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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n believe_v know_v salvation_n 1,631 5 6.7824 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A44434 An exposition on the Lord's prayer with a catechistical explication thereof, by way of question and answer for the instructing of youth : to which is added some sermons on providence, and the excellent advantages of reading and studying the Holy Scriptures / by Ezekiel Hopkins ... Hopkins, Ezekiel, 1634-1690. 1692 (1692) Wing H2730; ESTC R17498 215,674 332

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may_v persuade_v you_o to_o a_o diligent_a search_n and_o perusal_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o jew_n indeed_o be_v so_o exact_a or_o rather_o superstitious_a in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v judge_v a_o despiser_n of_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n who_o do_v not_o ready_o know_v how_o often_o every_o letter_n of_o the_o alphabet_n occur_v in_o they_o this_o preciseness_n god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o deliver_v down_o his_o word_n to_o we_o unvaried_a and_o uncorrupted_a it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o scrupulous_a search_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o now_o exhort_v you_o to_o but_o as_o god_n have_v leave_v it_o to_o we_o a_o rich_a depositum_fw-la a_o dear_a pledge_n of_o his_o love_n and_o care_n so_o we_o shall_v diligent_o attend_v to_o a_o rational_a and_o profitable_a study_n of_o it_o there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o general_a that_o commend_v any_o write_n to_o we_o either_o that_o it_o discover_v knowledge_n or_o direct_v practice_n that_o it_o inform_v the_o judgement_n 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angel_n now_o these_o the_o scripture_n propound_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o to_o pose_v but_o to_o perfect_v our_o understanding_n for_o that_o little_a knowledge_n we_o can_v attain_v unto_o in_o these_o thing_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n and_o where_o our_o scanty_a apprehension_n fall_v short_a of_o fathom_v these_o deep_a mystery_n the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o seek_v it_o out_o with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 11.33_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n how_o unreasearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o three_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o knowledge_n the_o more_o you_o draw_v from_o it_o the_o more_o still_o spring_v up_o it_o be_v a_o deep_a mine_n and_o the_o far_o you_o search_v into_o it_o still_o the_o rich_a you_o find_v it_o it_o 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study_v all_o his_o life_n time_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o childhood_n to_o decrepit_a age_n nothing_o else_o but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o compact_v and_o thick_o set_v with_o truth_n that_o he_o may_v daily_o learn_v something_o which_o before_o he_o know_v not_o god_n have_v as_o it_o be_v study_v to_o speak_v compendious_o in_o the_o scripture_n what_o a_o miracle_n of_o brevity_n be_v it_o that_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n relate_v both_o to_o god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n shall_v be_v all_o comprise_v in_o ten_o word_n not_o a_o word_n but_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o draw_v out_o be_v enough_o to_o fill_v whole_a volume_n and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 119.96_o i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a when_o we_o have_v attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o yet_o remain_v such_o depth_n of_o wisdom_n both_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o scripture_n expression_n and_o in_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o thing_n express_v that_o after_o our_o utmost_a industry_n still_o there_o will_v be_v leave_v new_a truth_n to_o become_v the_o discovery_n of_o a_o new_a search_n four_o the_o scripture_n exhibit_v to_o we_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o eternal_a salvation_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v john_n 17.3_o and_o this_o knowledge_n the_o scripture_n alone_o can_v afford_v we_o john_n 5.39_o so_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o we_o need_v not_o therefore_o inquire_v after_o blind_a tradition_n or_o expect_v any_o whimsical_a enthusiasm_n the_o write_a word_n contain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o whosoever_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v be_v wise_a only_a in_o impertinence_n now_o have_v god_n contract_v whatever_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o sum_v it_o up_o in_o one_o book_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o study_v that_o which_o do_v so_o necessary_o concern_v we_o other_o knowledge_n be_v only_o for_o the_o adorn_v and_o embellishment_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o life_n of_o life_n eternal_a i_o have_v before_o speak_v enough_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o knowledge_n unto_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o far_o enlarge_v therefore_o as_o st._n peter_n say_v to_o christ_n lord_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n so_o let_v we_o answer_v whatsoever_o may_v seem_v to_o call_v we_o off_o from_o the_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v to_o this_o we_o must_v cleave_v with_o this_o we_o will_v converse_v for_o here_o alone_o be_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n five_o the_o knowledge_n that_o the_o scripture_n disclose_v be_v of_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o perpetual_a truth_n it_o depend_v not_o upon_o probability_n or_o conjecture_n but_o the_o infallible_a authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o he_o have_v dictate_v it_o for_o who_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o lie_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o veracity_n or_o truth_n be_v the_o conformity_n of_o our_o speech_n to_o the_o existency_n of_o thing_n but_o divine_a truth_n and_o veracity_n have_v no_o other_o rule_n beside_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o he_o must_v needs_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n who_o speak_v thing_n into_o their_o being_n such_o be_v the_o omnipotent_a speech_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o he_o declare_v be_v therefore_o true_a because_o he_o declare_v it_o never_o matter_n how_o strange_a and_o impossible_a scripture-mystery_n may_v seem_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o captious_a understanding_n of_o natural_a man_n when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v undertake_v for_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v as_o much_o impiety_n to_o doubt_v of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v folly_n to_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o what_o we_o see_v with_o our_o very_a eye_n nay_o the_o information_n of_o our_o sense_n what_o we_o see_v what_o we_o hear_v what_o we_o feel_v be_v not_o so_o certain_a as_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n reveal_v and_o testify_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o speak_v of_o that_o miraculous_a voice_n that_o sound_v from_o heaven_n matth._n 17.5_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v we_o say_v the_o apostle_n hear_v this_o voice_n when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n but_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n or_o as_o the_o greek_a may_v well_o be_v render_v we_o account_v more_o sure_a the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n unto_o which_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n what_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n than_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o god_n himself_o shall_v vocal_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n yes_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n and_o that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o because_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v christ_n may_v seem_v somewhat_o obscure_a in_o comparison_n with_o this_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n therefore_o the_o testimony_n of_o obscure_a scripture_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o testimony_n of_o clear_a sense_n now_o therefore_o if_o you_o will_v know_v thing_n beyond_o all_o danger_n either_o of_o falsehood_n or_o hesitation_n be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n where_o we_o may_v take_v all_o for_o certain_a upon_o the_o word_n and_o authority_n of_o that_o god_n who_o neither_o can_v deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v six_o the_o scripture_n alone_o give_v we_o the_o true_a and_o unerring_a knowledge_n
establish_v their_o purgatory_n no_o o_o sinner_n there_o be_v not_o any_o guilt_n leave_v for_o thou_o to_o satisfy_v for_o not_o any_o reserve_n of_o punishment_n for_o thou_o to_o undergo_v but_o all_o thy_o sin_n be_v so_o pardon_v that_o they_o be_v in_o god_n account_n as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v commit_v against_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v thy_o comfort_n never_o so_o strong_a and_o flow_a and_o thy_o sense_n of_o god_n pardon_v grace_n never_o so_o clear_a yet_o know_v that_o thy_o pardon_n be_v still_o infinite_o more_o perfect_a than_o thy_o joy_n in_o it_o can_v be_v satisfactory_a for_o assurance_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o pardon_n be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n wrought_v in_o we_o and_o be_v common_o mix_v with_o some_o hesitation_n and_o misgive_a doubt_n but_o our_o pardon_n be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o where_o it_o meet_v with_o nothing_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o with_o no_o abatement_n but_o be_v as_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a as_o ever_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n itself_o three_o be_v it_o god_n that_o pardon_n then_o for_o thy_o comfort_n know_v that_o he_o can_v as_o easy_o forgive_v great_a and_o many_o sin_n as_o few_o and_o small_a for_o the_o greatness_n and_o multitude_n of_o thy_o sin_n can_v make_v no_o odds_o in_o infinite_a grace_n and_o mercy_n only_o repent_v and_o believe_v god_n proclaim_v his_o name_n exod._n 34_o 7._o the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n that_o be_v all_o sort_n and_o size_n of_o sin_n the_o great_a sin_n repent_v of_o be_v no_o more_o without_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o mercy_n than_o the_o least_o unrepented_a of_o be_v without_o the_o cognizance_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o that_o there_o be_v any_o one_o though_o but_o one_o sin_n unpardonable_a arise_v not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o atrociousness_n of_o the_o fact_n as_o if_o it_o exceed_v mercy_n but_o only_o from_o the_o malignity_n of_o its_o nature_n harden_v the_o heart_n against_o god_n and_o make_v it_o uncapable_a of_o repentance_n otherwise_o can_v they_o who_o commit_v this_o sin_n repent_v even_o they_o also_o shall_v obtain_v pardon_n say_v not_o therefore_o my_o iniquity_n be_v great_a than_o can_v be_v forgive_v i_o have_v out-sinned_a mercy_n and_o there_o be_v no_o portion_n for_o i_o in_o god_n his_o fiery_a indignation_n will_v eternal_o devour_v i_o this_o be_v to_o be_v injurious_a unto_o god_n and_o to_o stint_v that_o grace_n and_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v make_v infinite_a and_o thou_o may_v with_o as_o much_o truth_n and_o reason_n say_v that_o thou_o be_v great_a than_o god_n as_o that_o thy_o sin_n be_v great_a than_o his_o mercy_n yet_o here_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o let_v i_o caution_n you_o that_o you_o do_v not_o abuse_v this_o comfortable_a doctrine_n of_o god_n pardon_v sin_n and_o turn_v that_o into_o presumption_n that_o be_v intend_v only_o to_o arm_v you_o against_o despair_n indeed_o both_o presumption_n and_o despair_n tend_v in_o a_o divers_a manner_n to_o encourage_v and_o harden_v man_n in_o sin_n the_o despair_v sinner_n argue_v if_o i_o must_v not_o be_v save_v if_o my_o sin_n be_v so_o many_o and_o great_a that_o there_o be_v no_o pardon_n for_o they_o to_o what_o purpose_n then_o shall_v i_o live_v strict_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v i_o cross_v and_o vex_v myself_o by_o a_o unprofitable_a severity_n it_o be_v too_o great_a niceness_n to_o scruple_n far_o sin_v when_o i_o be_o already_o sure_a of_o damnation_n and_o therefore_o if_o i_o must_v go_v to_o hell_n i_o will_v make_v my_o way_n thither_o as_o pleasant_a as_o i_o can_v this_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o despair_n that_o produce_v not_o horror_n as_o it_o do_v in_o some_o but_o a_o most_o wretched_a carelessness_n what_o become_v of_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n presumptuous_a man_n argue_v god_n be_v able_a to_o pardon_v the_o great_a and_o vile_a sinner_n they_o can_v sin_v beyond_o the_o reach_n and_o extent_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o what_o need_v they_o yet_o trouble_v themselves_o to_o repent_v and_o reform_v they_o will_v yet_o indulge_v themselves_o a_o little_a long_o in_o their_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o god_n to_o pardon_v they_o at_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o their_o life_n as_o upon_o many_o year_n preparation_n we_o see_v iniquity_n every_o where_o most_o fearful_o to_o abound_v in_o the_o world_n and_o doubtless_o both_o despair_n and_o presumption_n have_v too_o great_a a_o influence_n both_o upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o man_n to_o make_v they_o careless_a in_o their_o eternal_a concernment_n enough_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o the_o despair_v which_o be_v but_o few_o but_o to_o the_o presumptuous_a let_v i_o add_v a_o word_n it_o be_v the_o most_o unworthy_a and_o disingenuous_a use_n they_o can_v make_v of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o press_v it_o to_o serve_v against_o its_o authority_n shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n that_o grace_n may_v abound_v god_n forbid_v shall_v we_o sin_n licentious_o because_o god_n pardon_v free_o no_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n oblige_v otherwise_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v otherwise_o the_o filial_a disposition_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n incline_v otherwise_o gratitude_n and_o retribution_n engage_v otherwise_o but_o if_o these_o motive_n be_v too_o refine_v and_o ingenious_a for_o thy_o sordid_a and_o slavish_a spirit_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v still_o go_v on_o in_o the_o presumption_n of_o thy_o heart_n cry_v peace_n peace_n to_o thyself_o although_o thou_o continue_v add_v one_o iniquity_n to_o another_o know_v o_o vile_a wretch_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v thou_o but_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o thou_o and_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o his_o book_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o and_o the_o lord_n will_v blot_v out_o thy_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n deutr._n 29.19_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o general_a consideration_n of_o god_n pardon_v sin_n hold_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o this_o petition_n forgive_v we_o our_o debt_n or_o trespass_n now_o in_o this_o petition_n we_o pray_v not_o only_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n but_o likewise_o for_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o obtain_v it_o as_o first_o we_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o horrid_a odious_a nature_n of_o sin_n that_o he_o will_v convince_v we_o of_o the_o woeful_a miserable_a estate_n that_o we_o be_v in_o by_o nature_n and_o how_o much_o more_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a we_o have_v make_v ourselves_o by_o our_o sinful_a life_n that_o he_o will_v set_v home_o the_o terror_n of_o sin_n upon_o our_o conscience_n to_o our_o humiliation_n and_o make_v we_o despair_n in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v fly_v unto_o christ_n and_o lie_v hold_v on_o that_o help_n and_o refuge_n he_o have_v set_v before_o we_o second_o we_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v humble_v we_o under_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o our_o manifold_a transgression_n that_o as_o our_o sin_n have_v make_v we_o vile_a in_o god_n eye_n so_o they_o may_v make_v we_o vile_a in_o our_o own_o to_o loathe_v ourselves_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n for_o they_o three_o we_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o his_o spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o confess_v our_o sin_n cordial_o and_o sincere_o to_o pour_v forth_o our_o heart_n before_o he_o and_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o manifold_a provocation_n with_o shame_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n upon_o which_o god_n promise_v to_o grant_v we_o pardon_v and_o forgiveness_n prov._n 28.13_o he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n god_n be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o vnrighteousness_n 1_o joh._n 1.9_o four_o we_o beg_v a_o more_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o atonement_n make_v by_o jesus_n christ_n through_o which_o alone_o all_o pardon_n be_v purchase_v and_o procure_v to_o know_v both_o what_o it_o be_v and_o why_o ordain_v and_o likewise_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n rich_a and_o free_a mercy_n and_o the_o conjunction_n of_o this_o sacrifice_n and_o mercy_n together_o in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o freeness_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o jesus_n concur_v to_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n five_o we_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o high_a esteem_n of_o christ_n and_o may_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n more_o after_o he_o and_o his_o
deliverance_n in_o all_o our_o danger_n for_o support_n under_o all_o our_o trouble_n and_o for_o comfort_n under_o all_o our_o sorrow_n because_o he_o be_v eternal_a and_o therefore_o the_o same_o god_n who_o have_v heretofore_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n do_v great_a thing_n for_o all_o those_o who_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v a_o forcible_a plea_n with_o god_n in_o former_a time_n a_o plea_n to_o which_o he_o can_v deny_v nothing_o when_o urge_v in_o faith_n have_v still_o the_o same_o efficacy_n and_o validity_n now_o for_o these_o and_o all_o other_o of_o god_n attribute_n be_v he_o for_o ever_o therefore_o o_o christian_n now_o lay_v hold_v on_o god_n strength_n and_o plead_v with_o he_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o his_o child_n in_o former_a age_n how_o he_o have_v forgive_v the_o penitent_a revive_v the_o contrite_a restore_v joy_n and_o salvation_n to_o deject_a and_o despondent_a spirit_n how_o he_o have_v wrought_v for_o the_o sanctification_n of_o his_o great_a name_n by_o what_o wonderful_a providence_n and_o wise_a method_n he_o have_v establish_v and_o enlarge_v his_o kingdom_n how_o he_o have_v strengthen_v the_o weak_a hand_n and_o feeble_a knee_n and_o make_v those_o who_o be_v without_o may_v able_a by_o his_o grace_n to_o perform_v the_o hard_a duty_n in_o fulfil_n his_o will_n and_o commandment_n how_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o all_o their_o necessity_n rebuke_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o urge_v lord_n thou_o be_v still_o the_o same_o god_n eternal_a in_o thy_o essence_n immutable_a in_o thy_o attribute_n thy_o power_n thy_o wisdom_n and_o thy_o mercy_n be_v the_o same_o that_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o the_o same_o favour_n this_o plea_n offer_v a_o holy_a violence_n to_o heaven_n a_o violence_n that_o be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o he_o will_v not_o he_o can_v resist_v if_o we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o disposition_n and_o affection_n with_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a we_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v of_o god_n hand_n the_o same_o mercy_n and_o salvation_n see_v how_o asaph_n instruct_v the_o church_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o memorial_n of_o god_n former_a love_a kindness_n and_o the_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n that_o he_o have_v wrought_v for_o their_o father_n psal_n 78.4_o 6_o 7._o we_o will_v show_v to_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v the_o praise_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o strength_n and_o the_o wonderful_a work_n that_o he_o have_v do_v that_o one_o generation_n may_v declare_v they_o to_o another_o that_o they_o may_v set_v their_o hope_n in_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o eternity_n and_o unchangableness_n of_o god_n be_v of_o vast_a and_o infinite_a comfort_n and_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n for_o the_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o plead_v with_o god_n for_o the_o same_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v former_o bestow_v upon_o other_o because_o he_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o doxology_n and_o therein_o consider_v the_o four_o glorious_a attribute_n ascribe_v unto_o god_n in_o it_o his_o sovereignty_n his_o omnipotence_n his_o excellency_n and_o his_o eternity_n there_o remain_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o this_o prayer_n and_o that_o be_v the_o conclusion_n and_o ratification_n of_o all_o in_o that_o short_a particle_n amen_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v but_o very_o brief_o and_o so_o shut_v up_o this_o whole_a subject_n this_o word_n amen_o be_v sometime_o prefix_v before_o a_o speech_n and_o sometime_o affix_v after_o it_o when_o it_o be_v prefix_v before_o it_o be_v assertory_n and_o so_o we_o find_v it_o very_o often_o in_o the_o evangelist_n for_o wheresoever_o our_o saviour_n use_v the_o word_n very_o it_o be_v no_o other_o but_o amen_o very_o very_o isay_n unto_o thou_o i._n e._n amen_o amen_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o which_o be_v a_o vehement_a assertion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o what_o he_o speak_v and_o our_o saviour_n use_v it_o to_o gain_v the_o more_o attention_n and_o belief_n to_o what_o he_o desire_v thus_o john_n 3.5_o amen_n amen_n i_o say_v unto_o thou_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o john_n 16.23_o amen_n amen_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v of_o the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o will_v give_v it_o you_o and_o so_o in_o many_o other_o place_n in_o the_o evangelist_n how_o backward_o be_v we_o to_o believe_v since_o our_o infidelity_n be_v such_o that_o it_o constrain_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o to_o use_v asseveration_n and_o protestation_n to_o win_v our_o assent_n unto_o he_o second_o as_o this_o particle_n amen_o use_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o speech_n be_v assertory_n of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o it_o so_o when_o it_o be_v subjoin_v and_o use_v at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v precatory_a and_o signify_v our_o earnest_a desire_n to_o have_v our_o prayer_n hear_v and_o our_o petition_n grant_v psal_n 41.13_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a amen_o and_o amen_n psal_n 72.19_o let_v the_o whole_a earth_n be_v fill_v with_o his_o glory_n amen_o and_o amen_n psal_n 106.48_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a and_o let_v all_o the_o people_n say_v amen_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v prefix_v to_o a_o speech_n it_o signify_v so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o latter_a as_o it_o be_v add_v to_o a_o petition_n or_o request_n it_o signify_v so_o be_v it_o now_o this_o teach_v we_o to_o put_v up_o all_o our_o petition_n first_o with_o understanding_n due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v we_o ask_v of_o god_n for_o when_o we_o use_v vain_a and_o insignificant_a babble_n how_o can_v we_o seal_v and_o close_v they_o up_o with_o a_o hearty_a amen_o and_o this_o condemn_v the_o mockery_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o because_o god_n understand_v what_o be_v utter_v in_o a_o language_n to_o they_o unknown_a think_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o pray_v to_o he_o in_o a_o tongue_n which_o they_o themselves_o understand_v not_o but_o with_o what_o zeal_n with_o what_o affection_n can_v they_o close_v up_o such_o prayer_n with_o a_o amen_o this_o be_v like_o set_v a_o seal_n to_o a_o instrument_n which_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o contain_v and_o be_v express_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.16_o how_o shall_v he_o that_o occupi_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a say_v amen_o at_o thy_o give_v of_o thanks_o see_v he_o understand_v not_o what_o thou_o say_v second_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o present_v all_o our_o request_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n with_o fervent_a zeal_n and_o affection_n amen_o be_v a_o wing_n to_o our_o prayer_n it_o be_v the_o bow_n that_o shoot_v they_o up_o to_o heaven_n and_o although_o every_o petition_n as_o we_o utter_v they_o before_o god_n shall_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o earnest_n and_o hearty_a desire_n to_o have_v they_o hear_v and_o grant_v yet_o at_o the_o close_a of_o they_o all_o we_o be_v to_o redouble_v and_o repeat_v this_o our_o desire_n in_o the_o word_n amen_o wherein_o we_o do_v as_o it_o be_v brief_o and_o succinct_o pray_v over_o again_o all_o that_o we_o have_v pray_v before_o and_o in_o one_o word_n beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o all_o that_o we_o have_v before_o ask_v of_o he_o and_o therefore_o whether_o we_o pray_v ourselves_o or_o join_v in_o prayer_n with_o other_o and_o make_v their_o petition_n we_o we_o ought_v to_o attest_v our_o understanding_n of_o our_o assent_n unto_o and_o our_o earnest_a desire_n after_o the_o mercy_n that_o be_v beg_v by_o seal_v up_o the_o prayer_n with_o a_o amen_o and_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a beseem_a thing_n if_o amen_n be_v audible_a and_o sound_a unless_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v think_v to_o pray_v when_o other_o pray_v and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o expression_n to_o present_v our_o petition_n when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o minister_n only_o as_o pray_v for_o the_o people_n but_o he_o be_v the_o people_n mouth_n unto_o god_n and_o it_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n which_o he_o present_v they_o pray_v with_o he_o and_o by_o he_o and_o every_o petition_n that_o he_o
sinceall_a partake_v of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n much_o more_o as_o we_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o especial_a grace_n to_o interest_n one_o another_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o thereby_o maintain_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n q._n but_o since_o god_n be_v every_o where_o present_a why_o have_v our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o to_o direct_v our_o prayer_n to_o our_o father_n in_o heaven_n a._n first_o because_o heaven_n be_v the_o most_o glorious_a place_n of_o god_n residence_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o heaven_n to_o affect_v we_o with_o his_o glory_n and_o majesty_n second_o because_o god_n no_o where_n hear_v our_o prayer_n with_o acceptation_n but_o only_o in_o heaven_n for_o there_o only_o be_v they_o represent_v by_o christ_n intercession_n which_o he_o make_v in_o both_o nature_n q._n what_o learn_v you_o from_o our_o be_v command_v to_o direct_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o heaven_n a._n that_o we_o shall_v so_o pray_v as_o to_o pierce_v heaven_n which_o can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o strength_n and_o intention_n of_o our_o voice_n but_o of_o our_o zeal_n and_o affection_n q._n be_v the_o voice_n necessary_a in_o prayer_n a._n it_o be_v only_o upon_o three_o account_n 1._o as_o that_o which_o god_n require_v shall_v be_v employ_v in_o his_o service_n 2._o when_o in_o secret_a it_o may_v be_v a_o help_n to_o raise_v our_o affection_n still_o keep_v it_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o decency_n and_o secrecy_n 3._o in_o our_o join_n with_o other_o it_o be_v a_o help_n likewise_o to_o raise_v and_o quicken_v their_o affection_n q_o what_o be_v the_o first_o petition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n a._n hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n q._n what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n a._n first_o god_n name_n be_v himself_o psal_n 20.1_o the_o lord_n hear_v thou_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n defend_v thou_o and_o many_o other_o place_n second_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v any_o perfection_n ascribe_v unto_o he_o whereby_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o know_v unto_o we_o q._n what_o be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n a._n his_o title_n and_o his_o attribute_n q._n what_o be_v his_o title_n a._n they_o be_v many_o as_o jehovah_n which_o signify_v be_v and_o give_v being_n creator_n denote_v his_o infinite_a power_n lord_n and_o king_n denote_v his_o authority_n and_o dominion_n father_n signify_v his_o care_n and_o goodness_n towards_o his_o creature_n redeemer_n note_v his_o mercy_n and_o grace_n in_o deliver_v they_o from_o temporal_a evil_n and_o especial_o from_o eternal_a death_n q._n what_o be_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n a._n they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o incommunicable_a or_o communicable_a q._n which_o be_v his_o incommunicable_a attribute_n a._n such_o as_o be_v so_o proper_a to_o the_o divine_a essence_n that_o they_o can_v in_o any_o measure_n or_o resemblance_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o creature_n such_o be_v the_o eternity_n immensity_n simplicity_n and_o immutability_n q._n what_o be_v his_o communicable_a attribute_n a._n they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v in_o some_o analogy_n and_o resemblance_n be_v find_v in_o the_o creature_n as_o holiness_n justice_n mercy_n truth_n wisdom_n and_o power_n q._n since_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o creature_n how_o be_v they_o then_o the_o proper_a name_n of_o god_n a._n they_o be_v the_o proper_a name_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o he_o free_a from_o all_o those_o imperfection_n that_o attend_v they_o in_o the_o creature_n q._n what_o be_v these_o imperfection_n a._n they_o be_v three_o 1._o first_o that_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v not_o original_o from_o themselves_o but_o derivative_o from_o god_n 2._o second_o they_o be_v not_o infinite_a but_o limit_v 3._o three_o they_o be_v not_o unchangeable_a but_o mutable_a q._n how_o then_o do_v these_o become_v the_o name_n of_o god_n a._n when_o we_o ascribe_v they_o unto_o god_n as_o original_o from_o himself_o and_o infinite_o and_o unchangeable_o in_o himself_o q._n what_o be_v it_o to_o hallow_v this_o name_n of_o god_n a._n it_o signify_v to_o make_v his_o name_n holy_a q._n how_o can_v god_n or_o his_o name_n be_v make_v holy_a a._n neither_o by_o dedication_n to_o holy_a uses_n nor_o by_o infusion_n of_o holy_a habit_n both_o which_o be_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n call_v hallow_v or_o sanctify_v but_o only_o by_o declaration_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o holiness_n q._n how_o do_v we_o hallow_v the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o declaration_n a._n when_o in_o our_o most_o reverend_a thought_n we_o observe_v and_o admire_v the_o expression_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o endeavour_v to_o set_v they_o forth_o to_o other_o both_o in_o word_n and_o action_n q._n what_o pray_v you_o for_o in_o this_o petition_n hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n a._n for_o three_o thing_n in_o the_o general_n 1._o first_o we_o beg_v such_o grace_n for_o ourselves_o as_o may_v enable_v we_o to_o sanctify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n q._n what_o be_v they_o especial_o a._n knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o his_o nature_n will_n and_o work_v thankfulness_n for_o every_o mercy_n patience_n under_o every_o affliction_n faith_n in_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n for_o to_o believe_v god_n word_n give_v glory_n to_o his_o name_n rom._n 4.20_o he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n a_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a life_n whereby_o we_o especial_o glorify_v god_n and_o induce_v other_o to_o do_v so_o too_o matt._n 5.16_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o last_o savoury_a and_o well_o order_v speech_n that_o we_o may_v not_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o oath_n or_o curse_n or_o vain_a use_v it_o but_o speak_v of_o he_o with_o all_o holy_a fear_n and_o reverence_n q._n what_o else_o do_v we_o beg_v of_o god_n in_o this_o petition_n a._n we_o beg_v that_o other_o also_o may_v receive_v grace_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o sanctify_v his_o name_n and_o three_o we_o beg_v that_o god_n will_v so_o over-rule_v all_o thing_n that_o his_o glory_n may_v be_v promote_v by_o they_o q._n what_o learn_v you_o from_o christ_n make_v this_o the_o first_o petition_n of_o his_o prayer_n a._n 1._o first_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v by_o we_o before_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o john_n 12.27_o 28._o now_o be_v my_o soul_n trouble_v and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v father_n save_v i_o from_o this_o hour_n but_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o unto_o this_o hour_n father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n then_o come_v there_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v i_o have_v both_o glorify_v it_o and_o will_v glorify_v it_o again_o 2._o second_o that_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o ought_v to_o beg_v assistance_n from_o god_n to_o present_v they_o that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v hallow_v q._n what_o be_v the_o second_o petition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n a._n thy_o kingdom_n come_v q._n how_o manifold_a be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n a._n it_o be_v two_o fold_n either_o universal_a or_o else_o his_o peculiar_a kingdom_n q._n what_o be_v god_n universal_a kingdom_n a._n the_o whole_a world_n both_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o hell_n itself_o and_o all_o thing_n in_o they_o psal_n 103.19_o the_o lord_n have_v prepare_v his_o throne_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o his_o kingdom_n rule_v over_o all_o q._n how_o do_v god_n exercise_v his_o dominion_n over_o this_o kingdom_n a._n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o providence_n dispose_v of_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o all_o their_o action_n according_a to_o his_o will._n q._n but_o since_o wicked_a man_n be_v rebel_n against_o god_n how_o do_v he_o maintain_v his_o dominion_n over_o they_o a._n three_o way_n 1._o first_o in_o that_o they_o can_v sin_v without_o his_o permission_n 2._o second_o in_o that_o he_o restrain_v they_o when_o he_o please_v 3._o three_o in_o that_o he_o just_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n sometime_o in_o this_o life_n always_o in_o the_o next_o q._n what_o be_v god_n peculiar_a kingdom_n a._n his_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o that_o either_o militant_a here_o on_o earth_n or_o else_o triumphant_a in_o heaven_n q._n how_o be_v the_o church_n militant_a to_o be_v consider_v a._n as_o it_o be_v either_o visible_a or_o invisible_a q._n what_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n here_o on_o earth_n a._n it_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n open_o profess_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o celebrate_v the_o ordinance_n appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n q._n
require_v your_o humble_a veneration_n second_o the_o scripture_n be_v suit_v to_o every_o capacity_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v common_o express_v a_o ford_n wherein_o a_o lamb_n may_v wade_v and_o a_o elephant_n swim_v and_o herein_o be_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v in_o wreathe_v together_o plain_a truth_n with_o obscure_a that_o he_o may_v gain_v the_o more_o credit_n to_o his_o word_n by_o the_o one_o instruct_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o weak_a by_o the_o other_o puzzle_v and_o confound_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wise_a this_o also_o add_v a_o beauty_n and_o ornament_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n be_v set_v off_o by_o a_o graceful_a variety_n of_o hill_n and_o valley_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v sublime_a truth_n that_o the_o most_o aspire_a reason_n of_o man_n can_v overtop_n and_o there_o be_v more_o plain_a and_o easy_a truth_n in_o which_o the_o weak_a capacity_n may_v converse_v with_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n no_o man_n be_v offend_v with_o his_o garden_n for_o have_v a_o shady_a thicket_n in_o it_o no_o more_o shall_v we_o be_v offend_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o among_o so_o many_o fair_a and_o open_a walk_n we_o here_o and_o there_o meet_v with_o a_o thicket_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o humane_a reason_n can_v look_v through_o three_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v as_o plain_o without_o either_o obscurity_n or_o ambiguity_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o if_o they_o be_v as_o the_o mahometans_n think_v concern_v their_o alcoran_n write_v with_o ink_n make_v of_o light_n there_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n of_o repentance_n for_o dead_a work_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o mortify_a life_n so_o clear_o set_v down_o that_o scarce_o have_v there_o any_o be_v find_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o raise_v controversy_n about_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o peevish_a to_o quarrel_v at_o the_o word_n for_o be_v obscure_a in_o those_o thing_n which_o if_o thou_o have_v use_v thy_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o understand_v the_o ignorance_n of_o they_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_n thy_o salvation_n bless_v god_n rather_o that_o he_o have_v so_o clear_o reveal_v the_o necessary_a and_o practical_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n that_o those_o be_v not_o involve_v in_o any_o mystical_a or_o obscure_a intimation_n but_o thou_o may_v without_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v know_v what_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o be_v either_o believe_v or_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n be_v assure_v of_o this_o that_o what_o with_o all_o thy_o labour_n and_o diligence_n thou_o can_v not_o understand_v thou_o need_v not_o and_o what_o be_v needful_a be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a and_o thou_o may_v easy_o understand_v it_o four_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a but_o have_v not_o god_n offer_v we_o sufficient_a help_n for_o the_o unfolding_n of_o it_o have_v you_o not_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o illuminate_v you_o 1_o cor._n 2.10_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n have_v we_o not_o his_o minister_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v we_o and_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o inmost_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n nay_o have_v we_o not_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o its_o own_o meaning_n usual_o if_o it_o speak_v more_o dark_o in_o one_o place_n it_o speak_v the_o same_o truth_n more_o clear_o in_o another_o now_o compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n you_o will_v find_v it_o hold_v a_o light_n unto_o its_o self_n the_o often_o you_o read_v and_o the_o more_o you_o ponder_v on_o those_o passage_n that_o be_v abstruse_a the_o more_o you_o will_v find_v they_o clear_v up_o to_o your_o understanding_n so_o that_o neither_o be_v this_o any_o reasonable_a discourgement_n from_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n eight_o other_o may_v say_v they_o be_v doubtful_a because_o they_o see_v many_o of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v most_o conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n how_o they_o have_v be_v pervert_v and_o carry_v aside_o into_o damnable_a error_n and_o yet_o still_o have_v plead_v scripture_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o they_o i_o answer_v true_a the_o devil_n have_v in_o these_o our_o day_n busy_v himself_o to_o bring_v a_o reproach_n upon_o scripture_n through_o the_o whimsy_n and_o giddiness_n of_o those_o who_o have_v pretend_v most_o acquaintance_n in_o it_o but_o let_v not_o this_o be_v any_o discouragement_n for_o this_o arise_v not_o direct_o from_o the_o influence_n the_o scripture_n have_v on_o they_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o truth_n only_o but_o from_o the_o pride_n and_o self_n conceit_n of_o a_o few_o notionist_n who_o wrest_v it_o to_o their_o own_o perdition_n and_o though_o they_o boast_v much_o of_o scripture_n to_o countenance_v their_o opinion_n yet_o scripture_n misunderstand_v and_o misapply_v be_v not_o scripture_n indeed_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n but_o only_o by_o the_o scripture_n right_o understand_v and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n right_o to_o understand_v it_o but_o diligent_o to_o search_v it_o but_o to_o say_v that_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n because_o some_o wrest_v it_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n be_v alike_o reasonable_a as_o to_o say_v that_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o eat_v nor_o drink_v because_o that_o some_o eat_v to_o gluttony_n and_o other_o drink_v to_o giddiness_n and_o madness_n the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o epist_n 1_o chap._n 3._o v._n 16._o that_o in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o sripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n shall_v we_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o neither_o his_o epistle_n nor_o any_o other_o of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v read_v by_o we_o because_o that_o in_o some_o instead_o of_o nourishment_n they_o have_v occasion_v only_a wind_n flatulency_n and_o ill_a humour_n if_o this_o have_v be_v his_o purpose_n it_o have_v certain_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o have_v say_v because_o they_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o many_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n therefore_o beware_v that_o you_o read_v they_o not_o but_o in_o stead_n of_o this_o he_o draw_v another_o inference_n verse_n 17._o you_o therefore_o belove_v beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_n from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o say_v not_o beware_v that_o you_o read_v they_o not_o but_o beware_v how_o you_o read_v they_o this_o be_v the_o true_a apostolical_a caution_n which_o tend_v not_o to_o drive_v we_o from_o the_o scripture_n but_o to_o make_v we_o more_o studious_a and_o inquisitive_a in_o they_o lest_o we_o also_o be_v pervert_v by_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o man_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o this_o the_o primitive_a parent_n think_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a mean_n to_o preserve_v their_o people_n from_o error_n and_o seduction_n it_o be_v almost_o endless_a to_o recite_v to_o you_o those_o many_o passage_n wherein_o they_o do_v most_o pathetical_o exhort_v all_o of_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o each_o sex_n of_o all_o age_n to_o a_o diligent_a perusal_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o take_v it_o up_o in_o a_o language_n unknown_a to_o the_o vulgar_a or_o debar_v the_o laity_n from_o read_v it_o that_o the_o translation_n of_o it_o into_o the_o common_a tongue_n of_o each_o country_n be_v numerous_a and_o their_o exhortation_n scarce_o more_o vehement_a and_o earnest_a in_o any_o thing_n than_o that_o the_o people_n will_v employ_v their_o time_n and_o thought_n in_o revolve_v they_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o most_o certain_a sign_n that_o that_o church_n have_v false_a ware_n to_o put_v off_o which_o be_v of_o nothing_o more_o careful_a than_o to_o darken_v the_o shop_n and_o assure_o the_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n by_o some_o who_o read_v they_o can_v occasion_v the_o destruction_n of_o more_o than_o that_o damnable_a idolatry_n and_o those_o damnable_a heresy_n have_v do_v which_o have_v be_v bring_v into_o and_o be_v general_o own_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n through_o the_o not_o read_v of_o they_o thus_o you_o see_v as_o it_o be_v in_o josiah_n time_n how_o much_o dust_n and_o rubbish_n this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n lie_v under_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o remove_v it_o and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o those_o argument_n that_o
of_o ourselves_o man_n that_o busy_v himself_o in_o know_v all_o thing_n else_o be_v of_o nothing_o more_o ignorant_a than_o of_o himself_o the_o eye_n that_o behold_v other_o thing_n can_v see_v its_o own_o shape_n and_o so_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereby_o he_o understand_v other_o object_n be_v usual_o ignorant_a of_o its_o own_o concernment_n now_o as_o the_o eye_n that_o can_v see_v itself_o direct_o may_v see_v itself_o reflexively_a in_o a_o glass_n so_o god_n have_v give_v we_o his_o scripture_n which_o st._n james_n compare_v to_o a_o glass_n james_n 1.23_o and_o hold_v this_o before_o the_o soul_n wherein_o be_v represent_v our_o true_a state_n and_o idea_n there_o be_v a_o fourfold_a state_n of_o man_n that_o we_o can_v never_o have_v attain_v to_o know_v but_o by_o the_o scripture_n his_o state_n of_o integrity_n his_o state_n of_o apostasy_n his_o state_n of_o restitution_n his_o state_n of_o glory_n the_o scripture_n alone_o can_v reveal_v to_o we_o what_o we_o be_v in_o our_o primitive_a constitution_n natural_o holy_n bear_v the_o image_n and_o similitude_n of_o god_n and_o enjoy_v his_o love_n free_a from_o all_o inward_a perturbation_n or_o outward_a misery_n have_v all_o the_o creature_n subject_a to_o we_o and_o what_o be_v much_o more_o ourselves_o what_o we_o be_v in_o our_o state_n of_o apostasy_n or_o destitution_n despoil_v of_o all_o our_o primitive_a excellency_n dispossess_v of_o all_o the_o happiness_n we_o enjoy_v and_o of_o all_o hope_n of_o any_o for_o the_o future_a liable_a every_o moment_n to_o the_o revenge_n of_o justice_n and_o certain_a once_o to_o feel_v it_o what_o we_o be_v in_o our_o state_n of_o restitution_n through_o grace_n beget_v again_o to_o a_o lively_a hope_n adopt_a into_o the_o family_n of_o heaven_n redeem_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n sanctify_a and_o seal_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n restore_v to_o the_o favour_n and_o friendship_n of_o god_n recover_v the_o initial_o of_o his_o image_n upon_o our_o soul_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o expect_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o in_o heaven_n what_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o our_o final_a state_n of_o glory_n clothe_v with_o light_n crown_v with_o star_n inebriate_v with_o pure_a spiritual_a joy_n we_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v know_v he_o as_o we_o be_v know_v by_o he_o love_v he_o ardent_o converse_v with_o he_o eternal_o yea_o a_o state_n it_o will_v be_v so_o infinite_o happy_a that_o it_o will_v leave_v we_o nothing_o to_o hope_v for_o this_o fourfold_a state_n of_o man_n the_o scripture_n do_v evident_o express_v now_o these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o have_v imagine_v have_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n describe_v they_o to_o we_o and_o thereby_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o of_o god_n and_o christ_n now_o let_v we_o put_v these_o six_o particular_n together_o the_o scripture_n instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v intelligible_a only_o by_o divine_a revelation_n it_o teach_v we_o the_o most_o sublime_a and_o lofty_a truth_n it_o be_v a_o most_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o knowledge_n the_o more_o we_o draw_v the_o more_o still_o spring_v up_o it_o teach_v that_o knowledge_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o be_v of_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o perpetual_a truth_n and_o last_o it_o inform_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o certain_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thirst_n in_o you_o after_o knowledge_n there_o need_v no_o more_o be_v speak_v to_o persuade_v you_o to_o the_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v a_o rich_a store_n and_o treasury_n of_o all_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n thus_o we_o have_v see_v how_o the_o scripture_n inform_v the_o judgement_n let_v we_o now_o brief_o see_v how_o they_o reform_v the_o life_n and_o what_o practical_a influence_n they_o have_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n now_o here_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v a_o mighty_a operation_n and_o that_o in_o sundry_a particular_n first_o this_o be_v that_o word_n that_o convince_v and_o humble_v the_o stout_a and_o proud_a sinner_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o secure_a sinner_n those_o who_o vaunt_v it_o in_o the_o confidence_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o those_o who_o be_v secure_a through_o a_o insensibility_n of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n both_o these_o the_o word_n when_o it_o be_v set_v home_o with_o power_n convince_v humble_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o dust_n it_o despoil_v the_o self-justitiary_a of_o all_o that_o false_a righteousness_n he_o once_o boast_v of_o and_o trust_v to_o i_o be_v alive_a once_o without_o the_o law_n say_v st._n paul_n but_o when_o the_o commandment_n come_v sin_n revive_v and_o i_o die_v rom._n 7.9_o it_o awaken_v and_o alarm_n the_o senseless_a sear_a sinner_n how_o many_o have_v there_o be_v that_o have_v scorn_v god_n and_o despise_a religion_n who_o yet_o one_o curse_n or_o 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act_v 10.43_o to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o true_a expositor_n be_v himself_o the_o true_a author_n make_v they_o all_o speak_v his_o sense_n luke_n 24.27_o begin_v at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o expound_v to_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o saying_n concern_v himself_o so_o that_o st._n chrysostom_n observation_n hold_v true_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o take_v root_n in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o flow_v forth_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o in_o both_o these_o respect_n the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o author_n and_o as_o the_o subject_a of_o it_o and_o in_o both_o these_o lie_v couch_v a_o very_a cogent_a argument_n that_o may_v enforce_v this_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o a_o diligent_a study_n of_o 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1_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o of_o all_o these_o wounderful_a passage_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o perfect_a narrative_n and_o what_o have_v the_o great_a wit_n of_o the_o world_n ever_o treat_v on_o like_o this_o either_o for_o strangeness_n or_o truth_n all_o their_o learning_n be_v but_o idle_a and_o contemptible_a speculation_n compare_v to_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n who_o subdue_v death_n by_o die_v and_o without_o force_n convert_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n above_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o very_a odd_a say_n of_o tertullian_n de_fw-fr carne_fw-la christi_fw-la cont_n marc._n and_o yet_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o that_o strike_v natus_fw-la est_fw-la dei_fw-la filius_fw-la non_fw-la pudet_fw-la quia_fw-la pudendum_fw-la est_fw-la the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v bear_v we_o blush_v not_o at_o it_o because_o it_o be_v shameful_a mortuus_fw-la est_fw-la dei_fw-la filius_fw-la prorsus_fw-la credibile_fw-la est_fw-la quia_fw-la 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upon_o it_o till_o you_o have_v transcribe_v the_o bible_n upon_o your_o heart_n and_o faithful_o print_v it_o in_o your_o memory_n second_o let_v it_o dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o or_o copious_o which_o may_v be_v take_v either_o objective_o or_o subjective_o objective_o and_o so_o the_o sense_n be_v that_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v in_o we_o content_v not_o yourselves_o with_o some_o part_n of_o it_o that_o you_o read_v the_o gospel_n or_o new_a testament_n but_o neglect_v the_o old_a as_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o flush_a notionist_n or_o that_o you_o know_v the_o historical_a part_n of_o both_o but_o neglect_v the_o doctrinal_a which_o be_v the_o fond_a and_o childish_a custom_n of_o some_o who_o read_v the_o scripture_n as_o they_o will_v romance_n skip_v over_o the_o moral_a discourse_n as_o impertinent_a to_o the_o story_n but_o when_o we_o receive_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o be_v diligent_a in_o revolve_v the_o prophet_n 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do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n to_o be_v conversant_a in_o it_o only_o to_o know_v what_o it_o contain_v be_v not_o wisdom_n but_o folly_n but_o than_o it_o dwell_v in_o you_o in_o wisdom_n when_o you_o study_v it_o to_o practice_v it_o when_o you_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o rule_n that_o you_o may_v obey_v it_o this_o be_v wisdom_n here_o and_o will_v end_v in_o happiness_n hereafter_o and_o thus_o you_o have_v the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n explain_v in_o handle_v this_o subject_a i_o shall_v only_o pursue_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o endeavour_v to_o press_v those_o exhortation_n upon_o you_o and_o indeed_o i_o need_v not_o many_o argument_n to_o persuade_v those_o who_o have_v already_o any_o acquaintance_n with_o these_o sacred_a oracle_n still_o to_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o have_v you_o not_o yourselves_o find_v such_o clear_a light_n such_o attractive_a sweetness_n and_o persuasive_a eloquence_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o that_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n can_v utter_v for_o it_o fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o what_o it_o speak_v on_o in_o its_o own_o behalf_n who_o of_o we_o have_v not_o find_v direction_n from_o it_o in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n solution_n of_o doubt_n support_v under_o affliction_n comfort_n under_o sadness_n strength_n against_o temptation_n quickning_n of_o grace_n warmth_n of_o affection_n and_o in_o brief_a whatsoever_o we_o can_v expect_v from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n have_v we_o not_o find_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o shall_v we_o need_v further_a to_o commend_v it_o to_o you_o by_o argument_n since_o it_o have_v commend_v itself_o by_o manifold_a experience_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n know_v we_o be_v disarm_v and_o disable_v if_o once_o he_o can_v wrest_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o and_o therefore_o labour_v all_o he_o can_v to_o strike_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n or_o if_o we_o do_v read_v it_o he_o strive_v to_o put_v on_o such_o false_a spectacle_n as_o shall_v misrepresent_v every_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o possess_v we_o with_o prejudice_n and_o objection_n against_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o before_o i_o proceed_v any_o far_a encounter_n with_o some_o of_o those_o prejudice_v opinion_n which_o make_v this_o a_o clasp_v and_o seal_v book_n to_o many_o first_o some_o may_v fear_v lest_o the_o study_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v only_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n and_o condemnation_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n be_v so_o various_a the_o duty_n so_o difficult_a and_o flesh_n and_o blood_n so_o infirm_a and_o opposite_a that_o they_o cast_v a_o despair_a look_n at_o they_o as_o impossible_a to_o be_v fulfil_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o have_v be_v tell_v that_o knowledge_n without_o practice_n will_v expose_v they_o to_o damnation_n without_o excuse_n they_o have_v read_v ja._n 4.17_o to_o he_o that_o know_v to_o do_v good_a and_o do_v it_o not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n it_o be_v a_o emphatical_a and_o weighty_a sin_n and_o luke_n 12.47_o 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 this_o they_o have_v read_v and_o this_o deterr_v they_o from_o read_v any_o far_o if_o they_o can_v practice_v what_o they_o know_v and_o if_o to_o know_v and_o not_o practice_v be_v only_o to_o inflame_v their_o last_o reckon_n and_o make_v their_o torment_n more_o intolerable_a it_o be_v best_o for_o they_o to_o muffle_v up_o themselves_o in_o a_o safe_a ignorance_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o though_o the_o word_n abound_v with_o multitude_n of_o sublime_a precept_n and_o difficult_a duty_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o discouragement_n from_o the_o study_n of_o it_o for_o consider_v that_o this_o same_o