be_v not_o only_o thus_o with_o a_o profane_a esau_n who_o may_v well_o be_v think_v to_o have_v forfeit_v the_o blessing_n by_o his_o sell_v his_o birthright_n but_o even_o good_a jacob_n himself_o when_o he_o will_v have_v a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n he_o be_v constrain_v to_o wrestle_v with_o the_o angel_n for_o it_o and_o to_o put_v forth_o all_o his_o strength_n in_o the_o conflict_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o hold_n though_o the_o angel_n seâ—med_v willing_a to_o shake_v he_o off_o yea_o and_o to_o tell_v he_o at_o last_o that_o he_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v until_o he_o have_v get_v it_o thus_o it_o have_v be_v former_o blessing_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o wing_n of_o prayer_n and_o what_o o_o man_n do_v thou_o think_v that_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v fall_v so_o much_o in_o their_o price_n and_o grow_v so_o cheap_a at_o this_o day_n as_o that_o they_o go_v a_o beg_n or_o that_o man_n may_v have_v they_o without_o ask_v for_o god_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o stand_v more_o upon_o his_o honour_n than_o so_o and_o therefore_o have_v declare_v his_o will_n that_o prayer_n shall_v come_v in_o between_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o performance_n he_o will_v have_v his_o people_n sue_v out_o the_o promise_n before_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o good_a which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o well-known_a scripture_n ezek._n 36._o we_o find_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n great_o enlarge_v to_o his_o people_n and_o promise_v flow_v in_o abundance_n from_o he_o and_o he_o give_v they_o the_o assurance_n of_o his_o fix_a resolution_n in_o the_o thing_n i_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o do_v not_o you_o doubt_v call_v not_o my_o truth_n in_o question_n i_o will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o my_o word_n yet_o observe_v what_o follow_v in_o the_o 37th_o verse_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o will_v yet_o be_v inquire_v of_o by_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o all_o those_o great_a and_o good_a thing_n have_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n from_o eternity_n and_o now_o he_o be_v gracious_o please_v for_o their_o comfort_n to_o put_v they_o into_o his_o promise_n but_o if_o they_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o have_v they_o they_o must_v send_v prayer_n to_o heaven_n for_o they_o holy_a david_n tell_v we_o psal._n 3._o 8._o god_n blessing_n be_v upon_o his_o people_n and_o certain_o every_o one_o will_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v upon_o they_o exclusive_a to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o upon_o they_o and_o upon_o none_o but_o upon_o they_o they_o only_o have_v be_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n redeem_v from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o they_o only_o can_v lay_v a_o rightful_a claim_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n may_v yea_o and_o he_o every_o day_n do_v give_v bread_n to_o his_o enemy_n but_o sure_o as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v his_o enemy_n he_o will_v not_o give_v they_o his_o blessing_n and_o indeed_o why_o shall_v they_o expect_v it_o but_o now_o o_o prayerless_a soul_n how_o will_v thou_o prove_v thyself_o one_o of_o his_o people_n thou_o have_v upon_o thou_o those_o spot_n which_o be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o his_o people_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n thou_o do_v want_v those_o mark_n which_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o his_o people_n thou_o who_o spend_v thy_o day_n without_o prayer_n do_v pay_v no_o homage_n unto_o god_n thou_o own_v no_o dependence_n upon_o he_o thou_o give_v he_o no_o reverence_n thou_o do_v he_o no_o service_n thou_o bring_v he_o no_o honour_n and_o i_o pray_v tell_v i_o why_o shall_v his_o blessing_n be_v upon_o thou_o god_n may_v deal_v bountiful_o with_o thou_o possible_o he_o do_v do_v so_o already_o and_o give_v thou_o water_n of_o a_o full_a cup_n it_o be_v his_o manner_n many_o srcap_n and_o good_a bit_n fall_v under_o his_o table_n he_o let_v they_o fall_v on_o purpose_n for_o his_o dog_n to_o gather_v up_o his_o sun_n shine_v and_o his_o rain_n fall_v upon_o barren_a wilderness_n and_o noisome_a dunghill_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o fruitful_a field_n and_o pleasant_a garden_n outward_a mercy_n be_v therefore_o call_v common_a mercy_n because_o all_o have_v their_o share_n in_o they_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a too_o the_o evil_a as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a so_o that_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o no_o man_n can_v know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n be_v proud_a of_o his_o temporal_a enjoyment_n nor_o of_o a_o elate_v spirit_n because_o he_o be_v of_o a_o raise_a condition_n and_o stand_v upon_o the_o world_n be_v upper_a ground_n if_o thou_o have_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o use_v but_o those_o thou_o fetche_v from_o the_o world_n topic_n thou_o will_v never_o prove_v thyself_o heavenborn_a nor_o make_v out_o thy_o title_n to_o the_o happiness_n and_o glory_n which_o be_v above_o god_n indeed_o may_v fill_v thy_o pocket_n and_o spread_v thy_o table_n furnish_v it_o with_o variety_n of_o dainty_n he_o may_v cram_v thy_o bag_n and_o make_v thy_o cup_n run_v over_o he_o may_v throw_v into_o thy_o possession_n house_n and_o land_n as_o he_o give_v quales_fw-la to_o the_o israelite_n in_o his_o wrath_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o turn_v over_o all_o thou_o have_v and_o make_v as_o diligent_a search_n as_o thou_o can_v thou_o will_v not_o find_v one_o blessing_n in_o it_o many_o a_o creature_n and_o in_o every_o one_o a_o curse_n thy_o clothes_n have_v a_o plague_n in_o they_o witness_v thy_o pride_n thy_o table_n be_v thy_o snare_n witness_v thy_o excess_n and_o riches_n be_v lay_v up_o by_o thou_o to_o thy_o hurt_n whilst_o thou_o make_v they_o thy_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o than_o thy_o servant_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o thou_o at_o present_a and_o thy_o present_a condition_n be_v thy_o best_a condition_n unless_o thou_o grow_v better_a that_o will_v not_o all_o that_o thou_o can_v do_v be_v to_o rejoice_v in_o sense_n thou_o must_v leave_v it_o to_o other_o to_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n but_o however_o if_o it_o will_v do_v thou_o any_o good_a and_o the_o lord_n grant_v that_o it_o may_v we_o will_v inquire_v what_o be_v like_a to_o be_v hereafter_o therefore_o last_o let_v we_o look_v on_o to_o the_o consequence_n and_o consider_v what_o will_v follow_v this_o sinful_a brutish_a negect_n of_o your_o unquestionable_a duty_n you_o know_v your_o own_o conscience_n tell_v you_o that_o you_o do_v not_o pray_v you_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o any_o need_n that_o you_o have_v of_o it_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o you_o think_v you_o can_v be_v without_o such_o be_v your_o jovial_a companion_n and_o your_o vain_a antic_a dress_n but_o you_o can_v be_v and_o do_v very_o well_o without_o prayer_n you_o taste_v no_o sweetness_n in_o it_o rant_a and_o roar_a be_v music_n health_n and_o huzza_n ball_n and_o masque_n be_v ravish_o delicious_a but_o to_o you_o prayer_n be_v a_o very_a dull_a and_o insipid_a business_n but_o i_o pray_v what_o will_v be_v at_o the_o last_o i_o will_v stain_v have_v my_o best_a at_o last_o and_o so_o will_v you_o too_o if_o you_o be_v wise_a if_o you_o have_v not_o your_o best_a at_o your_o latter_a end_n you_o will_v be_v find_v fool_n at_o your_o latter_a end_n i_o find_v a_o excellent_a wish_n concern_v israel_n of_o old_a whether_o it_o be_v god_n wish_n or_o mose_n or_o both_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v very_o good_a and_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o love_n deut._n 32._o 24._o o_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a that_o they_o understand_v this_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o latter_a end_n by_o latter_a end_n there_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o expolitor_n we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o understand_v their_o death_n as_o the_o end_n and_o issue_n of_o that_o course_n which_o they_o be_v then_o steer_v o_o that_o they_o will_v serious_o think_v with_o themselves_o and_o wise_o foresee_v whither_o that_o way_n will_v bring_v they_o in_o which_o they_o be_v then_o walk_v it_o be_v a_o very_a smooth_a and_o pleasant_a way_n it_o be_v pave_v with_o delight_n but_o the_o great_a business_n be_v whither_o do_v it_o lead_v they_o it_o be_v my_o hearty_a wish_n for_o you_o whoever_o you_o be_v that_o you_o will_v once_o in_o a_o day_n retire_v yourselves_o and_o get_v alone_o and_o serious_o think_v what_o your_o total_a neglect_n of_o prayer_n will_v produce_v when_o you_o be_v on_o a_o deathbed_n and_o after_o death_n in_o eternity_n first_o what_o fruit_n you_o will_v have_v from_o
hence_o when_o sickness_n arrest_v you_o and_o you_o find_v that_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v at_o your_o very_a door_n that_o will_v be_v a_o dismal_a time_n and_o it_o will_v cause_v many_o thought_n and_o tremble_n of_o heart_n and_o then_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o cordial_n and_o happy_a the_o man_n that_o have_v his_o comfortable_a reflection_n and_o prospect_n to_o support_v his_o spirit_n who_o can_v look_v back_o to_o his_o life_n pass_v with_o peace_n and_o look_v forward_o to_o eternity_n with_o hope_n when_o a_o child_n of_o god_n that_o have_v maintain_v a_o close_a and_o intimate_a communion_n with_o his_o god_n and_o give_v himself_o unto_o prayer_n come_v to_o lie_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n he_o be_v so_o rough_o handle_v by_o that_o last_o enemy_n that_o he_o can_v pray_v his_o heart_n be_v so_o faint_a within_o he_o and_o his_o pain_n be_v so_o strong_a upon_o he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o any_o leisure_n for_o that_o work_n in_o which_o he_o have_v find_v so_o much_o sweetness_n and_o for_o which_o he_o have_v so_o dear_a a_o love_n alas_o than_o his_o case_n his_o weakness_n his_o agony_n his_o tumbling_n and_o toss_n be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v pray_v as_o he_o be_v wont_a only_a sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o lift_v up_o a_o eye_n and_o give_v a_o look_n towards_o god_n holy_a temple_n and_o dart_v up_o a_o short_a ejaculation_n poor_a soul_n that_o be_v the_o utmost_a length_n he_o can_v go_v and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a grief_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v so_o straighten_a and_o confine_v holy_a asaph_n put_v this_o among_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o bitter_a complaint_n psal._n 77._o 4_o that_o he_o be_v so_o trouble_v that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v but_o at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o can_v relieve_v and_o comfort_v himself_o with_o his_o former_a pray_v and_o former_a walk_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n his_o former_a seek_v of_o god_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o when_o there_o be_v a_o message_n of_o death_n by_o the_o prophet_n bring_v to_o hezekiah_n he_o can_v send_v this_o short_a petition_n up_o again_o to_o heaven_n isa._n 38._o 3._o remember_v now_o o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n he_o can_v do_v but_o very_o little_a then_o his_o strength_n be_v go_v and_o his_o breath_n be_v short_a but_o he_o can_v with_o comfort_n remember_v and_o desire_v god_n himself_o to_o remember_v how_o he_o have_v walk_v and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o haltion_n and_o healthful_a day_n so_o when_o a_o gracious_a person_n be_v disable_v for_o his_o work_n he_o can_v think_v thus_o there_o be_v a_o stock_n of_o prayer_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n against_o such_o a_o time_n of_o need_n as_o this_o be_v and_o the_o thought_n thereof_o will_v be_v a_o singular_a support_n and_o comfort_n to_o he_o but_o what_o do_v you_o think_v will_v become_v of_o you_o at_o such_o a_o time_n you_o that_o have_v be_v all_o your_o day_n stranger_n to_o this_o work_n when_o you_o come_v to_o die_v you_o can_v pray_v your_o distemper_n and_o pain_n will_v not_o lâ—t_v you_o and_o you_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o go_v about_o it_o nor_o how_o to_o do_v one_o stroke_n at_o it_o and_o it_o will_v then_o be_v a_o sting_n and_o horror_n to_o you_o to_o think_v that_o when_o you_o be_v in_o health_n and_o strength_n and_o all_o thing_n well_o with_o you_o you_o will_v not_o pray_v you_o be_v call_v upon_o often_o by_o your_o godly_a minister_n and_o by_o your_o gracious_a friend_n and_o relation_n but_o you_o will_v not_o at_o a_o die_a hour_n you_o will_v have_v no_o fitness_n for_o that_o work_n and_o all_o the_o time_n that_o you_o live_v before_o you_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o it_o but_o possible_o you_o will_v comfort_v yourselves_o with_o this_o that_o when_o you_o be_v sick_a and_o full_a of_o fear_n and_o inward_a disquiet_n and_o you_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o pray_v for_o yourselves_o than_o you_o or_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n for_o you_o will_v send_v for_o some_o godly_a minister_n or_o other_o and_o desire_v he_o to_o pray_v for_o you_o well_o suppose_v that_o be_v do_v and_o the_o minister_n send_v for_o comes_z if_o he_o know_v what_o a_o wretch_n thou_o have_v be_v and_o how_o much_o thou_o have_v neglect_v god_n and_o thy_o duty_n all_o thy_o day_n what_o straitning_n of_o soul_n must_v he_o of_o necessity_n be_v under_o as_o to_o thou_o with_o what_o holy_a confidence_n and_o hope_n may_v we_o go_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o a_o godly_a person_n when_o sick_a if_o we_o can_v say_v to_o god_n as_o they_o do_v to_o christ_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o lazarus_n john_n 11._o 3._o lord_n he_o who_o thou_o love_v be_v sick_a but_o what_o a_o damp_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o we_o when_o we_o think_v we_o be_v go_v to_o god_n for_o a_o sick_a and_o die_a man_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o neglect_a god_n and_o hate_v he_o and_o live_v without_o he_o and_o in_o open_a rebellion_n against_o he_o i_o fear_v i_o fear_v there_o be_v too_o many_o among_o we_o that_o befool_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o this_o that_o if_o they_o can_v get_v a_o minister_n to_o pray_v by_o they_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v give_v they_o the_o sacrament_n too_o oh_o than_o all_o be_v well_o and_o their_o soul_n go_v immediate_o to_o heaven_n without_o any_o stop_n by_o the_o way_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o glory_n be_v open_v to_o they_o and_o entrance_n grant_v but_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o will_v not_o do_v and_o that_o these_o man_n build_v their_o high_a hope_n upon_o a_o sandy-foundation_n that_o will_v fail_v they_o and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o great_a encouragement_n or_o what_o sufficient_a ground_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v carry_v they_o in_o the_o arm_n of_o our_o prayer_n safe_a to_o heaven_n who_o will_v not_o themselves_o take_v one_o right_a step_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v thither_o will_v never_o be_v humble_a petitioner_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n or_o for_o the_o life_n and_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n that_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o exceed_v worthy_a of_o your_o observation_n and_o repeat_v thought_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o one_a of_o samuel_n chap._n 12._o after_o that_o good_a man_n have_v faithful_o reprove_v the_o people_n for_o their_o great_a wickedness_n in_o ask_v a_o king_n and_o likewise_o put_v they_o into_o a_o great_a consternation_n by_o a_o storm_n of_o thunder_n and_o rain_n in_o the_o time_n of_o wheat-harvest_n which_o be_v unusual_a in_o that_o country_n they_o become_v humble_a suitor_n to_o he_o say_v in_o verse_n 19_o pray_v for_o by_o servant_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n that_o we_o die_v not_o that_o request_n he_o be_v most_o free_o wilâ—ing_v to_o grant_v god_n forbid_v say_v he_o that_o i_o shall_v sin_v in_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o they_o and_o will_v continue_v to_o pray_v for_o they_o but_o now_o mark_v and_o remember_v that_o which_o follow_v in_o vers_fw-la 24._o only_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o truth_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n which_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o my_o duty_n you_o be_v a_o people_n that_o i_o dear_o love_v and_o hearty_o wish_v welfare_n and_o prosperity_n to_o i_o will_v speak_v for_o you_o and_o plead_v for_o you_o and_o wrestle_v with_o god_n for_o you_o but_o do_v not_o you_o lay_v too_o great_a stress_n upon_o my_o prayer_n look_v to_o it_o that_o you_o be_v not_o find_v sin_v against_o god_n while_o i_o be_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o you_o leave_v you_o do_v yourselves_o more_o mischief_n than_o i_o can_v do_v you_o good_a my_o prayer_n will_v not_o prevail_v on_o your_o behalf_n unless_o you_o will_v resolve_v to_o fear_n god_n yourselves_o and_o to_o seek_v and_o serve_v he_o yourselves_o and_o pray_v and_o honour_n and_o obey_v he_o yourselves_o by_o warrant_n of_o that_o scripture_n i_o do_v now_o say_v to_o you_o when_o you_o be_v sick_a and_o in_o distress_n and_o fear_v you_o shall_v die_v you_o will_v call_v the_o minister_n to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v it_o when_o you_o send_v for_o we_o we_o will_v come_v only_o i_o wish_v that_o we_o may_v be_v send_v for_o soon_o than_o we_o be_v by_o some_o of_o you_o viz._n while_o you_o be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o yourselves_o and_o in_o
the_o little_a thing_n which_o do_v speak_v the_o unsoundness_n of_o their_o heart_n so_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o they_o who_o spend_v all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o care_n and_o heat_n about_o those_o thing_n which_o come_v not_o under_o any_o express_a command_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n they_o that_o be_v most_o curious_a about_o their_o body_n be_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v most_o careless_a about_o their_o soul_n they_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n at_o their_o glass_n that_o they_o have_v none_o for_o the_o bible_n they_o be_v so_o careful_a that_o a_o pin_n be_v not_o stick_v amiss_o in_o their_o clothes_n that_o they_o leave_v every_o thing_n amiss_o in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o garb_n and_o unreasonable_a dress_n in_o which_o some_o silly_o proud_a person_n come_v into_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o spectator_n to_o determine_v how_o they_o spend_v and_o profane_v the_o morning_n of_o the_o sabbath_n at_o home_n and_o we_o may_v 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off_o from_o that_o as_o a_o matter_n not_o so_o momentous_a as_o to_o deserve_v either_o her_o enquiry_n or_o his_o resolution_n and_o fall_v to_o acquaint_v she_o with_o direct_v she_o to_o and_o put_v herâ—_n upon_o the_o spirituality_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v as_o that_o which_o she_o and_o every_o one_o ought_v principal_o to_o attend_v unto_o because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n be_v most_o for_o and_o upon_o which_o his_o pure_a eye_n be_v chief_o set_v 4_o john_n 23_o 24._o 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_v he_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n spiritual_a worship_n be_v most_o congruous_a and_o agreeable_a to_o god_n childish_a toy_n please_v child_n who_o have_v no_o more_o wit_n outward_a pomp_n and_o ceremony_n please_v vain_a man_n who_o have_v not_o so_o good_a heart_n as_o they_o shall_v but_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v acceptable_a to_o that_o god_n who_o be_v himself_o a_o spirit_n such_o worshipper_n he_o seek_v other_o he_o reject_v when_o he_o find_v they_o therefore_o you_o must_v be_v such_o if_o you_o will_v find_v favour_n or_o receive_v a_o blessing_n and_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o particular_a i_o will_v only_o add_v that_o if_o man_n be_v once_o set_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o spirituality_n of_o worship_n they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o unreasonable_o eager_a as_o they_o be_v for_o nor_o so_o tetchy_a froward_a and_o contentious_a about_o place_n modes_n and_o form_n which_o can_v fetch_v their_o pedigree_n and_o original_n no_o high_o than_o mere_a human_a invention_n and_o appointment_n enough_o of_o that_o and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o some_o person_n do_v not_o think_v this_o a_o little_a too_o much_o use_v in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o branch_n of_o this_o use_n of_o reprehension_n my_o work_n will_v be_v to_o awaken_v rouse_v and_o startle_v to_o convince_v and_o bring_v those_o to_o judge_n and_o condemn_v themselves_o who_o live_v without_o secret_a prayer_n i_o hear_v from_o some_o and_o i_o do_v more_o than_o partly_o believe_v it_o that_o there_o be_v many_o professor_n and_o those_o too_o of_o some_o name_n and_o eminency_n who_o live_v under_o the_o dreadful_a guilt_n of_o this_o sinful_a omission_n and_o if_o there_o be_v some_o such_o how_o great_a may_v we_o suppose_v the_o total_a number_n to_o be_v of_o they_o who_o be_v this_o way_n chargeable_a though_o let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o many_o every_o one_o of_o they_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n be_v know_v to_o that_o god_n who_o observe_v our_o down-lying_a and_o our_o uprising_n and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o our_o way_n there_o be_v those_o that_o will_v come_v to_o public_a ordinance_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v count_v heathen_n nor_o 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whereof_o their_o reputation_n shall_v be_v blast_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n call_v in_o question_n by_o any_o of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v desirous_a yea_o ambitious_a of_o approve_v themselves_o but_o wretch_n as_o they_o be_v as_o for_o prayer_n by_o themselves_o either_o in_o chamber_n or_o in_o closet_n or_o any_o where_o else_o they_o do_v lay_v it_o aside_o altogether_o god_n himself_o will_v be_v a_o swift_a witness_n against_o they_o that_o he_o and_o they_o never_o so_o meet_v together_o they_o find_v much_o other_o work_n and_o can_v do_v many_o other_o thing_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o they_o can_v spend_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n at_o the_o glass_n view_v and_o dress_v themselves_o they_o can_v tell_v their_o money_n and_o read_v over_o their_o bill_n and_o bond_n but_o as_o for_o soul-searching_a
and_o compendious_a way_n mingle_v with_o it_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o provide_v for_o your_o own_o peace_n and_o comfort_n when_o you_o do_v humble_o and_o free_o load_v yourselves_o with_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o sin_n you_o be_v guilty_a of_o you_o may_v find_v they_o lie_v more_o light_n upon_o you_o conscience_n when_o you_o bind_v they_o upon_o yourselves_o you_o may_v find_v god_n lose_v they_o and_o take_v they_o off_o by_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o gracious_a and_o full_a pardon_n till_o david_n come_v to_o this_o poor_a man_n he_o be_v in_o a_o most_o dismal_a condition_n psal._n 32._o 3._o while_o he_o keep_v silence_n his_o bone_n wax_v old_a through_o his_o roar_v all_o the_o day_n he_o keep_v silence_n i._n e._n he_o do_v not_o confess_v sin_n and_o then_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o spend_v all_o his_o time_n in_o roar_v because_o of_o the_o torment_n and_o anguish_n which_o he_o feel_v and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o do_v not_o carry_v towards_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o ingenuity_n god_n carry_v towards_o he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o severity_n vers._n 24._o day_n and_o night_n thy_o hand_n be_v heavy_a upon_o i_o my_o moisture_n be_v turn_v into_o the_o drought_n of_o summer_n he_o be_v sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o that_o hand_n and_o break_v almost_o to_o shiver_n and_o dry_v up_o like_o a_o potsherd_n but_o now_o see_v what_o a_o comfortable_a change_n be_v wrought_v and_o how_o god_n appear_v to_o his_o joy_n when_o he_o break_v off_o that_o sinful_a silence_n yea_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o take_v up_o a_o resolution_n of_o do_v it_o ver._n 5._o i_o acknowledge_v my_o sin_n unto_o thou_o and_o my_o iniquity_n have_v i_o not_o hide_v i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o thou_o forgave_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o sin_n so_o then_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o remove_v judgement_n to_o pacify_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n to_o quiet_a the_o conscience_n to_o recover_v the_o sense_n 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god_n people_n sit_v this_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o a_o serious_a christâ—an_n come_v to_o hear_v for_o life_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o life_n and_o work_v out_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o yet_o they_o sleep_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o observer_n when_o they_o have_v some_o on_o all_o side_n to_o give_v they_o a_o awaken_n jog_v and_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o do_v it_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o duty_n and_o of_o love_n it_o be_v a_o friendly_a jog_v and_o the_o party_n to_o who_o you_o give_v it_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v it_o thankful_o at_o your_o hand_n as_o a_o kindness_n he_o do_v not_o know_v how_o much_o he_o may_v lose_v by_o a_o little_a nap_n some_o precious_a truth_n may_v then_o be_v speak_v and_o pass_v in_o which_o he_o be_v great_o concern_v and_o by_o which_o he_o may_v have_v be_v great_o benefit_v but_o it_o be_v go_v and_o lose_v as_o to_o he_o he_o sleep_v it_o away_o but_o when_o thou_o be_v all_o alone_a thou_o have_v none_o by_o to_o do_v that_o friendly_a office_n to_o bestow_v a_o jog_v upon_o thou_o than_o thou_o must_v do_v all_o the_o work_n thyself_o and_o look_v to_o thyself_o therefore_o thou_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o thy_o own_o friend_n and_o take_v the_o more_o care_n and_o pain_n and_o also_o watch_v thy_o soul_n thy_o heart_n keep_v it_o as_o thou_o be_v command_v with_o all_o diligence_n and_o as_o deborah_n say_v to_o herself_o when_o she_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o her_o work_n judge_n 5._o 12._o awake_v awake_a debroah_n awake_v awake_a utter_v a_o song_n so_o do_v you_o call_v upon_o yourselves_o in_o your_o duty_n awake_v awake_a o_o my_o soul_n awake_v awake_a lift_v up_o a_o prayer_n thou_o have_v now_o wrestling-work_n in_o hand_n do_v not_o be_v dull_a heavy_a and_o lazy_a at_o it_o watch_v thy_o heart_n for_o it_o need_v it_o and_o two_o thing_n in_o particular_a it_o be_v very_o subject_a to_o wander_n and_o cooling_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v a_o wander_a heart_n will_v not_o keep_v its_o way_n nor_o dwell_v upon_o its_o proper_a object_n david_n can_v say_v my_o heart_n be_v fix_v o_o god_n my_o heart_n be_v fix_v but_o can_v he_o say_v so_o always_o or_o can_v thou_o no_o though_o it_o be_v fix_v in_o its_o choice_n of_o god_n in_o its_o affection_n to_o he_o in_o its_o resolution_n for_o he_o yet_o it_o have_v not_o that_o fixation_n of_o thought_n and_o meditation_n upon_o he_o nor_o that_o fixedness_n of_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o which_o shall_v be_v thou_o think_v thou_o carry_v thy_o heart_n with_o thou_o to_o thy_o duty_n but_o do_v thou_o not_o often_o find_v it_o have_v give_v thou_o the_o slip_n and_o be_v go_v before_o thou_o have_v do_v therefore_o look_v to_o it_o keep_v thy_o eye_n upon_o it_o that_o it_o may_v keep_v its_o place_n and_o to_o its_o business_n but_o then_o again_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n have_v its_o cooling_n as_o well_o as_o its_o wander_n as_o it_o shall_v keep_v its_o way_n so_o it_o shall_v careful_o keep_v its_o heat_n be_v much_o therefore_o and_o frequent_a in_o stir_v up_o thyself_o when_o thou_o go_v by_o thyself_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o god_n beware_v of_o all_o deadness_n and_o dulness_n when_o thou_o be_v go_v to_o serve_v a_o live_a god_n when_o firebrand_n be_v together_o they_o will_v help_v one_o another_o and_o burn_v to_o the_o last_o but_o he_o that_o will_v keep_v a_o single_a one_o alive_a have_v need_n to_o tend_v it_o careful_o and_o be_v often_o blow_v it_o yea_o and_o add_v some_o fuel_n too_o watchfulness_n be_v as_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o duty_n as_o any_o the_o christian_n have_v to_o do_v he_o must_v watch_v unto_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v not_o go_v about_o it_o unreasonable_o that_o he_o may_v not_o lose_v a_o fit_a opportunity_n but_o set_v up_o his_o sail_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o that_o he_o also_o may_v make_v use_n of_o all_o advantage_n for_o the_o tune_n of_o his_o instrument_n and_o get_v his_o heart_n into_o a_o right_a frame_n and_o he_o must_v watch_v likewise_o in_o prayer_n that_o when_o he_o be_v at_o the_o work_n he_o may_v not_o idle_a in_o it_o and_o so_o lose_v his_o duty_n by_o lose_v himself_o for_o want_v of_o look_v to_o alas_o what_o be_v prayer_n without_o the_o heart_n unprofitable_a to_o man_n abominable_a to_o god_n it_o be_v like_o a_o carcase_n when_o the_o soul_n have_v once_o forsake_v it_o a_o stink_a and_o offensive_a thing_n who_o will_v make_v a_o present_a of_o it_o to_o a_o great_a king_n six_o when_o thou_o be_v upon_o thy_o knee_n engage_v in_o secret_a prayer_n unto_o god_n be_v sure_a that_o thou_o double_v thy_o diligence_n and_o put_v thy_o strength_n forth_o to_o the_o utmost_a when_o a_o great_a many_o be_v lift_v at_o a_o hairy_a weight_n every_o one_o may_v spare_v himself_o and_o put_v forth_o the_o less_o strength_n because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o number_n to_o assist_v but_o when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o single_a person_n tug_v at_o it_o he_o have_v need_v strain_n and_o labour_v hard_a else_o he_o must_v leave_v it_o where_o and_o as_o he_o find_v it_o when_o we_o be_v join_v together_o with_o other_o in_o prayer_n when_o with_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o assembly_n of_o saint_n there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o supplicant_n a_o great_a many_o besiege_n the_o throne_n of_o grace_n wrestle_v with_o god_n and_o pull_v down_o the_o blessing_n which_o be_v desire_v and_o then_o we_o may_v speak_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o david_n do_v psal._n 7._o 6_o 7._o arise_v o_o lord_n in_o thy_o anger_n lift_v up_o
see_v it_o himself_o he_o see_v where_o your_o thought_n be_v he_o understand_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o he_o see_v where_o your_o heart_n be_v so_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o charge_n he_o give_v out_o against_o israel_n of_o old_a this_o people_n draw_v near_o unto_o i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o and_o i_o will_v â—ain_o know_v of_o you_o how_o it_o be_v possible_a but_o that_o he_o shall_v take_v it_o very_o unkind_o at_o your_o hand_n and_o be_v high_o offend_v if_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v slight_v by_o you_o who_o be_v so_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a in_o himself_o and_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o you_o and_o unto_o who_o you_o be_v so_o everlasting_o behold_v and_o oblige_v how_o can_v he_o otherwise_o choose_v but_o be_v angry_a with_o you_o if_o in_o your_o leisure-time_n and_o at_o your_o spare_a hour_n you_o will_v not_o give_v he_o a_o visit_n if_o you_o can_v find_v in_o your_o heart_n to_o bestow_v some_o of_o that_o time_n upon_o he_o which_o you_o have_v to_o spare_v from_o your_o earthly_a friend_n and_o worldly_a business_n when_o he_o see_v this_o how_o can_v thou_o think_v but_o that_o his_o fury_n will_v come_v up_o into_o his_o face_n second_o pray_v in_o secret_a be_v a_o very_a good_a â—nd_n comfortable_a sign_n of_o sincerity_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a sign_n and_o that_o every_o one_o that_o set_v upon_o this_o work_n have_v indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o may_v from_o thence_o arrive_v to_o a_o assurance_n of_o sonship_n and_o draw_v a_o undeniable_a conclusion_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v again_o for_o i_o do_v very_o well_o know_v there_o be_v no_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v not_o set_v his_o hand_n to_o as_o reputation_n and_o credit_n among_o man_n may_v bring_v they_o out_o to_o public_a ordinance_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v as_o the_o people_n come_v and_o sit_v before_o their_o 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he_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la which_o make_v israel_n to_o sin_n a_o soul_n will_v sacrifice_v yea_o be_v too_o hasty_a at_o it_o and_o a_o pharisee_n will_v pray_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n and_o those_o heart_n run_v after_o their_o covetousness_n and_o will_v not_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v yet_o go_v out_o to_o hear_v it_o and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o person_n of_o the_o like_a spirit_n and_o principle_n as_o rot_v at_o heart_n as_o any_o of_o they_o may_v set_v upon_o religious_a action_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o they_o may_v when_o by_o themselves_o take_v up_o a_o bible_n or_o good_a book_n and_o read_v in_o it_o and_o they_o may_v when_o there_o be_v need_n fall_v upon_o their_o knee_n and_o offer_v up_o their_o request_n unto_o god_n a_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v at_o duty_n in_o his_o closet_n though_o his_o heart_n never_o be_v with_o god_n in_o duty_n neither_o in_o his_o closet_n nor_o any_o where_o 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but_o they_o do_v not_o make_v it_o their_o trade_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o where_o we_o be_v most_o like_a to_o meet_v with_o they_o if_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o find_v they_o at_o their_o devotion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n if_o you_o will_v find_v they_o in_o their_o wickedness_n for_o hypocrite_n be_v villain_n they_o make_v use_v of_o religion_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o as_o a_o cloak_n to_o cover_v their_o knavery_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o that_o which_o some_o of_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o god_n be_v please_v now_o and_o then_o to_o pluck_v off_o their_o masque_n and_o oh_o what_o deformity_n do_v then_o visible_o appear_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n when_o their_o paint_n be_v once_o off_o there_o be_v no_o person_n so_o ugly_a but_o as_o i_o be_v say_v if_o you_o will_v find_v they_o in_o their_o wickedness_n then_o look_v for_o they_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o in_o hole_n it_o be_v not_o for_o their_o interest_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o design_n to_o be_v so_o impudent_a and_o brazenfaced_a as_o the_o profane_a crâ—w_n who_o glory_n in_o their_o shame_n no_o no_o these_o be_v sneak_v wretch_n who_o will_v steal_v their_o sin_n and_o no_o body_n know_v of_o they_o but_o if_o you_o will_v find_v they_o at_o their_o devotion_n do_v but_o listen_v and_o you_o may_v possible_o hear_v their_o trumpet_n find_v or_o if_o not_o the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o look_v for_o they_o in_o some_o note_a and_o frequent_v place_n the_o synagogue_n and_o corner_n of_o street_n public_a place_n be_v the_o hypocrite_n haunt_v for_o they_o be_v most_o convenient_a and_o proper_a for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o their_o design_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n but_o see_v of_o man_n and_o this_o i_o say_v though_o secret_a prayer_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o other_o duty_n of_o godliness_n in_o secret_a be_v not_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a argument_n of_o a_o heart_n renew_v by_o grace_n and_o upright_o with_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n though_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o evidence_n of_o grace_n as_o alone_o will_v put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o question_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o good_a evidence_n and_o will_v do_v much_o in_o a_o cumulative_a way_n and_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o thing_n and_o though_o he_o may_v be_v a_o wicked_a man_n who_o do_v several_a thing_n that_o every_o good_a man_n can_v but_o do_v yet_o he_o can_v be_v a_o good_a man_n who_o do_v not_o do_v those_o thing_n a_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v find_v in_o a_o good_a way_n but_o he_o be_v not_o a_o good_a man_n who_o always_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o a_o good_a way_n and_o do_v never_o walk_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o here_o though_o he_o may_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n who_o do_v pray_v in_o secret_a yet_o he_o can_v be_v a_o saint_n who_o never_o pray_v in_o secret_a he_o who_o do_v not_o desire_n and_o maintain_v secret_a communion_n with_o god_n have_v not_o whatever_o his_o pretence_n may_v be_v a_o heart_n indeed_o set_v for_o god_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v curious_o search_v into_o now_o and_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v open_o discover_v at_o the_o last_o and_o when_o the_o day_n of_o manifestation_n shall_v câ—me_v he_o that_o now_o be_v not_o for_o be_v with_o god_n when_o he_o be_v alone_o will_v then_o be_v find_v and_o condemn_v as_o one_o that_o have_v not_o be_v for_o god_n at_o all_o and_o this_o i_o do_v positive_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o undeniable_a truth_n that_o
love_n to_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o secret_a do_v speak_v a_o real_a love_n to_o god_n though_o a_o person_n may_v pray_v in_o secret_a and_o yet_o be_v unsound_a and_o rot_a yet_o a_o person_n have_v a_o heart_n sound_v in_o god_n statute_n who_o so_o pray_v in_o secret_a as_o not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o work_n do_v unless_o he_o be_v with_o god_n in_o it_o i._n e._n sensible_o find_v god_n come_v to_o he_o with_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o sweet_a discovery_n of_o his_o covenant-love_n or_o at_o least_o his_o soul_n work_v out_o to_o god_n in_o holy_a desire_n and_o long_n three_o thou_o can_v not_o but_o be_v conscious_a to_o thyself_o of_o a_o great_a many_o secret_a sin_n with_o which_o thou_o be_v chargeable_a before_o god_n and_o be_v there_o not_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n why_o thou_o shall_v perform_v secret_a duty_n where_o thou_o do_v commit_v secret_a sin_n and_o that_o those_o place_n shall_v be_v witness_n of_o thy_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o love_n to_o he_o which_o have_v be_v frequent_a witness_n of_o thy_o neglect_n of_o god_n and_o rebellion_n against_o he_o there_o be_v indeed_o those_o who_o commit_v uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n and_o act_v â—n_v with_o high_a impudence_n they_o do_v so_o dear_o love_v and_o delight_n in_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o ashamed_a of_o it_o but_o can_v without_o a_o blush_n do_v the_o devil_n drudgery_n the_o dirty_a and_o base_a of_o his_o work_n hence_o as_o in_o one_o place_n this_o be_v the_o complaint_n they_o draw_v iniquity_n with_o cord_n of_o vanity_n and_o sin_n as_o with_o cart-rope_n so_o in_o another_o place_n viz._n isa._n 3._o 9_o the_o complaint_n be_v thus_o they_o declare_v their_o sin_n as_o sodom_n and_o hide_v it_o not_o no_o not_o they_o but_o like_a some_o who_o think_v they_o can_v mend_v what_o a_o better_a than_o they_o have_v make_v they_o carry_v their_o black_a spot_n in_o their_o very_a face_n and_o glory_n in_o 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in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o israel_n yea_o these_o wretch_n when_o they_o have_v act_v to_o their_o utmost_a and_o sin_v as_o they_o can_v do_v not_o yet_o so_o tire_v and_o weary_v themselves_o in_o the_o devil_n service_n but_o that_o they_o will_v find_v something_o to_o do_v at_o home_n and_o give_v some_o stroke_n there_o to_o the_o further_o please_v of_o their_o tyrannical_a lord_n and_o gratify_v their_o insatiate_a lust._n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o uncleanness_n tell_v we_o of_o eye_n that_o can_v cease_v to_o sin_n can_v brook_v a_o intermission_n they_o be_v not_o at_o rest_n any_o long_a than_o they_o be_v at_o work_n they_o be_v look_v round_o about_o for_o new_a object_n and_o every_o such_o object_n inflame_v they_o and_o by_o it_o away_o they_o be_v carry_v to_o fresh_a transport_n of_o defile_v folly_n and_o madness_n but_o i_o have_v dwell_v too_o long_o upon_o these_o vassal_n of_o satan_n and_o swear_v votary_n of_o the_o flesh_n let_v we_o turn_v our_o thought_n another_o way_n and_o consider_v whether_o the_o child_n of_o god_n themselves_o have_v not_o their_o secret_a vanity_n folly_n and_o extravagancy_n when_o do_v thou_o so_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o his_o deed_n to_o be_v find_v in_o thy_o hand_n what_o stream_n have_v flow_v from_o thou_o which_o have_v run_v clear_a nay_o what_o drop_v that_o be_v perfect_o pure_a name_v that_o place_n if_o thou_o can_v in_o which_o thou_o have_v not_o do_v more_o than_o enough_o to_o pollute_v thy_o soul_n to_o wound_v thy_o conscience_n to_o offend_v and_o provoke_v thy_o god_n ask_v thy_o own_o conscience_n o_o christian_n and_o let_v that_o tell_v thou_o have_v not_o god_n see_v thy_o pride_n in_o thy_o closet_n and_o thy_o worldly-mindedness_a have_v he_o not_o be_v privy_a and_o eye-witness_n to_o thy_o unbelief_n and_o shameful_a distrust_n of_o his_o fatherly_a love_n and_o care_n have_v he_o not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o thy_o froward_a passion_n and_o swell_a discontent_n when_o at_o any_o time_n his_o providence_n ruâ—_a cross_n to_o thy_o humour_n or_o seem_o to_o thy_o interest_n have_v he_o not_o hear_v thy_o murmur_n and_o repine_n when_o thou_o can_v not_o get_v the_o good_a thing_n thou_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o or_o do_v lose_v what_o rhou_n have_v set_v thy_o heart_n too_o much_o upon_o possible_o many_o of_o these_o thing_n thou_o have_v forget_v but_o god_n have_v they_o seal_v up_o in_o a_o bag_n they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n i_o have_v often_o consider_v those_o expression_n of_o holy_a david_n who_o be_v a_o precious_a saint_n though_o his_o great_a miscarriage_n speak_v he_o far_o from_o a_o perfect_a one_o and_o i_o do_v advise_v you_o to_o consider_v they_o too_o and_o hearty_o wish_v you_o will_v psal._n 19_o 12._o who_o can_v understand_v his_o error_n cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o secret_a fault_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o understand_v himself_o 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