hasten_v the_o birth_n and_o spoil_v the_o conception_n the_o prophet_n of_o old_a complain_v of_o some_o 28.16_o isa_n 35.4_o isa_n 28.16_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o hasty_a heart_n whereas_o he_o that_o believe_v make_v not_o haste_n god_n deferr_v to_o put_v a_o edge_n on_o our_o desire_n a_o value_n on_o what_o be_v promise_v and_o to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n the_o word_n that_o be_v go_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n shall_v quiet_v but_o it_o do_v not_o 102.13_o isa_n 60.22_o psa_fw-la 102.13_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v hasten_v it_o in_o its_o time_n the_o lord_n will_v arise_v and_o have_v mercy_n upon_o zion_n when_o the_o time_n to_o favour_v she_o yea_o when_o the_o set_a time_n be_v come_v and_o be_v not_o god_n time_n the_o best_a 9_o promise_n abuse_v promise_n how_o have_v many_o abuse_v rather_o than_o apply_v promise_n how_o many_o dog_n take_v the_o child_n bread_n how_o many_o hypocrite_n taste_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n lay_v hold_n on_o that_o which_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o when_o they_o read_v those_o sweet_a delicious_a promise_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n of_o the_o freeness_n of_o grace_n of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v they_o count_v they_o as_o they_o whereas_o they_o be_v but_o usurper_n they_o set_v their_o mark_n on_o another_o good_n they_o be_v thief_n and_o robber_n for_o they_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o promise_n how_o many_o abuse_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o promise_n so_o that_o even_o the_o promise_v become_v a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v whilst_o they_o continue_v in_o sin_n in_o hope_n of_o pardon_n through_o the_o promise_n we_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o repentance_n but_o rather_o harden_v our_o heart_n presume_v of_o pardon_n on_o course_n from_o the_o god_n of_o grace_n glutton_n surfeit_n soon_o upon_o the_o great_a dainty_n thus_o many_o venture_n to_o continue_v to_o sin_v that_o grace_n may_v abound_v hence_o repentance_n be_v put_v off_o because_o man_n hope_v god_n will_v abundant_o pardon_v when_o ever_o the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n the_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v a_o sanctuary_n unto_o which_o man_n fly_v from_o sin_n but_o as_o a_o sanctuary_n to_o protect_v they_o in_o their_o sinful_a course_n god_n be_v merciful_a slow_a to_o wrath_n he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o etc._n etc._n do_v not_o we_o overlook_v all_o the_o threaten_n and_o terrible_a denunciation_n of_o god_n against_o our_o sin_n and_o whole_o pitch_v on_o the_o comfortable_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o we_o eye_n promise_v and_o yet_o hate_v command_n do_v not_o we_o mind_n temporal_a promise_n with_o the_o neglect_n of_o spiritual_a and_o therein_o disparage_v god_n by_o set_v a_o deep_a value_n on_o earth_n than_o on_o heaven_n on_o our_o back_n and_o belly_n than_o on_o god_n do_v not_o we_o eye_v the_o promise_n that_o speak_v of_o mercy_n but_o pass_v over_o those_o that_o lead_v to_o duty_n view_v with_o pleasure_n pardon_v promise_n but_o neglect_v the_o promise_n of_o sprinkle_v we_o with_o clean_a water_n and_o that_o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o we_o we_o like_v it_o that_o god_n will_v be_v our_o god_n but_o we_o love_v not_o to_o be_v god_n people_n under_o his_o command_n and_o at_o his_o dispose_n how_o do_v we_o eye_v the_o absolute_a promise_n but_o neglect_v the_o conditional_a we_o take_v hold_v of_o promise_n of_o deliverance_n when_o under_o any_o misery_n but_o we_o forget_v the_o condition_n if_o my_o people_n shall_v humble_v themselves_o and_o pray_v and_o seek_v my_o face_n and_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n etc._n etc._n little_a be_v that_o mind_a by_o we_o which_o the_o prophet_n speak_v at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n 10._o jer._n 18.9_o 10._o and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o build_v and_o to_o plant_v it_o if_o it_o do_v evil_a in_o my_o sight_n that_o it_o obey_v not_o my_o voice_n than_o i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o good_a wherewith_o i_o say_v i_o will_v benefit_v they_o we_o love_v we_o like_v promise_a mercy_n and_o every_o one_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o unbelieving_a thomas_n that_o doubt_n of_o the_o mercy_n but_o we_o overlook_v the_o preparatory_a duty_n of_o fast_v pray_v repent_v and_o reform_v our_o heart_n and_o way_n etc._n etc._n hence_o man_n dote_v almost_o on_o the_o promise_v of_o grace_n but_o secret_o hate_v the_o promise_n to_o grace_n because_o they_o find_v no_o gracious_a qualification_n in_o themselves_o they_o love_v to_o hear_v of_o god_n readiness_n to_o pardon_n but_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o hear_v that_o they_o must_v come_v to_o christ_n for_o repentance_n and_o then_o for_o remission_n they_o will_v fain_o have_v the_o penny_n but_o they_o can_v endure_v labour_n god_n have_v link_v his_o promise_n and_o our_o seek_v together_o 36.37_o ezek._n 36.37_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o will_v yet_o for_o this_o be_v inquire_v of_o by_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o but_o how_o many_o of_o we_o do_v either_o altogether_o neglect_n or_o slothful_o go_v about_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o some_o of_o we_o altogether_o stranger_n to_o faith_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n know_v not_o what_o a_o heart_n purify_n faith_n mean_n we_o never_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n yet_o run_v away_o with_o the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n though_o ignorant_a of_o the_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o sinful_a creature_n though_o full_a of_o pride_n and_o high_a concert_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n though_o we_o live_v in_o a_o open_a disesteem_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n though_o we_o can_v but_o find_v a_o incompliance_n of_o heart_n with_o subjection_n to_o christ_n yet_o we_o boast_v abraham_n be_v our_o father_n the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v come_v upon_o we_o the_o promise_n be_v we_o how_o do_v the_o promise_v of_o god_n make_v some_o slothful_a in_o the_o use_n of_o appoint_a mean_n how_o formal_a in_o duty_n be_v we_o may_v it_o not_o be_v say_v of_o we_o intus_fw-la do_v aliquid_fw-la intus_fw-la as_o of_o the_o image_n there_o be_v somewhat_o want_v within_o be_v not_o we_o silly_a dove_n without_o heart_n be_v not_o we_o only_o bolster_v up_o with_o the_o promise_n o_o these_o pillow_n under_o our_o head_n make_v we_o slumber_v virgin_n all_o be_v well_o god_n be_v merciful_a etc._n etc._n but_o we_o do_v not_o sweat_v and_o get_v our_o live_n by_o labour_n we_o strive_v not_o to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n etc._n etc._n we_o look_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n but_o we_o live_v not_o sober_o i_o know_v say_v god_n the_o thought_n that_o i_o think_v towards_o you_o thought_n of_o peace_n 12._o jer._n 29.11_o 12._o but_o not_o of_o a_o evil_a to_o give_v you_o a_o expect_a end_n but_o be_v sure_a that_o you_o call_v upon_o i_o and_o go_v and_o pray_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o will_v hearken_v unto_o you_o 10._o they_o nicely_n apply_v they_o how_o nice_a and_o curious_a be_v some_o in_o apply_v of_o promise_n they_o forsooth_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o any_o promise_n but_o such_o as_o they_o think_v no_o hand_n touch_v before_o their_o own_o they_o neglect_v the_o plain_a clear_a open_a rich_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o any_o be_v more_o abstruse_a and_o hard_o to_o be_v find_v out_o by_o a_o ordinary_a eye_n they_o be_v greedy_o suck_v in_o they_o be_v only_o or_o main_o for_o mystical_a promise_n such_o think_v they_o be_v delight_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o promise_n whereas_o they_o be_v only_o please_v with_o the_o newness_n of_o it_o or_o with_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o that_o they_o can_v see_v far_o into_o a_o millstone_n than_o another_o i_o have_v know_v some_o of_o these_o and_o i_o have_v see_v what_o be_v become_v of_o they_o their_o pride_n and_o affectation_n have_v lead_v they_o also_o from_o the_o plain_a path_n of_o holiness_n 11._o how_o many_o will_v not_o close_o with_o a_o promise_n such_o be_v their_o folly_n till_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v find_v within_o they_o for_o not_o apply_v they_o till_o they_o have_v what_o they_o shall_v apply_v they_o for_o because_o their_o heart_n be_v so_o corrupt_a therefore_o they_o will_v not_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o subdue_a iniquity_n and_o of_o purify_n the_o heart_n whereas_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o get_v their_o corrupt_a heart_n cleanse_v but_o by_o lay_v hold_n on_o such_o promise_n and_o the_o long_o they_o keep_v off_o the_o promise_n the_o worse_a it_o will_v be_v with_o they_o
12.8_o hab._n 2.1_o for_o this_o i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o and_o yet_o no_o answer_n o_o when_o shall_v we_o resolve_v with_o habbakkus_n to_o stand_v upon_o our_o watch_n and_o look_v and_o see_v what_o he_o will_v say_v to_o we_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o have_v breed_v so_o many_o formalist_n in_o our_o congregation_n after_o we_o have_v put_v our_o prayer_n into_o god_n hand_n we_o never_o mind_v they_o more_o we_o will_v be_v angry_a with_o beggar_n if_o they_o beg_v a_o alm_n and_o away_o present_o as_o careless_a of_o answer_n the_o sincerity_n of_o thy_o heart_n will_v be_v more_o evidence_v answer_n not_o blessing_n god_n for_o answer_n if_o thou_o do_v consider_v what_o return_v thou_o have_v that_o thou_o may_v bless_v god_n for_o they_o and_o improve_v they_o for_o god_n and_o in_o case_n of_o denial_n 1.15_o 1_o sam._n 1.15_o to_o be_v of_o a_o trouble_a spirit_n as_o hannah_n be_v for_o that_o her_o prayer_n for_o a_o child_n be_v so_o long_o deny_v what_o mourning_n have_v thou_o for_o that_o thy_o pride_n denial_n not_o mourn_v for_o denial_n worldliness_n unbelief_n hardness_n of_o heart_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o yet_o pardon_v and_o subdue_v poor_a creature_n thou_o continue_v in_o the_o road_n of_o duty_n but_o observe_v not_o whether_o god_n hear_v thou_o or_o not_o saul_n go_v beyond_o thou_o 28.6_o 1_o sam._n 28.6_o he_o observe_v and_o be_v trouble_v that_o god_n answer_v he_o not_o by_o urim_n nor_o yet_o by_o prophet_n have_v not_o we_o by_o carelessness_n by_o return_v to_o our_o vomit_n and_o mire_n intercept_v our_o own_o prayer_n have_v not_o we_o tear_v our_o own_o petition_n 2._o tear_v their_o own_o petition_n isa_n 59.1_o 2._o and_o snatch_v they_o out_o of_o god_n hand_n behold_v the_o lord_n hand_n be_v not_o shorten_v that_o it_o can_v save_v neither_o be_v his_o ear_n heavy_a that_o it_o can_v hear_v but_o your_o iniquity_n have_v separate_v between_o you_o and_o your_o god_n and_o your_o sin_n have_v hide_v his_o face_n from_o you_o that_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v how_o seldom_o have_v we_o take_v bernard_n advice_n in_o his_o gloss_n upon_o 39.23_o not_o join_v endeavour_n oremus_fw-la &_o laboremus_fw-la jo._n 8.21_o ezek._n 39.23_o let_v we_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n with_o our_o hand_n that_o be_v say_v he_o let_v we_o pray_v and_o endeavour_v we_o love_v to_o employ_v god_n to_o subdue_v our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o sit_v idle_a we_o hate_v take_v pain_n we_o be_v not_o co-worker_n with_o god_n i_o may_v say_v unto_o you_o as_o christ_n i_o go_v away_o and_o you_o shall_v seek_v i_o and_o shall_v die_v in_o your_o sin_n the_o heathen_a shall_v know_v that_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n go_v into_o captivity_n for_o their_o iniquity_n because_o they_o trespass_v against_o i_o therefore_o hide_v i_o my_o face_n from_o they_o then_o shall_v they_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n 3.4_o mic._n 3.4_o but_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o he_o will_v even_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o they_o at_o that_o time_n as_o they_o have_v behave_v themselves_o ill_a in_o their_o do_n prayer_n be_v a_o key_n to_o open_a heaven_n to_o believer_n but_o it_o may_v be_v so_o manage_v as_o to_o open_a hell_n to_o thou_o chap._n xv._o their_o slight_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n especial_o in_o not_o read_v and_o meditate_v on_o it_o as_o they_o ought_v 8_o word_n professor_n despife_v god_n write_v word_n slight_v of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v another_o piece_n of_o ungodliness_n which_o english_a professor_n have_v be_v very_o guilty_a of_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sure_a sign_n of_o despise_v any_o person_n than_o the_o set_a light_n by_o what_o he_o say_v unto_o we_o for_o according_a to_o the_o honour_n we_o give_v unto_o the_o speaker_n the_o word_n speak_v will_v be_v of_o weight_n with_o we_o but_o alas_o how_o have_v the_o bible_n god_n write_a word_n be_v undervalue_v by_o we_o how_o little_o have_v we_o credit_v god_n write_v word_n it_o evidence_v in_o their_o not_o credit_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v whatsoever_o be_v say_v by_o one_o of_o who_o truth_n we_o be_v confident_a have_v not_o scripture-affirmations_a be_v doubt_v of_o by_o we_o how_o little_a have_v our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v attend_v with_o build_v a_o christian_a life_n upon_o they_o as_o a_o foundation_n have_v we_o believe_v that_o scripture_n command_v come_v from_o god_n and_o be_v most_o just_a and_o fit_a for_o he_o to_o lay_v upon_o we_o have_v this_o belief_n bring_v forth_o obedience_n have_v we_o believe_v that_o scripture-threat_n be_v gods-threat_n and_o will_v therefore_o be_v perform_v to_o every_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o have_v this_o belief_n keep_v we_o from_o sin_n or_o promote_v repentance_n have_v scripture_n promise_v be_v believe_v to_o be_v gods-promise_n and_o that_o therefore_o all_o the_o absolute_a one_o shall_v certain_o be_v perform_v to_o the_o elect_n and_o all_o the_o conditional_a one_o to_o those_o that_o perform_v the_o condition_n and_o have_v this_o belief_n stir_v we_o up_o and_o help_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n god_n have_v magnify_v his_o word_n above_o ell_n his_o name_n but_o so_o have_v not_o we_o name_n psal_n 138.2_o not_o honour_v it_o above_o god_n other_o name_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v afraid_a at_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n in_o his_o extraordinary_a work_n in_o the_o world_n but_o who_o tremble_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o god_n appear_v more_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o majesty_n therein_o than_o in_o all_o his_o other_o work_n whether_o of_o creation_n or_o of_o common_a providence_n 5.8_o mat._n 5.8_o god_n make_v more_o account_n of_o his_o write_a word_n than_o of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n he_o have_v rather_o lose_v heaven_n and_o earth_n than_o one_o jota_fw-la or_o tittle_n of_o his_o word_n it_o account_v it_o a_o small_a matter_n to_o swerve_v from_o it_o but_o have_v not_o we_o account_v it_o no_o great_a matter_n to_o swerve_v a_o little_a from_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n yea_o have_v not_o we_o make_v a_o light_a matter_n of_o leave_v undo_v what_o be_v therein_o require_v and_o of_o do_v what_o be_v therein_o forbid_a be_v the_o scripture_n high_a in_o our_o esteem_v do_v we_o look_v upon_o god_n testimony_n as_o wonderful_a thing_n our_o very_a soul_n will_v be_v in_o keep_v they_o 119.129_o psal_n 119.129_o thy_o testimony_n be_v wonderful_a therefore_o do_v my_o soul_n keep_v they_o have_v not_o we_o account_v they_o fool_n that_o have_v prefer_v the_o word_n before_o whatsoever_o have_v be_v near_o and_o dear_a unto_o they_o in_o this_o world_n 6.9_o account_v tender_a conscience_n more_o nice_a than_o wise_a rev._n 6.9_o have_v not_o we_o account_v they_o more_o nice_a than_o wise_a who_o have_v be_v slay_v for_o the_o word_n who_o have_v lose_v name_n liberty_n livelihood_n friend_n relation_n yea_o life_n itself_o and_o endure_v all_o torment_n and_o torture_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v offend_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n in_o any_o one_o thing_n either_o by_o omission_n or_o commission_n god_n have_v write_v to_o we_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o his_o law_n or_o word_n but_o have_v they_o not_o be_v account_v a_o strange_a thing_n 8.12_o account_v it_o a_o strange_a thing_n hos_fw-la 8.12_o a_o thing_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v get_v little_a good_a if_o we_o have_v obey_v they_o and_o little_a hurt_n by_o disobey_v they_o have_v not_o we_o use_v the_o word_n as_o a_o stranger_n only_o for_o our_o own_o end_n to_o serve_v our_o own_o turn_n as_o we_o have_v have_v advantage_n thereby_o have_v not_o we_o make_v the_o word_n a_o stalk_a horse_n for_o our_o own_o carnal_a design_n stalking-horse_n make_v the_o word_n a_o stalking-horse_n have_v not_o we_o pretend_v very_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o word_n when_o all_o the_o while_o we_o have_v be_v zealous_a for_o self_n either_o our_o own_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n or_o our_o own_o honour_n and_o greatness_n or_o our_o own_o livelihood_n have_v not_o we_o like_o boat-man_n look_v one_o way_n and_o row_v another_o cry_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o mean_v the_o other_o thing_n have_v not_o even_a scripture_n doctrine_n ebb_v and_o flow_v upon_o politic_a consideration_n how_o seldom_o have_v we_o discourse_v with_o other_o seriptural_o 6.7_o not_o talk_v of_o it_o deut._n 6.7_o the_o scholar_n be_v upon_o every_o occasion_n discourse_v of_o those_o notion_n which_o he_o prize_v but_o have_v not_o our_o speech_n bewray_v our_o low_a esteem_v of_o the_o word_n have_v not_o we_o be_v willing_o and_o content_o ignorant_a of_o scripture-discovery_n 21.14_o willing_o ignorant_a of_o it_o job_n 21.14_o so_o be_v not_o
the_o scholar_n of_o those_o notion_n which_o he_o affect_v and_o valu_v haven_n ot_fw-mi our_o heart_n cry_v out_o many_o time_n unto_o the_o bible_n depart_v from_o we_o for_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n way_n either_o as_o to_o worship_n or_o manner_n and_o that_o because_o knowledge_n be_v a_o obligation_n yea_o a_o provocation_n to_o duty_n and_o a_o sting_n in_o case_n duty_n be_v neglect_v what_o thing_n we_o prize_v we_o search_v into_o 5.39_o not_o search_v the_o scripture_n jo._n 5.39_o but_o how_o little_a have_v we_o search_v the_o scripture_n as_o digger_n in_o mine_n do_v search_v for_o gold_n and_o silver_n in_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o those_o two_o main_a evidence_n of_o our_o slight_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n our_o not_o read_v and_o not_o meditate_v upon_o it_o 17.19_o not_o read_v they_o dent._n 31.11_o matth._n 12.3.5.21.16_o luk._n 10.26_o deut._n 17.19_o as_o we_o ought_v which_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a enlarge_v upon_o how_o have_v we_o be_v guilty_a of_o not_o read_v the_o scripture_n as_o we_o ought_v that_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o read_v they_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o the_o papist_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o believe_v this_o truth_n but_o by_o keep_v of_o they_o from_o read_v the_o scripture_n no_o business_n can_v discharge_v any_o from_o this_o duty_n and_o yet_o how_o be_v this_o evident_a duty_n neglect_v some_o have_v not_o be_v so_o far_o wrought_v upon_o as_o from_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o concern_v their_o everlasting_a welfare_n and_o from_o conviction_n that_o they_o can_v know_v such_o thing_n only_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n to_o take_v up_o firm_a resolution_n to_o undertake_v the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n other_o notwithstanding_o their_o resolution_n never_o set_v upon_o the_o read_n of_o the_o bible_n over_o all_o at_o all_o they_o have_v see_v no_o excellency_n in_o this_o book_n they_o have_v see_v more_o in_o a_o piece_n of_o philosophy_n in_o a_o rational_a discourse_n of_o divinity_n in_o a_o ingenious_a history_n in_o a_o politic_a discourse_n yea_o in_o a_o romance_n or_o in_o a_o play_n polititian-like_a who_o prefer_v a_o ode_n in_o pindar_n before_o all_o david_n psalm_n how_o many_o read_v the_o bible_n too_o seldom_o enough_o oft_o enough_o think_v it_o too_o much_o to_o read_v it_o daily_o to_o spend_v one_o hour_n therein_o every_o day_n have_v not_o some_o spend_v several_a hour_n in_o a_o day_n in_o read_v some_o good_a book_n of_o man_n indite_v but_o not_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n in_o read_v gods-book_n i_o even_o hate_v my_o own_o work_n say_v luther_n and_o oft_o time_n wish_v they_o be_v burn_v because_o i_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v withdraw_v man_n from_o read_v the_o scripture_n how_o much_o great_a be_v the_o number_n of_o those_o 7.18_o aright_o not_o reverent_o 2_o sam._n 7.18_o that_o have_v not_o read_v the_o bible_n aright_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o in_o this_o number_n when_o have_v we_o prepare_v for_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o become_v those_o that_o be_v go_v in_o unto_o god_n so_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v keep_v be_v term_v have_v not_o we_o read_v fearless_o tremble_o tremble_o when_o we_o be_v go_v to_o take_v the_o bible_n into_o our_o hand_n have_v we_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n 66.2_o isa_n 66.2_o lest_o we_o shall_v not_o sanctify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n yea_o lest_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a in_o our_o read_n have_v not_o we_o read_v heedless_o attentive_o attentive_o not_o diligent_o mark_v the_o duty_n command_v the_o sin_n forbid_v the_o reward_n promise_v and_o the_o punishment_n threaten_v therein_o have_v not_o our_o thought_n be_v wander_v and_o gad_v and_o not_o fix_v upon_o what_o we_o read_v when_o do_v we_o attend_v to_o scripture_n word_n as_o heedful_o 20.33_o 1_o king_n 20.33_o as_o benhadad_n messenger_n do_v to_o the_o word_n of_o ahab_n have_v not_o we_o read_v unbelieve_o end_n believe_o deut._n 29.9_o rom._n 15.4_o josh_n 1.5_o compare_v with_o hebr._n 13.5_o conscieneious_o for_o right_a end_n not_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o whatever_o we_o read_v therein_o be_v true_a and_o good_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o inditer_n of_o every_o word_n in_o this_o book_n do_v particular_o intend_v our_o good_a in_o every_o verse_n that_o in_o the_o scripture_n life_n and_o death_n be_v set_v before_o we_o yea_o that_o scripture_n word_n be_v our_o life_n have_v not_o we_o read_v out_o of_o custom_n and_o not_o conscientious_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n have_v not_o we_o read_v for_o wrong_a end_n either_o to_o satisfy_v our_o curiosity_n and_o not_o to_o regulate_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n or_o to_o have_v matter_n of_o discourse_n but_o not_o matter_n of_o practice_n to_o have_v scripture_n at_o our_o tongue_n end_n not_o at_o our_o heart_n or_o only_o to_o know_v be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o all_o christian_n know_v and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v nothing_o of_o such_o matter_n which_o we_o can_v but_o have_v occasion_n divers_a time_n in_o company_n to_o talk_v of_o but_o not_o to_o do_v when_o do_v we_o read_v the_o scripture_n with_o this_o particular_a intention_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o our_o foot_n 119.105_o psa_fw-la 119.105_o and_o a_o light_n unto_o our_o path_n that_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v help_v to_o order_v our_o conversation_n aright_o when_o do_v we_o read_v the_o bible_n with_o the_o same_o attention_n reverence_n 8.12_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la scriptura_fw-la sacra_fw-la nisi_fw-la quaedam_fw-la epistola_fw-la omnipotentis_fw-la dei_fw-la ad_fw-la creaturam_fw-la svam_fw-la greg._n hos_fw-la 8.12_o and_o resolution_n to_o follow_v every_o rule_n therein_o as_o we_o think_v we_o will_v if_o we_o have_v live_v when_o christ_n be_v upon_o earth_n receive_v a_o letter_n from_o he_o direct_v we_o what_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v that_o we_o may_v be_v save_v or_o as_o we_o think_v we_o shall_v a_o book_n write_v immediate_o by_o the_o singer_n of_o god_n as_o he_o write_v the_o ten_o commandment_n in_o two_o table_n why_o the_o bible_n be_v god_n letter_n to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o particular_a write_v by_o himself_o though_o mediate_o i_o have_v write_v to_o he_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o my_o law_n to_o he_o it_o be_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n because_o to_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n particular_o when_o do_v we_o read_v the_o bible_n as_o child_n read_v the_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n of_o their_o decease_a parent_n have_v not_o we_o read_v the_o scripture_n prayer_n with_o prayer_n without_o beg_v of_o god_n his_o spirit_n to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v what_o we_o read_v and_o to_o practice_v what_o we_o understand_v at_o least_o not_o so_o importunate_o as_o we_o will_v if_o we_o have_v be_v beg_v for_o our_o life_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o a_o judge_n have_v not_o we_o sow_o this_o seed_n among_o thorn_n in_o unplow_a heart_n 4.3_o jer._n 4.3_o and_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o take_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o to_o give_v a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n a_o teachable_a pliable_a tractable_a spirit_n ready_a to_o receive_v every_o divine_a impression_n o_o when_o shall_v we_o make_v conscience_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n daily_o as_o we_o ought_v the_o emperor_n of_o heaven_n say_v gregory_n the_o great_a the_o lord_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n have_v send_v to_o you_o that_o which_o concern_v your_o life_n and_o will_v you_o still_o neglect_v to_o read_v it_o with_o a_o fervent_a and_o zealous_a spirit_n how_o guilty_a have_v we_o be_v in_o not_o meditate_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v how_o little_a meditate_v not_o meditate_v if_o at_o all_o have_v we_o dwell_v in_o our_o serious_a thought_n upon_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v understand_v how_o much_o they_o do_v concern_v we_o and_o that_o our_o heart_n may_v thereby_o be_v raise_v to_o some_o holy_a affection_n and_o resolution_n though_o meditation_n be_v command_v as_o a_o chief_a mean_n sanctify_v by_o god_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o word_n 1.2_o josh_n 1.8_o psa_fw-la 1.2_o though_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a and_o happy_a without_o it_o altogether_o though_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o profitable_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a the_o reader_n and_o studier_n of_o scripture_n may_v see_v the_o beauty_n and_o smell_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o flower_n that_o grow_v
in_o this_o divine_a garden_n but_o it_o be_v the_o meditater_n the_o christian-bee_n that_o gather_v the_o honey_n out_o of_o they_o though_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n dige_v truth_n and_o draw_v forth_o their_o strength_n for_o its_o nourishment_n and_o refreshment_n yea_o the_o duty_n by_o which_o all_o other_o duty_n be_v improve_v yet_o how_o much_o be_v this_o duty_n neglect_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o professor_n because_o though_o it_o be_v the_o delightfull_a task_n to_o the_o spirit_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o tedious_a to_o the_o flesh_n that_o ever_o man_n on_o earth_n be_v employ_v in_o have_v not_o many_o be_v long_a professor_n all_o at_o all_o and_o yet_o if_o they_o will_v tell_v all_o the_o truth_n they_o will_v confess_v they_o never_o spend_v one_o hour_n together_o in_o mediate_a on_o the_o most_o weighty_a scripture-truth_n on_o god_n on_o man_n estate_n by_o creation_n degeneration_n regeneration_n glorification_n on_o christ_n on_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n on_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n on_o death_n on_o judgement_n on_o heaven_n and_o hell_n meditation_n say_v mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o saint_n rest_n be_v confess_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n by_o all_o but_o by_o constant_a neglect_n deny_v by_o most_o and_o i_o know_v not_o by_o what_o fatal_a customary_a security_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_z man_n that_o be_v very_o tender_a conscienced_a towards_o most_o other_o duty_n yet_o do_v as_o easy_o overslip_v this_o as_o if_o they_o know_v it_o not_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n at_o all_o they_o that_o be_v present_o trouble_v in_o mind_n if_o they_o omit_v a_o sermon_n a_o fast_a a_o prayer_n in_o public_a or_o private_a yet_o be_v never_o trouble_v that_o they_o have_v omit_v meditation_n perhaps_o all_o their_o life_n time_n unto_o this_o very_a day_n how_o few_o have_v manage_v this_o duty_n aright_o aright_o aright_o have_v not_o that_o which_o we_o call_v meditation_n be_v study_n only_o have_v not_o some_o controversial_a point_n or_o some_o nice_a speculation_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o meditation_n hereby_o we_o evidence_n that_o we_o have_v not_o so_o great_a spiritual_a hunger_n after_o righteousness_n as_o we_o shall_v hungry_a man_n say_v one_o do_v not_o use_v to_o stand_v and_o pick_v bone_n when_o they_o have_v meat_n enough_o to_o eat_v have_v not_o our_o end_n in_o meditate_v be_v only_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o not_o the_o improve_n of_o our_o knowledge_n have_v not_o we_o begin_v this_o work_n without_o god_n when_o we_o be_v go_v about_o to_o meditate_v have_v not_o we_o neglect_v prayer_n for_o help_v from_o heaven_n to_o go_v through_o with_o the_o work_n though_o without_o god_n we_o can_v neither_o know_v resolve_v upon_o nor_o perform_v what_o be_v good_a for_o from_o he_o yea_o from_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n come_v both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n have_v not_o we_o idle_v away_o our_o meditate_a season_n if_o we_o have_v sequester_v ourselves_o from_o worldly_a business_n and_o company_n for_o meditation_n at_o any_o time_n have_v not_o we_o idle_v away_o that_o time_n by_o suffer_v our_o thought_n to_o gad_n and_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o to_o no_o purpose_n to_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o fetch_v in_o consideration_n for_o the_o stamp_v holy_a impression_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n have_v not_o we_o in_o meditate_v be_v without_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o god_n presence_n may_v not_o we_o cry_v out_o 28.16_o gen._n 28.16_o sure_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o place_n where_o i_o have_v be_v meditate_v and_o i_o know_v it_o not_o i._n e._n i_o consider_v it_o not_o have_v not_o the_o work_n of_o our_o understanding_n in_o this_o business_n be_v to_o retain_v and_o not_o to_o convey_v truth_n into_o the_o heart_n have_v our_o understanding_n represent_v what_o shall_v work_v holy_a affection_n and_o resolution_n aright_o have_v they_o present_v thing_n good_a of_o a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n as_o god_n christ_n heaven_n etc._n etc._n in_o their_o prime_n and_o beauty_n have_v they_o present_v thing_n in_o their_o nature_n simple_o evil_a as_o sin_n god_n wrath_n hell_n at_o their_o worst_a have_v not_o we_o leave_v off_o meditate_v before_o we_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o meditation_n before_o holy_a affection_n and_o resolution_n be_v wrought_v have_v not_o we_o rush_v out_o of_o this_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o rush_v into_o it_o have_v not_o we_o go_v from_o this_o work_n as_o a_o bird_n out_o of_o the_o snare_n with_o joy_n and_o speed_v have_v not_o we_o end_v as_o well_o as_o begin_v this_o work_n without_o god_n not_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o strength_n to_o perform_v what_o we_o have_v be_v enable_v by_o grace_n to_o resolve_v upon_o for_o god_n and_o for_o pardon_v of_o what_o have_v be_v amiss_o in_o the_o duty_n o_o when_o will_v english_a professor_n be_v prevail_v with_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o duty_n i_o once_o more_o entreat_v thou_o to_o use_v mr._n baxter_n word_n as_o thou_o be_v a_o man_n that_o make_v conscience_n of_o a_o reveal_v duty_n and_o that_o dare_v not_o wilful_o resist_v the_o spirit_n as_o thou_o value_v the_o high_a delight_n of_o a_o saint_n and_o the_o soul-ravishing_a exercise_n of_o heavenly_a contemplation_n and_o as_o thou_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o thy_o own_o soul_n that_o thou_o speedy_o and_o diligent_o set_v upon_o this_o great_a duty_n o_o word_n consideration_n against_o flight_v god_n write_v word_n what_o a_o mighty_a blessing_n be_v it_o to_o have_v such_o a_o book_n wherein_o be_v write_v by_o god_n himself_o the_o great_a counsel_n of_o his_o will_n concern_v man_n eternal_a salvation_n what_o a_o sin_n be_v it_o then_o to_o have_v low_a mean_a yea_o vile_a and_o base_a thought_n of_o it_o be_v not_o our_o slight_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o wickedness_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n whence_o be_v all_o our_o omission_n and_o commission_n but_o because_o we_o make_v a_o light_a matter_n of_o sin_v against_o the_o scripture_n certain_o this_o great_a provocation_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o our_o misery_n and_o threaten_v utter_a ruin_n to_o we_o 5.24_o prov._n 13.13_o isa_n 5.24_o who_o so_o despise_v the_o word_n shall_v be_v destroy_v therefore_o as_o the_o fire_n devour_v the_o stubble_n and_o the_o flame_n consume_v the_o chaff_n so_o their_o root_n shall_v be_v rottenness_n and_o their_o blossom_n shall_v go_v up_o as_o dust_n because_o they_o have_v cast_v away_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o despise_v the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n chap._n xvi_o their_o miscarriage_n about_o the_o promise_n 9_o promise_n professor_n miscarriage_n about_o the_o promise_n much_o ungodliness_n be_v also_o evidence_v in_o professor_n miscarriage_n about_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o ward_n the_o promise_n be_v the_o great_a promoter_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o as_o argument_n to_o induce_v it_o by_o show_v how_o god_n will_v reward_v it_o but_o likewise_o as_o principle_n of_o godliness_n or_o the_o chief_a instrument_n whereby_o god_n make_v soul_n partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 1._o truth_n not_o believe_v their_o truth_n how_o little_o do_v we_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n how_o little_o do_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o glory_n rest_v on_o they_o that_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o that_o as_o tribulation_n do_v abound_v for_o christ_n so_o shall_v consolation_n by_o he_o or_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o hundred_o fold_v advantage_n by_o any_o loss_n we_o sustain_v for_o christ_n and_o his_o concernment_n all_o that_o fear_n of_o man_n all_o that_o cowardice_n all_o those_o tremble_n of_o heart_n that_o be_v upon_o professor_n this_o day_n all_o that_o enmity_n against_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n which_o appear_v on_o the_o face_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v clear_a demonstration_n how_o little_a the_o promise_n for_o the_o bear_n up_o under_o suffering_n for_o the_o deliverance_n out_o of_o suffering_n or_o reward_v of_o suffer_v for_o christ_n be_v believe_v we_o can_v set_v the_o promise_v against_o all_o cross_n 2._o enough_o not_o prize_v they_o enough_o how_o low_o be_v our_o esteem_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n of_o the_o great_a and_o faithful_a god_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o be_v concern_v the_o promise_n of_o honest_a and_o sufficient_a man_n i_o appeal_v to_o thou_o if_o a_o king_n shall_v promise_v thou_o a_o thousand_o pound_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la whether_o it_o will_v not_o more_o rejoice_v thy_o heart_n than_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n have_v make_v unto_o thou_o do_v with_o how_o