please_v to_o he_o judge_v you_o 2._o when_o we_o fall_v into_o they_o by_o persecution_n than_o the_o outward_a mortification_n that_o we_o suffer_v we_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o 3._o when_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o they_o as_o in_o cold_a wether_n when_o one_o must_v either_o lose_v some_o early_a public_a ordinance_n or_o endure_v the_o winter_n cold_a by_o rise_v betimes_o to_o enjoy_v it_o or_o any_o other_o time_n of_o the_o day_n to_o neglect_v any_o private_a or_o public_a duty_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o coldness_n of_o the_o wether_n if_o it_o be_v not_o prejudicial_a to_o our_o health_n be_v such_o epicurism_n that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o a_o christian_a so_o then_o if_o outward_a mortification_n be_v necessary_a concomitant_n or_o singular_a preparatory_n to_o duty_n or_o if_o by_o omission_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v give_v just_a scandal_n to_o weak_a brethren_n in_o such_o case_n they_o become_v duty_n but_o doubtless_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n consist_v not_o in_o they_o many_o that_o have_v be_v much_o exercise_v in_o they_o have_v have_v little_a religion_n theodoret_n tell_v the_o story_n of_o one_o macedonius_n who_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o gubba_n because_o he_o eat_v nothing_o but_o barley_n pulse_n and_o stand_v in_o a_o ditch_n all_o his_o time_n for_o gubba_n in_o the_o syriack_n signify_v a_o ditch_n you_o shall_v see_v the_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o this_o man_n for_o flavianus_n send_v for_o he_o and_o ordain_v he_o minister_n the_o next_o lord_n day_n be_v send_v for_o to_o church_n say_v he_o dare_v not_o come_v for_o fear_v he_o shall_v be_v make_v minister_n again_o doubtless_o inward_a mortification_n have_v great_a advantage_n above_o outward_a mortification_n 1._o inward_a mortification_n be_v always_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a outward_a be_v not_o so_o as_o when_o they_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o one_o health_n 2._o outward_a mortification_n be_v very_o subject_a to_o degenerate_v into_o superstition_n as_o evident_o among_o the_o papist_n that_o wherein_o they_o most_o boast_v of_o be_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o the_o single_a life_n of_o their_o priest_n who_o although_o they_o have_v no_o wife_n yet_o be_v prodigious_a in_o their_o lust_n and_o though_o they_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o their_o austerity_n yet_o the_o gymnosophys_n among_o the_o heathen_a and_o some_o hermit_n among_o the_o turk_n equal_a if_o not_o exceed_v they_o in_o austerity_n 3._o when_o voluntary_o and_o out_o of_o choice_n take_v upon_o we_o they_o do_v rather_o puff_v up_o than_o edify_v for_o outward_a mortification_n be_v very_o glorious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n why_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v not_o much_o use_v they_o because_o he_o will_v deceive_v humane_a wisdom_n for_o even_o carnal_a person_n do_v honour_n outward_a mortification_n but_o inward_a mortification_n be_v invisible_a and_o endeavour_v to_o hide_v themselves_o even_o from_o god_n people_n 4._o we_o be_v to_o begin_v at_o inward_a mortification_n and_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n method_n he_o will_v not_o put_v his_o disciple_n at_o first_o upon_o fast_v matth._n 9_o as_o john_n do_v for_o john_n disciple_n be_v saint_n before_o they_o be_v his_o disciple_n but_o our_o saviour_n choose_v such_o for_o his_o disciple_n as_o be_v old_a cloth_n and_o old_a bottle_n and_o indeed_o outward_a mortification_n without_o inward_a be_v like_o the_o spread_n of_o a_o cold_a wet_a cloth_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o one_o who_o have_v the_o small_a pox_n come_v out_o it_o may_v make_v by_o drive_v in_o the_o corrupt_a humour_n the_o face_n more_o beautiful_a but_o it_o send_v the_o poison_n to_o the_o heart_n therefore_o endeavour_v after_o inward_a mortification_n for_o it_o be_v far_o better_a to_o mortify_v our_o love_n and_o desire_v of_o riches_n then_o to_o cast_v they_o away_o better_o to_o have_v they_o and_o not_o love_v they_o than_o not_o to_o have_v they_o chap._n vii_o in_o have_v dominion_n over_o our_o thought_n 7._o the_o seven_o thing_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n consist_v be_v in_o have_v dominion_n over_o our_o thought_n when_o we_o can_v say_v to_o our_o thought_n when_o we_o go_v to_o pray_v stir_v not_o before_o i_o have_v do_v my_o prayer_n and_o so_o in_o other_o holy_a duty_n for_o outward_a action_n moral_a principle_n and_o motive_n be_v strong_a enough_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o awe_n but_o nothing_o save_v grace_n will_v fix_v the_o thought_n and_o keep_v they_o unmoveable_a when_o we_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o fix_v our_o thought_n when_o we_o set_v ourselves_o about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n certain_o carnal_a motive_n and_o principle_n can_v do_v it_o indeed_o many_o that_o to_o carry_v on_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o design_n be_v very_o frequent_a and_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o fervent_a and_o intentive_a upon_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v but_o like_o one_o that_o use_v spectacle_n he_o fix_v not_o his_o thought_n upon_o those_o spiritual_a duty_n he_o make_v use_v of_o but_o look_n through_o they_o and_o beyond_o they_o upon_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n religion_n that_o seem_v so_o nigh_o their_o eye_n do_v not_o terminate_v but_o transmit_v their_o sight_n or_o they_o be_v like_o one_o that_o look_v upon_o their_o own_o face_n in_o a_o looking-glass_n they_o look_v not_o on_o the_o glass_n but_o on_o themselves_o so_o these_o man_n eye_v themselves_o and_o make_v use_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o a_o glass_n to_o dress_v themselves_o by_o that_o they_o and_o their_o design_n may_v appear_v more_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o meditation_n be_v a_o duty_n of_o so_o much_o difficulty_n since_o the_o whole_a business_n be_v transact_v in_o our_o thought_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n the_o difficulty_n be_v less_o because_o our_o very_a speak_n do_v help_v somewhat_o to_o fix_v our_o thought_n but_o in_o meditation_n where_o there_o be_v altum_fw-la silentium_fw-la and_o nothing_o to_o give_v bound_n to_o our_o thought_n they_o be_v very_o subject_a to_o wander_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o argument_n of_o a_o excellent_a frame_n of_o heart_n because_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o have_v our_o heart_n fix_v upon_o god_n except_o we_o attain_v to_o the_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o he_o the_o angel_n be_v flame_n of_o love_n it_o make_v they_o always_o look_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o also_o because_o they_o see_v god_n with_o admiration_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o behold_v his_o face_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o weary_a of_o look_v on_o he_o chap._n viii_o wherein_o the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n consist_v as_o to_o several_a grace_n now_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o wherein_o the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n consist_v as_o to_o several_a grace_n 1._o faith_n 1._o for_o faith_n to_o be_v no_o more_o though_o one_o have_v never_o so_o strong_a reason_n for_o any_o reveal_v truth_n than_o if_o one_o have_v none_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n when_o reason_n prove_v any_o divine_a truth_n to_o keep_v it_o from_o have_v dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n and_o not_o to_o make_v it_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o assent_n when_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n be_v like_a that_o of_o the_o sun_n and_o reason_n like_o that_o of_o the_o candle_n for_o when_o the_o sun_n shine_v very_o bright_a though_o it_o do_v not_o put_v out_o the_o candle_n yet_o it_o make_v its_o light_n useless_a for_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o candle_n then_o that_o we_o can_v scarce_o see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o candle_n for_o faith_n though_o it_o put_v not_o out_o reason_n yet_o it_o see_v not_o by_o its_o light_n we_o must_v deal_v with_o reason_n as_o moses_n deal_v with_o the_o gibeonite_n he_o make_v they_o hewer_n of_o wood_n and_o drawer_n of_o water_n but_o we_o must_v not_o make_v it_o of_o our_o counsel_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n we_o may_v use_v it_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o worldly_a matter_n as_o how_o to_o build_v house_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o must_v not_o let_v it_o vote_v with_o faith_n for_o though_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v destroy_v yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lead_v captive_a 2_o cor._n 10.5_o if_o we_o have_v a_o friend_n who_o testimony_n we_o do_v almost_o infallible_o believe_v we_o will_v not_o stir_v out_o of_o our_o door_n to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o affirm_v but_o if_o we_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v upon_o it_o we_o will_v present_o do_v it_o without_o further_a inquiry_n whether_o the_o thing_n be_v as_o he_o affirm_v as_o if_o we_o be_v to_o
take_v a_o journey_n when_o such_o a_o one_o call_v upon_o we_o as_o he_o ride_v by_o if_o our_o friend_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v come_v who_o we_o expect_v we_o will_v not_o go_v to_o see_v but_o put_v on_o our_o garment_n and_o prepare_v for_o our_o journey_n etc._n etc._n so_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o know_v by_o experience_n as_o that_o thing_n that_o be_v unison_n or_o diapason_n if_o you_o strike_v the_o one_o the_o other_o move_v it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v inquire_v after_o the_o reason_n to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o of_o the_o why_o which_o mercenius_n martinius_n have_v set_v down_o but_o we_o do_v not_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o nay_o whatsoever_o reason_n contradict_v the_o be_v so_o we_o discard_v as_o spurious_a and_o false_a so_o we_o shall_v do_v in_o faith_n whatsoever_o contradict_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v suppress_v or_o reject_v so_o do_v abraham_n the_o second_o high_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o believe_v truth_n when_o carnal_a reason_n be_v and_o experience_n also_o seem_v to_o be_v against_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o be_v hard_a to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n firm_o because_o god_n have_v say_v they_o when_o reason_n be_v for_o or_o against_o they_o little_a question_n it_o be_v but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o give_v our_o assent_n when_o reason_n be_v for_o they_o but_o such_o assent_n that_o flow_v from_o reason_n be_v not_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v not_o always_o a_o divine_a assent_n that_o be_v give_v to_o divine_a truth_n in_o this_o case_n more_o bless_v be_v he_o that_o see_v not_o and_o yet_o believe_v as_o our_o saviour_n say_v as_o the_o martyr_n say_v i_o can_v dispute_v but_o i_o can_v die_v for_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v singular_a when_o faith_n can_v lead_v reason_n captive_a and_o ride_v in_o triumph_n certain_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v singular_a in_o this_o case_n that_o we_o have_v a_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n thus_o also_o do_v abraham_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v two_o main_a objection_n that_o reason_n may_v bring_v against_o abraham_n have_v a_o son_n one_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o own_o body_n the_o other_o be_v the_o deadness_n of_o sarahs_n for_o sarah_n be_v not_o only_o barren_a by_o reason_n of_o some_o distemper_n but_o dead_a by_o reason_n of_o age_n but_o abraham_n do_v not_o only_o not_o yield_v to_o these_o objection_n of_o humane_a reason_n but_o do_v not_o think_v they_o considerable_a when_o they_o speak_v one_o thing_n and_o faith_n another_o for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v that_o abraham_n do_v not_o consider_v rom._n 4.19_o and_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o when_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o its_o brightness_n the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n add_v not_o to_o its_o light_n nay_o though_o a_o room_n have_v many_o candle_n in_o it_o the_o room_n be_v not_o sensible_o the_o light_a when_o the_o sun_n shine_v full_a into_o it_o so_o though_o many_o reason_n do_v give_v light_n to_o a_o reveal_v truth_n yet_o when_o once_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n give_v testimony_n to_o it_o the_o brightness_n and_o clearness_n of_o his_o testimony_n be_v so_o great_a that_o wheresoever_o it_o have_v its_o full_a efficacy_n reason_v neither_o add_v nor_o take_v from_o the_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o those_o truth_n so_o reveal_v and_o so_o believe_v chap._n ix_o in_o high_a act_n of_o hope_n for_o the_o high_a act_n of_o hope_n may_v be_v guest_n at_o by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v of_o faith_n for_o as_o he_o who_o faith_n be_v above_o all_o but_o scripture_n argument_n be_v they_o never_o so_o strong_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n he_o believe_v and_o victorious_a over_o all_o objection_n be_v against_o it_o and_o believe_v no_o more_o because_o of_o those_o argument_n nor_o less_o because_o of_o those_o objection_n so_o his_o hope_n anchor_v upon_o the_o true_a rock_n who_o trust_v god_n no_o more_o when_o he_o have_v abundance_n nor_o less_o when_o he_o have_v no_o mean_n nay_o when_o all_o mean_n be_v against_o that_o which_o he_o hope_v for_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o decide_v whether_o of_o these_o two_o be_v most_o difficult_a viz._n for_o he_o to_o trust_v that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o the_o victory_n that_o have_v a_o army_n of_o ten_o thousand_o to_o fight_v against_o a_o hundred_o for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o army_n but_o of_o a_o hundred_o and_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o a_o army_n of_o ten_o thousand_o there_o be_v but_o little_a question_n but_o he_o that_o have_v a_o vast_a army_n against_o a_o handful_n of_o man_n will_v be_v more_o confident_a of_o get_v the_o victory_n but_o not_o that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o the_o victory_n for_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o have_v a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o not_o to_o trust_v in_o it_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o our_o hope_n by_o the_o measure_n but_o by_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o confidence_n and_o the_o question_n we_o shall_v put_v to_o ourselves_o be_v not_o how_o much_o but_o why_o we_o believe_v we_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o mercy_n nay_o the_o more_o confident_a we_o be_v the_o less_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o hope_n in_o a_o scripture_n sense_n if_o our_o confidence_n be_v build_v on_o a_o carnal_a foundation_n the_o great_a such_o our_o confidence_n be_v when_o we_o have_v abundance_n of_o mean_n as_o our_o hope_n be_v less_o even_o then_o when_o we_o be_v most_o secure_a so_o it_o will_v appear_v when_o mean_n fail_v for_o as_o hypocrisy_n end_v in_o apostasy_n so_o security_n and_o presumption_n in_o despair_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o hope_n must_v believe_v against_o hope_n as_o abraham_n rom._n 4.18_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v against_o carnal_a hope_n hinder_v not_o a_o saint_n from_o true_a hope_n the_o second_o thing_n whereby_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o strength_n of_o our_o hope_n be_v when_o we_o can_v trust_v god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o high_a discovery_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n and_o when_o we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o king_n of_o saint_n not_o only_o in_o this_o respect_n that_o he_o govern_v but_o that_o he_o excel_v they_o also_o as_o much_o in_o the_o act_n of_o holiness_n and_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o treasure_n of_o his_o wisdom_n as_o solomon_n in_o all_o his_o glory_n do_v the_o mean_a of_o his_o subject_n in_o riches_n and_o wisdom_n i_o say_v this_o our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v we_o a_o rare_a example_n of_o a_o high_a act_n of_o hope_n in_o this_o respect_n for_o when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o sharp_a sense_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o of_o god_n forsake_v he_o yet_o even_o than_o he_o commend_v his_o spirit_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n into_o thy_o hand_n i_o will_v commend_v my_o spirit_n for_o so_o be_v the_o original_n and_o it_o be_v as_o if_o christ_n shall_v say_v father_n though_o thou_o seem_v to_o forsake_v i_o and_o that_o thou_o will_v not_o own_v i_o yet_o i_o will_v commend_v my_o spirit_n i_o dare_v i_o do_v i_o will_v commend_v my_o spirit_n into_o thy_o hand_n though_o thou_o seem_v to_o forbid_v i_o as_o much_o as_o sense_n of_o wrath_n can_v do_v and_o though_o by_o thus_o forsake_v of_o i_o thou_o seem_v as_o though_o thou_o will_v not_o receive_v my_o spirit_n though_o i_o commend_v it_o into_o thy_o hand_n yet_o i_o will_v commend_v it_o this_o be_v the_o high_a act_n of_o hope_n that_o ever_o be_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v and_o full_o to_o trust_v god_n when_o as_o to_o our_o sense_n and_o feeling_n god_n reject_v we_o and_o not_o to_o cast_v away_o our_o confidence_n when_o god_n seem_v to_o cast_v away_o we_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o confidence_n chap._n x._o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o four_o particular_n as_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o high_a act_n of_o that_o be_v 1._o not_o much_o to_o relish_v the_o love_n that_o any_o bear_v we_o except_o it_o be_v for_o god_n sake_n for_o we_o must_v not_o be_v content_a that_o any_o one_o shall_v terminate_v his_o love_n in_o we_o no_o more_o than_o his_o praise_n we_o shall_v in_o this_o case_n say_v as_o the_o angel_n do_v to_o john_n mutatis_fw-la mutandis_fw-la see_v thou_o do_v it_o not_o i_o be_o thy_o fellow_n servant_n love_n god_n the_o love_n which_o be_v bear_v we_o not_o for_o god_n sake_n offend_v god_n why_o shall_v it_o not_o offend_v we_o for_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o love_n god_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o all_o thing_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n the_o truth_n be_v we_o may_v delight_v in_o these_o because_o it_o be_v
vindicate_v god_n from_o those_o aspersion_n that_o his_o providence_n seem_v to_o cast_v upon_o they_o sometime_o they_o serve_v for_o both_o as_o revelation_n 6.10_o the_o holiness_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n serve_v to_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n in_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v deliver_v his_o people_n from_o their_o persecution_n for_o he_o be_v engage_v in_o point_n of_o holiness_n not_o to_o prosper_v the_o wicked_a against_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o point_n of_o truth_n to_o perform_v his_o threaten_n against_o the_o wicked_a therefore_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o because_o thou_o want_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o praise_n god_n for_o his_o love_n yet_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o loveliness_n suppose_v he_o shall_v do_v nothing_o for_o thou_o must_v not_o he_o have_v the_o praise_n that_o be_v due_a to_o his_o name_n suppose_v some_o learned_a wise_a holy_a man_n shall_v see_v a_o toad_n crawl_v in_o his_o bedchamber_n cause_v it_o to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o door_n but_o will_v not_o have_v it_o kill_v shall_v he_o loose_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o his_o wisdom_n and_o the_o love_n and_o praise_v due_a to_o his_o holiness_n because_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o toad_n to_o continue_v still_o in_o his_o chamber_n nay_o rather_o be_v not_o his_o meekness_n to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o he_o shall_v forbid_v the_o destruction_n of_o such_o a_o creature_n or_o have_v any_o regard_n what_o become_v of_o it_o so_o though_o god_n shall_v never_o suffer_v thou_o to_o see_v his_o face_n that_o be_v more_o odious_a in_o respect_n of_o sin_n to_o god_n than_o a_o toad_n can_v be_v to_o we_o shall_v god_n therefore_o want_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o excellency_n because_o he_o take_v no_o more_o care_n of_o such_o a_o inconsiderable_a thing_n as_o thou_o be_v with_o this_o say_n i_o shall_v conclude_v that_o the_o very_a damn_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n though_o god_n be_v pour_v forth_o the_o vial_n of_o his_o wrath_n upon_o they_o yet_o they_o ought_v to_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o they_o do_v ill_o to_o blaspheme_v he_o so_o it_o be_v also_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o repentance_n though_o thou_o can_v not_o find_v thy_o heart_n affect_v with_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n therefore_o thou_o think_v vain_a for_o thou_o to_o confess_v thy_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v not_o vain_a for_o thou_o must_v confess_v thy_o sin_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o they_o and_o though_o thou_o can_v not_o confess_v with_o sense_n of_o sin_n confess_v without_o it_o but_o this_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v lest_o i_o be_v mistake_v when_o i_o wish_v thou_o to_o confess_v sin_n though_o thou_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o sin_n i_o wish_v thou_o to_o use_v such_o confession_n as_o a_o mean_v not_o to_o rest_v there_o and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o do_v as_o wicked_a man_n do_v for_o they_o do_v outward_a action_n and_o duty_n not_o as_o a_o mean_n and_o a_o help_n to_o do_v more_o for_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o do_v more_o but_o whosoever_o use_v this_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o attain_v to_o high_a performance_n do_v certain_o that_o which_o god_n require_v and_o accept_v for_o he_o that_o say_v lord_n here_o be_v my_o two_o mite_n though_o i_o owe_v ten_o thousand_o talent_n and_o though_o this_o be_v far_o from_o be_v all_o that_o i_o owe_v yet_o it_o be_v all_o that_o i_o have_v and_o god_n will_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v not_o chap._n xx._n the_o next_o impediment_n be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n another_o impediment_n be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v god_n have_v do_v abundant_o enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n of_o which_o it_o have_v please_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o write_v two_o whole_a book_n that_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v viz._n the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o argument_n almost_o can_v be_v great_a to_o convince_v of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o necessity_n of_o believe_v these_o truth_n than_o this_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v be_v so_o industrious_a if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v in_o clear_v these_o two_o truth_n sure_o all_o the_o way_n whereby_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o we_o these_o truth_n be_v make_v out_o all_o thing_n subject_a to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o sense_n we_o evident_o discern_v the_o vanity_n of_o they_o for_o the_o eye_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o see_v and_o for_o the_o other_o sense_n it_o be_v evident_a their_o delight_n be_v more_o brutish_a but_o not_o more_o satisfactory_a and_o 2._o reason_n do_v abundant_o convince_v we_o that_o riches_n which_o be_v the_o golden_a image_n that_o satan_n have_v set_v up_o and_o all_o tongue_n language_n and_o nation_n fall_v down_o and_o worship_n i_o say_v as_o for_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o riches_n the_o very_a philosopher_n as_o epictetus_n seneca_n aristotle_n etc._n etc._n have_v see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n 3._o as_o for_o experience_n as_o far_o as_o ever_o our_o own_o go_v we_o can_v but_o set_v our_o seal_n to_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v pleasure_n profit_n or_o honour_n we_o must_v needs_o set_v our_o seal_n to_o it_o that_o all_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n how_o often_o do_v we_o nauseate_a those_o thing_n when_o we_o have_v they_o which_o we_o impetuous_o desire_v until_o we_o have_v they_o and_o 4._o for_o the_o experience_n of_o other_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n it_o have_v not_o be_v hear_v of_o any_o who_o desire_n have_v be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o creature_n and_o 5._o as_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o they_o that_o run_v may_v read_v it_o but_o be_v not_o this_o wonderful_a that_o notwithstanding_o sense_n reason_n experience_n faith_n show_v we_o so_o clear_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o not_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o of_o those_o that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n live_v as_o man_n convince_v of_o this_o truth_n but_o their_o whole_a love_n joy_n delight_n endeavour_n be_v place_v upon_o and_o run_v out_o after_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o whensoever_o they_o read_v in_o any_o book_n or_o hear_v in_o any_o sermon_n a_o discourse_n concern_v this_o matter_n they_o think_v it_o to_o be_v a_o moral_a discourse_n much_o below_o they_o but_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o whatsoever_o truth_n they_o have_v not_o practise_v be_v rather_o above_o they_o let_v no_o man_n nor_o your_o own_o heart_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n it_o be_v as_o much_o sense_n to_o say_v there_o go_v a_o godly_a drunkard_n there_o go_v a_o godly_a harlot_n as_o to_o say_v there_o go_v a_o godly_a covetous_a man_n and_o be_v not_o deceive_v one_o may_v as_o true_o say_v such_o a_o man_n drink_v every_o day_n while_o his_o tongue_n falter_v his_o foot_n reel_v etc._n etc._n but_o he_o be_v no_o drunkard_n such_o a_o man_n never_o speak_v as_o he_o think_v nor_o do_v as_o he_o speak_v and_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o true_a nathanael_n a_o israelite_n in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o guile_n as_o true_o you_o may_v say_v all_o this_o as_o to_o say_v such_o a_o man_n have_v a_o great_a estate_n and_o yet_o be_v as_o earnest_a to_o get_v more_o as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o to_o buy_v bread_n give_v not_o the_o forty_o part_n of_o his_o income_n to_o the_o poor_a nor_o of_o his_o time_n to_o god_n such_o a_o man_n will_v ride_v many_o score_n of_o mile_n to_o a_o fair_a but_o will_v not_o go_v across_o the_o street_n to_o a_o sermon_n he_o will_v talk_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o understanding_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n but_o either_o be_v silent_a or_o speak_v ignorant_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o covetous_a though_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v near_o of_o kin_n to_o something_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v before_o yet_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v such_o a_o epidemical_a evil_n that_o though_o it_o be_v some_o labour_n yet_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v lose_v i_o think_v fit_a to_o inculcate_v the_o same_o again_o and_o again_o and_o so_o i_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o the_o mean_n and_o help_v of_o a_o godly_a life_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o recover_v of_o health_n food_n nourish_v not_o unless_o the_o peccant_a humour_n be_v remove_v by_o physic_n so_o unless_o these_o impediment_n be_v take_v away_o the_o follow_a mean_n will_v not_o
from_o duty_n or_o ordinance_n either_o by_o take_v up_o all_o thy_o time_n or_o by_o plead_v that_o thou_o be_v unworthy_a to_o come_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n when_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n hinder_v thou_o from_o come_v when_o he_o call_v thou_o all_o sorrow_n as_o to_o these_o effect_n be_v to_o be_v mortify_v 3._o if_o the_o sight_n and_o sorrow_n for_o thy_o sin_n discourage_v thou_o and_o make_v thou_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a thou_o shall_v never_o overcome_v such_o corruption_n such_o sorrow_n be_v not_o from_o god_n the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o forget_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v forget_v our_o sin_n and_o forget_v our_o grace_n that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o our_o former_a sinful_a life_n from_o thence_o to_o draw_v such_o sad_a conclusion_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v pardon_v or_o of_o too_o deep_a a_o dye_n to_o be_v cleanse_v or_o our_o corruption_n too_o strong_a to_o be_v conquer_v neither_o must_v we_o look_v upon_o our_o former_a duty_n and_o grace_n as_o if_o now_o we_o may_v slack_v our_o pace_n chap._n vi_o of_o let_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n lie_v loose_a upon_o we_o the_o first_o great_a impediment_n of_o holiness_n be_v that_o we_o let_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n lie_v loose_a upon_o we_o they_o be_v not_o fasten_v by_o the_o master_n of_o the_o assembly_n as_o nail_n in_o a_o sure_a place_n few_o there_o be_v that_o take_v up_o their_o religion_n upon_o any_o other_o ground_n than_o because_o their_o parent_n and_o the_o nation_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o have_v and_o do_v profess_v it_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o prosecute_v this_o any_o further_a since_o it_o be_v do_v in_o that_o singular_a book_n pink_n trial_n of_o our_o sincere_a love_n to_o christ_n few_o there_o be_v that_o do_v true_o and_o real_o believe_v what_o they_o profess_v they_o be_v rather_o ashamed_a to_o deny_v those_o truth_n which_o all_o among_o who_o they_o live_v profess_v than_o that_o they_o in_o their_o heart_n do_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a which_o appear_v partly_o by_o this_o that_o when_o sect_n and_o heresy_n be_v multiply_v and_o abundance_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o the_o sname_v of_o hold_v such_o error_n be_v take_v off_o than_o they_o do_v own_o those_o error_n which_o before_o they_o believe_v but_o be_v ashamed_a to_o profess_v but_o especial_o by_o this_o that_o they_o deny_v those_o truth_n by_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n which_o they_o profess_v with_o their_o tongue_n it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o may_v be_v conviction_n without_o conversion_n nor_o can_v the_o understanding_n make_v the_o will_v love_v those_o truth_n as_o good_a which_o itself_o believe_v as_o true_a yet_o though_o conviction_n can_v work_v conversion_n yet_o doubtless_o general_o it_o will_v work_v reformation_n the_o way_n to_o gain_v firm_a and_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o strong_a and_o irrefragable_a ground_n the_o chief_a if_o not_o the_o only_a be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v too_o few_o christian_n that_o if_o they_o be_v ask_v how_o they_o can_v prove_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n can_v not_o bring_v one_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v they_o therefore_o i_o do_v advise_v all_o christian_n to_o get_v two_o or_o three_o plain_a and_o evident_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o establish_v themselves_o in_o every_o truth_n they_o hold_v to_o which_o purpose_n i_o can_v but_o commend_v that_o singular_a and_o invaluable_a though_o low_o prize_v book_n the_o assembly_n confession_n of_o faith_n and_o large_a catechism_n for_o in_o the_o margin_n thereof_o be_v set_v down_o the_o choice_a place_n of_o scripture_n for_o proof_n of_o the_o several_a truth_n therein_o specify_v the_o second_o advice_n for_o the_o get_n of_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o begin_v with_o fundamental_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n policy_n to_o set_v we_o upon_o the_o pinnacle_n truth_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o first_o as_o some_o now_o do_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o think_v of_o religion_n they_o enter_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n by_o this_o mean_v they_o be_v dazzle_v and_o grow_v giddy_a and_o fall_v headlong_o into_o perdition_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o art_n trade_n or_o science_n but_o there_o be_v a_o method_n in_o teach_v of_o they_o the_o rudiment_n be_v first_o to_o be_v learn_v and_o afterward_o the_o high_a truth_n or_o practice_n as_o whosoever_o intend_v to_o learn_v upon_o the_o lute_n shall_v begin_v with_o the_o difficult'_v lesson_n at_o first_o will_v be_v discourage_v and_o disenable_v from_o proceed_v any_o far_o so_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n the_o plain_a and_o most_o fundamental_o be_v first_o to_o be_v learn_v and_o then_o those_o which_o be_v less_o fundamental_a the_o three_o advice_n be_v to_o venture_v something_o upon_o the_o truth_n you_o know_v and_o will_v strengthen_v your_o faith_n in_o they_o nay_o may_v i_o say_v unto_o you_o though_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a but_o only_o think_v that_o they_o may_v be_v true_a do_v as_o those_o do_v who_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n if_o the_o experiment_n will_v cost_v they_o but_o little_a and_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o he_o he_o will_v make_v experiment_n of_o it_o so_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n will_v you_o know_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a or_o no_o our_o saviour_n tell_v how_o you_o may_v make_v the_o experiment_n keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n it_o will_v cost_v you_o but_o little_a so_o to_o do_v and_o then_o you_o shall_v know_v etc._n etc._n john_n 7.17_o so_o if_o you_o will_v know_v whether_o that_o say_n be_v true_a mark_v 10.30_o make_v a_o trial_n of_o it_o leave_v something_o for_o christ_n if_o ever_o occasion_n be_v leave_v land_n house_n etc._n etc._n but_o though_o extraordinary_a time_n of_o persecution_n fall_v not_o in_o thy_o day_n so_o that_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o opportunity_n to_o make_v such_o a_o experiment_n yet_o leave_v thy_o lust_n and_o unlawful_a game_n and_o pleasure_n the_o esteem_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n require_v it_o of_o thou_o and_o try_v whether_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o hundred_o fold_v advantage_n to_o thou_o even_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v true_a it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v pay_v thou_o in_o diamond_n which_o thou_o lay_v out_o in_o farthing_n in_o peace_n of_o conscience_n in_o spiritual_a grace_n or_o comfort_n whereas_o that_o which_o thou_o do_v part_v with_o for_o his_o sake_n be_v it_o may_v be_v some_o worldly_a profit_n pleasure_n or_o credit_n or_o that_o which_o be_v much_o worse_o some_o filthy_a lust_n but_o concern_v further_a direction_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o strengthen_v of_o our_o faith_n and_o to_o preserve_v we_o from_o error_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o preface_n of_o my_o annotation_n upon_o the_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o chapter_n of_o matthew_n chap._n vii_o the_o next_o impediment_n be_v want_v of_o consideration_n the_o second_o great_a impediment_n of_o holiness_n be_v want_v of_o consideration_n there_o be_v many_o truth_n not_o only_o such_o glorious_a truth_n as_o the_o gospel_n but_o even_o such_o truth_n that_o even_o the_o very_a heathen_a themselves_o do_v and_o do_v believe_v the_o bare_a knowledge_n whereof_o though_o it_o have_v little_a excellency_n in_o itself_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v true_o consider_v and_o improve_v will_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n and_o advantage_n to_o we_o who_o be_v there_o among_o we_o that_o know_v not_o that_o he_o must_v die_v yet_o how_o few_o do_v consider_v and_o improve_v this_o plain_a truth_n we_o let_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n lie_v by_o we_o and_o store_v they_o up_o as_o divers_a lady_n do_v their_o rarity_n and_o curiosity_n in_o their_o closert_n only_o to_o show_v they_o to_o those_o that_o come_v to_o see_v we_o so_o we_o make_v use_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o discourse_v of_o they_o and_o rather_o as_o matter_n of_o ostentation_n to_o boast_v of_o and_o pride_n ourselves_o in_o than_o as_o thing_n by_o the_o improvement_n whereof_o we_o may_v gain_v everlasting_a life_n or_o as_o great_a person_n do_v of_o their_o garden_n sometime_o to_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o send_v of_o the_o flower_n that_o grow_v there_o than_o as_o the_o bee_n do_v to_o draw_v honey_n from_o they_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a kingdom_n that_o revolt_v from_o their_o prince_n and_o stand_v in_o open_a defiance_n against_o he_o
the_o prince_n out_o of_o his_o great_a clemency_n send_v a_o proclamation_n wherein_o he_o signify_v his_o free_a pardon_n of_o all_o those_o that_o will_v return_v and_o own_o and_o obey_v he_o as_o their_o sovereign_n divers_a do_v magnify_v the_o rareness_n of_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o sublimity_n and_o graciousness_n of_o the_o expression_n of_o this_o writing_n many_o take_v copy_n of_o it_o and_o publish_v it_o and_o expound_v it_o to_o other_o but_o return_v not_o but_o continue_v and_o perish_v in_o their_o rebellion_n it_o be_v not_o have_v bibles_n in_o our_o house_n or_o the_o bare_a believe_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o they_o no_o nor_o the_o publish_n or_o explain_v of_o they_o in_o our_o pulpit_n without_o the_o practise_n of_o they_o in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n can_v save_v we_o we_o must_v consider_v how_o far_o these_o truth_n concern_v we_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o those_o glorious_a truth_n to_o gaze_v on_o but_o to_o practice_v o_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a say_v god_n and_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o latter_a end_n who_o be_v there_o that_o know_v not_o they_o must_v die_v but_o who_o be_v there_o that_o consider_v it_o and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o it_o to_o themselves_o and_o live_v according_o this_o be_v the_o singular_a benefit_n of_o meditation_n which_o not_o only_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o truth_n we_o consider_v but_o show_v we_o how_o much_o they_o concern_v we_o and_o apply_v they_o to_o our_o own_o behoof_n as_o be_v further_o express_v and_o explain_v in_o that_o small_a treatise_n of_o meditation_n which_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n i_o have_v publish_v to_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n chap._n viii_o the_o next_o impediment_n be_v put_v off_o god_n with_o solemn_a duty_n another_o great_a impediment_n be_v that_o we_o put_v off_o god_n with_o solemn_a duty_n as_o if_o we_o set_v a_o part_n so_o much_o time_n to_o spend_v every_o day_n in_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n many_o think_v if_o they_o do_v not_o neglect_v they_o but_o be_v constant_a to_o their_o time_n and_o set_v duty_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n be_v their_o own_o to_o do_v as_o they_o please_v whereas_o the_o truth_n be_v our_o morning_n and_o other_o solemn_a duty_n the_o chief_a end_n of_o they_o be_v to_o set_v our_o heart_n in_o tune_n that_o all_o our_o word_n &_o thought_n may_v be_v such_o as_o may_v make_v sweet_a music_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v tune_v our_o harp_n we_o may_v hang_v they_o upon_o the_o willow_n it_o be_v true_a as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v solemn_a duty_n be_v act_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n for_o the_o present_a but_o especial_o help_v for_o the_o communion_n with_o god_n for_o the_o future_a as_o when_o we_o be_v at_o a_o feast_n we_o find_v relish_v and_o delight_n in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o eat_v but_o the_o main_a end_n of_o our_o eat_n be_v growth_n and_o strength_n one_o speak_v of_o the_o solemn_a duty_n of_o morning_n prayer_n and_o of_o keep_v communion_n with_o god_n by_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n well_o observe_v that_o the_o want_n of_o the_o solemn_a morning_n prayer_n in_o case_n that_o some_o necessary_a work_n of_o charity_n do_v hinder_v we_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o some_o frequent_a ejaculatory_a prayer_n and_o frequent_v inward_a spiritual_a admiring_n and_o adore_n of_o god_n but_o the_o want_n of_o these_o can_v be_v supply_v by_o the_o other_o chap._n ix_o the_o next_o impediment_n be_v carnal_o to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v content_v with_o any_o thing_n to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v content_v with_o any_o thing_n and_o be_v grudge_v every_o minute_n that_o we_o spend_v in_o his_o service_n this_o proceed_v from_o a_o erroneous_a judgement_n and_o from_o a_o base_a heart_n suppose_v it_o be_v so_o that_o god_n will_v be_v content_a with_o any_o thing_n suppose_v god_n shall_v not_o be_v angry_a though_o thou_o shall_v not_o pray_v to_o he_o or_o hear_v a_o sermon_n or_o read_v a_o chapter_n in_o the_o bible_n any_o more_o than_o once_o a_o year_n but_o he_o shall_v withal_o give_v thou_o leave_v to_o spend_v as_o much_o time_n in_o these_o duty_n as_o thou_o will_v i_o say_v if_o god_n will_v be_v content_a will_v thou_o be_v content_a do_v thou_o do_v so_o in_o any_o other_o thing_n a_o friend_n in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o do_v thou_o a_o courtesy_n do_v thou_o satisfy_v thyself_o in_o this_o that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v angry_a though_o thou_o do_v not_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o if_o a_o great_a monarch_n shall_v bid_v you_o ask_v what_o you_o will_v of_o he_o will_v you_o therefore_o ask_v nothing_o because_o you_o be_v assure_v he_o will_v not_o be_v angry_a though_o you_o ask_v nothing_o do_v this_o make_v thou_o not_o to_o add_v to_o thy_o estate_n when_o thou_o have_v get_v enough_o to_o live_v competent_o and_o comfortable_o because_o that_o god_n do_v not_o command_v thou_o so_o to_o do_v but_o thou_o may_v just_o think_v that_o he_o be_v rather_o angry_a with_o thou_o for_o join_v house_n to_o house_n and_o be_v insatiable_a in_o thy_o desire_n suppose_v god_n shall_v give_v the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a leave_v to_o dwell_v on_o earth_n again_o and_o to_o give_v over_o their_o song_n of_o joy_n and_o praise_n which_o they_o give_v unto_o he_o will_v they_o account_v it_o a_o privilege_n will_v they_o not_o rather_o account_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o abatement_n of_o god_n love_n and_o their_o happiness_n suppose_v a_o law_n shall_v be_v make_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v kill_v their_o child_n shall_v not_o be_v punish_v will_v any_o love_a mother_n think_v that_o such_o a_o law_n can_v bring_v any_o advantage_n unto_o she_o nay_o suppose_v a_o law_n shall_v be_v make_v for_o the_o reward_v of_o those_o mother_n that_o be_v careful_a for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o child_n will_v the_o reward_n promise_v in_o that_o law_n heighten_v her_o love_n and_o care_n to_o her_o little_a one_o so_o neither_o do_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n pardon_v of_o sin_n encourage_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o sin_n against_o he_o but_o they_o rather_o fear_v god_n and_o his_o goodness_n it_o argue_v neither_o love_n to_o god_n nor_o to_o thyself_o to_o put_v god_n off_o with_o any_o thing_n though_o he_o will_v be_v content_a with_o it_o it_o be_v a_o base_a slavish_a question_n to_o say_v what_o must_v i_o do_v and_o put_v the_o emphasis_n in_o must_v a_o son_n and_o a_o friend_n say_v what_o may_v i_o do_v to_o please_v my_o father_n or_o my_o friend_n to_o cure_v this_o base_a distemper_n you_o must_v understand_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o duty_n you_o perform_v do_v you_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n to_o praise_n admire_v and_o adore_v he_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n 2._o you_o must_v know_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o reward_n that_o god_n give_v to_o they_o that_o serve_v he_o and_o that_o not_o one_o minute_n spend_v in_o his_o service_n nor_o one_o think_v of_o love_n shall_v be_v forget_v he_o that_o number_v the_o hair_n of_o thy_o head_n do_v also_o keep_v a_o account_n of_o the_o small_a and_o slender_a performance_n in_o his_o service_n and_o will_v certain_o reward_v they_o 3._o above_o all_o get_v the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o love_n think_v nothing_o enough_o our_o saviour_n body_n be_v imbalm_v with_o a_o hundred_o pound_n of_o spice_n and_o odour_n yet_o marry_o magdalen_n think_v he_o have_v not_o enough_o she_o bring_v she_o also_o it_o be_v a_o question_n that_o love_n never_o put_v what_o need_v i_o do_v so_o much_o but_o her_o say_n be_v always_o how_o may_v i_o do_v more_o if_o you_o shall_v ask_v i_o how_o you_o may_v get_v the_o love_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o our_o base_a corruption_n i_o may_v rather_o ask_v you_o how_o you_o can_v choose_v but_o love_v he_o sometime_o of_o a_o sudden_a it_o have_v come_v into_o my_o mind_n that_o if_o one_o can_v but_o speak_v with_o the_o devil_n one_o may_v persuade_v he_o not_o to_o go_v about_o do_v mischief_n damn_v soul_n as_o he_o do_v i_o know_v it_o be_v a_o vain_a thought_n for_o the_o angel_n himself_o that_o dispute_v with_o he_o about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n be_v fain_o to_o refer_v he_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o rebuke_v he_o and_o if_o the_o angel_n can_v not_o persuade_v he_o to_o leave_v off_o his_o idolatrous_a attempt_n much_o less_o can_v we_o it_o be_v true_a if_o man_n be_v not_o spiritual_o dead_a or_o mad_a it_o be_v
at_o first_o think_v of_o create_v the_o world_n so_o and_o so_o and_o afterward_o upon_o second_o thought_n find_v out_o a_o better_a way_n i_o say_v for_o god_n to_o make_v all_o these_o thing_n so_o exact_a that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o creature_n can_v bring_v the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o perfection_n nor_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n himself_o mend_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v do_v for_o it_o can_v find_v out_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n no_o not_o in_o the_o least_o circumstantial_a these_o thing_n be_v incomprehensible_a 2._o to_o consider_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o god_n show_v as_o in_o the_o creation_n so_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n now_o to_o consider_v that_o all_o thing_n go_v as_o it_o be_v through_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n not_o the_o least_o thing_n nor_o great_a nor_o those_o thing_n that_o seem_v most_o casual_a or_o arbitrary_a nor_o those_o thing_n that_o seem_v most_o contrary_a to_o providence_n nor_o those_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o mere_a natural_a cause_n for_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o to_o order_n and_o dispose_v to_o rule_v and_o over-rule_v all_o these_o thing_n for_o he_o to_o number_v the_o star_n and_o call_v they_o all_o by_o their_o name_n nay_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o his_o people_n head_n that_o a_o sparrow_n shall_v not_o light_v upon_o the_o ground_n that_o the_o sun_n shall_v not_o rise_v nor_o the_o rain_n fall_v nor_o a_o sprig_n of_o grass_n grow_v but_o by_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v distract_v and_o trouble_v with_o order_v such_o innumerable_a thing_n nor_o in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v hinder_v in_o his_o everlasting_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o this_o be_v incomprehensible_a 3._o to_o consider_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n how_o innumerable_a the_o person_n will_v be_v that_o shall_v be_v judge_v how_o innumerable_a the_o action_n word_n and_o thought_n and_o circumstantial_o of_o these_o of_o every_o man_n how_o exact_o speedy_o and_o with_o what_o infinite_a wisdom_n all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v determine_v as_o in_o a_o moment_n if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o much_o admire_v for_o the_o decide_n of_o one_o controversy_n between_o two_o harlot_n oh_o how_o infinite_a must_v his_o wisdom_n be_v who_o shall_v show_v more_o wisdom_n in_o judge_v every_o action_n of_o every_o man_n than_o solomon_n do_v in_o that_o his_o sentence_n 4._o concern_v the_o mercy_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a etc._n etc._n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v speak_v or_o think_v worthy_a of_o they_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n in_o he_o or_o although_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o be_v infinite_a yet_o as_o to_o their_o manifestation_n to_o we_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v above_o all_o his_o work_n this_o be_v that_o attribute_n that_o make_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o attribute_n amiable_a take_v off_o the_o terror_n of_o his_o justice_n the_o carnal_a dread_n of_o his_o majesty_n insomuch_o that_o the_o very_a consideration_n of_o his_o goodness_n if_o we_o will_v be_v but_o spiritual_o clear_o and_o full_o satisfy_v of_o it_o will_v make_v we_o go_v with_o more_o humble_a confidence_n to_o god_n in_o every_o of_o our_o strait_n than_o we_o do_v to_o the_o near_a dear_a friend_n that_o we_o have_v in_o the_o world_n of_o who_o love_n we_o have_v have_v the_o most_o constant_a familiar_a long_a experience_n we_o dishonour_v god_n to_o go_v before_o he_o with_o carnal_a tremble_a the_o emperor_n be_v angry_a with_o he_o that_o give_v he_o a_o petition_n with_o a_o tremble_a hand_n what_o do_v you_o give_v i_o a_o petition_n say_v he_o as_o if_o you_o be_v to_o give_v meat_n to_o a_o elephant_n if_o any_o thing_n under_o heaven_n will_v make_v a_o friend_n forsake_v one_o it_o be_v one_o hard_a and_o mistrustful_a thought_n of_o he_o do_v not_o think_v of_o god_n as_o of_o a_o lion_n that_o will_v tear_v you_o in_o piece_n no_o not_o though_o thou_o be_v a_o grievous_a sinner_n for_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o fly_v from_o he_o nor_o come_v against_o he_o but_o come_v unto_o he_o if_o thou_o come_v weary_a though_o as_o yet_o thou_o be_v heavy_a lade_v with_o thy_o sin_n though_o thou_o be_v not_o yet_o rid_v of_o they_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v thy_o burden_n that_o thou_o desire_v god_n will_v take_v off_o from_o thou_o he_o will_v not_o refuse_v thou_o he_o have_v invite_v thou_o and_o doubtless_o thou_o shall_v be_v welcome_a if_o thou_o come_v can_v thou_o plead_v no_o interest_n in_o god_n promise_n can_v thou_o not_o plead_v his_o attribute_n thou_o be_v not_o so_o qualify_v as_o thou_o think_v as_o to_o challenge_v god_n upon_o his_o promise_n yet_o if_o with_o reverence_n it_o may_v be_v speak_v god_n be_v qualify_v with_o so_o much_o sweetness_n mercy_n and_o long-suffering_a etc._n etc._n that_o he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_n refuse_v thou_o if_o thou_o come_v to_o he_o nay_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v he_o be_v engage_v by_o promise_n and_o by_o oath_n john_n 6.37_o hebrew_n 6.17_o now_o in_o these_o meditation_n concern_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n if_o in_o your_o meditation_n you_o do_v not_o attain_v to_o any_o clear_a and_o affect_a apprehension_n of_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o lord_n manifest_a thyself_o unto_o i_o the_o vail_n it_o be_v rend_v and_o i_o can_v see_v within_o the_o vail_n and_o if_o thou_o have_v clear_a and_o affect_a apprehension_n of_o he_o than_o neglect_v not_o to_o beg_v of_o he_o clear_a manifestation_n and_o discovery_n of_o himself_o for_o when_o thou_o can_v look_v upon_o he_o that_o be_v invisible_a with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o speak_v to_o he_o as_o a_o friend_n speak_v to_o a_o friend_n thy_o prayer_n will_v be_v very_o effectual_a and_o know_v this_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v the_o primum_fw-la necessarium_fw-la now_o concern_v the_o give_v of_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o praise_v of_o he_o for_o his_o own_o excellency_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o three_o example_n joh._n 1.21_o it_o be_v as_o if_o you_o shall_v say_v let_v god_n do_v what_o he_o please_v with_o i_o though_o he_o shall_v strip_v i_o as_o naked_a as_o ever_o i_o be_v bear_v or_o as_o i_o shall_v be_v when_o i_o die_v though_o i_o have_v not_o one_o mercy_n leave_v to_o praise_v he_o for_o yet_o i_o have_v his_o excellency_n leave_v to_o praise_v he_o for_o so_o it_o be_v with_o those_o that_o be_v in_o desertion_n though_o they_o neither_o have_v as_o they_o think_v any_o mercy_n but_o such_o as_o be_v snare_n and_o they_o shall_v pay_v dear_o for_o and_o though_o they_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o enemy_n yet_o they_o be_v loath_a he_o shall_v be_v dishonour_v they_o will_v have_v he_o have_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n 2._o nehem._n 9.5_o when_o they_o be_v in_o great_a distress_n upon_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n they_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o begin_v with_o give_v god_n the_o praise_n due_a to_o his_o name_n and_o will_v not_o have_v he_o stay_v for_o that_o till_o he_o bestow_v new_a mercy_n upon_o they_o 3._o revelation_n 4.11_o this_o be_v the_o very_a practice_n of_o those_o in_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v a_o heavenly_a practice_n to_o bless_v god_n more_o for_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o more_o that_o he_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o than_o for_o we_o and_o herein_o appear_v their_o excellency_n of_o their_o love_n to_o god_n that_o though_o they_o enjoy_v such_o wonderful_a and_o incomprehensible_a blessing_n from_o he_o yet_o they_o be_v more_o affect_v with_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o glory_n he_o have_v than_o the_o happiness_n that_o they_o have_v from_o they_o we_o read_v but_o of_o one_o example_n to_o this_o and_o that_o be_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o love_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o agony_n father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n and_o title_n of_o a_o father_n even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v use_v he_o as_o a_o enemy_n and_o it_o be_v a_o high_a act_n of_o holiness_n to_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o love_n while_o he_o be_v scourge_v of_o thou_o with_o scorpion_n than_o to_o give_v god_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o excellency_n when_o he_o be_v crown_v we_o with_o glory_n there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o attribute_n that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n do_v use_v when_o they_o pray_v to_o god_n either_o such_o attribute_n as_o be_v most_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o which_o they_o pray_v for_o or_o such_o as_o may_v as_o it_o be_v