take_v a_o journey_n when_o such_o a_o one_o call_v upon_o we_o as_o he_o ride_v by_o if_o our_o friend_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v come_v who_o we_o expect_v we_o will_v not_o go_v to_o see_v but_o put_v on_o our_o garment_n and_o prepare_v for_o our_o journey_n etc._n etc._n so_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o know_v by_o experience_n as_o that_o thing_n that_o be_v unison_n or_o diapason_n if_o you_o strike_v the_o one_o the_o other_o move_v it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v inquire_v after_o the_o reason_n to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o of_o the_o why_o which_o mercenius_n martinius_n have_v set_v down_o but_o we_o do_v not_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o nay_o whatsoever_o reason_n contradict_v the_o be_v so_o we_o discard_v as_o spurious_a and_o false_a so_o we_o shall_v do_v in_o faith_n whatsoever_o contradict_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v suppress_v or_o reject_v so_o do_v abraham_n the_o second_o high_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o believe_v truth_n when_o carnal_a reason_n be_v and_o experience_n also_o seem_v to_o be_v against_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o be_v hard_a to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n firm_o because_o god_n have_v say_v they_o when_o reason_n be_v for_o or_o against_o they_o little_a question_n it_o be_v but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o give_v our_o assent_n when_o reason_n be_v for_o they_o but_o such_o assent_n that_o flow_v from_o reason_n be_v not_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v not_o always_o a_o divine_a assent_n that_o be_v give_v to_o divine_a truth_n in_o this_o case_n more_o bless_v be_v he_o that_o see_v not_o and_o yet_o believe_v as_o our_o saviour_n say_v as_o the_o martyr_n say_v i_o can_v dispute_v but_o i_o can_v die_v for_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v singular_a when_o faith_n can_v lead_v reason_n captive_a and_o ride_v in_o triumph_n certain_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v singular_a in_o this_o case_n that_o we_o have_v a_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n thus_o also_o do_v abraham_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v two_o main_a objection_n that_o reason_n may_v bring_v against_o abraham_n have_v a_o son_n one_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o own_o body_n the_o other_o be_v the_o deadness_n of_o sarahs_n for_o sarah_n be_v not_o only_o barren_a by_o reason_n of_o some_o distemper_n but_o dead_a by_o reason_n of_o age_n but_o abraham_n do_v not_o only_o not_o yield_v to_o these_o objection_n of_o humane_a reason_n but_o do_v not_o think_v they_o considerable_a when_o they_o speak_v one_o thing_n and_o faith_n another_o for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v that_o abraham_n do_v not_o consider_v rom._n 4.19_o and_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o when_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o its_o brightness_n the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n add_v not_o to_o its_o light_n nay_o though_o a_o room_n have_v many_o candle_n in_o it_o the_o room_n be_v not_o sensible_o the_o light_a when_o the_o sun_n shine_v full_a into_o it_o so_o though_o many_o reason_n do_v give_v light_n to_o a_o reveal_v truth_n yet_o when_o once_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n give_v testimony_n to_o it_o the_o brightness_n and_o clearness_n of_o his_o testimony_n be_v so_o great_a that_o wheresoever_o it_o have_v its_o full_a efficacy_n reason_v neither_o add_v nor_o take_v from_o the_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o those_o truth_n so_o reveal_v and_o so_o believe_v chap._n ix_o in_o high_a act_n of_o hope_n for_o the_o high_a act_n of_o hope_n may_v be_v guest_n at_o by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v of_o faith_n for_o as_o he_o who_o faith_n be_v above_o all_o but_o scripture_n argument_n be_v they_o never_o so_o strong_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n he_o believe_v and_o victorious_a over_o all_o objection_n be_v against_o it_o and_o believe_v no_o more_o because_o of_o those_o argument_n nor_o less_o because_o of_o those_o objection_n so_o his_o hope_n anchor_v upon_o the_o true_a rock_n who_o trust_v god_n no_o more_o when_o he_o have_v abundance_n nor_o less_o when_o he_o have_v no_o mean_n nay_o when_o all_o mean_n be_v against_o that_o which_o he_o hope_v for_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o decide_v whether_o of_o these_o two_o be_v most_o difficult_a viz._n for_o he_o to_o trust_v that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o the_o victory_n that_o have_v a_o army_n of_o ten_o thousand_o to_o fight_v against_o a_o hundred_o for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o army_n but_o of_o a_o hundred_o and_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o a_o army_n of_o ten_o thousand_o there_o be_v but_o little_a question_n but_o he_o that_o have_v a_o vast_a army_n against_o a_o handful_n of_o man_n will_v be_v more_o confident_a of_o get_v the_o victory_n but_o not_o that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o the_o victory_n for_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o have_v a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o not_o to_o trust_v in_o it_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o our_o hope_n by_o the_o measure_n but_o by_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o confidence_n and_o the_o question_n we_o shall_v put_v to_o ourselves_o be_v not_o how_o much_o but_o why_o we_o believe_v we_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o mercy_n nay_o the_o more_o confident_a we_o be_v the_o less_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o hope_n in_o a_o scripture_n sense_n if_o our_o confidence_n be_v build_v on_o a_o carnal_a foundation_n the_o great_a such_o our_o confidence_n be_v when_o we_o have_v abundance_n of_o mean_n as_o our_o hope_n be_v less_o even_o then_o when_o we_o be_v most_o secure_a so_o it_o will_v appear_v when_o mean_n fail_v for_o as_o hypocrisy_n end_v in_o apostasy_n so_o security_n and_o presumption_n in_o despair_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o hope_n must_v believe_v against_o hope_n as_o abraham_n rom._n 4.18_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v against_o carnal_a hope_n hinder_v not_o a_o saint_n from_o true_a hope_n the_o second_o thing_n whereby_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o strength_n of_o our_o hope_n be_v when_o we_o can_v trust_v god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o high_a discovery_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n and_o when_o we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o king_n of_o saint_n not_o only_o in_o this_o respect_n that_o he_o govern_v but_o that_o he_o excel_v they_o also_o as_o much_o in_o the_o act_n of_o holiness_n and_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o treasure_n of_o his_o wisdom_n as_o solomon_n in_o all_o his_o glory_n do_v the_o mean_a of_o his_o subject_n in_o riches_n and_o wisdom_n i_o say_v this_o our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v we_o a_o rare_a example_n of_o a_o high_a act_n of_o hope_n in_o this_o respect_n for_o when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o sharp_a sense_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o of_o god_n forsake_v he_o yet_o even_o than_o he_o commend_v his_o spirit_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n into_o thy_o hand_n i_o will_v commend_v my_o spirit_n for_o so_o be_v the_o original_n and_o it_o be_v as_o if_o christ_n shall_v say_v father_n though_o thou_o seem_v to_o forsake_v i_o and_o that_o thou_o will_v not_o own_v i_o yet_o i_o will_v commend_v my_o spirit_n i_o dare_v i_o do_v i_o will_v commend_v my_o spirit_n into_o thy_o hand_n though_o thou_o seem_v to_o forbid_v i_o as_o much_o as_o sense_n of_o wrath_n can_v do_v and_o though_o by_o thus_o forsake_v of_o i_o thou_o seem_v as_o though_o thou_o will_v not_o receive_v my_o spirit_n though_o i_o commend_v it_o into_o thy_o hand_n yet_o i_o will_v commend_v it_o this_o be_v the_o high_a act_n of_o hope_n that_o ever_o be_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v and_o full_o to_o trust_v god_n when_o as_o to_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n god_n reject_v we_o and_o not_o to_o cast_v away_o our_o confidence_n when_o god_n seem_v to_o cast_v away_o we_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o confidence_n chap._n x._o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o four_o particular_n as_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o high_a act_n of_o that_o be_v 1._o not_o much_o to_o relish_v the_o love_n that_o any_o bear_v we_o except_o it_o be_v for_o god_n sake_n for_o we_o must_v not_o be_v content_a that_o any_o one_o shall_v terminate_v his_o love_n in_o we_o no_o more_o than_o his_o praise_n we_o shall_v in_o this_o case_n say_v as_o the_o angel_n do_v to_o john_n mutatis_fw-la mutandis_fw-la see_v thou_o do_v it_o not_o i_o be_o thy_o fellow_n servant_n love_n god_n the_o love_n which_o be_v bear_v we_o not_o for_o god_n sake_n offend_v god_n why_o shall_v it_o not_o offend_v we_o for_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o love_n god_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o all_o thing_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n the_o truth_n be_v we_o may_v delight_v in_o these_o because_o it_o be_v
vindicate_v god_n from_o those_o aspersion_n that_o his_o providence_n seem_v to_o cast_v upon_o they_o sometime_o they_o serve_v for_o both_o as_o revelation_n 6.10_o the_o holiness_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n serve_v to_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n in_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v deliver_v his_o people_n from_o their_o persecution_n for_o he_o be_v engage_v in_o point_n of_o holiness_n not_o to_o prosper_v the_o wicked_a against_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o point_n of_o truth_n to_o perform_v his_o threaten_n against_o the_o wicked_a therefore_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o because_o thou_o want_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o praise_n god_n for_o his_o love_n yet_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o loveliness_n suppose_v he_o shall_v do_v nothing_o for_o thou_o must_v not_o he_o have_v the_o praise_n that_o be_v due_a to_o his_o name_n suppose_v some_o learned_a wise_a holy_a man_n shall_v see_v a_o toad_n crawl_v in_o his_o bedchamber_n cause_v it_o to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o door_n but_o will_v not_o have_v it_o kill_v shall_v he_o loose_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o his_o wisdom_n and_o the_o love_n and_o praise_v due_a to_o his_o holiness_n because_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o toad_n to_o continue_v still_o in_o his_o chamber_n nay_o rather_o be_v not_o his_o meekness_n to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o he_o shall_v forbid_v the_o destruction_n of_o such_o a_o creature_n or_o have_v any_o regard_n what_o become_v of_o it_o so_o though_o god_n shall_v never_o suffer_v thou_o to_o see_v his_o face_n that_o be_v more_o odious_a in_o respect_n of_o sin_n to_o god_n than_o a_o toad_n can_v be_v to_o we_o shall_v god_n therefore_o want_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o excellency_n because_o he_o take_v no_o more_o care_n of_o such_o a_o inconsiderable_a thing_n as_o thou_o be_v with_o this_o say_n i_o shall_v conclude_v that_o the_o very_a damn_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n though_o god_n be_v pour_v forth_o the_o vial_n of_o his_o wrath_n upon_o they_o yet_o they_o ought_v to_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o they_o do_v ill_o to_o blaspheme_v he_o so_o it_o be_v also_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o repentance_n though_o thou_o can_v not_o find_v thy_o heart_n affect_v with_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n therefore_o thou_o think_v vain_a for_o thou_o to_o confess_v thy_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v not_o vain_a for_o thou_o must_v confess_v thy_o sin_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o they_o and_o though_o thou_o can_v not_o confess_v with_o sense_n of_o sin_n confess_v without_o it_o but_o this_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v lest_o i_o be_v mistake_v when_o i_o wish_v thou_o to_o confess_v sin_n though_o thou_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o sin_n i_o wish_v thou_o to_o use_v such_o confession_n as_o a_o mean_v not_o to_o rest_v there_o and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o do_v as_o wicked_a man_n do_v for_o they_o do_v outward_a action_n and_o duty_n not_o as_o a_o mean_n and_o a_o help_n to_o do_v more_o for_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o do_v more_o but_o whosoever_o use_v this_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o attain_v to_o high_a performance_n do_v certain_o that_o which_o god_n require_v and_o accept_v for_o he_o that_o say_v lord_n here_o be_v my_o two_o mite_n though_o i_o owe_v ten_o thousand_o talent_n and_o though_o this_o be_v far_o from_o be_v all_o that_o i_o owe_v yet_o it_o be_v all_o that_o i_o have_v and_o god_n will_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v not_o chap._n xx._n the_o next_o impediment_n be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n another_o impediment_n be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v god_n have_v do_v abundant_o enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n of_o which_o it_o have_v please_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o write_v two_o whole_a book_n that_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v viz._n the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o argument_n almost_o can_v be_v great_a to_o convince_v of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o necessity_n of_o believe_v these_o truth_n than_o this_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v be_v so_o industrious_a if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v in_o clear_v these_o two_o truth_n sure_o all_o the_o way_n whereby_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o we_o these_o truth_n be_v make_v out_o all_o thing_n subject_a to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o sense_n we_o evident_o discern_v the_o vanity_n of_o they_o for_o the_o eye_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o see_v and_o for_o the_o other_o sense_n it_o be_v evident_a their_o delight_n be_v more_o brutish_a but_o not_o more_o satisfactory_a and_o 2._o reason_n do_v abundant_o convince_v we_o that_o riches_n which_o be_v the_o golden_a image_n that_o satan_n have_v set_v up_o and_o all_o tongue_n language_n and_o nation_n fall_v down_o and_o worship_n i_o say_v as_o for_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o riches_n the_o very_a philosopher_n as_o epictetus_n seneca_n aristotle_n etc._n etc._n have_v see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n 3._o as_o for_o experience_n as_o far_o as_o ever_o our_o own_o go_v we_o can_v but_o set_v our_o seal_n to_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v pleasure_n profit_n or_o honour_n we_o must_v needs_o set_v our_o seal_n to_o it_o that_o all_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n how_o often_o do_v we_o nauseate_a those_o thing_n when_o we_o have_v they_o which_o we_o impetuous_o desire_v until_o we_o have_v they_o and_o 4._o for_o the_o experience_n of_o other_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n it_o have_v not_o be_v hear_v of_o any_o who_o desire_n have_v be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o creature_n and_o 5._o as_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o they_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o but_o be_v not_o this_o wonderful_a that_o notwithstanding_o sense_n reason_n experience_n faith_n show_v we_o so_o clear_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o not_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o of_o those_o that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n live_v as_o man_n convince_v of_o this_o truth_n but_o their_o whole_a love_n joy_n delight_n endeavour_n be_v place_v upon_o and_o run_v out_o after_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o whensoever_o they_o read_v in_o any_o book_n or_o hear_v in_o any_o sermon_n a_o discourse_n concern_v this_o matter_n they_o think_v it_o to_o be_v a_o moral_a discourse_n much_o below_o they_o but_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o whatsoever_o truth_n they_o have_v not_o practise_v be_v rather_o above_o they_o let_v no_o man_n nor_o your_o own_o heart_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n it_o be_v as_o much_o sense_n to_o say_v there_o go_v a_o godly_a drunkard_n there_o go_v a_o godly_a harlot_n as_o to_o say_v there_o go_v a_o godly_a covetous_a man_n and_o be_v not_o deceive_v one_o may_v as_o true_o say_v such_o a_o man_n drink_v every_o day_n while_o his_o tongue_n falter_v his_o foot_n reel_v etc._n etc._n but_o he_o be_v no_o drunkard_n such_o a_o man_n never_o speak_v as_o he_o think_v nor_o do_v as_o he_o speak_v and_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o true_a nathanael_n a_o israelite_n in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o guile_n as_o true_o you_o may_v say_v all_o this_o as_o to_o say_v such_o a_o man_n have_v a_o great_a estate_n and_o yet_o be_v as_o earnest_a to_o get_v more_o as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o to_o buy_v bread_n give_v not_o the_o forty_o part_n of_o his_o income_n to_o the_o poor_a nor_o of_o his_o time_n to_o god_n such_o a_o man_n will_v ride_v many_o score_n of_o mile_n to_o a_o fair_a but_o will_v not_o go_v across_o the_o street_n to_o a_o sermon_n he_o will_v talk_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o understanding_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n but_o either_o be_v silent_a or_o speak_v ignorant_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o covetous_a though_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v near_o of_o kin_n to_o something_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v before_o yet_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v such_o a_o epidemical_a evil_n that_o though_o it_o be_v some_o labour_n yet_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v lose_v i_o think_v fit_a to_o inculcate_v the_o same_o again_o and_o again_o and_o so_o i_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o the_o mean_n and_o help_v of_o a_o godly_a life_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o recover_v of_o health_n food_n nourish_v not_o unless_o the_o peccant_a humour_n be_v remove_v by_o physic_n so_o unless_o these_o impediment_n be_v take_v away_o the_o follow_a mean_n will_v not_o
from_o duty_n or_o ordinance_n either_o by_o take_v up_o all_o thy_o time_n or_o by_o plead_v that_o thou_o be_v unworthy_a to_o come_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n when_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n hinder_v thou_o from_o come_v when_o he_o call_v thou_o all_o sorrow_n as_o to_o these_o effect_n be_v to_o be_v mortify_v 3._o if_o the_o sight_n and_o sorrow_n for_o thy_o sin_n discourage_v thou_o and_o make_v thou_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a thou_o shall_v never_o overcome_v such_o corruption_n such_o sorrow_n be_v not_o from_o god_n the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o forget_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v forget_v our_o sin_n and_o forget_v our_o grace_n that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o our_o former_a sinful_a life_n from_o thence_o to_o draw_v such_o sad_a conclusion_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v pardon_v or_o of_o too_o deep_a a_o dye_n to_o be_v cleanse_v or_o our_o corruption_n too_o strong_a to_o be_v conquer_v neither_o must_v we_o look_v upon_o our_o former_a duty_n and_o grace_n as_o if_o now_o we_o may_v slack_v our_o pace_n chap._n vi_o of_o let_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n lie_v loose_a upon_o we_o the_o first_o great_a impediment_n of_o holiness_n be_v that_o we_o let_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n lie_v loose_a upon_o we_o they_o be_v not_o fasten_v by_o the_o master_n of_o the_o assembly_n as_o nail_n in_o a_o sure_a place_n few_o there_o be_v that_o take_v up_o their_o religion_n upon_o any_o other_o ground_n than_o because_o their_o parent_n and_o the_o nation_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o have_v and_o do_v profess_v it_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o prosecute_v this_o any_o further_a since_o it_o be_v do_v in_o that_o singular_a book_n pink_n trial_n of_o our_o sincere_a love_n to_o christ_n few_o there_o be_v that_o do_v true_o and_o real_o believe_v what_o they_o profess_v they_o be_v rather_o ashamed_a to_o deny_v those_o truth_n which_o all_o among_o who_o they_o live_v profess_v than_o that_o they_o in_o their_o heart_n do_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a which_o appear_v partly_o by_o this_o that_o when_o sect_n and_o heresy_n be_v multiply_v and_o abundance_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o the_o sname_v of_o hold_v such_o error_n be_v take_v off_o than_o they_o do_v own_o those_o error_n which_o before_o they_o believe_v but_o be_v ashamed_a to_o profess_v but_o especial_o by_o this_o that_o they_o deny_v those_o truth_n by_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n which_o they_o profess_v with_o their_o tongue_n it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o may_v be_v conviction_n without_o conversion_n nor_o can_v the_o understanding_n make_v the_o will_v love_v those_o truth_n as_o good_a which_o itself_o believe_v as_o true_a yet_o though_o conviction_n can_v work_v conversion_n yet_o doubtless_o general_o it_o will_v work_v reformation_n the_o way_n to_o gain_v firm_a and_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o strong_a and_o irrefragable_a ground_n the_o chief_a if_o not_o the_o only_a be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v too_o few_o christian_n that_o if_o they_o be_v ask_v how_o they_o can_v prove_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n can_v not_o bring_v one_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v they_o therefore_o i_o do_v advise_v all_o christian_n to_o get_v two_o or_o three_o plain_a and_o evident_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o establish_v themselves_o in_o every_o truth_n they_o hold_v to_o which_o purpose_n i_o can_v but_o commend_v that_o singular_a and_o invaluable_a though_o low_o prize_v book_n the_o assembly_n confession_n of_o faith_n and_o large_a catechism_n for_o in_o the_o margin_n thereof_o be_v set_v down_o the_o choice_a place_n of_o scripture_n for_o proof_n of_o the_o several_a truth_n therein_o specify_v the_o second_o advice_n for_o the_o get_n of_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o begin_v with_o fundamental_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n policy_n to_o set_v we_o upon_o the_o pinnacle_n truth_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o first_o as_o some_o now_o do_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o think_v of_o religion_n they_o enter_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n by_o this_o mean_v they_o be_v dazzle_v and_o grow_v giddy_a and_o fall_v headlong_o into_o perdition_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o art_n trade_n or_o science_n but_o there_o be_v a_o method_n in_o teach_v of_o they_o the_o rudiment_n be_v first_o to_o be_v learn_v and_o afterward_o the_o high_a truth_n or_o practice_n as_o whosoever_o intend_v to_o learn_v upon_o the_o lute_n shall_v begin_v with_o the_o difficult'_v lesson_n at_o first_o will_v be_v discourage_v and_o disenable_v from_o proceed_v any_o far_o so_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n the_o plain_a and_o most_o fundamental_o be_v first_o to_o be_v learn_v and_o then_o those_o which_o be_v less_o fundamental_a the_o three_o advice_n be_v to_o venture_v something_o upon_o the_o truth_n you_o know_v and_o will_v strengthen_v your_o faith_n in_o they_o nay_o may_v i_o say_v unto_o you_o though_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a but_o only_o think_v that_o they_o may_v be_v true_a do_v as_o those_o do_v who_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n if_o the_o experiment_n will_v cost_v they_o but_o little_a and_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o he_o he_o will_v make_v experiment_n of_o it_o so_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n will_v you_o know_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a or_o no_o our_o saviour_n tell_v how_o you_o may_v make_v the_o experiment_n keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n it_o will_v cost_v you_o but_o little_a so_o to_o do_v and_o then_o you_o shall_v know_v etc._n etc._n john_n 7.17_o so_o if_o you_o will_v know_v whether_o that_o say_n be_v true_a mark_v 10.30_o make_v a_o trial_n of_o it_o leave_v something_o for_o christ_n if_o ever_o occasion_n be_v leave_v land_n house_n etc._n etc._n but_o though_o extraordinary_a time_n of_o persecution_n fall_v not_o in_o thy_o day_n so_o that_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o opportunity_n to_o make_v such_o a_o experiment_n yet_o leave_v thy_o lust_n and_o unlawful_a game_n and_o pleasure_n the_o esteem_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n require_v it_o of_o thou_o and_o try_v whether_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o hundred_o fold_v advantage_n to_o thou_o even_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v true_a it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v pay_v thou_o in_o diamond_n which_o thou_o lay_v out_o in_o farthing_n in_o peace_n of_o conscience_n in_o spiritual_a grace_n or_o comfort_n whereas_o that_o which_o thou_o do_v part_v with_o for_o his_o sake_n be_v it_o may_v be_v some_o worldly_a profit_n pleasure_n or_o credit_n or_o that_o which_o be_v much_o worse_o some_o filthy_a lust_n but_o concern_v further_a direction_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o strengthen_v of_o our_o faith_n and_o to_o preserve_v we_o from_o error_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o preface_n of_o my_o annotation_n upon_o the_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o chapter_n of_o matthew_n chap._n vii_o the_o next_o impediment_n be_v want_v of_o consideration_n the_o second_o great_a impediment_n of_o holiness_n be_v want_v of_o consideration_n there_o be_v many_o truth_n not_o only_o such_o glorious_a truth_n as_o the_o gospel_n but_o even_o such_o truth_n that_o even_o the_o very_a heathen_a themselves_o do_v and_o do_v believe_v the_o bare_a knowledge_n whereof_o though_o it_o have_v little_a excellency_n in_o itself_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v true_o consider_v and_o improve_v will_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n and_o advantage_n to_o we_o who_o be_v there_o among_o we_o that_o know_v not_o that_o he_o must_v die_v yet_o how_o few_o do_v consider_v and_o improve_v this_o plain_a truth_n we_o let_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n lie_v by_o we_o and_o store_v they_o up_o as_o divers_a lady_n do_v their_o rarity_n and_o curiosity_n in_o their_o closert_n only_o to_o show_v they_o to_o those_o that_o come_v to_o see_v we_o so_o we_o make_v use_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o discourse_v of_o they_o and_o rather_o as_o matter_n of_o ostentation_n to_o boast_v of_o and_o pride_n ourselves_o in_o than_o as_o thing_n by_o the_o improvement_n whereof_o we_o may_v gain_v everlasting_a life_n or_o as_o great_a person_n do_v of_o their_o garden_n sometime_o to_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o send_v of_o the_o flower_n that_o grow_v there_o than_o as_o the_o bee_n do_v to_o draw_v honey_n from_o they_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a kingdom_n that_o revolt_v from_o their_o prince_n and_o stand_v in_o open_a defiance_n against_o he_o
the_o prince_n out_o of_o his_o great_a clemency_n send_v a_o proclamation_n wherein_o he_o signify_v his_o free_a pardon_n of_o all_o those_o that_o will_v return_v and_o own_o and_o obey_v he_o as_o their_o sovereign_n divers_a do_v magnify_v the_o rareness_n of_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o sublimity_n and_o graciousness_n of_o the_o expression_n of_o this_o writing_n many_o take_v copy_n of_o it_o and_o publish_v it_o and_o expound_v it_o to_o other_o but_o return_v not_o but_o continue_v and_o perish_v in_o their_o rebellion_n it_o be_v not_o have_v bibles_n in_o our_o house_n or_o the_o bare_a believe_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o they_o no_o nor_o the_o publish_n or_o explain_v of_o they_o in_o our_o pulpit_n without_o the_o practise_n of_o they_o in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n can_v save_v we_o we_o must_v consider_v how_o far_o these_o truth_n concern_v we_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o those_o glorious_a truth_n to_o gaze_v on_o but_o to_o practice_v o_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a say_v god_n and_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o latter_a end_n who_o be_v there_o that_o know_v not_o they_o must_v die_v but_o who_o be_v there_o that_o consider_v it_o and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o it_o to_o themselves_o and_o live_v according_o this_o be_v the_o singular_a benefit_n of_o meditation_n which_o not_o only_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o truth_n we_o consider_v but_o show_v we_o how_o much_o they_o concern_v we_o and_o apply_v they_o to_o our_o own_o behoof_n as_o be_v further_o express_v and_o explain_v in_o that_o small_a treatise_n of_o meditation_n which_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n i_o have_v publish_v to_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n chap._n viii_o the_o next_o impediment_n be_v put_v off_o god_n with_o solemn_a duty_n another_o great_a impediment_n be_v that_o we_o put_v off_o god_n with_o solemn_a duty_n as_o if_o we_o set_v a_o part_n so_o much_o time_n to_o spend_v every_o day_n in_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n many_o think_v if_o they_o do_v not_o neglect_v they_o but_o be_v constant_a to_o their_o time_n and_o set_v duty_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n be_v their_o own_o to_o do_v as_o they_o please_v whereas_o the_o truth_n be_v our_o morning_n and_o other_o solemn_a duty_n the_o chief_a end_n of_o they_o be_v to_o set_v our_o heart_n in_o tune_n that_o all_o our_o word_n &_o thought_n may_v be_v such_o as_o may_v make_v sweet_a music_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v tune_v our_o harp_n we_o may_v hang_v they_o upon_o the_o willow_n it_o be_v true_a as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v solemn_a duty_n be_v act_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n for_o the_o present_a but_o especial_o help_v for_o the_o communion_n with_o god_n for_o the_o future_a as_o when_o we_o be_v at_o a_o feast_n we_o find_v relish_v and_o delight_n in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o eat_v but_o the_o main_a end_n of_o our_o eat_n be_v growth_n and_o strength_n one_o speak_v of_o the_o solemn_a duty_n of_o morning_n prayer_n and_o of_o keep_v communion_n with_o god_n by_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n well_o observe_v that_o the_o want_n of_o the_o solemn_a morning_n prayer_n in_o case_n that_o some_o necessary_a work_n of_o charity_n do_v hinder_v we_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o some_o frequent_a ejaculatory_a prayer_n and_o frequent_v inward_a spiritual_a admiring_n and_o adore_n of_o god_n but_o the_o want_n of_o these_o can_v be_v supply_v by_o the_o other_o chap._n ix_o the_o next_o impediment_n be_v carnal_o to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v content_v with_o any_o thing_n to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v content_v with_o any_o thing_n and_o be_v grudge_v every_o minute_n that_o we_o spend_v in_o his_o service_n this_o proceed_v from_o a_o erroneous_a judgement_n and_o from_o a_o base_a heart_n suppose_v it_o be_v so_o that_o god_n will_v be_v content_a with_o any_o thing_n suppose_v god_n shall_v not_o be_v angry_a though_o thou_o shall_v not_o pray_v to_o he_o or_o hear_v a_o sermon_n or_o read_v a_o chapter_n in_o the_o bible_n any_o more_o than_o once_o a_o year_n but_o he_o shall_v withal_o give_v thou_o leave_v to_o spend_v as_o much_o time_n in_o these_o duty_n as_o thou_o will_v i_o say_v if_o god_n will_v be_v content_a will_v thou_o be_v content_a do_v thou_o do_v so_o in_o any_o other_o thing_n a_o friend_n in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o do_v thou_o a_o courtesy_n do_v thou_o satisfy_v thyself_o in_o this_o that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v angry_a though_o thou_o do_v not_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o if_o a_o great_a monarch_n shall_v bid_v you_o ask_v what_o you_o will_v of_o he_o will_v you_o therefore_o ask_v nothing_o because_o you_o be_v assure_v he_o will_v not_o be_v angry_a though_o you_o ask_v nothing_o do_v this_o make_v thou_o not_o to_o add_v to_o thy_o estate_n when_o thou_o have_v get_v enough_o to_o live_v competent_o and_o comfortable_o because_o that_o god_n do_v not_o command_v thou_o so_o to_o do_v but_o thou_o may_v just_o think_v that_o he_o be_v rather_o angry_a with_o thou_o for_o join_v house_n to_o house_n and_o be_v insatiable_a in_o thy_o desire_n suppose_v god_n shall_v give_v the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a leave_v to_o dwell_v on_o earth_n again_o and_o to_o give_v over_o their_o song_n of_o joy_n and_o praise_n which_o they_o give_v unto_o he_o will_v they_o account_v it_o a_o privilege_n will_v they_o not_o rather_o account_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o abatement_n of_o god_n love_n and_o their_o happiness_n suppose_v a_o law_n shall_v be_v make_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v kill_v their_o child_n shall_v not_o be_v punish_v will_v any_o love_a mother_n think_v that_o such_o a_o law_n can_v bring_v any_o advantage_n unto_o she_o nay_o suppose_v a_o law_n shall_v be_v make_v for_o the_o reward_v of_o those_o mother_n that_o be_v careful_a for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o child_n will_v the_o reward_n promise_v in_o that_o law_n heighten_v her_o love_n and_o care_n to_o her_o little_a one_o so_o neither_o do_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n pardon_v of_o sin_n encourage_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o sin_n against_o he_o but_o they_o rather_o fear_v god_n and_o his_o goodness_n it_o argue_v neither_o love_n to_o god_n nor_o to_o thyself_o to_o put_v god_n off_o with_o any_o thing_n though_o he_o will_v be_v content_a with_o it_o it_o be_v a_o base_a slavish_a question_n to_o say_v what_o must_v i_o do_v and_o put_v the_o emphasis_n in_o must_v a_o son_n and_o a_o friend_n say_v what_o may_v i_o do_v to_o please_v my_o father_n or_o my_o friend_n to_o cure_v this_o base_a distemper_n you_o must_v understand_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o duty_n you_o perform_v do_v you_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n to_o praise_n admire_v and_o adore_v he_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n 2._o you_o must_v know_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o reward_n that_o god_n give_v to_o they_o that_o serve_v he_o and_o that_o not_o one_o minute_n spend_v in_o his_o service_n nor_o one_o think_v of_o love_n shall_v be_v forget_v he_o that_o number_v the_o hair_n of_o thy_o head_n do_v also_o keep_v a_o account_n of_o the_o small_a and_o slender_a performance_n in_o his_o service_n and_o will_v certain_o reward_v they_o 3._o above_o all_o get_v the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o love_n think_v nothing_o enough_o our_o saviour_n body_n be_v imbalm_v with_o a_o hundred_o pound_n of_o spice_n and_o odour_n yet_o marry_o magdalen_n think_v he_o have_v not_o enough_o she_o bring_v she_o also_o it_o be_v a_o question_n that_o love_n never_o put_v what_o need_v i_o do_v so_o much_o but_o her_o say_n be_v always_o how_o may_v i_o do_v more_o if_o you_o shall_v ask_v i_o how_o you_o may_v get_v the_o love_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o our_o base_a corruption_n i_o may_v rather_o ask_v you_o how_o you_o can_v choose_v but_o love_v he_o sometime_o of_o a_o sudden_a it_o have_v come_v into_o my_o mind_n that_o if_o one_o can_v but_o speak_v with_o the_o devil_n one_o may_v persuade_v he_o not_o to_o go_v about_o do_v mischief_n damn_v soul_n as_o he_o do_v i_o know_v it_o be_v a_o vain_a thought_n for_o the_o angel_n himself_o that_o dispute_v with_o he_o about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n be_v fain_o to_o refer_v he_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o rebuke_v he_o and_o if_o the_o angel_n can_v not_o persuade_v he_o to_o leave_v off_o his_o idolatrous_a attempt_n much_o less_o can_v we_o it_o be_v true_a if_o man_n be_v not_o spiritual_o dead_a or_o mad_a it_o be_v
profit_v if_o we_o love_v the_o impediment_n more_o than_o the_o thing_n they_o keep_v we_o from_o as_o if_o we_o love_v a_o multitude_n of_o worldly_a employment_n more_o than_o grace_n how_o just_o may_v god_n give_v we_o up_o to_o our_o own_o heart_n desire_n and_o it_o be_v better_o for_o we_o be_v give_v up_o to_o satan_n by_o way_n of_o excommunication_n for_o that_o be_v but_o for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o whosoever_o be_v give_v up_o to_o his_o own_o heart_n desire_n be_v give_v up_o to_o they_o both_o for_o the_o destruction_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n the_o three_o part_n wherein_o be_v set_v down_o several_a mean_n and_o help_v for_o attain_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n chap._n i._n the_o first_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o godly_a life_n be_v faith_n the_o first_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v faith_n for_o without_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o love_n i_o have_v many_o time_n serious_o think_v what_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o few_o believe_v the_o scripture_n assure_v myself_o that_o if_o they_o do_v firm_o believe_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o their_o life_n shall_v be_v so_o contrary_a to_o it_o for_o although_o as_o i_o have_v say_v conviction_n do_v not_o necessary_o work_v conversion_n yet_o it_o will_v work_v reformation_n or_o at_o least_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o go_v on_o with_o so_o little_a fear_n and_o dread_n upon_o their_o spirit_n as_o they_o do_v now_o though_o divers_a pretend_v that_o it_o be_v because_o divers_a speculative_a truth_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o or_o at_o least_o above_o their_o reason_n that_o they_o can_v assent_v to_o they_o yet_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a that_o it_o be_v the_o practical_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o stop_v at_o which_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o obey_v they_o be_v fain_o to_o pretend_v or_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n they_o be_v disenabled_n to_o believe_v those_o truth_n that_o be_v more_o speculative_a that_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n seem_v to_o i_o evident_a because_o that_o they_o can_v but_o confess_v if_o not_o all_o most_o of_o the_o practical_o of_o the_o scripture_n not_o to_o be_v against_o nor_o above_o reason_n but_o such_o as_o whosoever_o shall_v obey_v and_o live_v according_a to_o they_o that_o their_o very_a enemy_n can_v but_o approve_v of_o their_o life_n and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v the_o christian_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o charity_n and_o love_v one_o among_o another_o and_o to_o their_o enemy_n to_o be_v admire_v and_o commend_v even_o by_o their_o persecutor_n among_o who_o they_o live_v the_o very_a heathen_a can_v see_v a_o beauty_n in_o holiness_n therefore_o since_o the_o glorious_a light_n and_o lustre_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o command_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o man_n can_v but_o be_v convince_v and_o yet_o will_v not_o obey_v no_o marvel_n that_o those_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o can_v be_v see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n i_o say_v it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v they_o of_o that_o light_n which_o be_v supernatural_a since_o they_o resist_v and_o make_v no_o better_o use_v of_o their_o natural_a light_n live_v quite_o contrary_a to_o those_o thing_n that_o teach_v they_o and_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o one_o reason_n why_o god_n have_v not_o make_v all_o his_o truth_n so_o clear_a and_o demonstrative_a as_o mathematical_a natural_a truth_n be_v be_v that_o he_o will_v order_v matter_n so_o that_o those_o that_o be_v of_o corrupt_a mind_n may_v find_v some_o pretence_n for_o not_o believe_v of_o they_o for_o to_o such_o people_n god_n may_v just_o send_v strong_a delusion_n and_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v much_o better_o even_o for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o full_o convince_v of_o divine_a truth_n for_o that_o will_v make_v they_o much_o more_o outrageous_a and_o malicious_a for_o those_o who_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n convince_v but_o not_o convert_v they_o do_v enrage_v as_o they_o do_v satan_n who_o believe_v and_o as_o it_o do_v those_o who_o commit_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o hate_v the_o truth_n they_o know_v be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o malicious_a persecutor_n nay_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o mercy_n in_o some_o kind_n even_o to_o the_o wicked_a also_o for_o it_o be_v better_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n since_o if_o they_o do_v know_v they_o they_o will_v not_o obey_v they_o therefore_o if_o thou_o will_v believe_v obey_v that_o be_v if_o thou_o will_v believe_v the_o mysterious_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n obey_v the_o holy_a command_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v what_o thou_o know_v and_o thou_o shall_v know_v what_o as_o yet_o thou_o be_v ignorant_a of_o i_o have_v also_o consider_v with_o myself_o what_o truth_n be_v the_o most_o difficult_a to_o believe_v and_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v that_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v give_v his_o only_a belove_a son_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n be_v that_o truth_n which_o we_o hardly_a yield_v to_o for_o first_o our_o pride_n be_v utter_o against_o it_o for_o by_o nature_n we_o love_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n by_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o to_o be_v justify_v whole_o from_o another_o and_o for_o our_o own_o work_n not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v one_o ingredient_n in_o our_o justification_n and_o our_o own_o free_a will_n to_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o our_o regeneration_n and_o our_o own_o good_a work_n in_o our_o glorification_n by_o way_n of_o merit_n the_o pride_n of_o man_n will_v not_o stoop_v to_o and_o then_o second_o it_o be_v utter_o against_o humane_a reason_n partly_o because_o we_o think_v with_o ourselves_o that_o god_n may_v have_v forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n without_o so_o much_o ado_n as_o to_o have_v his_o own_o son_n suffer_v so_o much_o for_o we_o but_o we_o little_o consider_v that_o we_o many_o time_n do_v many_o thing_n ourselves_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n out_o of_o love_n which_o may_v be_v do_v as_o well_o without_o we_o so_o the_o mother_n nurse_v she_o own_o child_n and_o dress_v it_o and_o do_v many_o other_o thing_n which_o she_o may_v have_v do_v by_o other_o as_o effectual_o though_o she_o be_v only_o a_o spectator_n and_o further_o we_o must_v understand_v that_o there_o be_v two_o special_a reason_n why_o god_n give_v his_o son_n and_o christ_n give_v himself_o to_o die_v for_o we_o chief_o to_o satisfy_v his_o justice_n as_o also_o to_o satisfy_v we_o of_o his_o love_n and_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o say_v which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v satisfy_v for_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o that_o injure_v forgive_v not_o we_o therefore_o have_v so_o much_o offend_v god_n can_v hardly_o forgive_v he_o that_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v forgive_v we_o he_o therefore_o to_o satisfy_v and_o cure_v our_o infidelity_n give_v we_o his_o only_a son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o to_o give_v we_o a_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o his_o love_n the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n do_v satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n by_o way_n of_o merit_n and_o our_o infidelity_n by_o way_n of_o motive_n the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n do_v reconcile_v god_n to_o we_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n do_v reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o that_o satisfy_v god_n justice_n shall_v be_v god_n and_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a that_o he_o that_o satisfy_v we_o of_o god_n love_n shall_v be_v god_n also_o another_o thing_n that_o hinder_v our_o belief_n of_o this_o mystery_n be_v because_o the_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n be_v so_o exceed_v great_a that_o we_o can_v believe_v it_o for_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o judge_v of_o god_n by_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o because_o we_o shall_v never_o suffer_v our_o only_a belove_a child_n to_o die_v a_o miserable_a shameful_a death_n to_o save_v a_o enemy_n therefore_o we_o judge_v that_o god_n can_v do_v so_o neither_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o more_o patient_a meek_a long-suffering_a we_o grow_v by_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o more_o easy_o do_v we_o believe_v his_o love_n to_o we_o but_o if_o we_o true_o consider_v that_o which_o make_v this_o mystery_n of_o love_n incredible_a shall_v make_v we_o believe_v it_o viz._n the_o greatness_n of_o it_o for_o since_o god_n have_v say_v in_o his_o word_n that_o herein_o
be_v for_o their_o sake_n that_o be_v simple_a prov._n 1.4_o psalm_n 19.7_o psalm_n 119.130_o 3._o the_o way_n that_o they_o will_v have_v simple_a people_n take_v be_v far_o more_o intricate_a for_o they_o will_v have_v they_o believe_v the_o church_n but_o the_o mark_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v know_v as_o antiquity_n visibility_n etc._n etc._n one_o can_v know_v except_o one_o read_v over_o the_o father_n century_n etc._n etc._n which_o require_v more_o time_n and_o learning_n a_o thousand-fold_n than_o that_o which_o they_o pretend_v be_v too_o difficult_a for_o they_o viz._n read_v the_o scripture_n they_o take_v away_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o give_v they_o image_n which_o they_o call_v layman_n book_n which_o god_n himself_o faith_n be_v teacher_n of_o lie_n and_o for_o their_o say_n that_o hence_o all_o our_o error_n and_o heresy_n come_v that_o every_o one_o be_v suffer_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n they_o speak_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o christ_n mat._n 22.29_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n learned_a man_n shall_v rather_o be_v forbid_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n than_o other_o since_o general_o all_o heretic_n have_v be_v learned_a man_n dare_v they_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o say_v as_o they_o must_v if_o this_o be_v true_a lord_n thou_o have_v command_v we_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o have_v say_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o therefore_o though_o thou_o have_v strict_o command_v it_o we_o do_v as_o strict_o forbid_v it_o but_o i_o must_v crave_v pardon_n that_o i_o mix_v any_o thing_n of_o controversy_n in_o a_o treatise_n that_o i_o intend_v to_o be_v pure_o devotionary_a therefore_o i_o must_v crave_v pardon_n also_o that_o i_o have_v handle_v this_o controversy_n rather_o in_o a_o popular_a than_o scholastical_a way_n since_o my_o main_a end_n of_o publish_v this_o treatise_n be_v not_o for_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a but_o for_o babe_n in_o our_o saviour_n sense_n mat._n 11.25_o therefore_o i_o shall_v now_o return_v to_o my_o former_a way_n of_o more_o practical_a matter_n and_o shall_v set_v down_o some_o spiritual_a direction_n for_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o profit_n direction_n how_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n 1._o read_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v abundance_n in_o this_o very_a direction_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o incomprehensible_a attribute_n of_o god_n they_o will_v all_o inflame_v we_o with_o fervent_a desire_n to_o read_v it_o and_o infallible_a demonstration_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o strong_a endeavour_n to_o obey_v it_o and_o indeed_o will_v enable_v we_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n to_o read_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o read_v it_o for_o do_v we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o john_n his_o revelation_n or_o daniel_n his_o we_o shall_v doubtless_o read_v it_o according_a to_o these_o several_a follow_a direction_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a daniel_n and_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v more_o sure_a that_o their_o revelation_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o we_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v yet_o not_o then_o they_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v and_o be_v 2_o pet._n 1.17_o 18._o and_o indeed_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o be_v read_v mark_v and_o consider_v it_o until_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n shall_v arise_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o as_o certain_a of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o it_o as_o they_o be_v therefore_o the_o first_o great_a thing_n be_v to_o confirm_v ourselves_o of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o this_o caution_n i_o must_v give_v that_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n to_o go_v about_o this_o work_n mere_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o humane_a reason_n without_o crave_v the_o assistance_n and_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o invincible_a argument_n and_o demonstration_n that_o except_o one_o be_v resolve_v to_o find_v out_o cavil_n we_o can_v but_o yield_v to_o this_o truth_n yet_o god_n be_v such_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o pride_n of_o humane_a reason_n that_o god_n do_v hide_v his_o truth_n from_o those_o that_o come_v to_o discover_v they_o with_o a_o carnal_a eye_n mat._n 11.25_o therefore_o the_o second_o direction_n be_v to_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n praying_o and_o thou_o be_v to_o pray_v not_o only_o that_o god_n will_v convince_v thou_o that_o this_o be_v his_o word_n but_o that_o thou_o may_v read_v it_o with_o these_o several_a follow_a qualification_n 3._o thou_o be_v to_o read_v it_o reverent_o not_o as_o other_o book_n not_o as_o book_n of_o philosophy_n and_o history_n etc._n etc._n but_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v upon_o thy_o spirit_n the_o awe_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o this_o reverence_n that_o i_o speak_v of_o shall_v be_v show_v to_o the_o paper_n on_o which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v print_v though_o these_o also_o as_o the_o dead_a body_n of_o saint_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v with_o dishonour_n and_o despite_n but_o this_o reverence_n be_v to_o be_v show_v to_o the_o truth_n promise_n and_o command_n etc._n etc._n the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o account_v they_o as_o light_v and_o trivial_a thing_n but_o read_v they_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a as_o both_o the_o matter_n and_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n require_v 4._o read_v the_o scripture_n attentive_o exceed_o observe_v and_o mark_v what_o be_v write_v in_o they_o as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v try_v for_o his_o life_n diligent_o observe_v the_o witness_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n because_o his_o life_n lie_v at_o stake_n so_o do_v thou_o mark_v and_o observe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v thy_o life_n deut._n 32.47_o 5._o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n understand_o for_o to_o read_v and_o not_o to_o understand_v be_v like_o look_v on_o a_o seal_a book_n therefore_o when_o thou_o read_v mark_v those_o place_n &_o verse_n of_o who_o truth_n or_o meaning_n thou_o doubte_v and_o inquire_v the_o next_o opportunity_n thou_o have_v of_o some_o faithful_a minister_n and_o inquire_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o what_o passage_n thou_o do_v not_o understand_v at_o the_o first_o read_v upon_o further_a examination_n or_o enquiry_n thou_o may_v understand_v it_o the_o virgin_n mary_n what_o she_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o wonder_v at_o when_o she_o first_o hear_v she_o lay_v up_o and_o ponder_v in_o her_o heart_n that_o she_o may_v afterward_o understand_v so_o the_o vision_n that_o be_v show_v to_o peter_n act_v 10._o though_o he_o understand_v not_o what_o it_o mean_v at_o the_o present_a yet_o he_o do_v serious_o consider_v what_o god_n mean_v by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a work_n if_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a comment_n upon_o the_o bible_n that_o may_v only_o fill_v up_o a_o ordinary_a margin_n and_o yet_o explain_v the_o text_n so_o full_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o competent_a understanding_n of_o it_o i_o commend_v the_o annotation_n common_o call_v the_o assembly_n annotation_n on_o the_o bible_n dixon_n and_o hutcheson_n what_o they_o have_v do_v this_o way_n and_o those_o that_o shall_v think_v it_o too_o great_a a_o labour_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n over_o with_o these_o comment_n may_v make_v use_n of_o they_o only_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o place_n that_o be_v difficult_a to_o they_o but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a pity_n and_o shame_n that_o several_a of_o the_o gentry_n spend_v their_o time_n either_o in_o vain_a and_o sinful_a recreation_n or_o in_o such_o study_n as_o history_n mathematics_n etc._n etc._n and_o let_v the_o bible_n lie_v by_o as_o a_o book_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o especial_o since_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o if_o a_o lawyer_n by_o profession_n shall_v spend_v his_o whole_a time_n in_o other_o study_n and_o understand_v nothing_o or_o very_o little_a of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n people_n general_o think_v that_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o a_o minister_n as_o a_o minister_n to_o study_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n but_o it_o general_o proceed_v from_o their_o undervalue_v of_o the_o mystery_n and_o their_o distaste_v the_o holiness_n of_o its_o command_n 6._o you_o be_v to_o read_v it_o believe_o for_o when_o once_o you_o understand_v it_o the_o next_o thing_n be_v to_o believe_v which_o be_v not_o so_o in_o any_o other_o write_v in_o the_o world_n for_o
what_o book_n soever_o you_o read_v or_o minister_v you_o hear_v when_o you_o do_v understand_v what_o they_o mean_v you_o be_v to_o examine_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n or_o not_o which_o they_o teach_v but_o as_o for_o the_o scripture_n you_o be_v not_o to_o say_v how_o can_v this_o be_v but_o whether_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n when_o once_o know_v be_v not_o to_o be_v examine_v any_o further_a since_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n more_o evident_a by_o which_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v try_v for_o since_o it_o be_v god_n word_n it_o be_v as_o true_a as_o that_o god_n be_v true_a for_o since_o truth_n be_v essential_a unto_o god_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v true_a as_o to_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v as_o since_o roundness_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o circle_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v it_o be_v not_o round_o as_o to_o say_v it_o be_v not_o a_o circle_n 7._o we_o be_v to_o read_v it_o applying_o indeed_o divers_a command_n be_v personal_a divers_a be_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o office_n as_o to_o minister_n magistrate_n divers_a be_v typical_a those_o that_o be_v personal_a as_o the_o command_n to_o abraham_n to_o offer_v his_o son_n so_o be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o other_o save_v only_o to_o the_o equivalency_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v so_o dear_a unto_o we_o but_o though_o in_o case_n god_n do_v require_v it_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o it_o as_o for_o those_o command_n that_o be_v typical_a they_o be_v cease_v those_o that_o belong_v to_o any_o one_o as_o have_v such_o a_o office_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o but_o of_o that_o office_n but_o as_o for_o the_o promise_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o they_o be_v make_v to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v because_o they_o be_v such_o or_o such_o but_o because_o they_o be_v so_o qualify_v viz._n the_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v to_o abraham_n as_o abraham_n but_o to_o abraham_n as_o believe_v abraham_n and_o that_o promise_v which_o be_v make_v personal_o to_o he_o and_o confirm_v with_o a_o oath_n be_v not_o make_v or_o confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n that_o abraham_n shall_v have_v strong_a consolation_n only_o but_o that_o all_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n shall_v have_v strong_a consolation_n also_o heb._n 6.14_o 17._o compare_v together_o 8._o thou_o must_v read_v it_o frequent_o but_o because_o i_o have_v speak_v more_o large_o in_o that_o little_a treatise_n viz._n direction_n to_o christian_a perfection_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o nominate_v what_o other_o book_n i_o will_v advise_v you_o to_o read_v chap._n v._o wherein_o be_v set_v down_o a_o catalogue_n of_o several_a book_n for_o the_o ignorant_a and_o poor_a sort_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o poverty_n can_v buy_v and_o of_o their_o ignorance_n can_v understand_v book_n of_o great_a value_n and_o depth_n after_o my_o commend_v of_o the_o constant_a daily_a serious_a understanding_n reverend_a apply_v believe_v and_o conscionable_a read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o 1._o be_v they_o never_o so_o learned_a since_o the_o very_a angel_n themselves_o desire_v to_o look_v into_o those_o mystery_n though_o they_o despise_v the_o learn_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v by_o man_n as_o wonderful_o below_o they_o 2._o though_o they_o be_v the_o holy_a knowing_a and_o most_o experience_a saint_n since_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o themselves_o be_v penman_n of_o scripture_n do_v read_v and_o meditate_v on_o and_o admire_v and_o study_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o david_n daniel_n peter_n etc._n etc._n and_o do_v account_v it_o not_o less_o sure_a than_o the_o revelation_n that_o god_n give_v they_o we_o have_v a_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n 2_o pet._n 1.19_o and_o the_o more_o experience_n we_o have_v of_o god_n goodness_n shall_v not_o make_v we_o abate_v at_o all_o of_o our_o earnest_a desire_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o if_o we_o have_v taste_v how_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v we_o shall_v still_o as_o much_o desire_n the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v grow_v thereby_o delight_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o as_o we_o be_v with_o that_o sermon_n or_o that_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n by_o which_o we_o be_v convert_v as_o we_o be_v the_o first_o day_n that_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n 1_o peter_n 2.2_o 3._o i_o say_v after_o such_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o truth_n therein_o contain_v may_v be_v better_o understand_v and_o the_o command_v thereof_o better_o practise_v to_o those_o specify_v in_o the_o title_n of_o this_o chapter_n i_o commend_v these_o book_n follow_v 1._o the_o plain-mans_n pathway_n to_o heaven_n a_o book_n which_o partly_o because_o it_o go_v by_o way_n of_o dialogue_n as_o also_o because_o it_o answer_v the_o common_a objection_n of_o simple_a people_n against_o religion_n as_o also_o because_o it_o write_v very_o plain_a and_o stoop_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a i_o do_v high_o commend_v it_o to_o such_o people_n to_o read_v the_o next_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o piety_n these_o two_o book_n i_o think_v next_o to_o the_o scripture_n have_v do_v as_o much_o good_a as_o any_o two_o book_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n the_o next_o book_n i_o shall_v commend_v be_v mr._n ball_n catechism_n a_o book_n of_o great_a use_n and_o much_o solidity_n the_o next_o which_o be_v of_o super-eminency_n in_o its_o kind_n be_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n the_o large_a and_o short_a catechism_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n another_o book_n of_o small_a price_n and_o bulk_n which_o after_o you_o be_v well_o ground_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n set_v down_o in_o the_o former_a be_v a_o book_n call_v the_o fiery_a pillar_n which_o have_v very_o much_o in_o a_o little_a you_o may_v add_v to_o these_o for_o the_o better_a stir_v you_o up_o to_o holiness_n and_o discover_v of_o your_o spiritual_a condition_n mr._n wheatleys_n new_a birth_n and_o his_o sermon_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o time_n and_o fenner_n of_o final_a impenitence_n and_o mr._n shepherd_n sincere_a convert_n and_o sound_a believer_n mr._n scudder_n daily_o walk_v be_v also_o a_o solid_a and_o very_o useful_a book_n mr._n perkins_n his_o six_o principle_n and_o mr._n dod_n upon_o the_o commandment_n i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o omit_v for_o those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n doctor_n sibbs_n his_o bruise_a reed_n and_o soul_n conflict_n as_o also_o simmons_n his_o deserted_n soul_n case_n and_o cure_v be_v very_o good_a of_o which_o the_o two_o former_a be_v the_o plain_a mr._n baxter_n of_o the_o same_o subject_n 2._o for_o those_o who_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o capacity_n be_v able_a to_o buy_v book_n of_o great_a price_n and_o understand_v book_n of_o high_a knowledge_n for_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o increase_v further_o in_o knowledge_n let_v they_o read_v amesius_n his_o medulla_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n and_o calvin_n institution_n which_o be_v all_o translate_v into_o english_a for_o those_o that_o have_v large_a family_n especial_o of_o child_n i_o shall_v commend_v bâ—ards_n theatre_n of_o god_n judgement_n as_o also_o clerk_n martyrology_n not_o but_o these_o two_o last_o book_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n be_v fit_a for_o man_n of_o ripe_a judgement_n to_o read_v but_o because_o they_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o child_n and_o other_o of_o weak_a capacity_n for_o example_n be_v easy_o remember_v and_o understand_v and_o take_v deep_a impression_n general_o than_o precept_n the_o theatre_n of_o god_n judgement_n set_v down_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o blasphemer_n murderer_n swearer_n drunkard_n sabbath-breaker_n disobedient_a child_n and_o there_a of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o martyrology_n set_v down_o the_o innocence_n holiness_n constancy_n of_o the_o martyr_n as_o also_o the_o mighty_a support_n comfort_n that_o god_n give_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o suffering_n it_o will_v exceed_o provoke_v they_o up_o to_o a_o holy_a resolution_n to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n who_o never_o leave_v his_o comfortless_a nor_o forsake_v and_o that_o which_o i_o very_o much_o intend_v in_o the_o read_n of_o martyrology_n be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o utter_a hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o popery_n for_o they_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o have_v be_v more_o massacre_v and_o butcher_v and_o great_a cruelty_n and_o breach_n of_o oath_n vow_n covenant_n by_o the_o papist_n than_o ever_o be_v use_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v by_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o for_o a_o further_a