be_v the_o drift_n design_n and_o tendency_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n as_o also_o of_o all_o our_o preach_v that_o you_o may_v obey_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n in_o all_o thing_n now_o that_o our_o own_o will_n shall_v be_v bring_v under_o and_o give_v up_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o our_o spirit_n shall_v be_v subject_a unto_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n this_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n and_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o herein_o also_o contentment_n do_v consist_v be_v silent_a o_o all_o flesh_n before_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v raise_v up_o out_o of_o his_o holy_a habitation_n zech._n 2._o 13._o and_o so_o to_o be_v silent_a and_o to_o hold_v our_o peace_n and_o to_o take_v it_o quiet_o whatever_o it_o be_v to_o humble_v ourselves_o under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n here_o be_v the_o mind_n that_o have_v wisdom_n here_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n this_o be_v the_o very_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n now_o for_o the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n let_v he_o who_o shall_v hear_v or_o read_v these_o line_n see_v well_o to_o it_o that_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o he_o also_o whensoever_o we_o hear_v good_a and_o right_a thing_n speak_v of_o there_o let_v our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n be_v upon_o the_o work_n upon_o the_o examination_n and_o application_n of_o it_o all_o to_o ourselves_o at_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o hear_v how_o find_v thou_o it_o o_o man_n or_o woman_n to_o be_v with_o 〈…〉_o how_o do_v such_o and_o such_o good_a thing_n belong_v to_o thou_o can_v thou_o find_v a_o interest_n propriety_n and_o share_n in_o they_o be_v the_o blessing_n thou_o why_o real_o here_o be_v the_o life_n and_o benefit_n of_o all_o preach_a and_o hear_v when_o we_o can_v say_v in_o truth_n and_o without_o deceit_n or_o a_o lie_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v i_o when_o our_o soul_n can_v echo_n back_o as_o we_o hear_v he_o name_v that_o say_v of_o thomas_n one_o of_o the_o twelve_o disciple_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n thomas_n speak_v thus_o after_o he_o have_v reach_v his_o hand_n and_o thrust_v it_o into_o the_o side_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o word_n and_o so_o proportionablâ—_n more_o be_v the_o comfort_n and_o rejoice_v when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reach_v not_o our_o outside_n only_o but_o our_o inside_n also_o and_o then_o that_o inhabitant_n which_o be_v within_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n do_v answer_v thereupon_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n here_o be_v both_o edification_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o as_o also_o it_o be_v a_o most_o quicken_a and_o powerful_a exhortation_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n whereby_o we_o may_v please_v and_o approve_v ourselves_o unto_o our_o belove_a there_o be_v more_o comfortable_a word_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o this_o very_a same_o 20_o of_o john_n go_v to_o my_o brethren_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o i_o ascend_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n and_o to_o my_o god_n and_o your_o god_n hereby_o in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n he_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o first_o bear_v among_o manâ—_n brethren_n have_v infinite_o great_a privilege_n and_o prerogative_n with_o the_o father_n for_o by_o express_v it_o on_o that_o wise_a my_o god_n and_o your_o god_n he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n single_a out_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o then_o he_o communicate_v he_o forth_o unto_o we_o if_o we_o may_v here_o use_v such_o plainness_n of_o speech_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v elsewhere_o upon_o like_a occasion_n it_o be_v like_o carve_v for_o one_o self_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o then_o help_v other_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v none_o of_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n do_v in_o the_o least_o grudge_n or_o think_v much_o that_o jesus_n our_o forerunner_n who_o our_o soul_n love_v shall_v thus_o in_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o pre-eminence_n especial_o sâ—nce_o that_o he_o have_v purchase_v a_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n he_o have_v tâ—e_v assure_v prâ—mise_n that_o he_o shall_v see_v the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o have_v obtain_v of_o god_n such_o inexpressible_a privilege_n for_o poor_a mankind_n who_o portion_n before_o be_v folly_n &_o misery_n shame_n &_o death_n &_o thus_o it_o be_v that_o he_o do_v convey_v forth_o through_o his_o own_o life_n as_o a_o pipe_n or_o conduit_n his_o goodness_n â—rierâ—sâ—ip_n &_o love_n to_o uâ—_n who_o he_o vouchsase_v to_o call_v brethren_n here_o be_v the_o sufficient_a rejoice_n &_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n who_o do_v know_v &_o conceive_v of_o these_o thing_n &_o as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v expect_v on_o this_o side_n of_o heaven_n to_o have_v the_o hope_n &_o assurance_n that_o our_o creator_n be_v our_o father_n and_o god_n be_v our_o god_n when_o we_o can_v say_v so_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o communion_n if_o saint_n &_o each_o of_o we_o particular_o have_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n witness_v from_o within_o ourselves_o that_o â—e_n be_v our_o god_n for_o as_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n &_o jacob_n so_o he_o be_v likewise_o the_o god_n of_o all_o his_o saint_n &_o servant_n by_o their_o several_a respective_a name_n who_o do_v the_o work_n of_o abraham_n and_o then_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v we_o if_o he_o be_v our_o god_n who_o be_v the_o â—reatoâ—_n proprietor_n and_o disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o have_v promise_v and_o will_v perform_v it_o the_o lord_n will_v give_v grace_n and_o glory_n no_o good_a thing_n will_v be_v withhold_v from_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o psal_n 84_o 11._o here_o some_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v all_o this_o be_v very_o good_a but_o what_o be_v it_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o contentment_n it_o do_v pertain_v and_o relate_v thereto_o for_o as_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a band_n and_o connexion_n which_o tie_v and_o knit_v all_o the_o several_a visible_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n together_o so_o it_o be_v as_o to_o the_o invisible_a and_o future_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a subordination_n and_o connexion_n of_o one_o to_o another_o or_o one_o go_v before_o another_o and_o so_o indeed_o there_o be_v of_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o all_o the_o duty_n pertain_v to_o religion_n as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o we_o there_o be_v ligature_n and_o string_n nerve_n artery_n and_o sinew_n which_o do_v hold_v the_o bone_n and_o the_o several_a part_n together_o so_o likewise_o it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o as_o to_o the_o invisible_a work_n of_o god_n and_o what_o pertain_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n in_o the_o last_o quote_v place_n out_o of_o the_o psalmist_n it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n will_v give_v grace_n and_o glory_n the_o one_o before_o the_o other_o the_o one_o here_o and_o the_o other_o hereafter_o and_o as_o the_o blessing_n and_o good_a thing_n of_o god_n give_v here_o in_o hand_n and_o in_o this_o life_n be_v express_v throughout_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o word_n peace_n that_o be_v to_o say_v peace_n of_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n which_o also_o be_v confirm_v and_o often_o mention_v again_o in_o the_o gospel_n with_o this_o addition_n and_o improvement_n to_o it_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n what_o be_v all_o this_o for_o so_o much_o promise_v by_o god_n and_o so_o much_o desire_v by_o his_o saint_n but_o because_o that_o this_o same_o thing_n of_o peace_n be_v a_o earnest_a and_o assurance_n a_o forerunner_n and_o certain_a token_n of_o the_o future_a and_o endure_a blessedness_n which_o god_n will_v give_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o unseen_a state_n now_o under_o the_o word_n peace_n contentment_n be_v also_o include_v and_o contain_v for_o they_o both_o signify_v near_o the_o same_o but_o only_a peace_n be_v much_o more_o comprehensive_a and_o extensive_a than_o contentment_n inasmuch_o as_o peace_n chief_o relate_v to_o inward_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a thing_n and_o contentment_n be_v as_o pertain_v to_o out_o ward_n and_o temporal_a thing_n but_o see_v that_o to_o the_o well_o be_v and_o happiness_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o connexion_n of_o all_o thing_n together_o in_o order_n to_o render_v any_o one_o in_o a_o good_a state_n and_o condition_n so_o that_o as_o grace_n be_v a_o pledge_n and_o forerunner_n of_o glory_n true_a and_o perfect_a peace_n be_v a_o sure_a token_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n so_o as_o it_o be_v write_v who_o have_v seal_v we_o and_o give_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o even_o so_o this_o christian_a contentment_n aforementioned_a and_o afore-treated_n of_o be_v a_o earnest_a and_o seal_n before_o hand_n of_o that_o rest_n which_o remain_v for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n so_o that_o in_o order_n to_o arrive_v unto_o and_o partake_v of_o that_o rest_n hereafter_o we_o must_v come_v unto_o and_o have_v contentment_n here_o unto_o which_o promise_n our_o twelve_o tribe_n instant_o serve_v god_n day_n and_o night_n hope_v to_o come_v act._n 26._o 7._o as_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o religious_a assemble_v ourselves_o together_o to_o worship_v the_o lord_n and_o hear_v his_o word_n to_o set_v we_o one_o step_n yet_o near_o to_o it_o so_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n leave_v we_o of_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n if_o you_o will_v indeed_o not_o come_v short_a thereof_o but_o enter_v therein_o you_o must_v of_o necessity_n do_v all_o the_o mean_a and_o preparatory_a act_n towards_o it_o see_v therefore_o well_o to_o it_o that_o you_o have_v either_o learned_a already_o or_o do_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v learn_v in_o whatsoever_o state_n you_o be_v in_o therewith_o to_o be_v content_a write_a by_o richard_z stafford_z and_o print_v at_o london_n 1698._o
there_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v i_o that_o knowledge_n even_o from_o the_o time_n of_o my_o youth_n and_o the_o day_n of_o my_o former_a year_n that_o what_o i_o do_v read_v in_o that_o book_n i_o shall_v apply_v unto_o myself_o and_o i_o remember_v particular_o that_o above_o ten_o year_n since_o when_o i_o be_v in_o my_o chamber_n and_o still_o as_o it_o be_v write_v search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v that_o you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5._o 39_o of_o which_o salvation_n the_o prophet_n have_v inquire_v and_o search_v diligent_o search_v what_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n do_v signify_v 1_o pet._n 1._o 10._o 11._o so_o it_o be_v that_o not_o upon_o the_o outward_a customary_a or_o cursory_a read_n but_o upon_o the_o search_a mark_v that_o yea_o upon_o the_o search_a diligent_o of_o the_o scripture_n i_o find_v how_o that_o the_o whole_a current_n and_o stream_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o good_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v therein_o declare_v and_o make_v unto_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a for_o the_o needy_a shall_v not_o always_o be_v forget_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o poor_a shall_v not_o perish_v for_o ever_o psal_n 9_o 18._o for_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o poor_a for_o the_o sigh_v of_o the_o needy_a now_o will_v i_o arise_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v set_v he_o in_o safety_n from_o he_o that_o puff_v at_o he_o psal_n 12._o 5._o i_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v maintain_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o afflict_a and_o the_o right_n of_o the_o poor_a psal_n 140._o 12._o when_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a seek_v water_n and_o there_o be_v none_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v hear_v they_o i_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n will_v not_o forsake_v they_o isa_n 41._o 17â—_n say_v jesus_n christ_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o poor_a luke_n 4._o 18._o bless_a be_v you_o poor_a for_o your_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n luke_n 6._o 20._o have_v not_o god_n choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o james_n 2_o 5._o there_o be_v innumerable_a other_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o observe_v here_o the_o limitation_n and_o restriction_n for_o the_o divine_o inspire_a apostle_n do_v not_o here_o say_v the_o lord_n have_v choose_v all_o the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n but_o only_o those_o who_o as_o the_o word_n immediate_o follow_v add_v be_v rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o so_o that_o none_o of_o the_o good_a thing_n afore_o or_o hereafter_o mention_v do_v belong_v to_o such_o poor_a as_o be_v ungodly_a ignorant_a or_o sinner_n again_o in_o the_o same_o scripture_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v many_o evil_a thing_n speak_v against_o the_o rich_a of_o the_o people_n but_o you_o have_v despise_v the_o poor_a do_v not_o rich_a man_n oppress_v you_o and_o draw_v you_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n do_v they_o not_o blaspheme_n that_o worthy_a name_n by_o the_o which_o you_o be_v call_v james_n 2_o 6_o 7._o go_v to_o now_o you_o rich_a man_n weep_v and_o howl_v for_o your_o misery_n that_o shall_v come_v upon_o you_o your_o riches_n be_v corrupt_v and_o your_o garment_n be_v moth_a eat_v your_o gold_n and_o silver_n be_v canker_v and_o the_o rust_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o witness_n against_o you_o and_o shall_v eat_v your_o flesh_n as_o it_o be_v fire_n you_o have_v heap_v treasure_n together_o for_o the_o last_o day_n you_o have_v live_v in_o pleasure_n on_o the_o earth_n you_o have_v nourish_v your_o heart_n as_o in_o a_o day_n of_o slaughter_n james_n 5_o 1_o 2_o 5._o wo_n unto_o you_o that_o be_v rich_a for_o you_o have_v receive_v your_o consolation_n luke_n 6._o 24._o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o join_v house_n to_o house_n that_o lie_v field_n to_o field_n therefore_o hell_n have_v enlarge_v herself_o and_o open_v her_o mouth_n without_o measure_n and_o their_o glory_n and_o their_o multitude_n and_o their_o pomp_n and_o he_o that_o rejoice_v shall_v descend_v into_o it_o isa_n 5._o 8_o 14._o now_o the_o scripture_n say_v nothing_o in_o vain_a for_o all_o of_o it_o even_o to_o every_o tittle_n must_v be_v fulfil_v and_o that_o woe_n which_o be_v therein_o pronounce_v against_o they_o and_o hang_v over_o their_o head_n will_v at_o length_n fall_v down_o upon_o they_o in_o punishment_n and_o misery_n they_o be_v enclose_v in_o their_o own_o fat_a with_o their_o mouth_n they_o speak_v proud_o deliver_v my_o soul_n say_v david_n by_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o wicked_a which_o be_v thy_o sword_n from_o man_n which_o be_v thy_o hand_n o_o lord_n from_o man_n of_o the_o world_n which_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n and_o who_o belly_n thou_o fille_v with_o thy_o hide_a treasure_n they_o be_v full_a of_o child_n and_o leave_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o substance_n to_o their_o babe_n psal_n 17._o 10_o 14._o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o a_o rich_a man_n shall_v hardly_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o again_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n then_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mat._n 19_o 23_o 24._o therefore_o shall_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n send_v among_o his_o fat_a one_o leanness_n behold_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n shall_v lop_v the_o bough_n with_o terror_n and_o the_o high_a one_o of_o stature_n shall_v be_v hew_v down_o and_o the_o haughty_a shall_v be_v humble_v isa_n 10._o 16_o 33._o the_o lord_n of_o host_n have_v purpose_a it_o to_o stain_v the_o pride_n of_o all_o glory_n and_o to_o bring_v into_o contempt_n all_o the_o honourable_a of_o the_o earth_n isa_n 23._o 9_o how_o much_o she_o have_v glorify_v herself_o and_o live_v delicious_o so_o much_o torment_n and_o sorrow_n give_v she_o rev._n 18_o 7._o the_o lord_n god_n have_v swear_v by_o himself_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o host_n i_o abhor_v the_o excellency_n of_o jacob_n and_o hate_v his_o palace_n amos._n 6_o 1._o here_o god_n who_o thought_n be_v not_o your_o thought_n isa_n 55_o 8._o declare_v his_o abhorrence_n and_o hatred_n against_o they_o who_o the_o world_n love_v and_o respect_n flatter_v and_o endeavour_n to_o please_v sure_o man_n of_o low_a degree_n be_v vanity_n and_o man_n of_o high_a degree_n be_v a_o lie_n psal_n 62_o 9_o observe_v here_o that_o blunt_a expression_n and_o plain_a english_a if_o we_o may_v so_o say_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n man_n of_o high_a degree_n be_v a_o lie_n which_o seem_v to_o intimate_v forth_o that_o that_o opinion_n or_o estimation_n which_o other_o people_n have_v of_o they_o or_o they_o of_o themselves_o as_o if_o there_o be_v some_o what_o in_o they_o which_o be_v more_o above_z or_o better_a than_o other_o man_n be_v a_o mere_a lie_n and_o falsehood_n yet_o now_o our_o flesh_n speak_v of_o those_o in_o debt_n and_o poverty_n be_v as_o the_o flesh_n of_o our_o brethren_n who_o be_v more_o rich_a and_o wealthy_a our_o child_n as_o their_o child_n neh._n 5_o 5._o god_n have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o nation_n of_o man_n acts._n 17_o 26._o which_o include_v high_a and_o low_a rich_a and_o poor_a alike_o so_o it_o be_v in_o god_n account_n now_o and_o as_o to_o the_o future_a judgement_n he_o will_v make_v concern_v they_o will_v he_o esteem_v thy_o riches_n no_o not_o thy_o gold_n nor_o all_o the_o force_n of_o strength_n job_n 36_o 19_o that_o accept_v not_o the_o person_n of_o prince_n nor_o regard_v the_o rich_a more_o than_o the_o poor_a for_o they_o be_v all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n job_n 34_o 19_o o_o that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o godlike_a mind_n in_o my_o kindred_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n for_o as_o to_o they_o and_o some_o other_o this_o follow_a scripture_n be_v literal_o fulfil_v in_o i_o our_o soâ—_n exceed_o fill_v with_o the_o scorn_v of_o those_o that_o be_v at_o ease_n and_o with_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o proud_a psal_n 123._o 4._o indeed_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o requisite_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o order_n and_o distinction_n among_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n for_o any_o one_o whatever_n to_o have_v hiâ—_n heart_n lift_v up_o above_o his_o brethren_n deut._n 17_o 20._o or_o to_o despise_v the_o poor_a james_n 2_o 6._o be_v a_o sinful_a and_o wrong_n extreme_a the_o lord_n see_v not_o
as_o man_n see_v for_o man_n look_v on_o the_o outward_a appearance_n but_o the_o lord_n look_v on_o the_o heart_n 1_o sam_n 16_o 7._o if_o there_o be_v beauty_n or_o gaiety_n without_o man_n have_v â—_o wonderful_a conceit_n of_o he_o as_o of_o some_o goodly_a one_o but_o iâ—_n the_o heart_n which_o be_v as_o manifest_v in_o god_n sight_n as_o the_o outward_a face_n be_v in_o we_o be_v evil_a notwithstanding_o the_o fine_a outside_n such_o a_o one_o be_v as_o much_o hate_a and_o abhor_a it_o be_v his_o own_o phrase_n in_o amos_n 6_o 8._o in_o god_n sight_n as_o the_o most_o abject_a and_o contemptible_a fellow_n be_v in_o we_o for_o thou_o will_v save_v the_o afflict_a people_n but_o will_v bring_v down_o high_a look_n pâ—â—l_o 18_o 27._o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n be_v favour_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o afflict_a but_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n thereof_o be_v terror_n and_o evil_a to_o the_o rich_a and_o high_a mind_v god_n thought_n be_v contrary_a to_o man_n thought_n for_o he_o speak_v in_o favour_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o poor_a who_o the_o world_n abhor_v and_o despise_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o speak_v terror_n and_o to_o humble_a those_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o isa_n 10._o 33._o aforequoted_n who_o be_v so_o much_o flatter_v and_o who_o person_n be_v have_v in_o admiration_n because_o of_o advantage_n judas_n 16._o the_o significancy_n of_o all_o which_o they_o shall_v feel_v who_o do_v not_o mind_v these_o thing_n nor_o take_v due_a warning_n the_o scripture_n run_v thus_o all_o a_o long_a when_o it_o mention_n that_o difference_n of_o outward_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o poor_a and_o rich_a promise_v good_a thing_n to_o the_o former_a sort_n and_o denounce_v evil_a thing_n to_o the_o latter_a sort_n and_o abraham_n say_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n son_n remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n and_o likewise_o lazarus_n evil_a thing_n but_o now_o he_o be_v comfort_v and_o thou_o be_v torment_v luke_n 16_o 25._o now_o to_o make_v know_v how_o i_o do_v apply_v all_o this_o to_o myself_o which_o the_o reader_n may_v apply_v to_o himself_o also_o for_o in_o the_o application_n and_o bring_v it_o home_o to_o ourselves_o there_o be_v the_o use_n and_o godly_a edification_n i_o say_v that_o consider_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o weigh_v they_o in_o my_o mind_n for_o i_o do_v believe_v and_o be_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v as_o certain_o true_a and_o will_v be_v so_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o restitution_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o now_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o i_o write_v these_o line_n hereupon_o god_n know_v that_o i_o lie_v not_o i_o do_v wish_v and_o desire_n that_o i_o myself_o may_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a to_o the_o intent_n that_o i_o may_v come_v in_o for_o a_o share_n and_o to_o be_v a_o partaker_n of_o those_o precious_a promise_n which_o throughout_o the_o scripture_n god_n have_v make_v unto_o they_o as_o god_n command_v hosea_n to_o take_v a_o wife_n of_o whoredom_n so_o i_o be_v direct_v and_o for_o which_o same_o reason_n also_o i_o do_v afterward_o viz._n on_o the_o seven_o day_n of_o the_o seven_o month_n 1694._o marry_o a_o maiden_n ezek._n 44._o 22._o as_o poor_a in_o outward_a state_n and_o condition_n as_o poor_a well_o can_v be_v for_o she_o and_o her_o parent_n be_v in_o the_o very_a next_o degree_n to_o open_v and_o downright_a beggary_n but_o i_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o one_o the_o rather_o think_v that_o hereby_o i_o may_v make_v more_o sure_a of_o partake_v of_o those_o precious_a promise_n aforementioned_a and_o that_o hereby_o i_o shall_v obtain_v a_o better_a resurrection_n in_o the_o future_a state_n of_o thing_n marvel_v not_o at_o this_o for_o it_o be_v somewhat_o like_o that_o mind_n which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n 3._o 5._o who_o though_o hâ—_n be_v rich_a yet_o for_o our_o sake_n he_o become_v poor_a that_o we_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v rich_a and_o so_o though_o i_o be_v in_o a_o moderate_a condition_n yet_o i_o voluntary_o of_o my_o own_o free_a choice_n and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o imprudent_a management_n become_v poor_a for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o better_a make_v know_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n the_o like_a may_v any_o one_o else_o do_v provide_v it_o be_v in_o good_a work_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 18_o 19_o and_o in_o act_n oâ—_n alm_n give_v to_o their_o power_n yea_o and_o beyond_o their_o power_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 3._o but_o not_o in_o pride_n or_o pleasure_n prodigality_n oâ—_n vain_a thing_n or_o in_o what_o be_v sin_n foolish_a or_o unlawful_a for_o such_o who_o become_v poor_a any_o of_o these_o way_n will_v not_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o lord_n but_o wrath_n and_o punishment_n but_o my_o first_o wish_n and_o desire_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v some_o considerable_a time_n before_o i_o have_v ever_o know_v what_o want_v oâ—_n need_n be_v in_o all_o my_o forego_n life_n which_o i_o have_v experience_v since_o and_o may_v yet_o again_o i_o do_v not_o then_o know_v nor_o in_o the_o least_o apprehend_v how_o or_o after_o what_o manner_n or_o by_o what_o i_o shall_v be_v involve_v into_o poverty_n which_o god_n have_v since_o show_v to_o i_o that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o publish_v of_o and_o suffer_v for_o god_n eternal_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o best_a of_o work_n and_o by_o the_o oppression_n of_o man_n pfal_n 119_o 134_o which_o have_v arise_v upon_o that_o occasion_n although_o this_o samâ—_n truth_n have_v occasion_v to_o i_o poverty_n imprisonment_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 23._o trouble_v and_o sorrow_n but_o i_o will_v hope_v continual_o and_o praise_v thou_o yet_o more_o and_o more_o for_o i_o believe_v still_o thaâ—_n at_o length_n it_o will_v have_v the_o contrary_a good_a effect_n and_o â—_o shall_v yet_o praise_v thou_o upon_o the_o psaltery_a even_o thy_o truth_n o_o mâ—_n god_n psal_n 71._o 14_o 21._o which_o will_v be_v if_o either_o i_o shall_v live_v on_o this_o earth_n to_o see_v it_o obey_v for_o there_o be_v a_o obediencâ—_n nevertheless_o due_a to_o the_o truth_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o rom._n 2_o 8._o gal._n 3_o 1._o although_o in_o both_o those_o place_n people_n obey_v it_o not_o or_o rather_o it_o will_v be_v when_o my_o work_n shall_v be_v reward_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o restitution_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o my_o bring_v it_o forth_o and_o for_o my_o suffer_v for_o it_o i_o do_v hereby_o take_v this_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n to_o praise_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o goodness_n and_o to_o declare_v his_o wonder_n for_o â—_o be_o as_o a_o wonder_n unto_o many_o psal_n 71_o 7._o even_o to_o thank_v and_o exalt_v his_o holy_a name_n for_o grant_v my_o desire_n in_o this_o thing_n for_o it_o spring_v into_o my_o soul_n as_o some_o comfortable_a evidence_n though_o stranger_n and_o natural_a people_n can_v preceive_v and_o discern_v it_o that_o i_o be_o indeed_o a_o heir_n of_o salvation_n in_o that_o i_o have_v live_v by_o his_o grace_n and_o good_a providence_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o be_v in_o the_o same_o low_a estate_n psal_n 136_o 23._o for_o the_o same_o and_o like_a reason_n as_o his_o elect_n and_o servant_n of_o former_a generation_n who_o be_v the_o promise_v of_o better_a thing_n than_o those_o which_o pertain_v to_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v even_o to_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v according_a as_o his_o divine_a power_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 3_o although_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v poor_a low_a and_o mean_a yet_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o that_o end_n according_a as_o his_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n think_v expedient_a bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n which_o aforementioned_a i_o esteem_v and_o receive_v as_o such_o although_o the_o natural_a man_n discern_v it_o not_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o the_o ignorant_a person_n and_o unbeliever_n do_v not_o apprehend_v any_o in_o it_o but_o they_o call_v it_o my_o misfortune_n ruin_n and_o misery_n but_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o lie_v hold_v on_o that_o promise_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a that_o wait_v for_o i_o isa_n 49._o 23._o and_o although_o in_o this_o present_a life_n where_o neither_o the_o judgement_n write_v ps_n 149._o 9_o be_v execute_v nor_o yet_o the_o reward_n promise_v be_v actual_o give_v many_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v be_v liable_a to_o shame_n and_o
ward_n they_o come_v unto_o the_o iron_n gate_n that_o leâ—deth_v unto_o the_o city_n which_o open_v to_o they_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n act_v 12._o 10._o from_o that_o last_o i_o have_v thus_o several_a time_n conclude_v and_o reason_v within_o mâ—_n self_n that_o if_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v a_o desire_n or_o covet_v after_o be_v indeed_o the_o mind_n or_o will_n of_o god_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o i_o or_o have_v by_o i_o why_o then_o as_o peter_n do_v follow_v the_o angel_n so_o if_o i_o do_v use_v the_o common_a mean_n and_o endeavour_n after_o it_o viz._n such_o mean_n as_o be_v true_a and_o prudent_a lawful_a and_o right_a and_o no_o other_o as_o after_o they_o have_v past_o the_o first_o and_o second_o ward_n the_o iron_n gate_n open_v to_o they_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n so_o although_o there_o may_v be_v some_o mean_a difficulty_n and_o opposition_n which_o may_v be_v rub_v over_o and_o get_v through_o yet_o at_o length_n away_o will_v open_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n to_o perfect_a and_o consummate_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v actual_o and_o indeed_o obtain_v it_o or_o arrive_v at_o the_o place_n where_o we_o will_v be_v whither_o or_o no_o i_o have_v guess_v at_o or_o rather_o find_v out_o the_o very_a truth_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o connexion_n of_o thing_n the_o lord_n know_v but_o i_o protest_v by_o your_o rejoice_v which_o i_o have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n i_o protest_v by_o my_o trouble_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n which_o i_o have_v sometime_o about_o worldly_a and_o outward_a thing_n this_o same_o be_v a_o mighty_a word_n of_o consolation_n and_o contentment_n unto_o i_o in_o the_o several_a expectation_n which_o i_o have_v frame_v and_o raise_v to_o myself_o and_o in_o the_o several_a disappointment_n which_o i_o have_v meet_v withal_o throughout_o this_o life_n centre_v still_o upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o point_n the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v do_v and_o let_v i_o willing_o submit_v unto_o that_o same_o his_o will_n whatever_o it_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v these_o thing_n i_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o that_o in_o i_o you_o may_v have_v peace_n in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n but_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n john_n 16._o 33._o be_v not_o this_o very_a same_o thing_n feel_v and_o experience_v at_o this_o day_n for_o do_v not_o all_o the_o tribulation_n trouble_v and_o vexation_n arise_v from_o the_o world_n and_o from_o the_o thing_n thereof_o it_o be_v soâ—â—_n very_a deed_n with_o i_o as_o i_o think_v off_o and_o be_o busy_v in_o the_o thing_n and_o concernment_n thereof_o but_o when_o again_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o heart_n above_o all_o the_o thought_n thereof_o than_o it_o become_v calm_a and_o peaceable_a smooth_a and_o clear_a as_o the_o upper_a region_n of_o the_o air_n which_o be_v above_o all_o wind_n storm_n tempest_n or_o cloud_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o eternity_n do_v swallow_v up_o darken_v and_o obscure_v all_o the_o little_a thing_n of_o this_o low_a world_n as_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o its_o brightness_n at_o midday_n do_v make_v so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o then_o perceive_v any_o light_n of_o moon_n or_o star_n albeit_o they_o be_v then_o equal_o fix_v in_o the_o firmament_n and_o give_v their_o faintlight_n all_o one_o as_o at_o night_n time_n there_o be_v no_o such_o help_n in_o the_o world_n towards_o contentment_n as_o to_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n especial_o to_o know_v and_o conceive_v of_o he_o as_o have_v be_v just_a now_o explain_v the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v intimate_v that_o some_o of_o the_o christian_n dwell_v at_o corinth_n to_o who_o he_o write_v have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n i_o speak_v this_o to_o your_o shame_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 34._o as_o true_o it_o be_v to_o the_o shame_n of_o all_o who_o name_n or_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v find_v without_o it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v yea_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o evident_a that_o paul_n himself_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n for_o otherwise_o as_o he_o can_v never_o have_v write_v so_o many_o true_a and_o excellent_a thing_n concern_v god_n and_o it_o be_v by_o this_o knowledge_n of_o god_n even_o as_o he_o be_v the_o creator_n governor_n and_o disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v thereby_o learned_a in_o whatsoever_o state_n he_o be_v therewith_o to_o be_v content_a i_o know_v both_o how_o to_o be_v abase_v and_o i_o â—â—ow_o how_o to_o abound_v etc._n etc._n by_o what_o have_v be_v aforesaid_a this_o lesson_n may_v be_v somewhat_o learned_a in_o whatsoever_o state_n thou_o o_o man_n be_v in_o therewith_o to_o be_v content_a and_o that_o you_o may_v come_v to_o this_o knowledge_n both_o to_o be_v abase_v and_o how_o to_o abound_v be_v sure_a to_o take_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o then_o this_o lesson_n be_v easy_o learned_a as_o also_o the_o other_o knowledge_n will_v be_v soon_o attain_v unto_o but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o so_o here_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n know_v god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o or_o they_o be_v to_o be_v know_v and_o then_o all_o the_o other_o will_v fall_v in_o of_o course_n for_o then_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o our_o text_n every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n you_o will_v be_v entru_v both_o to_o be_v full_a and_o to_o be_v hungry_a both_o to_o abound_v and_o to_o suffer_v need_n there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o use_v many_o more_o word_n to_o show_v and_o inculcate_v the_o same_o but_o as_o it_o be_v write_v and_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v even_o so_o this_o be_v the_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n the_o quiet_a and_o smoothness_n 〈…〉_o ness_n of_o this_o present_a temporal_a life_n to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n as_o he_o be_v supreme_a lord_n governor_n and_o disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v the_o eternal_a word_n whereby_o god_n be_v more_o see_v and_o manifest_a unto_o our_o soul_n alas_o when_o we_o be_v amid_o trouble_n vexation_n and_o restlessness_n of_o spirit_n it_o be_v most_o common_o because_o we_o forget_v god_n and_o behave_v ourselves_o false_o in_o his_o covenant_n but_o do_v we_o know_v and_o see_v he_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v be_v our_o heart_n pure_a and_o upright_a before_o he_o how_o sweet_o and_o content_o may_v we_o live_v under_o the_o apprehension_n and_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o this_o good_a god_n above_o all_o one_o yea_o and_o much_o more_o than_o subject_n under_o a_o lawful_a and_o excellent_a prince_n child_n under_o a_o love_a and_o good_a a_o just_a and_o wise_a father_n and_o as_o servant_n under_o the_o best_a of_o master_n for_o god_n do_v approve_v himself_o more_o so_o towards_o his_o creature_n than_o all_o those_o relation_n whatever_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n at_o that_o day_n shall_v a_o man_n look_v unto_o his_o maker_n and_o his_o eye_n have_v respect_n unto_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n isa_n 17._o 7._o and_o so_o when_o the_o invisible_a god_n be_v to_o we_o all_o in_o all_o when_o we_o see_v he_o in_o all_o our_o way_n and_o in_o all_o our_o go_n in_o all_o our_o do_n and_o action_n which_o be_v order_v by_o he_o as_o one_o do_v well_o express_v it_o when_o we_o have_v wander_v all_o our_o way_n death_n come_v and_o shut_v up_o the_o story_n of_o our_o day_n even_o so_o all_o our_o way_n go_n do_n and_o action_n that_o we_o creature_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o be_v all_o but_o whatever_o thy_o hand_n and_o thy_o counsel_n determine_v before_o to_o be_v do_v this_o lay_v in_o the_o sure_a base_a and_o best_a foundation_n for_o patience_n and_o contentment_n i_o do_v write_v the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o which_o to_o you_o it_o be_v safe_a that_o you_o may_v come_v to_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o have_v the_o continue_a remembrance_n of_o this_o same_o great_a truth_n this_o duty_n of_o contentment_n spring_v up_o as_o a_o natural_a result_n and_o consequence_n to_o what_o we_o all_o owe_v unto_o he_o viz._n that_o we_o shall_v obey_v god_n it_o be_v often_o inculcate_v and_o command_v in_o scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v obey_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n or_o that_o man_n shall_v obey_v god_n yea_o it_o