workmanship_n a_o vail_n of_o darkness_n for_o a_o season_n and_o who_o can_v behold_v he_o when_o he_o hide_v himself_o say_v job_n and_o though_o he_o withdraw_v the_o cover_v yet_o what_o be_o i_o who_o can_v by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n if_o i_o shall_v examine_v his_o way_n what_o rule_n shall_v i_o take_v to_o try_v it_o by_o if_o i_o measure_v by_o my_o shallow_a capacity_n or_o by_o my_o crooked_a way_n shall_v i_o have_v any_o just_a account_n of_o it_o will_v my_o arm_n measure_v the_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v if_o i_o examine_v it_o or_o try_v it_o by_o himself_o he_o be_v high_a as_o heaven_n and_o unsearchable_a therefore_o it_o become_v we_o to_o hearken_v to_o his_o word_n and_o believe_v its_o sentence_n of_o his_o work_n when_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v it_o one_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v deep_o engrave_v on_o our_o heart_n will_v be_v a_o principle_n of_o settle_v our_o spirit_n in_o all_o the_o mystery_n and_o riddle_n of_o providence_n the_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n of_o his_o highness_n and_o of_o his_o wisdom_n shall_v he_o give_v account_n of_o his_o matter_n to_o we_o he_o be_v wise_a and_o know_v his_o work_n but_o be_v he_o bind_v to_o make_v we_o know_v they_o his_o way_n be_v above_o our_o thought_n and_o way_n as_o heaven_n above_o the_o earth_n be_v 55._o and_o therefore_o o_o grasshopper_n in_o the_o earth_n that_o dwell_v in_o tabernacle_n of_o clay_n do_v not_o presume_v to_o model_n his_o way_n according_a to_o thy_o conception_n one_o thing_n be_v certain_a this_o be_v enough_o for_o faith_n all_o his_o way_n be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n to_o these_o that_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o his_o testimony_n psal_n 25._o 10._o and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n or_o path_n of_o god_n so_o far_o above_o our_o reach_n and_o unsearchable_a as_o his_o mercy_n in_o pardon_v sin_n and_o this_o be_v only_o the_o satisfy_a answer_n to_o all_o your_o objection_n and_o scruple_n in_o these_o you_o do_v but_o vent_v your_o own_o thought_n but_o say_v the_o lord_n my_o thought_n be_v above_o youâ—_n thought_n as_o heaven_n above_o earth_n you_o but_o speak_v of_o your_o own_o way_n but_o my_o way_n be_v far_o above_o you_o they_o be_v not_o measure_v by_o your_o iniquity_n and_o therefore_o david_n subjoin_v psal_n 25._o verse_n 11._o pardon_v my_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v great_a sermon_n iii_o deuter._n 32._o 4_o 5._o he_o be_v the_o rock_n his_o work_n be_v perfect_a for_o all_o his_o way_n be_v judgement_n a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n just_a and_o right_o be_v he_o 5._o they_o have_v corrupt_v themselves_o their_o spot_n be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o his_o child_n they_o be_v a_o perverse_a and_o crooked_a generation_n all_o his_o way_n be_v judgement_n both_o the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n and_o the_o way_n of_o his_o providence_n both_o his_o word_n which_o he_o have_v give_v as_o a_o lantern_n to_o man_n path_n and_o his_o work_n among_o man_n and_o this_o be_v the_o blessedness_n of_o man_n to_o be_v find_v both_o walk_n in_o his_o way_n and_o wait_v on_o he_o in_o his_o way_n have_v respect_n to_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o respect_n to_o himself_o in_o all_o his_o work_n we_o all_o know_v in_o general_a that_o he_o do_v all_o well_o â—nd_v that_o all_o his_o comandment_n be_v holy_a and_o just_a â—ay_n but_o our_o practice_n and_o affection_n belie_v our_o knowledge_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n we_o stand_v cross_v in_o our_o humour_n and_o affection_n and_o conversation_n both_o to_o his_o word_n and_o providence_n and_o this_o be_v our_o misery_n great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n what_o peace_n then_o can_v keep_v that_o heart_n and_o mind_n that_o be_v daily_o at_o variance_n with_o his_o statute_n and_o judgement_n when_o the_o heart_n will_v wish_v such_o a_o command_n be_v not_o when_o it_o be_v a_o eye_n sore_a to_o look_v upon_o it_o bless_a be_v the_o meek_a it_o be_v good_a for_o a_o man_n both_o quiet_o to_o wait_v and_o hope_n and_o keep_v silence_n how_o then_o must_v that_o spirit_n be_v miserable_a that_o stand_v cross_a unto_o god_n dispensation_n and_o will_v limit_v the_o holy_a one_o do_v not_o often_o our_o heart_n say_v i_o do_v well_o to_o be_v angry_a why_o be_v it_o thus_o with_o i_o but_o who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o he_o and_o prosper_v his_o counsel_n must_v stand_v and_o you_o may_v vex_v yourself_o and_o disquiet_v your_o soul_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n by_o impatience_n but_o you_o can_v by_o your_o thought_n add_v one_o cubit_n to_o your_o stature_n you_o may_v make_v your_o case_n worse_o nor_o providence_n have_v make_v it_o but_o you_o can_v make_v it_o better_o by_o so_o do_v so_o that_o at_o length_n you_o must_v bow_v to_o he_o or_o be_v break_v oh_o then_o that_o this_o be_v engrave_v on_o our_o heart_n with_o the_o point_n of_o a_o diamond_n all_o his_o way_n be_v judgement_n that_o you_o may_v be_v overcome_v with_o the_o equity_n of_o his_o command_n and_o dispensation_n and_o your_o heart_n and_o tongue_n may_v not_o move_v against_o they_o it_o be_v enough_o of_o old_a with_o the_o saint_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v good_a in_o hâ—s_n eye_n god_n sovereignty_n alone_o ponder_v may_v stop_v our_o mouth_n but_o if_o you_o withal_o consider_v it_o be_v perfect_a equity_n that_o rule_v all_o it_o be_v divinâ—_n wisdom_n thaâ—_n be_v the_o square_a of_o his_o work_n theâ—_n how_o ought_v we_o to_o stoop_v cheerful_o unto_o they_o one_o thing_n you_o will_v remember_v his_o way_n and_o path_n be_v judgement_n and_o if_o you_o judge_v aright_o of_o he_o you_o must_v judge_v his_o way_n and_o not_o his_o single_a footstep_n you_o will_v not_o discern_v equity_n and_o judgement_n in_o one_o step_n or_o two_o but_o consider_v his_o way_n join_v adversity_n with_o prosperity_n humble_v with_o exalt_v take_v along_o the_o thread_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o one_o part_n shall_v help_v you_o to_o understand_v another_o there_o be_v reason_n in_o all_o but_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o visible_a to_o we_o in_o so_o small_a part_n of_o his_o way_n and_o work_n a_o god_n of_o truth_n strange_n it_o be_v that_o his_o majesty_n be_v please_v to_o clothe_v himself_o with_o so_o many_o title_n and_o name_n for_o we_o he_o consider_v what_o our_o necessity_n be_v and_o according_o express_v his_o own_o name_n i_o think_v nothing_o do_v more_o hold_v forth_o the_o unbelief_n of_o man_n and_o atheism_n of_o our_o heart_n nor_o the_o many_o several_a title_n god_n take_v in_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o they_o to_o make_v we_o take_v up_o god_n because_o we_o stay_v upon_o a_o general_a notion_n of_o god_n rather_o frame_v in_o our_o imagination_n a_o idol_n than_o the_o true_a god_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v more_o lively_o represent_v the_o unbelief_n of_o our_o heart_n than_o the_o multitude_n of_o promise_n man_n that_o consider_v such_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o one_o thing_n in_o scripture_n so_o many_o diverse_a expression_n of_o one_o god_n may_v retire_v into_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o find_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o even_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o while_o we_o look_v so_o slight_o on_o these_o we_o must_v judge_v it_o superfluous_a and_o vain_a need_v there_o any_o more_o to_o be_v say_v but_o i_o be_o your_o god_n i_o be_o god_n if_o our_o spirit_n be_v not_o so_o far_o degenerate_v unto_o atheism_n and_o unbelief_n certain_o that_o word_n jehovah_n hold_v forth_o more_o to_o angel_n then_o all_o the_o inculcate_v name_n and_o title_n of_o god_n to_o we_o because_o we_o be_v dull_a and_o slow_a of_o heart_n therefore_o wonder_v at_o these_o two_o when_o you_o read_v the_o scripture_n god_n condescendency_n to_o we_o and_o our_o atheism_n and_o unbelief_n of_o he_o they_o be_v both_o mystery_n and_o exceed_v broad_a there_o be_v not_o a_o name_n of_o god_n but_o it_o give_v we_o a_o name_n and_o that_o of_o reproach_n and_o dishonour_n so_o that_o for_o every_o one_o some_o evil_n may_v be_v write_v down_o and_o it_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n moses_n draw_v they_o out_o in_o length_n that_o in_o the_o glass_n of_o his_o glorious_a name_n the_o people_n may_v behold_v their_o own_o ugly_a face_n this_o name_n be_v clear_a he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n not_o only_o a_o true_a god_n but_o truth_n itself_o to_o note_v his_o excellency_n and_o eminency_n in_o it_o it_o be_v christ_n name_n i_o be_o the_o truth_n the_o substantial_a truth_n in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v truth_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o his_o truth_n be_v his_o faithfulness_n in_o perform_v his_o promise_n
and_o do_v what_o his_o mouth_n have_v speak_v and_o this_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o very_a heaven_n psal_n 89._o 2._o his_o everlasting_a purpose_n be_v in_o heaven_n where_o he_o dwell_v and_o if_o any_o man_n can_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n if_o any_o creature_n can_v break_v through_o the_o cloud_n then_o may_v his_o truth_n be_v shake_v his_o word_n come_v down_o among_o man_n nay_o but_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o there_o be_v his_o purpose_n establish_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v in_o time_n can_v impair_v or_o hinder_v it_o you_o think_v this_o world_n very_o sure_a the_o earth_n hang_v unmoveable_a though_o it_o hang_v upon_o nothing_o all_o the_o tumult_n confusion_n and_o reel_n have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n have_v never_o move_v it_o to_o the_o one_o side_n heaven_n go_v about_o in_o one_o tenure_n perpetual_o keep_v still_o the_o same_o distance_n nay_o but_o his_o truth_n be_v more_o establish_v then_o so_o heaven_n and_o earth_n depend_v but_o upon_o a_o word_n of_o command_n he_o have_v say_v let_v it_o be_v so_o and_o so_o it_o be_v nay_o but_o his_o word_n be_v more_o establish_v of_o it_o say_v christ_n one_a jot_n or_o title_n of_o it_o can_v fail_v though_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v fail_v he_o may_v change_v his_o command_n as_o he_o please_v but_o he_o may_v not_o change_v his_o promise_n this_o put_v a_o obligation_n on_o he_o as_o he_o be_v faithful_a and_o true_a to_o perform_v it_o and_o when_o a_o oath_n be_v superad_v o_o how_o immutable_a be_v these_o two_o when_o he_o promise_v in_o his_o truth_n and_o swear_v in_o his_o holiness_n be_v there_o any_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n can_v break_v that_o double_a cord_n matth._n 5._o 18._o heb._n 6_o 18._o there_o be_v no_o name_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v comfortable_a to_o some_o and_o as_o terrible_a to_o other_o what_o comfort_n be_v it_o to_o a_o godly_a man_n that_o trust_v in_o his_o word_n he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n a_o honest_a man_n word_n be_v much_o his_o oath_n be_v more_o what_o shall_v his_o word_n be_v who_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o though_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v liar_n yet_o god_n be_v true_a you_o who_o have_v venture_v your_o soul_n on_o his_o word_n you_o have_v a_o unspeakable_a advantage_n his_o truth_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o heaven_n the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v without_o beginning_n the_o end_n of_o it_o without_o end_n you_o be_v more_o sure_a than_o the_o frame_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o all_o these_o shall_v wax_v old_a as_o a_o garment_n we_o speak_v of_o a_o naked_a word_n of_o truth_n indeed_o it_o be_v no_o naked_a word_n that_o be_v god_n word_n his_o work_n of_o providence_n and_o his_o dispensation_n to_o you_o be_v a_o naked_a and_o bare_a foundation_n nay_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n and_o you_o who_o lean_a so_o much_o to_o they_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n you_o so_o often_o shakebag_n and_o waver_v all_o other_o ground_n beside_o the_o word_n be_v uncertain_a unstable_a this_o only_a endure_v for_o ever_o the_o creature_n goodness_n and_o perfection_n be_v but_o as_o the_o grass_n and_o the_o flour_n of_o the_o field_n venture_v not_o much_o on_o your_o disposition_n and_o frame_n thou_o know_v not_o what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o but_o his_o truth_n be_v to_o all_o generation_n and_o it_o be_v well_o try_v as_o gold_n seven_o time_n all_o generation_n have_v try_v it_o and_o find_v it_o better_o than_o pure_a gold_n his_o dispensation_n be_v arbitrary_a no_o rule_n to_o you_o he_o love_v to_o declare_v his_o sovereignty_n here_o and_o to_o expatiat_fw-la in_o the_o creature_n sight_n beyond_o its_o conceive_n but_o he_o have_v limit_v himself_o in_o his_o word_n and_o come_v down_o to_o we_o and_o lay_v bond_n on_o himself_o will_v he_o then_o untie_v they_o for_o we_o give_v he_o liberty_n where_o he_o love_v it_o take_v he_o bind_v where_o he_o bind_v himself_o how_o may_v god_n expostulate_v with_o this_o generation_n as_o these_o of_o little_a faith_n how_o long_o shall_v i_o be_v with_o you_o say_v christ_n how_o long_o will_v christian_n tempt_v the_o lord_n in_o seek_v sign_n and_o will_v not_o rest_v upon_o his_o only_a word_n and_o promise_n o_o adulterous_a generation_n how_o long_o shall_v i_o be_v with_o you_o and_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v be_v it_o not_o righteousness_n in_o he_o either_o to_o give_v you_o no_o sign_n at_o all_o or_o to_o give_v you_o a_o sign_n dark_a than_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o pharisee_n you_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o a_o man_n word_n and_o will_v you_o not_o believe_v god_n a_o honest_a man_n will_v get_v more_o trust_n of_o we_o than_o the_o true_a and_o live_a god_n shall_v he_o not_o be_v offend_v with_o this_o we_o declare_v it_o unto_o you_o that_o he_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o will_v not_o fail_v in_o his_o promise_n let_v that_o be_v your_o castle_n and_o refuge_n to_o enter_v into_o mercy_n and_o truth_n be_v two_o sweet_a companion_n to_o go_v along_o with_o you_o in_o your_o pilgrimage_n david_n pray_v for_o they_o psal_n 61._o 7._o o_o prepare_v thy_o mercy_n and_o truth_n to_o preserve_v i_o who_o will_v not_o lie_v safe_a within_o these_o everlasting_a arm_n what_o power_n can_v break_v through_o and_o this_o he_o promise_v to_o himself_o psal_n 57_o 3._o god_n shall_v send_v they_o out_o etc._n etc._n mercy_n make_v so_o many_o precious_a promise_n and_o truth_n keep_v they_o mercy_n be_v the_o fountain_n and_o source_n of_o all_o our_o consolation_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n convey_v it_o to_o we_o and_o keep_v it_o for_o we_o it_o be_v these_o two_o that_o go_v before_o his_o face_n when_o he_o sit_v on_o a_o throne_n of_o majesty_n and_o make_v himself_o accessible_a to_o sinner_n psal_n 89._o 14._o and_o so_o they_o be_v the_o path_n way_n he_o walk_v in_o towards_o those_o who_o seek_v he_o psal_n 25._o 10._o but_o this_o sweet_a and_o precious_a name_n that_o be_v as_o ointment_n pour_v forth_o to_o these_o who_o love_v he_o how_o do_v it_o smell_v of_o death_n to_o those_o who_o walk_v contrair_a to_o he_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n to_o execute_v his_o threaten_n on_o those_o who_o despise_v his_o command_n and_o though_o you_o flatter_v yourselves_o in_o your_o own_o eye_n and_o cry_v peace_n peace_n even_o though_o you_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n â—â—_o your_o heart_n yet_o certain_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n i_o pray_v you_o read_v that_o sad_a and_o weighty_a word_n that_o will_v be_v like_o a_o millstone_n about_o many_o man_n neck_n to_o sink_v they_o in_o hell_n deut._n 29._o 20_o 21_o ye_o who_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n who_o rule_n of_o walk_v be_v your_o own_o lust_n and_o whatsoever_o please_v you_o without_o respect_n of_o his_o command_n and_o yet_o flatter_v yourselves_o with_o a_o dream_n of_o peace_n know_v this_o for_o a_o truth_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v thou_o he_o that_o make_v thou_o will_v not_o have_v mercy_n on_o thou_o his_o jealousy_n will_v smoke_v against_o thou_o and_o all_o the_o eurse_n write_v in_o this_o book_n shall_v lie_v upon_o thou_o and_o thy_o name_n shall_v be_v blot_v out_o from_o under_o heaven_n it_o be_v unbelief_n of_o god_n threaten_v that_o first_o ruin_v man_n â—â—_o be_v this_o still_o that_o keep_v so_o many_o from_o the_o remedy_n and_o make_v their_o misery_n irrecoverable_a the_o serpent_n bring_v they_o to_o this_o question_n have_v god_n say_v you_o shall_v die_v and_o then_o present_o the_o question_n entertain_v become_v a_o conclusion_n you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n be_v contrair_a to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o he_o murder_v we_o by_o lie_v of_o that_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o that_o shut_v out_o all_o hope_n of_o remedy_n you_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o believe_v and_o consider_v that_o curse_n that_o be_v pronounce_v against_o adam_n but_o be_v now_o also_o inflict_v upon_o we_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o solid_a belief_n can_v be_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o you_o who_o think_v you_o believe_v the_o gospel_n do_v but_o indeed_o fancy_v it_o except_o you_o have_v consider_v the_o true_a curse_n of_o god_n on_o all_o flesh_n but_o if_o any_o man_n have_v set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a in_o his_o threaten_v and_o subscribe_v unto_o the_o law_n then_o i_o beseech_v you_o add_v not_o the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o your_o former_a disobedience_n he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n in_o promise_n and_o threaten_n it_o be_v
man_n project_n be_v cast_v beyond_o that_o time_n that_o be_v measure_v out_o in_o god_n counsel_n and_o what_o a_o ridiculous_a thing_n must_v that_o be_v to_o he_o if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v with_o submissive_a and_o humble_a dependence_n on_o he_o in_o a_o word_n time_n be_v with_o child_n of_o innumerable_a thing_n conceive_v by_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n infinite_a and_o inconceiveable_o various_a be_v these_o conception_n which_o the_o womb_n of_o time_n shall_v at_o length_n bring_v forth_o to_o light_n every_o day_n every_o hour_n every_o minute_n be_v travel_v in_o pain_n as_o it_o be_v and_o be_v deliver_v of_o some_o one_o birth_n or_o another_o and_o no_o creature_n can_v open_v its_o womb_n soon_o or_o shut_v it_o long_o than_o the_o appoint_a and_o prefix_a season_n there_o be_v no_o miscarry_v as_o to_o he_o who_o decree_n do_v proper_o conceive_v they_o tâ—ough_o to_o we_o they_o seem_v often_o abortive_a now_o join_v unto_o this_o to_o make_v the_o allusion_n full_a as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v carry_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o time_n they_o be_v hide_v from_o all_o the_o world_n the_o womb_n be_v a_o dark_a lodging_n and_o no_o understanding_n nor_o eye_n can_v pierce_v into_o it_o to_o tell_v what_o be_v in_o it_o till_o it_o break_v forth_o and_o therefore_o child_n bear_v be_v say_v to_o come_v to_o the_o light_n for_o till_o then_o they_o be_v to_o we_o in_o a_o cloud_n of_o darkness_n that_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o they_o be_v so_o then_o every_o day_n every_o hour_n every_o moment_n be_v about_o to_o bring_v forth_o that_o which_o all_o the_o world_n be_v ignorant_a of_o till_o they_o see_v it_o and_o oh_o that_o then_o they_o understand_v it_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o morrow_n or_o next_o hour_n birth_n may_v be_v a_o proportion_a child_n or_o a_o monster_n whether_o it_o will_v answer_v the_o figure_n and_o mould_n that_o be_v in_o our_o mind_n or_o be_v mishapen_a and_o deform_a to_o our_o sense_n man_n desire_n and_o design_n may_v be_v say_v to_o conceive_v for_o they_o form_v a_o inward_a image_n and_o idea_n within_o themselves_o to_o which_o they_o labour_v to_o make_v the_o product_n and_o birth_n of_o time_n conformable_a and_o when_o it_o answer_v our_o preconceive_a form_n than_o we_o rejoice_v as_o for_o a_o manchild_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v a_o monster_n as_o to_o our_o conception_n it_o be_v a_o aberration_n from_o our_o rule_n it_o be_v either_o mutilate_v and_o defective_a of_o what_o we_o desire_v or_o superfluous_a or_o deform_a which_o turn_v our_o expectation_n into_o vexation_n and_o our_o boast_n into_o lamentation_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v time_n bring_v forth_o no_o monster_n as_o to_o the_o lord_n decree_n which_o be_v the_o only_a just_a measure_n of_o all_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o every_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n as_o david_n speak_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o womb_n my_o substance_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o when_o i_o be_v make_v in_o secret_a and_o curious_o form_v in_o the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 139._o 15._o his_o eye_n see_v all_o their_o substance_n yet_o be_v imperfect_a and_o in_o his_o everlasting_a book_n all_o their_o member_n be_v write_v the_o portraiture_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v draw_v there_o to_o the_o life_n and_o these_o in_o continuance_n be_v fashion_v just_a as_o they_o be_v write_v and_o draw_v and_o so_o they_o exact_o correspond_v to_o his_o pre-conception_n of_o they_o whatever_o deformity_n they_o may_v have_v as_o to_o we_o yet_o they_o be_v perfect_a work_n and_o beautiful_a to_o he_o sermon_n viii_o isaiah_n 1._o 10_o 11._o etc._n etc._n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n you_o ruler_n of_o sodom_n give_v ear_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n you_o people_n of_o gomorrah_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o think_v what_o mercy_n be_v mix_v with_o the_o most_o wrath-like_a stroke_n and_o threaten_n there_o be_v no_o prophet_n who_o office_n and_o commission_n be_v only_o for_o judgement_n nay_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v mercy_n that_o premise_n threaten_n the_o enter_v of_o the_o law_n both_o in_o the_o command_v and_o curse_n be_v to_o make_v sin_n abound_v that_o grace_n may_v superabound_v so_o that_o both_o rod_n and_o threaten_n be_v the_o messenger_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o he_o for_o salvation_n every_o thing_n shall_v be_v measure_v and_o name_v by_o its_o end_n so_o call_v threaten_n promise_n call_v rod_n and_o judgement_n mercy_n name_v all_o good_a and_o good_a to_o you_o if_o so_o be_v you_o understand_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n in_o these_o the_o short_a preach_v in_o the_o bible_n use_v to_o express_v itself_o what_o it_o mean_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o terrible_a this_o be_v a_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a beginning_n of_o a_o prophet_n ministry_n the_o first_o word_n be_v to_o the_o heaven_n and_o to_o the_o earth_n a_o weighty_a and_o horrible_a regrate_a of_o this_o people_n as_o if_o none_o of_o they_o be_v to_o hear_v as_o if_o the_o earth_n can_v be_v more_o easy_o affect_v than_o they_o the_o creature_n be_v take_v witness_n by_o god_n of_o their_o ingratitude_n and_o then_o who_o shall_v speak_v for_o they_o if_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v against_o they_o who_o shall_v speak_v good_a of_o they_o will_v their_o own_o conscience_n no_o certain_o it_o will_v in_o the_o day_n of_o witness_v and_o judge_v precipitate_v its_o sentence_n and_o spare_v the_o judge_n the_o labour_n of_o probation_n a_o man_n enemy_n shall_v be_v within_o his_o own_o house_n though_o now_o your_o conscience_n agree_v with_o you_o nay_o why_o do_v the_o lord_n speak_v to_o they_o because_o the_o people_n consider_v not_o because_o conscience_n have_v give_v over_o speak_v to_o they_o therefore_o the_o lord_n direct_v his_o word_n to_o the_o dumb_a earth_n yet_o how_o gracious_a be_v he_o as_o to_o direct_v a_o second_o word_n even_o to_o the_o people_n though_o a_o sad_a word_n iâ—_n be_v a_o complaint_n of_o iniquity_n and_o backslide_v and_o such_o as_o can_v be_v utter_v yet_o it_o be_v mercy_n to_o challenge_v they_o yea_o to_o chasten_v they_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v threaten_v a_o man_n with_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a judgement_n if_o he_o will_v frame_v a_o threaten_n of_o a_o rod_n of_o pure_a justice_n i_o think_v it_o shall_v be_v this_o i_o will_v no_o more_o reprove_v thou_o nor_o chasten_v thou_o and_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o it_o when_o he_o say_v why_o shall_v you_o be_v strike_v any_o more_o etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 5._o as_o if_o he_o will_v say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a now_o to_o send_v a_o rod_n you_o receive_v no_o correction_n i_o send_v the_o rod_n that_o it_o may_v open_v your_o heart_n and_o ear_n to_o the_o word_n and_o seal_v your_o instruction_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o you_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o well_o the_o prophet_n campare_v here_o sin_n and_o judgement_n and_o the_o one_o far_o surmount_v the_o other_o you_o will_v think_v a_o desolate_a country_n burn_a city_n desolation_n make_v by_o stranger_n a_o sufficient_a recompense_n of_o their_o corruption_n and_o misorder_n of_o their_o forsake_v and_o backslide_v you_o will_v think_v now_o if_o your_o present_a condition_n and_o the_o land_n press_v you_o to_o utter_v jeremiahs_n lamentation_n a_o sad_a then_o which_o be_v not_o almost_o imaginable_a you_o will_v think_v i_o say_v that_o you_o have_v receive_v double_a for_o all_o your_o sin_n and_o yet_o alas_o how_o be_v your_o iniquity_n of_o infinite_a more_o desert_n all_o that_o be_v mercy_n which_o be_v behind_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a punishment_n that_o there_o be_v room_n leave_v for_o complaint_n it_o be_v mercy_n that_o there_o be_v a_o remnant_n leave_v it_o be_v mercy_n now_o to_o proclaim_v unto_o this_o people_n and_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o their_o judgement_n be_v not_o severe_a he_o give_v they_o one_o word_n from_o god_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o when_o the_o rod_n be_v send_v because_o of_o the_o despise_n of_o the_o word_n that_o after_o the_o despise_n of_o both_o word_n and_o rod_n another_o word_n shall_v come_v always_o this_o word_n be_v a_o convince_v word_n a_o direct_v word_n and_o a_o comfort_a word_n these_o use_n to_o be_v conjoin_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o always_o express_v we_o may_v lawful_o understand_v they_o we_o may_v join_v a_o consolation_n to_o a_o conviction_n and_o close_o a_o threaten_v with_o a_o promise_n if_o we_o take_v with_o a_o threaten_v jonahs_n preach_a express_v no_o more_o but_o a_o threaten_v and_o denounciation_n of_o judgement_n but_o the_o people_n understand_v it_o according_a to_o god_n meaning_n and_o make_v it_o a_o rule_n of_o
strange_a how_o untoward_a and_o froward_a we_o be_v a_o perverse_a generation_n we_o do_v not_o believe_v his_o threaten_n but_o fancy_n we_o receive_v his_o promise_n or_o else_o believe_v his_o threaten_n we_o question_v his_o promise_n but_o know_v this_o for_o a_o truth_n his_o last_o word_n be_v more_o weighty_a and_o the_o unbelief_n of_o it_o be_v most_o dangerous_a you_o have_v not_o keep_v his_o command_n and_o so_o the_o curse_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o do_v you_o believe_v that_o if_o you_o do_v than_o the_o gospel_n speak_v unto_o you_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n have_v one_o word_n more_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v notwithstanding_o of_o all_o his_o break_n of_o the_o law_n if_o you_o do_v not_o set_v your_o seal_n to_o this_o also_o than_o you_o say_v he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n you_o say_v he_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o as_o for_o you_o who_o have_v commit_v your_o soul_n to_o he_o as_o to_o a_o faithful_a keeper_n and_o acquiesce_v unto_o his_o word_n of_o promise_n for_o salvation_n think_v how_o unsuitable_a it_o be_v for_o you_o to_o distrust_v he_o in_o other_o lesser_a thing_n you_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n whoever_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v therefore_o do_v not_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n in_o these_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o will_v let_v you_o want_v no_o good_a thing_n say_v to_o the_o righteous_a it_o shall_v he_o well_o with_o he_o what_o ever_o be_v let_v heaven_n and_o earth_n mix_v through_o other_o yet_o you_o may_v be_v as_o mount_n zion_n unmoved_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o flood_n because_o of_o the_o promise_n without_o iniquity_n who_o doubt_v of_o that_o say_v you_o what_o need_v this_o be_v add_v who_o charge_v he_o with_o iniquity_n or_o sin_n nay_o but_o stay_v and_o consider_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v great_a weight_n in_o this_o it_o be_v true_a none_o dare_v charge_v he_o open_o or_o speak_v in_o express_a term_n against_o his_o holiness_n yet_o if_o we_o judge_v of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o practice_n and_o disposition_n as_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o construct_v of_o they_o if_o we_o resolve_v our_o murmur_n impatience_n self-absolutions_a and_o excuse_n to_o hold_v off_o conviction_n into_o plain_a language_n if_o we_o will_v translate_v they_o into_o a_o scripture-style_n certain_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n if_o not_o all_o use_v to_o impute_v iniquity_n to_o god_n and_o accuse_v he_o rather_o then_o take_v with_o accusation_n lay_v against_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o go_v to_o law_n with_o his_o people_n he_o who_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n that_o can_v do_v unrighteous_o he_o who_o be_v the_o potter_n and_o we_o all_o the_o clay_n yet_o he_o so_o far_o condescend_v to_o we_o for_o convince_a we_o as_o sometime_o to_o refer_v the_o controversy_n between_o he_o and_o his_o people_n to_o other_o creature_n as_o micah_n 6._o 12._o he_o call_v the_o mountain_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o judge_v between_o he_o and_o his_o people_n and_o sometime_o he_o appeal_v unto_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o be_v content_a though_o judge_v to_o stand_v and_o be_v judge_v by_o these_o who_o be_v guilty_a as_o vers_n 3_o and_o jer._n 2._o vers_fw-la 5_o and_o 31._o all_o this_o suppose_n that_o when_o the_o lord_n will_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o iniquity_n they_o do_v rather_o recriminat_fw-la and_o take_v not_o with_o their_o own_o fault_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o he_o who_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n do_v no_o iniquity_n but_o o_o that_o you_o consider_v it_o till_o the_o meditation_n of_o it_o be_v engrave_v on_o your_o spirit_n the_o seal_n of_o god_n holiness_n that_o you_o may_v fear_v before_o he_o and_o never_o call_v he_o to_o account_v for_o his_o matter_n who_o can_v say_v i_o have_v purge_v my_o heart_n from_o iniquity_n among_o man_n the_o holy_a be_v defile_v with_o it_o and_o so_o be_v all_o their_o action_n but_o here_o be_v one_o that_o you_o may_v give_v he_o a_o implicit_a faith_n so_o to_o speak_v he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o can_v speak_v no_o lie_n be_v do_v no_o iniquity_n and_o can_v do_v wrong_a to_o any_o man_n will_v there_o be_v so_o much_o impatience_n among_o you_o and_o fret_v against_o his_o dispensation_n if_o you_o believe_v this_o solid_o will_v you_o repine_v against_o his_o holy_a and_o just_a way_n be_v it_o not_o to_o charge_n god_n with_o iniquity_n your_o murmur_a and_o grudge_v at_o his_o dispensation_n be_v with_o child_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o he_o who_o can_v search_v the_o reins_o see_v it_o and_o construct_v so_o of_o it_o you_o say_v by_o interpretation_n that_o if_o you_o have_v the_o government_n of_o your_o own_o matter_n or_o of_o kingdom_n you_o will_v order_v they_o better_o than_o he_o do_v how_o difficult_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o take_v with_o their_o own_o iniquity_n o_o how_o many_o excuse_n and_o pretence_n how_o many_o extenuation_n be_v use_v that_o this_o conviction_n may_v not_o pierce_v deep_o but_o all_o this_o speak_v so_o much_o blasphemy_n that_o iniquity_n be_v in_o god_n you_o can_v take_v with_o your_o own_o iniquity_n but_o you_o charge_v his_o majesty_n with_o iniquity_n just_a and_o right_o be_v he_o be_v this_o any_o new_a thing_n be_v it_o not_o say_v already_o that_o he_o be_v without_o iniquity_n and_o his_o way_n judgement_n but_o alas_o how_o ignorant_a be_v we_o of_o god_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o conceive_v he_o as_o he_o be_v therefore_o be_v there_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n and_o name_n upon_o name_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o at_o length_n we_o may_v apprehend_v god_n as_o he_o be_v alas_o our_o knowledge_n be_v but_o ignorance_n our_o light_a darkness_n while_o it_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o the_o corner_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o shine_v not_o into_o the_o heart_n and_o have_v no_o influence_n on_o our_o practice_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o belief_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v almost_o no_o more_o but_o a_o not_o contradict_v they_o we_o do_v not_o serious_o think_v of_o they_o as_o either_o to_o consent_v to_o they_o or_o deny_v they_o be_v there_o any_o consideration_n among_o we_o now_o of_o god_n justice_n and_o righteousness_n though_o it_o be_v frequent_o speak_v of_o and_o what_o advantage_n shall_v you_o have_v if_o you_o do_v not_o consider_v they_o o_o how_o hard_o be_v it_o to_o persuade_v man_n heart_n of_o this_o that_o god_n be_v just_a and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n acquit_v the_o guilty_a there_o be_v so_o many_o delusion_n drink_v in_o in_o man_n heart_n contrary_a to_o his_o truth_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o be_v not_o deceive_v with_o vain_a word_n know_v you_o not_o say_v our_o apostle_n these_o be_v strange_a preface_n will_v you_o not_o think_v the_o point_n of_o truth_n subtle_a that_o there_o need_v so_o much_o preface_v unto_o and_o yet_o what_o be_v it_o even_o that_o which_o all_o man_n grant_v god_n wrath_n come_v on_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n but_o alas_o few_o man_n consider_v but_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o dream_n of_o escape_v it_o though_o man_n know_v it_o yet_o they_o know_v it_o not_o for_o they_o walk_v as_o if_o they_o know_v no_o such_o thing_n always_o however_o this_o be_v of_o little_a moment_n to_o affect_v our_o spirit_n now_o yet_o in_o the_o day_n that_o god_n shall_v set_v your_o iniquity_n before_o your_o face_n and_o set_v his_o justice_n also_o before_o your_o eye_n o_o how_o sad_a and_o serious_a a_o thing_n will_v it_o be_v then_o if_o these_o two_o verse_n be_v engrave_v on_o our_o heart_n god_n justice_n and_o holiness_n our_o corruption_n and_o vileness_n i_o think_v there_o will_v be_v other_o thought_n among_o we_o then_o there_o be_v sermon_n iu._n deut._n 32._o 5._o they_o have_v corrupt_v themselves_o their_o spot_n be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o his_o child_n etc._n etc._n we_o doubt_v this_o people_n will_v take_v well_o with_o such_o a_o description_n of_o themselves_o as_o moses_n give_v it_o may_v seem_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o god_n shall_v have_v choose_v such_o a_o people_n out_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o they_o to_o be_v so_o rebellious_a and_o perverse_a if_o our_o own_o experience_n do_v not_o teach_v we_o how_o free_a his_o choice_n be_v and_o how_o long-suffering_a he_o be_v and_o constant_a in_o his_o choice_n his_o people_n be_v call_v to_o a_o conformity_n with_o himself_o be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a leu._n ch_n 19_o and_o 20._o and_o to_o a_o difformity_n and_o separation_n from_o
his_o creature_n as_o these_o be_v and_o no_o more_o isai_n 66._o 3._o noâ—_n that_o they_o look_v never_o beyond_o the_o ceremony_n it_o be_v evident_a because_o they_o boast_v in_o they_o theâ—_n use_v to_o find_v out_o these_o as_o a_o remedy_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o a_o mean_a to_o pacify_v god_n wrath_n micah_n 6._o 6._o paul_n bear_v witness_v of_o it_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 14._o moses_n have_v a_o veil_n of_o ceremony_n over_o his_o face_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n can_v not_o steadfast_o look_v to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o mystery_n christ_n jesus_n but_o their_o mind_n be_v blind_v and_o be_v so_o to_o this_o day_n in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o veil_n of_o hardness_n of_o heart_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o when_o christ_n return_v they_o again_o now_o i_o say_v it_o be_v just_a so_o with_o we_o there_o be_v never_o a_o people_n like_a other_o nor_o we_o be_v like_o the_o jew_n we_o have_v many_o external_a ordinance_n preach_v hear_v baptism_n communion_n read_v sing_v pray_v in_o public_a extraordinary_a solemnity_n of_o fast_v and_o thanksgiving_n work_v of_o discipline_n and_o government_n public_a reproof_n to_o sinner_n confession_n and_o absolution_n what_o will_v you_o think_v if_o we_o shall_v change_v the_o term_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o new_a moon_n and_o speak_v all_o this_o to_o you_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o fast_n and_o feast_n of_o your_o preach_n and_o communion_n of_o your_o pray_v in_o secret_a and_o in_o your_o family_n of_o conference_n and_o prayer_n with_o other_o of_o run_v to_o and_o fro_o to_o hear_v preach_v â—o_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n table_n i_o be_o full_a of_o they_o â—_o delight_n not_o in_o they_o when_o you_o come_v here_o on_o â—he_n sabbath_n who_o require_v at_o your_o hand_n to_o read_v my_o court_n come_v no_o more_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n run_v no_o more_o after_o communion_n seek_v â—o_o more_o baptism_n to_o your_o child_n call_v no_o â—ore_o solemn_a assembly_n it_o be_v all_o iniquity_n oh_o â—ay_n you_o that_o be_v a_o strange_a preach_v indeed_o must_v â—e_v pray_v no_o more_o hear_v no_o more_o sing_v no_o more_o do_v not_o god_n command_v these_o why_o do_v you_o discharge_v they_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v so_o that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v but_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o another_o way_n all_o these_o want_v the_o soul_n and_o life_n of_o they_o which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n in_o they_o do_v you_o not_o think_v yourselves_o religious_a because_o you_o frequent_v these_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n think_v that_o these_o please_v god_n and_o pacify_v his_o wrath_n you_o have_v no_o other_o thing_n in_o your_o mind_n but_o these_o if_o you_o can_v attain_v any_o sorrow_n or_o grief_n for_o sin_n or_o any_o tear_n to_o signify_v it_o present_o you_o absolve_v yourselves_o for_o your_o repentance_n the_o scandalous_a who_o appear_v in_o public_a think_v the_o pay_n of_o a_o penalty_n to_o the_o judge_n and_o bow_v the_o knee_n before_o the_o congregation_n satisfy_v god_n you_o miss_v nothing_o when_o you_o have_v these_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o professor_n of_o religion_n also_o who_o pretend_v to_o more_o knowledge_n than_o other_o when_o you_o have_v go_v about_o so_o many_o duty_n you_o be_v well_o satisfy_v if_o you_o get_v liberty_n in_o they_o if_o you_o can_v satisfy_v yourself_o you_o doubt_v not_o of_o god_n satisfaction_n and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o satisfy_v yourselves_o in_o your_o duty_n you_o can_v believe_v his_o satisfaction_n you_o get_v the_o ordinance_n and_o miss_v nothing_o now_o i_o say_v in_o all_o this_o you_o do_v not_o reacâ—_n to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o ministry_n jesâ—s_n christ_n you_o dâ—_n not_o steadfast_o behold_v he_o to_o empty_v your_o selveâ—_n in_o his_o bosom_n to_o turn_v over_o all_o the_o unrighteousness_n of_o your_o holy_a thing_n upon_o he_o who_o bearâ—_n it_o that_o which_o please_v you_o be_v not_o he_o in_o who_o the_o father_n be_v well_o please_v but_o the_o measure_n oâ—_n your_o own_o duty_n o_o the_o establish_n of_o ouâ—_n own_o righteousness_n be_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o visiblâ—_n church_n this_o be_v the_o grand_a idol_n and_o all_o sacrifice_n to_o it_o know_v therefore_o that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o your_o performance_n be_v abomination_n and_o iniquity_n because_o you_o have_v so_o much_o confidence_n in_o they_o and_o put_v they_o not_o upon_o christ_n as_o filthy_a rag_n or_o do_v not_o cover_v they_o with_o his_o righteousness_n as_o well_o as_o your_o wickedness_n i_o know_v you_o will_v say_v that_o you_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o they_o and_o that_o be_v still_o the_o matter_n of_o your_o exercise_n well_o i_o affirm_v in_o the_o lord_n name_v from_o that_o ground_n that_o you_o have_v confidence_n in_o they_o for_o if_o your_o diffidence_n and_o disquietness_n arise_v from_o it_o your_o confidence_n and_o peace_n must_v come_v from_o it_o also_o be_v there_o any_o almost_o that_o maintain_v faith_n except_o when_o their_o own_o condition_n please_v they_o well_o and_o that_o faith_n i_o may_v call_v no_o faith_n at_o least_o not_o pure_a and_o cleanly_a entire_a faith_n as_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o you_o you_o must_v know_v this_o that_o god_n be_v not_o please_v with_o your_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o hear_v etc._n etc._n because_o you_o have_v such_o a_o esteem_n of_o they_o because_o you_o can_v settle_v yourselves_o against_o all_o threaten_n and_o never_o once_o remember_v of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n because_o you_o find_v no_o necessity_n of_o pardon_n for_o your_o prayer_n and_o righteousness_n but_o stretch_v the_o garment_n of_o these_o over_o the_o uncleanness_n of_o your_o practice_n what_o delight_n have_v the_o lord_n in_o they_o when_o they_o be_v put_v in_o his_o son_n place_n will_v he_o not_o be_v jealous_a that_o his_o son_n glory_n be_v not_o give_v to_o another_o in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o lord_n reject_v their_o performance_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o mere_a shadow_n of_o service_n and_o no_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o the_o spirit_n you_o know_v what_o christ_n say_v god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o he_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v do_v it_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n jo._n 4._o 24._o it_o be_v thâ—_n heart_n and_o soul_n that_o god_n delight_v into_o mâ—_n son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n for_o if_o thou_o give_v not_o hy_z heart_n i_o care_v for_o nothing_o else_o the_o heart_n iâ—_n the_o whole_a man_n what_o a_o man_n affection_n be_v that_o he_o be_v light_n be_v not_o so_o it_o bring_v not_o thâ—_n man_n along_v with_o it_o christ_n jesus_n have_v giveâ—_n himself_o for_o we_o and_o he_o require_v that_o we_o offer_v ouâ—_n self_n to_o he_o if_o we_o offer_v a_o body_n to_o frequent_v his_o house_n our_o foot_n to_o tread_v in_o his_o court_n ouâ—_n ear_n to_o hear_v his_o word_n what_o care_v he_o for_o it_o aâ—_n long_o as_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o offer_v itself_o up_o in_o prayer_n or_o hearing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o thiâ—_n people_n isai_n 29._o 13._o they_o draw_v near_o with_o thâ—_n lip_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o the_o lord_n now_o be_v not_o we_o their_o child_n and_o have_v succeed_v to_o this_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n almost_o in_o our_o public_a service_n but_o what_o be_v public_a be_v therâ—_n any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v see_v of_o man_n you_o comâ—_n to_o hear_v you_o sit_v and_o hear_v and_o be_v there_o any_o more_o the_o most_o part_n have_v their_o mind_n wander_v no_o thought_n present_v for_o your_o thoughtâ—_n be_v remove_v about_o your_o barn_n and_o corn_n oâ—_n some_o business_n in_o your_o head_n and_o if_o any_o hauâ—_n their_o thought_n present_a yet_o where_o be_v affection_n which_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o it_o be_v no_o true_a fire_n but_o wildâ—_n fire_n if_o it_o be_v not_o both_o burn_a and_o shine_a be_v you_o serious_a in_o these_o ordinance_n or_o ratheâ—_n be_v you_o not_o more_o serious_a in_o any_o thing_n beside_o and_o now_o especial_o when_o god_n providence_n call_v you_o to_o earnest_a thought_n when_o it_o cry_v to_o alâ—_n man_n to_o enter_v into_o consideration_n of_o their_o owâ—_n way_n i_o pray_v you_o be_v there_o any_o soul-affliction_n in_o your_o fast_n even_o for_o a_o day_n be_v there_o any_o real_a grief_n or_o token_n of_o it_o not_o a_o fast_a in_o scripture_n without_o weep_v we_o have_v keep_v many_o and_o have_v never_o advance_v so_o far_o shall_v the_o lord_n than_o be_v pacify_v will_v not_o his_o soul_n abhor_v they_o how_o shall_v they_o appease_v he_o for_o your_o other_o provocation_n when_o they_o be_v as_o oil_n to_o
the_o flame_n to_o increase_v his_o indignation_n the_o most_o part_n of_o christian_n be_v guilty_a here_o we_o come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n as_o it_o be_v to_o discharge_v a_o custom_n and_o perform_v a_o ceremony_n that_o we_o may_v have_v it_o to_o say_v to_o our_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v do_v and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o intent_n and_o purpose_n we_o do_v not_o seek_v to_o have_v soul_n communion_n with_o god_n we_o come_v to_o sermon_n to_o hear_v some_o new_a thing_n or_o new_a truth_n or_o new_a fashion_n of_o it_o to_o learn_v a_o notional_a experience_n of_o case_n but_o alas_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a purpose_n and_o use_v of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o have_v some_o new_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n we_o know_v we_o know_v already_o but_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o get_v the_o truth_n more_o receive_v in_o our_o love_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o our_o spirit_n and_o to_o return_v to_o he_o ourselves_o in_o a_o sacrifice_n acceptable_a this_o be_v the_o great_a half_n if_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n who_o love_v we_o and_o live_v to_o he_o because_o he_o die_v for_o we_o and_o livihg_v to_o he_o because_o we_o love_v he_o now_o all_o our_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n shall_v be_v channel_n to_o carry_v our_o love_n to_o he_o and_o occasion_n of_o vent_v our_o affection_n three_o the_o lord_n reject_v this_o people_n service_n because_o they_o be_v exact_a and_o punctual_a in_o they_o and_o neglect_v other_o part_n of_o his_o commandment_n and_o this_o be_v clear_o express_v here_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v your_o prayer_n though_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o why_o your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n you_o come_v to_o worship_v i_o and_o pray_v to_o i_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o abomination_n in_o your_o conversation_n which_o you_o continue_v in_o and_o do_v not_o challenge_v in_o yourselves_o you_o have_v unclean_a hand_n and_o shall_v your_o prayer_n be_v accept_v which_o shall_v come_v up_o with_o pure_a hand_n they_o take_v his_o covenant_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o offer_v many_o sacrifice_n but_o what_o have_v you_o to_o do_v with_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o lord_n since_o you_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v since_o you_o hate_v personal_a reformation_n of_o your_o life_n and_o in_o your_o family_n what_o have_v you_o to_o do_v to_o profess_v to_o be_v my_o people_n psal_n 50_o 19_o 17_o the_o lord_n require_v a_o universality_n if_o you_o will_v prove_v sincerity_n if_o you_o have_v respect_n to_o any_o of_o his_o command_n as_o his_o command_n then_o will_v you_o respect_v all_o if_o you_o be_v partial_a and_o choose_v one_o duty_n that_o be_v easy_a and_o refuse_v another_o hard_a you_o will_v come_v to_o the_o church_n and_o hear_v but_o you_o will_v not_o pray_v at_o home_n you_o will_v fast_o in_o publck_n but_o not_o in_o private_a then_o say_v the_o lord_n you_o do_v not_o at_o all_o obey_v i_o but_o your_o own_o humour_n you_o do_v not_o at_o all_o fast_o unto_o i_o but_o unto_o yourselves_o as_o much_o as_o your_o interest_n lie_v in_o a_o duty_n so_o much_o be_v you_o carry_v to_o it_o and_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o many_o be_v so_o eager_a in_o pursue_v public_a ordinance_n follow_v communion_n and_o conference_n with_o god_n people_n ready_a to_o pray_v in_o public_a rather_o then_o alone_o if_o you_o will_v follow_v they_o into_o their_o secret_a chamber_n how_o much_o indifferency_n be_v there_o how_o great_a infrequency_n how_o little_a fervency_n well_o say_v the_o lord_n do_v you_o pray_v to_o i_o when_o you_o pray_v among_o other_o no_o you_o pray_v either_o to_o yourselves_o or_o the_o company_n or_o both_o do_v you_o seek_v i_o in_o a_o communion_n no_o say_v the_o lord_n you_o seek_v not_o i_o but_o yourselves_o if_o you_o seek_v i_o indeed_o with_o other_o you_o will_v be_v all_o be_v earnest_a if_o not_o more_o to_o seek_v i_o alone_o zech._n 7._o 6._o and_o again_o the_o lord_n especial_o require_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n to_o be_v consider_v as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n their_o ceremony_n be_v command_v and_o so_o good_a but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o good_a in_o themselves_o as_o because_o they_o be_v mean_n appoint_v for_o another_o end_n and_o use_v but_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v bind_v in_o itself_o and_o good_a in_o itself_o without_o relation_n to_o another_o thing_n and_o therefore_o christ_n lay_v this_o heavy_a charge_n to_o the_o pharisee_n you_o tithe_v mint_n and_o anise_v mat._n 23._o 23._o woe_n unto_o you_o for_o you_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o faith_n these_o you_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o leave_v the_o other_o undo_v be_v there_o not_o many_o who_o will_v think_v it_o a_o great_a fault_n to_o stay_v away_o from_o the_o church_n on_o the_o sabbath_n or_o week_n day_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o swear_v to_o drink_v often_o woe_n unto_o you_o for_o you_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n therefore_o be_v the_o prophet_n full_a of_o these_o expostulation_n the_o people_n seem_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o ceremony_n and_o external_n ordinance_n but_o they_o do_v not_o order_v their_o conversation_n aright_o they_o do_v not_o execute_v judgement_n and_o relieve_v the_o oppress_v do_v not_o walk_v sober_o do_v not_o mortify_v sinful_a lust_n etc._n etc._n alas_o we_o deceive_v ourselves_o with_o the_o noise_n of_o a_o covenant_n and_o a_o cause_n of_o god_n we_o cry_v it_o up_o as_o a_o antidote_n against_o all_o evil_n use_v it_o as_o a_o charm_n even_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v their_o temple_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o do_v not_o care_v how_o we_o walk_v before_o god_n or_o with_o our_o neighbour_n well_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n trust_v you_o not_o in_o lie_v word_n jer._n 7._o 4_o 5_o 6._o if_o drunkenness_n reign_v among_o you_o if_o filthiness_n swear_v oppression_n cruelty_n reign_n among_o you_o your_o covenant_n be_v but_o a_o lie_n all_o your_o profession_n be_v but_o lie_a word_n and_o shall_v never_o keep_v you_o in_o your_o inheritance_n and_o dwelling_n the_o lord_n tell_v you_o what_o he_o require_v of_o you_o be_v it_o not_o to_o do_v just_o and_o walk_v humble_o with_o god_n mic._n 6._o 7._o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n teach_v to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a towards_o your_o god_n your_o neighbour_n and_o yourself_o tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o and_o this_o he_o prefer_v to_o your_o public_a ordinance_n your_o fast_n covenant_a preach_a and_o such_o like_a be_v not_o this_o to_o know_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 22._o 15._o 16._o you_o think_v you_o know_v god_n when_o you_o can_v discourse_v well_o of_o religion_n and_o entertain_v conference_n of_o practical_a case_n you_o think_v it_o be_v knowledge_n to_o understand_v preach_n and_o scripture_n but_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o do_v just_o to_o all_o man_n to_o walk_v humble_o towards_o god_n to_o walk_v sober_o in_o yourselves_o be_v more_o real_a knowledge_n of_o god_n than_o all_o the_o volume_n of_o doctor_n contain_v or_o the_o head_n of_o professor_n be_v this_o knowledge_n of_o god_n to_o have_v a_o long_a flourish_a discourse_n contain_v much_o religion_n in_o it_o alas_o no_o to_o do_v just_o to_o oppress_v none_o to_o pray_v more_o in_o secret_a to_o walk_v humble_o and_o sober_o this_o be_v to_o know_v the_o lord_n practice_n be_v real_a knowledge_n indeed_o it_o argue_v that_o what_o a_o man_n know_v he_o receive_v in_o love_n that_o the_o truth_n have_v a_o deep_a impression_n on_o the_o heart_n that_o the_o light_n shine_v into_o the_o heart_n to_o inflame_v it_o what_o be_v knowledge_n before_o god_n as_o much_o as_o principle_n affection_n and_o action_n as_o much_o as_o have_v influence_n on_o your_o conversation_n if_o you_o do_v not_o and_o love_v not_o what_o you_o know_v be_v that_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n shall_v not_o your_o knowledge_n be_v a_o testimony_n against_o your_o practice_n and_o no_o more_o sermon_n x._o isai_n 1._o 16._o wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a etc._n etc._n if_o we_o will_v have_v a_o sum_n of_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n here_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o peopleâ—_n shadow_n of_o religion_n that_o consist_v in_o external_n ordinance_n and_o rite_n we_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v all_o be_v well_o please_v with_o our_o service_n as_o we_o ourselves_o therefore_o we_o choose_v his_o command_n which_o our_o humour_n have_v no_o
engage_v both_o to_o give_v a_o shelter_n and_o refuge_n to_o the_o poor_a sinner_n will_v a_o soul_n be_v any_o more_o toss_v will_v there_o be_v any_o place_n for_o waver_v and_o doubt_v if_o soul_n consider_v his_o excellent_a love_a kindness_n and_o great_a goodness_n lay_v up_o and_o treasure_v with_o he_o for_o these_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o psal_n 36._o 7._o who_o will_v not_o put_v their_o trust_n under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n and_o think_v themselves_o safe_a again_o if_o his_o eternal_a power_n be_v ponder_v how_o he_o be_v able_a to_o effectuate_v whatever_o he_o please_v what_o everlasting_a arm_n he_o have_v that_o by_o a_o word_n support_v the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n what_o he_o can_v do_v if_o he_o stretch_v out_o his_o arm_n and_o then_o if_o these_o two_o immutable_a thing_n heb._n 6._o 18._o his_o promise_n and_o his_o oath_n be_v look_v upon_o how_o he_o have_v engage_v himself_o in_o his_o truth_n and_o swear_v in_o his_o holiness_n will_v not_o a_o soul_n lie_v safe_o between_o these_o three_o what_o strong_a consolation_n will_v such_o a_o threefold_a consideration_n yield_v will_v any_o wind_n or_o tempest_n blow_v within_o these_o wall_n mount_v up_o to_o heaven_n stayedness_n on_o god_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o fixedness_n of_o believe_v and_o trust_v psal_n 112._o 7_o 8._o his_o heart_n be_v fix_v trust_v in_o god_n hiâ—â—eart_n be_v establish_v it_o be_v even_o the_o mature_a and_o ripe_a age_n of_o faith_n fâ—ith_o while_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o infancy_n in_o its_o tender_a year_n it_o neither_o can_v endure_v storm_n nor_o can_v it_o confirm_v we_o in_o they_o but_o when_o it_o have_v spring_v up_o and_o grow_v in_o that_o root_n of_o jesse_n wheâ—_n it_o be_v root_v and_o establish_v in_o jesus_n christ_n than_o it_o establish_v the_o soul_n faith_n abide_v in_o he_o and_o take_v root_n grow_v confirm_v as_o a_o tree_n that_o can_v easy_o be_v move_v and_o if_o you_o establish_v faith_n you_o shall_v be_v establish_v there_o be_v two_o particular_n which_o i_o conceive_v the_o trust_n soul_n be_v stay_v on_o first_o in_o the_o meditation_n of_o god_n second_o in_o expectation_n from_o he_o of_o all_o good_a thing_n when_o i_o say_v the_o meditation_n of_o god_n i_o take_v in_o both_o contemplation_n and_o affection_n the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n have_v but_o few_o thought_n of_o god_n at_o all_o even_o those_o who_o trust_v in_o he_o do_v not_o consider_v sufficient_o what_o a_o one_o he_o be_v in_o who_o they_o believe_v if_o faith_n be_v vigorous_a and_o lively_a it_o will_v put_v man_n to_o often_o think_v on_o he_o seek_v to_o know_v he_o in_o his_o glorious_a name_n the_o mind_n will_v be_v stay_v upon_o this_o glorious_a object_n as_o the_o most_o mysterious_a and_o wonderful_a one_o how_o throng_n be_v man_n mind_n with_o their_o vanity_n when_o they_o awake_v they_o be_v not_o still_o with_o god_n the_o meditation_n of_o he_o be_v a_o burden_n to_o they_o any_o other_o thing_n 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know_v he_o be_v good_a he_o be_v merciful_a just_a long_o suffer_v faithful_a etc._n etc._n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o knowledge_n but_o ignorance_n and_o your_o light_a darkness_n when_o it_o do_v not_o press_v you_o to_o put_v your_o trust_n in_o his_o name_n you_o know_v nay_o but_o you_o consider_v not_o what_o you_o know_v this_o be_v trust_v when_o the_o mind_n be_v stay_v on_o what_o it_o know_v when_o all_o the_o scatter_a thought_n and_o affection_n be_v call_v home_o and_o unite_v in_o one_o to_o be_v exercise_v about_o this_o comprehensive_a object_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n it_o be_v not_o want_v of_o knowledge_n destroy_v you_o but_o want_v of_o consideration_n of_o what_o you_o know_v and_o this_o be_v brutishness_n man_n heart_n do_v not_o carry_v seal_n and_o stamp_n of_o their_o knowledge_n because_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v but_o as_o passenger_n that_o go_v through_o a_o land_n as_o lightning_n go_v through_o the_o mind_n but_o warm_v it_o not_o and_o so_o their_o practice_n carry_v no_o impression_n of_o it_o either_o how_o base_a be_v it_o for_o those_o who_o have_v god_n for_o their_o god_n to_o be_v so_o ignorant_a of_o he_o will_v not_o any_o man_n willing_o travel_v about_o his_o own_o possession_n have_v you_o such_o a_o large_a portion_n believer_n and_o shall_v you_o be_v take_v up_o with_o other_o vanity_n shall_v your_o heart_n &_o mind_n be_v stay_v on_o they_o more_o than_o the_o live_a god_n there_o be_v a_o great_a vanity_n and_o levity_n in_o man_n mind_n the_o lord_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v vanity_n there_o be_v aâ—_n unsetledness_n of_o spirit_n we_o can_v pitch_v upon_o that_o on_o which_o we_o may_v be_v stay_v and_o so_o all_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v in_o a_o continual_a motion_n from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o for_o nothing_o give_v complete_a satisfaction_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v go_v and_o try_v one_o after_o another_o to_o see_v if_o it_o can_v find_v in_o it_o what_o iâ—_n find_v not_o in_o the_o former_a and_o such_o be_v the_o inconstancy_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o it_o lick_v up_o its_o vomit_n and_o what_o thing_n it_o refuse_v it_o eat_v it_o up_o as_o itâ—_n meat_n the_o time_n be_v spend_v in_o choose_v and_o refuse_v reject_v one_o thing_n and_o take_v another_o and_o again_o return_v to_o what_o you_o have_v reject_v thus_o be_v man_n toss_v up_o and_o down_o and_o unstable_a in_o all_o their_o way_n as_o a_o ship_n without_o ballast_n now_o faith_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n be_v the_o ballast_n and_o weight_n of_o this_o inconstant_a ship_n it_o be_v the_o anchor_n to_o stay_v it_o from_o be_v drive_v to_o and_o fro_o once_o man_n will_v pitch_v upon_o this_o one_o lord_n wiâ—_n have_v in_o himself_o eminent_o all_o the_o scatter_a perfection_n of_o creature_n and_o infinite_o more_o if_o you_o will_v consider_v he_o and_o meditate_v on_o he_o till_o your_o soul_n love_v he_o will_v you_o not_o be_v ravish_v with_o he_o will_v you_o not_o build_v your_o house_n beside_o he_o and_o dwell_v in_o the_o meditation_n of_o his_o name_n this_o will_v fix_v and_o establish_v you_o in_o duty_n when_o i_o awake_v i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o a_o little_a search_n and_o experience_n discover_v emptiness_n in_o all_o beside_o and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o the_o soul_n remove_v soon_o from_o such_o a_o particular_a creature_n than_o it_o expect_v but_o here_o be_v one_o that_o be_v past_o find_v out_o the_o more_o i_o search_v and_o find_v i_o find_v he_o the_o more_o above_o what_o i_o can_v search_v and_o find_v the_o creature_n be_v but_o paint_v and_o fair_a in_o man_n apprehension_n and_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o the_o near_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o discover_v the_o delusion_n and_o send_v a_o man_n away_o ashamed_a because_o he_o trust_v but_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o he_o be_v not_o as_o water_n that_o fail_v no_o liar_n he_o be_v a_o everlasting_a fountain_n the_o more_o you_o dig_v and_o draw_v it_o run_v the_o fast_o he_o will_v never_o send_v any_o away_o ashamed_a that_o trust_n in_o he_o because_o they_o shall_v find_v more_o than_o they_o expect_v therefore_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v stay_v on_o meditation_n of_o god_n and_o know_v he_o certain_o will_v be_v fix_v in_o expectation_n from_o he_o our_o expectation_n from_o the_o creature_n change_v because_o it_o be_v oft_o frustrate_a disappoyntment_n meet_v it_o it_o be_v above_o what_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o so_o it_o must_v meet_v with_o disappoyntment_n but_o as_o he_o be_v above_o our_o meditation_n so_o be_v he_o far_o above_o our_o expectation_n and_o if_o a_o man_n experience_n answer_v
your_o prayer_n a_o delight_n be_v upright_o in_o the_o thing_n you_o seek_v and_o see_v that_o you_o entertain_v no_o know_a sin_n give_v it_o no_o heart_n allowance_n three_o there_o be_v many_o prayer_n not_o hear_v not_o know_v because_o the_o mouth_n outcry_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o contrite_a heart_n that_o god_n despise_v not_o the_o prayer_n of_o this_o people_n be_v such_o isai_n 29._o 13._o they_o draw_v near_o with_o the_o mouth_n but_o the_o heaâ—t_n be_v far_o away_o it_o be_v worship_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n that_o god_n love_v joh_n 4._o 23._o since_o prayer_n be_v a_o communion_n of_o god_n with_o the_o creature_n a_o meeting_n of_o one_o with_o god_n and_o speak_v face_n to_o face_n god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o immortal_a must_v have_v a_o spirit_n to_o meet_v with_o a_o soul_n to_o speak_v to_o he_o now_o do_v you_o not_o find_v your_o heart_n gade_v abroad_o even_o in_o duty_n be_v it_o not_o most_o about_o your_o corn_n and_o land_n in_o the_o time_n of_o solemn_a worship_n therefore_o god_n get_v no_o more_o but_o a_o carcase_n to_o keep_v communion_n with_o he_o may_v have_v as_o much_o fellowship_n with_o the_o stone_n of_o the_o wall_n and_o timber_n of_o the_o house_n as_o he_o can_v have_v with_o your_o ear_n and_o mouth_n while_o you_o remove_v your_o heart_n to_o attend_v other_o thing_n and_o i_o will_v say_v more_o if_o your_o mind_n be_v present_a yet_o your_o heart_n be_v go_v sometime_o yea_o often_o both_o be_v go_v abroad_o sometime_o the_o mind_n and_o thought_n stay_v but_o the_o affection_n and_o heart_n be_v not_o with_o it_o and_o so_o the_o mind_n residence_n be_v not_o constant_a your_o thought_n may_v come_v in_o as_o a_o wayfaring_a man_n but_o tarry_v not_o all_o night_n dwell_v not_o now_o speak_v to_o it_o even_a christian_n may_v not_o your_o prayer_n often_o have_v a_o contrary_a interpretation_n to_o what_o they_o pretend_v you_o pray_v so_o coldrifely_a and_o formal_o as_o god_n will_v interpret_v you_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o it_o we_o ask_v as_o we_o seem_v indifferent_a whether_o our_o petition_n be_v grant_v or_o not_o shall_v the_o lord_n be_v affect_v with_o your_o petition_n when_o you_o yourselves_o be_v not_o affect_v much_o shall_v his_o bowel_n of_o zeal_n sound_v within_o he_o when_o you_o be_v silent_a it_o be_v fervent_a prayer_n avail_v much_o isai_n 5._o 16._o a_o heart_n send_v out_o with_o the_o petition_n and_o go_v up_o to_o heaven_n can_v but_o bring_v back_o a_o answer_n if_o prayer_n carry_v not_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n in_o it_o god_n can_v own_v it_o or_o send_v it_o back_o with_o his_o seal_n of_o acceptation_n four_o many_o prayer_n be_v not_o call_v on_o god_n name_n and_o no_o wonder_n that_o when_o people_n pray_v yet_o the_o spirit_n say_v none_o call_v on_o thy_o name_n for_o prayer_n be_v make_v as_o to_o a_o unknown_a god_n and_o god_n be_v not_o take_v up_o according_a to_o his_o name_n which_o be_v his_o glorious_a attribute_n whereby_o he_o manife_v himself_o in_o his_o word_n to_o call_v on_o god_n name_n be_v so_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o to_o take_v he_o up_o as_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o and_o what_o be_v the_o lord_n name_v hear_v himself_o speak_v to_o moses_n exod._n 33._o 19_o and_o 34._o 6_o 7._o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n and_o transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o that_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a now_o to_o call_v on_o this_o name_n be_v for_o the_o soul_n in_o prayer_n to_o have_v a_o suitable_a stamp_n on_o it_o every_o attribute_n of_o god_n take_v deep_a impression_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o so_o god_n name_n to_o be_v write_v on_o the_o very_a petition_n and_o short_o we_o may_v say_v the_o spirit_n shall_v have_v the_o impression_n of_o god_n greatness_n and_o majesty_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o his_o terriblenesse_n and_o justice_n this_o be_v the_o order_n that_o god_n proclaim_v his_o name_n into_o in_o the_o entry_n the_o supplicant_n shall_v behold_v the_o glorious_a sovereignty_n and_o infinite_a distance_n between_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o stamp_n of_o reverence_n and_o abasement_n upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o may_v speak_v out_o of_o the_o dust_n as_o it_o become_v the_o dust_n of_o the_o balance_n and_o footstool_n to_o do_v to_o he_o who_o sit_v on_o the_o circle_n of_o the_o heaven_n as_o his_o throne_n and_o this_o i_o must_v say_v there_o be_v little_a religion_n and_o godliness_n among_o we_o because_o every_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n even_o god_n child_n do_v more_o study_v themselves_o and_o their_o condition_n than_o god_n greatness_n and_o absoluteness_n who_o search_v god_n infiniteness_n in_o his_o word_n and_o work_n till_o he_o behold_v a_o wonder_n and_o be_v drown_v in_o a_o mystery_n o_o but_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a do_v take_v up_o god_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o creature_n they_o wade_v far_o into_o this_o boundless_a ocean_n of_o god_n majesty_n till_o they_o be_v over_o head_n and_o ear_n and_o werâ—_n force_v to_o cry_v out_o who_o can_v find_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n all_o these_o be_v but_o part_n of_o he_o his_o backpart_n there_o be_v more_o real_a divinity_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o one_o of_o job_n friend_n discourse_n one_o of_o david_n prayerâ—_n than_o now_o in_o twenty_o sermon_n of_o gracious_a man_n or_o many_o prayer_n or_o conference_n of_o saint_n but_o withal_o you_o must_v study_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o this_o make_v up_o the_o most_o part_n of_o his_o name_n the_o definition_n of_o god_n have_v most_o of_o this_o so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v true_o that_o mercy_n be_v his_o delight_n mercy_n as_o it_o be_v swell_v over_o the_o rest_n god_n be_v not_o accessible_a unless_o mercy_n do_v temper_v it_o behold_v then_o greatness_n to_o humble_a and_o goodness_n to_o make_v bold_a that_o you_o may_v have_v access_n as_o greatness_n shall_v leave_v the_o stamp_n of_o reverence_n on_o your_o petition_n so_o shall_v mercy_n and_o goodness_n imprint_v they_o with_o faith_n and_o confidence_n and_o that_o the_o rather_o because_o as_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o father_n face_n and_o tâ—_n image_n of_o his_o person_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o and_o heb._n 1_o â—_o so_o may_v he_o be_v call_v the_o father_n name_n and_o â—_o do_v god_n himself_o call_v he_o exod._n 23._o 20_o 21._o tâ—_n angel_n that_o go_v before_o they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n wâ—â—_n voice_n they_o ought_v to_o obey_v his_o name_n be_v in_o he_o aâ—_n this_o angel_n be_v christ_n jesus_n act_v 7._o 37_o 38._o â—_o then_o christ_n jesus_n be_v god_n name_n god_n as_o â—_o reveal_v himself_o in_o the_o word_n be_v god_n in_o châ—_n reconcile_n the_o world_n unto_o himself_o 2_o cor._n 5._o â—_o and_o therefore_o christian_n you_o ought_v to_o prâ—_n always_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o this_o be_v to_o call_v â—_o his_o name_n not_o only_o encourage_v yourselves_o â—_o come_v to_o god_n because_o of_o a_o mediator_n become_v he_o be_v god_n in_o christ_n but_o also_o offer_v up_o all_o yoâ—_n prayer_n in_o jesus_n his_o name_n that_o his_o name_n caâ—led_v on_o they_o may_v sanctify_v they_o otherwise_o yoâ—_n affection_n at_o prayer_n can_v be_v acceptable_a â—_o god_n for_o he_o love_v nothing_o but_o what_o comâ—_n through_o the_o son_n prayer_n must_v have_v a_o evil_a savour_n when_o it_o be_v not_o put_v in_o the_o golden_a cense_v that_o this_o angel_n have_v to_o offâ—r_v up_o incense_v with_o tâ—_n prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o likewise_o you_o woâ—_n know_v god_n justice_n and_o wrath_n that_o you_o mâ—_n serve_v in_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o when_o tremble_v be_v join_v with_o the_o rejoice_v of_o faith_n thâ—_n be_v acceptable_a service_n you_o ought_v to_o fear_v to_o â—fend_v his_o holiness_n while_o you_o be_v before_o he_o lâ—_n god_n terribleness_n have_v a_o deep_a impression_n â—_o your_o spirit_n both_o to_o make_v sin_n bitter_a and_o to_o maâ—_n mercy_n more_o sweet_a thus_o shall_v prayer_n asceâ—_n with_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n attribute_n and_o then_o be_v a_o call_n on_o his_o name_n now_o be_v there_o any_o col_n on_o his_o name_n among_o we_o who_o make_v â—udy_a to_o take_v up_o god_n in_o his_o glorious_a name_n â—herefore_o you_o call_v not_o on_o a_o know_a god_n and_o â—nnot_v name_v he_o now_o all_o of_o you_o take_v this_o â—le_v to_o judge_v your_o prayer_n by_o think_v you_o not_o â—at_a you_o make_v many_o prayer_n you_o both_o think_v and_o
compassion_n fail_v not_o and_o so_o he_o be_v never_o so_o angry_a but_o there_o be_v room_n leave_v for_o manifestation_n of_o mercy_n on_o those_o that_o come_v to_o he_o god_n anger_n be_v not_o a_o humour_n and_o passion_n as_o we_o be_v he_o can_v take_v the_o poor_a child_n in_o his_o arm_n admit_v it_o into_o his_o bosom_n when_o outward_a dispensation_n frown_v man_n anger_n be_v like_o the_o son_n of_o belial_n brier_n and_o thorn_n that_o none_o may_v come_v near_o to_o lest_o they_o be_v hurt_v but_o god_n angry_a be_v accessible_a because_o his_o anger_n be_v still_o temper_v and_o mix_v with_o clemency_n and_o mercy_n and_o that_o mixture_n of_o mercy_n be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o predominant_a in_o all_o his_o dispensation_n here_o that_o they_o be_v right_o understand_v may_v rather_o invite_v to_o come_v than_o scar_n from_o it_o there_o be_v more_o mercy_n to_o welcome_a than_o anger_n to_o drive_v away_o second_o look_v upon_o the_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n hide_v himself_o and_o withdraw_a it_o be_v this_o that_o we_o may_v come_v and_o seek_v he_o early_o hos_fw-la 5._o 15_o when_o god_n be_v angry_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n principle_v it_o for_o anger_n be_v send_v out_o to_o bring_v in_o night-wanderer_n his_o anger_n be_v not_o humour_n but_o resolute_a and_o deliberate_a walk_v upon_o good_a ground_n because_o david_n in_o his_o prosperity_n miss_v not_o god_n when_o all_o thing_n go_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n than_o he_o let_v god_n go_v where_o he_o will_n therefore_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n must_v hide_v his_o own_o heart_n with_o a_o frown_a countenance_n and_o cover_v himself_o with_o a_o cloud_n that_o david_n may_v be_v trouble_v and_o so_o take_v hold_v on_o god_n psal_n 31._o 7_o 8._o since_o then_o this_o be_v god_n purpose_n that_o you_o may_v come_v near_o to_o he_o and_o since_o he_o go_v away_o that_o you_o may_v pursue_v certain_o he_o will_v never_o so_o run_v away_o as_o you_o may_v not_o find_v he_o out_o nor_o will_v he_o run_v further_o nor_o he_o strengthen_v thou_o to_o pursue_v he_o thus_o ps_n 63._o 8._o god_n be_v fly_v and_o david_n pursue_v nay_o but_o the_o flyer_n give_v leg_n to_o the_o pursuer_fw-mi he_o uphold_v he_o as_o it_o be_v against_o himself_o so_o do_v the_o angel_n strengthen_v jacob_n to_o overcome_v himself_o now_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v pleasant_a to_o god_n that_o you_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o as_o your_o own_o even_o when_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v clothe_v with_o vengeance_n see_v he_o change_v his_o outward_a countenance_n for_o this_o very_a end_n he_o seem_v to_o go_v that_o you_o may_v hold_v because_o when_o you_o think_v he_o stay_v you_o hold_v not_o as_o the_o child_n while_o the_o nurse_n be_v near_o will_v look_v about_o it_o and_o take_v hold_v of_o any_o thing_n but_o when_o she_o withdraw_v the_o child_n cleave_v the_o fast_a to_o she_o but_o second_o we_o ought_v to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o more_o now_o than_o any_o other_o time_n time_n of_o god_n withdraw_v call_v for_o extraordinary_a and_o double_a approach_n so_o hab._n 5._o 15._o they_o will_v seek_v i_o early_o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n child_n in_o scripture_n have_v make_v great_a advantage_n of_o such_o dispensation_n the_o truth_n be_v as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v well_o deal_v with_o security_n creep_v on_o and_o religion_n be_v but_o in_o a_o decay_a condition_n duty_n be_v do_v through_o our_o sleep_n we_o be_v not_o as_o man_n awake_v and_o know_v what_o we_o do_v and_o whither_o we_o go_v but_o when_o the_o lord_n begin_v to_o trouble_v we_o and_o hide_v his_o face_n than_o it_o be_v a_o time_n to_o awake_v out_o of_o sleep_n before_o all_o be_v go_v and_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v first_o more_o diligence_n in_o duty_n and_o approach_v to_o god_n because_o your_o case_n furnish_v more_o matter_n of_o supplication_n and_o as_o matter_n of_o supplication_n grow_v prayer_n shall_v grow_v if_o necessity_n grow_v and_o the_o cry_n be_v not_o according_a to_o necessity_n it_o be_v ominous_a and_o therefore_o david_n use_v to_o make_v his_o cry_n go_v up_o according_a to_o his_o trouble_n in_o a_o prosperous_a condition_n though_o every_o thing_n may_v call_v a_o tender_a heart_a love_n christian_n to_o some_o nearness_n to_o god_n yet_o ordinary_o if_o necessity_n press_v not_o prayer_n languish_v and_o grow_v formal_a sense_n of_o need_n put_v a_o edge_n on_o supplication_n whereas_o prosperity_n blunt_v it_o the_o heart_n miss_v nothing_o can_v go_v above_o sublunary_a thing_n but_o let_v it_o not_o have_v its_o will_n here_o and_o the_o need_n of_o heaven_n will_v be_v the_o great_a now_o i_o say_v if_o you_o sit_v so_o many_o call_v both_o from_o a_o command_n and_o from_o your_o own_o necessity_n you_o do_v so_o much_o the_o more_o sin_n affliction_n will_v make_v even_o a_o hypocrite_n seek_v he_o and_o pour_v out_o â—_o prayer_n and_o visit_v he_o psal_n 78._o and_o isai_n 26._o and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o take_v advantage_n of_o all_o these_o pressure_n you_o must_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o guilty_a and_o therefore_o god_n as_o it_o be_v wonder_v at_o their_o obstinacy_n they_o return_v not_o to_o he_o that_o smite_v they_o all_o this_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o yet_o have_v we_o not_o pray_v and_o second_o it_o be_v send_v for_o that_o end_n that_o you_o may_v be_v more_o serious_a and_o therefore_o you_o ought_v so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o awake_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o this_o be_v the_o way_n the_o lord_n use_v with_o his_o secure_a and_o wander_a child_n psal_n 119._o 67._o for_o the_o lord_n find_v we_o often_o grip_v too_o strong_o to_o a_o present_a world_n and_o take_v it_o in_o our_o arm_n as_o if_o we_o be_v never_o to_o part_v with_o it_o man_n soul_n cleave_v to_o outward_a accommodation_n therefore_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o part_v we_o and_o our_o idol_n that_o we_o may_v take_v hold_n of_o he_o the_o fast_o it_o be_v union_n with_o himself_o that_o be_v our_o felicity_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o god_n most_o endeavour_v when_o he_o remove_v belove_v jewel_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n and_o divorce_v the_o soul_n from_o god_n when_o he_o seem_v to_o withdraw_v himself_o his_o go_n proclaim_v so_o much_o oh_o follow_v or_o perish_v three_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n when_o he_o withdraw_v and_o you_o follow_v not_o when_o he_o be_v angry_a and_o you_o care_v not_o do_v not_o fly_v in_o to_o make_v peace_n with_o he_o certain_o his_o anger_n must_v wax_v hot_a and_o desertion_n will_v become_v a_o spiritual_a plague_n rod_n must_v be_v temper_v with_o much_o bitterness_n what_o mixture_n of_o mercy_n can_v be_v in_o such_o a_o dispensation_n where_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o be_v to_o harden_v but_o if_o the_o lord_n hard_a deal_v wrought_v you_o to_o more_o nearness_n and_o communion_n with_o himself_o then_o certain_o you_o have_v a_o fair_a advantage_n against_o the_o present_a trouble_n and_o you_o have_v your_o cup_n mix_v you_o shall_v at_o length_n bless_v god_n for_o such_o dispensation_n they_o may_v be_v reckon_v for_o good_a to_o you_o next_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o ground_n of_o consolation_n in_o god_n in_o such_o a_o time_n 1._o for_o as_o difficulty_n grow_v faith_n shall_v fortify_v itself_o against_o they_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o great_a the_o storm_n be_v it_o shall_v fly_v the_o more_o into_o the_o chalmber_n faith_n in_o the_o time_n of_o a_o calm_a day_n get_v no_o trial_n faith_n bulk_v much_o because_o it_o have_v not_o much_o to_o do_v but_o except_o there_o be_v some_o fresh_a and_o new_a supply_n it_o can_v hold_v out_o in_o a_o temptation_n but_o it_o be_v a_o singular_a proof_n of_o a_o noble_a and_o divine_a faith_n that_o can_v lay_v hold_n on_o he_o and_o keep_v he_o when_o he_o will_v go_v that_o can_v challenge_v kindness_n on_o a_o misken_a jesus_n that_o can_v stand_v on_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o promise_n when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o foot_n breadth_n of_o a_o dispensation_n to_o build_v on_o while_o all_o thing_n go_v with_o you_o you_o have_v no_o difficulty_n to_o maintain_v your_o faith_n nay_o but_o when_o the_o lord_n seem_v to_o look_v angry_a then_o awake_a and_o gather_v strength_n take_v hold_v on_o his_o strength_n look_v what_o be_v in_o your_o condition_n or_o his_o dispensation_n what_o be_v good_a or_o omnious_a then_o take_v hold_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n on_o he_o and_o look_v what_o be_v in_o he_o to_o answer_v it_o and_o swallow_v it_o up_o you_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o ground_n of_o consolation_n that_o be_v
in_o god_n in_o the_o worst_a case_n and_o then_o you_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o he_o though_o he_o seem_v a_o consume_a fire_n it_o be_v then_o a_o time_n that_o call_v most_o for_o secure_v your_o interest_n in_o he_o a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v no_o external_a advantage_n to_o beguile_v you_o a_o time_n when_o the_o only_a happiness_n be_v to_o be_v one_o with_o god_n therefore_o the_o man_n who_o in_o such_o calamity_n and_o judgement_n be_v not_o a_o wake_v to_o put_v his_o eternal_a estate_n out_o of_o question_n he_o be_v in_o a_o dangerous_a case_n for_o do_v not_o most_o part_n drive_v over_o their_o day_n and_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n they_o dare_v not_o say_v either_o pro_fw-la or_o contra_fw-la it_o may_v be_v and_o it_o may_v not_o be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o length_n that_o the_o most_o part_n come_v a_o negative_a peace_n no_o positive_a confidence_n no_o clear_a conclude_v on_o sure_a ground_n a_o interest_n always_o you_o be_v most_o call_v to_o this_o when_o god_n afflict_v the_o land_n or_o you_o if_o you_o do_v not_o then_o make_v peace_n it_o be_v most_o dangerous_a 3._o the_o lord_n love_v faith_n in_o a_o difficulty_n best_o it_o be_v the_o single_v and_o the_o cleanly_a it_o be_v that_o which_o most_o honour_v he_o and_o glorifi_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o sufficiency_n and_o mercy_n for_o than_o it_o be_v most_o pure_o elevate_v above_o creature_n and_o pitch_v most_o on_o god_n and_o therefore_o bring_v man_n to_o this_o no_o help_n for_o my_o soul_n but_o thou_o be_v my_o portion_n and_o this_o commend_v god_n most_o when_o he_o be_v set_v alone_o prosperity_n bring_v he_o down_o among_o creature_n and_o secure_a faith_n make_v little_a distinction_n but_o awaken_n faith_n grip_v strong_o and_o single_o put_v god_n alone_o second_o oftentimes_o when_o god_n be_v depart_v none_o stir_v up_o himself_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o although_o there_o may_v be_v pray_v and_o do_v of_o many_o duty_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o beyond_o ordinary_a the_o variety_n and_o accession_n of_o new_a ground_n of_o supplication_n do_v neither_o make_v great_a frequency_n nor_o more_o fervency_n this_o our_o experience_n may_v clear_v unto_o we_o both_o in_o duty_n and_o faith_n first_o there_o be_v very_o little_a diligence_n in_o seek_v of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n appoint_v even_o when_o god_n seem_v to_o bid_v farewell_n to_o the_o land_n and_o go_v away_o no_o body_n come_v in_o as_o a_o intercessor_n man_n keep_v on_o their_o old_a way_n of_o pray_v and_o never_o add_v to_o it_o come_v what_o like_a who_o be_v it_o that_o rise_v above_o his_o ordinary_n as_o the_o tide_n of_o god_n dispensation_n be_v there_o aught_o to_o be_v such_o a_o impression_n make_v by_o the_o change_n of_o god_n countenance_n as_o may_v be_v read_v on_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o people_n there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o distance_n between_o your_o ordinary_a and_o such_o time_n as_o between_o a_o sleep_a man_n and_o a_o wake_a man_n that_o whatever_o your_o attainment_n of_o access_n to_o god_n be_v you_o may_v stir_v up_o and_o go_v beyond_o it_o according_a as_o matter_n call_v will_v god_n count_v your_o public_a fast_n a_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n alas_o we_o fast_o sleep_v and_o none_o stir_v up_o himself_o to_o these_o thing_n be_v there_o any_o difference_n betwixt_o your_o solemn_a humiliation_n and_o another_o sabbath_n and_o be_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o a_o sabbath_n and_o a_o week_n day_n save_o the_o external_a duty_n be_v not_o this_o palpable_o our_o case_n be_v there_o any_o waken_n among_o we_o no_o security_n be_v both_o the_o universal_a disease_n and_o complaint_n and_o it_o be_v become_v a_o incurable_a disease_n since_o it_o become_v a_o complaint_n do_v any_o of_o you_o pray_v more_o in_o private_a than_o you_o use_v or_o what_o edge_n be_v on_o your_o prayer_n alas_o the_o lord_n will_v get_v good_a leave_n to_o go_v from_o we_o it_o fear_v i_o that_o we_o will_v give_v christ_n a_o testimonial_a to_o go_v over_o sea_n hold_v he_o hold_v he_o nay_o the_o multitude_n will_v be_v glad_o quite_o of_o he_o they_o can_v abide_v his_o yoke_n his_o work_n be_v a_o burden_n his_o word_n be_v a_o torment_n his_o discipline_n be_v band_n and_o cord_n and_o what_o heart_n can_v you_o then_o have_v to_o keep_v christ_n what_o violence_n can_v you_o offer_v to_o he_o to_o hold_v he_o still_o all_o your_o entreaty_n may_v be_v fair_a compliment_n but_o they_o will_v never_o rend_v his_o garment_n second_o there_o be_v no_o up-stirring_a to_o faith_n among_o we_o and_o lay_v hold_n on_o jesus_n christ_n albeit_o all_o his_o dispensation_n warn_v we_o that_o it_o be_v now_o high_a time_n there_o be_v not_o many_o who_o be_v about_o this_o point_n effectual_o to_o stir_v up_o their_o faith_n or_o to_o secure_v their_o interest_n think_v you_o that_o conjecture_n will_v carry_v you_o through_o difficulty_n the_o multitude_n think_v they_o believe_v much_o but_o any_o temptation_n prove_v their_o mistake_n the_o most_o part_n of_o scotland_n will_v deny_v god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n if_o they_o be_v put_v to_o it_o always_o it_o be_v a_o time_n you_o will_v not_o lie_v out_o from_o your_o strong_a hold_n faith_n only_o unit_v you_o to_o christ_n and_o if_o you_o will_v be_v keep_v in_o any_o trial_n stir_v up_o faitâ—_n three_o prayer_n and_o faith_n diligence_n and_o lay_v hold_n on_o god_n must_v go_v together_o and_o help_v one_o another_o not_o call_v on_o his_o name_n and_o not_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o go_v together_o and_o have_v influence_n oâ—e_v upon_o another_o first_o faith_n have_v influence_n on_o prayer_n laying_z hold_v on_o god_n in_o christ_n will_v make_v right_a call_n on_o his_o name_n it_o learn_v man_n how_o to_o call_v god_n to_o call_v he_o abba_n father_n faith_n use_v to_o vent_v iâ—_n self_n in_o prayer_n i_o say_v much_o consideration_n of_o god_n and_o claim_v in_o to_o he_o and_o to_o the_o ground_n of_o confidence_n in_o he_o must_v both_o make_v prayer_n acceptable_a and_o carry_v the_o stamp_n and_o impression_n of_o god_n name_n or_o christâ—_n nâ—mâ—_n oâ—_n it_o and_o also_o make_v much_o prayer_n for_o when_o a_o soul_n have_v pitch_v on_o god_n as_o its_o only_a felicity_n and_o thus_o make_v choice_n of_o he_o it_o find_v in_o he_o all-sufficiency_n all_o thing_n for_o all_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n but_o it_o find_v a_o supply_n in_o his_o fullness_n for_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o appli_v a_o man_n to_o the_o fountain_n to_o draw_v out_o of_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v so_o sweet_a and_o refresh_a as_o for_o such_o a_o soul_n to_o pour_v out_o it_o sâ—lf_o every_o day_n in_o he_o to_o talk_v with_o he_o face_n to_o face_n faith_n engage_v the_o heart_n to_o come_v to_o god_n with_o all_o thing_n whereas_o many_o difficulty_n will_v have_v be_v and_o the_o secure_a or_o unsettled_a heart_n will_v have_v go_v as_o many_o different_a way_n to_o help_v they_o faith_n lay_v hold_n on_o god_n know_v but_o one_o and_o bring_v all_o here_o and_o therefore_o access_n to_o god_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o it_o access_n unto_o the_o grace_n wherein_o we_o stand_v by_o faith_n and_o again_o how_o can_v prayer_n be_v acceptable_a as_o long_o as_o faith_n do_v not_o principle_n it_o it_o be_v but_o like_o a_o beast_n groan_v under_o a_o burden_n laying_z hold_v on_o god_n himself_o make_v a_o man_n duty_n acceptable_a because_o he_o speak_v and_o ask_v believe_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v he_o trust_v god_n and_o do_v not_o tempt_v he_o where_o lively_a faith_n be_v not_o entertain_v there_o can_v be_v much_o affection_n which_o be_v the_o oil_n of_o the_o wheel_n there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n much_o vehemency_n but_o that_o be_v not_o a_o pure_a flame_n of_o divine_a love_n that_o burn_v upward_o to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v soon_o extinguish_v and_o last_v no_o long_a nor_o present_a sense_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n grow_v hard_a as_o iron_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o fire_n second_o when_o there_o be_v not_o much_o prayer_n and_o calling_n faith_n can_v be_v strong_a and_o violent_a for_o prayer_n be_v even_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n if_o you_o wear_v out_o of_o that_o faith_n rust_v there_o may_v be_v much_o quietness_n with_o little_a prayer_n but_o there_o can_v be_v much_o and_o strong_a and_o lively_a faith_n for_o where_o it_o get_v not_o continual_a employment_n it_o fagg_n and_o indeed_o prayer_n be_v a_o special_a point_n of_o hold_v god_n fast_o and_o keep_v he_o therefore_o join_v these_o if_o you_o will_v thrive_v in_o any_o one_o of_o
purpose_n by_o god_n grace_n to_o take_v more_o hold_n of_o god_n there_o be_v little_o mind_v of_o duty_n and_o that_o make_v little_a do_v of_o it_o once_o engage_v your_o heart_n to_o a_o love_n and_o desire_v of_o more_o of_o this_o come_v to_o a_o point_n of_o resolution_n i_o must_v know_v he_o more_o and_o trust_v more_o in_o he_o be_v more_o acquaint_v with_o he_o and_o second_o put_v yourself_o in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v god_n that_o only_o can_v stir_v you_o up_o or_o apply_v your_o heart_n to_o the_o use_n of_o violence_n to_o god_n but_o you_o will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o outward_a mean_n much_o and_o in_o these_o way_n god_n will_v meet_v with_o you_o if_o you_o wait_v on_o he_o in_o they_o for_o thou_o have_v bid_v thy_o face_n from_o we_o here_o be_v the_o great_a plague_n a_o spiritual_a plague_n the_o last_o verse_n be_v but_o the_o begin_n of_o sorrow_n we_o all_o do_v fade_v etc._n etc._n but_o lo_o here_o the_o accomplishnent_a of_o misery_n god_n hide_v his_o face_n and_o consume_v they_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o sin_n first_o the_o lord_n hide_v of_o his_o face_n and_o give_v up_o a_o people_n to_o melt_v away_o in_o their_o sin_n punish_v with_o judicial_a blindness_n and_o security_n be_v the_o worst_a judgement_n it_o fill_v the_o cup_n full_a this_o complaint_n go_v on_o still_o worse_a and_o certain_o it_o be_v worse_o nor_o their_o fade_a as_o a_o leaf_n and_o exile_n out_o of_o their_o land_n it_o be_v not_o without_o reason_n that_o great_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n be_v so_o express_v thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n as_o david_n say_v thou_o hidst_v thy_o face_n and_o i_o be_v trouble_v import_v as_o much_o as_o it_o â—_o not_o trouble_v that_o do_v trouble_v but_o god_n hide_v of_o his_o face_n that_o make_v trouble_v troublâ—_n it_o be_v in_o so_o far_o trouble_v as_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o as_o the_o frown_n of_o his_o countenance_n be_v upon_o it_o therefore_o the_o sainâ—_n aggravate_v their_o affliction_n say_v thou_o hideâ—_n thy_o face_n you_o know_v the_o face_n be_v the_o placâ—_n wherinto_o either_o kindness_n or_o unkindness_n appear_v the_o lord_n countenance_n or_o face_n be_v a_o refreshful_a sweet_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o to_o a_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n use_v familiarity_n with_o a_o spirit_n and_o this_o make_v david_n more_o glad_a nor_o corn_n and_o wine_n now_o the_o hide_v of_o the_o face_n the_o withdraw_a of_o his_o countenance_n be_v when_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o dispensation_n and_o deal_n do_v withhold_v the_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o either_o in_o life_n or_o consolation_n when_o he_o cover_v himself_o with_o cloud_n round_o about_o that_o neither_o can_v a_o soul_n see_v in_o to_o the_o backside_n of_o it_o into_o his_o own_o warm_a heart_n nor_o can_v the_o sunbeam_n shine_v thorough_a to_o quicken_v and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n the_o lord_n draw_v over_o his_o face_n a_o veil_n of_o a_o cross_v dispensation_n or_o such_o like_a there_o be_v a_o desertion_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o point_n of_o life_n and_o spiritual_a action_n and_o there_o be_v a_o desertion_n in_o regard_n of_o consolation_n the_o variety_n of_o the_o lord_n desertion_n run_v upon_o these_o two_o as_o a_o christian_n life_n be_v action_n or_o consolation_n and_o the_o lord_n influence_n be_v either_o quicken_a or_o comfort_v so_o his_o withdraw_a be_v either_o a_o prejudice_n to_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o sometime_o he_o go_v mourn_v all_o the_o day_n nay_o but_o he_o be_v sick_a of_o love_n sometime_o he_o be_v a_o bottle_n dry_v in_o the_o smoke_n and_o his_o moisture_n dry_v up_o the_o christian_n consolation_n may_v be_v substract_v and_o his_o life_n abide_v but_o he_o can_v have_v spiritual_a consolation_n if_o he_o be_v not_o lively_a this_o life_n be_v more_o substantial_a comfort_n be_v more_o refreshful_a life_n be_v more_o solid_a comfort_n sweet_a that_o be_v true_a grow_a solid_a meat_n â—his_v but_o sauce_n to_o eat_v it_o with_o the_o hide_v here_o mean_v be_v certain_o a_o spiritual_a punishment_n the_o lord_n deny_v unto_o this_o people_n grace_n to_o understand_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o rod_n he_o appear_v as_o a_o party_n against_o they_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o carnal_a and_o lazy_a temper_n and_o thus_o they_o lay_v still_o under_o god_n displeasure_n now_o there_o be_v nothing_o like_o this_o first_o because_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a punishment_n and_o estate_n be_v not_o to_o be_v value_v and_o lay_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o soul_n albeit_o man_n be_v become_v so_o brutish_a as_o to_o abase_v their_o soul_n and_o prostitute_v they_o to_o any_o thing_n yet_o all_o a_o man_n have_v be_v not_o considerable_a to_o it_o second_o it_o be_v a_o more_o excellent_a thing_n be_v remove_v by_o it_o in_o his_o favour_n be_v life_n all_o felicity_n and_o happiness_n be_v in_o god_n countenance_n if_o a_o man_n have_v not_o this_o what_o have_v he_o else_o loss_n be_v according_a as_o the_o thing_n be_v nay_o but_o here_o be_v more_o my_o lord_n be_v take_v from_o i_o my_o god_n have_v forget_v i_o and_o indeed_o if_o man_n true_a happiness_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n certain_o any_o interruption_n come_v in_o must_v be_v sad_a and_o make_v a_o man_n more_o miserable_a than_o the_o world_n know_v there_o be_v a_o great_a emphasis_n in_o that_o word_n thou_o have_v bid_v thy_o face_n then_o if_o he_o have_v say_v all_o the_o world_n hide_v their_o face_n and_o make_v a_o scorn_n oâ—_n we_o therefore_o first_o know_v what_o be_v the_o worsâ—_n thing_n of_o the_o time_n many_o of_o you_o think_v sword_n and_o pestilence_n and_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o time_n the_o worst_a thing_n and_o if_o you_o be_v now_o to_o complain_v the_o sad_a complaint_n will_v be_v affliction_n be_v lay_v on_o our_o loin_n but_o know_v this_o if_o your_o city_n be_v desolate_a if_o your_o land_n be_v make_v a_o wilderness_n and_o we_o captives_z in_o another_o land_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o worse_a thing_n than_o all_o these_o and_o think_v you_o not_o this_o strange_a nay_o i_o say_v there_o be_v something_o worse_o already_o in_o we_o that_o we_o know_v not_o of_o and_o it_o be_v this_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n hard_a a_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n and_o deadness_n from_o the_o lord_n upon_o the_o land_n there_o be_v multitude_n he_o will_v never_o show_v his_o face_n unto_o it_o be_v still_o veil_v from_o they_o and_o they_o know_v he_o not_o you_o that_o think_v all_o be_v well_o if_o you_o have_v peace_n and_o prosperity_n and_o know_v no_o hide_v of_o god_n countenance_n no_o anger_n but_o when_o he_o strike_v certain_o you_o know_v not_o what_o his_o countenance_n be_v by_o all_o these_o thing_n man_n neither_o know_v love_n nor_o hatred_n second_o whatever_o calamity_n come_v upon_o you_o outward_o deprecat_fw-la most_v spiritual_a plague_n and_o god_n desert_v if_o you_o have_v god_n countenance_n it_o may_v make_v you_o glad_a in_o much_o sadness_n you_o will_v be_v most_o careful_a lest_o any_o partition-wall_n come_v in_o lest_o his_o countenance_n change_n on_o you_o if_o you_o grieve_v his_o spirit_n and_o break_v his_o heart_n seek_v to_o have_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o sun_n with_o heal_v under_o his_o wing_n o_o but_o christ_n countenance_n be_v comely_a when_o it_o be_v see_v without_o cloud_n but_o ofteâ—_n it_o be_v overcloud_v with_o much_o provocation_n second_o the_o lord_n hide_v of_o his_o face_n have_v influence_n on_o the_o temper_n of_o spirit_n and_o disposition_n in_o duty_n the_o truth_n be_v in_o general_a in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o â—ave_n our_o be_v and_o more_o especial_o in_o many_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o able_a to_o do_v nothing_o the_o creature_n holiness_n and_o especial_o our_o life_n be_v but_o as_o the_o ray_n that_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n send_v forth_o round_o about_o he_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n come_v between_o it_o evanish_v as_o the_o marigold_n that_o open_v itâ—_n leave_v when_o the_o sun_n rise_v and_o close_v when_o it_o go_v down_o again_o so_o exact_o do_v our_o spiritual_a constitution_n follow_v the_o motion_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o depend_v whole_o on_o they_o thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n and_o they_o be_v trouble_v psal_n 104._o 9_o the_o lord_n need_v no_o more_o but_o discountenance_v we_o and_o we_o be_v go_v always_o first_o be_v more_o dependent_a creature_n we_o use_v to_o act_v as_o from_o habit_n within_o without_o any_o subordination_n to_o the_o lord_n grace_n without_o we_o but_o we_o find_v that_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o how_o often_o do_v your_o spiritual_a condition_n change_v on_o you_o in_o a_o hour_n you_o can_v command_v one_o thought_n of_o god_n or_o act_v from_o any_o habit_n of_o grace_n even_o then_o when_o you_o can_v bring_v forth_o other_o gift_n in_o exercise_n you_o find_v that_o grace_n find_v more_o difficulty_n more_o interruption_n therefore_o learn_v to_o attend_v the_o change_n and_o motion_n of_o his_o countenance_n second_o when_o you_o find_v your_o heart_n dead_a and_o you_o conclude_v under_o a_o impossibility_n of_o take_v hold_v on_o god_n in_o a_o lively_a manner_n than_o i_o pray_v you_o look_v unto_o the_o lord_n suspend_v of_o his_o influence_n and_o let_v your_o whole_a endeavour_n be_v at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o help_v it_o it_o will_v not_o be_v vour_z own_o provoke_a of_o yourself_o to_o your_o duty_n but_o you_o must_v put_v yourself_o upon_o god_n that_o he_o may_v cause_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v three_o though_o the_o lord_n hide_v his_o face_n be_v often_o a_o cause_n of_o our_o deadness_n and_o his_o desertion_n make_v all_o to_o wither_v yet_o we_o have_v often_o a_o culpable_a hand_n in_o it_o and_o he_o hide_v his_o â—â—ce_n be_v provoke_v so_o to_o do_v one_o thing_n we_o may_v mention_v grieve_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o we_o be_v seal_v quench_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v the_o spirit_n cover_v his_o face_n with_o a_o vail_n and_o hide_v it_o there_o be_v here_o ordinary_o a_o reciprocal_a or_o mutual_a influence_n our_o grieve_v he_o make_v he_o withdraw_v his_o countenance_n and_o his_o withdraw_a his_o countenance_n make_v we_o to_o wither_v and_o grow_v barren_a four_o the_o most_o sure_a and_o infallible_a token_n of_o the_o lord_n hide_v his_o face_n be_v security_n and_o a_o spirit_n of_o deadness_n and_o laziness_n when_o folk_n go_v about_o duty_n dream_v and_o do_v all_o as_o it_o be_v through_o their_o sleep_n therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v sad_a thing_n on_o this_o land_n that_o the_o lord_n hide_v his_o face_n from_o we_o and_o therefore_o arise_v and_o do_v not_o settle_v and_o quiet_v yourselves_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n the_o lord_n be_v angry_a need_v any_o more_o be_v say_v no_o more_o need_v to_o kind_a child_n but_o the_o rod_n must_v follow_v this_o to_o make_v anger_n sensible_a finis_fw-la