Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n great_a scripture_n word_n 4,462 5 4.0959 3 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33548 Jacob's vow, or, Man's felicity and duty in two parts / by John Cockburn ... Cockburn, John, 1652-1729. 1696 (1696) Wing C4813; ESTC R10808 214,296 486

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

use_v they_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o jacob_n at_o this_o time_n for_o upon_o his_o first_o appearance_n he_o call_v himself_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o god_n of_o isaac_n as_o you_o may_v see_v v_o 13._o as_o god_n make_v use_v of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n to_o be_v his_o witness_n in_o their_o time_n so_o he_o continue_v still_o to_o use_v their_o posterity_n for_o convince_a the_o world_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o god_n which_o be_v general_o worship_v and_o to_o let_v they_o see_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a god_n who_o all_o shall_v serve_v and_o obey_v for_o for_o this_o end_n he_o wrought_v so_o many_o wonder_n for_o they_o in_o egypt_n do_v so_o strange_o plague_n pharaoh_n and_o his_o people_n bring_v they_o forth_o with_o such_o a_o high_a hand_n and_o use_v many_o and_o so_o great_a miracle_n in_o settle_v they_o in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o be_v the_o fame_n of_o these_o thing_n can_v not_o but_o reach_v to_o all_o nation_n &_o people_n so_o who_o ever_o hear_v and_o serious_o consider_v th●…se_a thing_n may_v be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o he_o who_o do_v they_o that_o be_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v a_o great_a god_n above_o all_o god_n a_o god_n of_o power_n and_o majesty_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o what_o other_o but_o the_o true_a god_n can_v command_v the_o wind_n and_o the_o sea_n the_o sun_n and_o the_o star_n and_o all_o the_o element_n and_o force_v they_o to_o obey_v his_o word_n who_o can_v make_v night_n and_o day_n when_o he_o please_v who_o can_v change_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v so_o can_v easy_o bring_v it_o back_o again_o but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n god_n bless_v for_o ever_o wherefore_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n who_o mighty_a and_o wonderful_a act_n be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o who_o will_v be_v find_v worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n must_v direct_v their_o worship_n to_o he_o all_o who_o do_v not_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v he_o be_v idolater_n for_o if_o they_o reject_v he_o the_o god_n who_o they_o serve_v and_o bow_v down_o to_o be_v only_o false_a god_n vain_a device_n and_o imagination_n now_o who_o will_v be_v reckon_v among_o the_o worshipper_n of_o this_o true_a god_n 〈◊〉_d testify_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o first_o by_o own_v these_o special_a and_o particular_a manifestation_n whereby_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o make_v himself_o know_v for_o as_o these_o do_v certain_o point_v out_o the_o true_a god_n and_o make_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o he_o and_o all_o false_a god_n devise_v by_o man_n so_o it_o be_v only_a faith_n in_o these_o manifestation_n which_o must_v put_v the_o difference_n betwix●…_n the_o worshipper_n of_o false_a god_n and_o uncertain_a deity_n and_o those_o who_o do_v certain_o adore_v the_o only_a true_a god._n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n when_o they_o sp●…ke_v of_o he_o style_v he_o by_o these_o particular_a manifestation_n and_o when_o they_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o have_v a_o special_a respect_n to_o they_o thus_o jacob_n call_v god_n the_o god_n of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o isaac_n nay_o it_o seem_v evident_a that_o god_n will_v have_v himself_o name_v from_o these_o thing_n and_o worship_v under_o these_o designation_n for_o when_o he_o appear_v again_o to_o jacob_n he_o call_v himself_o the_o god_n of_o bethel_n where_o thou_o anoint_v the_o pillar_n gen._n 31._o 13._o and_o thereafter_o we_o find_v he_o when_o he_o require_v of_o jacob_n the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o vow_n bespeak_v he_o thus_o arise_v go_v up_o to_o bethel_n to_o dwell_v there_o and_o make_v a_o altar_n unto_o god_n that_o appear_v unto_o thou_o when_o thou_o flee_v from_o the_o face_n of_o esau_n thy_o brother_n gen._n 35._o 1._o god_n constant_a title_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v that_o of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n god_n that_o bring_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o they_o who_o own_a not_o these_o title_n be_v account_v stranger_n to_o the_o true_a god_n there_o be_v now_o another_o name_n and_o designation_n give_v to_o god_n suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n viz._n the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o reason_n why_o god_n take_v to_o himself_o these_o name_n and_o title_n and_o will_v have_v himself_o acknowledge_v according_a to_o they_o be_v because_o they_o be_v particular_a denomination_n and_o do_v more_o direct_o lead_v to_o he_o the_o title_n of_o creator_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o can_v belong_v to_o none_o other_o but_o they_o who_o have_v worship_v false_a god_n have_v acknowledge_v a_o creator_n but_o who_o be_v the_o true_a creator_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v only_o own_a and_o adore_v by_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o receive_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o who_o attend_v not_o to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o reject_v their_o direction_n if_o they_o own_o a_o deity_n it_o be_v only_o a_o numen_fw-la vagum_fw-la a_o unknown_a and_o uncertain_a god_n as_o the_o athenian_n do_v if_o god_n have_v never_o make_v any_o other_o discovery_n of_o himself_o then_o by_o this_o outward_a and_o visible_a world_n than_o man_n will_v have_v be_v only_o oblige_v to_o worship_v the_o deit●…_n according_a to_o that_o manifestation_n but_o see_v it_o have_v please_v he_o to_o give_v other_o manifestation_n for_o the_o illustrate_v of_o his_o own_o glory_n therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o necessary_a that_o these_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o that_o we_o adore_v he_o out_o of_o a_o respect_n to_o these_o super_n add_v revelation_n as_o well_o as_o out_o of_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o do_v it_o not_o be_v so_o far_o from_o own_v the_o true_a god_n that_o they_o oppose_v and_o set_v themselves_o against_o he_o thus_o certain_o p●…gans_n and_o infidel_n and_o such_o as_o disbelieve_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v exclude_v from_o among_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god._n which_o i_o wish_v be_v more_o serio●…sly_o consider_v for_o many_o person_n of_o this_o age_n content_v themselves_o with_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o think_v they_o have_v go_v a_o very_a great_a length_n by_o acknowledge_v this_o though_o they_o deny_v faith_n to_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v not_o convince_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v as_o much_o without_o excuse_n as_o they_o who_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v there_o be_v a_o god_n upon_o the_o evidence_n thereof_o from_o the_o existence_n of_o other_o thing_n and_o the_o wi●…e_n and_o useful_a order_n and_o ha●…monie_n and_o steadfastness_n which_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o roll_a over_o the_o production_n of_o this_o material_a world_n upon_o blind_a chance_n the_o attribute_v it_o to_o a_o various_a toss_n and_o tumble_v of_o atom_n without_o any_o guide_n or_o director_n as_o be_v the_o dream_n of_o epicurus_n and_o democritus_n will_v be_v no_o great_a absurdity_n then_o to_o think_v that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o other_o thing_n narrate_v in_o scripture_n the_o admirable_a correspondence_n between_o the_o old_a and_o new_a t●…stament_n and_o the_o excellent_a agreement_n between_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o man_n when_o true_o consider_v shall_v not_o be_v of_o god_n but_o only_o a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n ●…nd_v as_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o scripture_n there_o be_v as_o much_o evidence_n for_o they_o as_o in_o reason_n can_v be_v desire_v and_o they_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n without_o overturning_a all_o humane_a certainty_n every_o man_n act_v daily_o in_o his_o civil_a affair_n as_o much_o upon_o trust_n as_o he_o be_v obliedge_v to_o by_o receive_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n so_o that_o infidelity_n be_v a_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n and_o as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a so_o it_o avert_v a_o man_n from_o god_n who_o have_v a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n as_o the_o apostle_n insinuate_v heb._n 3._o 13._o theisme_n &_o atheism_n be_v somewhat_o of_o a_o kin_n together_o and_o he_o who_o be_v only_o a_o theist_n may_v be_v very_o soon_o induce_v to_o be_v a_o atheist_n for_o though_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n may_v be_v learn_v by_o natural_a light_n yet_o without_o the_o reveal_v light_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v hard_a i●…_n not_o impossible_a
next_o place_n we_o must_v address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o humble_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n that_o it_o may_v please_v he_o to_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o the_o discern_a his_o will_n and_o the_o way_n wherein_o we_o shall_v walk_v for_o be_v we_o do_v not_o pray_v we_o be_v not_o desirous_a hereof_o neither_o due_o value_v it_o and_o so_o god_n will_v not_o think_v we_o worthy_a of_o it_o who_o despise_v or_o light_o esteem_v the_o counsel_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o wander_v in_o the_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n but_o he_o will_v lead_v and_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n who_o humble_o seek_v he_o but_o though_o prayer_n be_v good_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a mean_n it_o must_v not_o be_v neglect_v but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v rest_v in_o we_o must_v not_o ask_v direction_n as_o pilate_n what_o be_v truth_n at_o christ_n who_o when_o he_o put_v the_o question_n present_o go_v out_o and_o stay_v not_o for_o a_o answer_n after_o we_o have_v pray_v we_o shall_v listen_v attentive_o to_o what_o god_n say_v we_o ought_v to_o hearken_v careful_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o god._n and_o therefore_o three_o we_o must_v search_v diligent_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o and_o by_o they_o he_o speak_v to_o we_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n god_n have_v give_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o our_o path_n and_o so_o who_o will_v walk_v upright_o so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n must_v follow_v the_o guidance_n thereof_o be_v true_a god_n speak_v also_o inward_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o ordinary_o it_o be_v by_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o the_o word_n '_o tt_v seldom_o and_o in_o some_o singular_a case_n only_o that_o he_o speak_v to_o man_n without_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o scripture_n however_o he_o never_o speak_v but_o agreeable_o to_o the_o scripture_n whatever_o he_o say_v any_o manner_n of_o way_n must_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o god_n neither_o can_v nor_o will_v contradict_v himself_o wherefore_o all_o inward_a suggestion_n and_o inspiration_n must_v be_v examine_v by_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n which_o as_o st._n peter_n speak_v in_o a_o like_a case_n be_v the_o sure_a word_n 2_o pet_n 1._o 19_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o put_v great_a confidence_n in_o the_o outward_a light_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o what_o be_v inward_o suggest_v for_o we_o may_v ready_o deceive_v ourselves_o here_o and_o take_v the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n or_o our_o own_o strong_a imagination_n for_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n spirit_n every_o one_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o they_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v often_o hard_a for_o any_o to_o do_v it_o but_o by_o compare_v they_o to_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v from_o god._n we_o must_v not_o then_o be_v too_o hasty_a in_o conclude_v our_o inclination_n to_o a_o thing_n or_o aversion_n from_o it_o after_o that_o we_o have_v pray_v fervent_o to_o be_v from_o god_n unless_o it_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o at_o lest_o no_o wise_a opposite_a to_o what_o be_v there_o enjoin_v we_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o holy_a oracle_n which_o deliver_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o they_o therefore_o we_o must_v resort_v at_o all_o time_n and_o on_o all_o occasion_n to_o know_v what_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o by_o they_o all_o person_n of_o each_o sex_n age_n condition_n employment_n may_v be_v instruct_v how_o to_o order_v their_o conversation_n aright_o before_o god._n for_o they_o be_v so_o compose_v that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n by_o they_o may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 17._o it_o be_v true_a every_o one_o will_v not_o find_v their_o particular_a case_n state_v and_o resolve_v but_o either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o either_o by_o express_a precept_n or_o parallel_n and_o not_o much_o different_a example_n they_o shall_v see_v what_o may_v sufficient_o inform_v and_o resolve_v they_o and_o whoso_o will_v give_v themselves_o entire_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n shall_v without_o doubt_n as_o we_o show_v before_o either_o by_o secret_a suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o or_o by_o some_o special_a occurrence_n of_o his_o providence_n be_v particular_o direct_v in_o the_o disposal_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o affair_n which_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o to_o which_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v speak_v particular_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n all_o the_o path_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n unto_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o testimony_n psal._n 25._o 9_o 10._o thus_o we_o have_v show_v how_o we_o shall_v consult_v god_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v come_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o he_o now_o certain_o it_o concern_v we_o very_o much_o thus_o to_o consult_v he_o and_o to_o follow_v these_o mean_n for_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o what_o be_v proper_a for_o we_o to_o do_v the_o heathen_n of_o old_a glory_v much_o in_o their_o oracle_n and_o use_v to_o consult_v they_o in_o all_o their_o affair_n though_o they_o be_v so_o uncertain_a and_o ambiguous_a that_o they_o prove_v more_o often_o snare_n to_o entrap_v they_o than_o light_v to_o guide_v they_o but_o sure_o we_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o glory_n and_o rejoice_v in_o this_o special_a privilege_n we_o have_v of_o consult_v the_o true_a god_n who_o neither_o will_v deceive_v other_o nor_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o who_o have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o speak_v to_o we_o so_o plain_o and_o clear_o by_o his_o word_n and_o who_o promise_v far_o direction_n as_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n hereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o walk_v wise_o and_o be_v show_v the_o true_a way_n of_o carry_v on_o our_o happiness_n and_o peace_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v david_n be_v sure_a make_v wise_a the_o simple_a the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n psal._n 19_o 7_o 8._o it_o be_v a_o laudable_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n before_o they_o begin_v any_o enterprise_n and_o so_o it_o become_v we_o to_o resort_v unto_o the_o scripture_n for_o counsel_n and_o direction_n where_o we_o shall_v receive_v it_o full_o and_o clear_o if_o we_o be_v desirous_a thereof_o and_o follow_v the_o direction_n prescribe_v above_o david_n no_o doubt_n have_v many_o counselor_n and_o yet_o he_o prefer_v the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o god_n before_o they_o all_o thy_o testimony_n say_v he_o be_v my_o delight_n and_o counselor_n and_o again_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o bid_v more_o understanding_n than_o all_o his_o teacher_n for_o god_n testimony_n be_v his_o meditation_n ps_n 119._o 24._o 99_o it_o be_v report_v of_o the_o heathen_a socrates_n that_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o certain_a spirit_n or_o genius_n which_o he_o use_v as_o his_o counsellor_n and_o therefore_o when_o ever_o he_o be_v require_v to_o speak_v or_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n his_o usual_a answer_n be_v si_fw-la daemon_n permiserit_fw-la if_o my_o spirit_n or_o genius_n will_v suffer_v now_o it_o be_v our_o happiness_n that_o we_o have_v a_o better_a counsellor_n to_o advise_v with_o and_o therefore_o also_o whenso_fw-la ere_o any_o thing_n be_v propound_v unto_o we_o either_o to_o our_o understanding_n or_o will_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v let_v our_o answer_n be_v with_o the_o psalmist_n i_o will_v hear_v what_o god_n the_o lord_n will_v speak_v ps._n 85._o 8._o i_o will_v first_o consult_v god_n by_o the_o holy_a oracle_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o never_o conclude_v or_o resolve_v any_o thing_n without_o advise_v thus_o with_o god_n we_o shall_v high_o honour_v he_o and_o show_v a_o entire_a regard_n unto_o he_o and_o also_o take_v a_o wise_a and_o most_o profitable_a course_n for_o ourselves_o but_o alas_o as_o solomon_n complain_v wherefore_o be_v there_o a_o price_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o fool_n to_o get_v wisdom_n see_v he_o have_v no_o heart_n unto_o it_o so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o and_o how_o little_a do_v it_o avail_v we_o to_o have_v the_o scripture_n see_v we_o make_v so_o little_a use_n of_o they_o and_o take_v so_o little_a notice_n of_o what_o god_n say_v to_o we_o in_o and_o by_o they_o how_o sad_a be_v it_o and_o what_o matter_n of_o regrate_a
god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o indeed_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o well_o with_o that_o person_n who_o god_n be_v with_o what_o can_v he_o want_v who_o have_v he_o to_o be_v his_o friend_n he_o who_o have_v the_o divine_a presence_n accompany_v he_o whithersoever_o he_o go_v be_v rich_a and_o happy_a than_o if_o he_o have_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o world_n carry_v about_o with_o he_o for_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o good_a from_o he_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n do_v come_v he_o can_v easy_o command_v any_o desirable_a thing_n where_o when_o and_o to_o who_o he_o please_v so_o that_o he_o who_o enjoy_v god_n have_v enough_o and_o need_v not_o fear_n or_o care_n for_o the_o want_n of_o any_o thing_n for_o god_n will_v be_v to_o he_o in_o stead_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o have_v he_o he_o may_v say_v true_o as_o that_o philosopher_n say_v omnia_fw-la mea_fw-la mecum_fw-la porto_fw-la that_o be_v i_o carry_v about_o with_o i_o all_o thing_n proper_a all_o thing_n necessary_a or_o requisite_a either_o for_o my_o support_n or_o comfort_n for_o god_n be_v all_o that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o proud_a boast_n of_o caesar_n to_o the_o mariner_n who_o be_v waft_v he_o over_o the_o adriatic_a to_o italy_n when_o he_o perceive_v he_o seize_v with_o fear_n and_o ready_a to_o turn_v back_o pergo_fw-la audacter_fw-la ne_fw-la timeas_fw-la caesarem_fw-la vehis_fw-la caesarisque_fw-la fortunam_fw-la be_v not_o afraid_a you_o carry_v with_o you_o cesar_n and_o his_o fortune_n but_o true_o every_o one_o that_o have_v god_n with_o they_o may_v with_o reason_n confident_o say_v to_o himself_o be_v not_o afraid_a sad_a or_o deject_a deum_fw-la habes_fw-la ejusque_fw-la favorem_fw-la you_o have_v god_n &_o his_o favour_n and_o have_v that_o what_o cause_n can_v there_o be_v of_o fear_n or_o dejection_n for_o he_o be_v wisdom_n power_n all_o goodness_n and_o all-sufficiency_n itself_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v a_o true_a aid_n and_o support_v and_o a_o sure_a rock_n to_o build_v on_o which_o will_v never_o fail_v bless_a be_v all_o they_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o psal._n 2._o 12._o though_o i_o walk_v say_v david_n through_o the_o valley_n &_o shadow_n of_o death_n yet_o will_v i_o fear_v no_o evil_n for_o thou_o be_v with_o i_o thy_o rod_n and_o thy_o staff_n they_o comfort_v i_o psal._n 23._o 4._o the_o very_a hope_n of_o this_o special_a presence_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n do_v mighty_o cheer_v up_o the_o psalmist_n spirit_n when_o he_o be_v like_a to_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o trouble_n he_o chide_v and_o be_v in_o a_o chaff_n with_o himself_o for_o be_v any_o way_n trouble_v have_v this_o hope_n why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o say_v he_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v in_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o my_o countenance_n and_o my_o god_n which_o he_o repeat_v twice_o psal._n 42._o and_o once_o psal._n 43._o many_o excellent_a blessing_n and_o advantage_n follow_v he_o who_o god_n be_v with_o first_o he_o be_v sure_a of_o counsel_n and_o direction_n which_o be_v a_o very_a necessary_a and_o desirable_a thing_n the_o life_n of_o man_n while_o in_o this_o world_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n dark_a intricate_a and_o full_a of_o difficulty_n it_o be_v like_o a_o labyrinth_n full_a of_o perplexity_n we_o can_v well_o discern_v the_o outgate_n we_o know_v not_o what_o certain_a course_n to_o steer_v for_o our_o profit_n and_o advantage_n as_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o walk_v to_o direct_v his_o step_n jerem._n 10._o 23._o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o follow_v our_o own_o device_n thing_n ordinary_o succeed_v worse_o when_o we_o do_v so_o the_o witty_a man_n have_v sometime_o befool_v themselves_o by_o lean_v too_o much_o to_o their_o own_o wit._n no_o man_n wit_n and_o judgement_n can_v be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o guide_v he_o and_o ofttimes_o we_o be_v not_o much_o better_a of_o other_o for_o they_o be_v short_a sight_v too_o as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o and_o may_v mistake_v thing_n as_o well_o as_o we_o we_o can_v never_o therefore_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v right_a but_o when_o we_o follow_v the_o counsel_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n when_o we_o be_v guide_v by_o he_o who_o can_v err_v because_o his_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a but_o if_o he_o be_v with_o we_o his_o counsel_n will_v be_v with_o we_o too_o if_o he_o have_v set_v his_o heart_n upon_o and_o choose_v we_o for_o his_o friend_n he_o will_v also_o guide_v and_o instruct_v we_o and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n wherein_o we_o shall_v walk_v what_o man_n be_v he_o say_v david_n that_o fear_v the_o lord_n he_o shall_v he_o teach_v in_o the_o way_n he_o shall_v choose_v psal._n 25._o 12._o but_o here_o some_o may_v ask_v how_o do_v god_n teach_v we_o and_o what_o way_n be_v we_o to_o expect_v direction_n from_o he_o must_v we_o look_v for_o revelation_n dream_n and_o vision_n indeed_o this_o be_v not_o unusual_a under_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n do_v then_o very_o ordinary_o this_o way_n manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o patriarch_n and_o other_o his_o eminent_a servant_n but_o now_o it_o please_v he_o to_o forbear_v it_o at_o least_o that_o so_o common_a use_n thereof_o and_o we_o be_v neither_o to_o ask_v nor_o to_o look_v for_o advice_n and_o counsel_n this_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o however_o if_o we_o wait_v on_o god_n we_o may_v be_v confident_a of_o direction_n from_o he_o which_o he_o will_v communicate_v to_o we_o two_o manner_n of_o way_n first_o by_o the_o inward_a suggestion_n of_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v not_o only_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o clear_v our_o understanding_n with_o wisdom_n &_o knowledge_n so_o that_o in_o the_o general_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o know_v what_o be_v good_a and_o right_n but_o he_o will_v also_o help_v we_o to_o discern_v what_o be_v fit_a and_o proper_a in_o that_o particular_a case_n &_o circumstance_n wherein_o we_o stand_v &_o will_v secret_o incline_v and_o draw_v we_o whither_o his_o wisdom_n see_v it_o fit_a for_o his_o glory_n &_o our_o comfort_n this_o be_v no_o idle_a fancy_n or_o delusion_n it_o be_v no_o piece_n of_o fanaticism_n or_o a_o dream_n of_o enthusiastical_a person_n but_o a_o certain_a real_a truth_n which_o all_o good_a and_o holy_a person_n have_v feel_v from_o their_o experience_n though_o these_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n isa._n 30._o 21._o thy_o ear_n shall_v hear_v a_o word_n behind_o thou_o save_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o when_o you_o turn_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o when_o you_o turn_v to_o the_o left_a be_v not_o altogether_o to_o be_v restrict_v to_o a_o inward_a inspiration_n but_o also_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o external_a voice_n in_o the_o word_n and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o servant_n yet_o solomon_n seem_v to_o hold_v out_o this_o when_o he_o say_v in_o all_o thy_o way_n acknowledge_v he_o and_o he_o shall_v direct_v thy_o path_n prov._n 3._o 6._o this_o also_o must_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o elihu_n in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o man_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o almighty_a give_v they_o understanding_n job_n 32._o 8._o this_o voice_n be_v inward_a and_o therefore_o not_o audible_a or_o perceptible_a by_o our_o outward_a sense_n but_o however_o it_o may_v prove_v effectual_a enough_o for_o to_o move_v and_o sway_v we_o and_o though_o as_o one_o say_v this_o secret_a direction_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v principal_o god._n see_v in_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v also_o find_v in_o the_o great_a and_o momentous_a concern_v of_o this_o life_n which_o a_o good_a man_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o beg_v his_o direction_n shall_v very_o often_o if_o not_o at_o all_o time_n find_v i_o hope_v none_o will_v be_v so_o injurious_a as_o to_o think_v i_o intend_v to_o countenance_n or_o authorise_v those_o who_o father_n horrid_a impiety_n and_o most_o impertinent_a extravagancy_n upon_o god_n pretend_v they_o be_v carry_v thereto_o by_o a_o secret_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o know_v and_o will_v have_v every_o one_o to_o assure_v himself_o that_o god_n be_v never_o the_o author_n of_o what_o be_v evil_a foolish_a or_o ridiculous_a whatever_o come_v from_o he_o be_v worthy_a of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v suitable_a to_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n neither_o do_v god_n show_v himself_o thus_o to_o any_o mean_a trivial_a thing_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o serious_a importance_n but_o because_o some_o have_v be_v so_o far_o out_o of_o purpose_n as_o to_o
i_o a_o good_a old_a innocent_a plebeian_n d●…e_n death_n be_v a_o mere_a surprise_n a_o very_a snare_n to_o he_o that_o make_v it_o his_o life_n great_a care_n to_o be_v a_o public_a pageant_n know_v to_o all_o but_o unacquainted_a with_o himself_o do_v fall_v hales_n the_o character_n of_o a_o happy_a life_n how_o happy_a be_v he_o bear_v and_o teach_v that_o serve_v not_o another_o will_n who_o armour_n be_v his_o honest_a thought_n and_o simple_a truth_n his_o outmost_a skill_n who_o passion_n not_o his_o master_n be_v who_o soul_n be_v still_o prepare_v for_o death_n untie_v d_o unto_o the_o world_n by_o care_n of_o public_a fame_n or_o private_a breath_n who_o envy_v none_o that_o chance_n do_v raise_v n●…r_v vice_n have_v ever_o understand_v how_o deep_a wound_n be_v give_v by_o praise_n nor_o rule_v of_o state_n but_o rule_v of_o good_n who_o have_v his_o life_n from_o rumour_n free_v who_o conscience_n be_v his_o strong_a retreat_n who_o state_n can_v neither_o flatterer_n feed_v nor_o ruin_n make_v oppressor_n great_a who_o god_n do_v late_a and_o early_o pray_v more_o of_o his_o grace_n than_o gift_n to_o lend_v and_o entertain_v the_o harmless_a day_n with_o a_o religious_a book_n or_o friend_n this_o man_n be_v free_v from_o servile_a band_n of_o hope_n to_o rise_v or_o fear_v to_o fall_v lord_n of_o himself_o though_o not_o of_o land_n and_o have_v nothing_o yet_o have_v all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o part._n jacob_n vow_v or_o man_n felicity_n and_o duty_n part_n second_o chapter_n first_o a_o short_a review_n of_o the_o first_o part._n the_o case_n propose_v how_o far_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eye_n the_o reward_n in_o our_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n the_o resolution_n give_v in_o five_o particular_n with_o a_o application_n of_o all_o to_o jacob_n here_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o every_o vow_n viz._n what_o be_v promise_v and_o what_o be_v desire_v this_o last_o we_o have_v handle_v already_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a vow_n of_o iacob_n here_o we_o have_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n open_v up_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o request_n and_o show_v what_o he_o seek_v of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o as_o he_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a herein_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n so_o very_o wise_a for_o himself_o thing_n crave_v comprehend_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a and_o requisite_a to_o complete_a one_o happiness_n in_o this_o present_a world_n he_o who_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o favourable_a presence_n of_o god_n who_o be_v keep_v and_o protect_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o who_o have_v food_n and_o raiment_n that_o be_v what_o be_v competent_a and_o sufficient_a for_o the_o serve_v his_o necessity_n and_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o present_a state_n he_o have_v all_o that_o be_v desirable_a in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o jacob_n be_v a_o fit_a pattern_n to_o direct_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v steer_v our_o course_n and_o what_o we_o shall_v aim_v at_o while_o in_o this_o world_n and_o wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o present_a life_n do_v consist_v have_v thus_o clear_v and_o treat_v of_o the_o conditional_a part_n of_o this_o vow_n it_o follow_v next_o that_o we_o consider_v and_o speak_v to_o the_o promissory_a part_n thereof_o that_o we_o may_v see_v what_o the_o patriarch_n bind_v and_o oblidge_n himself_o to_o do_v to_o god_n if_o so_o be_v he_o bestow_v and_o grant_v these_o thing_n to_o he_o but_o first_o we_o will_v answer_v and_o resolve_v a_o question_n which_o any_o may_v ready_o start_v here_o and_o it_o be_v this_o whither_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v in_o conditional_a clause_n in_o our_o resolution_n to_o serve_v god_n or_o how_o far_o we_o may_v have_v a_o respect_n to_o our_o benefit_n in_o our_o purpose_n of_o obedience_n for_o it_o will_v seem_v that_o iacob_n service_n here_o be_v a_o little_a mercenary_a that_o he_o make_v a_o formal_a bargain_n with_o god_n and_o that_o he_o resolve_v only_o to_o serve_v he_o upon_o condition_n he_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n to_o he_o for_o he_o first_o ask_v and_o then_o he_o promise_v for_o answer_v to_o this_o we_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o case_n in_o general_n and_o then_o speak_v to_o what_o jacob_n do_v here_o in_o particular_a and_o first_o you_o must_v know_v that_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n all_o possible_a service_n and_o obedience_n even_o abstract_v from_o these_o external_n reward_v which_o he_o have_v to_o bestow_v and_o which_o we_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o expect_v from_o he_o indeed_o no_o man_n do_v or_o shall_v serve_v god_n for_o nought_o they_o belie_v god_n and_o speak_v false_o who_o say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v he_o and_o what_o profit_n be_v there_o in_o keep_v his_o ordinance_n for_o he_o plentiful_o reward_v such_o as_o seek_v he_o in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n and_o be_v most_o liberal_a to_o all_o those_o who_o come_v unto_o he_o but_o however_o there_o be_v other_o prior_n obligation_n and_o strong_a tie_n upon_o we_o to_o obey_v and_o please_v he_o so_o that_o although_o we_o have_v no_o advantage_n by_o serve_v the_o lord_n yet_o we_o can_v neither_o reasonable_o complain_v of_o nor_o decline_v his_o service_n for_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o life_n and_o be_v we_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v just_o right_o and_o power_n to_o command_v we_o and_o all_o the_o service_n we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v be_v small_a enough_o requital_n for_o what_o he_o have_v already_o do_v to_o we_o and_o he_o may_v just_o call_v for_o it_o though_o he_o shall_v add_v no_o far_o favour_n it_o be_v his_o own_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n which_o make_v he_o load_v we_o with_o his_o benefit_n there_o be_v no_o obligation_n upon_o he_o therefore_o our_o service_n do_v not_o nor_o can_v they_o merit_v any_o thing_n at_o god_n hand_n &_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o never_o so_o exceptable_a or_o worthy_a yet_o god_n be_v always_o aforehand_o with_o we_o and_o we_o can_v never_o draw_v he_o in_o arrear_n to_o we_o for_o our_o very_a life_n and_o be_v be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a payment_n for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v second_o the_o chief_a motive_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a principal_n by_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v act_v in_o our_o obedience_n be_v that_o of_o love_n god_n himself_o and_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v the_o chief_a end_n which_o we_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o otherwise_o our_o service_n be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o acceptable_a god_n be_v not_o like_a man_n that_o he_o may_v be_v profit_v by_o we_o our_o goodness_n as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v extend_v not_o to_o thou_o psal._n 16._o 2._o and_o how_o little_o will_v he_o value_v what_o be_v not_o do_v to_o he_o but_o to_o another_o now_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o much_o take_v up_o in_o the_o act_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n yet_o that_o can_v be_v count_v homage_n and_o worship_n pay_v unto_o god_n unless_o we_o make_v he_o our_o last_o end_n but_o it_o be_v service_n only_o pay_v to_o that_o which_o we_o chief_o aim_v at_o be_v it_o ourselves_o and_o riches_n or_o honour_n or_o pleasure_n or_o whatever_o else_o we_o have_v the_o great_a regard_n to_o that_o for_o which_o any_o thing_n be_v belove_v be_v of_o itself_o more_o belove_v when_o david_n deal_v kind_o and_o love_o with_o mephibosheth_n for_o jonathan_n his_o father_n sake_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o he_o love_v jonathan_n more_o than_o mephibosheth_n he_o that_o love_v a_o man_n for_o money_n and_o for_o meat_n love_v money_n and_o meat_n more_o than_o the_o man_n for_o these_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o end_n wherefore_o he_o love_v the_o man_n so_o he_o that_o serve_v god_n for_o any_o other_o end_v then_o god_n he_o certain_o love_v that_o more_o than_o god._n now_o if_o we_o prefer_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n we_o do_v not_o love_v he_o true_o nor_o will_v he_o regard_v we_o as_o upright_o before_o he_o he_o say_v our_o saviour_n who_o love_v father_n or_o mother_n son_n or_o daughter_n or_o his_o own_o life_n more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o matth._n 10._o 37._o luke_n 14._o 26._o christ_n upbraid_v the_o man_n of_o capernaum_n for_o follow_v he_o because_o it_o be_v for_o the_o loaf_n we_o do_v not_o reckon_v they_o our_o friend_n nor_o do_v we_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v unto_o they_o who_o wait_v upon_o we_o and_o do_v we_o service_n because_o they_o bring_v gain_n and_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o thereby_o these_o be_v mercenary_a person_n but_o he_o be_v our_o friend_n who_o abstract_v from_o his_o own_o interest_n or_o from_o any_o
in_o the_o church_n afterward_o and_o certain_o the_o want_n hereof_o be_v such_o a_o defect_n as_o do_v more_o than_o spoil_v the_o beauty_n of_o a_o church_n it_o be_v a_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o therefore_o the_o ignorance_n and_o stubbornness_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o this_o nation_n be_v much_o to_o be_v lament_v which_o discourage_n our_o governor_n from_o establish_v this_o daily_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o town_n city_n and_o other_o populous_a place_n which_o i_o may_v confident_o call_v a_o necessary_a as_o well_o as_o a_o reasonable_a service_n but_o as_o we_o ought_v thus_o to_o hallow_v every_o day_n by_o devote_v some_o part_n thereof_o to_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n so_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o sanctify_v for_o this_o end_n one_o whole_a day_n in_o seven_o viz._n the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n common_o call_v the_o lord_n day_n partly_o because_o of_o its_o be_v peculiar_o consecrate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o partly_o because_o of_o that_o special_a honour_n whiich_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n confer_v on_o this_o day_n by_o his_o triumphant_a resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v the_o reason_n for_o its_o consecration_n we_o shall_v set_v a_o part_n one_o day_n of_o the_o seven_o not_o that_o this_o portion_n appear_v necessary_a by_o natural_a light_n but_o because_o it_o be_v express_o exact_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o we_o be_v unjust_a if_o our_o expression_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god_n be_v less_o than_o what_o be_v seek_v of_o they_o and_o what_o oblidge_v we_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o first_o day_n particular_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n who_o either_o have_v a_o express_a command_n for_o what_o they_o do_v themselves_o and_o enjoin_v other_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o be_v lead_v thereto_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n now_o their_o practice_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v declare_v to_o we_o act._n 20._o 7._o 1._o cor._n 16._o 2._o and_o be_v witness_v by_o a_o constant_a universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o the_o lord_n day_n no_o other_o be_v strict_o necessary_a to_o be_v keep_v except_o in_o obedience_n to_o our_o ruler_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a who_o without_o all_o question_n may_v as_o well_o as_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o state_n former_o appoint_v day_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o account_n either_o of_o some_o particular_a emergency_n wherein_o church_n or_o state_n be_v concern_v or_o of_o some_o special_a mercy_n grant_v they_o but_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v careful_a neither_o to_o burden_v people_n with_o too_o many_o such_o appointment_n nor_o yet_o to_o give_v they_o a_o disgust_n by_o order_v solemn_a day_n upon_o mean_a &_o silly_a account_n if_o man_n be_v not_o serious_a in_o these_o solemn_a address_n they_o be_v a_o mere_a mockery_n and_o dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v they_o serious_a when_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o they_o be_v frivolous_a and_o unworthy_a to_o be_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v miserable_o transgress_v for_o first_o she_o have_v so_o multiply_v her_o fast_n and_o festival_n that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o almost_o exceed_v the_o day_n of_o the_o year_n the_o year_n will_v need_v to_o be_v enlarge_v if_o all_o their_o holy_a day_n shall_v be_v distinct_o and_o exact_o keep_v and_o though_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o all_o be_v not_o require_v to_o observe_v each_o of_o they_o yet_o there_o be_v too_o many_o impose_v upon_o every_o person_n and_o every_o place_n so_o that_o the_o french_a king_n be_v necessitate_v to_o deal_v with_o the_o pope_n late_o for_o the_o dispense_n with_o a_o great_a many_o in_o his_o kingdom_n again_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o only_o to_o blame_v for_o enjoin_v such_o a_o intolerable_a burden_n of_o day_n but_o also_o because_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o injunction_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v frivolous_a scarce_o worthy_a of_o a_o man_n serious_a attention_n much_o less_o of_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o occasion_n of_o solemn_a devotion_n as_o for_o example_n the_o invention_n of_o some_o pitiful_a relic_n the_o dedication_n of_o bell_n some_o ridiculous_a passage_n of_o their_o legendary_a saint_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o most_o of_o their_o holiday_n be_v in_o honour_n of_o their_o saint_n so_o the_o most_o of_o their_o saint_n according_a to_o their_o own_o relation_n do_v nothing_o memorable_a their_o life_n be_v more_o foolish_a and_o impertinent_a then_o old_a wife_n fable_n or_o the_o tale_n of_o child_n as_o we_o may_v show_v by_o several_a instance_n do_v we_o not_o fear_v to_o be_v tedious_a but_o leave_v this_o we_o come_v next_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o worship_n which_o shall_v be_v pay_v unto_o god_n public_o and_o to_o show_v the_o particular_n whereof_o it_o shall_v consist_v which_o ought_v especial_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o first_o as_o to_o the_o general_n nature_n of_o this_o worship_n it_o must_v first_o answer_v the_o end_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o celebration_n and_o praise_n of_o his_o greatness_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o other_o glorious_a perfection_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o worshipper_n may_v be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v excite_v to_o fear_n trust_v and_o obey_v he_o 2_o it_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o altogether_o free_a of_o what_o he_o have_v forbid_v or_o signify_v his_o displeasure_n with_o otherways_o it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v acceptable_a that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o abominable_a 3_o it_o must_v not_o only_o contain_v all_o the_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n but_o beside_o carry_v character_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a but_o necessary_a that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v regulate_v by_o special_a dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o make_v to_o express_v the_o particular_n of_o such_o dispensation_n the_o jew_n be_v require_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o different_a manner_n from_o what_o be_v discernible_a by_o natural_a light_n and_o so_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v have_v a_o peculiar_a worship_n that_o be_v distinct_a from_o such_o as_o own_o no_o revelation_n or_o only_o that_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n four_o from_o these_o consideration_n it_o follow_v that_o christian_n must_v worship_n god_n together_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n for_o so_o our_o saviour_n direct_v we_o john_n 4._o 23._o where_o he_o say_v the_o hour_n come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_n he_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_n must_v worship_n he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n which_o word_n whither_o we_o consider_v they_o abstract_o &_o in_o a_o general_a notion_n as_o deliver_v a_o certain_a natural_a truth_n or_o with_o a_o reference_n to_o the_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n then_o usual_a in_o the_o world_n i_o say_v which_o way_n so_o ever_o we_o consider_v they_o they_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n will_v now_o be_v worship_v not_o by_o a_o multitude_n of_o carnal_a and_o external_a observance_n or_o a_o number_n of_o mysterious_a and_o almost_o unintelligible_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o the_o gentile_n use_v to_o do_v and_o as_o he_o think_v fit_a for_o a_o time_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o jew_n but_o by_o action_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o who_o signification_n and_o use_n be_v reasonable_a and_o easy_o understand_v the_o law_n consider_v man_n as_o in_o a_o weak_a infant_n state_n and_o so_o prescribe_v a_o worship_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o state_n but_o the_o gospel_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o full_a stature_n of_o perfect_a man_n and_o consider_v we_o as_o such_o and_o therefore_o our_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n now_o must_v speak_v out_o more_o perfect_a reason_n and_o understanding_n the_o worship_n require_v of_o christian_n be_v not_o a_o pompous_a show_n of_o ceremony_n which_o may_v affect_v child_n or_o childish_a person_n but_o real_a and_o substantial_a expression_n of_o faith_n love_n fear_v joy_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n there_o must_v not_o be_v more_o or_o other_o ceremony_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n than_o what_o be_v requisite_a for_o order_n and_o decency_n or_o necessary_a to_o excite_v and_o fix_v the_o inward_a attention_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o that_o be_v not_o true_a or_o proper_a worship_n which_o be_v whole_o external_n and_o do_v not_o come_v
from_o and_o be_v not_o perform_v by_o the_o inward_a mind_n thus_o in_o a_o word_n as_o we_o shall_v worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n so_o to_o worship_n in_o spirit_n be_v to_o worship_n with_o the_o inward_a act_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o worship_n in_o truth_n be_v to_o perform_v such_o outward_a act_n as_o do_v not_o mystical_o and_o figurative_o but_o plain_o and_o proper_o signify_v and_o hold_v forth_o these_o inward_a one_o have_v thus_o view_v the_o nature_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o general_n we_o pass_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o part_n thereof_o in_o particular_a and_o first_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n shall_v consist_v of_o prayer_n this_o be_v so_o clear_a from_o scripture_n reason_n &_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o prove_v it_o the_o part_n and_o qualification_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o private_a prayer_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o useful_a to_o know_v before_o hand_n what_o we_o shall_v pray_v and_o so_o unworthy_a a_o thing_n to_o utter_v rash_a and_o indiscreet_a expression_n before_o god_n especial_o in_o public_a therefore_o the_o church_n in_o age_n have_v ever_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o compose_v deliberate_o form_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o not_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o extemporary_a effusion_n of_o he_o who_o officiate_n there_o be_v not_o at_o this_o day_n any_o church_n except_o our_o own_o without_o a_o public_a service_n and_o liturgy_n but_o because_o we_o be_v drive_v to_o the_o necessity_n at_o present_a not_o to_o use_v one_o therefore_o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o the_o public_a minister_n to_o take_v the_o more_o care_n in_o compose_v their_o prayer_n that_o their_o expression_n be_v grave_a &_o decent_a &_o that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o they_o contain_v all_o thing_n proper_a &_o necessary_a &_o nothing_o disagreable_a to_o god_n or_o which_o may_v disgust_v &_o stumble_v the_o worshipper_n they_o shall_v study_v to_o make_v their_o prayer_n to_o express_v true_o the_o general_a needs_o &_o desire_n of_o the_o people_n for_o he_o who_o pray_v be_v their_o mouth_n employ_v to_o speak_v in_o their_o name_n what_o every_o one_o shall_v do_v if_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o speak_v &_o so_o all_o public_a prayer_n shall_v be_v so_o order_v that_o every_o one_o may_v be_v able_a to_o join_v hearty_o with_o they_o and_o here_o i_o can_v pass_v two_o fault_n ordinary_o commit_v in_o this_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n the_o one_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o country_n parish_n the_o other_o general_o both_o in_o city_n and_o country_n by_o this_o last_o i_o mean_v a_o careless_a unconcernedness_n in_o prayer_n many_o think_v not_o themselves_o oblige_v to_o join_v with_o the_o minister_n while_o he_o pray_v they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v but_o their_o voice_n &_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o say_v with_o the_o heart_n what_o he_o do_v with_o the_o mouth_n else_o the_o prayer_n can_v be_v hear_v as_o they_o or_o for_o they_o though_o one_o pray_v but_o audible_o to_o shun_v confusion_n yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o to_o assent_v thereto_o the_o other_o fault_n be_v commit_v often_o by_o the_o common_a people_n especial_o in_o the_o northern_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o the_o former_a in_o the_o southren_n part_n who_o fall_n to_o their_o particular_a prayer_n when_o the_o minister_n be_v pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n this_o be_v a_o irregular_a and_o undecent_a thing_n which_o obstruct_v the_o edification_n design_v by_o this_o part_n of_o worship_n see_v 1._o cor._n 14._o 26._o when_o the_o congregation_n come_v together_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o mind_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v different_a exercise_n but_o always_o the_o same_o they_o shall_v pray_v one_o and_o the_o same_o prayer_n with_o one_o accord_n as_o we_o read_v the_o disciple_n do_v act._n 4._o 24._o to_o prevent_v both_o these_o evil_n if_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o all_o both_o jewish_a and_o christian_a liturgy_n to_o appoint_v the_o people_n to_o utter_v sometime_o some_o short_a sentenes_n and_o always_o to_o speak_v out_o audible_o amen_o at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o every_o prayer_n as_o be_v inti_fw-la mate_n to_o we_o 1._o cor._n 14._o 16._o another_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n especial_o in_o public_a assembly_n be_v sing_v of_o psalm_n and_o spiritual_a song_n this_o be_v always_o a_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v observe_v by_o our_o saviour_n with_o his_o disciple_n matth._n 26._o 30._o and_o st._n paul_n enjoin_v it_o to_o all_o christian_n eph._n 5._o 19_o col._n 3._o 16._o sing_v hymn_n and_o psalm_n be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n both_o to_o prepare_v our_o mind_n for_o it_o and_o to_o make_v we_o take_v pleasure_n in_o it_o it_o fix_v our_o thought_n elevate_v our_o spirit_n fill_v we_o with_o joy_n in_o god_n and_o leave_v on_o our_o mind_n a_o deep_a impression_n of_o divine_a truth_n than_o almost_o any_o other_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n for_o which_o cause_n it_o have_v be_v a_o universal_a practice_n in_o the_o church_n through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o sing_v be_v our_o duty_n so_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n be_v excellent_o fit_v for_o the_o purpose_n they_o furnish_v we_o both_o with_o proper_a matter_n and_o apposite_a expression_n they_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v employ_v particular_o in_o this_o divine_a exercise_n and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o have_v cease_v with_o the_o law_n or_o jewish_a state_n no_o certain_o they_o be_v still_o useful_a to_o the_o church_n and_o proper_a for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o doubt_n s._n paul_n in_o the_o forecited_a place_n and_o s._n james_n ch_n 5._o 13._o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n because_o the_o tittle_n of_o psalm_n have_v be_v always_o appropriate_a to_o they_o and_o from_o this_o injunction_n of_o the_o apostle_n conformable_a to_o their_o practice_n and_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o u●…efull_a the_o church_n have_v ever_o use_v these_o psalm_n in_o her_o public_a service_n i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o who_o not_o only_a scruple_n at_o some_o of_o the_o psalm_n but_o say_v express_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v sing_v and_o when_o it_o be_v do_v they_o refuse_v to_o take_v a_o part_n but_o true_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o this_o indeed_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o all_o occasion_n some_o be_v more_o pertinent_a and_o suitable_a at_o one_o time_n then_o another_o and_o therefore_o they_o who_o have_v the_o order_n of_o the_o public_a service_n shall_v make_v a_o prudent_a choice_n of_o psalm_n suit_v to_o the_o occasion_n however_o all_o of_o they_o may_v be_v sing_v and_o because_o people_n have_v not_o their_o own_o choice_n but_o must_v take_v they_o as_o they_o be_v prescribe_v i_o will_v here_o propose_v some_o consideration_n to_o show_v how_o we_o may_v free_o join_v with_o any_o psalm_n and_o both_o sing_v it_o with_o understanding_n and_o also_o with_o edification_n first_o there_o can_v be_v no_o question_n of_o those_o psalm_n which_o declare_v the_o divine_a attribute_n display_v the_o work_n of_o god_n hold_v forth_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o word_n or_o the_o general_n state_n of_o man._n to_o sing_v and_o meditate_v on_o these_o can_v be_v improper_a at_o any_o time_n but_o always_o useful_a and_o seasonable_a 2_o as_o for_o those_o psalm_n which_o be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n beside_o the_o literal_a sense_n which_o relate_v to_o those_o person_n their_o action_n and_o circumstance_n upon_o which_o account_n they_o be_v pen_v there_o be_v a_o mystical_a sense_n belong_v to_o they_o which_o refer_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o moreover_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v accommodate_v to_o several_a condition_n and_o circumstance_n both_o of_o private_a person_n and_o public_a society_n by_o allow_v some_o liberty_n to_o figure_n allegory_n and_o other_o poetical_a strain_n which_o be_v usual_a in_o song_n and_o hymn_n now_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v little_o concern_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n yet_o we_o be_v in_o the_o mystical_a and_o if_o they_o will_v suffer_v a_o accommodation_n to_o ourselves_o or_o the_o church_n and_o state_n we_o live_v in_o than_o we_o not_o only_o may_v use_v they_o but_o the_o use_n of_o they_o will_v be_v both_o pleasant_a and_o edify_a 3_o these_o psalm_n which_o contain_v narration_n of_o the_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v