plenty_n when_o thou_o mighe_v have_v be_v in_o pinch_a want_n and_o be_v all_o this_o nothing_o why_o now_o do_v he_o do_v this_o for_o thou_o but_o that_o thou_o may_v serve_v he_o have_v thou_o now_o a_o better_a friend_n or_o great_a benefactor_n to_o bestow_v thy_o service_n upon_o can_v the_o devil_n or_o the_o world_n or_o thy_o friend_n or_o thy_o wealth_n do_v thus_o for_o thou_o i_o know_v they_o can_v why_o then_o be_v they_o prefer_v before_o he_o nay_o this_o be_v not_o all_o when_o thou_o have_v revolt_a from_o god_n and_o sell_v thyself_o a_o slave_n to_o satan_n when_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o blood_n and_o no_o eye_n pity_v thou_o when_o thou_o can_v not_o help_v thyself_o and_o waste_v unworthy_a to_o be_v help_v he_o send_v his_o own_o son_n to_o redeem_v thou_o out_o of_o thy_o slavery_n to_o suffer_v what_o be_v due_a for_o thy_o sin_n even_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o curse_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o when_o thou_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o all_o to_o free_v thou_o from_o the_o guilt_n and_o filth_n of_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o punishment_n due_a for_o sin_n from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n the_o slavery_n of_o satan_n and_o from_o everlasting_a damnation_n and_o be_v all_o this_o nothing_o yea_o all_o this_o be_v do_v that_o thou_o may_v serve_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n luke_n 1.75_o nay_o further_o he_o bestow_v upon_o thou_o many_o help_n and_o furtherance_n he_o give_v thou_o his_o word_n his_o ordinance_n his_o sacrament_n his_o minister_n the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n the_o check_n of_o thy_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o example_n of_o his_o people_n promise_n threaten_n mercy_n judgement_n and_o all_o to_o this_o end_n and_o yet_o do_v he_o not_o deserve_v thou_o have_v the_o devil_n or_o the_o world_n do_v more_o for_o thou_o than_o he_o have_v why_o then_o will_v thou_o serve_v they_o do_v they_o create_v thou_o or_o be_v thou_o they_o by_o right_n of_o redemption_n do_v they_o preserve_v or_o maintain_v thou_o do_v they_o feed_v or_o clothe_v thou_o or_o pay_v thou_o wages_n no_o no_o all_o thy_o friend_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n can_v not_o satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n do_v they_o love_v thou_o better_o than_o he_o that_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o thou_o or_o will_v they_o make_v better_a provision_n for_o thou_o than_o god_n will_v or_o pay_v thou_o better_a wage_n then_o serve_v they_o and_o spare_v not_o but_o deceive_v not_o thyself_o they_o can_v do_v it_o what_o can_v want_v if_o thou_o be_v god_n servant_n he_o be_v every_o way_n furnish_v to_o help_v thou_o be_v thou_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n indebt_v and_o can_v not_o pay_v a_o farthing_n christ_n will_v be_v thy_o surety_n and_o discharge_v thy_o debt_n have_v thou_o scarlet_a sin_n lie_v upon_o thy_o conscience_n here_o be_v blood_n to_o wash_v they_o away_o it_o be_v he_o and_o he_o alone_o that_o can_v forgive_v sin_n here_o be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n to_o feed_v thou_o and_o the_o water_n of_o life_n to_o refresh_v thou_o the_o spiritual_a manna_n fit_a food_n for_o thy_o soul_n the_o true_a nectar_n and_o ambrosia_n he_o that_o eat_v of_o this_o shall_v never_o hunger_n and_o he_o that_o drink_v of_o this_o shall_v never_o thirst_v here_o be_v rich_a robe_n to_o clothe_v thou_o and_o eye_n salve_v to_o make_v thou_o see_v and_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n to_o make_v thou_o rich_a rev._n 3.17,18_o here_o be_v grace_n as_o jewel_n to_o adorn_v thou_o the_o wedding-garment_n to_o make_v thou_o a_o welcome_a guest_n he_o be_v mecor_fw-la majim_fw-la chajim_fw-la a_o fountain_n of_o live_v water_n jer._n 2.13_o tzur_n gnolanim_fw-la a_o rock_n of_o age_n isa_n 26.4_o all_o the_o water_n of_o consolation_n be_v in_o this_o sea_n all_o the_o light_n be_v in_o this_o sun_n and_o all_o comfort_n in_o this_o god_n can_v find_v such_o another_o master_n that_o have_v do_v and_o will_v do_v for_o thou_o as_o he_o have_v and_o will_v do_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n will_v deceive_v thou_o if_o they_o promise_v to_o do_v it_o 5._o motive_n thou_o shall_v serve_v god_n for_o as_o he_o have_v the_o best_a work_n so_o he_o give_v the_o best_a wage_n and_o servant_n usual_o seek_v for_o such_o master_n something_o he_o give_v in_o hand_n as_o earnest_a of_o the_o bargain_n and_o encouragement_n in_o the_o work_n and_o reserve_v most_o to_o the_o year_n end_n when_o he_o will_v plenteous_o recompense_v all_o thy_o pain_n and_o remove_v all_o cause_n of_o repine_v in_o hand_n he_o give_v his_o servant_n his_o spirit_n this_o be_v the_o mark_n he_o know_v they_o by_o those_o that_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v none_o of_o he_o rom._n 8.9_o this_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n rom._n 8.15_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n it_o be_v call_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n this_o be_v call_v the_o comforter_n john_n 15.27_o and_o it_o be_v give_v to_o instruct_v we_o and_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n john_n 18.13_o and_o doubtless_o those_o can_v want_v comfort_n that_o have_v such_o a_o comforter_n they_o can_v lose_v their_o way_n that_o have_v such_o a_o guide_n he_o it_o be_v that_o dictate_v their_o prayer_n for_o they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o ask_v yea_o god_n for_o the_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n of_o his_o servant_n here_o in_o the_o world_n give_v they_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_v record_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v more_o worth_a than_o the_o world_n the_o great_a king_n on_o earth_n can_v make_v and_o perform_v such_o promise_n to_o his_o great_a favourite_n they_o be_v well_o call_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o for_o great_a thing_n be_v promise_v in_o they_o that_o believe_v that_o apprehend_v a_o interest_n in_o they_o may_v live_v upon_o his_o faith_n and_o his_o hope_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o all_o creature_n enjoyment_n these_o be_v his_o father_n legacy_n it_o be_v true_a believer_n have_v but_o little_a in_o hand_n yet_o much_o in_o a_o promise_n but_o little_a in_o possession_n yet_o much_o in_o reversion_n they_o have_v heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o a_o promise_n here_o they_o have_v a_o promise_n they_o shall_v not_o lack_v but_o at_o death_n they_o shall_v receive_v their_o inheritance_n yea_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v what_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o here_o they_o have_v a_o promise_n and_o god_n have_v put_v his_o hand_n to_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o want_v protection_n nor_o provision_n god_n have_v promise_v he_o will_v never_o leave_v they_o nor_o forsake_v they_o heb._n 13.5_o and_o if_o god_n be_v for_o we_o who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o yea_o that_o they_o shall_v want_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a psal_n 34.9_o the_o young_a lion_n lack_n and_o suffer_v hunger_n but_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n shall_v want_v no_o good_a thing_n psal_n 84.11_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o sun_n and_o a_o shield_n he_o give_v grace_n and_o glory_n and_o no_o good_a thing_n will_v he_o withhold_v from_o they_o that_o live_v upright_o if_o we_o have_v sincere_a heart_n if_o wealth_n be_v good_a for_o we_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o and_o if_o poverty_n be_v good_a why_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v content_a sometime_o physic_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o food_n they_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o deliverance_n out_o of_o trouble_n many_o be_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o lord_n deliver_v they_o out_o of_o all_o psal_n 34.19_o and_o 50.15_o take_v one_o place_n for_o all_o rom._n 8.28_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o those_o that_o love_n god_n what_o matter_n then_o be_v it_o what_o our_o suffering_n be_v when_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o shall_v get_v by_o they_o god_n that_o bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o order_n out_o of_o confusion_n can_v work_v good_a to_o we_o out_o of_o evil_a there_o be_v no_o condition_n a_o servant_n of_o god_n can_v be_v in_o but_o in_o the_o scripture_n he_o may_v find_v comfort_n or_o company_n or_o both_o yea_o god_n bestow_v his_o grace_n upon_o his_o servant_n which_o be_v better_o than_o the_o most_o orient_a pearl_n or_o costly_a jewel_n these_o they_o be_v adorn_v with_o and_o no_o other_o do_v ever_o wear_v they_o they_o have_v the_o rich_a robe_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n the_o garment_n of_o holiness_n this_o be_v god_n livery_n and_o all_o his_o
up_o to_o heaven_n upon_o their_o wing_n which_o be_v the_o place_n of_o its_o rest_n in_o they_o the_o soul_n be_v trade_v with_o god_n for_o christ_n and_o if_o we_o make_v not_o this_o use_n of_o they_o they_o will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a god_n regard_v not_o so_o much_o the_o external_a part_n of_o duty_n though_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v disregard_v as_o he_o do_v the_o internal_a he_o look_v especial_o at_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o duty_n my_o son_n say_v he_o give_v i_o thy_o heart_n if_o this_o be_v present_a many_o infirmity_n shall_v be_v pass_v over_o if_o this_o be_v absent_a though_o the_o duty_n be_v never_o so_o glorious_o act_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v hateful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n cain_n and_o abel_n both_o offer_a sacrifice_n and_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n we_o know_v not_o the_o one_o exceed_v the_o other_o yet_o one_o be_v accept_v and_o the_o other_o reject_v why_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n because_o the_o one_o be_v accompany_v with_o sincerity_n the_o other_o with_o hypocrisy_n and_o as_o god_n so_o all_o good_a man_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o look_v to_o the_o heart_n in_o duty_n they_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o they_o to_o god_n and_o offer_v it_o at_o his_o foot_n they_o know_v the_o more_o of_o the_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o duty_n the_o better_a god_n love_v it_o and_o the_o more_o of_o the_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o sin_n the_o worse_a it_o be_v they_o look_v more_o and_o grieve_v more_o at_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o a_o duty_n when_o it_o lie_v dead_a or_o dull_a than_o at_o a_o mis_fw-fr expression_n or_o external_a fail_n when_o thou_o come_v therefore_o unto_o god_n in_o duty_n gather_v in_o thy_o scatter_a thought_n and_o affection_n and_o let_v they_o meet_v here_o as_o line_n do_v in_o a_o centre_n or_o as_o the_o sunbeam_n in_o a_o burn_a glass_n this_o will_v make_v thy_o prayer_n hot_a and_o fervent_a which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v cold_a and_o remiss_a when_o our_o spirit_n be_v raise_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o flesh_n keep_v under_o in_o the_o duty_n than_o we_o be_v like_a to_o prevail_v it_o be_v not_o the_o multitude_n of_o loose_a or_o lone_a and_o cold_a expression_n will_v serve_v turn_n the_o pharisee_n outdo_v many_o christian_n in_o long_a prayer_n but_o it_o be_v the_o spiritual_a performance_n that_o god_n require_v cold_a petition_n do_v but_o put_v denial_n into_o christ_n mouth_n we_o must_v perform_v every_o duty_n as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o life_n and_o death_n for_o eternity_n yea_o as_o if_o it_o be_v our_o last_o duty_n that_o ever_o we_o shall_v perform_v such_o performance_n as_o these_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o beneficial_a to_o man._n 6._o direction_n thou_o must_v perform_v all_o thy_o duty_n as_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n so_o to_o a_o right_a end_n for_o the_o end_n either_o make_v or_o marrs_n the_o action_n now_o the_o end_n be_v such_o as_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n now_o god_n never_o ordain_v duty_n or_o good_a work_n to_o be_v trust_v in_o for_o salvation_n thou_o can_v never_o merit_v heaven_n by_o thy_o prayer_n or_o other_o duty_n they_o be_v not_o command_v for_o this_o end_n indeed_o they_o be_v a_o causa_fw-la sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la of_o salvation_n for_o though_o they_o can_v save_v we_o yet_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o they_o they_o be_v the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n though_o not_o causa_fw-la regnandi_fw-la christ_n have_v purchase_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n they_o be_v of_o special_a use_n for_o we_o in_o the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o to_o do_v they_o and_o threaten_v we_o and_o will_v punish_v we_o if_o we_o neglect_v they_o as_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o prove_v when_o i_o treat_v of_o they_o particular_o and_o that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v and_o command_v be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v a_o honest_a heart_n though_o there_o be_v neither_o reward_n nor_o punishment_n for_o the_o doer_n or_o neglecter_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o glorify_v god_n john_n 15.8_o hereby_o be_v our_o heavenly_a father_n glorify_v when_o we_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n mat._n 5.18_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n by_o this_o mean_n also_o we_o may_v be_v instrumental_a of_o other_o conversion_n wife_n be_v command_v to_o carry_v themselves_o so_o holy_o and_o wise_o that_o thereby_o unbelieve_a husband_n may_v be_v win_v to_o the_o faith_n 1_o pet._n 3.1_o and_o as_o they_o may_v do_v good_a to_o other_o so_o they_o may_v bring_v comfort_n to_o themselves_o these_o breathe_n out_o of_o grace_n will_v be_v a_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n when_o we_o find_v the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n teach_v we_o how_o and_o for_o what_o to_o pray_v these_o product_n of_o grace_n will_v yield_v the_o soul_n no_o little_a satisfaction_n yea_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o obtain_v many_o blessing_n from_o god_n what_o sweet_a return_n of_o prayer_n have_v the_o saint_n have_v how_o often_o have_v god_n answer_v they_o in_o the_o very_a petition_n they_o have_v ask_v christ_n bid_v they_o ask_v and_o they_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o they_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o they_o and_o how_o many_o can_v experience_n this_o truth_n though_o god_n promise_v the_o mercy_n yet_o he_o will_v be_v seek_v to_o for_o it_o and_o what_o sweet_a and_o ravish_a income_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v christian_n oftentimes_o in_o the_o hear_n read_v meditate_v and_o confer_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o religious_a duty_n and_o what_o satisfaction_n and_o comfort_n it_o be_v true_a we_o must_v not_o trust_v to_o they_o for_o comfort_n as_o the_o cause_n but_o as_o the_o instrument_n hezekiah_n find_v comfort_n upon_o his_o sick_a bed_n from_o the_o faithful_a performance_n of_o god_n will._n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o one_o special_a end_n why_o god_n appoint_v they_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n near_o unto_o christ_n by_o they_o and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o must_v use_v they_o they_o be_v as_o ladder_n to_o help_v we_o up_o to_o heaven_n to_o lift_v we_o above_o ourselves_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n we_o must_v make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o a_o traveller_n do_v of_o a_o boat_n or_o bridge_n to_o help_v we_o over_o unto_o christ_n or_o as_o he_o do_v of_o a_o staff_n or_o style_v to_o help_v he_o in_o his_o journey_n though_o they_o in_o themselves_o have_v no_o excellency_n yet_o they_o help_v we_o over_o where_o true_a treasure_n be_v though_o they_o be_v empty_a in_o themselves_o and_o vain_a to_o those_o that_o trust_v in_o they_o yet_o be_v they_o enrich_v to_o the_o saint_n that_o trust_v not_o to_o they_o but_o use_v they_o for_o the_o end_v appoint_v but_o many_o like_o foolish_a lover_n woo_v the_o maid_n when_o they_o shall_v court_v the_o mistress_n or_o like_o foolish_a traveller_n play_v with_o the_o style_n or_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o the_o boat_n and_o neglect_v their_o way_n they_o trust_v to_o their_o duty_n but_o these_o be_v never_o appoint_v to_o save_v we_o or_o to_o make_v up_o christ_n merit_n satisfactory_a for_o this_o be_v sufficient_a but_o that_o it_o may_v help_v we_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n satisfaction_n use_v they_o therefore_o for_o that_o end_n 7._o direct_v when_o thou_o have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o all_o that_o thou_o can_v say_v thou_o be_v a_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o have_v do_v no_o more_o nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v thy_o duty_n luke_n 17.10_o and_o take_v heed_n of_o rest_v in_o or_o trust_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o christ_n for_o justification_n or_o salvation_n trust_v not_o to_o thy_o duty_n for_o they_o will_v deceive_v thou_o and_o prove_v like_o egyptian_a reed_n not_o only_o break_v but_o run_v into_o thy_o hand_n they_o be_v never_o appoint_v for_o this_o end_n to_o trust_v to_o they_o let_v the_o papist_n brag_n never_o so_o much_o of_o their_o work_n of_o supererogation_n or_o of_o their_o merit_n let_v the_o ignorant_a person_n brag_v of_o his_o good_a meaning_n his_o good_a heart_n and_o his_o good_a serve_a god_n let_v the_o civil_a man_n brag_v of_o his_o pay_v every_o man_n his_o own_o and_o upright_o deal_n and_o the_o almost_o christian_a of_o his_o repent_v return_v and_o reform_v alas_o all_o this_o will_v deceive_v they_o
many_o especial_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n they_o come_v to_o see_v and_o to_o be_v see_v to_o show_v their_o new_a clothes_n or_o observe_v the_o fashion_n that_o other_o wear_v and_o be_v examine_v this_o be_v most_o they_o can_v remember_v many_o come_v that_o they_o may_v be_v account_v forward_a prosessor_n and_o be_v tickle_v with_o popular_a applause_n but_o when_o it_o be_v more_o in_o credit_n to_o persecute_v than_o profess_v these_o perhaps_o follow_v that_o profession_n some_o come_v with_o the_o butterfly_n to_o paint_v her_o wing_n and_o these_o be_v all_o for_o gaudy_a notion_n and_o store_v their_o head_n and_o not_o their_o heart_n with_o what_o they_o learn_v some_o weary_a of_o their_o own_o house_n come_v to_o drive_v away_o the_o time_n perhaps_o to_o get_v a_o nap_n of_o sleep_n some_o come_v for_o fear_n of_o the_o law_n lest_o that_o take_v hold_v upon_o they_o and_o some_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o conscience_n which_o otherwise_o will_v give_v they_o no_o rest_n some_o come_v to_o speak_v with_o a_o friend_n which_o otherwise_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o meet_v with_o so_o convenient_o and_o as_o they_o come_v by_o chance_n it_o be_v a_o great_a chance_n if_o they_o receive_v any_o good_a by_o their_o come_n some_o come_v to_o inquire_v out_o some_o good_a bargain_n other_o to_o appoint_v some_o merry_a meeting_n or_o some_o drunken_a match_n or_o game_n at_o card_n or_o die_n or_o bowl_n and_o perhaps_o some_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o entrap_v the_o minister_n in_o his_o word_n or_o wrest_v they_o to_o a_o wrong_a sentence_n these_o man_n memory_n be_v much_o like_o to_z sives_z they_o keep_v the_o refuse_n all_o the_o best_a run_v through_o christ_n himself_o have_v such_o hearer_n if_o these_o or_o like_v to_o these_o be_v thy_o end_n thy_o heart_n be_v rot_v thy_o duty_n stink_v in_o god_n nostril_n and_o they_o will_v never_o do_v thou_o good_a thou_o may_v expect_v a_o curse_n from_o god_n and_o not_o a_o blessing_n but_o a_o true_a christian_a aim_n at_o high_a end_n viz._n that_o he_o may_v know_v his_o master_n will_v and_o know_v may_v obey_v it_o and_o may_v glorify_v he_o by_o obey_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v get_v near_o unto_o christ_n and_o have_v and_o maintain_v more_o communion_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v know_v more_o of_o the_o excellency_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v be_v more_o enamour_v on_o he_o that_o he_o may_v see_v more_o of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o it_o and_o more_o of_o the_o vileness_n of_o sin_n to_o hate_v it_o more_o that_o we_o may_v have_v clear_a evidence_n of_o god_n love_n to_o his_o soul_n and_o of_o his_o interest_n in_o christ_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v a_o believer_n end_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n if_o now_o thy_o end_n be_v low_a it_o be_v a_o bad_a sign_n of_o a_o hypocritical_a or_o profane_a heart_n 3._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v come_v unto_o it_o with_o thy_o heart_n right_o qualify_v and_o right_o dispose_v with_o thy_o affection_n right_o order_v one_o reason_n among_o other_o why_o so_o many_o come_v to_o and_o return_v from_o the_o word_n empty_a be_v because_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o fit_v for_o the_o duty_n get_v thy_o heart_n in_o love_n with_o god_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o thrive_v by_o his_o word_n how_o greedy_o do_v we_o read_v a_o letter_n from_o a_o friend_n especial_o if_o we_o expect_v some_o promise_n in_o it_o of_o some_o great_a courtesy_n the_o word_n be_v god_n epistle_n send_v from_o heaven_n stuff_v thick_a with_o gracious_a promise_n if_o we_o entertain_v hard_a thought_n of_o god_n we_o seldom_o profit_v by_o his_o word_n get_v a_o love_n also_o to_o his_o word_n as_o david_n o_o how_o love_v i_o thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n continual_o we_o remember_v that_o which_o we_o love_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o many_o can_v remember_v a_o idle_a story_n or_o love_v song_n or_o stage_z play_n that_o can_v remember_v one_o passage_n or_o sentence_n in_o a_o whole_a sermon_n why_o because_o they_o love_v it_o better_o exercise_n love_v also_o to_o the_o minister_n or_o thou_o will_v hardly_o profit_v by_o his_o preach_n prejudice_n be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o soul_n see_v this_o in_o ahab_n he_o have_v a_o prejudice_n against_o micaiah_n and_o hate_v he_o and_o therefore_o his_o wholesome_a counsel_n be_v reject_v 1_o king_n 22.8_o etc._n etc._n the_o pharisee_n also_o have_v a_o prejudice_n against_o christ_n carp_v and_o cavil_v with_o he_o but_o few_o or_o none_o believe_v in_o he_o which_o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v believe_v on_o he_o all_o his_o gracious_a word_n will_v not_o win_v upon_o they_o and_o when_o a_o people_n have_v a_o prejudice_n against_o their_o pastor_n ten_o to_o one_o they_o profit_v little_a by_o he_o come_v also_o with_o a_o believe_a heart_n the_o word_n which_o they_o hear_v profit_v they_o not_o because_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o heb._n 4.2_o if_o the_o devil_n can_v but_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o distrust_n in_o god_n and_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n he_o have_v what_o he_o will_v have_v for_o who_o will_v leave_v a_o certain_a inheritance_n for_o a_o uncertain_a hope_n and_o take_v much_o pain_n when_o they_o doubt_v of_o a_o recompense_n or_o leave_v belove_v sin_n or_o perform_v self_n deny_v duty_n upon_o such_o uncertainty_n they_o shall_v bring_v also_o humble_a heart_n to_o the_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v the_o humble_a that_o god_n will_v teach_v when_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o proud_a afar_o off_o james_z 4.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.5_o a_o proud_a spirit_n be_v like_o laodicea_n and_o think_v himself_o rich_a and_o want_v nothing_o when_o he_o be_v poor_a and_o blind_a and_o miserable_a and_o naked_a rev._n 3.16,17_o if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o congregation_n that_o set_v themselves_o against_o god_n and_o his_o word_n it_o be_v common_o the_o proud_a and_o self_n conceit_v person_n it_o be_v they_o that_o set_v themselves_o against_o jeremy_n jer._n 42.3_o it_o be_v the_o proud_a man_n that_o say_v he_o speak_v false_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o that_o come_v with_o absence_n of_o his_o own_o want_n be_v most_o like_a to_o have_v a_o supply_n he_o that_o come_v with_o a_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n be_v likely_a to_o go_v away_o empty_a he_o fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n but_o the_o rich_a he_o send_v empty_a away_o luk._n 1.53_o he_o that_o think_v he_o know_v any_o thing_n know_v nothing_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v 1_o cor._n 8.2_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o ordinance_n with_o a_o hunger_a long_a thirst_v pant_v desire_n after_o this_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n for_o than_o thou_o be_v most_o like_a to_o prevail_v for_o something_o to_o fill_v thy_o soul_n a_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o hony-comb_n but_o to_o a_o hungry_a soul_n every_o bitter_a thing_n be_v sweet_a many_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o hungry_a those_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n be_v bless_v mat._n 5.6_o these_o thirst_a soul_n shall_v have_v wine_n and_o milk_n christ_n and_o his_o grace_n without_o money_n or_o money_n worth_n isa_n 5.51_o come_v not_o with_o a_o slight_a apprehension_n of_o or_o a_o slight_a desire_n after_o it_o lest_o it_o be_v deny_v thou_o set_v not_o light_a by_o it_o as_o those_o that_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o wedding_n mat._n 22.2_o etc._n etc._n david_n have_v high_a prize_v thought_n of_o it_o it_o be_v sweet_a to_o he_o than_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n yea_o better_o than_o thousand_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n psalm_n 19.10_o and_o to_o job_n better_a than_o his_o appoint_a food_n this_o make_v david_n meditate_v in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o come_v to_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o his_o teacher_n bring_v also_o a_o mind_n free_a from_o worldly_a care_n and_o fear_n and_o desire_n these_o be_v the_o thorn_n that_o choke_v the_o word_n mat._n 13.22_o bring_v not_o the_o love_n of_o any_o sin_n along_o with_o thou_o for_o this_o will_v make_v the_o word_n unprofitable_a he_o that_o say_v i_o will_v not_o be_v make_v clean_o god_n may_v say_v thou_o shall_v never_o be_v make_v clean_o resolve_v to_o obey_v the_o word_n in_o the_o strict_a passage_n of_o it_o 4._o direct_v will_v thou_o profit_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v it_o be_v necessary_a then_o that_o thou_o make_v some_o preparation_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o ground_n the_o minister_n to_o the_o
overwhelm_v in_o the_o sea_n exod._n 14.21_o over_o amalek_n exod._n 17.12_o over_o sennacherib_n 2_o king_n 19.32_o it_o have_v withhold_v rain_n from_o the_o earth_n for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o after_o procure_v it_o james_z 5.17,18_o it_o have_v bring_v angel_n from_o heaven_n for_o the_o help_n of_o man_n thus_o to_o daniel_n chap._n 9.21_o for_o hezekiahs_n help_n 2_o king_n 19.35_o where_o a_o angel_n slay_v in_o one_o night_n in_o the_o camp_n of_o sennacherib_n a_o hundred_o forty_o and_o five_o thousand_o and_o to_o elisha_n 2_o king_n 6.17_o where_o the_o mountain_n be_v full_a of_o horse_n and_o chariot_n of_o fire_n about_o elisha_n it_o have_v bring_v fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v the_o enemy_n 2_o kin._n 1.10.12_o it_o have_v procure_v bear_n to_o devour_v those_o child_n that_o mock_v the_o prophet_n 2_o king_n 2.24_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n mat._n 17.21_o and_o to_o work_v strange_a deliverance_n as_o jonah_n out_o of_o the_o whale_n belly_n jonah_n 2.10_o peter_n out_o of_o prison_n act_v 12.5_o etc._n etc._n by_o this_o the_o widow_n oil_n be_v increase_v 2_o king_n 4.3_o and_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v mark_n 11.23_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o recover_v the_o sick_a james_n 5.15_o to_o divert_v judgement_n feel_v or_o fear_v thus_o moses_n oft_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o procure_v pardon_n of_o sin_n luke_n 18.13_o to_o avoid_v the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n mat._n 26.41_o to_o have_v deliverance_n out_o of_o trouble_n psal_n 50.15_o to_o procure_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n luke_n 12.13_o to_o get_v wisdom_n james_n 1.5_o who_o now_o will_v not_o set_v upon_o such_o a_o duty_n now_o to_o perform_v this_o duty_n well_o take_v these_o direction_n 1._o direct_v there_o be_v several_a qualification_n requisite_a to_o every_o one_o that_o will_v right_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n without_o which_o a_o blessing_n can_v be_v expect_v for_o though_o christ_n bid_v ask_v and_o we_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o we_o yet_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o we_o ask_v and_o have_v not_o because_o we_o ask_v amiss_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v upon_o thy_o heart_n or_o otherwise_o thou_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o be_v hear_v the_o blind_a man_n john_n 9.31_o can_v say_v god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o other_o to_o pray_v and_o the_o apostle_n incourage_v simon_n magus_n to_o the_o duty_n if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v but_o till_o the_o heart_n be_v bring_v over_o to_o god_n we_o have_v no_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v hear_v we_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v abomination_n to_o god_n till_o then_o we_o can_v comfortable_o call_v god_n father_n nor_o come_v with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n neither_o will_v christ_n mediate_v or_o intercede_v for_o we_o while_o we_o remain_v his_o enemy_n neither_o will_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n assist_v we_o in_o the_o duty_n rom._n 8.15_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o through_o faith_n that_o we_o have_v boldness_n and_o access_n with_o confidence_n to_o god_n eph._n 3_o 12._o it_o be_v necessary_a also_o that_o we_o hate_v sin_n if_o we_o come_v to_o god_n for_o he_o be_v a_o devour_a fire_n to_o his_o enemy_n and_o will_v not_o be_v reconcile_v to_o those_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o sin_n how_o can_v we_o hearty_o pray_v against_o sin_n and_o for_o holiness_n if_o we_o love_v sin_n and_o hate_v holiness_n as_o all_o unconverted_a sinner_n do_v this_o be_v dissemble_v with_o god_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o with_o he_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n say_v david_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n psal_n 66.18_o yea_o god_n who_o be_v holiness_n itself_o require_v holiness_n in_o all_o those_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v god_n with_o comfort_n heb._n 12.14_o knowledge_n also_o be_v requisite_a for_o god_n can_v abide_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a in_o sacrifice_n without_o this_o the_o mind_n can_v be_v good_a nor_o the_o service_n acceptable_a without_o this_o a_o man_n know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o or_o what_o to_o pray_v against_o what_o to_o seek_v or_o what_o to_o shun_v what_o be_v sin_n or_o what_o be_v duty_n what_o he_o want_v or_o what_o he_o have_v and_o what_o blind_a worship_n be_v he_o like_v to_o offer_v he_o can_v never_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v self-denial_n also_o be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n subject_a his_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o notable_a example_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n himself_o who_o meat_n and_o drink_v it_o be_v to_o do_v his_o father_n will._n so_o when_o he_o have_v pray_v that_o that_o bitter_a cup_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o yet_o add_v not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v and_o thus_o he_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n i'faith_o also_o be_v requireâ—_n for_o if_o those_o shaft_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o head_v by_o faith_n they_o will_v never_o reach_v heaven_n this_o be_v the_o condition_n require_v whatsoever_o you_o ask_v believe_o you_o shall_v receive_v and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o nay_o further_o patience_n be_v also_o require_v we_o must_v wait_v for_o a_o answer_n not_o like_o those_o short-winded_a bethulian_o that_o set_v god_n a_o time_n and_o will_v wait_v no_o long_o but_o refer_v all_o to_o his_o will_n who_o best_o know_v his_o own_o time_n yea_o the_o best_a time_n and_o fit_a season_n he_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v a_o humble_a man_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a he_o that_o have_v not_o low_o self-denying_a thought_n of_o himself_o god_n will_v have_v low_a thought_n of_o his_o service_n he_o fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n but_o the_o rich_a he_o send_v empty_a away_o he_o must_v also_o beg_v for_o the_o power_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.26_o god_n know_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o spirit_n come_v not_o in_o thy_o own_o strength_n thou_o must_v also_o be_v painful_a and_o laborious_a not_o only_o pray_v for_o mercy_n but_o endeavour_n for_o they_o a_o few_o faint_a wish_n will_v not_o serve_v turn_n sin_n must_v be_v fight_v against_o as_o well_o as_o pray_v against_o endeavour_n must_v be_v use_v 2._o direct_v before_o thou_o come_v to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n prepare_v thy_o heart_n to_o meet_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o so_o solemn_a a_o duty_n be_v thou_o but_o to_o meet_v some_o prince_n or_o noble_a man_n thou_o will_v make_v some_o preparation_n much_o more_o shall_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v to_o meet_v the_o great_a god_n one_o that_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o thy_o end_n and_o motive_n in_o the_o duty_n what_o business_n of_o concernment_n be_v there_o but_o needs_o some_o preparation_n much_o more_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o examine_v therefore_o what_o relation_n thou_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n whether_o he_o be_v a_o friend_n or_o a_o enemy_n who_o can_v come_v with_o boldness_n to_o he_o that_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o be_v not_o reconcile_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o a_o mediator_n to_o intercede_v for_o thou_o and_o a_o surety_n to_o undertake_v thy_o debt_n how_o dare_v thou_o approach_v to_o the_o creditor_n to_o who_o thou_o owe_v ten_o thousand_o talent_n and_o can_v not_o pay_v a_o farthing_n how_o dare_v approach_v this_o consume_a fire_n that_o be_v but_o chaff_n and_o stubble_n and_o what_o hope_n have_v of_o speed_v if_o thou_o be_v not_o within_o the_o covenant_n the_o promise_n belong_v not_o to_o thou_o but_o when_o thou_o can_v find_v a_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o christ_n can_v call_v god_n father_n yet_o rush_v not_o rude_o into_o his_o presence_n but_o study_v well_o what_o thing_n he_o have_v promise_v for_o those_o thou_o may_v bold_o ask_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v but_o his_o word_n shall_v not_o pass_v till_o it_o be_v fulfil_v but_o if_o thou_o ask_v amiss_o that_o be_v what_o he_o never_o promise_v no_o wonder_n if_o thou_o receive_v it_o not_o acquaint_v thyself_o well_o with_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n his_o power_n goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n this_o will_v be_v a_o excellent_a
perform_v this_o duty_n now_o to_o right_a end_n and_o doubt_v not_o of_o a_o blessing_n 7._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v have_v a_o blessing_n of_o god_n accompany_v this_o ordinance_n or_o if_o thou_o will_v sing_v psalm_n profitable_o then_o do_v it_o in_o god_n way_n as_o well_o as_o to_o a_o right_a end_n it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n many_o content_a themselves_o with_o the_o husk_n without_o the_o kernel_n and_o think_v a_o little_a lip-labour_n sufficient_a and_o come_v with_o no_o more_o reverence_n nor_o so_o much_o into_o god_n presence_n than_o they_o will_v come_v into_o a_o great_a man_n presence_n to_o sing_v a_o profane_a song_n if_o such_o service_n will_v please_v god_n will_v have_v many_o servant_n but_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n that_o god_n require_v or_o he_o will_v have_v none_o of_o their_o service_n trust_v not_o therefore_o with_o the_o papist_n opere_fw-la operato_fw-la in_o the_o work_n do_v for_o god_n must_v have_v it_o do_v in_o his_o own_o way_n or_o he_o will_v not_o accept_v it_o a_o good_a duty_n may_v be_v spoil_v by_o the_o ill_a do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o a_o good_a tool_n by_o ill_a handle_n the_o duty_n we_o treat_v of_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a as_o many_o think_v it_o be_v many_o careless_o perform_v it_o and_o find_v little_a benefit_n by_o it_o have_v mistrust_v the_o duty_n rather_o than_o themselves_o like_o the_o maid_n in_o pliny_n that_o be_v sudden_o strike_v blind_a in_o the_o night_n blame_v the_o sun_n the_o next_o morning_n for_o not_o rise_v man_n be_v apt_a to_o accuse_v any_o thing_n yea_o god_n himself_o rather_o than_o themselves_o because_o they_o themselves_o feed_v upon_o the_o husk_n they_o think_v there_o be_v none_o that_o taste_v the_o kernel_n and_o so_o lie_v it_o aside_o and_o plead_v against_o it_o but_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n many_o of_o they_o plead_v themselves_o above_o ordinance_n and_o rest_v not_o till_o they_o plead_v perfection_n and_o look_v upon_o ordinance_n as_o beggarly_a rudiment_n but_o to_o leave_v these_o to_o their_o self-delusion_n when_o thou_o approach_v to_o god_n in_o this_o ordinance_n be_v part_n of_o his_o institute_v worship_n be_v sure_a to_o bring_v thy_o heart_n along_o with_o thou_o and_o engage_v it_o in_o the_o duty_n god_n say_v of_o the_o heart_n as_o sometime_o joseph_n do_v of_o his_o brother_n benjamin_n you_o shall_v not_o see_v my_o face_n if_o your_o brother_n benjamin_n be_v not_o with_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o see_v his_o face_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v absent_a heart_n and_o voice_n must_v join_v together_o or_o it_o will_v make_v no_o please_a melody_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n for_o as_o fervent_a prayer_n may_v prevail_v where_o cold_a petition_n be_v deny_v so_o hearty_a praise_n be_v acceptable_a when_o other_o be_v esteem_v but_o as_o a_o mock_n of_o god_n we_o must_v sing_v with_o the_o affection_n and_o with_o the_o understanding_n also_o the_o whole_a bent_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v set_v upon_o the_o work_n the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a and_o the_o heartless_a sacrifice_n be_v abominable_a unto_o god_n my_o son_n say_v he_o give_v i_o thy_o heart_n whatever_o thou_o offere_v without_o the_o heart_n he_o will_v have_v none_o of_o it_o the_o more_o of_o the_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o duty_n the_o better_a he_o love_v it_o thou_o must_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 14.15_o thus_o david_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o sing_v lift_v up_o not_o only_o his_o voice_n but_o his_o soul_n to_o god_n psal_n 25.1_o and_o call_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v within_o he_o to_o bless_v the_o lord_n psal_n 103.1_o and_o we_o have_v exhortation_n to_o this_o duty_n col._n 3.18_o eph._n 5.19_o the_o lowing_n of_o a_o ox_n the_o grunt_v of_o a_o hog_n make_v as_o melodious_a a_o harmony_n in_o god_n ear_n as_o a_o heartless_a prayer_n or_o praise_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n nay_o it_o must_v not_o be_v only_o with_o the_o heart_n but_o with_o the_o heart_n right_o qualify_v a_o ungracious_a heart_n can_v but_o savour_v strong_a in_o the_o nostril_n of_o god_n worse_o than_o a_o stink_a carrion_n do_v in_o we_o we_o must_v sing_v with_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n as_o the_o former_a scripture_n plain_o testify_v sincerity_n be_v necessary_a approach_v not_o near_o he_o without_o the_o wedding-garment_n hypocrisy_n spoil_v all_o thy_o best_a action_n we_o may_v as_o well_o expect_v sweet_a water_n in_o a_o dirty_a channel_n or_o stink_a puddle_n as_o a_o good_a duty_n from_o a_o rot_a heart_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v adorn_v that_o soul_n that_o must_v be_v welcome_a into_o god_n presence_n neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a that_o they_o be_v there_o in_o the_o habit_n but_o they_o must_v be_v draw_v forth_o into_o the_o act_n for_o as_o we_o must_v pray_v and_o sing_v with_o the_o understanding_n and_o affection_n so_o we_o must_v pray_v and_o sing_v with_o faith_n believe_v those_o promise_n make_v by_o god_n and_o those_o petition_n put_v up_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o time_n answer_v bring_v hope_v along_o also_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o delight_n in_o his_o service_n and_o desire_v of_o his_o glory_n and_o other_o suitable_a grace_n and_o thus_o do_v expect_v a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o benefit_n by_o it_o chap._n viii_o direction_n in_o observe_v the_o sabbath_n day_n the_o next_o duty_n i_o shall_v treat_v of_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n day_n for_o this_o also_o be_v a_o command_a duty_n this_o be_v that_o state_v time_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o necessary_a for_o his_o service_n for_o if_o we_o must_v worship_n god_n in_o some_o place_n so_o some_o time_n be_v also_o require_v for_o this_o worship_n and_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v out_o what_o he_o think_v most_o suitable_a exod._n 20.8_o remember_v the_o sabbath_n day_n to_o keep_v it_o holy_a etc._n etc._n yea_o he_o have_v enjoin_v it_o to_o be_v observe_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n exod._n 35.2_o whosoever_o do_v work_v therein_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o we_o read_v of_o the_o man_n that_o gather_v stick_n upon_o that_o day_n be_v by_o god_n special_a command_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n numb_a 15.32_o etc._n etc._n but_o there_o be_v many_o that_o easy_o grant_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n oblige_v the_o jew_n but_o not_o the_o gentile_n and_o be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o present_a to_o christian_n but_o ceremonious_a and_o so_o abolish_v with_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o for_o satisfaction_n know_v something_o in_o the_o command_n be_v ceremonial_a and_o that_o cease_v something_a moral_a and_o that_o remain_v nature_n itself_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o same_o nature_n teach_v that_o this_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o reason_n tell_v we_o some_o time_n must_v be_v allot_v for_o this_o worship_n god_n appoint_v one_o day_n of_o seven_o for_o this_o work_n and_o that_o be_v moral_a but_o what_o seven_o day_n whether_o from_o the_o creation_n or_o no_o be_v leave_v to_o god_n to_o determine_v many_o that_o know_v not_o the_o true_a god_n yet_o allot_v some_o time_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o imagine_a deity_n but_o that_o it_o must_v be_v this_o or_o that_o day_n nature_n teach_v not_o but_o be_v alterable_a at_o god_n dispose_n but_o not_o at_o man_n and_o that_o it_o be_v observe_v in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o deliverance_n from_o egypt_n be_v ceremonial_a deut._n 5.15_o and_o typify_v out_o a_o deliverance_n by_o christ_n a_o rest_n in_o he_o and_o his_o rest_a in_o the_o grave_a as_o also_o the_o rigid_a observation_n of_o it_o enjoin_v to_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o must_v not_o go_v out_o of_o their_o place_n kindle_v a_o fire_n dress_v any_o meat_n bear_v any_o burden_n etc._n etc._n upon_o it_o christian_n liberty_n have_v free_v we_o from_o this_o but_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o one_o day_n in_o seven_o for_o god_n service_n be_v command_v by_o god_n approve_v by_o christ_n and_o practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o succeed_a generation_n 1_o cor._n 16.2_o and_o what_o power_n on_o earth_n then_o can_v make_v it_o void_a it_o be_v a_o law_n give_v to_o adam_n in_o paradise_n before_o there_o be_v any_o ceremony_n use_v or_o enjoin_v or_o any_o saviour_n need_v or_o promise_v i_o say_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v afterward_o press_v more_o strict_o and_o some_o ceremony_n add_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o his_o posterity_n though_o
to_o be_v worthy_a the_o weight_n of_o a_o oath_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o we_o call_v to_o witness_v and_o under_o who_o divine_a judgement_n we_o set_v ourselves_o in_o case_n we_o speak_v false_a and_o in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o thing_n we_o swear_v be_v lawful_a and_o possible_a and_o like_a to_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o good_a to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o 4._o direct_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o this_o also_o be_v stumble_v at_o by_o some_o and_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n this_o shall_v be_v agreeable_a or_o at_o least_o not_o contradictory_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v either_o external_n or_o internal_a the_o external_n form_n consist_v in_o word_n or_o sign_n or_o both_o the_o internal_a form_n consist_v in_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n a_o little_a of_o these_o in_o their_o order_n the_o external_n sometime_o consist_v in_o word_n without_o sign_n and_o thus_o a_o man_n swear_v and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o intention_n in_o plain_a word_n and_o this_o oath_n be_v various_o word_v according_a to_o the_o use_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n man_n live_v in_o and_o thus_o we_o may_v find_v as_o before_o have_v be_v prove_v god_n angel_n and_o man_n have_v thus_o swear_v sometime_o also_o man_n swear_v and_o affirm_v by_o sign_n without_o word_n and_o this_o be_v most_o frequent_a where_o there_o be_v many_o that_o enter_v into_o a_o oath_n or_o covenant_n when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n or_o covenant_n be_v either_o read_v or_o speak_v and_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o enter_v into_o that_o bond_n make_v it_o know_v by_o some_o external_n sign_n or_o token_n by_o some_o action_n or_o gesture_n as_o by_o a_o nod_n with_o the_o head_n bow_v the_o body_n stand_v up_o or_o to_o a_o side_n lift_v up_o the_o hand_n or_o otherwise_o according_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v require_v by_o the_o imposer_n or_o by_o write_v down_o their_o name_n by_o any_o of_o those_o they_o may_v testify_v their_o consent_n and_o this_o be_v as_o bind_v and_o obligatory_a as_o if_o the_o word_n be_v utter_v and_o sometime_o we_o may_v find_v a_o oath_n take_v both_o by_o word_n and_o sign_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n of_o swear_v thus_o god_n frequent_o be_v say_v to_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n when_o he_o swear_v to_o his_o people_n thus_o the_o angel_n dan._n 12.7_o he_o hold_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o his_o left_a hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n in_o make_v oath_n and_o covenant_n divers_n be_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o the_o heathen_n have_v use_v at_o such_o time_n yea_o many_o and_o various_a be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o such_o case_n one_o be_v the_o put_v the_o hand_n under_o the_o thigh_n thus_o abraham_n swear_v his_o servant_n gen._n 24.2_o and_o thus_o joseph_n swear_v unto_o his_o father_n jacob_n gen._n 47.29_o another_o form_n much_o in_o use_n be_v lift_v up_o the_o hand_n as_o be_v even_o now_o speak_v of_o this_o be_v use_v by_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n by_o god_n deut._n 32.40_o for_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n and_o say_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o by_o abraham_n gen._n 19.22_o i_o have_v lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o the_o lord_n most_o high_a and_o false_a swearer_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_a hand_n of_o deceit_n because_o they_o lift_v it_o up_o deceitful_o psal_n 144.8_o 11._o and_o various_a have_v be_v the_o ceremony_n that_o have_v be_v use_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o in_o succeed_a generation_n among_o we_o the_o put_v the_o hand_n upon_o the_o bible_n and_o kiss_v it_o be_v most_o in_o use_n or_o both_o which_o be_v but_o a_o profess_v sign_n of_o our_o consent_n and_o i_o know_v not_o any_o cause_n of_o scruple_n in_o it_o thus_o for_o the_o external_n the_o internal_a form_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o right_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o a_o oath_n shall_v not_o consist_v in_o equivalent_a or_o ambiguous_a word_n or_o phrase_n for_o then_o a_o man_n may_v take_v they_o in_o a_o different_a sense_n from_o the_o imposer_n mind_n and_o may_v require_v one_o thing_n and_o another_o may_v attest_v another_o but_o the_o sense_n shall_v be_v obvious_a to_o both_o giver_n and_o taker_n or_o otherwise_o nothing_o or_o at_o least_o we_o know_v not_o what_o be_v witness_v and_o the_o oath_n prove_v vain_a nay_o the_o very_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o investigation_n of_o truth_n be_v close_v heb._n 6.16_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o end_n of_o strife_n and_o thus_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v take_v in_o vain_a and_o this_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n profane_v and_o abuse_v and_o it_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o lie_n when_o we_o affirm_v by_o oath_n what_o in_o the_o imposer_n sense_n be_v not_o true_a and_o so_o it_o prove_v perjury_n but_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o the_o plain_a common_a sense_n which_o be_v obvious_a to_o all_o neither_o shall_v there_o be_v equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n use_v in_o a_o oath_n this_o be_v the_o sallacious_a deal_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o by_o this_o mean_n think_v to_o evade_v all_o oath_n and_o delude_v the_o imposer_n but_o they_o most_o delude_v themselves_o and_o wrong_v their_o own_o soul_n for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v who_o worship_n be_v abuse_v they_o hide_v part_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o subvert_v the_o sense_n as_o thus_o they_o swear_v they_o be_v not_o at_o rome_n and_o think_v in_o their_o mind_n not_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o but_o what_o be_v mentire_fw-la but_o contra_fw-la mentum_fw-la ire_n though_o this_o may_v serve_v in_o foro_fw-la humano_fw-la god_n can_v easy_o detect_v such_o juggle_a deceit_n and_o will_v never_o hold_v those_o guiltless_a that_o thus_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a and_o like_o jezebel_n deceive_v under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n 5._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v honour_v god_n in_o this_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n see_v then_o that_o thou_o aim_v at_o right_a ends._n in_o thy_o oath_n the_o end_n must_v be_v lawful_a and_o good_a or_o the_o duty_n will_v prove_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o snare_n a_o man_n may_v swear_v that_o which_o be_v truth_n and_o yet_o if_o his_o end_n be_v bad_a it_o will_v prove_v his_o sin_n now_o the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n as_o i_o say_v before_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o some_o necessary_a truth_n in_o question_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v prove_v heb._n 6.16_o man_n swear_v by_o he_o that_o be_v great_a than_o themselves_o and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n to_o they_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n now_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o weighty_a business_n that_o 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according_o when_o a_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o can_v otherwise_o be_v find_v out_o and_o yet_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v impose_v exod._n 22.10,11_o if_o a_o man_n deliver_v unto_o his_o neighbour_n a_o ass_n or_o a_o ox_n or_o a_o sheep_n or_o any_o beast_n to_o keep_v and_o it_o die_v or_o be_v hurt_v or_o be_v drive_v away_o no_o man_n see_v it_o then_o shall_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v between_o they_o both_o that_o he_o have_v not_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o his_o neighbour_n good_n and_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o shall_v accept_v thereof_o
will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o that_o those_o to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v most_o shall_v do_v least_o be_v a_o question_n shall_v be_v think_v of_o a_o bare_a profession_n make_v many_o a_o man_n have_v a_o high_a conceit_n of_o himself_o but_o the_o law_n allow_v not_o a_o man_n to_o be_v judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a tract_n be_v not_o to_o make_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n narrow_a nor_o the_o gate_n strait_o than_o it_o be_v but_o to_o put_v you_o up_o some_o way-mark_n that_o you_o mistake_v not_o the_o road_n it_o be_v not_o to_o make_v the_o burden_n heavy_a than_o needs_o must_v but_o to_o show_v you_o what_o burden_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n will_v have_v you_o take_v up_o it_o be_v not_o to_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n or_o to_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n but_o to_o awaken_v the_o dull_a and_o drowsy_a formalist_n and_o to_o set_v he_o on_o fire_n that_o be_v quite_o out_o and_o to_o show_v the_o mistake_n of_o those_o that_o 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have_v it_o and_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o have_v no_o better_o i_o can_v give_v thou_o this_o brief_a account_n when_o by_o providence_n i_o be_v lay_v aside_o as_o a_o break_a vessel_n and_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o the_o levite_n be_v send_v every_o one_o to_o his_o field_n nehem._n 13.10_o and_o i_o not_o have_v that_o provision_n make_v as_o many_o other_o have_v and_o but_o little_a if_o any_o thing_n leave_v to_o maintain_v a_o numerous_a family_n i_o be_v force_v to_o fight_v against_o poverty_n almost_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o my_o study_n so_o that_o i_o can_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n act_v 20.34_o and_o many_o that_o know_v i_o may_v say_v as_o much_o for_o i_o these_o hand_n minister_v to_o my_o necessity_n and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o i_o my_o head_n be_v fill_v with_o other_o distract_n study_v and_o my_o hand_n with_o other_o employment_n that_o i_o have_v few_o spare_a hour_n except_o by_o night_n to_o mind_v those_o study_n so_o that_o i_o hrought_v forth_o this_o as_o a_o bear_n do_v her_o whelp_n a_o confuse_a lump_n and_o have_v no_o time_n to_o lick_v it_o into_o form_n it_o be_v a_o basket_n of_o unripe_a fruit_n blow_v down_o by_o the_o wind_n of_o worldly_a distraction_n yet_o mistake_v not_o have_v my_o time_n be_v more_o and_o my_o ability_n great_a it_o shall_v have_v speak_v plain_a english_a i_o will_v not_o have_v hide_v any_o fruit_n with_o leave_n nor_o be_v a_o barbarian_a to_o the_o mean_a reader_n nor_o have_v wrap_v up_o my_o meaning_n in_o a_o cloud_n reader_n my_o advice_n be_v if_o thou_o find_v christ_n here_o though_o not_o in_o soft_a raiment_n but_o as_o in_o his_o infancy_n but_o mean_o clad_v yet_o reject_v he_o not_o good_a counsel_n in_o plain_a english_a be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o a_o good_a stomach_n will_v not_o reject_v good_a meat_n though_o not_o modish_o dress_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n here_o offer_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n reject_v it_o and_o so_o shall_v i_o when_o i_o know_v it_o if_o not_o reject_v of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o dissow_a god_n himself_o if_o thou_o meet_v with_o as_o i_o fear_v thou_o may_v some_o tautoligy_n or_o repetition_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o break_a study_n and_o interrupt_v meditation_n i_o have_v say_v enough_o and_o perhaps_o too_o much_o and_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o but_o wish_v that_o god_n who_o have_v incline_v my_o heart_n to_o write_v it_o may_v incline_v thou_o to_o read_v and_o practise_v it_o and_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o benefit_n by_o it_o i_o shall_v think_v my_o pain_n well_o bestow_v this_o be_v the_o unfeigned_a desire_n of_o he_o who_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n servant_n and_o a_o well-willer_n to_o thy_o soul_n health_n edward_n bury_n eton_n nou._n 2._o 1674._o a_o help_n to_o holy_a walk_v or_o a_o guide_n to_o glory_n chap._n i._o motive_n to_o holy_a duty_n have_v in_o a_o former_a treatise_n handle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o holy_a walk_n and_o show_v the_o excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o give_v you_o mark_v and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v you_o to_o it_o and_o direction_n in_o it_o and_o answer_v the_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o i_o shall_v come_v now_o to_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o particular_a and_o show_v you_o how_o to_o demean_v yourselves_o towards_o god_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n wherein_o consist_v the_o main_a though_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o holy_a walk_n and_o in_o every_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o direction_n for_o the_o right_a performance_n but_o reader_n will_v thou_o resolve_v to_o follow_v those_o direction_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o i_o to_o write_v or_o thou_o to_o read_v it_o will_v but_o make_v thou_o sin_n with_o a_o candle_n in_o thy_o hand_n what_o good_a will_v meat_n do_v if_o not_o eat_v and_o digest_v or_o physic_n do_v if_o not_o take_v or_o a_o plaster_n if_o not_o apply_v so_o what_o good_a will_n direction_n do_v if_o not_o follow_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o read_v thy_o duty_n but_o thou_o must_v do_v it_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o do_v it_o but_o thou_o must_v do_v it_o well_o those_o that_o worship_n god_n must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a lip_n labour_n or_o knee_n service_n will_v serve_v his_o turn_n without_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n right_o qualify_v he_o regard_v it_o not_o he_o will_v have_v none_o of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v none_o holy_a as_o the_o lord_n 1_o sam_n 22._o and_o the_o lord_n admit_v of_o none_o into_o his_o service_n that_o be_v not_o holy_a leu._n 10.3_o i_o will_v be_v sanctify_v by_o those_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o i_o leu._n 20.7_o be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a he_o be_v a_o live_a god_n and_o require_v live_a sacrifice_n and_o will_v not_o take_v up_o with_o a_o dead_a heart_n there_o must_v be_v a_o principle_n of_o life_n in_o thou_o or_o thou_o be_v nor_o fit_a to_o come_v into_o his_o presence_n for_o he_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n unto_o his_o enemy_n there_o must_v be_v regeneration_n or_o there_o can_v be_v no_o salvation_n john_n 3.5_o and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o heb._n 11.6_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o worship_v he_o but_o it_o must_v be_v in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n josh_n 24.14_o what_o be_v thy_o resolution_n will_v thou_o worship_v he_o or_o will_v thou_o not_o there_o be_v few_o in_o plain_a word_n will_v deny_v it_o but_o in_o action_n they_o do_v either_o they_o worship_v he_o not_o at_o all_o or_o give_v he_o that_o he_o
a_o elephant_n may_v swim_v but_o the_o gain_n will_v countervail_v the_o loss_n and_o charge_n here_o be_v a_o lamp_n to_o light_v we_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n to_o refresh_v we_o a_o sword_n to_o defend_v we_o a_o key_n to_o open_a christ_n will_n to_o we_o flagon_n of_o wine_n and_o apple_n of_o paradise_n take_v therefore_o these_o direction_n in_o thy_o read_n 4._o direction_n if_o thou_o will_v read_v the_o word_n with_o profit_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o thou_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n for_o so_o solemn_a a_o duty_n come_v not_o out_o of_o a_o huddle_n of_o business_n with_o thy_o heart_n full_a of_o the_o world_n to_o discourse_v with_o god_n take_v not_o god_n word_n any_o more_o than_o his_o name_n in_o vain_a take_v it_o not_o profane_o into_o thy_o mouth_n without_o due_a regard_n or_o consideration_n lest_o he_o turn_v thou_o away_o with_o a_o curse_n instead_o of_o a_o blessing_n it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o great_a concernment_n even_o of_o life_n and_o death_n yea_o of_o the_o eternal_a well_o or_o ill_o be_v of_o thy_o soul_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v slight_v beg_v leave_v therefore_o of_o god_n before_o thou_o meddle_v with_o it_o yea_o beg_v his_o blessing_n upon_o it_o without_o which_o nothing_o can_v do_v we_o good_a for_o soul_n or_o body_n the_o want_n of_o due_a preparation_n cause_v many_o to_o find_v the_o word_n so_o ineffectual_a yea_o find_v so_o little_a sweetness_n in_o it_o again_o if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o it_o hold_v on_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o read_v it_o be_v not_o read_v by_o fit_n and_o start_n will_v serve_v turn_n many_o be_v now_o off_o now_o on_o now_o they_o will_v and_o then_o they_o will_v not_o as_o the_o world_n give_v they_o leave_v or_o as_o the_o humour_n take_v they_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o get_v a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o hold_v on_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o read_v what_o ever_o come_v of_o it_o break_v through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n a_o little_a now_o and_o then_o will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a without_o this_o resolution_n satan_n will_v baffle_v thou_o and_o lay_v some_o temptation_n in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v the_o world_n will_v divert_v thou_o and_o one_o business_n or_o other_o present_v itself_o to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n thy_o own_o corruption_n will_v oppose_v it_o and_o thy_o deceitful_a heart_n make_v thou_o delay_v it_o but_o this_o be_v the_o food_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v not_o divert_v from_o it_o any_o more_o than_o thou_o will_v be_v from_o thy_o meat_n but_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a thou_o must_v not_o only_o do_v the_o duty_n but_o do_v it_o well_o to_o this_o end_n get_v thy_o heart_n in_o order_n get_v it_o cleanse_v from_o distract_n thought_n and_o care_n &_o free_v from_o disquiet_v motion_n &_o perterbation_n a_o full_a vessel_n can_v receive_v no_o more_o and_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o the_o world_n have_v no_o room_n for_o heaven_n say_v therefore_o to_o thy_o worldly_a care_n and_o thought_n when_o thou_o come_v to_o this_o duty_n as_o abraham_n to_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o go_v to_o sacrifice_n stay_v here_o and_o i_o will_v come_v to_o you_o again_o set_v thyself_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n apprehend_v he_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n behold_v thou_o this_o will_v keep_v thy_o thought_n from_o rove_a and_o thy_o imagination_n from_o wander_a in_o his_o service_n and_o awe_v thy_o heart_n and_o curb_v thy_o affection_n bring_v with_o thou_o also_o a_o spiritual_a appetite_n to_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n come_v with_o a_o empty_a stomach_n or_o why_o do_v thou_o seek_v after_o food_n a_o hungry_a man_n be_v most_o like_a to_o taste_v and_o relish_v those_o dainty_n the_o word_n be_v to_o david_n sweet_a than_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n and_o to_o job_n better_a than_o his_o appoint_a food_n if_o there_o be_v spiritual_a life_n in_o the_o soul_n there_o will_v be_v a_o appetite_n for_o no_o life_n can_v be_v preserve_v without_o food_n bring_v faith_n also_o along_o with_o thou_o which_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o without_o this_o the_o soul_n can_v receive_v no_o nourishment_n the_o word_n which_o they_o hear_v profit_v they_o not_o because_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o heb._n 4.2_o reading_n will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a if_o thou_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o thou_o read_v or_o doubte_v of_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o threaten_n i'faith_o also_o will_v subdue_v carnal_a reason_n and_o help_v thou_o out_o when_o thou_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n but_o above_o all_o seek_v help_n from_o above_o from_o god_n here_o be_v many_o difficulty_n too_o hard_o for_o thou_o to_o grapple_v with_o which_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o by_o divine_a assistance_n paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_n but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n it_o be_v he_o that_o open_v lydia_n heart_n and_o must_v open_v thou_o or_o the_o word_n can_v do_v it_o beg_v therefore_o his_o assistance_n and_o come_v thus_o prepare_v to_o the_o duty_n this_o be_v the_o likely_a way_n to_o speed_n 2._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o read_v of_o the_o word_n be_v sure_a to_o propound_v right_a end_n to_o thyself_o for_o the_o end_n crown_v the_o action_n many_o read_v much_o and_o profit_v little_a because_o their_o end_n be_v bad_a they_o undo_v themselves_o and_o lose_v their_o labour_n by_o this_o mean_n some_o read_v for_o custom_n and_o for_o fashion_n sake_n and_o make_v read_v the_o end_n of_o read_v and_o be_v like_o the_o silly_a woman_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o always_o learn_v and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o the_o work_n be_v do_v matter_n it_o no_o more_o some_o read_v to_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o knowledge_n and_o their_o brain_n with_o notion_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v with_o applause_n when_o yet_o they_o never_o suffer_v it_o to_o sink_v down_o or_o soak_v into_o or_o season_v the_o heart_n but_o such_o speculative_a knowledge_n do_v little_a good_a yea_o great_a hurt_n it_o make_v they_o sin_n with_o a_o candle_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o some_o read_v to_o a_o worse_a end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o maintain_v error_n and_o pervert_v the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n thus_o the_o jesuit_n and_o many_o heretic_n but_o every_o one_o shall_v and_o a_o true_a christian_a do_v in_o this_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o other_o make_v god_n glory_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n the_o mark_n he_o aim_v at_o and_o regulate_v his_o action_n according_o and_o doubtless_o from_o god_n he_o will_v receive_v his_o reward_n when_o other_o as_o it_o be_v self_n they_o aim_v at_o so_o from_o self_n they_o must_v expect_v their_o wage_n a_o believer_n he_o will_v know_v more_o that_o he_o may_v obey_v better_a he_o will_v know_v god_n better_o that_o he_o may_v love_v he_o more_o and_o know_v god_n will_n that_o he_o may_v do_v his_o work_n he_o will_v know_v his_o work_n as_o well_o as_o his_o wage_n his_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o his_o privilege_n he_o read_v he_o word_n of_o god_n and_o those_o book_n which_o open_a and_o apply_v it_o that_o he_o may_v know_v truth_n from_o error_n and_o follow_v the_o one_o and_o fly_v the_o other_o and_o may_v not_o be_v seduce_v by_o false_a teacher_n nor_o draw_v aside_o from_o the_o rule_n to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a he_o will_v know_v light_a from_o darkness_n and_o have_v the_o scale_n of_o ignorance_n fall_v from_o his_o eye_n he_o will_v know_v good_a from_o evil_n that_o he_o may_v follow_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v the_o other_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o yea_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a he_o will_v know_v vice_n from_o virtue_n and_o discern_v what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v duty_n that_o he_o be_v not_o like_o those_o that_o in_o persecute_v the_o saint_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n he_o will_v be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o know_v the_o state_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o whether_o his_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n be_v good_a or_o no_o he_o observe_v what_o qualification_n the_o scripture_n require_v for_o heaven_n and_o then_o by_o scripture-light_n he_o will_v discern_v they_o in_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o endeavour_n to_o read_v his_o own_o name_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o see_v what_o interest_n he_o have_v in_o
heaven_n in_o christ_n and_o glory_n and_o what_o evidence_n for_o salvation_n and_o what_o sign_n of_o his_o election_n vocation_n justification_n and_o adoption_n and_o what_o right_o he_o have_v to_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v his_o father_n legacy_n he_o will_v be_v able_a by_o the_o word_n to_o reprove_v error_n and_o defend_v the_o truth_n yea_o to_o reprove_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o repel_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o satan_n and_o be_v able_a to_o walk_v comfortable_a in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o fetch_v consolation_n out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o bear_v he_o up_o under_o the_o sad_a affliction_n they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o in_o the_o way_n they_o shall_v walk_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o holy_a path_n and_o reprove_v they_o when_o they_o err_v and_o convince_v they_o when_o they_o go_v astray_o and_o reduce_v they_o back_o that_o have_v wander_v and_o go_v awry_o and_o build_v they_o up_o that_o be_v already_o bring_v in_o these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o not_o as_o the_o butterfly_n only_o to_o paint_v her_o wing_n and_o these_o be_v the_o end_v thou_o must_v aim_v at_o in_o thy_o read_n it_o and_o then_o thou_o will_v read_v it_o with_o profit_n 3._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o thy_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n read_v with_o the_o great_a diligence_n attention_n care_n and_o circumspection_n that_o possible_o thou_o can_v for_o all_o thou_o can_v do_v be_v little_a enough_o this_o be_v a_o command_a duty_n and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o a_o curse_n be_v threaten_v to_o they_o that_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n negligent_o cursory_a reading_n will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o read_v much_o and_o profit_v little_a because_o they_o read_v it_o careless_o many_o read_v a_o idle_a romance_n or_o wanton_a lovesong_n more_o attentive_o than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o thy_o life_n and_o the_o life_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o for_o eternity_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v set_v thy_o heart_n upon_o it_o than_o be_v thou_o like_v to_o profit_v by_o it_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n usual_o affect_v we_o and_o shall_v not_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n affect_v we_o much_o more_o be_v but_o thy_o life_n endanger_v by_o a_o heartless_a careless_a duty_n who_o will_v be_v mindless_a or_o careless_a in_o the_o performance_n nay_o how_o vigilant_a diligent_a careful_a will_v thou_o be_v and_o be_v not_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n much_o more_o worth_a the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o author_n or_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o shall_v put_v we_o on_o to_o the_o utmost_a diligence_n the_o author_n be_v the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n one_o that_o can_v put_v life_n into_o both_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n nay_o will_v do_v it_o for_o he_o be_v faithful_a and_o the_o word_n be_v a_o epistle_n send_v from_o heaven_n from_o this_o great_a god_n and_o that_o for_o our_o instruction_n admonition_n reproof_n and_o consolation_n 1_o cor._n 9.10_o &_o 10.11_o rom._n 15.4_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v afore-time_o be_v write_v for_o our_o hear_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v god_n statute-book_n whereby_o he_o rule_v the_o world_n wherein_o be_v great_a reward_n promise_v to_o obedience_n and_o great_a punishment_n threaten_v to_o the_o disobedient_a than_o any_o king_n upon_o earth_n can_v annex_v to_o his_o law_n or_o can_v execute_v if_o he_o shall_v threaten_v they_o there_o be_v therefore_o great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o conversant_a in_o those_o law_n than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n though_o these_o be_v necessary_a because_o the_o danger_n be_v great_a in_o the_o one_o we_o stand_v in_o danger_n of_o life_n or_o liberty_n or_o confiscation_n of_o good_n in_o the_o other_o of_o eternal_a damnation_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o many_o of_o they_o can_v as_o ready_o answer_v to_o any_o point_n in_o the_o law_n as_o they_o can_v to_o their_o own_o name_n and_o that_o they_o know_v how_o many_o word_n yea_o syllable_n yea_o letter_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a law_n god_n grant_v their_o diligence_n rise_v not_o up_o against_o we_o to_o condemn_v we_o for_o our_o negligence_n if_o a_o father_n or_o master_n or_o ruler_n or_o prince_n can_v command_v reverence_n from_o their_o inferior_n sure_o god_n may_v much_o more_o from_o we_o if_o we_o receive_v a_o letter_n from_o a_o great_a man_n with_o such_o heedfulness_n and_o read_v it_o with_o such_o diligence_n and_o attention_n and_o mark_v every_o passage_n with_o such_o circumspection_n and_o care_n sure_o much_o more_o care_n and_o diligence_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o this_o epistle_n send_v from_o heaven_n from_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n nay_o but_o the_o content_n thereof_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v require_v diligence_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a right_n and_o great_a concernment_n it_o be_v our_o father_n will_n and_o herein_o be_v record_v the_o legacy_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o now_o who_o will_v neglect_v a_o father_n will_n wherein_o a_o inheritance_n be_v bequeath_v here_o be_v the_o rule_n we_o must_v live_v by_o and_o the_o law_n we_o must_v be_v judge_v by_o and_o be_v these_o matter_n to_o be_v slight_v here_o be_v all_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o heaven_n and_o shall_v this_o be_v disregard_v how_o careful_a be_v man_n of_o their_o evidence_n of_o their_o land_n they_o will_v hardly_o part_v with_o they_o out_o of_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o yet_o alas_o how_o seldom_o do_v many_o man_n take_v these_o evidence_n into_o their_o hand_n too_o evident_a a_o sign_n they_o have_v but_o little_a hope_n of_o good_a by_o it_o now_o without_o the_o diligent_a perusal_n how_o shall_v we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o here_o be_v high_a mystery_n in_o which_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v mistake_v and_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o be_v mistake_v what_o need_n have_v we_o then_o of_o circumspection_n these_o and_o many_o other_o consideration_n may_v put_v we_o on_o to_o diligence_n in_o read_v mark_v and_o observe_v the_o scripture_n 4._o direct_v will_v thou_o profit_v by_o read_v then_o read_v the_o word_n with_o judgement_n understanding_n and_o discretion_n this_o be_v necessary_a in_o every_o duty_n nay_o in_o every_o action_n a_o wise_a man_n say_v solomon_n order_v his_o affair_n with_o discretion_n but_o it_o be_v require_v especial_o in_o a_o work_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n and_o of_o so_o deep_a concernment_n as_o this_o be_v many_o read_v much_o and_o profit_v little_a because_o they_o understand_v little_a they_o be_v like_o the_o eunuch_n to_o who_o philip_n say_v understand_v thou_o what_o thou_o read_v he_o say_v how_o can_v i_o except_o some_o man_n shall_v guide_v i_o act_n 8.30,31_o now_o discretion_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o order_n and_o method_n for_o the_o want_n of_o discretion_n in_o these_o a_o duty_n may_v be_v spoil_v concern_v time_n every_o thing_n say_v solomon_n be_v beautiful_a in_o its_o season_n all_o our_o time_n must_v not_o be_v spend_v in_o this_o duty_n than_o other_o as_o necessary_a will_v be_v omit_v one_o duty_n must_v not_o justle_v out_o another_o yet_o sometime_o must_v and_o as_o much_o as_o can_v well_o be_v spare_v shall_v be_v reduce_v for_o it_o yea_o we_o shall_v rather_o redeem_v time_n out_o of_o our_o sleep_n or_o recreation_n than_o neglect_v it_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o seasonable_a time_n a_o work_n be_v most_o excellent_a in_o its_o season_n morning_n and_o evening_n seem_v ordinary_o the_o fit_a season_n for_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o family_n for_o private_a read_n as_o occasion_n serve_v and_o for_o place_n that_o which_o be_v free_a from_o distraction_n and_o fit_a for_o edification_n and_o order_n for_o private_a read_n a_o private_a place_n this_o do_v most_o benefit_n a_o private_a person_n though_o that_o which_o be_v more_o public_a edify_v more_o than_o one_o a_o method_n also_o be_v to_o be_v heed_v in_o read_v the_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o book_n a_o disorderly_a action_n or_o duty_n seldom_o profit_v order_n and_o method_n be_v good_a help_n to_o the_o memory_n read_v the_o scripture_n throughout_o in_o order_n except_o some_o chapter_n that_o be_v less_o to_o edification_n and_o so_o for_o other_o good_a book_n read_v they_o throughout_o he_o that_o read_v a_o chapter_n here_o or_o there_o at_o adventure_n or_o a_o leaf_n here_o and_o another_o there_o in_o another_o book_n profit_v little_a and_o it_o
last_o to_o judgement_n and_o here_o thou_o have_v matter_n enough_o to_o spend_v thy_o day_n about_o consider_v also_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o duty_n he_o require_v at_o thy_o hand_n and_o the_o promise_n he_o make_v to_o the_o obedient_a and_o the_o threaten_n to_o the_o disobedient_a consider_v also_o the_o four_o last_o thing_n death_n and_o judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o by_o this_o thou_o see_v there_o be_v work_n enough_o in_o nature_n garden_n also_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o thing_n well_o worthy_a thy_o consideration_n there_o be_v not_o a_o weed_n in_o the_o field_n a_o tree_n in_o thy_o orchard_n a_o herb_n in_o thy_o garden_n a_o beast_n in_o thy_o pasture_n a_o fowl_n in_o the_o air_n or_o a_o fish_n in_o the_o sea_n or_o river_n but_o will_v teach_v thou_o something_o and_o it_o be_v a_o barren_a heart_n indeed_o that_o can_v draw_v a_o meditation_n from_o the_o least_o gnat_n or_o most_o despicable_a worm_n that_o crawl_v under_o his_o foot_n 4._o direct_v have_v thus_o prepare_v matter_n and_o pitch_v upon_o some_o suitable_a subject_n to_o exercise_n thy_o thought_n and_o meditation_n upon_o proceed_v then_o to_o drive_v on_o thy_o intend_a design_n to_o a_o head_n and_o to_o the_o end_n thou_o do_v propose_v now_o this_o end_n shall_v be_v the_o enlighten_v of_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o clear_n it_o from_o error_n or_o ignorance_n and_o the_o quicken_a the_o affection_n and_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o high_a pitch_n and_o the_o bring_n of_o the_o will_n to_o a_o resolution_n in_o meditation_n if_o right_o manage_v the_o soul_n exercise_n two_o sort_n of_o act_n the_o one_o direct_v the_o other_o reflect_v the_o first_o upon_o the_o subject_a meditate_a upon_o the_o other_o upon_o the_o soul_n itself_o by_o the_o first_o we_o find_v out_o the_o rule_n by_o the_o second_o we_o apply_v our_o own_o heart_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o observe_v our_o deviation_n and_o obliquity_n the_o first_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o the_o other_o quicken_v the_o affection_n by_o the_o first_o we_o come_v to_o know_v what_o be_v true_a what_o be_v false_a what_o be_v good_a what_o be_v bad_a what_o be_v sin_n what_o be_v duty_n and_o consequent_o what_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o what_o refuse_v by_o the_o other_o we_o apply_v our_o action_n to_o this_o rule_n and_o try_v whether_o we_o have_v walk_v according_a to_o it_o wherein_o we_o have_v go_v astray_o and_o which_o way_n to_o return_v now_o as_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o act_n so_o there_o be_v a_o different_a way_n for_o the_o soul_n act_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o those_o several_a end_n for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o some_o have_v pitch_v upon_o this_o course_n which_o though_o all_o man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o follow_v yet_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o for_o the_o use_n of_o those_o that_o can_v and_o that_o be_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o those_o place_n that_o natural_a and_o artificial_a reason_n afford_v we_o which_o may_v help_v the_o invention_n and_o ready_a the_o memory_n and_o much_o facilitate_v the_o work_n i_o mean_v those_o logical_a place_n follow_v as_o first_o to_o consider_v the_o thing_n about_o which_o we_o meditate_v what_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o as_o ability_n do_v serve_v consider_v it_o in_o the_o definition_n or_o the_o description_n of_o it_o but_o stand_v not_o overlong_a or_o over-nice_o upon_o this_o or_o any_o of_o those_o that_o follow_v lest_o what_o you_o get_v one_o way_n may_v be_v lose_v another_o what_o you_o get_v in_o the_o understanding_n be_v lose_v in_o the_o affection_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n consider_v it_o also_o in_o the_o distribution_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v a_o subject_a capable_a of_o the_o sort_n kind_n and_o part_n of_o it_o this_o will_v give_v room_n to_o thy_o thought_n and_o thy_o proceed_n will_v be_v more_o distinct_a consider_v it_o also_o in_o the_o cause_n the_o efficient_a material_a formal_a and_o final_a cause_n the_o efficient_a cause_n be_v that_o by_o who_o virtue_n force_n or_o efficacy_n a_o thing_n be_v the_o material_a cause_n be_v ex_fw-la qua_fw-la res_fw-la est_fw-la of_o what_o matter_n a_o thing_n be_v make_v the_o form_n be_v whereby_o a_o thing_n be_v that_o which_o it_o be_v and_o the_o end_n be_v the_o cause_n for_o who_o sake_n or_o for_o what_o purpose_n a_o thing_n be_v consider_v also_o if_o the_o subject_n will_v admit_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n for_o these_o be_v useful_a and_o helpful_a in_o the_o work_n and_o be_v also_o pertinent_a to_o our_o business_n consider_v also_o the_o subject_a wherein_o it_o be_v and_o about_o which_o it_o be_v occupy_v as_o also_o of_o its_o property_n and_o quality_n either_o adhere_n to_o it_o or_o inhere_v in_o it_o together_o with_o the_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a this_o also_o be_v useful_a also_o the_o comparat_n and_o desperat_o what_o it_o be_v like_a and_o what_o it_o be_v unlike_a fit_a 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qualification_n for_o reproof_n if_o thou_o have_v go_v astray_o for_o encouragement_n if_o thou_o have_v do_v thy_o duty_n for_o caution_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o press_v all_o home_n upon_o thy_o heart_n such_o a_o course_n be_v like_a to_o furnish_v thou_o with_o suitable_a matter_n for_o thy_o soul_n good_a 5._o direct_v when_o thou_o have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v and_o by_o meditation_n have_v inform_v thyself_o of_o what_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o present_a point_n and_o have_v find_v out_o by_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture-light_n what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o be_v error_n what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v duty_n what_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o avoid_v thy_o next_o work_n be_v to_o press_v this_o upon_o thy_o own_o head_n and_o compare_v thy_o head_n and_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n and_o try_v wherein_o thou_o have_v go_v right_a and_o wherein_o thou_o have_v go_v astray_o for_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o thus_o reflect_v back_o upon_o thy_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n the_o duty_n will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a if_o thou_o only_o study_v to_o find_v out_o truth_n from_o error_n or_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v duty_n without_o regulate_v thy_o life_n and_o action_n according_o and_o endeavour_v to_o fill_v thy_o head_n with_o notional_a knowledge_n it_o will_v but_o aggravate_v thy_o sin_n and_o thou_o will_v sin_v with_o a_o candle_n in_o thy_o hand_n but_o when_o by_o this_o impartial_a trial_n thou_o find_v out_o wherein_o thou_o have_v sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o thy_o duty_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v at_o thy_o hand_n or_o want_v those_o require_a qualification_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n press_v those_o thing_n home_o upon_o thy_o heart_n till_o they_o make_v some_o impression_n there_o yea_o till_o they_o stir_v up_o the_o affection_n and_o work_v upon_o the_o will_n to_o a_o through_o resolution_n of_o reformation_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v this_o be_v the_o life_n of_o meditation_n and_o without_o this_o it_o be_v little_a worth_n when_o thou_o find_v wherein_o thou_o have_v come_v short_a to_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n to_o make_v more_o haste_n and_o where_o thou_o have_v sin_v go_v astray_o to_o return_v and_o where_o thou_o have_v sin_v to_o reform_v press_v on_o thy_o meditation_n till_o thou_o find_v some_o life_n in_o it_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v good_a till_o thou_o find_v a_o sweetness_n in_o it_o if_o bad_a till_o it_o appear_v odious_a if_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v good_a by_o scripture-light_n and_o rectify_v reason_n than_o the_o affection_n of_o love_n must_v needs_o be_v stir_v for_o good_a be_v its_o object_n and_o evil_a as_o evil_n can_v be_v love_v when_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v bad_a the_o affection_n
the_o conscience_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v that_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n with_o a_o imprecation_n in_o which_o a_o man_n acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v a_o just_a revenger_n of_o a_o lie_n and_o bind_v himself_o to_o be_v punish_v by_o he_o if_o he_o swear_v false_o or_o speak_v a_o untruth_n witting_o or_o willing_o &_o now_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n conscience_n if_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v attribute_v to_o any_o creature_n without_o gross_a idolatry_n can_v we_o ascribe_v to_o the_o creature_n omniscience_n omnipotence_n search_v the_o heart_n and_o witness_v with_o the_o conscience_n that_o we_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o a_o ability_n to_o punish_v or_o reward_n according_a to_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o protect_v the_o innocent_a and_o detect_v the_o guilty_a what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v they_o god_n in_o give_v to_o they_o the_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n can_v all_o this_o be_v do_v without_o idolatry_n we_o may_v find_v god_n in_o scripture_n complain_v of_o this_o sin_n and_o threaten_v to_o punish_v such_o sinner_n jer._n 5.7_o they_o have_v forsake_v i_o and_o swear_v by_o they_o that_o be_v no_o god_n see_v swear_v by_o the_o creature_n be_v in_o god_n account_n and_o scripture_n language_n a_o forsake_v of_o god_n jer._n 12.16_o they_o have_v teach_v my_o people_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o baal_n god_n threaten_v such_o as_o swear_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o samaria_n that_o they_o shall_v fall_v and_o never_o rise_v again_o amos_n 4.8_o now_o this_o be_v swear_v by_o the_o idol_n of_o samaria_n for_o samaria_n be_v full_a of_o idol_n let_v those_o look_n to_o it_o that_o swear_v by_o the_o popish_a idol_n the_o mass_n or_o by_o our_o lady_n which_o they_o make_v their_o great_a idol_n and_o set_v she_o up_o as_o high_a and_o in_o some_o case_n high_o than_o christ_n himself_o nay_o those_o that_o in_o their_o oath_n join_v any_o thing_n with_o god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o of_o himself_o sufficient_a can_v be_v excuse_v as_o those_o zeph._n 1.4,5_o that_o swear_v by_o god_n and_o malchom_n and_o the_o excuse_v which_o many_o make_v for_o this_o horrid_a crime_n be_v indeed_o the_o aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n they_o say_v what_o they_o swear_v by_o be_v petty_a trivial_a thing_n and_o therefore_o no_o offence_n they_o take_v not_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a but_o be_v not_o the_o offence_n the_o great_a when_o we_o give_v the_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n to_o those_o petty_a thing_n if_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o oath_n why_o do_v thou_o swear_v if_o there_o be_v why_o do_v not_o swear_v by_o god_n when_o thou_o have_v so_o many_o direct_a command_n and_o so_o many_o example_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o the_o best_a of_o men._n neither_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o of_o the_o holy_a father_n a_o excuse_v sufficient_a joseph_n swear_v by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n be_v by_o most_o if_o not_o all_o learned_a expositor_n judge_v his_o fail_n learned_a by_o custom_n in_o pharaoh_n court_n and_o will_v no_o more_o warrant_v the_o practice_n than_o noah_n lot_n and_o david_n example_n will_v drunkenness_n incest_n murder_n or_o adultery_n and_o whereas_o some_o use_v the_o expression_n as_o thy_o soul_n live_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o oath_n but_o a_o asserveration_n wherein_o god_n be_v also_o tacit_o invoke_v to_o witness_v the_o truth_n it_o signify_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v as_o real_o true_a as_o thou_o be_v alive_a yet_o do_v invoke_v he_o to_o witness_v this_o truth_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n to_o swear_v rash_o by_o god_n which_o be_v blasphemy_n or_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v idolatry_n 3._o direct_v have_v show_v you_o who_o may_v swear_v and_o by_o who_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o here_o also_o many_o offend_v a_o oath_n for_o the_o matter_n must_v be_v about_o lawful_a thing_n and_o possible_a or_o else_o it_o can_v be_v a_o lawful_a oath_n if_o we_o swear_v to_o do_v a_o unlawful_a thing_n we_o must_v not_o perform_v it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o double_a transgression_n if_o to_o do_v a_o impossible_a thing_n we_o can_v do_v it_o a_o rash_a oath_n be_v better_a break_v than_o keep_v what_o a_o snare_n then_o do_v man_n run_v into_o and_o how_o do_v they_o put_v themselves_o upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v that_o swear_v in_o their_o rage_n to_o do_v what_o god_n forbid_v they_o to_o do_v swear_v to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o must_v not_o perform_v see_v this_o in_o david_n when_o he_o have_v rash_o swear_v the_o death_n of_o nabal_n and_o all_o his_o household_n many_o of_o they_o no_o doubt_n innocent_a person_n yet_o after_o be_v pacify_v by_o wise_a abigail_n and_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o prevent_v the_o shed_n of_o innocent_a blood_n 1_o sam._n 25.32,33_o the_o like_a oath_n we_o read_v of_o saul_n who_o swear_v the_o death_n of_o innocent_a jonathan_n but_o be_v prevent_v by_o the_o people_n when_o herod_n perform_v his_o rash_a oath_n to_o herodias_n daughter_n and_o cut_v off_o john_n baptist_n head_n but_o a_o lawful_a oath_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n about_o thing_n honest_a just_a good_a possible_a and_o weigty_n and_o in_o thy_o power_n if_o it_o be_v impossible_a than_o thou_o can_v not_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o thou_o shall_v make_v no_o such_o promisory_a oath_n now_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v impossible_a several_a way_n as_o in_o nature_n as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o fly_v or_o a_o fish_n to_o speak_v some_o thing_n though_o possible_a in_o nature_n yet_o impossible_a in_o regard_n of_o time_n or_o other-like_a circumstance_n it_o be_v possible_a to_o go_v to_o london_n and_o to_o rome_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v at_o both_o place_n the_o same_o day_n and_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v possible_a in_o nature_n yet_o impossible_a by_o accident_n as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o swear_v to_o come_v to_o s_o ch_n a_o place_n by_o such_o a_o time_n and_o he_o be_v take_v captive_a by_o the_o enemy_n or_o fall_v dangerous_o sick_a etc._n etc._n in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v well_o to_o put_v in_o such_o a_o caution_n if_o god_n permit_v the_o bond_n of_o such_o a_o oath_n be_v loose_v as_o it_o be_v in_o abraham_n servant_n in_o case_n the_o maid_n will_v not_o come_v with_o he_o again_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v to_o perform_v unlawful_a thing_n any_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n as_o to_o kill_v a_o man_n to_o steal_v or_o to_o commit_v adultery_n etc._n etc._n whatsoever_o be_v against_o piety_n towards_o god_n or_o charity_n towards_o man_n whatsoever_o be_v against_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n thou_o live_v in_o whatsoever_o have_v any_o evil_n in_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o a_o oath_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v vinculun_n iniquitatis_fw-la a_o band_n of_o iniquity_n no_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v tie_v to_o break_v god_n law_n or_o if_o such_o a_o oath_n be_v take_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v hence_o herod_n sin_n both_o in_o swear_v and_o also_o in_o perform_v his_o oath_n but_o some_o will_v say_v if_o he_o have_v not_o perform_v it_o he_o have_v be_v perjure_v i_o answer_v when_o a_o man_n swear_v to_o break_v a_o command_n of_o god_n he_o be_v perjure_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v swear_v because_o he_o take_v a_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o if_o he_o perform_v it_o he_o add_v sin_n to_o sin_n as_o herod_n do_v murder_n to_o perjury_n and_o such_o a_o man_n must_v repent_v of_o his_o rash_a oath_n and_o not_o add_v sin_n to_o sin_n in_o persist_v in_o his_o rashness_n to_o the_o further_o break_v of_o god_n command_n the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v we_o a_o rule_n for_o swear_v jer._n 4.2_o thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n in_o truth_n for_o otherwise_o thou_o will_v forswear_v thyself_o for_o thou_o must_v not_o take_v a_o oath_n against_o thy_o conscience_n nor_o of_o doubtful_a thing_n which_o thou_o know_v not_o to_o be_v true_a now_o there_o be_v a_o double_a truth_n one_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o another_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o of_o the_o tongue_n be_v when_o a_o thing_n be_v real_o so_o as_o it_o be_v attest_v that_o of_o the_o mind_n when_o a_o man_n think_v in_o his_o conscience_n he_o speak_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n in_o judgement_n not_o rash_a or_o ventrous_o but_o with_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n
be_v also_o necessary_a that_o thou_o understand_v what_o thou_o read_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o the_o sense_n thou_o shall_v look_v after_o the_o jew_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o have_v great_a care_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o count_v the_o word_n syllable_n and_o letter_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o sense_n and_o miss_v of_o the_o meaning_n when_o thou_o read_v a_o dark_a passage_n in_o the_o scripture_n rest_v not_o till_o thou_o understand_v it_o to_o this_o end_n divine_n have_v give_v several_a direction_n such_o as_o these_o if_o thou_o be_v able_a compare_v the_o original_a and_o translation_n together_o and_z perhaps_o this_o may_v resolve_v thy_o doubt_n every_o language_n have_v a_o peculiar_a elegancy_n and_o some_o word_n be_v of_o so_o hard_a a_o signification_n that_o they_o can_v full_o be_v express_v in_o a_o translation_n now_o know_v the_o original_a will_n abundant_o help_v and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o art_n and_o science_n be_v also_o of_o great_a use_n let_v the_o enemy_n to_o learning_n say_v what_o they_o will_v to_o the_o contrary_n if_o this_o help_v thou_o not_o look_v into_o the_o context_n observe_v the_o circumstance_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o receive_v no_o interpretation_n which_o cross_v that_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v compare_v this_o place_n with_o other_o the_o like_a and_o admit_v not_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o contradict_v other_o scripture_n especial_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n those_o plain_a doctrinal_a conclusion_n gather_v out_o of_o other_o plain_a scripture_n of_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v make_v and_o if_o it_o agree_v not_o with_o this_o reject_v it_o for_o truth_n itself_o can_v oppose_v itself_o we_o must_v reduce_v dark_a place_n to_o those_o that_o be_v plain_a and_o not_o force_v those_o that_o be_v plain_a to_o the_o dark_a one_o if_o this_o help_v not_o read_v some_o learned_a exposition_n upon_o the_o place_n if_o this_o fail_v seek_v assistance_n from_o god_n for_o as_o the_o sun_n can_v be_v see_v but_o by_o its_o own_o light_n so_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n he_o that_o faithful_o and_o careful_o observe_v these_o direction_n may_v through_o god_n blessing_n come_v to_o know_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a 5._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n thou_o read_v careful_o observe_v the_o general_a scope_n of_o it_o and_o what_o design_n god_n be_v aim_v at_o and_o what_o end_v he_o aim_v at_o in_o it_o and_o prosecute_v the_o same_o design_n and_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o mark_n that_o he_o do_v for_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v for_o our_o instruction_n now_o if_o we_o heedful_o mark_v the_o general_a scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o end_n which_o god_n drive_v on_o in_o the_o main_a be_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o the_o world_n in_o his_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n may_v own_v he_o as_o their_o lord_n owner_n and_o benefactor_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n that_o he_o may_v get_v himself_o glory_n in_o their_o salvation_n now_o in_o thy_o read_n prosecute_v the_o same_o design_n that_o god_n do_v and_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o end_n which_o he_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o likely_a way_n to_o profit_n the_o scripture_n in_o general_n set_v before_o thou_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o thyself_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v what_o thou_o be_v by_o nature_n what_o by_o the_o fall_n and_o what_o by_o thy_o restauration_n and_o also_o what_o god_n require_v at_o thy_o hand_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o end_n the_o scripture_n handle_v those_o point_n which_o conduce_v hereunto_o as_o first_o in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n thou_o may_v see_v god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n for_o none_o else_o can_v make_v the_o world_n of_o nothing_o yea_o every_o creature_n will_v point_v out_o god_n to_o a_o understand_a man_n for_o it_o pass_v the_o power_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n to_o make_v the_o least_o fly_n especial_o without_o pre-existent_a matter_n nay_o the_o creature_n do_v not_o only_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o also_o sâ—…_n forth_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n as_o his_o eternity_n wisdom_n power_n majesty_n goodness_n and_o perfection_n these_o clear_o shine_v forth_o in_o these_o his_o work_n the_o least_o creature_n if_o you_o follow_v he_o home_o to_o his_o original_a by_o divine_a meditation_n will_v point_v out_o a_o omnipotent_a arm_n for_o his_o creator_n and_o when_o thou_o read_v of_o his_o work_n of_o providence_n these_o also_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o teach_v the_o same_o lesson_n the_o wonderful_a work_n and_o miracle_n he_o have_v wrought_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o people_n the_o rule_n and_o government_n which_o he_o have_v set_v in_o the_o world_n the_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o frequent_a deliverance_n he_o have_v give_v to_o his_o people_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n bespeak_v to_o we_o his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n when_o thou_o read_v of_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n this_o bespeak_v christ_n the_o lord_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v witness_v from_o heaven_n by_o angel_n by_o saint_n by_o enemy_n by_o devil_n all_o which_o give_v testimony_n to_o his_o divinity_n and_o that_o he_o be_v true_o man_n be_v also_o evident_a by_o his_o incarnation_n birth_n growth_n action_n passion_n death_n and_o burial_n and_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o evident_a by_o scripture_n light_n here_o thou_o may_v find_v that_o all_o the_o prophecy_n that_o go_v before_o of_o he_o be_v clear_o fulfil_v in_o he_o and_o no_o other_o and_o such_o miracle_n wrought_v and_o such_o mighty_a work_v do_v and_o such_o gracious_a word_n speak_v that_o make_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v indeed_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n again_o when_o thou_o read_v the_o command_n threaten_n punishment_n etc._n etc._n know_v these_o be_v to_o deter_v thou_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o drive_v thou_o home_o to_o god_n thy_o benefactor_n and_o when_o thou_o read_v the_o promise_n invitation_n and_o encouragement_n these_o be_v to_o draw_v the_o near_a to_o he_o therefore_o careful_o observe_v what_o ever_o thou_o read_v and_o some_o way_n or_o other_o it_o will_v conduce_v to_o bring_v thou_o near_o to_o god_n this_o be_v god_n end_n in_o write_v the_o word_n and_o shall_v be_v thy_o end_n in_o read_v it_o 6._o direct_v will_v thou_o profit_v by_o read_v then_o meditate_v upon_o what_o thou_o read_v this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v what_o thou_o read_v thy_o own_o it_o be_v this_o way_n that_o david_n get_v more_o understanding_n than_o the_o ancient_n and_o become_v wise_a than_o his_o teacher_n psal_n 119.98,99,100_o and_o 66.11_o now_o meditation_n be_v a_o studious_a art_n of_o the_o mind_n wherein_o a_o man_n search_v out_o some_o hide_a truth_n by_o the_o discourse_n of_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o profitable_a heart-enriching_a duty_n thou_o can_v perform_v this_o will_v fetch_v in_o provision_n like_o a_o bee_n from_o every_o herb_n and_o flower_n yea_o from_o every_o weed_n thorn_n and_o bramble_n will_v yield_v some_o honey_n this_o will_v store_v thy_o heart_n with_o treasure_n new_a and_o old_a there_o be_v no_o creature_n so_o barren_a but_o will_v yield_v some_o fruit_n nor_o dead_a tree_n or_o hard_a stone_n that_o be_v so_o barren_a but_o it_o will_v yield_v some_o increase_n no_o creature_n but_o will_v yield_v a_o help_a hand_n no_o fowl_n but_o will_v lend_v a_o feather_n to_o mount_v the_o soul_n aloft_o a_o christian_a skill_v in_o the_o divine_a art_n of_o holy_a meditation_n can_v never_o want_v a_o object_n fit_a to_o work_v upon_o and_o if_o the_o creature_n thus_o furnish_v we_o doubtless_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v fruitless_a the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o itself_o be_v mysterious_a and_o dark_a at_o least_o some_o part_n of_o it_o the_o well_o be_v deep_a and_o meditation_n be_v the_o bucket_n hereby_o divine_a mystery_n be_v draw_v out_o and_o the_o water_n of_o life_n pump_v in_o cursory_a read_v many_o thing_n pass_v by_o without_o regard_n which_o by_o meditation_n be_v fetch_v back_o and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o help_n to_o the_o understanding_n but_o the_o memory_n also_o it_o leave_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o it_o what_o in_o cursory_a read_n be_v soon_o forget_v be_v press_v hard_o upon_o and_o imprint_v to_o the_o memory_n by_o meditation_n hereby_o the_o heart_n
be_v store_v with_o wholesome_a truth_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v barren_a and_o empty_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o store_v only_o with_o vanity_n and_o folly_n this_o season_v it_o and_o fill_v it_o with_o good_a thing_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v a_o cage_n of_o unclean_a bird_n a_o very_a sink_v of_o sin_n and_o filthiness_n this_o season_v the_o thought_n which_o produce_v work_n and_o action_n meditation_n in_o the_o word_n be_v that_o which_o david_n be_v excellent_a at_o and_o every_o bless_a man_n shall_v follow_v psal_n 1.2_o and_o solomon_n advise_v to_o when_o he_o bid_v search_v for_o wisdom_n as_o for_o silver_n and_o dig_v for_o it_o as_o for_o fine_a gold_n prov._n 24._o this_o also_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o speed_v annex_v prov._n 2.12_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o way_n which_o the_o faithful_a in_o all_o age_n have_v take_v and_o hereby_o it_o be_v they_o become_v famous_a we_o find_v peter_n alone_o upon_o the_o house_n top_n a_o fit_a place_n for_o meditation_n you_o may_v find_v isaac_n in_o the_o field_n meditate_v gen._n 24.63_o act._n 10.9_o elijah_n upon_o mount_n carmel_n and_o daniel_n by_o the_o brook_n of_o vlai_n and_o how_o sapless_a and_o unsavery_n be_v all_o the_o pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o man_n skill_a in_o divine_a meditation_n the_o philosopher_n that_o know_v little_a of_o god_n and_o less_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o their_o phylosophical_a notion_n and_o speculation_n that_o they_o ofttimes_o matter_v not_o their_o meat_n or_o their_o drink_n or_o their_o necessary_a recreation_n archimedes_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o his_o geometrical_a notion_n that_o when_o the_o city_n syracuse_n be_v take_v he_o be_v heedless_a yea_o when_o a_o soldier_n stand_v ready_a to_o kill_v he_o will_v not_o be_v draw_v off_o till_o death_n itself_o end_v his_o contemplation_n if_o the_o creature_n can_v bring_v such_o satisfaction_n what_o will_v the_o study_n of_o the_o creator_n do_v and_o the_o meditation_n of_o heaven_n and_o glory_n but_o alas_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o wise_a man_n many_o read_v it_o not_o at_o all_o other_o cursory_o few_o fruitful_o most_o be_v forgetful_a hearer_n and_o forgetful_a reader_n but_o meditation_n will_v fix_v it_o in_o the_o memory_n 7._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v read_v with_o profit_n apply_v what_o thou_o read_v to_o thyself_o and_o bring_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o thy_o grace_n to_o this_o touchstone_n and_o behold_v thy_o face_n in_o this_o glass_n of_o the_o word_n to_o what_o end_n be_v meat_n give_v but_o to_o be_v eat_v or_o physic_n but_o to_o be_v take_v or_o a_o plaster_n but_o to_o be_v apply_v many_o read_v much_o and_o profit_v little_a because_o they_o apply_v not_o what_o they_o read_v to_o themselves_o perhaps_o they_o can_v apply_v it_o to_o other_o and_o say_v here_o be_v for_o such_o and_o such_o a_o man_n when_o they_o neglect_v their_o own_o portion_n they_o be_v like_o the_o pharisee_n they_o bind_v heavy_a burden_n and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bourn_n and_o lay_v they_o upon_o other_o man_n shoulder_n but_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o touch_v they_o with_o one_o of_o their_o finger_n but_o why_o will_v thou_o deal_v so_o liberal_o to_o other_o and_o deal_v so_o deceitful_o with_o thy_o own_o soul_n do_v it_o want_v nothing_o or_o do_v god_n speak_v nothing_o to_o thou_o but_o only_o to_o other_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n thou_o be_v not_o so_o kind_a thou_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v by_o another_o neither_o will_v thou_o give_v away_o thy_o estate_n with_o thy_o own_o hand_n to_o another_o and_o why_o be_v thou_o so_o injurious_a to_o thy_o soul_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n thou_o will_v not_o deprive_v thy_o belly_n of_o food_n nor_o thy_o back_n of_o raiment_n &_o must_v thy_o soul_n only_o be_v deprive_v of_o both_o a_o hungry_a man_n will_v not_o thus_o dispose_v of_o his_o meat_n nor_o a_o covetous_a man_n of_o his_o money_n and_o this_o thy_o liberality_n show_v thou_o have_v neither_o a_o stomach_n to_o these_o spiritual_a dainty_n nor_o a_o desire_n after_o these_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a treasure_n this_o word_n be_v of_o general_a use_n to_o all_o every_o one_o have_v his_o portion_n for_o as_o god_n have_v make_v nothing_o in_o vain_a so_o he_o have_v speak_v nothing_o in_o vain_a when_o therefore_o thou_o read_v his_o precept_n wherein_o he_o command_v duty_n and_o forbid_v sin_n persuade_v thyself_o that_o god_n be_v now_o particular_o speak_v unto_o thou_o and_o apply_v what_o be_v speak_v to_o thyself_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o man_n or_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o thou_o or_o as_o if_o god_n by_o a_o audible_a voice_n call_v thou_o out_o by_o name_n as_o he_o do_v samuel_n and_o give_v thou_o these_o command_n to_o observe_v these_o duty_n to_o do_v these_o sin_n to_o avoid_v and_o let_v it_o deter_v thou_o from_o sin_n and_o quicken_v thou_o to_o duty_n as_o if_o god_n himself_o have_v speak_v to_o thou_o from_o heaven_n when_o a_o minister_n reprove_v sin_n some_o guilty_a conscience_n say_v he_o mean_v i_o it_o be_v true_a if_o thou_o be_v guilty_a the_o minister_n do_v mean_v thou_o and_o god_n mean_v thou_o when_o the_o word_n speak_v against_o drunkard_n swearer_n liar_n than_o it_o mean_v thou_o if_o thou_o be_v guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n when_o thou_o read_v the_o precious_a promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v unto_o repugnant_a sinner_n assure_v thyself_o if_o thou_o be_v such_o a_o one_o these_o promise_n will_v be_v make_v good_a to_o thou_o yea_o as_o sure_a as_o if_o thy_o name_n be_v write_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o annex_v to_o they_o yea_o as_o if_o they_o be_v make_v to_o none_o but_o thou_o and_o those_o threaten_n thou_o reap_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o unrepent_v sinner_n assure_v thyself_o if_o thou_o be_v in_o that_o condition_n thou_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v in_o they_o and_o they_o will_v be_v as_o certain_o make_v good_a upon_o thou_o if_o thou_o continue_v in_o this_o condition_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v only_o denounce_v against_o thou_o and_o those_o reproof_n which_o thou_o read_v for_o sin_n take_v they_o to_o thyself_o as_o speak_v by_o god_n to_o thou_o if_o thou_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n reprove_v for_o assure_v thyself_o god_n mean_v thou_o in_o they_o and_o those_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o gracious_a qualification_n scatter_v through_o out_o the_o scripture_n make_v use_n of_o to_o try_v thyself_o by_o &_o make_v use_n also_o of_o all_o the_o admonition_n god_n give_v thou_o and_o of_o all_o the_o example_n thou_o find_v of_o divine_a vengeance_n let_v they_o deter_v thou_o from_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a saint_n encourage_v thou_o in_o good_a and_o general_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o direction_n instruction_n etc._n etc._n thus_o do_v thou_o will_v gather_v good_a by_o thy_o read_n chap._n v._o direction_n for_o meditation_n the_o next_o duty_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o be_v meditation_n a_o necessary_a though_o much_o neglect_a duty_n yea_o christian_n themselves_o that_o make_v conscience_n of_o other_o duty_n and_o be_v much_o in_o hear_v read_v and_o prayer_n yet_o be_v too_o backward_o yea_o unskilled_a in_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n but_o do_v they_o know_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o the_o income_n many_o receive_v by_o it_o they_o will_v not_o neglect_v it_o it_o bring_v much_o advantage_n to_o a_o gracious_a soul_n and_o store_v it_o with_o many_o heavenly_a truth_n which_o those_o that_o neglect_v it_o never_o attain_v in_o this_o a_o man_n engage_v all_o the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o bend_v his_o mind_n to_o consider_v and_o muse_v upon_o some_o spiritual_a object_n for_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o it_o here_o as_o wicked_a man_n use_v it_o to_o devise_v mischief_n but_o as_o a_o christian_a duty_n now_o meditation_n be_v either_o occasional_a and_o sudden_a or_o else_o solemn_a and_o set_v for_o both_o be_v necessary_a both_o be_v beneficial_a the_o former_a be_v occasion_v by_o object_n occasional_o present_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n either_o to_o the_o sense_n or_o bring_v to_o the_o memory_n and_o resemble_v those_o sudden_a ejaculation_n sudden_o occasion_v only_o in_o the_o one_o a_o man_n speak_v to_o god_n and_o in_o the_o other_o a_o man_n speak_v to_o his_o own_o heart_n thus_o we_o see_v david_n by_o behold_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n those_o glorious_a lamp_n of_o heaven_n he_o fall_v out_o into_o admiration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o poor_a man_n in_o raise_v he_o above_o these_o and_o make_v he_o but_o a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o
42.15_o josh_n 14.9_o 1_o king_n 20.3_o yea_o in_o gospel_n time_n paul_n rom._n 1.9_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n who_o i_o serve_v in_o my_o spirit_n i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n which_o show_v it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o nature_n who_o when_o witness_n be_v want_v take_v a_o oath_n as_o a_o religious_a band_n and_o because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o heart_n appeal_v to_o god_n that_o do_v know_v it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o a_o oath_n that_o be_v intrinsical_o evil_a neither_o the_o matter_n form_n nor_o end_v the_o call_n upon_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o intention_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o other_o that_o can_v otherwise_o be_v satisfy_v what_o evil_a can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o heb._n 6.16_o a_o oath_n be_v for_o confirmation_n the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n 2_o cor._n 1.23_o indeed_o all_o rash_a common_a swear_v be_v forbid_v by_o christ_n and_o also_o by_o st._n james_n 1._o direct_v as_o concern_v oath_n consideration_n must_v be_v have_v of_o the_o party_n themselves_o concern_v and_o they_o be_v either_o the_o party_n require_v a_o oath_n or_o the_o party_n of_o who_o a_o oath_n be_v require_v for_o both_o of_o they_o require_v some_o satisfaction_n he_o that_o require_v it_o shall_v do_v it_o by_o authority_n and_o have_v a_o lawful_a ground_n or_o otherwise_o he_o can_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o exact_v it_o by_o force_n every_o man_n can_v force_v another_o to_o swear_v and_o without_o just_a cause_n no_o one_o ought_v in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o for_o the_o person_n swear_v which_o be_v agens_fw-la principalis_fw-la the_o chief_a actor_n in_o the_o business_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o he_o be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la his_o own_o man_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o swear_v to_o give_v be_v at_o his_o own_o dispose_n and_o hence_o it_o follow_v the_o child_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n ought_v not_o to_o take_v a_o oath_n neither_o indeed_o shall_v their_o oath_n be_v impose_v or_o regard_v neither_o do_v such_o a_o oath_n bound_v the_o conscience_n be_v ignorant_o take_v they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n neither_o can_v they_o come_v with_o deliberation_n as_o they_o ought_v or_o compare_v their_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n or_o right_a reason_n therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v but_o at_o what_o age_n that_o be_v i_o think_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o determine_v for_o doubtless_o some_o attain_v it_o soon_o some_o late_a but_o i_o think_v our_o law_n say_v sixteen_o year_n of_o age_n and_o before_o that_o time_n their_o testimony_n be_v not_o valid_a and_o a_o oath_n may_v bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o some_o if_o otherwise_o lawful_a though_o the_o testimony_n be_v not_o valid_a by_o the_o law_n but_o alas_o how_o common_a oh_o too_o common_a be_v that_o customary_a swear_v of_o child_n even_o before_o they_o can_v speak_v plain_a as_o if_o they_o suck_v it_o in_o with_o their_o mother_n milk_n and_o have_v be_v teach_v it_o with_o their_o mother_n tongue_n as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v either_o by_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o how_o many_o before_o they_o can_v speak_v plain_a lisp_v out_o oath_n against_o god_n himself_o who_o name_n they_o profane_o abuse_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o shame_n of_o their_o parent_n the_o damage_n of_o the_o nation_n where_o they_o live_v for_o because_o of_o oath_n the_o land_n mourn_v and_o to_o the_o apparent_a hazard_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n who_o without_o repentance_n will_v eternal_o curse_v their_o parent_n in_o hell_n for_o their_o sinful_a education_n again_o mad_a and_o frantic_a man_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o take_v a_o oath_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o though_o they_o once_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n yet_o through_o their_o distemper_n it_o be_v lose_v the_o like_a we_o may_v say_v of_o fool_n and_o idiot_n that_o never_o have_v it_o and_o so_o never_o know_v the_o use_n of_o a_o oath_n though_o too_o many_o of_o they_o though_o they_o can_v speak_v reason_n can_v swear_v and_o curse_v and_o take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o their_o proneness_n to_o this_o and_o other_o sin_n and_o their_o backwardness_n to_o what_o be_v good_a discover_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o sinful_a offspring_n of_o lapse_v adam_n and_o be_v a_o strong_a argument_n for_o original_a sin_n and_o their_o want_n of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v some_o extenuation_n of_o their_o sin_n god_n require_v little_a where_o little_o be_v give_v yet_o it_o excuse_v not_o a_o toto_fw-la but_o a_o tanto_fw-la it_o discover_v a_o foul_a fountain_n that_o thus_o bubble_n up_o their_o word_n their_o action_n their_o discourse_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v why_o then_o their_o oath_n again_o man_n when_o far_o go_v in_o drink_n or_o passion_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o this_o considerate_a duty_n neither_o can_v they_o do_v it_o without_o sin_n because_o not_o with_o mature_a deliberation_n though_o some_o case_n their_o promisory_a oath_n may_v bind_v they_o and_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o break_v they_o though_o it_o be_v to_o their_o own_o damage_n psal_n 15.4_o for_o drunkenness_n or_o immoderate_a passion_n be_v no_o excuse_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o a_o aggravation_n for_o one_o sin_n will_v not_o excuse_v another_o again_o if_o a_o man_n be_v in_o his_o right_a mind_n and_o otherwise_o qualify_v yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la his_o own_o man_n at_o his_o own_o dispose_n and_o not_o another_o in_o the_o thing_n he_o swear_v otherwise_o he_o can_v avoid_v sin_n what_o course_n soever_o he_o take_v as_o suppose_v a_o son_n under_o the_o tuition_n of_o a_o father_n or_o a_o servant_n of_o a_o master_n shall_v without_o parent_n or_o master_n consent_n swear_v to_o go_v a_o journey_n as_o suppose_v in_o popery_n on_o a_o pilgrimage_n this_o be_v a_o sin_n because_o he_o be_v not_o at_o his_o own_o dispose_n we_o read_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n if_o a_o woman_n vow_v a_o vow_n or_o a_o maid_n in_o her_o father_n house_n if_o her_o husband_n or_o father_n approve_v not_o of_o it_o it_o be_v void_a consider_v then_o whether_o vow_n of_o single_a life_n or_o marriage_n promise_v without_o parent_n consent_n be_v valid_a i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v sinful_a those_o under_o authority_n shall_v not_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o by_o oath_n without_o parent_n consent_v 2._o direct_v have_v already_o show_v you_o who_o may_v swear_v and_o who_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o tell_v you_o by_o who_o you_o ought_v to_o swear_v and_o here_o also_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o much_o corruption_n in_o practice_n though_o a_o oath_n be_v lawful_a when_o lawful_o require_v as_o by_o a_o lawful_a magistrate_n in_o a_o lawful_a cause_n from_o a_o person_n right_o qualify_v as_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o swear_v by_o who_o he_o please_v for_o a_o oath_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v part_n of_o divine_a worship_n due_a to_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o he_o will_v not_o give_v it_o to_o another_o gen._n 21.53_o jacob_n swear_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o father_n isaac_n that_o be_v by_o the_o god_n who_o his_o father_n fear_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o swear_v by_o god_n i_o have_v show_v you_o already_o both_o by_o scripture_n and_o example_n deut._n 6.13_o &_o 10.20_o and_o many_o more_o but_o where_o we_o have_v any_o injunction_n or_o toleration_n give_v to_o swear_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o god_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o find_v yea_o it_o be_v plain_a idolatry_n to_o ascribe_v unto_o any_o creature_n divine_a worship_n it_o be_v a_o set_n of_o they_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n yea_o a_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o set_v up_o something_o else_o in_o his_o stead_n in_o a_o lawful_a oath_n we_o do_v not_o only_o assert_v the_o truth_n for_o that_o we_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o do_v without_o a_o oath_n but_o we_o ascribe_v omniscience_n omnipotence_n omnipresence_n yea_o the_o justice_n wisdom_n and_o truth_n to_o god_n we_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o tryer_n of_o the_o reins_o and_o that_o he_o be_v both_o the_o witness_n judge_n and_o revenger_n of_o falsehood_n and_o lie_v and_o furthermore_o by_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n god_n be_v call_v upon_o to_o give_v testimony_n with_o