we_o shall_v not_o sell_v our_o labour_n upon_o that_o day_n but_o do_v it_o for_o common_a charity_n otherwise_o a_o just_a cause_n may_v to_o we_o prove_v sinful_a work_n of_o necessity_n also_o be_v lawful_a so_o they_o be_v true_o so_o and_o not_o feign_v when_o a_o house_n be_v on_o fire_n we_o may_v leave_v the_o ordinance_n to_o seek_v to_o quench_v it_o though_o with_o bodily_a labour_n the_o mariner_n in_o his_o journey_n must_v attend_v his_o work_n but_o his_o heart_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n the_o soldier_n if_o set_v upon_o shall_v defend_v himself_o we_o find_v joshua_n compass_v jericho_n seven_o day_n together_o josh_n 6.15_o and_o one_o of_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o sabbath_n though_o the_o jew_n at_o first_o do_v scruple_n fight_v upon_o that_o day_n and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v murder_v by_o the_o enemy_n yet_o at_o last_o they_o resolve_v to_o fight_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n 2_o mac._n 4.1_o a_o husbandman_n in_o harvest_n time_n i_o suppose_v for_o fear_v of_o a_o inundation_n or_o the_o apparent_a loss_n of_o grain_n or_o hey_o may_v labour_v to_o prevent_v it_o but_o take_v heed_n a_o necessity_n be_v not_o feign_v many_o be_v necessitate_v for_o want_n of_o forecast_n and_o some_o forecast_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o necessity_n neglect_v it_o all_o the_o week_n and_o then_o say_v must_v not_o cattle_n be_v look_v or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v but_o know_v what_o may_v be_v do_v before_o or_o let_v alone_o till_o after_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v it_o be_v not_o thy_o wilful_a neglect_n can_v procure_v a_o dispensation_n to_o break_v god_n law_n but_o most_o man_n strain_v their_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o utmost_a link_n but_o take_v heed_n of_o go_v beyond_o be_v not_o deceive_v god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v 5._o direct_v to_o the_o sanctify_a of_o the_o sabbath_n thou_o must_v not_o only_o observe_v a_o holy_a rest_n unto_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n and_o forbear_v thy_o own_o thought_n word_n and_o work_n as_o former_o i_o have_v show_v but_o there_o be_v also_o many_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v perform_v as_o part_v of_o that_o worship_n to_o be_v give_v to_o god_n upon_o that_o day_n that_o the_o whole_a time_n as_o nigh_o as_o may_v be_v may_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o religious_a exercise_n of_o the_o day_n now_o the_o duty_n require_v be_v either_o public_a or_o private_a the_o public_a be_v in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o saint_n when_o the_o church_n meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n the_o private_a be_v in_o the_o family_n or_o in_o the_o closet_n he_o that_o only_o rest_v from_o his_o labour_n on_o the_o sabbath_n keep_v it_o no_o better_o yea_o much_o worse_a than_o a_o beast_n idleness_n be_v a_o sin_n at_o all_o time_n especial_o then_o this_o be_v the_o market_n day_n to_o lay_v in_o provision_n for_o the_o week_n follow_v the_o harvest_n to_o provide_v in_o for_o winter_n and_o shall_v we_o trifle_v now_o all_o time_n be_v precious_a much_o more_o this_o we_o shall_v leave_v any_o work_n undo_v before_o we_o shall_v leave_v god_n work_n undo_v or_o careless_o do_v it_o the_o public_a duty_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n be_v according_a to_o the_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o more_o be_v require_v of_o public_a person_n than_o of_o private_a the_o minister_n be_v god_n steward_n to_o dispense_v his_o mystery_n to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o god_n aright_o and_o to_o give_v every_o one_o his_o portion_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v look_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o make_v preparation_n beforehand_o for_o his_o work_n he_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o god_n and_o god_n mouth_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v need_n to_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o his_o lip_n that_o he_o offend_v not_o with_o his_o tongue_n parent_n and_o master_n they_o shall_v not_o only_o come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n themselves_o but_o bring_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n there_o to_o be_v teach_v prayer_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v perform_v in_o the_o public_a where_o minister_n and_o people_n shall_v join_v together_o to_o make_v their_o request_n know_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o beg_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o themselves_o or_o other_o for_o this_o life_n or_o that_o to_o come_v it_o shall_v be_v perform_v with_o faith_n and_o fervency_n with_o humility_n and_o reverence_n with_o wisdom_n and_o discretion_n both_o by_o minister_n and_o people_n 〈◊〉_d compliment_n with_o god_n be_v unsavoury_a and_o unseemly_a the_o word_n also_o shall_v be_v read_v and_o preach_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n make_v know_v act_v 20.20.27_o and_o that_o without_o mixture_n of_o humane_a invention_n without_o ostentation_n plain_o faithful_o powerful_o true_o zealous_o and_o the_o people_n they_o shall_v hear_v with_o attention_n diligence_n watchfulness_n understanding_n and_o care_n they_o shall_v examine_v that_o which_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o minister_n whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n like_o those_o noble_a berean_o act_n 17.11_o they_o shall_v treasure_n it_o up_o in_o good_a heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n for_o without_o practice_n knowledge_n be_v little_a worth_n the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n also_o be_v a_o sabbath_n day_n work_v upon_o the_o sabbath_n say_v christ_n they_o circumcise_v a_o man_n this_o be_v give_v the_o minister_n in_o commission_n mat._n 28.19,20_o which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o precept_n and_o scripture_n example_n without_o external_n addition_n and_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o be_v present_a at_o it_o and_o join_v with_o the_o minister_n in_o prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n and_o not_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o it_o through_o carelessness_n or_o contempt_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n also_o shall_v be_v as_o frequent_o administer_v as_o convenience_n will_v permit_v act_v 2.42_o and_o it_o be_v the_o minister_n duty_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a to_o convince_v the_o gainsayers_a reclaim_v the_o scandalous_a if_o they_o can_v and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v to_o keep_v they_o back_o from_o the_o sacrament_n yea_o to_o take_v christ_n way_n and_o if_o they_o be_v obstinate_a cast_v they_o out_o and_o not_o suffer_v the_o ordinance_n to_o be_v pollute_v or_o contemn_v god_n complain_v of_o the_o contrary_a ezek._n 22.26_o her_o priest_n have_v violate_v my_o law_n and_o have_v profane_v my_o holy_a thing_n they_o have_v put_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o holy_a and_o profane_a etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v christ_n command_n not_o to_o give_v holy_a thing_n to_o dog_n mat._n 7.8_o the_o people_n they_o shall_v partake_v of_o it_o and_o come_v with_o prepare_a heart_n to_o this_o holy_a banquet_n and_o be_v careful_a that_o they_o have_v on_o the_o wedding_n garment_n or_o they_o will_v be_v no_o welcome_a guest_n to_o his_o marriage_n supper_n they_o shall_v there_o exercise_v their_o grace_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n etc._n etc._n know_v that_o the_o neglect_n or_o unworthy_a receive_n be_v a_o dangerous_a sin_n act_v 20.6_o 1_o cor._n 11.17_o sing_v of_o psalm_n also_o be_v a_o public_a duty_n and_o shall_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o in_o so_o do_v they_o shall_v lift_v up_o their_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o their_o voice_n and_o sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o with_o the_o understanding_n also_o visit_v the_o sick_a relieve_v the_o poor_a gathering_n and_o collect_v for_o they_o be_v this_o day_n duty_n 1_o cor._n 16.2_o catechise_v especial_o the_o young_a sort_n be_v the_o minister_n duty_n and_o it_o be_v the_o people_n duty_n to_o send_v they_o and_o all_o this_o must_v be_v do_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o 6._o direct_v though_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v mind_v and_o intend_v upon_o the_o lord_n day_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o only_o that_o which_o be_v require_v many_o private_a duty_n also_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v and_o in_o thy_o public_a and_o private_a duty_n be_v all_o the_o whole_a time_n to_o be_v spend_v what_o those_o public_a duty_n be_v i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o and_o shall_v now_o speak_v of_o those_o that_o be_v private_a i_o mean_v such_o as_o private_a person_n especial_o master_n and_o parent_n and_o governor_n of_o family_n ought_v to_o do_v let_v the_o inferior_n also_o here_o read_v their_o duty_n some_o of_o those_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o the_o public_a by_o way_n of_o preparation_n and_o some_o after_o by_o way_n of_o digestion_n concern_v preparation_n i_o have_v speak_v already_o and_o yet_o
many_o especial_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n they_o come_v to_o see_v and_o to_o be_v see_v to_o show_v their_o new_a clothes_n or_o observe_v the_o fashion_n that_o other_o wear_v and_o be_v examine_v this_o be_v most_o they_o can_v remember_v many_o come_v that_o they_o may_v be_v account_v forward_a prosessor_n and_o be_v tickle_v with_o popular_a applause_n but_o when_o it_o be_v more_o in_o credit_n to_o persecute_v than_o profess_v these_o perhaps_o follow_v that_o profession_n some_o come_v with_o the_o butterfly_n to_o paint_v her_o wing_n and_o these_o be_v all_o for_o gaudy_a notion_n and_o store_v their_o head_n and_o not_o their_o heart_n with_o what_o they_o learn_v some_o weary_a of_o their_o own_o house_n come_v to_o drive_v away_o the_o time_n perhaps_o to_o get_v a_o nap_n of_o sleep_n some_o come_v for_o fear_n of_o the_o law_n lest_o that_o take_v hold_v upon_o they_o and_o some_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o conscience_n which_o otherwise_o will_v give_v they_o no_o rest_n some_o come_v to_o speak_v with_o a_o friend_n which_o otherwise_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o meet_v with_o so_o convenient_o and_o as_o they_o come_v by_o chance_n it_o be_v a_o great_a chance_n if_o they_o receive_v any_o good_a by_o their_o come_n some_o come_v to_o inquire_v out_o some_o good_a bargain_n other_o to_o appoint_v some_o merry_a meeting_n or_o some_o drunken_a match_n or_o game_n at_o card_n or_o die_n or_o bowl_n and_o perhaps_o some_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o entrap_v the_o minister_n in_o his_o word_n or_o wrest_v they_o to_o a_o wrong_a sentence_n these_o man_n memory_n be_v much_o like_o to_z sives_z they_o keep_v the_o refuse_n all_o the_o best_a run_v through_o christ_n himself_o have_v such_o hearer_n if_o these_o or_o like_v to_o these_o be_v thy_o end_n thy_o heart_n be_v rot_v thy_o duty_n stink_v in_o god_n nostril_n and_o they_o will_v never_o do_v thou_o good_a thou_o may_v expect_v a_o curse_n from_o god_n and_o not_o a_o blessing_n but_o a_o true_a christian_a aim_n at_o high_a end_n viz._n that_o he_o may_v know_v his_o master_n will_v and_o know_v may_v obey_v it_o and_o may_v glorify_v he_o by_o obey_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v get_v near_o unto_o christ_n and_o have_v and_o maintain_v more_o communion_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v know_v more_o of_o the_o excellency_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v be_v more_o enamour_v on_o he_o that_o he_o may_v see_v more_o of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o it_o and_o more_o of_o the_o vileness_n of_o sin_n to_o hate_v it_o more_o that_o we_o may_v have_v clear_a evidence_n of_o god_n love_n to_o his_o soul_n and_o of_o his_o interest_n in_o christ_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v a_o believer_n end_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n if_o now_o thy_o end_n be_v low_a it_o be_v a_o bad_a sign_n of_o a_o hypocritical_a or_o profane_a heart_n 3._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v come_v unto_o it_o with_o thy_o heart_n right_o qualify_v and_o right_o dispose_v with_o thy_o affection_n right_o order_v one_o reason_n among_o other_o why_o so_o many_o come_v to_o and_o return_v from_o the_o word_n empty_a be_v because_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o fit_v for_o the_o duty_n get_v thy_o heart_n in_o love_n with_o god_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o thrive_v by_o his_o word_n how_o greedy_o do_v we_o read_v a_o letter_n from_o a_o friend_n especial_o if_o we_o expect_v some_o promise_n in_o it_o of_o some_o great_a courtesy_n the_o word_n be_v god_n epistle_n send_v from_o heaven_n stuff_v thick_a with_o gracious_a promise_n if_o we_o entertain_v hard_a thought_n of_o god_n we_o seldom_o profit_v by_o his_o word_n get_v a_o love_n also_o to_o his_o word_n as_o david_n o_o how_o love_v i_o thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n continual_o we_o remember_v that_o which_o we_o love_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o many_o can_v remember_v a_o idle_a story_n or_o love_v song_n or_o stage_z play_n that_o can_v remember_v one_o passage_n or_o sentence_n in_o a_o whole_a sermon_n why_o because_o they_o love_v it_o better_o exercise_n love_v also_o to_o the_o minister_n or_o thou_o will_v hardly_o profit_v by_o his_o preach_n prejudice_n be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o soul_n see_v this_o in_o ahab_n he_o have_v a_o prejudice_n against_o micaiah_n and_o hate_v he_o and_o therefore_o his_o wholesome_a counsel_n be_v reject_v 1_o king_n 22.8_o etc._n etc._n the_o pharisee_n also_o have_v a_o prejudice_n against_o christ_n carp_v and_o cavil_v with_o he_o but_o few_o or_o none_o believe_v in_o he_o which_o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v believe_v on_o he_o all_o his_o gracious_a word_n will_v not_o win_v upon_o they_o and_o when_o a_o people_n have_v a_o prejudice_n against_o their_o pastor_n ten_o to_o one_o they_o profit_v little_a by_o he_o come_v also_o with_o a_o believe_a heart_n the_o word_n which_o they_o hear_v profit_v they_o not_o because_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o heb._n 4.2_o if_o the_o devil_n can_v but_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o distrust_n in_o god_n and_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n he_o have_v what_o he_o will_v have_v for_o who_o will_v leave_v a_o certain_a inheritance_n for_o a_o uncertain_a hope_n and_o take_v much_o pain_n when_o they_o doubt_v of_o a_o recompense_n or_o leave_v belove_v sin_n or_o perform_v self_n deny_v duty_n upon_o such_o uncertainty_n they_o shall_v bring_v also_o humble_a heart_n to_o the_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v the_o humble_a that_o god_n will_v teach_v when_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o proud_a afar_o off_o james_z 4.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.5_o a_o proud_a spirit_n be_v like_o laodicea_n and_o think_v himself_o rich_a and_o want_v nothing_o when_o he_o be_v poor_a and_o blind_a and_o miserable_a and_o naked_a rev._n 3.16,17_o if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o congregation_n that_o set_v themselves_o against_o god_n and_o his_o word_n it_o be_v common_o the_o proud_a and_o self_n conceit_v person_n it_o be_v they_o that_o set_v themselves_o against_o jeremy_n jer._n 42.3_o it_o be_v the_o proud_a man_n that_o say_v he_o speak_v false_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o that_o come_v with_o absence_n of_o his_o own_o want_n be_v most_o like_a to_o have_v a_o supply_n he_o that_o come_v with_o a_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n be_v likely_a to_o go_v away_o empty_a he_o fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n but_o the_o rich_a he_o send_v empty_a away_o luk._n 1.53_o he_o that_o think_v he_o know_v any_o thing_n know_v nothing_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v 1_o cor._n 8.2_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o ordinance_n with_o a_o hunger_a long_a thirst_v pant_v desire_n after_o this_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n for_o than_o thou_o be_v most_o like_a to_o prevail_v for_o something_o to_o fill_v thy_o soul_n a_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o hony-comb_n but_o to_o a_o hungry_a soul_n every_o bitter_a thing_n be_v sweet_a many_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o hungry_a those_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n be_v bless_v mat._n 5.6_o these_o thirst_a soul_n shall_v have_v wine_n and_o milk_n christ_n and_o his_o grace_n without_o money_n or_o money_n worth_n isa_n 5.51_o come_v not_o with_o a_o slight_a apprehension_n of_o or_o a_o slight_a desire_n after_o it_o lest_o it_o be_v deny_v thou_o set_v not_o light_a by_o it_o as_o those_o that_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o wedding_n mat._n 22.2_o etc._n etc._n david_n have_v high_a prize_v thought_n of_o it_o it_o be_v sweet_a to_o he_o than_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n yea_o better_o than_o thousand_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n psalm_n 19.10_o and_o to_o job_n better_a than_o his_o appoint_a food_n this_o make_v david_n meditate_v in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o come_v to_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o his_o teacher_n bring_v also_o a_o mind_n free_a from_o worldly_a care_n and_o fear_n and_o desire_n these_o be_v the_o thorn_n that_o choke_v the_o word_n mat._n 13.22_o bring_v not_o the_o love_n of_o any_o sin_n along_o with_o thou_o for_o this_o will_v make_v the_o word_n unprofitable_a he_o that_o say_v i_o will_v not_o be_v make_v clean_o god_n may_v say_v thou_o shall_v never_o be_v make_v clean_o resolve_v to_o obey_v the_o word_n in_o the_o strict_a passage_n of_o it_o 4._o direct_v will_v thou_o profit_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v it_o be_v necessary_a then_o that_o thou_o make_v some_o preparation_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o ground_n the_o minister_n to_o the_o
a_o elephant_n may_v swim_v but_o the_o gain_n will_v countervail_v the_o loss_n and_o charge_n here_o be_v a_o lamp_n to_o light_v we_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n to_o refresh_v we_o a_o sword_n to_o defend_v we_o a_o key_n to_o open_a christ_n will_n to_o we_o flagon_n of_o wine_n and_o apple_n of_o paradise_n take_v therefore_o these_o direction_n in_o thy_o read_n 4._o direction_n if_o thou_o will_v read_v the_o word_n with_o profit_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o thou_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n for_o so_o solemn_a a_o duty_n come_v not_o out_o of_o a_o huddle_n of_o business_n with_o thy_o heart_n full_a of_o the_o world_n to_o discourse_v with_o god_n take_v not_o god_n word_n any_o more_o than_o his_o name_n in_o vain_a take_v it_o not_o profane_o into_o thy_o mouth_n without_o due_a regard_n or_o consideration_n lest_o he_o turn_v thou_o away_o with_o a_o curse_n instead_o of_o a_o blessing_n it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o great_a concernment_n even_o of_o life_n and_o death_n yea_o of_o the_o eternal_a well_o or_o ill_o be_v of_o thy_o soul_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v slight_v beg_v leave_v therefore_o of_o god_n before_o thou_o meddle_v with_o it_o yea_o beg_v his_o blessing_n upon_o it_o without_o which_o nothing_o can_v do_v we_o good_a for_o soul_n or_o body_n the_o want_n of_o due_a preparation_n cause_v many_o to_o find_v the_o word_n so_o ineffectual_a yea_o find_v so_o little_a sweetness_n in_o it_o again_o if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o it_o hold_v on_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o read_v it_o be_v not_o read_v by_o fit_n and_o start_n will_v serve_v turn_n many_o be_v now_o off_o now_o on_o now_o they_o will_v and_o then_o they_o will_v not_o as_o the_o world_n give_v they_o leave_v or_o as_o the_o humour_n take_v they_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o get_v a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o hold_v on_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o read_v what_o ever_o come_v of_o it_o break_v through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n a_o little_a now_o and_o then_o will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a without_o this_o resolution_n satan_n will_v baffle_v thou_o and_o lay_v some_o temptation_n in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v the_o world_n will_v divert_v thou_o and_o one_o business_n or_o other_o present_v itself_o to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n thy_o own_o corruption_n will_v oppose_v it_o and_o thy_o deceitful_a heart_n make_v thou_o delay_v it_o but_o this_o be_v the_o food_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v not_o divert_v from_o it_o any_o more_o than_o thou_o will_v be_v from_o thy_o meat_n but_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a thou_o must_v not_o only_o do_v the_o duty_n but_o do_v it_o well_o to_o this_o end_n get_v thy_o heart_n in_o order_n get_v it_o cleanse_v from_o distract_n thought_n and_o care_n &_o free_v from_o disquiet_v motion_n &_o perterbation_n a_o full_a vessel_n can_v receive_v no_o more_o and_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o the_o world_n have_v no_o room_n for_o heaven_n say_v therefore_o to_o thy_o worldly_a care_n and_o thought_n when_o thou_o come_v to_o this_o duty_n as_o abraham_n to_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o go_v to_o sacrifice_n stay_v here_o and_o i_o will_v come_v to_o you_o again_o set_v thyself_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n apprehend_v he_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n behold_v thou_o this_o will_v keep_v thy_o thought_n from_o rove_a and_o thy_o imagination_n from_o wander_a in_o his_o service_n and_o awe_v thy_o heart_n and_o curb_v thy_o affection_n bring_v with_o thou_o also_o a_o spiritual_a appetite_n to_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n come_v with_o a_o empty_a stomach_n or_o why_o do_v thou_o seek_v after_o food_n a_o hungry_a man_n be_v most_o like_a to_o taste_v and_o relish_v those_o dainty_n the_o word_n be_v to_o david_n sweet_a than_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n and_o to_o job_n better_a than_o his_o appoint_a food_n if_o there_o be_v spiritual_a life_n in_o the_o soul_n there_o will_v be_v a_o appetite_n for_o no_o life_n can_v be_v preserve_v without_o food_n bring_v faith_n also_o along_o with_o thou_o which_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o without_o this_o the_o soul_n can_v receive_v no_o nourishment_n the_o word_n which_o they_o hear_v profit_v they_o not_o because_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o heb._n 4.2_o reading_n will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a if_o thou_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o thou_o read_v or_o doubte_v of_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o threaten_n i'faith_o also_o will_v subdue_v carnal_a reason_n and_o help_v thou_o out_o when_o thou_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n but_o above_o all_o seek_v help_n from_o above_o from_o god_n here_o be_v many_o difficulty_n too_o hard_o for_o thou_o to_o grapple_v with_o which_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o by_o divine_a assistance_n paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_n but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n it_o be_v he_o that_o open_v lydia_n heart_n and_o must_v open_v thou_o or_o the_o word_n can_v do_v it_o beg_v therefore_o his_o assistance_n and_o come_v thus_o prepare_v to_o the_o duty_n this_o be_v the_o likely_a way_n to_o speed_n 2._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o read_v of_o the_o word_n be_v sure_a to_o propound_v right_a end_n to_o thyself_o for_o the_o end_n crown_v the_o action_n many_o read_v much_o and_o profit_v little_a because_o their_o end_n be_v bad_a they_o undo_v themselves_o and_o lose_v their_o labour_n by_o this_o mean_n some_o read_v for_o custom_n and_o for_o fashion_n sake_n and_o make_v read_v the_o end_n of_o read_v and_o be_v like_o the_o silly_a woman_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o always_o learn_v and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o the_o work_n be_v do_v matter_n it_o no_o more_o some_o read_v to_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o knowledge_n and_o their_o brain_n with_o notion_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v with_o applause_n when_o yet_o they_o never_o suffer_v it_o to_o sink_v down_o or_o soak_v into_o or_o season_v the_o heart_n but_o such_o speculative_a knowledge_n do_v little_a good_a yea_o great_a hurt_n it_o make_v they_o sin_n with_o a_o candle_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o some_o read_v to_o a_o worse_a end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o maintain_v error_n and_o pervert_v the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n thus_o the_o jesuit_n and_o many_o heretic_n but_o every_o one_o shall_v and_o a_o true_a christian_a do_v in_o this_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o other_o make_v god_n glory_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n the_o mark_n he_o aim_v at_o and_o regulate_v his_o action_n according_o and_o doubtless_o from_o god_n he_o will_v receive_v his_o reward_n when_o other_o as_o it_o be_v self_n they_o aim_v at_o so_o from_o self_n they_o must_v expect_v their_o wage_n a_o believer_n he_o will_v know_v more_o that_o he_o may_v obey_v better_a he_o will_v know_v god_n better_o that_o he_o may_v love_v he_o more_o and_o know_v god_n will_n that_o he_o may_v do_v his_o work_n he_o will_v know_v his_o work_n as_o well_o as_o his_o wage_n his_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o his_o privilege_n he_o read_v he_o word_n of_o god_n and_o those_o book_n which_o open_a and_o apply_v it_o that_o he_o may_v know_v truth_n from_o error_n and_o follow_v the_o one_o and_o fly_v the_o other_o and_o may_v not_o be_v seduce_v by_o false_a teacher_n nor_o draw_v aside_o from_o the_o rule_n to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a he_o will_v know_v light_a from_o darkness_n and_o have_v the_o scale_n of_o ignorance_n fall_v from_o his_o eye_n he_o will_v know_v good_a from_o evil_n that_o he_o may_v follow_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v the_o other_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o yea_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a he_o will_v know_v vice_n from_o virtue_n and_o discern_v what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v duty_n that_o he_o be_v not_o like_o those_o that_o in_o persecute_v the_o saint_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n he_o will_v be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o know_v the_o state_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o whether_o his_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n be_v good_a or_o no_o he_o observe_v what_o qualification_n the_o scripture_n require_v for_o heaven_n and_o then_o by_o scripture-light_n he_o will_v discern_v they_o in_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o endeavour_n to_o read_v his_o own_o name_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o see_v what_o interest_n he_o have_v in_o
heaven_n in_o christ_n and_o glory_n and_o what_o evidence_n for_o salvation_n and_o what_o sign_n of_o his_o election_n vocation_n justification_n and_o adoption_n and_o what_o right_o he_o have_v to_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v his_o father_n legacy_n he_o will_v be_v able_a by_o the_o word_n to_o reprove_v error_n and_o defend_v the_o truth_n yea_o to_o reprove_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o repel_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o satan_n and_o be_v able_a to_o walk_v comfortable_a in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o fetch_v consolation_n out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o bear_v he_o up_o under_o the_o sad_a affliction_n they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o in_o the_o way_n they_o shall_v walk_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o holy_a path_n and_o reprove_v they_o when_o they_o err_v and_o convince_v they_o when_o they_o go_v astray_o and_o reduce_v they_o back_o that_o have_v wander_v and_o go_v awry_o and_o build_v they_o up_o that_o be_v already_o bring_v in_o these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o not_o as_o the_o butterfly_n only_o to_o paint_v her_o wing_n and_o these_o be_v the_o end_v thou_o must_v aim_v at_o in_o thy_o read_n it_o and_o then_o thou_o will_v read_v it_o with_o profit_n 3._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o thy_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n read_v with_o the_o great_a diligence_n attention_n care_n and_o circumspection_n that_o possible_o thou_o can_v for_o all_o thou_o can_v do_v be_v little_a enough_o this_o be_v a_o command_a duty_n and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o a_o curse_n be_v threaten_v to_o they_o that_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n negligent_o cursory_a reading_n will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o read_v much_o and_o profit_v little_a because_o they_o read_v it_o careless_o many_o read_v a_o idle_a romance_n or_o wanton_a lovesong_n more_o attentive_o than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o thy_o life_n and_o the_o life_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o for_o eternity_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v set_v thy_o heart_n upon_o it_o than_o be_v thou_o like_v to_o profit_v by_o it_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n usual_o affect_v we_o and_o shall_v not_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n affect_v we_o much_o more_o be_v but_o thy_o life_n endanger_v by_o a_o heartless_a careless_a duty_n who_o will_v be_v mindless_a or_o careless_a in_o the_o performance_n nay_o how_o vigilant_a diligent_a careful_a will_v thou_o be_v and_o be_v not_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n much_o more_o worth_a the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o author_n or_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o shall_v put_v we_o on_o to_o the_o utmost_a diligence_n the_o author_n be_v the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n one_o that_o can_v put_v life_n into_o both_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n nay_o will_v do_v it_o for_o he_o be_v faithful_a and_o the_o word_n be_v a_o epistle_n send_v from_o heaven_n from_o this_o great_a god_n and_o that_o for_o our_o instruction_n admonition_n reproof_n and_o consolation_n 1_o cor._n 9.10_o &_o 10.11_o rom._n 15.4_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v afore-time_o be_v write_v for_o our_o hear_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v god_n statute-book_n whereby_o he_o rule_v the_o world_n wherein_o be_v great_a reward_n promise_v to_o obedience_n and_o great_a punishment_n threaten_v to_o the_o disobedient_a than_o any_o king_n upon_o earth_n can_v annex_v to_o his_o law_n or_o can_v execute_v if_o he_o shall_v threaten_v they_o there_o be_v therefore_o great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o conversant_a in_o those_o law_n than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n though_o these_o be_v necessary_a because_o the_o danger_n be_v great_a in_o the_o one_o we_o stand_v in_o danger_n of_o life_n or_o liberty_n or_o confiscation_n of_o good_n in_o the_o other_o of_o eternal_a damnation_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o many_o of_o they_o can_v as_o ready_o answer_v to_o any_o point_n in_o the_o law_n as_o they_o can_v to_o their_o own_o name_n and_o that_o they_o know_v how_o many_o word_n yea_o syllable_n yea_o letter_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a law_n god_n grant_v their_o diligence_n rise_v not_o up_o against_o we_o to_o condemn_v we_o for_o our_o negligence_n if_o a_o father_n or_o master_n or_o ruler_n or_o prince_n can_v command_v reverence_n from_o their_o inferior_n sure_o god_n may_v much_o more_o from_o we_o if_o we_o receive_v a_o letter_n from_o a_o great_a man_n with_o such_o heedfulness_n and_o read_v it_o with_o such_o diligence_n and_o attention_n and_o mark_v every_o passage_n with_o such_o circumspection_n and_o care_n sure_o much_o more_o care_n and_o diligence_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o this_o epistle_n send_v from_o heaven_n from_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n nay_o but_o the_o content_n thereof_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v require_v diligence_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a right_n and_o great_a concernment_n it_o be_v our_o father_n will_n and_o herein_o be_v record_v the_o legacy_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o now_o who_o will_v neglect_v a_o father_n will_n wherein_o a_o inheritance_n be_v bequeath_v here_o be_v the_o rule_n we_o must_v live_v by_o and_o the_o law_n we_o must_v be_v judge_v by_o and_o be_v these_o matter_n to_o be_v slight_v here_o be_v all_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o heaven_n and_o shall_v this_o be_v disregard_v how_o careful_a be_v man_n of_o their_o evidence_n of_o their_o land_n they_o will_v hardly_o part_v with_o they_o out_o of_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o yet_o alas_o how_o seldom_o do_v many_o man_n take_v these_o evidence_n into_o their_o hand_n too_o evident_a a_o sign_n they_o have_v but_o little_a hope_n of_o good_a by_o it_o now_o without_o the_o diligent_a perusal_n how_o shall_v we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o here_o be_v high_a mystery_n in_o which_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v mistake_v and_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o be_v mistake_v what_o need_n have_v we_o then_o of_o circumspection_n these_o and_o many_o other_o consideration_n may_v put_v we_o on_o to_o diligence_n in_o read_v mark_v and_o observe_v the_o scripture_n 4._o direct_v will_v thou_o profit_v by_o read_v then_o read_v the_o word_n with_o judgement_n understanding_n and_o discretion_n this_o be_v necessary_a in_o every_o duty_n nay_o in_o every_o action_n a_o wise_a man_n say_v solomon_n order_v his_o affair_n with_o discretion_n but_o it_o be_v require_v especial_o in_o a_o work_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n and_o of_o so_o deep_a concernment_n as_o this_o be_v many_o read_v much_o and_o profit_v little_a because_o they_o understand_v little_a they_o be_v like_o the_o eunuch_n to_o who_o philip_n say_v understand_v thou_o what_o thou_o read_v he_o say_v how_o can_v i_o except_o some_o man_n shall_v guide_v i_o act_n 8.30,31_o now_o discretion_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o order_n and_o method_n for_o the_o want_n of_o discretion_n in_o these_o a_o duty_n may_v be_v spoil_v concern_v time_n every_o thing_n say_v solomon_n be_v beautiful_a in_o its_o season_n all_o our_o time_n must_v not_o be_v spend_v in_o this_o duty_n than_o other_o as_o necessary_a will_v be_v omit_v one_o duty_n must_v not_o justle_v out_o another_o yet_o sometime_o must_v and_o as_o much_o as_o can_v well_o be_v spare_v shall_v be_v reduce_v for_o it_o yea_o we_o shall_v rather_o redeem_v time_n out_o of_o our_o sleep_n or_o recreation_n than_o neglect_v it_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o seasonable_a time_n a_o work_n be_v most_o excellent_a in_o its_o season_n morning_n and_o evening_n seem_v ordinary_o the_o fit_a season_n for_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o family_n for_o private_a read_n as_o occasion_n serve_v and_o for_o place_n that_o which_o be_v free_a from_o distraction_n and_o fit_a for_o edification_n and_o order_n for_o private_a read_n a_o private_a place_n this_o do_v most_o benefit_n a_o private_a person_n though_o that_o which_o be_v more_o public_a edify_v more_o than_o one_o a_o method_n also_o be_v to_o be_v heed_v in_o read_v the_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o book_n a_o disorderly_a action_n or_o duty_n seldom_o profit_v order_n and_o method_n be_v good_a help_n to_o the_o memory_n read_v the_o scripture_n throughout_o in_o order_n except_o some_o chapter_n that_o be_v less_o to_o edification_n and_o so_o for_o other_o good_a book_n read_v they_o throughout_o he_o that_o read_v a_o chapter_n here_o or_o there_o at_o adventure_n or_o a_o leaf_n here_o and_o another_o there_o in_o another_o book_n profit_v little_a and_o it_o
meditation_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n and_o at_o all_o time_n but_o of_o set_v and_o solemn_a meditation_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n at_o some_o time_n only_o and_o when_o thou_o come_v unto_o it_o thou_o shall_v come_v prepare_o no_o duty_n can_v be_v well_o perform_v without_o much_o less_o this_o so_o serious_a and_o solemn_a a_o duty_n this_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o whole_a bent_n of_o the_o mind_n they_o must_v be_v whole_o set_v upon_o some_o special_a object_n which_o for_o the_o time_n we_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o meditation_n this_o duty_n be_v as_o the_o chew_v of_o the_o cud_n in_o the_o clean_a beast_n or_o as_o in_o digestion_n to_o the_o body_n for_o as_o digestion_n turn_v food_n into_o soil_n and_o blood_n and_o spirit_n and_o flesh_n so_o meditation_n turn_v thou_o truth_n receive_v into_o affection_n resolution_n act_n yea_o into_o a-ho_o life_n and_o conversation_n now_o the_o preparation_n require_v be_v either_o internal_a or_o external_n the_o internal_a be_v chief_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o understanding_n the_o heart_n be_v the_o chief_a instrument_n in_o the_o work_n if_o the_o instrument_n be_v in_o tune_n the_o music_n will_v be_v good_a if_o that_o be_v out_o it_o will_v be_v little_a worth_n the_o success_n of_o the_o work_n depend_v much_o upon_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o heart_n if_o that_o be_v right_a god_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o dwell_v there_o and_o give_v in_o his_o assistance_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o without_o his_o assistance_n the_o duty_n will_v do_v we_o little_a good_a there_o must_v be_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o knowledge_n in_o the_o brain_n or_o the_o work_n will_v not_o prosper_v in_o our_o hand_n get_v thy_o affection_n as_o much_o off_o from_o the_o world_n and_o as_o resolve_o set_v upon_o christ_n as_o thou_o can_v for_o christ_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o partner_n and_o as_o a_o gracious_a heart_n so_o a_o understanding_n head_n will_v much_o forward_a the_o work_n it_o be_v a_o sweet_a conjunction_n where_o these_o meet_a but_o if_o sever_a the_o former_a be_v most_o requisite_a come_v with_o a_o empty_a heart_n and_o it_o will_v be_v fill_v with_o a_o enlarge_a heart_n and_o it_o will_v be_v satisfy_v this_o duty_n be_v enough_o to_o exercise_v the_o whole_a man_n be_v the_o faculty_n a_o thousand_o time_n more_o capacious_a than_o they_o be_v angel_n themselves_o can_v dive_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o many_o mystery_n lay_v by_o therefore_o all_o other_o thought_n occasion_n business_n and_o concernment_n whatsoever_o and_o gather_v in_o thy_o whole_a strength_n and_o set_v upon_o the_o duty_n bring_v not_o a_o full_a vessel_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o more_o if_o a_o vessel_n be_v full_a of_o water_n there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o wine_n if_o thy_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o muck_n thou_o can_v hold_v no_o money_n if_o thy_o heart_n be_v stuff_v with_o trifle_n it_o can_v hold_v no_o better_a treasure_n when_o thou_o mounte_v this_o hill_n of_o contemplation_n be_v sure_a with_o abraham_n leave_v all_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o hill_n say_v stand_v by_o pleasure_n stand_v by_o friend_n stand_v by_o world_n and_o worldly_a thing_n i_o be_o go_v to_o sacrifice_n and_o will_v come_v again_o when_o we_o come_v into_o our_o prince_n presence_n we_o leave_v our_o muck_n behind_o we_o and_o bring_v no_o unsuitable_a company_n with_o we_o much_o more_o when_o we_o come_v into_o god_n presence_n cast_v off_o all_o sin_n out_o with_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a thought_n yea_o all_o other_o thought_n though_o at_o other_o time_n good_a which_o will_v any_o way_n disturb_v thou_o and_o dispose_v thy_o business_n so_o that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v hinder_v and_o for_o external_a preparation_n it_o consist_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o needful_a circumstance_n as_o time_n place_n etc._n etc._n for_o occasional_a meditation_n all_o time_n and_o all_o place_n be_v fit_a when_o a_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v but_o not_o so_o here_o the_o sabbath_n day_n be_v a_o fit_a time_n when_o other_o duty_n be_v not_o on_o foot_n but_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o upon_o other_o day_n experience_n will_v best_o instruct_v thou_o when_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o lively_a and_o active_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o work_n in_o the_o morning_n or_o in_o the_o evening_n the_o like_a i_o say_v for_o place_n where_o thou_o find_v it_o most_o convenient_a at_o home_n or_o abroad_o in_o the_o house_n or_o in_o the_o field_n the_o place_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a and_o free_a from_o distraction_n be_v the_o fit_a isaac_n walk_v into_o the_o field_n christ_n in_o the_o garden_n peter_n on_o the_o top_n of_o the_o house_n but_o i_o conceive_v ordinary_o for_o this_o set_a meditation_n that_o place_n which_o christ_n appoint_v for_o private_a prayer_n be_v suitable_a for_o this_o secret_a duty_n viz._n the_o closet_n with_o the_o door_n shut_v mat_n 6.46_o in_o a_o word_n when_o thou_o feel_v a_o sweet_a gale_n of_o the_o spirit_n assist_v thou_o lose_v not_o the_o opportunity_n strike_v while_o the_o iron_n be_v hot_a perhaps_o thou_o may_v do_v more_o than_o in_o a_o hour_n than_o at_o another_o time_n in_o a_o day_n 3._o direct_v have_v thus_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n for_o the_o work_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o a_o fit_a time_n and_o place_n set_v upon_o it_o set_v thyself_o serious_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n apprehend_v he_o take_v notice_n of_o thou_o how_o thou_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o this_o will_v keep_v thy_o heart_n from_o wander_a and_o thy_o thought_n from_o rove_a yea_o before_o thou_o begin_v put_v up_o some_o pithy_a fervent_a petition_n for_o god_n assistance_n and_o direction_n and_o that_o he_o will_v give_v thou_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o end_n and_o that_o he_o will_v take_v possession_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o keep_v thy_o thought_n from_o wander_v from_o the_o duty_n for_o without_o god_n assistance_n thou_o will_v but_o strive_v in_o thy_o own_o strength_n and_o lose_v all_o thy_o labour_n when_o thou_o have_v make_v this_o entrance_n by_o prayer_n make_v choice_n of_o some_o profitable_a subject_n to_o meditate_v upon_o all_o meditation_n though_o set_v and_o solemn_a and_o serious_a be_v not_o that_o i_o treat_v of_o how_o serious_o do_v the_o covetous_a man_n study_v how_o to_o grow_v rich_a yea_o perhaps_o how_o to_o deceive_v his_o brother_n how_o serious_a be_v the_o voluptuous_a man_n study_v how_o to_o get_v pleasure_n or_o satisfy_v his_o lust_n the_o ambitious_a man_n how_o to_o get_v honour_n &_o the_o envious_a man_n how_o to_o do_v his_o neighbour_n a_o mischief_n yea_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v he_o can_v sleep_v till_o it_o be_v do_v but_o this_o be_v devilish_a and_o not_o divine_a meditation_n but_o single_a out_o some_o choice_n profitable_a subject_n and_o let_v thy_o thought_n run_v upon_o that_o that_o which_o may_v wind_v up_o thy_o affection_n near_o unto_o god_n and_o which_o be_v well_o worth_a the_o time_n thou_o imploye_v about_o it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o nature_n garden_n will_v furnish_v thou_o with_o flower_n enough_o to_o gather_v honey_n on_o the_o scripture_n will_v abundant_o furnish_v thou_o to_o this_o end_n no_o verse_n but_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o meditation_n this_o be_v the_o cannon_n whereby_o thou_o may_v try_v good_a from_o bad_a and_o truth_n from_o error_n by_o this_o thou_o may_v know_v what_o be_v duty_n what_o be_v sin_n what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v false_a or_o thou_o may_v take_v any_o common_a place_n in_o divinity_n for_o the_o subject_a of_o thy_o meditation_n here_o thou_o may_v find_v a_o large_a field_n to_o walk_v in_o and_o many_o necessary_a yea_o fundamental_a truth_n may_v fall_v under_o consideration_n but_o take_v heed_n of_o meddle_v with_o secret_a thing_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n there_o be_v enough_o reveal_v for_o thy_o salvation_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o thy_o satisfaction_n be_v it_o needful_a i_o may_v lead_v thou_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o show_v thou_o matter_n sufficient_a to_o work_v upon_o as_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o bottomless_a gulf_n that_o the_o angel_n themselves_o can_v never_o sound_v or_o fathom_n yet_o here_o we_o may_v sail_v by_o the_o scripture_n chard_n in_o safety_n consider_v also_o the_o work_n of_o god_n the_o decree_n creation_n and_o providence_n consider_v thy_o own_o estate_n in_o the_o creation_n after_o the_o fall_n and_o in_o thy_o restauration_n consider_v christ_n the_o mediator_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o office_n his_o incarnation_n birth_n life_n doctrine_n miracle_n death_n and_o passion_n his_o resurrection_n ascention_n and_o intercession_n and_o his_o come_n at_o the_o
overwhelm_v in_o the_o sea_n exod._n 14.21_o over_o amalek_n exod._n 17.12_o over_o sennacherib_n 2_o king_n 19.32_o it_o have_v withhold_v rain_n from_o the_o earth_n for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o after_o procure_v it_o james_z 5.17,18_o it_o have_v bring_v angel_n from_o heaven_n for_o the_o help_n of_o man_n thus_o to_o daniel_n chap._n 9.21_o for_o hezekiahs_n help_n 2_o king_n 19.35_o where_o a_o angel_n slay_v in_o one_o night_n in_o the_o camp_n of_o sennacherib_n a_o hundred_o forty_o and_o five_o thousand_o and_o to_o elisha_n 2_o king_n 6.17_o where_o the_o mountain_n be_v full_a of_o horse_n and_o chariot_n of_o fire_n about_o elisha_n it_o have_v bring_v fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v the_o enemy_n 2_o kin._n 1.10.12_o it_o have_v procure_v bear_n to_o devour_v those_o child_n that_o mock_v the_o prophet_n 2_o king_n 2.24_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n mat._n 17.21_o and_o to_o work_v strange_a deliverance_n as_o jonah_n out_o of_o the_o whale_n belly_n jonah_n 2.10_o peter_n out_o of_o prison_n act_v 12.5_o etc._n etc._n by_o this_o the_o widow_n oil_n be_v increase_v 2_o king_n 4.3_o and_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v mark_n 11.23_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o recover_v the_o sick_a james_n 5.15_o to_o divert_v judgement_n feel_v or_o fear_v thus_o moses_n oft_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o procure_v pardon_n of_o sin_n luke_n 18.13_o to_o avoid_v the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n mat._n 26.41_o to_o have_v deliverance_n out_o of_o trouble_n psal_n 50.15_o to_o procure_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n luke_n 12.13_o to_o get_v wisdom_n james_n 1.5_o who_o now_o will_v not_o set_v upon_o such_o a_o duty_n now_o to_o perform_v this_o duty_n well_o take_v these_o direction_n 1._o direct_v there_o be_v several_a qualification_n requisite_a to_o every_o one_o that_o will_v right_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n without_o which_o a_o blessing_n can_v be_v expect_v for_o though_o christ_n bid_v ask_v and_o we_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o we_o yet_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o we_o ask_v and_o have_v not_o because_o we_o ask_v amiss_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v upon_o thy_o heart_n or_o otherwise_o thou_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o be_v hear_v the_o blind_a man_n john_n 9.31_o can_v say_v god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o other_o to_o pray_v and_o the_o apostle_n incourage_v simon_n magus_n to_o the_o duty_n if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v but_o till_o the_o heart_n be_v bring_v over_o to_o god_n we_o have_v no_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v hear_v we_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v abomination_n to_o god_n till_o then_o we_o can_v comfortable_o call_v god_n father_n nor_o come_v with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n neither_o will_v christ_n mediate_v or_o intercede_v for_o we_o while_o we_o remain_v his_o enemy_n neither_o will_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n assist_v we_o in_o the_o duty_n rom._n 8.15_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o through_o faith_n that_o we_o have_v boldness_n and_o access_n with_o confidence_n to_o god_n eph._n 3_o 12._o it_o be_v necessary_a also_o that_o we_o hate_v sin_n if_o we_o come_v to_o god_n for_o he_o be_v a_o devour_a fire_n to_o his_o enemy_n and_o will_v not_o be_v reconcile_v to_o those_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o sin_n how_o can_v we_o hearty_o pray_v against_o sin_n and_o for_o holiness_n if_o we_o love_v sin_n and_o hate_v holiness_n as_o all_o unconverted_a sinner_n do_v this_o be_v dissemble_v with_o god_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o with_o he_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n say_v david_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n psal_n 66.18_o yea_o god_n who_o be_v holiness_n itself_o require_v holiness_n in_o all_o those_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v god_n with_o comfort_n heb._n 12.14_o knowledge_n also_o be_v requisite_a for_o god_n can_v abide_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a in_o sacrifice_n without_o this_o the_o mind_n can_v be_v good_a nor_o the_o service_n acceptable_a without_o this_o a_o man_n know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o or_o what_o to_o pray_v against_o what_o to_o seek_v or_o what_o to_o shun_v what_o be_v sin_n or_o what_o be_v duty_n what_o he_o want_v or_o what_o he_o have_v and_o what_o blind_a worship_n be_v he_o like_v to_o offer_v he_o can_v never_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v self-denial_n also_o be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n subject_a his_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o notable_a example_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n himself_o who_o meat_n and_o drink_v it_o be_v to_o do_v his_o father_n will._n so_o when_o he_o have_v pray_v that_o that_o bitter_a cup_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o yet_o add_v not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v and_o thus_o he_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n i'faith_o also_o be_v requireâ—_n for_o if_o those_o shaft_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o head_v by_o faith_n they_o will_v never_o reach_v heaven_n this_o be_v the_o condition_n require_v whatsoever_o you_o ask_v believe_o you_o shall_v receive_v and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o nay_o further_o patience_n be_v also_o require_v we_o must_v wait_v for_o a_o answer_n not_o like_o those_o short-winded_a bethulian_o that_o set_v god_n a_o time_n and_o will_v wait_v no_o long_o but_o refer_v all_o to_o his_o will_n who_o best_o know_v his_o own_o time_n yea_o the_o best_a time_n and_o fit_a season_n he_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v a_o humble_a man_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a he_o that_o have_v not_o low_o self-denying_a thought_n of_o himself_o god_n will_v have_v low_a thought_n of_o his_o service_n he_o fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n but_o the_o rich_a he_o send_v empty_a away_o he_o must_v also_o beg_v for_o the_o power_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.26_o god_n know_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o spirit_n come_v not_o in_o thy_o own_o strength_n thou_o must_v also_o be_v painful_a and_o laborious_a not_o only_o pray_v for_o mercy_n but_o endeavour_n for_o they_o a_o few_o faint_a wish_n will_v not_o serve_v turn_n sin_n must_v be_v fight_v against_o as_o well_o as_o pray_v against_o endeavour_n must_v be_v use_v 2._o direct_v before_o thou_o come_v to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n prepare_v thy_o heart_n to_o meet_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o so_o solemn_a a_o duty_n be_v thou_o but_o to_o meet_v some_o prince_n or_o noble_a man_n thou_o will_v make_v some_o preparation_n much_o more_o shall_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v to_o meet_v the_o great_a god_n one_o that_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o thy_o end_n and_o motive_n in_o the_o duty_n what_o business_n of_o concernment_n be_v there_o but_o needs_o some_o preparation_n much_o more_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o examine_v therefore_o what_o relation_n thou_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n whether_o he_o be_v a_o friend_n or_o a_o enemy_n who_o can_v come_v with_o boldness_n to_o he_o that_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o be_v not_o reconcile_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o a_o mediator_n to_o intercede_v for_o thou_o and_o a_o surety_n to_o undertake_v thy_o debt_n how_o dare_v thou_o approach_v to_o the_o creditor_n to_o who_o thou_o owe_v ten_o thousand_o talent_n and_o can_v not_o pay_v a_o farthing_n how_o dare_v approach_v this_o consume_a fire_n that_o be_v but_o chaff_n and_o stubble_n and_o what_o hope_n have_v of_o speed_v if_o thou_o be_v not_o within_o the_o covenant_n the_o promise_n belong_v not_o to_o thou_o but_o when_o thou_o can_v find_v a_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o christ_n can_v call_v god_n father_n yet_o rush_v not_o rude_o into_o his_o presence_n but_o study_v well_o what_o thing_n he_o have_v promise_v for_o those_o thou_o may_v bold_o ask_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v but_o his_o word_n shall_v not_o pass_v till_o it_o be_v fulfil_v but_o if_o thou_o ask_v amiss_o that_o be_v what_o he_o never_o promise_v no_o wonder_n if_o thou_o receive_v it_o not_o acquaint_v thyself_o well_o with_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n his_o power_n goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n this_o will_v be_v a_o excellent_a
to_o be_v worthy_a the_o weight_n of_o a_o oath_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o we_o call_v to_o witness_v and_o under_o who_o divine_a judgement_n we_o set_v ourselves_o in_o case_n we_o speak_v false_a and_o in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o thing_n we_o swear_v be_v lawful_a and_o possible_a and_o like_a to_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o good_a to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o 4._o direct_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o this_o also_o be_v stumble_v at_o by_o some_o and_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n this_o shall_v be_v agreeable_a or_o at_o least_o not_o contradictory_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v either_o external_n or_o internal_a the_o external_n form_n consist_v in_o word_n or_o sign_n or_o both_o the_o internal_a form_n consist_v in_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n a_o little_a of_o these_o in_o their_o order_n the_o external_n sometime_o consist_v in_o word_n without_o sign_n and_o thus_o a_o man_n swear_v and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o intention_n in_o plain_a word_n and_o this_o oath_n be_v various_o word_v according_a to_o the_o use_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n man_n live_v in_o and_o thus_o we_o may_v find_v as_o before_o have_v be_v prove_v god_n angel_n and_o man_n have_v thus_o swear_v sometime_o also_o man_n swear_v and_o affirm_v by_o sign_n without_o word_n and_o this_o be_v most_o frequent_a where_o there_o be_v many_o that_o enter_v into_o a_o oath_n or_o covenant_n when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n or_o covenant_n be_v either_o read_v or_o speak_v and_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o enter_v into_o that_o bond_n make_v it_o know_v by_o some_o external_n sign_n or_o token_n by_o some_o action_n or_o gesture_n as_o by_o a_o nod_n with_o the_o head_n bow_v the_o body_n stand_v up_o or_o to_o a_o side_n lift_v up_o the_o hand_n or_o otherwise_o according_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v require_v by_o the_o imposer_n or_o by_o write_v down_o their_o name_n by_o any_o of_o those_o they_o may_v testify_v their_o consent_n and_o this_o be_v as_o bind_v and_o obligatory_a as_o if_o the_o word_n be_v utter_v and_o sometime_o we_o may_v find_v a_o oath_n take_v both_o by_o word_n and_o sign_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n of_o swear_v thus_o god_n frequent_o be_v say_v to_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n when_o he_o swear_v to_o his_o people_n thus_o the_o angel_n dan._n 12.7_o he_o hold_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o his_o left_a hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n in_o make_v oath_n and_o covenant_n divers_n be_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o the_o heathen_n have_v use_v at_o such_o time_n yea_o many_o and_o various_a be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o such_o case_n one_o be_v the_o put_v the_o hand_n under_o the_o thigh_n thus_o abraham_n swear_v his_o servant_n gen._n 24.2_o and_o thus_o joseph_n swear_v unto_o his_o father_n jacob_n gen._n 47.29_o another_o form_n much_o in_o use_n be_v lift_v up_o the_o hand_n as_o be_v even_o now_o speak_v of_o this_o be_v use_v by_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n by_o god_n deut._n 32.40_o for_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n and_o say_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o by_o abraham_n gen._n 19.22_o i_o have_v lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o the_o lord_n most_o high_a and_o false_a swearer_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_a hand_n of_o deceit_n because_o they_o lift_v it_o up_o deceitful_o psal_n 144.8_o 11._o and_o various_a have_v be_v the_o ceremony_n that_o have_v be_v use_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o in_o succeed_a generation_n among_o we_o the_o put_v the_o hand_n upon_o the_o bible_n and_o kiss_v it_o be_v most_o in_o use_n or_o both_o which_o be_v but_o a_o profess_v sign_n of_o our_o consent_n and_o i_o know_v not_o any_o cause_n of_o scruple_n in_o it_o thus_o for_o the_o external_n the_o internal_a form_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o right_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o a_o oath_n shall_v not_o consist_v in_o equivalent_a or_o ambiguous_a word_n or_o phrase_n for_o then_o a_o man_n may_v take_v they_o in_o a_o different_a sense_n from_o the_o imposer_n mind_n and_o may_v require_v one_o thing_n and_o another_o may_v attest_v another_o but_o the_o sense_n shall_v be_v obvious_a to_o both_o giver_n and_o taker_n or_o otherwise_o nothing_o or_o at_o least_o we_o know_v not_o what_o be_v witness_v and_o the_o oath_n prove_v vain_a nay_o the_o very_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o investigation_n of_o truth_n be_v close_v heb._n 6.16_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o end_n of_o strife_n and_o thus_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v take_v in_o vain_a and_o this_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n profane_v and_o abuse_v and_o it_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o lie_n when_o we_o affirm_v by_o oath_n what_o in_o the_o imposer_n sense_n be_v not_o true_a and_o so_o it_o prove_v perjury_n but_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o the_o plain_a common_a sense_n which_o be_v obvious_a to_o all_o neither_o shall_v there_o be_v equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n use_v in_o a_o oath_n this_o be_v the_o sallacious_a deal_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o by_o this_o mean_n think_v to_o evade_v all_o oath_n and_o delude_v the_o imposer_n but_o they_o most_o delude_v themselves_o and_o wrong_v their_o own_o soul_n for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v who_o worship_n be_v abuse_v they_o hide_v part_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o subvert_v the_o sense_n as_o thus_o they_o swear_v they_o be_v not_o at_o rome_n and_o think_v in_o their_o mind_n not_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o but_o what_o be_v mentire_fw-la but_o contra_fw-la mentum_fw-la ire_n though_o this_o may_v serve_v in_o foro_fw-la humano_fw-la god_n can_v easy_o detect_v such_o juggle_a deceit_n and_o will_v never_o hold_v those_o guiltless_a that_o thus_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a and_o like_o jezebel_n deceive_v under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n 5._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v honour_v god_n in_o this_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n see_v then_o that_o thou_o aim_v at_o right_a ends._n in_o thy_o oath_n the_o end_n must_v be_v lawful_a and_o good_a or_o the_o duty_n will_v prove_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o snare_n a_o man_n may_v swear_v that_o which_o be_v truth_n and_o yet_o if_o his_o end_n be_v bad_a it_o will_v prove_v his_o sin_n now_o the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n as_o i_o say_v before_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o some_o necessary_a truth_n in_o question_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v prove_v heb._n 6.16_o man_n swear_v by_o he_o that_o be_v great_a than_o themselves_o and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n to_o they_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n now_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o weighty_a business_n that_o require_v a_o oath_n and_o a_o necessary_a truth_n that_o be_v in_o question_n some_o doubtful_a matter_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v find_v out_o or_o prove_v that_o can_v be_v evidence_v but_o by_o a_o oath_n in_o this_o case_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n vindicate_v himself_o this_o way_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o do_v it_o rom._n 1.9_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n who_o i_o serve_v with_o my_o spirit_n that_o without_o cease_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o you_o always_o in_o my_o prayer_n 2_o cor._n 1.23_o i_o call_v god_n to_o record_v upon_o my_o soul_n etc._n etc._n we_o see_v he_o appeal_v to_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n to_o witness_v with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o his_o affection_n to_o they_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n and_o our_o own_o and_o neighbour_n good_a shall_v be_v principal_o mind_v in_o this_o duty_n but_o too_o many_o have_v by_o and_o base_a and_o low_a end_n in_o it_o and_o not_o according_o when_o a_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o can_v otherwise_o be_v find_v out_o and_o yet_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v impose_v exod._n 22.10,11_o if_o a_o man_n deliver_v unto_o his_o neighbour_n a_o ass_n or_o a_o ox_n or_o a_o sheep_n or_o any_o beast_n to_o keep_v and_o it_o die_v or_o be_v hurt_v or_o be_v drive_v away_o no_o man_n see_v it_o then_o shall_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v between_o they_o both_o that_o he_o have_v not_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o his_o neighbour_n good_n and_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o shall_v accept_v thereof_o
etc._n etc._n there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o a_o oath_n as_o those_o that_o have_v be_v hand_v down_o to_o we_o by_o tradition_n as_o whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o city_n as_o troy_n or_o carthage_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v sack_v or_o spoil_v though_o we_o be_v confident_o assure_v this_o be_v a_o truth_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o swear_v it_o because_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o personal_a knowledge_n we_o must_v swear_v no_o more_o than_o we_o personal_o know_v to_o be_v true_a some_o thing_n also_o be_v obvious_a to_o common_a sense_n as_o that_o a_o quadrangle_n have_v four_o angle_n a_o triangle_n three_o etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n be_v not_o doubtful_a and_o a_o oath_n will_v not_o make_v they_o more_o clear_a but_o a_o thing_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v determine_v when_o we_o dare_v not_o rest_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o revealer_n when_o it_o be_v doubtful_a and_o can_v be_v prove_v but_o by_o witness_n and_o this_o witness_n be_v suspect_v either_o to_o want_v knowledge_n or_o conscience_n every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n rom._n 3.4_o now_o because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a faith_n and_o justice_n among_o man_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o appeal_v to_o god_n himself_o to_o witness_v which_o can_v deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o ne_fw-fr plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la the_o end_n of_o contention_n for_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o this_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o humane_a society_n the_o very_a heathen_n themselves_o when_o they_o swear_v by_o their_o idol-god_n be_v careful_a of_o swear_v false_o yet_o among_o christian_n in_o name_n every_o one_o have_v not_o this_o care_n nay_o it_o be_v too_o evident_o know_v that_o many_o take_v little_a care_n of_o their_o word_n or_o oath_n but_o this_o be_v a_o strong_a bond_n and_o none_o will_v break_v it_o that_o fear_n god_n or_o make_v conscience_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o how_o much_o do_v those_o stray_n from_o the_o very_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o investigation_n of_o truth_n that_o affirm_v by_o a_o oath_n that_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v to_o a_o lie_n the_o very_a heathen_n will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o and_o condemn_v they_o those_o that_o seek_v thereby_o to_o hide_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o to_o manifest_v it_o and_o mind_v not_o god_n glory_n but_o their_o neighbour_n injury_n by_o it_o as_o wicked_a doeg_n in_o his_o information_n against_o david_n though_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v to_o a_o bad_a end_n thos_n also_o be_v guilty_a that_o swear_v to_o that_o they_o know_v not_o though_o it_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a yet_o they_o be_v perjure_v person_n they_o swear_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o which_o they_o do_v not_o know_v those_o also_o that_o swear_v vain_o idle_o and_o to_o no_o purpose_n those_o that_o swear_v and_o never_o intend_v to_o make_v good_a their_o oath_n or_o if_o they_o do_v intend_v it_o do_v not_o do_v it_o sure_o these_o man_n when_o they_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v their_o lie_n do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o god_n or_o that_o he_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o or_o think_v they_o can_v deceive_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n or_o that_o he_o approve_v of_o it_o but_o he_o will_v call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n and_o set_v their_o oath_n in_o order_n against_o they_o 6._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o offend_v by_o thy_o oath_n take_v heed_n then_o of_o rash_a foolish_a customary_a swear_n too_o much_o in_o use_n in_o our_o time_n and_o for_o which_o the_o land_n mourn_v jer._n 23.10_o it_o can_v but_o be_v distasteful_a to_o god_n who_o will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a to_o have_v his_o name_n toss_v by_o every_o drunken_a sot_n upon_o the_o ale_n bench_n and_o when_o man_n thunder_v out_o oath_n and_o curse_n upon_o earth_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o god_n thunder_v out_o his_o judgement_n from_o heaven_n when_o those_o ill-boding_a fowl_n feed_v so_o near_o the_o brink_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a presage_v that_o god_n judgement_n be_v near_o customary_a swear_n can_v be_v without_o much_o sin_n for_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o god_n show_v it_o shall_v be_v take_v upon_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o serious_a meditation_n but_o common_a experience_n show_v in_o customary_a swear_v these_o thing_n be_v want_v but_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v irreverent_o toss_v in_o their_o filthy_a mouth_n and_o thus_o many_o man_n curse_v away_o their_o blessing_n for_o the_o most_o of_o man_n be_v guilty_a this_o way_n they_o swear_v down_o vengeance_n from_o heaven_n upon_o they_o and_o ofttimes_o upon_o their_o posterity_n for_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n haunt_v the_o house_n of_o the_o swearer_n zach._n 5.3,4_o and_o god_n will_v be_v a_o swift_a witness_n against_o they_o mal._n 3.5_o the_o common_a swearer_n across_o the_o very_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v as_o i_o say_v the_o investigation_n of_o truth_n of_o some_o necessary_a weighty_a truth_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v but_o many_o of_o their_o oath_n be_v spend_v for_o the_o obscure_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o justify_n of_o lie_n and_o if_o truth_n be_v speak_v it_o be_v either_o about_o such_o trivial_a matter_n unfit_a to_o have_v the_o name_n of_o god_n mention_v or_o add_v to_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o any_o great_a matter_n whether_o they_o be_v affirm_v or_o no_o and_o no_o body_n so_o much_o as_o desire_v any_o such_o confirmation_n by_o it_o or_o be_v little_a the_o better_o credit_v to_o the_o oath_n of_o a_o customary_a swearer_n than_o they_o do_v to_o their_o word_n for_o common_a swearer_n be_v ofttimes_o account_v common_a liar_n and_o a_o hundred_o oath_n will_v not_o sugar_n some_o of_o their_o story_n and_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v swallow_v when_o they_o speak_v as_o oft_o they_o do_v against_o reason_n and_o experience_n for_o many_o man_n use_v their_o oath_n to_o fill_v up_o or_o as_o they_o think_v to_o adorn_v their_o discourse_n instead_o of_o other_o eloquence_n but_o such_o rhetorical_a figure_n may_v be_v use_v in_o a_o oration_n in_o hell_n they_o think_v themselves_o the_o brave_a man_n that_o can_v swear_v the_o big_a oath_n and_o wish_v damnation_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o fit_a expression_n and_o indeed_o they_o be_v some_o of_o the_o devil_n stout_a champion_n but_o from_o such_o many_o time_n a_o oath_n either_o need_v not_o or_o boot_v not_o if_o they_o speak_v reason_n they_o may_v be_v believe_v without_o if_o not_o a_o hundred_o oath_n will_v not_o make_v it_o pass_v for_o currant_n now_o if_o we_o search_v out_o the_o original_a from_o whence_o these_o oath_n proceed_v we_o may_v find_v from_o a_o sinful_a custom_n and_o a_o deprave_a nature_n they_o learn_v to_o swear_v but_o it_o be_v when_o they_o learn_v to_o talk_v and_o in_o some_o it_o be_v more_o custom_n than_o curstness_n it_o befall_v they_o as_o with_o man_n in_o some_o distemper_n their_o excrement_n pass_v from_o they_o at_o unaware_o so_o do_v their_o oath_n they_o know_v not_o when_o they_o swear_v but_o it_o be_v a_o bad_a custom_n which_o make_v god_n our_o enemy_n and_o hell_n our_o portion_n be_v there_o but_o a_o law_n make_v that_o for_o every_o oath_n they_o swear_v they_o shall_v lose_v a_o joint_n or_o forfeit_v a_o pound_n and_o due_o execute_v it_o will_v make_v man_n break_v off_o such_o a_o custom_n sometime_o those_o rash_a oath_n proceed_v from_o some_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o anger_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v a_o short_a madness_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o right_a mad_a man_n part_n they_o act_n when_o another_o offend_v they_o and_o they_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o god_n sometime_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o game_n and_o unlawful_a recreation_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o bad_a tree_n that_o yield_v such_o unsavoury_a fruit_n take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o these_o and_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o but_o upon_o just_a occasion_n a_o oath_n in_o itself_o be_v not_o sinful_a as_o be_v murder_n adultery_n etc._n etc._n no_o more_o be_v it_o desirable_a for_o itself_o as_o love_n charity_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v use_v as_o physic_n when_o other_o food_n will_v not_o serve_v not_o for_o it_o be_v own_o sake_n but_o for_o health_n sake_n for_o truth_n sake_n it_o be_v a_o holy_a thing_n and_o the_o more_o holy_a a_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a if_o abuse_v it_o be_v bad_a play_v with_o edge_a tool_n yet_o many_o profane_o call_v
god_n to_o witness_n at_o their_o card_n die_n table_n or_o invoke_v he_o to_o their_o assistance_n those_o make_v too_o bold_a with_o god_n and_o shall_v have_v no_o thanks_o for_o their_o labour_n in_o this_o sin_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o bait_v a_o temptation_n it_o carry_v neither_o profit_n nor_o pleasure_n along_o with_o it_o and_o the_o actor_n in_o this_o sin_n serve_v the_o devil_n for_o nothing_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o go_v un-rewarded_n 7._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o offend_v god_n by_o thy_o oath_n take_v heed_n of_o false_a swear_v for_o this_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v answer_v for_o every_o idle_a word_n as_o christ_n himself_o affirm_v mat._n 12.36_o and_o for_o every_o vain_a oath_n he_o be_v liable_a to_o damnation_n as_o st._n james_n affirm_v james_n 5.12_o much_o more_o than_o for_o false_a swear_n wherein_o man_n call_v forth_o god_n to_o witness_v to_o their_o lie_n and_o so_o in_o effect_n they_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n but_o their_o damnation_n sleep_v not_o god_n tell_v we_o by_o his_o prophet_n zach._n 5.4_o that_o his_o curse_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o he_o that_o swear_v false_o and_o there_o remain_v and_o consume_v both_o the_o timber_n and_o the_o stone_n thereof_o and_o the_o prophet_n david_n make_v it_o a_o mark_n of_o a_o citizen_n of_o heaven_n that_o have_v swear_v to_o his_o neighbour_n will_v faithful_o perform_v though_o it_o prove_v to_o his_o own_o injury_n and_o dis-advantage_n psal_n 15.4_o and_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o humane_a society_n that_o regard_v not_o his_o oath_n for_o what_o bond_n will_v then_o hold_v he_o now_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o oath_n and_o in_o either_o a_o man_n may_v sorswear_v himself_o there_o be_v assertatory_n oath_n when_o a_o man_n say_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v or_o it_o be_v not_o do_v or_o it_o be_v do_v thus_o or_o thus_o or_o these_o and_o these_o word_n be_v thus_o speak_v and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v the_o same_o that_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n the_o whole_a truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n if_o now_o he_o know_v that_o what_o he_o say_v be_v contrary_n to_o the_o truth_n this_o be_v direct_a perjury_n and_o a_o sin_n which_o without_o repentance_n will_v certain_o sink_v he_o into_o hell_n and_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n of_o a_o harden_a heart_n and_o a_o wicked_a mind_n nay_o if_o he_o affirm_v that_o to_o be_v true_a upon_o oath_n which_o be_v doubtful_a to_o he_o and_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n he_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a he_o can_v be_v excuse_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v upon_o oath_n affirm_v such_o a_o man_n in_o ireland_n to_o be_v dead_a and_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o be_v live_v or_o dead_a he_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n if_o it_o prove_v true_a and_o the_o man_n be_v dead_a this_o do_v not_o excuse_v he_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v he_o may_v be_v live_v a_o man_n shall_v certain_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o he_o positive_o assert_n by_o oath_n again_o there_o be_v promissory_a oath_n in_o which_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o another_o to_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n for_o he_o or_o give_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n to_o he_o and_o do_v not_o only_o promise_v but_o swear_v to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n as_o when_o a_o man_n swear_v to_o be_v a_o faithful_a and_o loyal_a subject_n to_o his_o sovereign_n or_o a_o faithful_a soldier_n to_o his_o captain_n or_o a_o loyal_a wife_n to_o her_o husband_n or_o to_o give_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o his_o friend_n and_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o to_o punish_v he_o if_o he_o prove_v false_a and_o when_o he_o take_v this_o oath_n intend_v not_o to_o perform_v the_o thing_n promise_v this_o in_o god_n account_n be_v perjury_n though_o man_n can_v perceive_v it_o god_n do_v who_o be_v call_v to_o witness_v the_o integrity_n of_o his_o heart_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n nay_o his_o fact_n be_v not_o excuse_v though_o the_o guilt_n be_v lessen_v if_o afterward_o he_o perform_v it_o for_o when_o he_o take_v it_o it_o be_v with_o a_o intent_n to_o deceive_v or_o if_o he_o take_v not_o his_o oath_n in_o the_o know_a sense_n of_o he_o that_o require_v it_o this_o be_v not_o justifiable_a for_o a_o oath_n be_v for_o the_o secure_n or_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o imposer_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v without_o fraud_n or_o aequivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o he_o that_o administer_v it_o again_o though_o a_o man_n intention_n be_v never_o so_o sincere_a when_o he_o take_v his_o oath_n if_o afterward_o he_o fail_v in_o the_o performance_n if_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v lawful_a and_o possible_a he_o can_v clear_v himself_o from_o perjury_n and_o though_o every_o false_a oath_n be_v dangerous_a and_o deadly_a yet_o there_o be_v aggravation_n that_o make_v some_o worse_a than_o other_o as_o to_o take_v a_o false_a oath_n before_o a_o magistrate_n in_o a_o public_a assembly_n in_o a_o court_n of_o judicatory_a whereby_o a_o unjust_a verdict_n be_v procure_v from_o the_o jury_n a_o unjust_a sentence_n from_o the_o judge_n whereby_o the_o innocent_a person_n lose_v his_o life_n or_o livelihood_n this_o be_v worse_a than_o in_o a_o private_a cause_n to_o a_o private_a person_n in_o a_o business_n of_o small_a concernment_n the_o godly_a in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o perform_v their_o oath_n as_o joshua_n to_o the_o gibonite_n though_o get_v by_o fraud_n and_o great_a cause_n god_n be_v offend_v at_o the_o breach_n of_o covenant_n as_o we_o find_v many_o year_n after_o when_o saul_n in_o his_o zeal_n have_v slay_v some_o of_o they_o god_n bring_v a_o three_o year_n famine_n upon_o the_o land_n and_o be_v never_o satisfy_v till_o seven_o of_o saul_n son_n be_v hang_v josh_n 9.19_o 2_o sam._n 21.1,2_o chap._n xii_o direction_n about_o vow_n the_o next_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o it_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v so_o be_v a_o vow_n &_o this_o also_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o direction_n in_o as_o be_v a_o business_n of_o great_a concernment_n and_o that_o many_o have_v and_o the_o papist_n this_o day_n do_v much_o err_v in_o i_o shall_v first_o show_v you_o what_o a_o vow_n be_v and_o then_o show_v you_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o vow_n a_o religious_a vow_n be_v a_o solemn_a promise_n make_v to_o god_n by_o a_o fit_a person_n in_o a_o fit_a manner_n of_o some_o lawful_a thing_n which_o be_v in_o his_o own_o choice_n upon_o some_o special_a occasion_n and_o for_o some_o religious_a end_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o solemn_a promise_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o a_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v either_o express_v in_o word_n as_o the_o vow_n of_o jephthah_n be_v judge_n 11.30_o and_o jephthah_n vow_v a_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v if_o thou_o shall_v without_o fail_v deliver_v the_o child_n of_o ammon_n into_o my_o hand_n what_o come_v first_o out_o of_o the_o door_n of_o my_o house_n to_o meet_v i_o shall_v sure_o be_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n or_o in_o the_o heart_n as_o hannah_n who_o vow_v a_o vow_n that_o if_o god_n will_v give_v she_o a_o man_n child_n that_o she_o will_v dedicate_v he_o to_o the_o lord_n 1_o sam._n 11.13_o she_o speak_v in_o her_o heart_n only_o her_o lip_n move_v but_o her_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v now_o these_o religious_a vow_n be_v to_o be_v make_v to_o god_n alone_o this_o we_o have_v precept_n and_o precedent_n for_o but_o not_o prcept_v or_o precedent_n to_o make_v vow_n to_o depart_a saint_n or_o angel_n psalm_n 76.11_o vow_n and_o pay_v it_o unto_o the_o lord_n isa_n 19.21_o they_o shall_v vow_v a_o vow_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o perform_v it_o jacob_n vow_v a_o vow_n to_o god_n gen._n 28.20_o israel_n vow_v a_o vow_n numb_a 21.2_o but_o where_o read_v we_o of_o any_o vow_n to_o angel_n or_o depart_v saint_n it_o must_v also_o be_v make_v by_o a_o fit_a person_n one_o that_o be_v compos_fw-la mentis_fw-la in_o his_o right_a mind_n child_n fool_n or_o madman_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o do_v it_o nay_o he_o shall_v be_v at_o his_o own_o dispose_n especial_o in_o the_o matter_n which_o he_o vow_v a_o maid_n in_o her_o father_n house_n or_o a_o woman_n that_o have_v a_o husband_n their_o vow_n be_v qualify_v by_o the_o father_n or_o husband_n dislike_n numb_a 30.34_o etc._n etc._n it_o shall_v also_o be_v of_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o power_n otherwise_o they_o can_v perform_v in_o a_o fit_a manner_n that_o be_v with_o meditation_n and_o consideration_n for_o some_o lawful_a thing_n for_o a_o unlawful_a thing_n ought_v