they_o exclaim_v against_o this_o as_o a_o humane_a invention_n which_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v no_o command_n totidem_fw-la verbis_fw-la for_o so_o do_v no_o more_o have_v we_o for_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o hebrew_n bible_n into_o english_a but_o doubtless_o if_o englishman_n ought_v to_o study_v the_o scripture_n and_o read_v it_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v translate_v into_o a_o language_n they_o understand_v if_o david_n psalm_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v sing_v by_o englishman_n it_o be_v to_o be_v translate_v into_o english_a or_o how_o can_v they_o sing_v with_o the_o understanding_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v sing_v in_o the_o english_a manner_n which_o be_v when_o it_o be_v fit_v with_o apt_a measure_n syllable_n and_o meeter_n as_o englishman_n use_v in_o their_o song_n and_o not_o only_o they_o but_o also_o other_o nation_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o translate_v the_o hebrew_n bible_n into_o prose_n in_o reference_n to_o read_v why_o not_o into_o meeter_n in_o reference_n to_o sing_v as_o for_o the_o former_a i_o know_v none_o but_o the_o papist_n that_o deny_v it_o who_o will_v thereby_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n that_o their_o own_o juggle_a shall_v not_o be_v spy_v but_o doubtless_o if_o this_o command_n of_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v plentiful_o in_o we_o etc._n etc._n belong_v to_o englishman_n they_o must_v be_v translate_v into_o the_o english_a tongue_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o which_o not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o can_v do_v in_o the_o original_a language_n now_o god_n command_v we_o to_o sing_v psalm_n as_o well_o as_o read_v the_o scripture_n which_o very_o few_o be_v able_a to_o do_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o the_o original_a hebrew_n &_o therefore_o the_o translation_n be_v necessary_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v fit_v with_o such_o measure_n and_o quantity_n of_o syllable_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v sing_v the_o more_o melodious_o by_o english_a man_n i_o know_v not_o why_o any_o shall_v deny_v this_o for_o why_o may_v not_o hebrew_n verse_n and_o meeter_n be_v turn_v into_o english_a verse_n and_o meeter_n i_o see_v not_o as_o well_o as_o hebrew_a prose_n into_o english_a prose_n in_o the_o hebrew_n they_o be_v fit_v to_o be_v sing_v and_o poetical_o compile_v and_o many_o verse_n together_o in_o some_o psalm_n be_v in_o meeter_n as_o the_o skilful_a in_o the_o tongue_n affirm_v as_o buxtorfius_n in_o his_o thesaurus_fw-la and_o other_o and_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o english_a have_v their_o manner_n of_o sing_v as_o well_o as_o the_o hebrew_n and_o other_o nation_n and_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o translator_n preserve_v the_o elegancy_n of_o the_o original_a language_n which_o they_o can_v do_v if_o they_o shall_v let_v slip_n and_o neglect_v those_o poetical_a fancy_n accent_n tone_n and_o tune_n which_o the_o hebrew_n keep_v and_o with_o which_o the_o psalm_n and_o other_o poetical_a part_n of_o scripture_n be_v pen_v and_o therefore_o poetry_n be_v no_o humane_a invention_n but_o use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o in_o the_o pen_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o may_v no_o doubt_n be_v use_v lawful_o by_o the_o translator_n also_o but_o those_o that_o by_o a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a gift_n compose_v psalm_n and_o hymn_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n this_o be_v a_o humane_a invention_n especial_o if_o impose_v upon_o the_o church_n or_o read_v sudden_o before_o consideration_n be_v have_v before_o by_o the_o church_n whether_o they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n yea_o or_o no._n nay_o the_o translate_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v as_o well_o be_v call_v a_o humane_a invention_n as_o this_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v call_v a_o humane_a imposition_n when_o none_o be_v compel_v to_o sing_v nor_o no_o punishment_n threaten_v for_o the_o neglect_n but_o some_o will_v say_v the_o translation_n be_v full_a of_o error_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v join_v in_o the_o duty_n alas_o what_o can_v be_v do_v of_o man_n but_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v do_v by_o man_n the_o best_a translation_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o without_o its_o fault_n and_o shall_v we_o therefore_o use_v none_o when_o man_n do_v their_o endeavour_n god_n take_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed._n the_o septuagint_a translation_n be_v abundant_o faulty_a as_o the_o learned_a know_v and_o often_o vary_v from_o the_o hebrew-text_n yet_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o it_o nay_o in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n as_o it_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v 800._o divers_a readins_n and_o in_o the_o greek_a testament_n above_o a_o thousand_o god_n have_v it_o be_v true_a promise_v to_o keep_v his_o word_n to_o a_o tittle_n but_o not_o in_o this_o or_o that_o copy_n or_o translation_n but_o in_o the_o whole_a we_o have_v the_o whole_a some_o say_v that_o translate_n it_o into_o english_a meeter_n there_o be_v often_o add_v to_o and_o take_v from_o contrary_a to_o god_n absolute_a command_n deut_n 12._o last_o but_o consider_v here_o be_v no_o addition_n but_o a_o explication_n no_o duty_n add_v only_o the_o word_n alter_v the_o sense_n remain_v and_o a_o translation_n may_v admit_v of_o such_o a_o cavil_v and_o all_o exposition_n will_v hereby_o come_v under_o the_o reproof_n you_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o preach_v open_v and_z applying_z scripture_n be_v add_v to_o it_o for_o here_o be_v more_o word_n use_v thus_o you_o see_v none_o have_v need_n to_o scruple_n the_o duty_n 5._o direct_v as_o concern_v the_o tune_n wherein_o those_o scripture_n psalm_n be_v to_o be_v sing_v for_o in_o this_o also_o be_v some_o controversy_n for_o some_o charge_n it_o to_o be_v a_o humane_a institution_n foist_v into_o god_n worship_n to_o this_o i_o say_v i_o shall_v add_v thus_o much_o that_o see_v god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o sing_v with_o the_o understanding_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v not_o in_o the_o hebrew_n but_o the_o english_a tongue_n and_o he_o give_v we_o no_o direction_n concern_v the_o tune_n wherein_o we_o must_v sing_v by_o this_o it_o be_v apparent_a it_o be_v best_o to_o our_o own_o choice_n so_o that_o we_o transgress_v not_o against_o that_o general_a direction_n give_v in_o the_o word_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n a_o english_a psalm_n may_v doubtless_o have_v a_o english_a tune_n so_o that_o it_o be_v grave_a decent_a and_o comely_a not_o light_a wanton_a or_o frothy_a but_o such_o as_o become_v so_o holy_a a_o majesty_n and_o be_v suitable_a to_o so_o grave_a a_o matter_n it_o appear_v plain_o by_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n and_o other_o that_o in_o their_o time_n david_n psalm_n be_v put_v into_o song_n for_o their_o edification_n and_o eusebius_n report_v of_o some_o reject_v those_o use_v such_o song_n in_o the_o church_n as_o will_v make_v man_n afraid_a to_o hear_v they_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v confess_v have_v their_o peculiar_a tune_n and_o accent_n either_o set_v down_o by_o the_o penman_n or_o add_v by_o the_o singer_n but_o these_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o and_o i_o suppose_v full_o know_v by_o no_o man_n live_v and_o the_o little_a that_o remain_v can_v be_v accommodate_v to_o our_o english_a version_n and_o therefore_o see_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o a_o language_n different_a from_o they_o and_o suffer_v we_o to_o serve_v he_o with_o word_n different_a from_o the_o word_n they_o serve_v he_o with_o so_o likewise_o have_v he_o give_v we_o tune_n and_o tone_n different_a from_o they_o and_o no_o doubt_n will_v accept_v of_o they_o at_o our_o hand_n every_o nation_n and_o language_n have_v some_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a dialect_n of_o their_o own_o and_o yet_o god_n accept_v of_o all_o where_o the_o heart_n be_v right_a and_o as_o he_o have_v give_v we_o liberty_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o in_o our_o own_o word_n which_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o answer_n and_o return_v which_o many_o have_v of_o their_o prayer_n so_o likewise_o no_o doubt_n he_o will_v accept_v of_o our_o praise_n in_o our_o own_o tune_n which_o appear_v also_o by_o the_o refresh_n which_o many_o have_v find_v in_o this_o duty_n god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v the_o substance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o leave_v the_o circumstance_n to_o humane_a determination_n he_o have_v command_v the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n but_o for_o the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n he_o determine_v not_o in_o the_o passeover_n he_o appoint_v what_o meat_n to_o eat_v but_o leave_v it_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o to_o drink_v wine_n or_o water_n or_o any_o other_o liquor_n so_o sing_v of_o
plenty_n when_o thou_o mighe_v have_v be_v in_o pinch_a want_n and_o be_v all_o this_o nothing_o why_o now_o do_v he_o do_v this_o for_o thou_o but_o that_o thou_o may_v serve_v he_o have_v thou_o now_o a_o better_a friend_n or_o great_a benefactor_n to_o bestow_v thy_o service_n upon_o can_v the_o devil_n or_o the_o world_n or_o thy_o friend_n or_o thy_o wealth_n do_v thus_o for_o thou_o i_o know_v they_o can_v why_o then_o be_v they_o prefer_v before_o he_o nay_o this_o be_v not_o all_o when_o thou_o have_v revolt_a from_o god_n and_o sell_v thyself_o a_o slave_n to_o satan_n when_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o blood_n and_o no_o eye_n pity_v thou_o when_o thou_o can_v not_o help_v thyself_o and_o waste_v unworthy_a to_o be_v help_v he_o send_v his_o own_o son_n to_o redeem_v thou_o out_o of_o thy_o slavery_n to_o suffer_v what_o be_v due_a for_o thy_o sin_n even_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o curse_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o when_o thou_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o all_o to_o free_v thou_o from_o the_o guilt_n and_o filth_n of_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o punishment_n due_a for_o sin_n from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n the_o slavery_n of_o satan_n and_o from_o everlasting_a damnation_n and_o be_v all_o this_o nothing_o yea_o all_o this_o be_v do_v that_o thou_o may_v serve_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n luke_n 1.75_o nay_o further_o he_o bestow_v upon_o thou_o many_o help_n and_o furtherance_n he_o give_v thou_o his_o word_n his_o ordinance_n his_o sacrament_n his_o minister_n the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n the_o check_n of_o thy_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o example_n of_o his_o people_n promise_n threaten_n mercy_n judgement_n and_o all_o to_o this_o end_n and_o yet_o do_v he_o not_o deserve_v thou_o have_v the_o devil_n or_o the_o world_n do_v more_o for_o thou_o than_o he_o have_v why_o then_o will_v thou_o serve_v they_o do_v they_o create_v thou_o or_o be_v thou_o they_o by_o right_n of_o redemption_n do_v they_o preserve_v or_o maintain_v thou_o do_v they_o feed_v or_o clothe_v thou_o or_o pay_v thou_o wages_n no_o no_o all_o thy_o friend_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n can_v not_o satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n do_v they_o love_v thou_o better_o than_o he_o that_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o thou_o or_o will_v they_o make_v better_a provision_n for_o thou_o than_o god_n will_v or_o pay_v thou_o better_a wage_n then_o serve_v they_o and_o spare_v not_o but_o deceive_v not_o thyself_o they_o can_v do_v it_o what_o can_v want_v if_o thou_o be_v god_n servant_n he_o be_v every_o way_n furnish_v to_o help_v thou_o be_v thou_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n indebt_v and_o can_v not_o pay_v a_o farthing_n christ_n will_v be_v thy_o surety_n and_o discharge_v thy_o debt_n have_v thou_o scarlet_a sin_n lie_v upon_o thy_o conscience_n here_o be_v blood_n to_o wash_v they_o away_o it_o be_v he_o and_o he_o alone_o that_o can_v forgive_v sin_n here_o be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n to_o feed_v thou_o and_o the_o water_n of_o life_n to_o refresh_v thou_o the_o spiritual_a manna_n fit_a food_n for_o thy_o soul_n the_o true_a nectar_n and_o ambrosia_n he_o that_o eat_v of_o this_o shall_v never_o hunger_n and_o he_o that_o drink_v of_o this_o shall_v never_o thirst_v here_o be_v rich_a robe_n to_o clothe_v thou_o and_o eye_n salve_v to_o make_v thou_o see_v and_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n to_o make_v thou_o rich_a rev._n 3.17,18_o here_o be_v grace_n as_o jewel_n to_o adorn_v thou_o the_o wedding-garment_n to_o make_v thou_o a_o welcome_a guest_n he_o be_v mecor_fw-la majim_fw-la chajim_fw-la a_o fountain_n of_o live_v water_n jer._n 2.13_o tzur_n gnolanim_fw-la a_o rock_n of_o age_n isa_n 26.4_o all_o the_o water_n of_o consolation_n be_v in_o this_o sea_n all_o the_o light_n be_v in_o this_o sun_n and_o all_o comfort_n in_o this_o god_n can_v find_v such_o another_o master_n that_o have_v do_v and_o will_v do_v for_o thou_o as_o he_o have_v and_o will_v do_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n will_v deceive_v thou_o if_o they_o promise_v to_o do_v it_o 5._o motive_n thou_o shall_v serve_v god_n for_o as_o he_o have_v the_o best_a work_n so_o he_o give_v the_o best_a wage_n and_o servant_n usual_o seek_v for_o such_o master_n something_o he_o give_v in_o hand_n as_o earnest_a of_o the_o bargain_n and_o encouragement_n in_o the_o work_n and_o reserve_v most_o to_o the_o year_n end_n when_o he_o will_v plenteous_o recompense_v all_o thy_o pain_n and_o remove_v all_o cause_n of_o repine_v in_o hand_n he_o give_v his_o servant_n his_o spirit_n this_o be_v the_o mark_n he_o know_v they_o by_o those_o that_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v none_o of_o he_o rom._n 8.9_o this_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n rom._n 8.15_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n it_o be_v call_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n this_o be_v call_v the_o comforter_n john_n 15.27_o and_o it_o be_v give_v to_o instruct_v we_o and_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n john_n 18.13_o and_o doubtless_o those_o can_v want_v comfort_n that_o have_v such_o a_o comforter_n they_o can_v lose_v their_o way_n that_o have_v such_o a_o guide_n he_o it_o be_v that_o dictate_v their_o prayer_n for_o they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o ask_v yea_o god_n for_o the_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n of_o his_o servant_n here_o in_o the_o world_n give_v they_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_v record_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v more_o worth_a than_o the_o world_n the_o great_a king_n on_o earth_n can_v make_v and_o perform_v such_o promise_n to_o his_o great_a favourite_n they_o be_v well_o call_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o for_o great_a thing_n be_v promise_v in_o they_o that_o believe_v that_o apprehend_v a_o interest_n in_o they_o may_v live_v upon_o his_o faith_n and_o his_o hope_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o all_o creature_n enjoyment_n these_o be_v his_o father_n legacy_n it_o be_v true_a believer_n have_v but_o little_a in_o hand_n yet_o much_o in_o a_o promise_n but_o little_a in_o possession_n yet_o much_o in_o reversion_n they_o have_v heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o a_o promise_n here_o they_o have_v a_o promise_n they_o shall_v not_o lack_v but_o at_o death_n they_o shall_v receive_v their_o inheritance_n yea_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v what_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o here_o they_o have_v a_o promise_n and_o god_n have_v put_v his_o hand_n to_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o want_v protection_n nor_o provision_n god_n have_v promise_v he_o will_v never_o leave_v they_o nor_o forsake_v they_o heb._n 13.5_o and_o if_o god_n be_v for_o we_o who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o yea_o that_o they_o shall_v want_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a psal_n 34.9_o the_o young_a lion_n lack_n and_o suffer_v hunger_n but_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n shall_v want_v no_o good_a thing_n psal_n 84.11_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o sun_n and_o a_o shield_n he_o give_v grace_n and_o glory_n and_o no_o good_a thing_n will_v he_o withhold_v from_o they_o that_o live_v upright_o if_o we_o have_v sincere_a heart_n if_o wealth_n be_v good_a for_o we_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o and_o if_o poverty_n be_v good_a why_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v content_a sometime_o physic_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o food_n they_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o deliverance_n out_o of_o trouble_n many_o be_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o lord_n deliver_v they_o out_o of_o all_o psal_n 34.19_o and_o 50.15_o take_v one_o place_n for_o all_o rom._n 8.28_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o those_o that_o love_n god_n what_o matter_n then_o be_v it_o what_o our_o suffering_n be_v when_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o shall_v get_v by_o they_o god_n that_o bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o order_n out_o of_o confusion_n can_v work_v good_a to_o we_o out_o of_o evil_a there_o be_v no_o condition_n a_o servant_n of_o god_n can_v be_v in_o but_o in_o the_o scripture_n he_o may_v find_v comfort_n or_o company_n or_o both_o yea_o god_n bestow_v his_o grace_n upon_o his_o servant_n which_o be_v better_o than_o the_o most_o orient_a pearl_n or_o costly_a jewel_n these_o they_o be_v adorn_v with_o and_o no_o other_o do_v ever_o wear_v they_o they_o have_v the_o rich_a robe_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n the_o garment_n of_o holiness_n this_o be_v god_n livery_n and_o all_o his_o
be_v no_o hard_a question_n to_o resolve_v neither_o need_v you_o any_o great_a time_n to_o consider_v whether_o god_n or_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o best_a master_n whether_o holiness_n or_o sin_n be_v the_o better_a work_n whether_o heaven_n or_o hell_n be_v the_o better_a wage_n whether_o the_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o endless_a joy_n of_o heaven_n be_v more_o desirable_a have_v thou_o need_v of_o much_o time_n to_o consider_v of_o this_o business_n if_o thou_o yet_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n let_v i_o put_v in_o something_o that_o may_v turn_v the_o scale_n consider_v to_o who_o thou_o be_v most_o engage_v to_o god_n or_o satan_n be_v not_o thou_o god_n by_o right_a of_o creation_n he_o make_v thou_o of_o nothing_o and_o who_o be_v the_o pot_n but_o the_o pot-maker_n he_o make_v thou_o a_o rational_a creature_n when_o he_o may_v have_v make_v thou_o a_o brute_n beast_n a_o toad_n or_o a_o serpent_n or_o the_o most_o despicable_a worm_n that_o crawl_v under_o thy_o foot_n and_o be_v it_o not_o he_o that_o maintain_v thou_o at_o his_o own_o cost_n and_o charges_n thou_o have_v not_o food_n to_o eat_v or_o drink_v to_o drink_v or_o clothes_n to_o put_v on_o but_o what_o he_o give_v thou_o neither_o health_n nor_o strength_n limb_n nor_o sense_n life_n nor_o breath_n but_o from_o he_o it_o be_v his_o corn_n and_o his_o wine_n that_o feed_v thou_o it_o be_v his_o wool_n and_o his_o flax_n that_o clothes_n thou_o it_o be_v his_o silver_n and_o his_o gold_n that_o make_v thou_o rich_a hos_n 2.5_o and_o be_v it_o yet_o a_o question_n who_o shall_v be_v thy_o master_n have_v any_o better_a friend_n or_o great_a benefactor_n nay_o further_a thou_o be_v his_o also_o by_o right_a of_o redemption_n when_o thou_o sell_v thyself_o to_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o satan_n do_v not_o he_o buy_v thou_o by_o his_o precious_a blood_n out_o of_o that_o hellish_a slavery_n do_v not_o he_o lose_v his_o life_n for_o thy_o ransom_n do_v not_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o free_v thou_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o filth_n of_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o punishment_n due_a for_o sin_n from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n the_o slavery_n of_o satan_n and_o from_o everlasting_a damnation_n and_o have_v thou_o yet_o a_o better_a friend_n to_o trust_v to_o the_o work_n god_n set_v thou_o about_o be_v wage_n as_o well_o as_o work_v it_o be_v equal_a it_o be_v reasonable_a it_o be_v honourable_a his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n the_o wage_n also_o differ_v the_o one_o give_v everlasting_a happiness_n the_o other_o endless_a misery_n and_o can_v not_o yet_o determine_v who_o shall_v be_v thy_o master_n consider_v then_o what_o god_n mind_v in_o these_o his_o command_n be_v it_o his_o own_o benefit_n or_o thou_o what_o profit_n be_v he_o like_v to_o have_v by_o thy_o obedience_n or_o what_o damage_n by_o thy_o disobedience_n alas_o thou_o be_v so_o far_o below_o he_o thou_o can_v neither_o do_v he_o good_a or_o hurt_n all_o the_o benefit_n or_o damage_n redound_v to_o thy_o own_o soul_n consider_v also_o what_o the_o devil_n mind_n doubtless_o thy_o ruin_n he_o go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v 1_o pet._n 5.8_o and_o be_v not_o yet_o determine_v who_o shall_v be_v thy_o master_n consider_v then_o whether_o ever_o thou_o know_v one_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v happy_a by_o follow_v a_o sinful_a course_n of_o life_n or_o ever_o thou_o know_v one_o man_n make_v miserable_a by_o god_n service_n or_o a_o holy_a course_n of_o life_n and_o now_o if_o thou_o have_v reason_n make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o if_o thou_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o consideration_n thou_o will_v soon_o resolve_v i_o shall_v at_o present_a take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o shall_v proceed_v first_o to_o give_v you_o some_o general_a direction_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o duty_n and_o then_o descend_v to_o some_o particular_a duty_n unto_o god_n and_o give_v direction_n for_o these_o also_o the_o general_n be_v these_o that_o follow_v 1._o direction_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n thou_o perform_v to_o god_n or_o man_n see_v that_o thou_o have_v a_o divine_a warrant_n for_o it_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o which_o he_o command_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o what_o he_o forbid_v be_v our_o sin_n if_o we_o do_v it_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n and_o where_o it_o be_v no_o command_a duty_n there_o thou_o can_v expect_v no_o blessing_n yet_o many_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o invent_v way_n for_o god_n worship_n as_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v difficult_a and_o with_o the_o pharisee_n teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n they_o set_v up_o their_o post_n by_o god_n post_n and_o their_o dagon_n by_o god_n ark_n but_o it_o will_v never_o stand_v they_o take_v much_o pain_n and_o be_v at_o much_o cost_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v but_o they_o will_v lose_v their_o labour_n and_o when_o they_o come_v for_o their_o reward_n god_n will_v ask_v they_o who_o require_v these_o thing_n at_o their_o hand_n when_o therefore_o thou_o be_v press_v unto_o a_o duty_n inquire_v whether_o god_n command_v it_o or_o at_o least_o whether_o it_o be_v consonant_a to_o his_o word_n if_o not_o reject_v it_o we_o must_v not_o worship_n god_n after_o man_n invention_n or_o humane_a tradition_n contrary_a to_o his_o revealed_z will._n god_n have_v leave_v we_o work_n enough_o to_o do_v we_o need_v not_o invent_v more_o we_o read_v indeed_o of_o some_o idolater_n that_o feign_v themselves_o god_n and_o then_o patch_v up_o a_o kind_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n to_o these_o god_n thus_o baal_n priest_n cut_v and_o wound_v themselves_o till_o the_o blood_n gush_v out_o not_o much_o unlike_a to_o our_o popish_a whip_n some_o also_o pour_v out_o drink-offering_n to_o the_o queen_n of_o heaven_n and_o bake_a cake_n for_o she_o jer._n 44.17_o yea_o some_o of_o they_o offer_v their_o child_n to_o molech_n and_o make_v they_o pass_v through_o the_o fire_n yet_o all_o this_o labour_n be_v lose_v yea_o worse_o than_o lose_v it_o become_v their_o sin_n because_o it_o be_v to_o a_o strange_a god_n in_o like_a manner_n many_o worship_n the_o true_a god_n in_o a_o false_a manner_n by_o give_v he_o such_o worship_n he_o never_o command_v neither_o ever_o come_v it_o into_o his_o mind_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n for_o worship_n where_o all_o the_o material_a part_n of_o worship_n be_v prescribe_v only_o some_o necessary_a circumstance_n be_v leave_v to_o humane_a prudence_n to_o determine_v as_o the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o other_o such_o like_a which_o may_v be_v alter_v according_a to_o the_o present_a occasion_n yet_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o worship_v of_o angel_n but_o god_n do_v not_o allow_v of_o it_o col._n 2.18_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v therefore_o exceed_o err_v in_o thrust_v upon_o we_o those_o new_a invent_v needless_a ceremony_n such_o as_o god_n never_o make_v neither_o ever_o give_v power_n to_o man_n to_o intrude_v into_o his_o worship_n yea_o also_o they_o err_v in_o add_v many_o thing_n as_o fundamental_o which_o be_v error_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v such_o as_o their_o five_o add_a sacrament_n their_o private_a mass_n communicate_v in_o our_o kind_n propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sick_a and_o dead_a prayer_n to_o saint_n depart_v and_o to_o angel_n image_n crucifix_n pope_n pardon_n indulgence_n pilgrimage_n and_o many_o more_o but_o these_o want_a authority_n be_v not_o to_o be_v heed_v by_o we_o yea_o among_o we_o also_o we_o have_v too_o many_o popish_a superstition_n receive_v by_o tradition_n which_o god_n have_v never_o warrant_v and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o observe_v they_o but_o in_o all_o thy_o duty_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o any_o duty_n to_o thy_o neighbour_n search_v the_o scripture_n if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n own_o it_o not_o see_v what_o need_n christian_n have_v of_o knowledge_n to_o know_v what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v duty_n what_o be_v command_v and_o what_o forbid_a 2._o direct_v when_o thou_o know_v thy_o duty_n and_o have_v a_o divine_a command_n for_o it_o delay_v not_o but_o set_v upon_o it_o many_o undo_v themselves_o by_o delay_n they_o think_v to_o do_v that_o hereafter_o which_o they_o never_o live_v to_o do_v practice_n be_v the_o life_n of_o all_o set_a upon_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v at_o thy_o hand_n take_v they_o as_o they_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o pick_v and_o choose_v it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_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
seedsman_n and_o the_o word_n to_o the_o seed_n now_o you_o know_v the_o ground_n must_v be_v prepare_v before_o the_o seed_n be_v cast_v in_o otherwise_o thou_o can_v not_o rational_o expect_v a_o crop_n the_o body_n must_v be_v prepare_v and_o the_o humour_n gather_v to_o a_o head_n before_o physic_n work_v kind_o what_o business_n of_o moment_n can_v be_v do_v without_o preparation_n and_o can_v we_o think_v in_o this_o business_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o rush_v hand_n over_o head_n without_o consideration_n some_o preparation_n shall_v be_v make_v before_o the_o sabbath_n come_v in_o set_v thy_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o thy_o house_n in_o order_n the_o command_n be_v to_o remember_v the_o sabbath_n to_o keep_v it_o holy_a and_o when_o the_o day_n be_v come_v there_o be_v some_o duty_n require_v before_o thou_o rush_v into_o the_o congregation_n perform_v those_o duty_n in_o thy_o family_n and_o in_o thy_o closet_n that_o be_v require_v beg_v of_o god_n a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o upon_o the_o minister_n that_o he_o may_v speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o thy_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v meet_v with_o thy_o corruption_n and_o may_v strengthen_v thy_o grace_n and_o benefit_v thy_o soul_n how_o can_v expect_v a_o blessing_n that_o do_v not_o beg_v for_o it_o this_o be_v one_o cause_n that_o many_o go_v away_o barren_a because_o they_o come_v unprepared_a lay_v thy_o heart_n open_a before_o god_n say_v as_o samuel_n speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v in_o thy_o prayer_n open_v thy_o soul_n to_o god_n unlap_v thy_o ear_n and_o desire_v a_o plaster_n offer_v up_o thy_o sin-sick_a soul_n to_o this_o physician_n that_o he_o may_v pour_v oil_n and_o wine_n into_o thy_o wound_n who_o know_v but_o this_o may_v be_v the_o time_n of_o love_n wherein_o god_n may_v say_v unto_o thy_o soul_n live_v come_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o deny_v thyself_o thy_o carnal_a wisdom_n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n come_v not_o with_o a_o resolution_n to_o oppose_v god_n in_o any_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o cross_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n or_o to_o thy_o carnal_a will_n or_o interest_n or_o be_v never_o so_o opposite_a to_o thou_o own_o natural_a inclination_n or_o appetite_n why_o shall_v we_o come_v to_o know_v our_o duty_n if_o we_o will_v not_o do_v it_o or_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o will_v not_o leave_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n seldom_o work_v upon_o a_o forestalled_n affection_n if_o thou_o know_v and_o know_v thou_o may_v if_o thou_o careful_o observe_v it_o what_o have_v usual_o hinder_v thou_o in_o time_n past_a from_o profit_v by_o the_o word_n take_v heed_n of_o that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v sometime_o thou_o will_v find_v that_o it_o be_v pride_n thou_o set_v up_o thy_o own_o will_n against_o god_n sometime_o passion_n this_o put_v thy_o heart_n out_o of_o frame_n for_o the_o duty_n sometime_o worldlyness_n this_o fill_v thy_o heart_n with_o vain_a thought_n beware_v of_o these_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v especial_o beware_v of_o these_o sin_n which_o be_v most_o predominant_a in_o thy_o soul_n for_o this_o will_v spoil_v the_o duty_n come_v with_o a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o obey_v god_n in_o every_o thing_n when_o he_o forbid_v any_o sin_n resolve_v to_o leave_v it_o when_o he_o command_v any_o duty_n set_v about_o it_o for_o to_o what_o end_n else_o do_v thou_o hear_v if_o it_o be_v only_o to_o know_v thy_o duty_n and_o not_o to_o practise_v it_o it_o will_v but_o procure_v thou_o the_o more_o stripe_n but_o many_o be_v like_o those_o silly_a woman_n mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n ever_o learing_n and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o they_o be_v like_o balaam_n let_v god_n deny_v they_o never_o so_o oft_o they_o will_v come_v again_o fall_v they_o will_v have_v a_o dispensation_n to_o sin_n and_o go_v to_o heaven_n in_o a_o sinful_a way_n but_o we_o must_v with_o good_a old_a ely_n say_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v with_o i_o as_o he_o list_v or_o like_o paul_n lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v come_v also_o with_o a_o good_a stomach_n than_o the_o word_n will_v be_v savoury_a to_o thou_o such_o a_o man_n will_v not_o strain_v courtesy_n and_o carve_v all_o from_o himself_o but_o greedy_o feed_v upon_o something_o now_o he_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o man_n say_v one_o now_o he_o hit_v such_o a_o one_o home_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o thou_o be_v nothing_o there_o that_o thou_o can_v eat_v get_v also_o some_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o state_n of_o thy_o own_o soul_n how_o the_o matter_n stand_v between_o god_n and_o thou_o or_o otherwise_o thou_o can_v hardly_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o and_o apply_v it_o there_o be_v threaten_n for_o obstinate_a sinner_n and_o there_o be_v promise_n for_o the_o penitent_a there_o be_v milk_n for_o babe_n and_o strong_a meat_n for_o men._n how_o will_v know_v thy_o own_o portion_n if_o thou_o know_v not_o the_o state_n of_o thy_o own_o soul_n if_o a_o sick_a man_n come_v to_o a_o apothecary_n shop_n and_o may_v make_v choice_n of_o what_o medicine_n he_o please_v and_o yet_o neither_o know_v his_o disease_n nor_o what_o will_v cure_v it_o he_o may_v as_o well_o take_v nay_o it_o be_v more_o like_a that_o he_o will_v take_v that_o which_o be_v hurtful_a than_o that_o which_o be_v helpful_a so_o a_o poor_a humble_a sinner_n ofttimes_o lay_v hold_v of_o the_o threaten_a which_o belong_v not_o to_o he_o and_o the_o presumptuous_a man_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o last_o when_o death_n come_v say_v to_o the_o world_n stand_v by_o as_o abraham_n to_o his_o servant_n i_o will_v come_v again_o 5._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n with_o a_o hunger_a thirst_a desire_n after_o it_o this_o be_v the_o food_n of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v only_o the_o hunger_a soul_n that_o be_v right_o qualify_v for_o it_o the_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o honeycomb_n prov._n 27.7_o what_o shall_v a_o full_a stomach_n do_v at_o a_o feast_n or_o a_o full_a soul_n at_o a_o sermon_n how_o sweet_a how_o good_a how_o precious_a be_v the_o word_n to_o david_n psal_n 19.10_o and_o to_o job_n better_a than_o his_o appoint_a food_n job_n 23.12_o and_o how_o pitiful_o do_v david_n complain_v when_o he_o find_v the_o want_n psal_n 120.5_o and_o how_o earnest_o do_v he_o desire_v it_o and_o thirst_v after_o it_o psal_n 42.1,2_o as_o ever_o chase_v hart_n do_v for_o the_o water-brook_n and_o have_v thou_o ever_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o word_n or_o rather_o of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n i_o need_v not_o word_n to_o have_v persuade_v thou_o to_o love_v it_o but_o that_o i_o may_v set_v some_o edge_n upon_o thy_o appetite_n i_o shall_v desire_v thou_o to_o consider_v with_o i_o these_o few_o thing_n first_o consider_v who_o word_n it_o be_v be_v it_o not_o the_o word_n of_o that_o great_a god_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v one_o that_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a both_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o be_v also_o faithful_a and_o will_v make_v it_o good_a heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v fail_v rather_o than_o one_o tittle_n of_o his_o word_n be_v un-fulfilled_n and_o shall_v we_o slight_v a_o message_n send_v from_o such_o a_o one_o have_v a_o potent_a prince_n send_v a_o message_n whether_o a_o promise_n or_o threaten_v how_o diligent_o shall_v we_o have_v read_v it_o and_o how_o great_o shall_v we_o have_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o with_o joy_n or_o sorrow_n now_o god_n send_v his_o messenger_n with_o a_o message_n of_o peace_n if_o we_o will_v accept_v it_o if_o not_o they_o be_v to_o denounce_v war_n yea_o and_o threaten_v everlasting_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o yet_o who_o regard_v it_o read_v the_o content_n of_o his_o letter_n deut._n 28._o throughout_o nay_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n be_v it_o but_o for_o trifle_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n but_o it_o be_v concern_v life_n and_o death_n nay_o the_o everlasting_a salvation_n or_o damnation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v slight_v they_o be_v fool_n that_o jest_v with_o such_o edge_a tool_n here_o be_v instruction_n draw_v up_o how_o you_o may_v avoid_v hell_n and_o attain_v heaven_n how_o you_o may_v get_v rid_v of_o sin_n and_o get_v out_o of_o the_o slavery_n of_o satan_n how_o you_o may_v have_v a_o remedy_n for_o your_o sin-sick_a soul_n and_o a_o plaster_n for_o your_o wound_n how_o you_o may_v get_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n
and_o a_o title_n to_o glory_n in_o a_o word_n how_o you_o may_v avoid_v misery_n and_o attain_v everlasting_a happiness_n and_o be_v not_o all_o this_o worth_a your_o serious_a consideration_n again_o here_o be_v a_o rich_a legacy_n bequeath_v to_o you_o by_o your_o heavenly_a father_n even_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n more_o worth_a than_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o these_o worth_n the_o read_n at_o these_o breast_n of_o consolation_n thou_o may_v suck_v and_o be_v satisfy_v for_o they_o can_v never_o be_v draw_v dry_a thou_o will_v never_o repent_v the_o pain_n thou_o take_v this_o way_n this_o word_n also_o be_v excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o call_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n act_v 13.26_o as_o point_v out_o the_o only_a way_n to_o salvation_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n 2_o cor._n 5.19_o as_o hold_v out_o christ_n the_o only_a reconnciliator_n the_o word_n of_o life_n phil._n 2.16_o as_o point_v out_o the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n here_o also_o be_v contain_v our_o evidence_n for_o glory_n and_o all_o we_o have_v to_o show_v for_o heaven_n this_o tell_v we_o what_o qualification_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n here_o we_o find_v a_o redeemer_n a_o saviour_n a_o surety_n to_o discharge_v our_o debt_n and_o redeem_v the_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o slavery_n of_o satan_n yea_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a justice_n this_o be_v god_n love_n letter_n wherein_o he_o make_v love_n to_o sinful_a soul_n and_o offer_v they_o christ_n for_o a_o husband_n and_o heaven_n with_o he_o for_o a_o jointure_n here_o thou_o may_v find_v a_o cure_n for_o a_o wound_a conscience_n and_o a_o sin_n sick_a soul_n when_o neither_o man_n nor_o mean_n neither_o food_n nor_o physic_n can_v do_v thou_o good_a here_o be_v a_o plaster_n point_v out_o to_o draw_v out_o the_o vennom_n of_o sin_n and_o staunch_v the_o blood_n yea_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v here_o chalk_v out_o and_o shall_v we_o trifle_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o many_o be_v the_o promise_v make_v to_o those_o that_o walk_v after_o this_o rule_n rom._n 3.12_o and_o many_o be_v the_o threaten_n against_o those_o that_o contemn_v it_o deut._n 19.20_o poru._n 1.23,24_o isa_n 6.9,10_o 1_o sam._n 2.25_o methinks_v such_o consideration_n shall_v breed_v a_o appetite_n to_o it_o 6._o direction_n if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n be_v sure_a to_o carry_v thyself_o well_o in_o the_o time_n of_o hear_v we_o must_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o hear_v as_o well_o as_o what_o we_o hear_v if_o thou_o shall_v make_v these_o preparation_n as_o before_o direct_v yet_o all_o may_v be_v spoil_v at_o last_o resort_v therefore_o timely_a to_o the_o ordinance_n it_o be_v more_o fit_a for_o thou_o to_o wait_v for_o god_n than_o god_n wait_v for_o thou_o late_a come_n argue_v a_o weak_a stomach_n hungry_a person_n will_v not_o strive_v to_o be_v last_o at_o a_o feast_n and_o a_o hungry_a soul_n will_v make_v haste_n where_o meat_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o when_o thou_o be_v there_o behave_v thyself_o reverent_o set_v thyself_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n say_v as_o jacob_n this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o carry_v thyself_o as_o if_o god_n be_v present_a look_v upon_o thou_o many_o by_o their_o light_a behaviour_n manifest_v their_o little_a zeal_n do_v apprehend_v god_n present_a before_o the_o eye_n of_o thy_o soul_n it_o will_v keep_v thy_o eye_n from_o sleep_v and_o thy_o heart_n from_o wander_v join_v with_o the_o minister_n in_o every_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n a_o private_a prayer_n be_v most_o suitable_a for_o a_o private_a place_n and_o private_a duty_n as_o before_o shall_v be_v perform_v in_o the_o closet_n be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n eccles_n 5.1_o when_o the_o minister_n pray_v join_v with_o he_o and_o pray_v with_o devotion_n when_o he_o sing_v sing_v with_o the_o understanding_n when_o he_o preach_v here_o with_o attention_n attend_v not_o only_o to_o the_o word_n but_o to_o the_o sense_n and_o not_o only_o to_o the_o sense_n but_o also_o to_o the_o divine_a obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o thou_o draw_v out_o all_o thy_o strength_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n hear_v as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o thy_o life_n for_o thy_o soul_n for_o eternity_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v deut._n 32.46,47_o set_a your_o heart_n upon_o all_o the_o word_n which_o i_o testify_v among_o you_o this_o day_n which_o you_o shall_v command_v your_o child_n to_o observe_v for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o vain_a thing_n for_o you_o because_o it_o be_v your_o life_n and_o through_o this_o you_o shall_v prolong_v your_o day_n and_o you_o must_v not_o only_o hear_v with_o attention_n but_o with_o understand_v also_o for_o how_o can_v you_o profit_v by_o it_o or_o what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v you_o if_o you_o understand_v it_o not_o and_o yet_o some_o minister_n the_o more_o be_v the_o pity_n seek_v to_o hide_v their_o meaning_n in_o a_o cloud_n of_o word_n and_o deliver_v their_o message_n either_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n or_o in_o unknown_a notion_n and_o it_o be_v the_o folly_n of_o some_o hearer_n that_o delight_n in_o those_o sermon_n they_o understand_v not_o the_o mass_n bite_v not_o but_o what_o wise_a man_n will_v delight_v to_o gnaw_v bone_n that_o may_v have_v flesh_n paul_n have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n in_o the_o church_n to_o edification_n than_o two_o thousand_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n 1_o cor._n 14.19_o and_o when_o thou_o do_v understand_v it_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o take_v it_o not_o upon_o trust_n it_o be_v christ_n counsel_n search_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o apostle_n try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o so_o do_v act._n 17.11_o and_o when_o you_o have_v find_v it_o to_o be_v wholesome_a meat_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o heart_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o and_o without_o this_o it_o will_v do_v you_o little_a good_a what_o good_a will_v meat_n do_v if_o not_o eat_v or_o physic_n if_o not_o take_v or_o a_o plaster_n if_o not_o apply_v do_v as_o a_o hungry_a man_n do_v lay_v hold_v on_o something_o to_o feed_v upon_o when_o nice_a stomach_n carve_v away_o all_o to_o other_o now_o he_o meet_v with_o this_o man_n or_o that_o man_n but_o do_v he_o say_v nothing_o to_o thou_o will_v another_o man_n meat_n feed_v thou_o or_o another_o man_n physic_n make_v thou_o well_o close_o with_o it_o thyself_o lay_v thy_o heart_n open_a to_o the_o word_n strive_v not_o against_o it_o submit_v to_o it_o endeavour_v not_o by_o subtle_a destruction_n cunning_a evasion_n false_a gloss_n partial_a interpretation_n to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o it_o or_o blunt_v the_o edge_n but_o with_o david_n when_o reprove_v cry_v out_o i_o be_o the_o man_n wrest_v not_o out_o of_o god_n hand_n if_o any_o sin_n be_v reprove_v reform_v it_o if_o any_o duty_n press_v practise_v it_o if_o the_o minister_n teach_v thou_o any_o thing_n thou_o know_v not_o before_o remember_v it_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o it_o 7._o direction_n if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v demean_v thyself_o well_o then_o after_o hear_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o give_v diligent_a attention_n nay_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o foregoing_a duty_n for_o the_o most_o of_o the_o work_n lie_v behind_o when_o the_o minister_n have_v do_v thy_o work_n begin_v thou_o must_v call_v it_o to_o mind_n ruminate_v upon_o it_o do_v as_o the_o clean_a beast_n under_o the_o law_n chew_v the_o cud_n what_o ever_o slip_v out_o of_o thy_o memory_n will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a it_o be_v wat_fw-mi thou_o remember_v be_v most_o like_a to_o profit_v thou_o now_o to_o this_o end_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o minister_n method_n what_o be_v his_o text_n how_o divide_v how_o explain_v what_o observation_n he_o raise_v how_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o what_o scripture_n by_o what_o reason_n how_o he_o apply_v they_o what_o mark_n or_o motive_n he_o give_v under_o such_o use_v etc._n etc._n if_o he_o take_v not_o this_o method_n which_o be_v exceed_o good_a for_o the_o memory_n yet_o observe_v at_o least_o what_o design_n he_o follow_v what_o he_o drive_v at_o what_o sin_n he_o reprove_v what_o duty_n he_o press_v what_o grace_n he_o excite_v and_o thus_o do_v thou_o will_v gather_v up_o some_o glean_n of_o this_o sermon_n especial_o observe_v if_o he_o press_v any_o duty_n thou_o neglecte_v or_o reprove_v any_o sin_n thou_o live_v in_o if_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v forget_v remember_v this_o and_o
what_o he_o teach_v thou_o that_o thou_o know_v not_o before_o now_o when_o thou_o have_v thus_o call_v these_o thing_n to_o mind_n meditate_v upon_o they_o for_o as_o meat_n can_v nourish_v if_o not_o digest_v no_o more_o will_v the_o word_n till_o by_o meditation_n thou_o make_v it_o thy_o own_o meat_n be_v easy_o cast_v up_o when_o it_o lie_v undigested_a in_o the_o stomach_n so_o here_o when_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_o and_o not_o cover_v by_o harrow_n the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n pick_v it_o up_o and_o when_o the_o word_n be_v not_o cover_v by_o mediration_n the_o devil_n steal_v it_o away_o mat._n 13.4.19_o if_o any_o thing_n lie_v dark_a or_o difficult_a to_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o minister_n or_o some_o understanding_n christian_n to_o confer_v of_o it_o make_v know_v thy_o doubt_n and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o get_v knowledge_n the_o two_o disciple_n that_o come_v to_o emaus_n inquire_v by_o the_o way_n and_o discourse_v and_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o word_n in_o thy_o house_n and_o as_o thou_o go_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o deut._n 6.7_o oh_o what_o benefit_n may_v christian_n get_v be_v they_o careful_a of_o this_o duty_n the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v then_o dwell_v plentuous_o in_o they_o this_o will_v make_v a_o deep_a impression_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n when_o thou_o have_v pass_v thus_o far_o than_o press_v it_o upon_o thy_o own_o heart_n for_o what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v thou_o otherwise_o examine_v thyself_o by_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n whether_o thou_o have_v those_o gracious_a qualification_n yea_o or_o no_o whether_o thou_o be_v yet_o under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o whether_o deliver_v and_o be_v according_o affect_v press_v home_o every_o reproof_n to_o thyself_o and_o see_v how_o far_o guilty_a thou_o have_v be_v mourn_v for_o it_o and_o reform_v lay_v to_o heart_n every_o exhortation_n to_o duty_n and_o let_v every_o motive_n strengthen_v thy_o resolution_n practice_n every_o direction_n and_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o every_o passage_n for_o thy_o soul_n good_a and_o be_v sure_a to_o practise_v what_o be_v teach_v thou_o otherwise_o thou_o may_v hear_v all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n to_o little_a purpose_n it_o be_v not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o doer_n that_o be_v justify_v he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o thou_o practise_v it_o thyself_o but_o thou_o must_v endeavour_v that_o other_o may_v do_v so_o also_o to_o this_o end_n thou_o must_v instruct_v thy_o family_n thy_o child_n and_o thy_o servant_n what_o in_o thou_o lie_v press_v they_o on_o also_o to_o obedience_n this_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n eph._n 6.4_o deut._n 4.9_o and_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o age_n deut._n 18.19_o prov._n 4.4_o and_o 31.1_o and_o because_o all_o thy_o service_n without_o god_n blessing_n be_v worth_a nothing_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o go_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o fasten_v these_o truth_n upon_o thy_o heart_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v and_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o thy_o family_n paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_n but_o it_o be_v god_n must_v give_v the_o increase_n mark_v also_o from_o time_n to_o time_n how_o thou_o do_v grow_v or_o decrease_v these_o direction_n well_o use_v through_o god_n blessing_n will_v make_v thou_o profit_n by_o hear_v chap._n iu_o direction_n in_o read_v the_o word_n the_o next_o duty_n i_o shall_v point_v out_o unto_o you_o be_v the_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n which_o open_a and_o apply_v it_o for_o this_o also_o be_v necessary_a and_o very_o beneficial_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a where_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v have_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a addition_n and_o many_o a_o soul_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o much_o good_a receive_v by_o it_o this_o word_n be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n and_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o man_n convert_v by_o it_o especial_o where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v not_o ordinary_o be_v preach_v that_o it_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n see_v deut._n 17.19_o where_o the_o king_n be_v command_v to_o take_v this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o read_v therein_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o if_o king_n themselves_o be_v not_o exempt_v notwithstanding_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o their_o business_n who_o then_o can_v plead_v exemption_n yea_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o read_v it_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o israel_n deut._n 31.11_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n even_o to_o timothy_n to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v 1_o tim._n 4.13_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n so_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o all_o age_n moses_n take_v the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o read_v it_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o people_n exod._n 24.7_o so_o do_v joshua_n chap._n 8.34,35_o so_o do_v josiah_n 2_o chron._n 34,35_o and_o nehemiah_n chap._n 8.38.18_o and_o 9.3_o thus_o the_o eunuch_n act_v 8.30_o yea_o there_o be_v a_o blessing_n pronounce_v upon_o it_o rev._n 1.3_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o read_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o the_o world_n such_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o a_o christian_a the_o very_a light_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o life_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o as_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o sun_n because_o it_o common_o rise_v and_o set_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o heed_v and_o admire_v so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o word_n be_v common_a it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o prize_v mannah_n you_o know_v be_v at_o first_o admire_v at_o the_o last_o loathe_a so_o it_o be_v here_o if_o god_n shall_v send_v a_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n it_o will_v be_v prize_v as_o it_o be_v when_o a_o cart_n load_n of_o hay_n be_v give_v for_o a_o few_o chapter_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o worth_n of_o it_o will_v be_v know_v in_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o health_n be_v best_a prize_v in_o sickness_n peace_n in_o war_n and_o liberty_n in_o bondage_n now_o for_o the_o person_n that_o ought_v to_o read_v they_o be_v all_o that_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n for_o if_o any_o be_v exempt_v they_o will_v be_v king_n for_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o their_o business_n but_o the_o book_n of_o god_n must_v be_v to_o they_o a_o vade_fw-la mecum_fw-la a_o constant_a companion_n parent_n be_v to_o teach_v their_o child_n in_o it_o and_o under_o these_o two_o relation_n all_o superior_n and_o inferior_n be_v contain_v deut._n 6.7_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n practice_n and_o policy_n no_o doubt_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o read_v the_o scripture_n christ_n bid_v search_v the_o scripture_n and_o how_o dare_v papist_n and_o other_o speak_v the_o contrary_a we_o be_v command_v to_o let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v plentiful_o in_o we_o and_o it_o be_v make_v a_o mark_n for_o a_o bless_a man_n to_o meditate_v in_o day_n and_o night_n here_o be_v the_o mine_n out_o of_o which_o we_o must_v dig_v for_o knowledge_n prov._n 2.3,4_o oh_o that_o man_n will_v spend_v that_o time_n in_o read_v meditate_v and_o confer_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o do_v in_o vain_a and_o idle_a visit_n needless_a recreation_n card_v dice_a drink_v drab_v and_o such_o like_a how_o much_o will_v it_o conduce_v to_o their_o soul_n health_n this_o make_v more_o to_o the_o evening_n their_o account_n with_o god_n and_o make_v preparation_n for_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o other_o will_v i_o know_v it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v difficult_a to_o understand_v and_o therefore_o dangerous_a to_o be_v meddle_v with_o lest_o they_o be_v abuse_v this_o be_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n and_o the_o slothful_a on_o the_o other_o who_o will_v not_o plough_n because_o of_o winter_n prov._n 20.4_o but_o this_o shall_v rather_o quicken_v our_o diligence_n than_o serve_v for_o a_o discouragement_n if_o difficult_a duty_n be_v neglect_v we_o shall_v never_o reach_v heaven_n it_o be_v true_a some_o thing_n be_v difficult_a but_o the_o most_o necessary_a be_v plain_a and_o easy_a here_o indeed_o a_o lamb_n may_v wade_v and_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
be_v also_o necessary_a that_o thou_o understand_v what_o thou_o read_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o the_o sense_n thou_o shall_v look_v after_o the_o jew_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o have_v great_a care_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o count_v the_o word_n syllable_n and_o letter_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o sense_n and_o miss_v of_o the_o meaning_n when_o thou_o read_v a_o dark_a passage_n in_o the_o scripture_n rest_v not_o till_o thou_o understand_v it_o to_o this_o end_n divine_n have_v give_v several_a direction_n such_o as_o these_o if_o thou_o be_v able_a compare_v the_o original_a and_o translation_n together_o and_z perhaps_o this_o may_v resolve_v thy_o doubt_n every_o language_n have_v a_o peculiar_a elegancy_n and_o some_o word_n be_v of_o so_o hard_a a_o signification_n that_o they_o can_v full_o be_v express_v in_o a_o translation_n now_o know_v the_o original_a will_n abundant_o help_v and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o art_n and_o science_n be_v also_o of_o great_a use_n let_v the_o enemy_n to_o learning_n say_v what_o they_o will_v to_o the_o contrary_n if_o this_o help_v thou_o not_o look_v into_o the_o context_n observe_v the_o circumstance_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o receive_v no_o interpretation_n which_o cross_v that_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v compare_v this_o place_n with_o other_o the_o like_a and_o admit_v not_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o contradict_v other_o scripture_n especial_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n those_o plain_a doctrinal_a conclusion_n gather_v out_o of_o other_o plain_a scripture_n of_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v make_v and_o if_o it_o agree_v not_o with_o this_o reject_v it_o for_o truth_n itself_o can_v oppose_v itself_o we_o must_v reduce_v dark_a place_n to_o those_o that_o be_v plain_a and_o not_o force_v those_o that_o be_v plain_a to_o the_o dark_a one_o if_o this_o help_v not_o read_v some_o learned_a exposition_n upon_o the_o place_n if_o this_o fail_v seek_v assistance_n from_o god_n for_o as_o the_o sun_n can_v be_v see_v but_o by_o its_o own_o light_n so_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n he_o that_o faithful_o and_o careful_o observe_v these_o direction_n may_v through_o god_n blessing_n come_v to_o know_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a 5._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n thou_o read_v careful_o observe_v the_o general_a scope_n of_o it_o and_o what_o design_n god_n be_v aim_v at_o and_o what_o end_v he_o aim_v at_o in_o it_o and_o prosecute_v the_o same_o design_n and_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o mark_n that_o he_o do_v for_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v for_o our_o instruction_n now_o if_o we_o heedful_o mark_v the_o general_a scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o end_n which_o god_n drive_v on_o in_o the_o main_a be_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o the_o world_n in_o his_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n may_v own_v he_o as_o their_o lord_n owner_n and_o benefactor_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n that_o he_o may_v get_v himself_o glory_n in_o their_o salvation_n now_o in_o thy_o read_n prosecute_v the_o same_o design_n that_o god_n do_v and_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o end_n which_o he_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o likely_a way_n to_o profit_n the_o scripture_n in_o general_n set_v before_o thou_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o thyself_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v what_o thou_o be_v by_o nature_n what_o by_o the_o fall_n and_o what_o by_o thy_o restauration_n and_o also_o what_o god_n require_v at_o thy_o hand_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o end_n the_o scripture_n handle_v those_o point_n which_o conduce_v hereunto_o as_o first_o in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n thou_o may_v see_v god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n for_o none_o else_o can_v make_v the_o world_n of_o nothing_o yea_o every_o creature_n will_v point_v out_o god_n to_o a_o understand_a man_n for_o it_o pass_v the_o power_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n to_o make_v the_o least_o fly_n especial_o without_o pre-existent_a matter_n nay_o the_o creature_n do_v not_o only_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o also_o sâ—…_n forth_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n as_o his_o eternity_n wisdom_n power_n majesty_n goodness_n and_o perfection_n these_o clear_o shine_v forth_o in_o these_o his_o work_n the_o least_o creature_n if_o you_o follow_v he_o home_o to_o his_o original_a by_o divine_a meditation_n will_v point_v out_o a_o omnipotent_a arm_n for_o his_o creator_n and_o when_o thou_o read_v of_o his_o work_n of_o providence_n these_o also_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o teach_v the_o same_o lesson_n the_o wonderful_a work_n and_o miracle_n he_o have_v wrought_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o people_n the_o rule_n and_o government_n which_o he_o have_v set_v in_o the_o world_n the_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o frequent_a deliverance_n he_o have_v give_v to_o his_o people_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n bespeak_v to_o we_o his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n when_o thou_o read_v of_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n this_o bespeak_v christ_n the_o lord_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v witness_v from_o heaven_n by_o angel_n by_o saint_n by_o enemy_n by_o devil_n all_o which_o give_v testimony_n to_o his_o divinity_n and_o that_o he_o be_v true_o man_n be_v also_o evident_a by_o his_o incarnation_n birth_n growth_n action_n passion_n death_n and_o burial_n and_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o evident_a by_o scripture_n light_n here_o thou_o may_v find_v that_o all_o the_o prophecy_n that_o go_v before_o of_o he_o be_v clear_o fulfil_v in_o he_o and_o no_o other_o and_o such_o miracle_n wrought_v and_o such_o mighty_a work_v do_v and_o such_o gracious_a word_n speak_v that_o make_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v indeed_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n again_o when_o thou_o read_v the_o command_n threaten_n punishment_n etc._n etc._n know_v these_o be_v to_o deter_v thou_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o drive_v thou_o home_o to_o god_n thy_o benefactor_n and_o when_o thou_o read_v the_o promise_n invitation_n and_o encouragement_n these_o be_v to_o draw_v the_o near_a to_o he_o therefore_o careful_o observe_v what_o ever_o thou_o read_v and_o some_o way_n or_o other_o it_o will_v conduce_v to_o bring_v thou_o near_o to_o god_n this_o be_v god_n end_n in_o write_v the_o word_n and_o shall_v be_v thy_o end_n in_o read_v it_o 6._o direct_v will_v thou_o profit_v by_o read_v then_o meditate_v upon_o what_o thou_o read_v this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v what_o thou_o read_v thy_o own_o it_o be_v this_o way_n that_o david_n get_v more_o understanding_n than_o the_o ancient_n and_o become_v wise_a than_o his_o teacher_n psal_n 119.98,99,100_o and_o 66.11_o now_o meditation_n be_v a_o studious_a art_n of_o the_o mind_n wherein_o a_o man_n search_v out_o some_o hide_a truth_n by_o the_o discourse_n of_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o profitable_a heart-enriching_a duty_n thou_o can_v perform_v this_o will_v fetch_v in_o provision_n like_o a_o bee_n from_o every_o herb_n and_o flower_n yea_o from_o every_o weed_n thorn_n and_o bramble_n will_v yield_v some_o honey_n this_o will_v store_v thy_o heart_n with_o treasure_n new_a and_o old_a there_o be_v no_o creature_n so_o barren_a but_o will_v yield_v some_o fruit_n nor_o dead_a tree_n or_o hard_a stone_n that_o be_v so_o barren_a but_o it_o will_v yield_v some_o increase_n no_o creature_n but_o will_v yield_v a_o help_a hand_n no_o fowl_n but_o will_v lend_v a_o feather_n to_o mount_v the_o soul_n aloft_o a_o christian_a skill_v in_o the_o divine_a art_n of_o holy_a meditation_n can_v never_o want_v a_o object_n fit_a to_o work_v upon_o and_o if_o the_o creature_n thus_o furnish_v we_o doubtless_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v fruitless_a the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o itself_o be_v mysterious_a and_o dark_a at_o least_o some_o part_n of_o it_o the_o well_o be_v deep_a and_o meditation_n be_v the_o bucket_n hereby_o divine_a mystery_n be_v draw_v out_o and_o the_o water_n of_o life_n pump_v in_o cursory_a read_v many_o thing_n pass_v by_o without_o regard_n which_o by_o meditation_n be_v fetch_v back_o and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o help_n to_o the_o understanding_n but_o the_o memory_n also_o it_o leave_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o it_o what_o in_o cursory_a read_n be_v soon_o forget_v be_v press_v hard_o upon_o and_o imprint_v to_o the_o memory_n by_o meditation_n hereby_o the_o heart_n
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
law_n of_o god_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o man_n yea_o make_v god_n law_n of_o no_o effect_n mark_v 7.8_o it_o make_v they_o do_v all_o in_o way_n of_o merit_n which_o the_o scripture_n deny_v luke_n 17.10_o when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v command_v say_v yc_n be_v unprofitable_a servant_n rom._n 6.23_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n rom._n 4.6_o &_o 8.18_o &_o 9.16_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o where_o we_o see_v all_o we_o enjoy_v be_v of_o free_a grace_n &_o an_o no_o room_n leave_v for_o man_n merit_n such_o vow_n as_o these_o therefore_o have_v no_o foot_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o for_o our_o imitation_n 5._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v by_o thy_o vow_n glorify_v god_n or_o benefit_v thy_o own_o soul_n thou_o must_v look_v at_o the_o manner_n as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n for_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v many_o a_o duty_n material_o good_a be_v spoil_v by_o the_o ill_a performance_n as_o we_o see_v in_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n and_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o new_a moon_n and_o solemn_a assembly_n all_o appoint_a and_o command_v duty_n so_o spoil_v in_o the_o do_n that_o god_n will_v not_o own_v they_o yea_o his_o soul_n do_v abominate_a they_o isa_n 1.10_o etc._n etc._n and_o 66.3_o he_o that_o kill_v a_o ox_n be_v as_o if_o he_o slay_v a_o man_n and_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v a_o lamb_n as_o if_o he_o cut_v off_o a_o dog_n neck_n he_o that_o offer_v a_o oblation_n as_o if_o he_o offer_v swine_n blood_n he_o that_o burn_v incense_n as_o if_o he_o bless_v and_o idol_n etc._n etc._n we_o see_v command_v duty_n may_v be_v grievous_a sin_n when_o ill_o perform_v now_o a_o vow_n as_o well_o as_o a_o oath_n for_o a_o vow_n be_v a_o promissory_a oath_n to_o god_n shall_v be_v make_v in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n in_o truth_n and_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v with_o a_o sincere_a heart_n without_o fraud_n deceit_n aequivocation_n or_o hypocrisy_n for_o as_o god_n require_v the_o heart_n in_o all_o service_n so_o likewise_o in_o this_o a_o promise_v make_v to_o he_o with_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v but_o a_o mock_n of_o he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v mock_v it_o be_v like_a annanias_n and_o sapphira_n their_o devote_v the_o price_n of_o their_o land_n to_o god_n and_o afterward_o keep_v back_o part_n of_o the_o price_n to_o themselves_o and_o by_o this_o lose_a themselves_o a_o notable_a example_n we_o have_v of_o a_o serious_a vow_n worthy_a our_o imitation_n we_o may_v read_v 2_o chron._n 15.14,15_o where_o we_o find_v judah_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n it_o be_v say_v they_o swear_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o trumpet_n and_o shout_v and_o with_o the_o cornet_n and_o all_o judah_n rejoice_v at_o the_o oath_n for_o they_o have_v swear_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o seek_v he_o with_o all_o their_o desire_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o acceptable_a this_o be_v to_o god_n we_o may_v find_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o and_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o rest_v round_o about_o but_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v like_o those_o jer._n 3.10_o that_o turn_v to_o god_n but_o it_o be_v feign_o say_v the_o lord_n but_o it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o vow_v than_o to_o vow_n and_o not_o perform_v for_o god_n will_v avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o as_o a_o vow_n shall_v be_v in_o truth_n so_o it_o shall_v be_v voluntary_a not_o by_o constraint_n for_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o freewill_n offer_v and_o god_n expect_v it_o shall_v cheerful_o be_v perform_v deut._n 23.23_o that_o which_o be_v go_v out_o of_o thy_o lip_n thou_o shall_v keep_v and_o perform_v the_o free_a will_n offer_v according_a to_o what_o thou_o have_v vow_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o thou_o have_v promise_v with_o thy_o mouth_n though_o god_n do_v not_o command_v thou_o to_o vow_n as_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o if_o thou_o shall_v forbear_v to_o vow_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o sin_n in_o thou_o yet_o when_o thou_o have_v engage_v thy_o soul_n he_o expect_v the_o performance_n for_o as_o a_o vow_n be_v free_a so_o shall_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o also_o this_o show_v when_o young_a person_n be_v put_v into_o monastery_n nunnery_n or_o religious_a house_n as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o force_v there_o to_o take_v the_o require_v oath_n of_o single_a life_n regular_a obedience_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o against_o their_o will_n it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n devise_v but_o of_o the_o devil_n invention_n and_o likewise_o when_o child_n against_o their_o parent_n will_n be_v entice_v or_o allure_v to_o take_v such_o oath_n and_o vow_n and_o so_o alienate_v themselves_o from_o their_o parent_n obedience_n this_o be_v no_o please_a service_n to_o he_o see_v his_o mind_n mat._n 15.5,6_o parent_n must_v not_o be_v wrong_v upon_o religious_a account_n and_o as_o vow_n shall_v be_v in_o truth_n so_o likewise_o in_o judgement_n blind_a sacrifice_n be_v never_o acceptable_a to_o god_n man_n shall_v well_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v and_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o vow_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n vow_v and_o the_o profitableness_n thereof_o and_o how_o it_o conduce_v to_o their_o main_a design_n before_o they_o engage_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n god_n will_v not_o have_v devote_v to_o he_o as_o the_o price_n of_o a_o dog_n or_o the_o hire_n of_o a_o whore_n deut._n 23.18_o those_o that_o vow_v also_o shall_v know_v their_o ability_n to_o perform_v and_o not_o make_v they_o and_o be_v force_v to_o break_v they_o for_z ultra_fw-la posse_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la god_n delight_v not_o in_o the_o word_n of_o such_o fool_n eccl._n 4.5_o a_o vow_n shall_v tend_v also_o for_o some_o profit_n for_o body_n or_o soul_n as_o jacob_n do_v but_o what_o profit_n be_v there_o in_o voluntary_a poverty_n pilgrimage_n in_o vow_v oil_n candle_n etc._n etc._n to_o saint_n depart_v no_o man_n be_v ever_o yet_o able_a to_o find_v out_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v in_o righteousness_n also_o and_o shall_v be_v at_o their_o own_o dispose_n as_o before_o be_v say_v to_o vow_v that_o service_n to_o one_o which_o be_v due_a to_o another_o be_v a_o point_n of_o injustice_n and_o no_o law_n of_o god_n require_v it_o it_o must_v be_v of_o fit_a thing_n also_o we_o must_v not_o serve_v god_n with_o what_o be_v not_o our_o own_o it_o must_v in_o a_o word_n be_v in_o that_o which_o may_v conduce_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o furtherance_n of_o our_o great_a design_n or_o otherwise_o it_o be_v either_o sinful_a or_o foolish_a 6._o direct_v when_o thou_o make_v a_o vow_n look_v to_o it_o that_o thy_o end_n be_v right_a for_o that_o denominate_v the_o action_n to_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a though_o the_o duty_n be_v never_o so_o glorious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n they_o be_v abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n if_o do_v for_o base_a or_o byend_n now_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o duty_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n convince_v with_o our_o own_o or_o other_o good_a this_o shall_v be_v our_o ultimate_a end_n and_o aim_n a_o gracious_a soul_n in_o every_o duty_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v propter_fw-la te_fw-la propter_fw-la te_fw-la domine_fw-la this_o i_o do_v for_o thou_o and_o for_o thy_o sake_n and_o with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 115.1_o not_o unto_o we_o lord_n not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o thy_o name_n be_v the_o glory_n a_o christian_a in_o all_o his_o duty_n shall_v follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v do_v all_o to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n col._n 3.17_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n though_o vow_n be_v not_o strict_o any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n yet_o be_v they_o help_v and_o furtherance_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v careful_o make_v and_o faithful_o perform_v we_o read_v i_o know_v of_o believer_n that_o have_v make_v vow_n unto_o god_n for_o the_o perform_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n which_o they_o must_v not_o have_v neglect_v though_o they_o have_v not_o vow_v it_o but_o this_o make_v it_o not_o worship_n but_o a_o help_n to_o worship_n and_o if_o they_o be_v of_o thing_n indifferent_a yet_o be_v they_o not_o part_v of_o god_n worship_n but_o that_o which_o conduce_v to_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o worship_n i_o know_v the_o papist_n they_o say_v they_o be_v part_n of_o his_o worship_n though_o they_o be_v make_v of_o
followed_z infant_n you_o see_v though_o uncapable_a be_v not_o free_v even_o such_o as_o hang_v upon_o their_o mother_n breast_n and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o actual_o sin_v yet_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o sinful_a lump_n of_o mankind_n and_o deserve_a judgement_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v timely_o train_v up_o in_o this_o christian_a duty_n and_o their_o cry_n for_o meat_n and_o the_o very_a bellow_n of_o the_o beast_n may_v stick_v something_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o help_v further_o to_o humble_a and_o break_v it_o yea_o many_o of_o those_o little_a one_o be_v god_n elect_n their_o presence_n may_v be_v a_o argue_v with_o god_n to_o spare_v as_o the_o presence_n of_o jehosophat_n move_v elijah_n to_o come_v to_o ahab_n 2_o king_n 3.19_o this_o be_v one_o motive_n why_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o destroy_v niniveh_n because_o there_o be_v sixscore_o thousand_o soul_n in_o it_o that_o know_v not_o the_o right_a hand_n from_o the_o left_a but_o though_o all_o these_o come_v and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o come_v yet_o all_o come_v not_o right_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v for_o that_o work_n if_o thou_o will_v indeed_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n and_o turn_v away_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n from_o the_o land_n thou_o shall_v be_v one_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o one_o that_o have_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o thy_o soul_n one_o that_o have_v a_o friend_n in_o court_n a_o interest_n in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o can_v through_o he_o go_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n one_o that_o can_v without_o lie_v call_v god_n father_n and_o lie_v claim_v to_o the_o share_n in_o his_o promise_n one_o that_o art_n reconcile_v to_o god_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n such_o a_o one_o be_v like_a to_o prevail_v for_o mercy_n it_o be_v not_o those_o that_o howl_v for_o corn_n and_o wine_n he_o regard_v it_o be_v not_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o swine_n or_o the_o bellow_n of_o beast_n he_o matter_n if_o there_o be_v a_o full_a congregation_n of_o unconverted_a sinner_n that_o resolve_v to_o love_v and_o not_o leave_v their_o sin_n i_o question_v whether_o these_o man_n cry_n do_v not_o prevail_v more_o to_o bring_v down_o judgement_n than_o mercy_n when_o man_n covenant_n with_o â—od_n and_o promise_v obedience_n and_o never_o intend_v to_o perform_v it_o this_o be_v but_o a_o mock_n of_o god_n that_o will_v not_o be_v mock_v and_o the_o break_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o he_o that_o can_v and_o will_v avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n we_o can_v deceive_v he_o though_o we_o come_v with_o tear_n in_o our_o eye_n if_o there_o be_v not_o sorrow_n in_o the_o heart_n our_o crocodile_n tear_n will_v not_o advantage_n we_o but_o if_o there_o be_v but_o weak_a gift_n and_o part_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v right_a yet_o they_o will_v be_v own_v god_n look_v not_o so_o much_o at_o the_o outside_n as_o the_o inside_n of_o duty_n though_o i_o know_v those_o that_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n especial_o in_o public_a shall_v be_v man_n of_o part_n and_o ability_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o all_o be_v thus_o qualify_v it_o be_v a_o sweet_a conjunction_n where_o grace_n and_o part_n meet_v they_o shall_v know_v their_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o bewail_v and_o confess_v they_o ezra_n 9.4.6_o nehem._n 1.6,7_o they_o shall_v know_v their_o own_o want_n and_o the_o want_n of_o the_o nation_n dan._n 9.11.18_o in_o a_o word_n every_o novice_n in_o religion_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o so_o high_a a_o duty_n and_o therefore_o christ_n himself_o excuse_v his_o disciple_n for_o not_o fast_v not_o only_o because_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o but_z as_o it_o be_v conceive_v because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o fit_a for_o so_o high_a a_o duty_n luke_n 5.36,37_o mat._n 9.15,16_o 2._o direct_v will_v thou_o fast_o as_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o as_o god_n require_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o be_v right_o qualify_v but_o come_v prepare_v to_o the_o duty_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n of_o moment_n can_v be_v well_o do_v without_o preparation_n much_o less_o such_o a_o solemn_a work_n and_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a duty_n now_o the_o preparation_n requisite_a be_v partly_o external_n and_o partly_o internal_a the_o external_n help_v forward_o the_o other_o and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o on_o the_o evening_n before_o lay_v aside_o thy_o bodily_a labour_n betimes_o that_o thou_o may_v trim_v up_o thy_o lamp_n to_o meet_v the_o bride_n groom_n the_o day_n follow_v and_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n against_o the_o next_o day_n duty_n and_o take_v that_o evening_n but_o a_o moderate_a supper_n such_o as_o will_v help_v and_o not_o hinder_v thou_o in_o the_o ensue_a duty_n and_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o thou_o can_v without_o prejudice_n to_o thy_o health_n or_o hindrance_n to_o thy_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n follow_v for_o thou_o shall_v deny_v thyself_o in_o sleep_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n but_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o main_a work_n and_o so_o no_o further_o to_o be_v use_v than_o it_o be_v helpful_a to_o it_o now_o the_o main_a work_n be_v to_o get_v the_o heart_n into_o a_o melt_a frame_n and_o humble_a temper_n for_o what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v we_o to_o come_v and_o go_v with_o the_o heart_n unbroken_a now_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o the_o consideration_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o nation_n with_o the_o several_a aggravation_n of_o they_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n when_o they_o be_v press_v home_o upon_o the_o spirit_n by_o serious_a meditation_n call_v to_o mind_n therefore_o thy_o original_a gild_n and_o the_o pollution_n of_o thy_o nature_n and_o how_o the_o whole_a man_n soul_n and_o body_n be_v defile_v by_o it_o and_o thy_o best_a duty_n stain_v as_o also_o thy_o actual_a sin_n many_o for_o number_n and_o heinous_a for_o nature_n call_v to_o mind_n the_o sin_n of_o thy_o youth_n and_o of_o thy_o ripe_a age_n the_o sin_n of_o thy_o call_v general_a and_o particular_a thy_o relation_n sin_n and_o how_o thou_o have_v fail_v in_o every_o relation_n thou_o have_v be_v in_o thy_o sin_n of_o omission_n commission_n and_o participation_n thy_o sin_n of_o knowledge_n and_o ignorance_n of_o weakness_n and_o wilfulness_n against_o the_o law_n and_o against_o the_o gospel_n against_o god_n and_o against_o man_n with_o the_o several_a aggravation_n of_o they_o as_o against_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o love_n and_o light_n against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n promise_n and_o resolution_n vow_n and_o covenant_n mean_n and_o help_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o only_o thy_o own_o sin_n but_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o family_n the_o sin_n of_o thy_o relation_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v yea_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o superior_n and_o inferior_n of_o prince_n and_o governor_n for_o these_o shall_v be_v confess_v as_o daniel_n do_v dan._n 9.2,3_o etc._n etc._n the_o sin_n of_o superior_n inferior_n and_o equal_n for_o from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v the_o abuse_n of_o mercy_n which_o we_o have_v have_v in_o general_a in_o the_o nation_n or_o in_o particular_a ourselves_o david_n can_v mourn_v in_o secret_a when_o man_n keep_v not_o god_n law_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v mourning_n in_o zion_n and_o be_v sure_o come_v not_o before_o the_o lord_n to_o confess_v or_o bewail_v any_o one_o sin_n that_o thou_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o and_o resolve_v to_o leave_v nor_o to_o bewail_v the_o omission_n of_o any_o one_o duty_n which_o thou_o be_v not_o resolve_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v to_o practice_n nor_o to_o beg_v for_o one_o mercy_n that_o thou_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o labour_v for_o as_o well_o as_o to_o pray_v for_o for_o if_o thou_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o thy_o heart_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v thy_o prayer_n psal_n 66.18_o shall_v thou_o come_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o it_o thou_o do_v but_o mock_v god_n that_o will_v not_o mock_v and_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a when_o thou_o say_v lord_n when_o will_v thou_o give_v i_o this_o mercy_n god_n may_v say_v man_z when_o will_v thou_o leave_v thy_o sin_n when_o will_v thou_o give_v i_o thy_o heart_n if_o thou_o say_v never_o god_n will_v return_v thou_o the_o like_a answer_n never_o think_v by_o thy_o prayer_n to_o benefit_n thyself_o or_o the_o church_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o reform_v thy_o own_o heart_n and_o as_o thou_o must_v consider_v thy_o sin_n so_o also_o thy_o want_n what_o mercy_n thou_o will_v beg_v for_o
thou_o may_v be_v take_v these_o direction_n for_o private_a duty_n 1._o direct_v the_o first_o duty_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o not_o of_o least_o concernment_n be_v self-examination_n this_o indeed_o be_v private_a for_o it_o be_v between_o thou_o and_o thou_o own_o heart_n be_v often_o inquire_v at_o home_n what_o state_n thy_o soul_n stand_v in_o to_o god_n and_o what_o interest_n thou_o have_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o title_n to_o heaven_n this_o be_v a_o necessary_a though_o much_o neglect_a duty_n many_o that_o cast_v up_o their_o shop_n to_o see_v whether_o they_o grow_v or_o decrease_v in_o the_o world_n and_o try_v their_o evidence_n for_o their_o land_n to_o see_v that_o they_o be_v good_a take_v not_o so_o much_o pain_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o see_v whether_o all_o be_v well_o there_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v a_o christian_n chief_a happiness_n and_o without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o felicity_n though_o we_o have_v the_o influence_n of_o all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n yea_o though_o we_o have_v the_o honour_n riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o thousand_o world_n for_o all_o these_o end_n in_o a_o snuff_n and_o will_v prove_v vanish_v fade_a transitory_a thing_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o precious_a piece_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v most_o regard_v it_o be_v next_o to_o the_o angel_n the_o chief_a piece_n that_o ever_o drope_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o be_v make_v in_o his_o own_o image_n and_o the_o near_o any_o thing_n come_v to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o near_a it_o come_v to_o perfection_n for_o god_n be_v perfection_n itself_o it_o be_v the_o great_a purchase_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o be_v of_o infinite_a value_n more_o worth_a than_o the_o world_n be_v give_v to_o redeem_v it_o and_o christ_n know_v well_o enough_o the_o worth_n of_o soul_n and_o will_v not_o give_v such_o a_o rate_n for_o a_o thing_n of_o little_a worth_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v eternal_a and_o shall_v last_v for_o ever_o and_o run_v parallel_n with_o the_o long_a line_n of_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o precious_a the_o vanity_n of_o earthly_a enjoyment_n be_v see_v in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v uncertain_a and_o momentary_a duration_n now_o this_o precious_a and_o immortal_a piece_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n and_o without_o our_o care_n diligence_n and_o pain_n be_v like_a to_o be_v lose_v a_o thousand_o enemy_n besiege_v it_o and_o set_v it_o round_o enemy_n without_o and_z within_z and_o on_o every_o side_n without_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n who_o spread_v a_o thousand_o snare_n to_o entrap_v it_o within_o corruption_n yea_o a_o inbred_a traitor_n a_o false_a perfidious_a treacherous_a and_o deceitful_a heart_n these_o be_v politic_a subtle_a crafty_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n the_o devil_n will_v make_v no_o peace_n with_o we_o but_o upon_o worse_a condition_n than_o nahash_n the_o amonite_n offer_v to_o the_o man_n of_o jabish_a gillead_v 1._o sam._n 11.2_o upon_o this_o condition_n will_v i_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o you_o that_o i_o may_v thrust_v out_o all_o your_o right_a eye_n and_o lay_v it_o for_o a_o reproach_n upon_o all_o israel_n but_o his_o condition_n be_v the_o everlasting_a destruction_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o lose_v thou_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o a_o thousand_o world_n can_v redeem_v it_o though_o they_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o heap_n of_o diamond_n or_o a_o globe_n of_o gold_n now_o be_v thou_o a_o rational_a creature_n and_o can_v thou_o see_v thyself_o thy_o better_a part_n in_o so_o much_o danger_n and_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o will_v thou_o so_o regard_v a_o limb_n or_o sense_n a_o eye_n or_o a_o tooth_n and_o shall_v the_o soul_n be_v unregarded_a will_v thou_o consult_v the_o lawyer_n about_o thy_o estate_n the_o physician_n about_o thy_o health_n yea_o the_o farrier_n about_o thy_o horse_n and_o shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v neglect_v god_n forbid_v will_v take_v care_n for_o trifle_n and_o neglect_v thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n what_o great_a note_n of_o a_o fool_n can_v be_v express_v god_n be_v yet_o call_v thou_o and_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n be_v not_o yet_o shut_v against_o thou_o opportunity_n be_v yet_o offer_v thou_o and_o there_o be_v yet_o hope_n but_o how_o long_o it_o may_v continue_v thou_o know_v not_o up_o and_o be_v do_v make_v sure_a of_o heaven_n while_o it_o may_v be_v have_v one_o of_o these_o day_n it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o examine_v thyself_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n cleanse_v the_o fountain_n that_o the_o stream_n may_v be_v clear_a stub_n up_o the_o root_n of_o sin_n when_o other_o be_v lop_n at_o the_o branch_n begin_v reformation_n at_o the_o right_a end_n i_o shall_v here_o have_v give_v you_o some_o motive_n rule_n direction_n mark_n and_o character_n to_o this_o purpose_n to_o guide_v you_o in_o this_o difficult_a work_n but_o this_o i_o have_v do_v already_o in_o another_o treatise_n of_o that_o subject_a call_v the_o soul_n looking-glass_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o if_o you_o have_v no_o better_o at_o hand_n yea_o when_o by_o examination_n thou_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o thy_o grace_n yet_o be_v not_o examination_n useless_a but_o consider_v the_o growth_n of_o it_o also_o true_a grace_n be_v of_o a_o grow_a nature_n like_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n that_o in_o time_n become_v a_o great_a tree_n thy_o growth_n shall_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n answerable_a to_o the_o food_n thou_o eat_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n thou_o enjoy_v that_o which_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n or_o decline_v may_v be_v suspect_v it_o be_v not_o true_a it_o be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n that_o be_v no_o big_a at_o twenty_o year_n old_a than_o at_o two_o it_o be_v sad_a when_o man_n that_o shall_v grow_v decline_v and_o lose_v their_o first_o love_n if_o this_o be_v thy_o case_n consider_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n consider_v who_o thou_o leave_v and_o whither_o thou_o go_v and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o it_o at_o least_o consider_v what_o thou_o do_v which_o no_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v and_o never_o give_v thyself_o any_o rest_n till_o thou_o know_v that_o thou_o outstrip'_v they_o all_o yea_o till_o thou_o can_v read_v thy_o name_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o can_v call_v god_n father_n and_o say_v with_o the_o spouse_n my_o beloved_n be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o cant._n 6.3_o 2._o direct_v the_o next_o private_a duty_n be_v when_o thou_o know_v that_o thou_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o a_o title_n to_o glory_n and_o can_v without_o check_n of_o conscience_n call_v god_n thy_o father_n and_o christ_n thy_o head_n and_o husband_n be_v sure_a then_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o he_o hold_v he_o fast_o and_o do_v not_o let_v he_o go_v like_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 3.4_o it_o be_v say_v of_o enoch_n and_o noah_n that_o they_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o thus_o in_o some_o measure_n do_v every_o faithful_a soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a safe_a course_n thou_o can_v take_v for_o there_o be_v none_o can_v hurt_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v under_o his_o wing_n no_o enemy_n can_v molest_v thou_o while_o thou_o be_v under_o his_o tuition_n trouble_n never_o grind_v a_o man_n till_o it_o find_v he_o from_o god_n take_v heed_n of_o grow_v strange_a with_o god_n if_o thou_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v go_v thou_o may_v seek_v he_o sorrow_v and_o not_o find_v he_o many_o that_o be_v constant_a in_o public_a duty_n be_v defective_a in_o private_a but_o it_o be_v secret_a duty_n that_o chief_o maintain_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o those_o it_o be_v we_o most_o engage_v our_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o god_n to_o we_o now_o if_o thou_o will_v keep_v this_o communion_n with_o god_n some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v some_o thing_n do_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v avoid_v be_v especial_o sin_n but_o above_o all_o our_o bosom_n sin_n those_o that_o thou_o be_v most_o incline_v to_o and_o most_o easiy_a yield_v to_o and_o can_v most_v hardly_o say_v nay_o these_o god_n be_v most_o jealous_a of_o and_o these_o will_v make_v the_o great_a breach_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o most_o havoc_n among_o thy_o grace_n these_o be_v they_o that_o most_o deep_o wound_v the_o conscience_n break_v thy_o peace_n with_o thy_o god_n and_o if_o not_o forsake_v will_v procure_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n it_o be_v thy_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o judgement_n temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a and_o withhold_v mercy_n from_o thou_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o close_o walk_v with_o god_n can_v stand_v