be_v also_o necessary_a that_o thou_o understand_v what_o thou_o read_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o the_o sense_n thou_o shall_v look_v after_o the_o jew_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o have_v great_a care_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o count_v the_o word_n syllable_n and_o letter_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o sense_n and_o miss_v of_o the_o meaning_n when_o thou_o read_v a_o dark_a passage_n in_o the_o scripture_n rest_v not_o till_o thou_o understand_v it_o to_o this_o end_n divine_n have_v give_v several_a direction_n such_o as_o these_o if_o thou_o be_v able_a compare_v the_o original_a and_o translation_n together_o and_z perhaps_o this_o may_v resolve_v thy_o doubt_n every_o language_n have_v a_o peculiar_a elegancy_n and_o some_o word_n be_v of_o so_o hard_a a_o signification_n that_o they_o can_v full_o be_v express_v in_o a_o translation_n now_o know_v the_o original_a will_n abundant_o help_v and_o the_o 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object_n fit_a to_o work_v upon_o and_o if_o the_o creature_n thus_o furnish_v we_o doubtless_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v fruitless_a the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o itself_o be_v mysterious_a and_o dark_a at_o least_o some_o part_n of_o it_o the_o well_o be_v deep_a and_o meditation_n be_v the_o bucket_n hereby_o divine_a mystery_n be_v draw_v out_o and_o the_o water_n of_o life_n pump_v in_o cursory_a read_v many_o thing_n pass_v by_o without_o regard_n which_o by_o meditation_n be_v fetch_v back_o and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o help_n to_o the_o understanding_n but_o the_o memory_n also_o it_o leave_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o it_o what_o in_o cursory_a read_n be_v soon_o forget_v be_v press_v hard_o upon_o and_o imprint_v to_o the_o memory_n by_o meditation_n hereby_o the_o heart_n
will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o that_o those_o to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v most_o shall_v do_v least_o be_v a_o question_n shall_v be_v think_v of_o a_o bare_a profession_n make_v many_o a_o man_n have_v a_o high_a conceit_n of_o himself_o but_o the_o law_n allow_v not_o a_o man_n to_o be_v judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a tract_n be_v not_o to_o make_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n narrow_a nor_o the_o gate_n strait_o than_o it_o be_v but_o to_o put_v you_o up_o some_o way-mark_n that_o you_o mistake_v not_o the_o road_n it_o be_v not_o to_o make_v the_o burden_n heavy_a than_o needs_o must_v but_o to_o show_v you_o what_o burden_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n will_v have_v you_o take_v up_o it_o be_v not_o to_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n or_o to_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n but_o to_o awaken_v the_o dull_a and_o drowsy_a formalist_n and_o to_o set_v he_o on_o fire_n that_o be_v quite_o out_o and_o to_o show_v the_o mistake_n of_o those_o that_o 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have_v it_o and_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o have_v no_o better_o i_o can_v give_v thou_o this_o brief_a account_n when_o by_o providence_n i_o be_v lay_v aside_o as_o a_o break_a vessel_n and_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o the_o levite_n be_v send_v every_o one_o to_o his_o field_n nehem._n 13.10_o and_o i_o not_o have_v that_o provision_n make_v as_o many_o other_o have_v and_o but_o little_a if_o any_o thing_n leave_v to_o maintain_v a_o numerous_a family_n i_o be_v force_v to_o fight_v against_o poverty_n almost_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o my_o study_n so_o that_o i_o can_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n act_v 20.34_o and_o many_o that_o know_v i_o may_v say_v as_o much_o for_o i_o these_o hand_n minister_v to_o my_o necessity_n and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o i_o my_o head_n be_v fill_v with_o other_o distract_n study_v and_o my_o hand_n with_o other_o employment_n that_o i_o have_v few_o spare_a hour_n except_o by_o night_n to_o mind_v those_o study_n so_o that_o i_o hrought_v forth_o this_o as_o a_o bear_n do_v her_o whelp_n a_o confuse_a lump_n and_o have_v no_o time_n to_o lick_v it_o into_o form_n it_o be_v a_o basket_n of_o unripe_a fruit_n blow_v down_o by_o the_o wind_n of_o worldly_a distraction_n yet_o mistake_v not_o have_v my_o time_n be_v more_o and_o my_o ability_n great_a it_o shall_v have_v speak_v plain_a english_a i_o will_v not_o have_v hide_v any_o fruit_n with_o leave_n nor_o be_v a_o barbarian_a to_o the_o mean_a reader_n nor_o have_v wrap_v up_o my_o meaning_n in_o a_o cloud_n reader_n my_o advice_n be_v if_o thou_o find_v christ_n here_o though_o not_o in_o soft_a raiment_n but_o as_o in_o his_o infancy_n but_o mean_o clad_v yet_o reject_v he_o not_o good_a counsel_n in_o plain_a english_a be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o a_o good_a stomach_n will_v not_o reject_v good_a meat_n though_o not_o modish_o dress_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n here_o offer_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n reject_v it_o and_o so_o shall_v i_o when_o i_o know_v it_o if_o not_o reject_v of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o dissow_a god_n himself_o if_o thou_o meet_v with_o as_o i_o fear_v thou_o may_v some_o tautoligy_n or_o repetition_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o break_a study_n and_o interrupt_v meditation_n i_o have_v say_v enough_o and_o perhaps_o too_o much_o and_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o but_o wish_v that_o god_n who_o have_v incline_v my_o heart_n to_o write_v it_o may_v incline_v thou_o to_o read_v and_o practise_v it_o and_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o benefit_n by_o it_o i_o shall_v think_v my_o pain_n well_o bestow_v this_o be_v the_o unfeigned_a desire_n of_o he_o who_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n servant_n and_o a_o well-willer_n to_o thy_o soul_n health_n edward_n bury_n eton_n nou._n 2._o 1674._o a_o help_n to_o holy_a walk_v or_o a_o guide_n to_o glory_n chap._n i._o motive_n to_o holy_a duty_n have_v in_o a_o former_a treatise_n handle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o holy_a walk_n and_o show_v the_o excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o give_v you_o mark_v and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v you_o to_o it_o and_o direction_n in_o it_o and_o answer_v the_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o i_o shall_v come_v now_o to_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o particular_a and_o show_v you_o how_o to_o demean_v yourselves_o towards_o god_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n wherein_o consist_v the_o main_a though_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o holy_a walk_n and_o in_o every_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o direction_n for_o the_o right_a performance_n but_o reader_n will_v thou_o resolve_v to_o follow_v those_o direction_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o i_o to_o write_v or_o thou_o to_o read_v it_o will_v but_o make_v thou_o sin_n with_o a_o candle_n in_o thy_o hand_n what_o good_a will_v meat_n do_v if_o not_o eat_v and_o digest_v or_o physic_n do_v if_o not_o take_v or_o a_o plaster_n if_o not_o apply_v so_o what_o good_a will_n direction_n do_v if_o not_o follow_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o read_v thy_o duty_n but_o thou_o must_v do_v it_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o do_v it_o but_o thou_o must_v do_v it_o well_o those_o that_o worship_n god_n must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a lip_n labour_n or_o knee_n service_n will_v serve_v his_o turn_n without_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n right_o qualify_v he_o regard_v it_o not_o he_o will_v have_v none_o of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v none_o holy_a as_o the_o lord_n 1_o sam_n 22._o and_o the_o lord_n admit_v of_o none_o into_o his_o service_n that_o be_v not_o holy_a leu._n 10.3_o i_o will_v be_v sanctify_v by_o those_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o i_o leu._n 20.7_o be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a he_o be_v a_o live_a god_n and_o require_v live_a sacrifice_n and_o will_v not_o take_v up_o with_o a_o dead_a heart_n there_o must_v be_v a_o principle_n of_o life_n in_o thou_o or_o thou_o be_v nor_o fit_a to_o come_v into_o his_o presence_n for_o he_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n unto_o his_o enemy_n there_o must_v be_v regeneration_n or_o there_o can_v be_v no_o salvation_n john_n 3.5_o and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o heb._n 11.6_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o worship_v he_o but_o it_o must_v be_v in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n josh_n 24.14_o what_o be_v thy_o resolution_n will_v thou_o worship_v he_o or_o will_v thou_o not_o there_o be_v few_o in_o plain_a word_n will_v deny_v it_o but_o in_o action_n they_o do_v either_o they_o worship_v he_o not_o at_o all_o or_o give_v he_o that_o he_o
up_o to_o heaven_n upon_o their_o wing_n which_o be_v the_o place_n of_o its_o rest_n in_o they_o the_o soul_n be_v trade_v with_o god_n for_o christ_n and_o if_o we_o make_v not_o this_o use_n of_o they_o they_o will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a god_n regard_v not_o so_o much_o the_o external_a part_n of_o duty_n though_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v disregard_v as_o he_o do_v the_o internal_a he_o look_v especial_o at_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o duty_n my_o son_n say_v he_o give_v i_o thy_o heart_n if_o this_o be_v present_a many_o infirmity_n shall_v be_v pass_v over_o if_o this_o be_v absent_a though_o the_o duty_n be_v never_o so_o glorious_o act_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v hateful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n cain_n and_o abel_n both_o offer_a sacrifice_n and_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n we_o know_v not_o the_o one_o exceed_v the_o other_o yet_o one_o be_v accept_v and_o the_o other_o reject_v why_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n because_o the_o one_o be_v accompany_v with_o sincerity_n the_o other_o with_o hypocrisy_n and_o as_o god_n so_o all_o good_a man_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o look_v to_o the_o heart_n in_o duty_n they_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o they_o to_o god_n and_o offer_v it_o at_o his_o foot_n they_o know_v the_o more_o of_o the_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o duty_n the_o better_a god_n love_v it_o and_o the_o more_o of_o the_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o sin_n the_o worse_a it_o be_v they_o look_v more_o and_o grieve_v more_o at_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o a_o duty_n when_o it_o lie_v dead_a or_o dull_a than_o at_o a_o mis_fw-fr expression_n or_o external_a fail_n when_o thou_o come_v therefore_o unto_o god_n in_o duty_n gather_v in_o thy_o scatter_a thought_n and_o affection_n and_o let_v they_o meet_v here_o as_o line_n do_v in_o a_o centre_n or_o as_o the_o sunbeam_n in_o a_o burn_a glass_n this_o will_v make_v thy_o prayer_n hot_a and_o fervent_a which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v cold_a and_o remiss_a when_o our_o spirit_n be_v raise_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o flesh_n keep_v under_o in_o the_o duty_n than_o we_o be_v like_a to_o prevail_v it_o be_v not_o the_o multitude_n of_o loose_a or_o lone_a and_o cold_a expression_n will_v serve_v turn_n the_o pharisee_n outdo_v many_o christian_n in_o long_a prayer_n but_o it_o be_v the_o spiritual_a performance_n that_o god_n require_v cold_a petition_n do_v but_o put_v denial_n into_o christ_n mouth_n we_o must_v perform_v every_o duty_n as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o life_n and_o death_n for_o eternity_n yea_o as_o if_o it_o be_v our_o last_o duty_n that_o ever_o we_o shall_v perform_v such_o performance_n as_o these_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o beneficial_a to_o man._n 6._o direction_n thou_o must_v perform_v all_o thy_o duty_n as_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n so_o to_o a_o right_a end_n for_o the_o end_n either_o make_v or_o marrs_n the_o action_n now_o the_o end_n be_v such_o as_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n now_o god_n never_o ordain_v duty_n or_o good_a work_n to_o be_v trust_v in_o for_o salvation_n thou_o can_v never_o merit_v heaven_n by_o thy_o prayer_n or_o other_o duty_n they_o be_v not_o command_v for_o this_o end_n indeed_o they_o be_v a_o causa_fw-la sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la of_o salvation_n for_o though_o they_o can_v save_v we_o yet_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o they_o they_o be_v the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n though_o not_o causa_fw-la regnandi_fw-la christ_n have_v purchase_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n they_o be_v of_o special_a use_n for_o we_o in_o the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o to_o do_v they_o and_o threaten_v we_o and_o will_v punish_v we_o if_o we_o neglect_v they_o as_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o prove_v when_o i_o treat_v of_o they_o particular_o and_o that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v and_o command_v be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v a_o honest_a heart_n though_o there_o be_v neither_o reward_n nor_o punishment_n for_o the_o doer_n or_o neglecter_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o glorify_v god_n john_n 15.8_o hereby_o be_v our_o heavenly_a father_n glorify_v when_o we_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n mat._n 5.18_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 by_o this_o mean_n also_o we_o may_v be_v instrumental_a of_o other_o conversion_n wife_n be_v command_v to_o carry_v themselves_o so_o holy_o and_o wise_o that_o thereby_o unbelieve_a husband_n may_v be_v win_v to_o the_o faith_n 1_o pet._n 3.1_o and_o as_o they_o may_v do_v good_a to_o other_o so_o they_o may_v bring_v comfort_n to_o themselves_o these_o breathe_n out_o of_o grace_n will_v be_v a_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n when_o we_o find_v the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n teach_v we_o how_o and_o for_o what_o to_o pray_v these_o product_n of_o grace_n will_v yield_v the_o soul_n no_o little_a satisfaction_n yea_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o obtain_v many_o blessing_n from_o god_n what_o sweet_a return_n of_o prayer_n have_v the_o saint_n have_v how_o often_o have_v god_n answer_v they_o in_o the_o very_a petition_n they_o have_v ask_v christ_n bid_v they_o ask_v and_o they_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o they_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o they_o and_o how_o many_o can_v experience_n this_o truth_n though_o god_n promise_v the_o mercy_n yet_o he_o will_v be_v seek_v to_o for_o it_o and_o what_o sweet_a and_o ravish_a income_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v christian_n oftentimes_o in_o the_o hear_n read_v meditate_v and_o confer_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o religious_a duty_n and_o what_o satisfaction_n and_o comfort_n it_o be_v true_a we_o must_v not_o trust_v to_o they_o for_o comfort_n as_o the_o cause_n but_o as_o the_o instrument_n hezekiah_n find_v comfort_n upon_o his_o sick_a bed_n from_o the_o faithful_a performance_n of_o god_n will._n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o one_o special_a end_n why_o god_n appoint_v they_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n near_o unto_o christ_n by_o they_o and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o must_v use_v they_o they_o be_v as_o ladder_n to_o help_v we_o up_o to_o heaven_n to_o lift_v we_o above_o ourselves_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n we_o must_v make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o a_o traveller_n do_v of_o a_o boat_n or_o bridge_n to_o help_v we_o over_o unto_o christ_n or_o as_o he_o do_v of_o a_o staff_n or_o style_v to_o help_v he_o in_o his_o journey_n though_o they_o in_o themselves_o have_v no_o excellency_n yet_o they_o help_v we_o over_o where_o true_a treasure_n be_v though_o they_o be_v empty_a in_o themselves_o and_o vain_a to_o those_o that_o trust_v in_o they_o yet_o be_v they_o enrich_v to_o the_o saint_n that_o trust_v not_o to_o they_o but_o use_v they_o for_o the_o end_v appoint_v but_o many_o like_o foolish_a lover_n woo_v the_o maid_n when_o they_o shall_v court_v the_o mistress_n or_o like_o foolish_a traveller_n play_v with_o the_o style_n or_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o the_o boat_n and_o neglect_v their_o way_n they_o trust_v to_o their_o duty_n but_o these_o be_v never_o appoint_v to_o save_v we_o or_o to_o make_v up_o christ_n merit_n satisfactory_a for_o this_o be_v sufficient_a but_o that_o it_o may_v help_v we_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n satisfaction_n use_v they_o therefore_o for_o that_o end_n 7._o direct_v when_o thou_o have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o all_o that_o thou_o can_v say_v thou_o be_v a_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o have_v do_v no_o more_o nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v thy_o duty_n luke_n 17.10_o and_o take_v heed_n of_o rest_v in_o or_o trust_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o christ_n for_o justification_n or_o salvation_n trust_v not_o to_o thy_o duty_n for_o they_o will_v deceive_v thou_o and_o prove_v like_o egyptian_a reed_n not_o only_o break_v but_o run_v into_o thy_o hand_n they_o be_v never_o appoint_v for_o this_o end_n to_o trust_v to_o they_o let_v the_o papist_n brag_n never_o so_o much_o of_o their_o work_n of_o supererogation_n or_o of_o their_o merit_n let_v the_o ignorant_a person_n brag_v of_o his_o good_a meaning_n his_o good_a heart_n and_o his_o good_a serve_a god_n let_v the_o civil_a man_n brag_v of_o his_o pay_v every_o man_n his_o own_o and_o upright_o deal_n and_o the_o almost_o christian_a of_o his_o repent_v return_v and_o reform_v alas_o all_o this_o will_v deceive_v they_o
many_o especial_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n they_o come_v to_o see_v and_o to_o be_v see_v to_o show_v their_o new_a clothes_n or_o observe_v the_o fashion_n that_o other_o wear_v and_o be_v examine_v this_o be_v most_o they_o can_v remember_v many_o come_v that_o they_o may_v be_v account_v forward_a prosessor_n and_o be_v tickle_v with_o popular_a applause_n but_o when_o it_o be_v more_o in_o credit_n to_o persecute_v than_o profess_v these_o perhaps_o follow_v that_o profession_n some_o come_v with_o the_o butterfly_n to_o paint_v her_o wing_n and_o these_o be_v all_o for_o gaudy_a notion_n and_o store_v their_o head_n and_o not_o their_o heart_n with_o what_o they_o learn_v some_o weary_a of_o their_o own_o house_n come_v to_o drive_v away_o the_o time_n perhaps_o to_o get_v a_o nap_n of_o sleep_n some_o come_v for_o fear_n of_o the_o law_n lest_o that_o take_v hold_v upon_o they_o and_o some_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o conscience_n which_o otherwise_o will_v give_v they_o no_o rest_n some_o come_v to_o speak_v with_o a_o friend_n which_o otherwise_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o meet_v with_o so_o convenient_o and_o as_o they_o come_v by_o chance_n it_o be_v a_o great_a chance_n if_o they_o receive_v any_o good_a by_o their_o come_n some_o come_v to_o inquire_v out_o some_o good_a bargain_n other_o to_o appoint_v some_o merry_a meeting_n or_o some_o drunken_a match_n or_o game_n at_o card_n or_o die_n or_o bowl_n and_o perhaps_o some_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o entrap_v the_o minister_n in_o his_o word_n or_o wrest_v they_o to_o a_o wrong_a sentence_n these_o man_n memory_n be_v much_o like_o to_z sives_z they_o keep_v the_o refuse_n all_o the_o best_a run_v through_o christ_n himself_o have_v such_o hearer_n if_o these_o or_o like_v to_o these_o be_v thy_o end_n thy_o heart_n be_v rot_v thy_o duty_n stink_v in_o god_n nostril_n and_o they_o will_v never_o do_v thou_o good_a thou_o may_v expect_v a_o curse_n from_o god_n and_o not_o a_o blessing_n but_o a_o true_a christian_a aim_n at_o high_a end_n viz._n that_o he_o may_v know_v his_o master_n will_v and_o know_v may_v obey_v it_o and_o may_v glorify_v he_o by_o obey_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v get_v near_o unto_o christ_n and_o have_v and_o maintain_v more_o communion_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v know_v more_o of_o the_o excellency_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v be_v more_o enamour_v on_o he_o that_o he_o may_v see_v more_o of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o it_o and_o more_o of_o the_o vileness_n of_o sin_n to_o hate_v it_o more_o that_o we_o may_v have_v clear_a evidence_n of_o god_n love_n to_o his_o soul_n and_o of_o his_o interest_n in_o christ_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v a_o believer_n end_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n if_o now_o thy_o end_n be_v low_a it_o be_v a_o bad_a sign_n of_o a_o hypocritical_a or_o profane_a heart_n 3._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v come_v unto_o it_o with_o thy_o heart_n right_o qualify_v and_o right_o dispose_v with_o thy_o affection_n right_o order_v one_o reason_n among_o other_o why_o so_o many_o come_v to_o and_o return_v from_o the_o word_n empty_a be_v because_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o fit_v for_o the_o duty_n get_v thy_o heart_n in_o love_n with_o god_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o thrive_v by_o his_o word_n how_o greedy_o do_v we_o read_v a_o letter_n from_o a_o friend_n especial_o if_o we_o expect_v some_o promise_n in_o it_o of_o some_o great_a courtesy_n the_o word_n be_v god_n epistle_n send_v from_o heaven_n stuff_v thick_a with_o gracious_a promise_n if_o we_o entertain_v hard_a thought_n of_o god_n we_o seldom_o profit_v by_o his_o word_n get_v a_o love_n also_o to_o his_o word_n as_o david_n o_o how_o love_v i_o thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n continual_o we_o remember_v that_o which_o we_o love_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o many_o can_v remember_v a_o idle_a story_n or_o love_v song_n or_o stage_z play_n that_o can_v remember_v one_o passage_n or_o sentence_n in_o a_o whole_a sermon_n why_o because_o they_o love_v it_o better_o exercise_n love_v also_o to_o the_o minister_n or_o thou_o will_v hardly_o profit_v by_o his_o preach_n prejudice_n be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o soul_n see_v this_o in_o ahab_n he_o have_v a_o prejudice_n against_o micaiah_n and_o hate_v he_o and_o therefore_o his_o wholesome_a counsel_n be_v reject_v 1_o king_n 22.8_o etc._n etc._n the_o pharisee_n also_o have_v a_o prejudice_n against_o christ_n carp_v and_o cavil_v with_o he_o but_o few_o or_o none_o believe_v in_o he_o which_o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v believe_v on_o he_o all_o his_o gracious_a word_n will_v not_o win_v upon_o they_o and_o when_o a_o people_n have_v a_o prejudice_n against_o their_o pastor_n ten_o to_o one_o they_o profit_v little_a by_o he_o come_v also_o with_o a_o believe_a heart_n the_o word_n which_o they_o hear_v profit_v they_o not_o because_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o heb._n 4.2_o if_o the_o devil_n can_v but_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o distrust_n in_o god_n and_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n he_o have_v what_o he_o will_v have_v for_o who_o will_v leave_v a_o certain_a inheritance_n for_o a_o uncertain_a hope_n and_o take_v much_o pain_n when_o they_o doubt_v of_o a_o recompense_n or_o leave_v belove_v sin_n or_o perform_v self_n deny_v duty_n upon_o such_o uncertainty_n they_o shall_v bring_v also_o humble_a heart_n to_o the_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v the_o humble_a that_o god_n will_v teach_v when_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o proud_a afar_o off_o james_z 4.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.5_o a_o proud_a spirit_n be_v like_o laodicea_n and_o think_v himself_o rich_a and_o want_v nothing_o when_o he_o be_v poor_a and_o blind_a and_o miserable_a and_o naked_a rev._n 3.16,17_o if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o congregation_n that_o set_v themselves_o against_o god_n and_o his_o word_n it_o be_v common_o the_o proud_a and_o self_n conceit_v person_n it_o be_v they_o that_o set_v themselves_o against_o jeremy_n jer._n 42.3_o it_o be_v the_o proud_a man_n that_o say_v he_o speak_v false_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o that_o come_v with_o absence_n of_o his_o own_o want_n be_v most_o like_a to_o have_v a_o supply_n he_o that_o come_v with_o a_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n be_v likely_a to_o go_v away_o empty_a he_o fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n but_o the_o rich_a he_o send_v empty_a away_o luk._n 1.53_o he_o that_o think_v he_o know_v any_o thing_n know_v nothing_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v 1_o cor._n 8.2_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o ordinance_n with_o a_o hunger_a long_a thirst_v pant_v desire_n after_o this_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n for_o than_o thou_o be_v most_o like_a to_o prevail_v for_o something_o to_o fill_v thy_o soul_n a_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o hony-comb_n but_o to_o a_o hungry_a soul_n every_o bitter_a thing_n be_v sweet_a many_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o hungry_a those_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n be_v bless_v mat._n 5.6_o these_o thirst_a soul_n shall_v have_v wine_n and_o milk_n christ_n and_o his_o grace_n without_o money_n or_o money_n worth_n isa_n 5.51_o come_v not_o with_o a_o slight_a apprehension_n of_o or_o a_o slight_a desire_n after_o it_o lest_o it_o be_v deny_v thou_o set_v not_o light_a by_o it_o as_o those_o that_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o wedding_n mat._n 22.2_o etc._n etc._n david_n have_v high_a prize_v thought_n of_o it_o it_o be_v sweet_a to_o he_o than_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n yea_o better_o than_o thousand_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n psalm_n 19.10_o and_o to_o job_n better_a than_o his_o appoint_a food_n this_o make_v david_n meditate_v in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o come_v to_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o his_o teacher_n bring_v also_o a_o mind_n free_a from_o worldly_a care_n and_o fear_n and_o desire_n these_o be_v the_o thorn_n that_o choke_v the_o word_n mat._n 13.22_o bring_v not_o the_o love_n of_o any_o sin_n along_o with_o thou_o for_o this_o will_v make_v the_o word_n unprofitable_a he_o that_o say_v i_o will_v not_o be_v make_v clean_o god_n may_v say_v thou_o shall_v never_o be_v make_v clean_o resolve_v to_o obey_v the_o word_n in_o the_o strict_a passage_n of_o it_o 4._o direct_v will_v thou_o profit_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v it_o be_v necessary_a then_o that_o thou_o make_v some_o preparation_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o ground_n the_o minister_n to_o the_o
heaven_n in_o christ_n and_o glory_n and_o what_o evidence_n for_o salvation_n and_o what_o sign_n of_o his_o election_n vocation_n justification_n and_o adoption_n and_o what_o right_o he_o have_v to_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v his_o father_n legacy_n he_o will_v be_v able_a by_o the_o word_n to_o reprove_v error_n and_o defend_v the_o truth_n yea_o to_o reprove_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o repel_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o satan_n and_o be_v able_a to_o walk_v comfortable_a in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o fetch_v consolation_n out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o bear_v he_o up_o under_o the_o sad_a affliction_n they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o in_o the_o way_n they_o shall_v walk_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o holy_a path_n and_o reprove_v they_o when_o they_o err_v and_o convince_v they_o when_o they_o go_v astray_o and_o reduce_v they_o back_o that_o have_v wander_v and_o go_v awry_o and_o build_v they_o up_o that_o be_v already_o bring_v in_o these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o not_o as_o the_o butterfly_n only_o to_o paint_v her_o wing_n and_o these_o be_v the_o end_v thou_o must_v aim_v at_o in_o thy_o read_n it_o and_o then_o thou_o will_v read_v it_o with_o profit_n 3._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o thy_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n read_v with_o the_o great_a diligence_n attention_n care_n and_o circumspection_n that_o possible_o thou_o can_v for_o all_o thou_o can_v do_v be_v little_a enough_o this_o be_v a_o command_a duty_n and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o a_o curse_n be_v threaten_v to_o they_o that_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n negligent_o cursory_a reading_n will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o read_v much_o and_o profit_v little_a because_o they_o read_v it_o careless_o many_o read_v a_o idle_a romance_n or_o wanton_a lovesong_n more_o attentive_o than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o thy_o life_n and_o the_o life_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o for_o eternity_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v set_v thy_o heart_n upon_o it_o than_o be_v thou_o like_v to_o profit_v by_o it_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n usual_o affect_v we_o and_o shall_v not_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n affect_v we_o much_o more_o be_v but_o thy_o life_n endanger_v by_o a_o heartless_a careless_a duty_n who_o will_v be_v mindless_a or_o careless_a in_o the_o performance_n nay_o how_o vigilant_a diligent_a careful_a will_v thou_o be_v and_o be_v not_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n much_o more_o worth_a the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o author_n or_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o shall_v put_v we_o on_o to_o the_o utmost_a diligence_n the_o author_n be_v the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n one_o that_o can_v put_v life_n into_o both_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n nay_o will_v do_v it_o for_o he_o be_v faithful_a and_o the_o word_n be_v a_o epistle_n send_v from_o heaven_n from_o this_o great_a god_n and_o that_o for_o our_o instruction_n admonition_n reproof_n and_o consolation_n 1_o cor._n 9.10_o &_o 10.11_o rom._n 15.4_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v afore-time_o be_v write_v for_o our_o hear_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v god_n statute-book_n whereby_o he_o rule_v the_o world_n wherein_o be_v great_a reward_n promise_v to_o obedience_n and_o great_a punishment_n threaten_v to_o the_o disobedient_a than_o any_o king_n upon_o earth_n can_v annex_v to_o his_o law_n or_o can_v execute_v if_o he_o shall_v threaten_v they_o there_o be_v therefore_o great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o conversant_a in_o those_o law_n than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n though_o these_o be_v necessary_a because_o the_o danger_n be_v great_a in_o the_o one_o we_o stand_v in_o danger_n of_o life_n or_o liberty_n or_o confiscation_n of_o good_n in_o the_o other_o of_o eternal_a damnation_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o many_o of_o they_o can_v as_o ready_o answer_v to_o any_o point_n in_o the_o law_n as_o they_o can_v to_o their_o own_o name_n and_o that_o they_o know_v how_o many_o word_n yea_o syllable_n yea_o letter_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a law_n god_n grant_v their_o diligence_n rise_v not_o up_o against_o we_o to_o condemn_v we_o for_o our_o negligence_n if_o a_o father_n or_o master_n or_o ruler_n or_o prince_n can_v command_v reverence_n from_o their_o inferior_n sure_o god_n may_v much_o more_o from_o we_o if_o we_o receive_v a_o letter_n from_o a_o great_a man_n with_o such_o heedfulness_n and_o read_v it_o with_o such_o diligence_n and_o attention_n and_o mark_v every_o passage_n with_o such_o circumspection_n and_o care_n sure_o much_o more_o care_n and_o diligence_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o this_o epistle_n send_v from_o heaven_n from_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n nay_o but_o the_o content_n thereof_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v require_v diligence_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a right_n and_o great_a concernment_n it_o be_v our_o father_n will_n and_o herein_o be_v record_v the_o legacy_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o now_o who_o will_v neglect_v a_o father_n will_n wherein_o a_o inheritance_n be_v bequeath_v here_o be_v the_o rule_n we_o must_v live_v by_o and_o the_o law_n we_o must_v be_v judge_v by_o and_o be_v these_o matter_n to_o be_v slight_v here_o be_v all_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o heaven_n and_o shall_v this_o be_v disregard_v how_o careful_a be_v man_n of_o their_o evidence_n of_o their_o land_n they_o will_v hardly_o part_v with_o they_o out_o of_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o yet_o alas_o how_o seldom_o do_v many_o man_n take_v these_o evidence_n into_o their_o hand_n too_o evident_a a_o sign_n they_o have_v but_o little_a hope_n of_o good_a by_o it_o now_o without_o the_o diligent_a perusal_n how_o shall_v we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o here_o be_v high_a mystery_n in_o which_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v mistake_v and_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o be_v mistake_v what_o need_n have_v we_o then_o of_o circumspection_n these_o and_o many_o other_o consideration_n may_v put_v we_o on_o to_o diligence_n in_o read_v mark_v and_o observe_v the_o scripture_n 4._o direct_v will_v thou_o profit_v by_o read_v then_o read_v the_o word_n with_o judgement_n understanding_n and_o discretion_n this_o be_v necessary_a in_o every_o duty_n nay_o in_o every_o action_n a_o wise_a man_n say_v solomon_n order_v his_o affair_n with_o discretion_n but_o it_o be_v require_v especial_o in_o a_o work_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n and_o of_o so_o deep_a concernment_n as_o this_o be_v many_o read_v much_o and_o profit_v little_a because_o they_o understand_v little_a they_o be_v like_o the_o eunuch_n to_o who_o philip_n say_v understand_v thou_o what_o thou_o read_v he_o say_v how_o can_v i_o except_o some_o man_n shall_v guide_v i_o act_n 8.30,31_o now_o discretion_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o order_n and_o method_n for_o the_o want_n of_o discretion_n in_o these_o a_o duty_n may_v be_v spoil_v concern_v time_n every_o thing_n say_v solomon_n be_v beautiful_a in_o its_o season_n all_o our_o time_n must_v not_o be_v spend_v in_o this_o duty_n than_o other_o as_o necessary_a will_v be_v omit_v one_o duty_n must_v not_o justle_v out_o another_o yet_o sometime_o must_v and_o as_o much_o as_o can_v well_o be_v spare_v shall_v be_v reduce_v for_o it_o yea_o we_o shall_v rather_o redeem_v time_n out_o of_o our_o sleep_n or_o recreation_n than_o neglect_v it_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o seasonable_a time_n a_o work_n be_v most_o excellent_a in_o its_o season_n morning_n and_o evening_n seem_v ordinary_o the_o fit_a season_n for_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o family_n for_o private_a read_n as_o occasion_n serve_v and_o for_o place_n that_o which_o be_v free_a from_o distraction_n and_o fit_a for_o edification_n and_o order_n for_o private_a read_n a_o private_a place_n this_o do_v most_o benefit_n a_o private_a person_n though_o that_o which_o be_v more_o public_a edify_v more_o than_o one_o a_o method_n also_o be_v to_o be_v heed_v in_o read_v the_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o book_n a_o disorderly_a action_n or_o duty_n seldom_o profit_v order_n and_o method_n be_v good_a help_n to_o the_o memory_n read_v the_o scripture_n throughout_o in_o order_n except_o some_o chapter_n that_o be_v less_o to_o edification_n and_o so_o for_o other_o good_a book_n read_v they_o throughout_o he_o that_o read_v a_o chapter_n here_o or_o there_o at_o adventure_n or_o a_o leaf_n here_o and_o another_o there_o in_o another_o book_n profit_v little_a and_o it_o
to_o be_v worthy_a the_o weight_n of_o a_o oath_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o we_o call_v to_o witness_v and_o under_o who_o divine_a judgement_n we_o set_v ourselves_o in_o case_n we_o speak_v false_a and_o in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o thing_n we_o swear_v be_v lawful_a and_o possible_a and_o like_a to_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o good_a to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o 4._o direct_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o this_o also_o be_v stumble_v at_o by_o some_o and_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n this_o shall_v be_v agreeable_a or_o at_o least_o not_o contradictory_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v either_o external_n or_o internal_a the_o external_n form_n consist_v in_o word_n or_o sign_n or_o both_o the_o internal_a form_n consist_v in_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n a_o little_a of_o these_o in_o their_o order_n the_o external_n sometime_o consist_v in_o word_n without_o sign_n and_o thus_o a_o man_n swear_v and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o intention_n in_o plain_a word_n and_o this_o oath_n be_v various_o word_v according_a to_o the_o use_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n man_n live_v in_o and_o thus_o we_o may_v find_v as_o before_o have_v be_v prove_v god_n angel_n and_o man_n have_v thus_o swear_v sometime_o also_o man_n swear_v and_o affirm_v by_o sign_n without_o word_n and_o this_o be_v most_o frequent_a where_o there_o be_v many_o that_o enter_v into_o a_o oath_n or_o covenant_n when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n or_o covenant_n be_v either_o read_v or_o speak_v and_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o enter_v into_o that_o bond_n make_v it_o know_v by_o some_o external_n sign_n or_o token_n by_o some_o action_n or_o gesture_n as_o by_o a_o nod_n with_o the_o head_n bow_v the_o body_n stand_v up_o or_o to_o a_o side_n lift_v up_o the_o hand_n or_o otherwise_o according_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v require_v by_o the_o imposer_n or_o by_o write_v down_o their_o name_n by_o any_o of_o those_o they_o may_v testify_v their_o consent_n and_o this_o be_v as_o bind_v and_o obligatory_a as_o if_o the_o word_n be_v utter_v and_o sometime_o we_o may_v find_v a_o oath_n take_v both_o by_o word_n and_o sign_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n of_o swear_v thus_o god_n frequent_o be_v say_v to_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n when_o he_o swear_v to_o his_o people_n thus_o the_o angel_n dan._n 12.7_o he_o hold_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o his_o left_a hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n in_o make_v oath_n and_o covenant_n divers_n be_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o the_o heathen_n have_v use_v at_o such_o time_n yea_o many_o and_o various_a be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o such_o case_n one_o be_v the_o put_v the_o hand_n under_o the_o thigh_n thus_o abraham_n swear_v his_o servant_n gen._n 24.2_o and_o thus_o joseph_n swear_v unto_o his_o father_n jacob_n gen._n 47.29_o another_o form_n much_o in_o use_n be_v lift_v up_o the_o hand_n as_o be_v even_o now_o speak_v of_o this_o be_v use_v by_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n by_o god_n deut._n 32.40_o for_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n and_o say_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o by_o abraham_n gen._n 19.22_o i_o have_v lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o the_o lord_n most_o high_a and_o false_a swearer_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_a hand_n of_o deceit_n because_o they_o lift_v it_o up_o deceitful_o psal_n 144.8_o 11._o and_o various_a have_v be_v the_o ceremony_n that_o have_v be_v use_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o in_o succeed_a generation_n among_o we_o the_o put_v the_o hand_n upon_o the_o bible_n and_o kiss_v it_o be_v most_o in_o use_n or_o both_o which_o be_v but_o a_o profess_v sign_n of_o our_o consent_n and_o i_o know_v not_o any_o cause_n of_o scruple_n in_o it_o thus_o for_o the_o external_n the_o internal_a form_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o right_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o a_o oath_n shall_v not_o consist_v in_o equivalent_a or_o ambiguous_a word_n or_o phrase_n for_o then_o a_o man_n may_v take_v they_o in_o a_o different_a sense_n from_o the_o imposer_n mind_n and_o may_v require_v one_o thing_n and_o another_o may_v attest_v another_o but_o the_o sense_n shall_v be_v obvious_a to_o both_o giver_n and_o taker_n or_o otherwise_o nothing_o or_o at_o least_o we_o know_v not_o what_o be_v witness_v and_o the_o oath_n prove_v vain_a nay_o the_o very_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o investigation_n of_o truth_n be_v close_v heb._n 6.16_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o end_n of_o strife_n and_o thus_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v take_v in_o vain_a and_o this_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n profane_v and_o abuse_v and_o it_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o lie_n when_o we_o affirm_v by_o oath_n what_o in_o the_o imposer_n sense_n be_v not_o true_a and_o so_o it_o prove_v perjury_n but_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o the_o plain_a common_a sense_n which_o be_v obvious_a to_o all_o neither_o shall_v there_o be_v equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n use_v in_o a_o oath_n this_o be_v the_o sallacious_a deal_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o by_o this_o mean_n think_v to_o evade_v all_o oath_n and_o delude_v the_o imposer_n but_o they_o most_o delude_v themselves_o and_o wrong_v their_o own_o soul_n for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v who_o worship_n be_v abuse_v they_o hide_v part_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o subvert_v the_o sense_n as_o thus_o they_o swear_v they_o be_v not_o at_o rome_n and_o think_v in_o their_o mind_n not_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o but_o what_o be_v mentire_fw-la but_o contra_fw-la mentum_fw-la ire_n though_o this_o may_v serve_v in_o foro_fw-la humano_fw-la god_n can_v easy_o detect_v such_o juggle_a deceit_n and_o will_v never_o hold_v those_o guiltless_a that_o thus_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a and_o like_o jezebel_n deceive_v under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n 5._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v honour_v god_n in_o this_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n see_v then_o that_o thou_o aim_v at_o right_a ends._n in_o thy_o oath_n the_o end_n must_v be_v lawful_a and_o good_a or_o the_o duty_n will_v prove_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o snare_n a_o man_n may_v swear_v that_o which_o be_v truth_n and_o yet_o if_o his_o end_n be_v bad_a it_o will_v prove_v his_o sin_n now_o the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n as_o i_o say_v before_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o some_o necessary_a truth_n in_o question_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v prove_v heb._n 6.16_o man_n swear_v by_o he_o that_o be_v great_a than_o themselves_o and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n to_o they_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n now_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o weighty_a business_n that_o require_v a_o oath_n and_o a_o necessary_a truth_n that_o be_v in_o question_n some_o doubtful_a matter_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v find_v out_o or_o prove_v that_o can_v be_v evidence_v but_o by_o a_o oath_n in_o this_o case_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n vindicate_v himself_o this_o way_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o do_v it_o rom._n 1.9_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n who_o i_o serve_v with_o my_o spirit_n that_o without_o cease_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o you_o always_o in_o my_o prayer_n 2_o cor._n 1.23_o i_o call_v god_n to_o record_v upon_o my_o soul_n etc._n etc._n we_o see_v he_o appeal_v to_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n to_o witness_v with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o his_o affection_n to_o they_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n and_o our_o own_o and_o neighbour_n good_a shall_v be_v principal_o mind_v in_o this_o duty_n but_o too_o many_o have_v by_o and_o base_a and_o low_a end_n in_o it_o and_o not_o according_o when_o a_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o can_v otherwise_o be_v find_v out_o and_o yet_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v impose_v exod._n 22.10,11_o if_o a_o man_n deliver_v unto_o his_o neighbour_n a_o ass_n or_o a_o ox_n or_o a_o sheep_n or_o any_o beast_n to_o keep_v and_o it_o die_v or_o be_v hurt_v or_o be_v drive_v away_o no_o man_n see_v it_o then_o shall_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v between_o they_o both_o that_o he_o have_v not_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o his_o neighbour_n good_n and_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o shall_v accept_v thereof_o