought_n and_o wish_n the_o sigh_n and_o breathe_n the_o long_n hungring_n and_o pant_n of_o a_o break_a heart_n be_v know_v to_o he_o and_o he_o know_v when_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o unfeigned_a lip_n he_o be_v hoker_n lebh_n scutator_n cordis_n the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n jer._n 17.10_o and_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n that_o no_o man_n on_o earth_n can_v claim_v neither_o have_v we_o any_o assurance_n that_o saint_n or_o angel_n in_o heaven_n can_v do_v it_o again_o he_o be_v every_o where_o present_a at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n which_o the_o angel_n themselves_o be_v not_o be_v finite_a creature_n and_o therefore_o be_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o help_v we_o know_v he_o hear_v our_o prayer_n but_o have_v no_o assurance_n that_o the_o other_o do_v he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o able_a to_o help_v we_o he_o be_v el_n shaddai_o god_n all-sufficient_a gen._n 17.1_o able_a to_o remove_v all_o rub_n out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o the_o creature_n can_v help_v we_o they_o be_v but_o the_o cistern_n he_o be_v the_o fountain_n they_o have_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o put_v into_o they_o yea_o all_o religious_a worship_n be_v due_a to_o he_o alone_o whereof_o prayer_n be_v a_o principal_a part_n and_o can_v be_v give_v to_o another_o without_o offence_n it_o be_v from_o he_o that_o we_o receive_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n james_n 1.17_o and_o therefore_o unto_o he_o we_o shall_v go_v to_o beg_v it_o who_o keep_v the_o dispose_n of_o they_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o will_v be_v seek_v unto_o before_o he_o part_v with_o they_o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o shall_v be_v of_o our_o prayer_n for_o how_o can_v we_o call_v upon_o he_o upon_o who_o we_o have_v not_o believe_v rom._n 10.14_o the_o very_a heathen_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n acknowledge_v this_o privilege_n this_o duty_n be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o they_o put_v up_o their_o petition_n to_o those_o they_o esteem_v god_n as_o the_o mariner_n in_o jonah_n ship_n call_v every_o man_n upon_o his_o god_n and_o advise_v jonah_n to_o do_v so_o also_o jonah_n 1.5_o and_o god_n himself_o threaten_v the_o family_n that_o call_v not_o upon_o his_o name_n jer._n 10.25_o and_o in_o their_o distress_n threaten_v to_o send_v they_o to_o the_o god_n they_o serve_v how_o much_o then_o be_v those_o to_o blame_v that_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n as_o the_o papist_n or_o offer_v up_o religious_a worship_n to_o any_o other_o but_o to_o god_n alone_o but_o till_o they_o can_v prove_v it_o a_o duty_n by_o direct_a precept_n or_o approve_a example_n till_o they_o can_v prove_v they_o be_v omnipresent_v always_o at_o hand_n omniscient_a and_o know_v all_o thing_n omnipotent_a and_o can_v help_v we_o in_o all_o our_o strait_n which_o they_o will_v never_o do_v let_v we_o never_o leave_v the_o fountain_n that_o be_v all_o this_o and_o go_v to_o the_o cistern_n that_o can_v help_v we_o 4._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v speed_v in_o prayer_n then_o go_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n if_o thou_o take_v he_o not_o along_o with_o thou_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v welcome_a if_o thou_o come_v not_o clothe_v in_o thy_o elder_a brother_n garment_n thou_o will_v return_v without_o the_o blessing_n we_o be_v by_o nature_n enemy_n to_o god_n and_o he_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n to_o his_o enemy_n and_o christ_n must_v be_v the_o screen_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o burn_v it_o be_v he_o alone_o that_o can_v
perform_v this_o duty_n now_o to_o right_a end_n and_o doubt_v not_o of_o a_o blessing_n 7._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v have_v a_o blessing_n of_o god_n accompany_v this_o ordinance_n or_o if_o thou_o will_v sing_v psalm_n profitable_o then_o do_v it_o in_o god_n way_n as_o well_o as_o to_o a_o right_a end_n it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n many_o content_a themselves_o with_o the_o husk_n without_o the_o kernel_n and_o think_v a_o little_a lip-labour_n sufficient_a and_o come_v with_o no_o more_o reverence_n nor_o so_o much_o into_o god_n presence_n than_o they_o will_v come_v into_o a_o great_a man_n presence_n to_o sing_v a_o profane_a song_n if_o such_o service_n will_v please_v god_n will_v have_v many_o servant_n but_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n that_o god_n require_v or_o he_o will_v have_v none_o of_o their_o service_n trust_v not_o therefore_o with_o the_o papist_n opere_fw-la operato_fw-la in_o the_o work_n do_v for_o god_n must_v have_v it_o do_v in_o his_o own_o way_n or_o he_o will_v not_o accept_v it_o a_o good_a duty_n may_v be_v spoil_v by_o the_o ill_a do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o a_o good_a tool_n by_o ill_a handle_n the_o duty_n we_o treat_v of_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a as_o many_o think_v it_o be_v many_o careless_o perform_v it_o and_o find_v little_a benefit_n by_o it_o have_v mistrust_v the_o duty_n rather_o than_o themselves_o like_o the_o maid_n in_o pliny_n that_o be_v sudden_o strike_v blind_a in_o the_o night_n blame_v the_o sun_n the_o next_o morning_n for_o not_o rise_v man_n be_v apt_a to_o accuse_v any_o thing_n yea_o god_n himself_o rather_o than_o themselves_o because_o they_o themselves_o feed_v upon_o the_o husk_n they_o think_v there_o be_v none_o that_o taste_v the_o kernel_n and_o so_o lie_v it_o aside_o and_o plead_v against_o it_o but_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n many_o of_o they_o plead_v themselves_o above_o ordinance_n and_o rest_v not_o till_o they_o plead_v perfection_n and_o look_v upon_o ordinance_n as_o beggarly_a rudiment_n but_o to_o leave_v these_o to_o their_o self-delusion_n when_o thou_o approach_v to_o god_n in_o this_o ordinance_n be_v part_n of_o his_o institute_v worship_n be_v sure_a to_o bring_v thy_o heart_n along_o with_o thou_o and_o engage_v it_o in_o the_o duty_n god_n say_v of_o the_o heart_n as_o sometime_o joseph_n do_v of_o his_o brother_n benjamin_n you_o shall_v not_o see_v my_o face_n if_o your_o brother_n benjamin_n be_v not_o with_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o see_v his_o face_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v absent_a heart_n and_o voice_n must_v join_v together_o or_o it_o will_v make_v no_o please_a melody_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n for_o as_o fervent_a prayer_n may_v prevail_v where_o cold_a petition_n be_v deny_v so_o hearty_a praise_n be_v acceptable_a when_o other_o be_v esteem_v but_o as_o a_o mock_n of_o god_n we_o must_v sing_v with_o the_o affection_n and_o with_o the_o understanding_n also_o the_o whole_a bent_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v set_v upon_o the_o work_n the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a and_o the_o heartless_a sacrifice_n be_v abominable_a unto_o god_n my_o son_n say_v he_o give_v i_o thy_o heart_n whatever_o thou_o offere_v without_o the_o heart_n he_o will_v have_v none_o of_o it_o the_o more_o of_o the_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o duty_n the_o better_a he_o love_v it_o thou_o must_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 14.15_o thus_o david_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o sing_v lift_v up_o not_o only_o his_o voice_n but_o his_o soul_n to_o god_n psal_n 25.1_o and_o call_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v within_o he_o to_o bless_v the_o lord_n psal_n 103.1_o and_o we_o have_v exhortation_n to_o this_o duty_n col._n 3.18_o eph._n 5.19_o the_o lowing_n of_o a_o ox_n the_o grunt_v of_o a_o hog_n make_v as_o melodious_a a_o harmony_n in_o god_n ear_n as_o a_o heartless_a prayer_n or_o praise_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n nay_o it_o must_v not_o be_v only_o with_o the_o heart_n but_o with_o the_o heart_n right_o qualify_v a_o ungracious_a heart_n can_v but_o savour_v strong_a in_o the_o nostril_n of_o god_n worse_o than_o a_o stink_a carrion_n do_v in_o we_o we_o must_v sing_v with_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n as_o the_o former_a scripture_n plain_o testify_v sincerity_n be_v necessary_a approach_v not_o near_o he_o without_o the_o wedding-garment_n hypocrisy_n spoil_v all_o thy_o best_a action_n we_o may_v as_o well_o expect_v sweet_a water_n in_o a_o dirty_a channel_n or_o stink_a puddle_n as_o a_o good_a duty_n from_o a_o rot_a heart_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v adorn_v that_o soul_n that_o must_v be_v welcome_a into_o god_n presence_n neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a that_o they_o be_v there_o in_o the_o habit_n but_o they_o must_v be_v draw_v forth_o into_o the_o act_n for_o as_o we_o must_v pray_v and_o sing_v with_o the_o understanding_n and_o affection_n so_o we_o must_v pray_v and_o sing_v with_o faith_n believe_v those_o promise_n make_v by_o god_n and_o those_o petition_n put_v up_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o time_n answer_v bring_v hope_v along_o also_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o delight_n in_o his_o service_n and_o desire_v of_o his_o glory_n and_o other_o suitable_a grace_n and_o thus_o do_v expect_v a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o benefit_n by_o it_o chap._n viii_o direction_n in_o observe_v the_o sabbath_n day_n the_o next_o duty_n i_o shall_v treat_v of_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n day_n for_o this_o also_o be_v a_o command_a duty_n this_o be_v that_o state_v time_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o necessary_a for_o his_o service_n for_o if_o we_o must_v worship_n god_n in_o some_o place_n so_o some_o time_n be_v also_o require_v for_o this_o worship_n and_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v out_o what_o he_o think_v most_o suitable_a exod._n 20.8_o remember_v the_o sabbath_n day_n to_o keep_v it_o holy_a etc._n etc._n yea_o he_o have_v enjoin_v it_o to_o be_v observe_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n exod._n 35.2_o whosoever_o do_v work_v therein_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o we_o read_v of_o the_o man_n that_o gather_v stick_n upon_o that_o day_n be_v by_o god_n special_a command_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n numb_a 15.32_o etc._n etc._n but_o there_o be_v many_o that_o easy_o grant_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n oblige_v the_o jew_n but_o not_o the_o gentile_n and_o be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o present_a to_o christian_n but_o ceremonious_a and_o so_o abolish_v with_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o for_o satisfaction_n know_v something_o in_o the_o command_n be_v ceremonial_a and_o that_o cease_v something_a moral_a and_o that_o remain_v nature_n itself_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o same_o nature_n teach_v that_o this_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o reason_n tell_v we_o some_o time_n must_v be_v allot_v for_o this_o worship_n god_n appoint_v one_o day_n of_o seven_o for_o this_o work_n and_o that_o be_v moral_a but_o what_o seven_o day_n whether_o from_o the_o creation_n or_o no_o be_v leave_v to_o god_n to_o determine_v many_o that_o know_v not_o the_o true_a god_n yet_o allot_v some_o time_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o imagine_a deity_n but_o that_o it_o must_v be_v this_o or_o that_o day_n nature_n teach_v not_o but_o be_v alterable_a at_o god_n dispose_n but_o not_o at_o man_n and_o that_o it_o be_v observe_v in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o deliverance_n from_o egypt_n be_v ceremonial_a deut._n 5.15_o and_o typify_v out_o a_o deliverance_n by_o christ_n a_o rest_n in_o he_o and_o his_o rest_a in_o the_o grave_a as_o also_o the_o rigid_a observation_n of_o it_o enjoin_v to_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o must_v not_o go_v out_o of_o their_o place_n kindle_v a_o fire_n dress_v any_o meat_n bear_v any_o burden_n etc._n etc._n upon_o it_o christian_n liberty_n have_v free_v we_o from_o this_o but_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o one_o day_n in_o seven_o for_o god_n service_n be_v command_v by_o god_n approve_v by_o christ_n and_o practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o succeed_a generation_n 1_o cor._n 16.2_o and_o what_o power_n on_o earth_n then_o can_v make_v it_o void_a it_o be_v a_o law_n give_v to_o adam_n in_o paradise_n before_o there_o be_v any_o ceremony_n use_v or_o enjoin_v or_o any_o saviour_n need_v or_o promise_v i_o say_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v afterward_o press_v more_o strict_o and_o some_o ceremony_n add_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o his_o posterity_n though_o
we_o shall_v not_o sell_v our_o labour_n upon_o that_o day_n but_o do_v it_o for_o common_a charity_n otherwise_o a_o just_a cause_n may_v to_o we_o prove_v sinful_a work_n of_o necessity_n also_o be_v lawful_a so_o they_o be_v true_o so_o and_o not_o feign_v when_o a_o house_n be_v on_o fire_n we_o may_v leave_v the_o ordinance_n to_o seek_v to_o quench_v it_o though_o with_o bodily_a labour_n the_o mariner_n in_o his_o journey_n must_v attend_v his_o work_n but_o his_o heart_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n the_o soldier_n if_o set_v upon_o shall_v defend_v himself_o we_o find_v joshua_n compass_v jericho_n seven_o day_n together_o josh_n 6.15_o and_o one_o of_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o sabbath_n though_o the_o jew_n at_o first_o do_v scruple_n fight_v upon_o that_o day_n and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v murder_v by_o the_o enemy_n yet_o at_o last_o they_o resolve_v to_o fight_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n 2_o mac._n 4.1_o a_o husbandman_n in_o harvest_n time_n i_o suppose_v for_o fear_v of_o a_o inundation_n or_o the_o apparent_a loss_n of_o grain_n or_o hey_o may_v labour_v to_o prevent_v it_o but_o take_v heed_n a_o necessity_n be_v not_o feign_v many_o be_v necessitate_v for_o want_n of_o forecast_n and_o some_o forecast_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o necessity_n neglect_v it_o all_o the_o week_n and_o then_o say_v must_v not_o cattle_n be_v look_v or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v but_o know_v what_o may_v be_v do_v before_o or_o let_v alone_o till_o after_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v it_o be_v not_o thy_o wilful_a neglect_n can_v procure_v a_o dispensation_n to_o break_v god_n law_n but_o most_o man_n strain_v their_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o utmost_a link_n but_o take_v heed_n of_o go_v beyond_o be_v not_o deceive_v god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v 5._o direct_v to_o the_o sanctify_a of_o the_o sabbath_n thou_o must_v not_o only_o observe_v a_o holy_a rest_n unto_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n and_o forbear_v thy_o own_o thought_n word_n and_o work_n as_o former_o i_o have_v show_v but_o there_o be_v also_o many_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v perform_v as_o part_v of_o that_o worship_n to_o be_v give_v to_o god_n upon_o that_o day_n that_o the_o whole_a time_n as_o nigh_o as_o may_v be_v may_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o religious_a exercise_n of_o the_o day_n now_o the_o duty_n require_v be_v either_o public_a or_o private_a the_o public_a be_v in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o saint_n when_o the_o church_n meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n the_o private_a be_v in_o the_o family_n or_o in_o the_o closet_n he_o that_o only_o rest_v from_o his_o labour_n on_o the_o sabbath_n keep_v it_o no_o better_o yea_o much_o worse_a than_o a_o beast_n idleness_n be_v a_o sin_n at_o all_o time_n especial_o then_o this_o be_v the_o market_n day_n to_o lay_v in_o provision_n for_o the_o week_n follow_v the_o harvest_n to_o provide_v in_o for_o winter_n and_o shall_v we_o trifle_v now_o all_o time_n be_v precious_a much_o more_o this_o we_o shall_v leave_v any_o work_n undo_v before_o we_o shall_v leave_v god_n work_n undo_v or_o careless_o do_v it_o the_o public_a duty_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n be_v according_a to_o the_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o more_o be_v require_v of_o public_a person_n than_o of_o private_a the_o minister_n be_v god_n steward_n to_o dispense_v his_o mystery_n to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o god_n aright_o and_o to_o give_v every_o one_o his_o portion_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v look_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o make_v preparation_n beforehand_o for_o his_o work_n he_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o god_n and_o god_n mouth_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v need_n to_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o his_o lip_n that_o he_o offend_v not_o with_o his_o tongue_n parent_n and_o master_n they_o shall_v not_o only_o come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n themselves_o but_o bring_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n there_o to_o be_v teach_v prayer_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v perform_v in_o the_o public_a where_o minister_n and_o people_n shall_v join_v together_o to_o make_v their_o request_n know_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o beg_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o themselves_o or_o other_o for_o this_o life_n or_o that_o to_o come_v it_o shall_v be_v perform_v with_o faith_n and_o fervency_n with_o humility_n and_o reverence_n with_o wisdom_n and_o discretion_n both_o by_o minister_n and_o people_n 〈◊〉_d compliment_n with_o god_n be_v unsavoury_a and_o unseemly_a the_o word_n also_o shall_v be_v read_v and_o preach_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n make_v know_v act_v 20.20.27_o and_o that_o without_o mixture_n of_o humane_a invention_n without_o ostentation_n plain_o faithful_o powerful_o true_o zealous_o and_o the_o people_n they_o shall_v hear_v with_o attention_n diligence_n watchfulness_n understanding_n and_o care_n they_o shall_v examine_v that_o which_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o minister_n whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n like_o those_o noble_a berean_o act_n 17.11_o they_o shall_v treasure_n it_o up_o in_o good_a heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n for_o without_o practice_n knowledge_n be_v little_a worth_n the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n also_o be_v a_o sabbath_n day_n work_v upon_o the_o sabbath_n say_v christ_n they_o circumcise_v a_o man_n this_o be_v give_v the_o minister_n in_o commission_n mat._n 28.19,20_o which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o precept_n and_o scripture_n example_n without_o external_n addition_n and_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o be_v present_a at_o it_o and_o join_v with_o the_o minister_n in_o prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n and_o not_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o it_o through_o carelessness_n or_o contempt_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n also_o shall_v be_v as_o frequent_o administer_v as_o convenience_n will_v permit_v act_v 2.42_o and_o it_o be_v the_o minister_n duty_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a to_o convince_v the_o gainsayers_a reclaim_v the_o scandalous_a if_o they_o can_v and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v to_o keep_v they_o back_o from_o the_o sacrament_n yea_o to_o take_v christ_n way_n and_o if_o they_o be_v obstinate_a cast_v they_o out_o and_o not_o suffer_v the_o ordinance_n to_o be_v pollute_v or_o contemn_v god_n complain_v of_o the_o contrary_a ezek._n 22.26_o her_o priest_n have_v violate_v my_o law_n and_o have_v profane_v my_o holy_a thing_n they_o have_v put_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o holy_a and_o profane_a etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v christ_n command_n not_o to_o give_v holy_a thing_n to_o dog_n mat._n 7.8_o the_o people_n they_o shall_v partake_v of_o it_o and_o come_v with_o prepare_a heart_n to_o this_o holy_a banquet_n and_o be_v careful_a that_o they_o have_v on_o the_o wedding_n garment_n or_o they_o will_v be_v no_o welcome_a guest_n to_o his_o marriage_n supper_n they_o shall_v there_o exercise_v their_o grace_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n etc._n etc._n know_v that_o the_o neglect_n or_o unworthy_a receive_n be_v a_o dangerous_a sin_n act_v 20.6_o 1_o cor._n 11.17_o sing_v of_o psalm_n also_o be_v a_o public_a duty_n and_o shall_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o in_o so_o do_v they_o shall_v lift_v up_o their_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o their_o voice_n and_o sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o with_o the_o understanding_n also_o visit_v the_o sick_a relieve_v the_o poor_a gathering_n and_o collect_v for_o they_o be_v this_o day_n duty_n 1_o cor._n 16.2_o catechise_v especial_o the_o young_a sort_n be_v the_o minister_n duty_n and_o it_o be_v the_o people_n duty_n to_o send_v they_o and_o all_o this_o must_v be_v do_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o 6._o direct_v though_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v mind_v and_o intend_v upon_o the_o lord_n day_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o only_o that_o which_o be_v require_v many_o private_a duty_n also_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v and_o in_o thy_o public_a and_o private_a duty_n be_v all_o the_o whole_a time_n to_o be_v spend_v what_o those_o public_a duty_n be_v i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o and_o shall_v now_o speak_v of_o those_o that_o be_v private_a i_o mean_v such_o as_o private_a person_n especial_o master_n and_o parent_n and_o governor_n of_o family_n ought_v to_o do_v let_v the_o inferior_n also_o here_o read_v their_o duty_n some_o of_o those_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o the_o public_a by_o way_n of_o preparation_n and_o some_o after_o by_o way_n of_o digestion_n concern_v preparation_n i_o have_v speak_v already_o and_o yet_o
42.15_o josh_n 14.9_o 1_o king_n 20.3_o yea_o in_o gospel_n time_n paul_n rom._n 1.9_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n who_o i_o serve_v in_o my_o spirit_n i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n which_o show_v it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o nature_n who_o when_o witness_n be_v want_v take_v a_o oath_n as_o a_o religious_a band_n and_o because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o heart_n appeal_v to_o god_n that_o do_v know_v it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o a_o oath_n that_o be_v intrinsical_o evil_a neither_o the_o matter_n form_n nor_o end_v the_o call_n upon_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o intention_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o other_o that_o can_v otherwise_o be_v satisfy_v what_o evil_a can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o heb._n 6.16_o a_o oath_n be_v for_o confirmation_n the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n 2_o cor._n 1.23_o indeed_o all_o rash_a common_a swear_v be_v forbid_v by_o christ_n and_o also_o by_o st._n james_n 1._o direct_v as_o concern_v oath_n consideration_n must_v be_v have_v of_o the_o party_n themselves_o concern_v and_o they_o be_v either_o the_o party_n require_v a_o oath_n or_o the_o party_n of_o who_o a_o oath_n be_v require_v for_o both_o of_o they_o require_v some_o satisfaction_n he_o that_o require_v it_o shall_v do_v it_o by_o authority_n and_o have_v a_o lawful_a ground_n or_o otherwise_o he_o can_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o exact_v it_o by_o force_n every_o man_n can_v force_v another_o to_o swear_v and_o without_o just_a cause_n no_o one_o ought_v in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o for_o the_o person_n swear_v which_o be_v agens_fw-la principalis_fw-la the_o chief_a actor_n in_o the_o business_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o he_o be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la his_o own_o man_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o swear_v to_o give_v be_v at_o his_o own_o dispose_n and_o hence_o it_o follow_v the_o child_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n ought_v not_o to_o take_v a_o oath_n neither_o indeed_o shall_v their_o oath_n be_v impose_v or_o regard_v neither_o do_v such_o a_o oath_n bound_v the_o conscience_n be_v ignorant_o take_v they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n neither_o can_v they_o come_v with_o deliberation_n as_o they_o ought_v or_o compare_v their_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n or_o right_a reason_n therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v but_o at_o what_o age_n that_o be_v i_o think_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o determine_v for_o doubtless_o some_o attain_v it_o soon_o some_o late_a but_o i_o think_v our_o law_n say_v sixteen_o year_n of_o age_n and_o before_o that_o time_n their_o testimony_n be_v not_o valid_a and_o a_o oath_n may_v bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o some_o if_o otherwise_o lawful_a though_o the_o testimony_n be_v not_o valid_a by_o the_o law_n but_o alas_o how_o common_a oh_o too_o common_a be_v that_o customary_a swear_v of_o child_n even_o before_o they_o can_v speak_v plain_a as_o if_o they_o suck_v it_o in_o with_o their_o mother_n milk_n and_o have_v be_v teach_v it_o with_o their_o mother_n tongue_n as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v either_o by_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o how_o many_o before_o they_o can_v speak_v plain_a lisp_v out_o oath_n against_o god_n himself_o who_o name_n they_o profane_o abuse_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o shame_n of_o their_o parent_n the_o damage_n of_o the_o nation_n where_o they_o live_v for_o because_o of_o oath_n the_o land_n mourn_v and_o to_o the_o apparent_a hazard_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n who_o without_o repentance_n will_v eternal_o curse_v their_o parent_n in_o hell_n for_o their_o sinful_a education_n again_o mad_a and_o frantic_a man_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o take_v a_o oath_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o though_o they_o once_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n yet_o through_o their_o distemper_n it_o be_v lose_v the_o like_a we_o may_v say_v of_o fool_n and_o idiot_n that_o never_o have_v it_o and_o so_o never_o know_v the_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n though_o too_o many_o of_o they_o though_o they_o can_v speak_v reason_n can_v swear_v and_o curse_v and_o take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o their_o proneness_n to_o this_o and_o other_o sin_n and_o their_o backwardness_n to_o what_o be_v good_a discover_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o sinful_a offspring_n of_o lapse_v adam_n and_o be_v a_o strong_a argument_n for_o original_a sin_n and_o their_o want_n of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v some_o extenuation_n of_o their_o sin_n god_n require_v little_a where_o little_o be_v give_v yet_o it_o excuse_v not_o a_o toto_fw-la but_o a_o tanto_fw-la it_o discover_v a_o foul_a fountain_n that_o thus_o bubble_n up_o their_o word_n their_o action_n their_o discourse_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v why_o then_o their_o oath_n again_o man_n when_o far_o go_v in_o drink_n or_o passion_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o this_o considerate_a duty_n neither_o can_v they_o do_v it_o without_o sin_n because_o not_o with_o mature_a deliberation_n though_o some_o case_n their_o promisory_a oath_n may_v bind_v they_o and_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o break_v they_o though_o it_o be_v to_o their_o own_o damage_n psal_n 15.4_o for_o drunkenness_n or_o immoderate_a passion_n be_v no_o excuse_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o a_o aggravation_n for_o one_o sin_n will_v not_o excuse_v another_o again_o if_o a_o man_n be_v in_o his_o right_a mind_n and_o otherwise_o qualify_v yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la his_o own_o man_n at_o his_o own_o dispose_n and_o not_o another_o in_o the_o thing_n he_o swear_v otherwise_o he_o can_v avoid_v sin_n what_o course_n soever_o he_o take_v as_o suppose_v a_o son_n under_o the_o tuition_n of_o a_o father_n or_o a_o servant_n of_o a_o master_n shall_v without_o parent_n or_o master_n consent_n swear_v to_o go_v a_o journey_n as_o suppose_v in_o popery_n on_o a_o pilgrimage_n this_o be_v a_o sin_n because_o he_o be_v not_o at_o his_o own_o dispose_n we_o read_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n if_o a_o woman_n vow_v a_o vow_n or_o a_o maid_n in_o her_o father_n house_n if_o her_o husband_n or_o father_n approve_v not_o of_o it_o it_o be_v void_a consider_v then_o whether_o vow_n of_o single_a life_n or_o marriage_n promise_v without_o parent_n consent_n be_v valid_a i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v sinful_a those_o under_o authority_n shall_v not_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o by_o oath_n without_o parent_n consent_v 2._o direct_v have_v already_o show_v you_o who_o may_v swear_v and_o who_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o tell_v you_o by_o who_o you_o ought_v to_o swear_v and_o here_o also_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o much_o corruption_n in_o practice_n though_o a_o oath_n be_v lawful_a when_o lawful_o require_v as_o by_o a_o lawful_a magistrate_n in_o a_o lawful_a cause_n from_o a_o person_n right_o qualify_v as_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o swear_v by_o who_o he_o please_v for_o a_o oath_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v part_n of_o divine_a worship_n due_a to_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o he_o will_v not_o give_v it_o to_o another_o gen._n 21.53_o jacob_n swear_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o father_n isaac_n that_o be_v by_o the_o god_n who_o his_o father_n fear_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o swear_v by_o god_n i_o have_v show_v you_o already_o both_o by_o scripture_n and_o example_n deut._n 6.13_o &_o 10.20_o and_o many_o more_o but_o where_o we_o have_v any_o injunction_n or_o toleration_n give_v to_o swear_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o god_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o find_v yea_o it_o be_v plain_a idolatry_n to_o ascribe_v unto_o any_o creature_n divine_a worship_n it_o be_v a_o set_n of_o they_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n yea_o a_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o set_v up_o something_o else_o in_o his_o stead_n in_o a_o lawful_a oath_n we_o do_v not_o only_o assert_v the_o truth_n for_o that_o we_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o do_v without_o a_o oath_n but_o we_o ascribe_v omniscience_n omnipotence_n omnipresence_n yea_o the_o justice_n wisdom_n and_o truth_n to_o god_n we_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o tryer_n of_o the_o reins_o and_o that_o he_o be_v both_o the_o witness_n judge_n and_o revenger_n of_o falsehood_n and_o lie_v and_o furthermore_o by_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n god_n be_v call_v upon_o to_o give_v testimony_n with_o
the_o conscience_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v that_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n with_o a_o imprecation_n in_o which_o a_o man_n acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v a_o just_a revenger_n of_o a_o lie_n and_o bind_v himself_o to_o be_v punish_v by_o he_o if_o he_o swear_v false_o or_o speak_v a_o untruth_n witting_o or_o willing_o &_o now_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n conscience_n if_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v attribute_v to_o any_o creature_n without_o gross_a idolatry_n can_v we_o ascribe_v to_o the_o creature_n omniscience_n omnipotence_n search_v the_o heart_n and_o witness_v with_o the_o conscience_n that_o we_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o a_o ability_n to_o punish_v or_o reward_n according_a to_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o protect_v the_o innocent_a and_o detect_v the_o guilty_a what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v they_o god_n in_o give_v to_o they_o the_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n can_v all_o this_o be_v do_v without_o idolatry_n we_o may_v find_v god_n in_o scripture_n complain_v of_o this_o sin_n and_o threaten_v to_o punish_v such_o sinner_n jer._n 5.7_o they_o have_v forsake_v i_o and_o swear_v by_o they_o that_o be_v no_o god_n see_v swear_v by_o the_o creature_n be_v in_o god_n account_n and_o scripture_n language_n a_o forsake_v of_o god_n jer._n 12.16_o they_o have_v teach_v my_o people_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o baal_n god_n threaten_v such_o as_o swear_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o samaria_n that_o they_o shall_v fall_v and_o never_o rise_v again_o amos_n 4.8_o now_o this_o be_v swear_v by_o the_o idol_n of_o samaria_n for_o samaria_n be_v full_a of_o idol_n let_v those_o look_n to_o it_o that_o swear_v by_o the_o popish_a idol_n the_o mass_n or_o by_o our_o lady_n which_o they_o make_v their_o great_a idol_n and_o set_v she_o up_o as_o high_a and_o in_o some_o case_n high_o than_o christ_n himself_o nay_o those_o that_o in_o their_o oath_n join_v any_o thing_n with_o god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o of_o himself_o sufficient_a can_v be_v excuse_v as_o those_o zeph._n 1.4,5_o that_o swear_v by_o god_n and_o malchom_n and_o the_o excuse_v which_o many_o make_v for_o this_o horrid_a crime_n be_v indeed_o the_o aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n they_o say_v what_o they_o swear_v by_o be_v petty_a trivial_a thing_n and_o therefore_o no_o offence_n they_o take_v not_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a but_o be_v not_o the_o offence_n the_o great_a when_o we_o give_v the_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n to_o those_o petty_a thing_n if_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o oath_n why_o do_v thou_o swear_v if_o there_o be_v why_o do_v not_o swear_v by_o god_n when_o thou_o have_v so_o many_o direct_a command_n and_o so_o many_o example_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o the_o best_a of_o men._n neither_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o of_o the_o holy_a father_n a_o excuse_v sufficient_a joseph_n swear_v by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n be_v by_o most_o if_o not_o all_o learned_a expositor_n judge_v his_o fail_n learned_a by_o custom_n in_o pharaoh_n court_n and_o will_v no_o more_o warrant_v the_o practice_n than_o noah_n lot_n and_o david_n example_n will_v drunkenness_n incest_n murder_n or_o adultery_n and_o whereas_o some_o use_v the_o expression_n as_o thy_o soul_n live_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o oath_n but_o a_o asserveration_n wherein_o god_n be_v also_o tacit_o invoke_v to_o witness_v the_o truth_n it_o signify_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v as_o real_o true_a as_o thou_o be_v alive_a yet_o do_v invoke_v he_o to_o witness_v this_o truth_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n to_o swear_v rash_o by_o god_n which_o be_v blasphemy_n or_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v idolatry_n 3._o direct_v have_v show_v you_o who_o may_v swear_v and_o by_o who_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o here_o also_o many_o offend_v a_o oath_n for_o the_o matter_n must_v be_v about_o lawful_a thing_n and_o possible_a or_o else_o it_o can_v be_v a_o lawful_a oath_n if_o we_o swear_v to_o do_v a_o unlawful_a thing_n we_o must_v not_o perform_v it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o double_a transgression_n if_o to_o do_v a_o impossible_a thing_n we_o can_v do_v it_o a_o rash_a oath_n be_v better_a break_v than_o keep_v what_o a_o snare_n then_o do_v man_n run_v into_o and_o how_o do_v they_o put_v themselves_o upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v that_o swear_v in_o their_o rage_n to_o do_v what_o god_n forbid_v they_o to_o do_v swear_v to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o must_v not_o perform_v see_v this_o in_o david_n when_o he_o have_v rash_o swear_v the_o death_n of_o nabal_n and_o all_o his_o household_n many_o of_o they_o no_o doubt_n innocent_a person_n yet_o after_o be_v pacify_v by_o wise_a abigail_n and_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o prevent_v the_o shed_n of_o innocent_a blood_n 1_o sam._n 25.32,33_o the_o like_a oath_n we_o read_v of_o saul_n who_o swear_v the_o death_n of_o innocent_a jonathan_n but_o be_v prevent_v by_o the_o people_n when_o herod_n perform_v his_o rash_a oath_n to_o herodias_n daughter_n and_o cut_v off_o john_n baptist_n head_n but_o a_o lawful_a oath_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n about_o thing_n honest_a just_a good_a possible_a and_o weigty_n and_o in_o thy_o power_n if_o it_o be_v impossible_a than_o thou_o can_v not_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o thou_o shall_v make_v no_o such_o promisory_a oath_n now_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v impossible_a several_a way_n as_o in_o nature_n as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o fly_v or_o a_o fish_n to_o speak_v some_o thing_n though_o possible_a in_o nature_n yet_o impossible_a in_o regard_n of_o time_n or_o other-like_a circumstance_n it_o be_v possible_a to_o go_v to_o london_n and_o to_o rome_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v at_o both_o place_n the_o same_o day_n and_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v possible_a in_o nature_n yet_o impossible_a by_o accident_n as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o swear_v to_o come_v to_o s_o ch_n a_o place_n by_o such_o a_o time_n and_o he_o be_v take_v captive_a by_o the_o enemy_n or_o fall_v dangerous_o sick_a etc._n etc._n in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v well_o to_o put_v in_o such_o a_o caution_n if_o god_n permit_v the_o bond_n of_o such_o a_o oath_n be_v loose_v as_o it_o be_v in_o abraham_n servant_n in_o case_n the_o maid_n will_v not_o come_v with_o he_o again_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v to_o perform_v unlawful_a thing_n any_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n as_o to_o kill_v a_o man_n to_o steal_v or_o to_o commit_v adultery_n etc._n etc._n whatsoever_o be_v against_o piety_n towards_o god_n or_o charity_n towards_o man_n whatsoever_o be_v against_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n thou_o live_v in_o whatsoever_o have_v any_o evil_n in_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o a_o oath_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v vinculun_n iniquitatis_fw-la a_o band_n of_o iniquity_n no_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v tie_v to_o break_v god_n law_n or_o if_o such_o a_o oath_n be_v take_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v hence_o herod_n sin_n both_o in_o swear_v and_o also_o in_o perform_v his_o oath_n but_o some_o will_v say_v if_o he_o have_v not_o perform_v it_o he_o have_v be_v perjure_v i_o answer_v when_o a_o man_n swear_v to_o break_v a_o command_n of_o god_n he_o be_v perjure_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v swear_v because_o he_o take_v a_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o if_o he_o perform_v it_o he_o add_v sin_n to_o sin_n as_o herod_n do_v murder_n to_o perjury_n and_o such_o a_o man_n must_v repent_v of_o his_o rash_a oath_n and_o not_o add_v sin_n to_o sin_n in_o persist_v in_o his_o rashness_n to_o the_o further_o break_v of_o god_n command_n the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v we_o a_o rule_n for_o swear_v jer._n 4.2_o thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n in_o truth_n for_o otherwise_o thou_o will_v forswear_v thyself_o for_o thou_o must_v not_o take_v a_o oath_n against_o thy_o conscience_n nor_o of_o doubtful_a thing_n which_o thou_o know_v not_o to_o be_v true_a now_o there_o be_v a_o double_a truth_n one_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o another_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o of_o the_o tongue_n be_v when_o a_o thing_n be_v real_o so_o as_o it_o be_v attest_v that_o of_o the_o mind_n when_o a_o man_n think_v in_o his_o conscience_n he_o speak_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n in_o judgement_n not_o rash_a or_o ventrous_o but_o with_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n
god_n to_o witness_n at_o their_o card_n die_n table_n or_o invoke_v he_o to_o their_o assistance_n those_o make_v too_o bold_a with_o god_n and_o shall_v have_v no_o thanks_o for_o their_o labour_n in_o this_o sin_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o bait_v a_o temptation_n it_o carry_v neither_o profit_n nor_o pleasure_n along_o with_o it_o and_o the_o actor_n in_o this_o sin_n serve_v the_o devil_n for_o nothing_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o go_v un-rewarded_n 7._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o offend_v god_n by_o thy_o oath_n take_v heed_n of_o false_a swear_v for_o this_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v answer_v for_o every_o idle_a word_n as_o christ_n himself_o affirm_v mat._n 12.36_o and_o for_o every_o vain_a oath_n he_o be_v liable_a to_o damnation_n as_o st._n james_n affirm_v james_n 5.12_o much_o more_o than_o for_o false_a swear_n wherein_o man_n call_v forth_o god_n to_o witness_v to_o their_o lie_n and_o so_o in_o effect_n they_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n but_o their_o damnation_n sleep_v not_o god_n tell_v we_o by_o his_o prophet_n zach._n 5.4_o that_o his_o curse_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v false_o and_o there_o remain_v and_o consume_v both_o the_o timber_n and_o the_o stone_n thereof_o and_o the_o prophet_n david_n make_v it_o a_o mark_n of_o a_o citizen_n of_o heaven_n that_o have_v swear_v to_o his_o neighbour_n will_v faithful_o perform_v though_o it_o prove_v to_o his_o own_o injury_n and_o dis-advantage_n psal_n 15.4_o and_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o humane_a society_n that_o regard_v not_o his_o oath_n for_o what_o bond_n will_v then_o hold_v he_o now_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o oath_n and_o in_o either_o a_o man_n may_v sorswear_v himself_o there_o be_v assertatory_n oath_n when_o a_o man_n say_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v or_o it_o be_v not_o do_v or_o it_o be_v do_v thus_o or_o thus_o or_o these_o and_o these_o word_n be_v thus_o speak_v and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v the_o same_o that_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n the_o whole_a truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n if_o now_o he_o know_v that_o what_o he_o say_v be_v contrary_n to_o the_o truth_n this_o be_v direct_a perjury_n and_o a_o sin_n which_o without_o repentance_n will_v certain_o sink_v he_o into_o hell_n and_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n of_o a_o harden_a heart_n and_o a_o wicked_a mind_n nay_o if_o he_o affirm_v that_o to_o be_v true_a upon_o oath_n which_o be_v doubtful_a to_o he_o and_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n he_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a he_o can_v be_v excuse_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v upon_o oath_n affirm_v such_o a_o man_n in_o ireland_n to_o be_v dead_a and_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o be_v live_v or_o dead_a he_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n if_o it_o prove_v true_a and_o the_o man_n be_v dead_a this_o do_v not_o excuse_v he_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v he_o may_v be_v live_v a_o man_n shall_v certain_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o he_o positive_o assert_n by_o oath_n again_o there_o be_v promissory_a oath_n in_o which_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o another_o to_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n for_o he_o or_o give_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n to_o he_o and_o do_v not_o only_o promise_v but_o swear_v to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n as_o when_o a_o man_n swear_v to_o be_v a_o faithful_a and_o loyal_a subject_n to_o his_o sovereign_n or_o a_o faithful_a soldier_n to_o his_o captain_n or_o a_o loyal_a wife_n to_o her_o husband_n or_o to_o give_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o his_o friend_n and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o to_o punish_v he_o if_o he_o prove_v false_a and_o when_o he_o take_v this_o oath_n intend_v not_o to_o perform_v the_o thing_n promise_v this_o in_o god_n account_n be_v perjury_n though_o man_n can_v perceive_v it_o god_n do_v who_o be_v call_v to_o witness_v the_o integrity_n of_o his_o heart_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n nay_o his_o fact_n be_v not_o excuse_v though_o the_o guilt_n be_v lessen_v if_o afterward_o he_o perform_v it_o for_o when_o he_o take_v it_o it_o be_v with_o a_o intent_n to_o deceive_v or_o if_o he_o take_v not_o his_o oath_n in_o the_o know_a sense_n of_o he_o that_o require_v it_o this_o be_v not_o justifiable_a for_o a_o oath_n be_v for_o the_o secure_n or_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o imposer_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v without_o fraud_n or_o aequivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o he_o that_o administer_v it_o again_o though_o a_o man_n intention_n be_v never_o so_o sincere_a when_o he_o take_v his_o oath_n if_o afterward_o he_o fail_v in_o the_o performance_n if_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v lawful_a and_o possible_a he_o can_v clear_v himself_o from_o perjury_n and_o though_o every_o false_a oath_n be_v dangerous_a and_o deadly_a yet_o there_o be_v aggravation_n that_o make_v some_o worse_a than_o other_o as_o to_o take_v a_o false_a oath_n before_o a_o magistrate_n in_o a_o public_a assembly_n in_o a_o court_n of_o judicatory_a whereby_o a_o unjust_a verdict_n be_v procure_v from_o the_o jury_n a_o unjust_a sentence_n from_o the_o judge_n whereby_o the_o innocent_a person_n lose_v his_o life_n or_o livelihood_n this_o be_v worse_a than_o in_o a_o private_a cause_n to_o a_o private_a person_n in_o a_o business_n of_o small_a concernment_n the_o godly_a in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o perform_v their_o oath_n as_o joshua_n to_o the_o gibonite_n though_o get_v by_o fraud_n and_o great_a cause_n god_n be_v offend_v at_o the_o breach_n of_o covenant_n as_o we_o find_v many_o year_n after_o when_o saul_n in_o his_o zeal_n have_v slay_v some_o of_o they_o god_n bring_v a_o three_o year_n famine_n upon_o the_o land_n and_o be_v never_o satisfy_v till_o seven_o of_o saul_n son_n be_v hang_v josh_n 9.19_o 2_o sam._n 21.1,2_o chap._n xii_o direction_n about_o vow_n the_o next_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v so_o be_v a_o vow_n &_o this_o also_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o direction_n in_o as_o be_v a_o business_n of_o great_a concernment_n and_o that_o many_o have_v and_o the_o papist_n this_o day_n do_v much_o err_v in_o i_o shall_v first_o show_v you_o what_o a_o vow_n be_v and_o then_o show_v you_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o vow_n a_o religious_a vow_n be_v a_o solemn_a promise_n make_v to_o god_n by_o a_o fit_a person_n in_o a_o fit_a manner_n of_o some_o lawful_a thing_n which_o be_v in_o his_o own_o choice_n upon_o some_o special_a occasion_n and_o for_o some_o religious_a end_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o solemn_a promise_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o a_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v either_o express_v in_o word_n as_o the_o vow_n of_o jephthah_n be_v judge_n 11.30_o and_o jephthah_n vow_v a_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v if_o thou_o shall_v without_o fail_v deliver_v the_o child_n of_o ammon_n into_o my_o hand_n what_o come_v first_o out_o of_o the_o door_n of_o my_o house_n to_o meet_v i_o shall_v sure_o be_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n or_o in_o the_o heart_n as_o hannah_n who_o vow_v a_o vow_n that_o if_o god_n will_v give_v she_o a_o man_n child_n that_o she_o will_v dedicate_v he_o to_o the_o lord_n 1_o sam._n 11.13_o she_o speak_v in_o her_o heart_n only_o her_o lip_n move_v but_o her_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v now_o these_o religious_a vow_n be_v to_o be_v make_v to_o god_n alone_o this_o we_o have_v precept_n and_o precedent_n for_o but_o not_o prcept_v or_o precedent_n to_o make_v vow_n to_o depart_a saint_n or_o angel_n psalm_n 76.11_o vow_n and_o pay_v it_o unto_o the_o lord_n isa_n 19.21_o they_o shall_v vow_v a_o vow_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o perform_v it_o jacob_n vow_v a_o vow_n to_o god_n gen._n 28.20_o israel_n vow_v a_o vow_n numb_a 21.2_o but_o where_o read_v we_o of_o any_o vow_n to_o angel_n or_o depart_v saint_n it_o must_v also_o be_v make_v by_o a_o fit_a person_n one_o that_o be_v compos_fw-la mentis_fw-la in_o his_o right_a mind_n child_n fool_n or_o madman_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o do_v it_o nay_o he_o shall_v be_v at_o his_o own_o dispose_n especial_o in_o the_o matter_n which_o he_o vow_v a_o maid_n in_o her_o father_n house_n or_o a_o woman_n that_o have_v a_o husband_n their_o vow_n be_v qualify_v by_o the_o father_n or_o husband_n dislike_n numb_a 30.34_o etc._n etc._n it_o shall_v also_o be_v of_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o power_n otherwise_o they_o can_v perform_v in_o a_o fit_a manner_n that_o be_v with_o meditation_n and_o consideration_n for_o some_o lawful_a thing_n for_o a_o unlawful_a thing_n ought_v
law_n of_o god_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o man_n yea_o make_v god_n law_n of_o no_o effect_n mark_v 7.8_o it_o make_v they_o do_v all_o in_o way_n of_o merit_n which_o the_o scripture_n deny_v luke_n 17.10_o when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v command_v say_v yc_n be_v unprofitable_a servant_n rom._n 6.23_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n rom._n 4.6_o &_o 8.18_o &_o 9.16_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o where_o we_o see_v all_o we_o enjoy_v be_v of_o free_a grace_n &_o an_o no_o room_n leave_v for_o man_n merit_n such_o vow_n as_o these_o therefore_o have_v no_o foot_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o for_o our_o imitation_n 5._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v by_o thy_o vow_n glorify_v god_n or_o benefit_v thy_o own_o soul_n thou_o must_v look_v at_o the_o manner_n as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n for_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v many_o a_o duty_n material_o good_a be_v spoil_v by_o the_o ill_a performance_n as_o we_o see_v in_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n and_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o new_a moon_n and_o solemn_a assembly_n all_o appoint_a and_o command_v duty_n so_o spoil_v in_o the_o do_n that_o god_n will_v not_o own_v they_o yea_o his_o soul_n do_v abominate_a they_o isa_n 1.10_o etc._n etc._n and_o 66.3_o he_o that_o kill_v a_o ox_n be_v as_o if_o he_o slay_v a_o man_n and_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v a_o lamb_n as_o if_o he_o cut_v off_o a_o dog_n neck_n he_o that_o offer_v a_o oblation_n as_o if_o he_o offer_v swine_n blood_n he_o that_o burn_v incense_n as_o if_o he_o bless_v and_o idol_n etc._n etc._n we_o see_v command_v duty_n may_v be_v grievous_a sin_n when_o ill_o perform_v now_o a_o vow_n as_o well_o as_o a_o oath_n for_o a_o vow_n be_v a_o promissory_a oath_n to_o god_n shall_v be_v make_v in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n in_o truth_n and_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v with_o a_o sincere_a heart_n without_o fraud_n deceit_n aequivocation_n or_o hypocrisy_n for_o as_o god_n require_v the_o heart_n in_o all_o service_n so_o likewise_o in_o this_o a_o promise_v make_v to_o he_o with_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v but_o a_o mock_n of_o he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v mock_v it_o be_v like_a annanias_n and_o sapphira_n their_o devote_v the_o price_n of_o their_o land_n to_o god_n and_o afterward_o keep_v back_o part_n of_o the_o price_n to_o themselves_o and_o by_o this_o lose_a themselves_o a_o notable_a example_n we_o have_v of_o a_o serious_a vow_n worthy_a our_o imitation_n we_o may_v read_v 2_o chron._n 15.14,15_o where_o we_o find_v judah_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n it_o be_v say_v they_o swear_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o trumpet_n and_o shout_v and_o with_o the_o cornet_n and_o all_o judah_n rejoice_v at_o the_o oath_n for_o they_o have_v swear_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o seek_v he_o with_o all_o their_o desire_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o acceptable_a this_o be_v to_o god_n we_o may_v find_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o and_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o rest_v round_o about_o but_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v like_o those_o jer._n 3.10_o that_o turn_v to_o god_n but_o it_o be_v feign_o say_v the_o lord_n but_o it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o vow_v than_o to_o vow_n and_o not_o perform_v for_o god_n will_v avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o as_o a_o vow_n shall_v be_v in_o truth_n so_o it_o shall_v be_v voluntary_a not_o by_o constraint_n for_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o freewill_n offer_v and_o god_n expect_v it_o shall_v cheerful_o be_v perform_v deut._n 23.23_o that_o which_o be_v go_v out_o of_o thy_o lip_n thou_o shall_v keep_v and_o perform_v the_o free_a will_n offer_v according_a to_o what_o thou_o have_v vow_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o thou_o have_v promise_v with_o thy_o mouth_n though_o god_n do_v not_o command_v thou_o to_o vow_n as_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o if_o thou_o shall_v forbear_v to_o vow_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o sin_n in_o thou_o yet_o when_o thou_o have_v engage_v thy_o soul_n he_o expect_v the_o performance_n for_o as_o a_o vow_n be_v free_a so_o shall_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o also_o this_o show_v when_o young_a person_n be_v put_v into_o monastery_n nunnery_n or_o religious_a house_n as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o force_v there_o to_o take_v the_o require_v oath_n of_o single_a life_n regular_a obedience_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o against_o their_o will_n it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n devise_v but_o of_o the_o devil_n invention_n and_o likewise_o when_o child_n against_o their_o parent_n will_n be_v entice_v or_o allure_v to_o take_v such_o oath_n and_o vow_n and_o so_o alienate_v themselves_o from_o their_o parent_n obedience_n this_o be_v no_o please_a service_n to_o he_o see_v his_o mind_n mat._n 15.5,6_o parent_n must_v not_o be_v wrong_v upon_o religious_a account_n and_o as_o vow_n shall_v be_v in_o truth_n so_o likewise_o in_o judgement_n blind_a sacrifice_n be_v never_o acceptable_a to_o god_n man_n shall_v well_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v and_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o vow_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n vow_v and_o the_o profitableness_n thereof_o and_o how_o it_o conduce_v to_o their_o main_a design_n before_o they_o engage_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n god_n will_v not_o have_v devote_v to_o he_o as_o the_o price_n of_o a_o dog_n or_o the_o hire_n of_o a_o whore_n deut._n 23.18_o those_o that_o vow_v also_o shall_v know_v their_o ability_n to_o perform_v and_o not_o make_v they_o and_o be_v force_v to_o break_v they_o for_z ultra_fw-la posse_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la god_n delight_v not_o in_o the_o word_n of_o such_o fool_n eccl._n 4.5_o a_o vow_n shall_v tend_v also_o for_o some_o profit_n for_o body_n or_o soul_n as_o jacob_n do_v but_o what_o profit_n be_v there_o in_o voluntary_a poverty_n pilgrimage_n in_o vow_v oil_n candle_n etc._n etc._n to_o saint_n depart_v no_o man_n be_v ever_o yet_o able_a to_o find_v out_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v in_o righteousness_n also_o and_o shall_v be_v at_o their_o own_o dispose_n as_o before_o be_v say_v to_o vow_v that_o service_n to_o one_o which_o be_v due_a to_o another_o be_v a_o point_n of_o injustice_n and_o no_o law_n of_o god_n require_v it_o it_o must_v be_v of_o fit_a thing_n also_o we_o must_v not_o serve_v god_n with_o what_o be_v not_o our_o own_o it_o must_v in_o a_o word_n be_v in_o that_o which_o may_v conduce_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o furtherance_n of_o our_o great_a design_n or_o otherwise_o it_o be_v either_o sinful_a or_o foolish_a 6._o direct_v when_o thou_o make_v a_o vow_n look_v to_o it_o that_o thy_o end_n be_v right_a for_o that_o denominate_v the_o action_n to_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a though_o the_o duty_n be_v never_o so_o glorious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n they_o be_v abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n if_o do_v for_o base_a or_o byend_n now_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o duty_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n convince_v with_o our_o own_o or_o other_o good_a this_o shall_v be_v our_o ultimate_a end_n and_o aim_n a_o gracious_a soul_n in_o every_o duty_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v propter_fw-la te_fw-la propter_fw-la te_fw-la domine_fw-la this_o i_o do_v for_o thou_o and_o for_o thy_o sake_n and_o with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 115.1_o not_o unto_o we_o lord_n not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o thy_o name_n be_v the_o glory_n a_o christian_a in_o all_o his_o duty_n shall_v follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v do_v all_o to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n col._n 3.17_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n though_o vow_n be_v not_o strict_o any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n yet_o be_v they_o help_v and_o furtherance_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v careful_o make_v and_o faithful_o perform_v we_o read_v i_o know_v of_o believer_n that_o have_v make_v vow_n unto_o god_n for_o the_o perform_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n which_o they_o must_v not_o have_v neglect_v though_o they_o have_v not_o vow_v it_o but_o this_o make_v it_o not_o worship_n but_o a_o help_n to_o worship_n and_o if_o they_o be_v of_o thing_n indifferent_a yet_o be_v they_o not_o part_v of_o god_n worship_n but_o that_o which_o conduce_v to_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o worship_n i_o know_v the_o papist_n they_o say_v they_o be_v part_n of_o his_o worship_n though_o they_o be_v make_v of_o
overwhelm_v in_o the_o sea_n exod._n 14.21_o over_o amalek_n exod._n 17.12_o over_o sennacherib_n 2_o king_n 19.32_o it_o have_v withhold_v rain_n from_o the_o earth_n for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o after_o procure_v it_o james_z 5.17,18_o it_o have_v bring_v angel_n from_o heaven_n for_o the_o help_n of_o man_n thus_o to_o daniel_n chap._n 9.21_o for_o hezekiahs_n help_n 2_o king_n 19.35_o where_o a_o angel_n slay_v in_o one_o night_n in_o the_o camp_n of_o sennacherib_n a_o hundred_o forty_o and_o five_o thousand_o and_o to_o elisha_n 2_o king_n 6.17_o where_o the_o mountain_n be_v full_a of_o horse_n and_o chariot_n of_o fire_n about_o elisha_n it_o have_v bring_v fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v the_o enemy_n 2_o kin._n 1.10.12_o it_o have_v procure_v bear_n to_o devour_v those_o child_n that_o mock_v the_o prophet_n 2_o king_n 2.24_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n mat._n 17.21_o and_o to_o work_v strange_a deliverance_n as_o jonah_n out_o of_o the_o whale_n belly_n jonah_n 2.10_o peter_n out_o of_o prison_n act_v 12.5_o etc._n etc._n by_o this_o the_o widow_n oil_n be_v increase_v 2_o king_n 4.3_o and_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v mark_n 11.23_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o recover_v the_o sick_a james_n 5.15_o to_o divert_v judgement_n feel_v or_o fear_v thus_o moses_n oft_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o procure_v pardon_n of_o sin_n luke_n 18.13_o to_o avoid_v the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n mat._n 26.41_o to_o have_v deliverance_n out_o of_o trouble_n psal_n 50.15_o to_o procure_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n luke_n 12.13_o to_o get_v wisdom_n james_n 1.5_o who_o now_o will_v not_o set_v upon_o such_o a_o duty_n now_o to_o perform_v this_o duty_n well_o take_v these_o direction_n 1._o direct_v there_o be_v several_a qualification_n requisite_a to_o every_o one_o that_o will_v right_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n without_o which_o a_o blessing_n can_v be_v expect_v for_o though_o christ_n bid_v ask_v and_o we_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o we_o yet_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o we_o ask_v and_o have_v not_o because_o we_o ask_v amiss_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v upon_o thy_o heart_n or_o otherwise_o thou_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o be_v hear_v the_o blind_a man_n john_n 9.31_o can_v say_v god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o other_o to_o pray_v and_o the_o apostle_n incourage_v simon_n magus_n to_o the_o duty_n if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v but_o till_o the_o heart_n be_v bring_v over_o to_o god_n we_o have_v no_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v hear_v we_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v abomination_n to_o god_n till_o then_o we_o can_v comfortable_o call_v god_n father_n nor_o come_v with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n neither_o will_v christ_n mediate_v or_o intercede_v for_o we_o while_o we_o remain_v his_o enemy_n neither_o will_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n assist_v we_o in_o the_o duty_n rom._n 8.15_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o through_o faith_n that_o we_o have_v boldness_n and_o access_n with_o confidence_n to_o god_n eph._n 3_o 12._o it_o be_v necessary_a also_o that_o we_o hate_v sin_n if_o we_o come_v to_o god_n for_o he_o be_v a_o devour_a fire_n to_o his_o enemy_n and_o will_v not_o be_v reconcile_v to_o those_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o sin_n how_o can_v we_o hearty_o pray_v against_o sin_n and_o for_o holiness_n if_o we_o love_v sin_n and_o hate_v holiness_n as_o all_o unconverted_a sinner_n do_v this_o be_v dissemble_v with_o god_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o with_o he_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n say_v david_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n psal_n 66.18_o yea_o god_n who_o be_v holiness_n itself_o require_v holiness_n in_o all_o those_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v god_n with_o comfort_n heb._n 12.14_o knowledge_n also_o be_v requisite_a for_o god_n can_v abide_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a in_o sacrifice_n without_o this_o the_o mind_n can_v be_v good_a nor_o the_o service_n acceptable_a without_o this_o a_o man_n know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o or_o what_o to_o pray_v against_o what_o to_o seek_v or_o what_o to_o shun_v what_o be_v sin_n or_o what_o be_v duty_n what_o he_o want_v or_o what_o he_o have_v and_o what_o blind_a worship_n be_v he_o like_v to_o offer_v he_o can_v never_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v self-denial_n also_o be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n subject_a his_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o notable_a example_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n himself_o who_o meat_n and_o drink_v it_o be_v to_o do_v his_o father_n will._n so_o when_o he_o have_v pray_v that_o that_o bitter_a cup_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o yet_o add_v not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v and_o thus_o he_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n i'faith_o also_o be_v requireâ—_n for_o if_o those_o shaft_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o head_v by_o faith_n they_o will_v never_o reach_v heaven_n this_o be_v the_o condition_n require_v whatsoever_o you_o ask_v believe_o you_o shall_v receive_v and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o nay_o further_o patience_n be_v also_o require_v we_o must_v wait_v for_o a_o answer_n not_o like_o those_o short-winded_a bethulian_o that_o set_v god_n a_o time_n and_o will_v wait_v no_o long_o but_o refer_v all_o to_o his_o will_n who_o best_o know_v his_o own_o time_n yea_o the_o best_a time_n and_o fit_a season_n he_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v a_o humble_a man_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a he_o that_o have_v not_o low_o self-denying_a thought_n of_o himself_o god_n will_v have_v low_a thought_n of_o his_o service_n he_o fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n but_o the_o rich_a he_o send_v empty_a away_o he_o must_v also_o beg_v for_o the_o power_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.26_o god_n know_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o spirit_n come_v not_o in_o thy_o own_o strength_n thou_o must_v also_o be_v painful_a and_o laborious_a not_o only_o pray_v for_o mercy_n but_o endeavour_n for_o they_o a_o few_o faint_a wish_n will_v not_o serve_v turn_n sin_n must_v be_v fight_v against_o as_o well_o as_o pray_v against_o endeavour_n must_v be_v use_v 2._o direct_v before_o thou_o come_v to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n prepare_v thy_o heart_n to_o meet_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o so_o solemn_a a_o duty_n be_v thou_o but_o to_o meet_v some_o prince_n or_o noble_a man_n thou_o will_v make_v some_o preparation_n much_o more_o shall_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v to_o meet_v the_o great_a god_n one_o that_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o thy_o end_n and_o motive_n in_o the_o duty_n what_o business_n of_o concernment_n be_v there_o but_o needs_o some_o preparation_n much_o more_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o examine_v therefore_o what_o relation_n thou_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n whether_o he_o be_v a_o friend_n or_o a_o enemy_n who_o can_v come_v with_o boldness_n to_o he_o that_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o be_v not_o reconcile_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o a_o mediator_n to_o intercede_v for_o thou_o and_o a_o surety_n to_o undertake_v thy_o debt_n how_o dare_v thou_o approach_v to_o the_o creditor_n to_o who_o thou_o owe_v ten_o thousand_o talent_n and_o can_v not_o pay_v a_o farthing_n how_o dare_v approach_v this_o consume_a fire_n that_o be_v but_o chaff_n and_o stubble_n and_o what_o hope_n have_v of_o speed_v if_o thou_o be_v not_o within_o the_o covenant_n the_o promise_n belong_v not_o to_o thou_o but_o when_o thou_o can_v find_v a_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o christ_n can_v call_v god_n father_n yet_o rush_v not_o rude_o into_o his_o presence_n but_o study_v well_o what_o thing_n he_o have_v promise_v for_o those_o thou_o may_v bold_o ask_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v but_o his_o word_n shall_v not_o pass_v till_o it_o be_v fulfil_v but_o if_o thou_o ask_v amiss_o that_o be_v what_o he_o never_o promise_v no_o wonder_n if_o thou_o receive_v it_o not_o acquaint_v thyself_o well_o with_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n his_o power_n goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n this_o will_v be_v a_o excellent_a