the_o text_n out_o of_o isai_n 33.7_o he_o be_v lead_v as_o a_o sheep_n to_o the_o slaughter_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o philip_n open_v his_o mouth_n and_o begin_v at_o the_o same_o scripture_n and_o preach_v unto_o he_o jesus_n in_o these_o place_n it_o appear_v that_o philip_n and_o our_o saviour_n take_v a_o text_n to_o preach_v upon_o the_o one_o such_o a_o text_n as_o the_o occasion_n then_o offer_v and_o the_o other_o such_o as_o himself_o make_v choice_n of_o for_o the_o purpose_n but_o at_o other_o time_n we_o find_v that_o preacher_n have_v choose_v a_o theme_n which_o they_o think_v useful_a for_o the_o time_n and_o without_o any_o text_n to_o ground_v their_o discourse_n on_o have_v unfold_v that_o point_n out_o of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n &_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o people_n use_n thus_o our_o lord_n do_v preach_v when_o he_o make_v that_o famous_a sermon_n call_v by_o the_o learned_a sermo_n domini_fw-la in_o monte_fw-fr our_o lord_n sermon_n in_o the_o mount_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n matt._n 5.6_o &_o 7._o chapter_n for_o in_o this_o sermon_n we_o have_v many_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n many_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o many_o exhortation_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o godly_a life_n but_o we_o find_v no_o text_n first_o read_v by_o direction_n of_o which_o he_o proceed_v in_o his_o sermon_n thus_o our_o lord_n and_o so_o saint_n peter_n preach_v also_o act._n 2_o &_o 3._o chapter_n and_o saint_n stephen_n act._n 7._o and_o s._n paul_n act._n 13_o &_o 17._o and_o of_o late_a time_n some_o also_o in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o church_n have_v do_v the_o like_a though_o the_o common_a use_n now_o among_o we_o be_v always_o to_o ground_v our_o sermon_n upon_o some_o text_n even_o then_o when_o man_n scarce_o once_o touch_v upon_o the_o text_n in_o the_o whole_a sermon_n of_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o preach_v my_o note_n be_v true_a that_o if_o god_n word_n be_v preach_v aright_o whether_o by_o ground_v on_o a_o text_n or_o by_o propound_v of_o a_o theme_n yet_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n thus_o preach_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v he_o bless_v that_o use_v it_o aright_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v that_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v in_o which_o of_o these_o sort_n soever_o it_o be_v be_v available_a to_o blessedness_n and_o alike_o profitable_a to_o salvation_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o by_o every_o one_o of_o they_o we_o may_v be_v instruct_v alike_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o service_n and_o may_v be_v edify_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n &_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o law_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o happiness_n and_o eternal_a life_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n what_o we_o mean_v by_o preach_v or_o the_o word_n preach_v ii_o quest_n the_o next_o be_v how_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n thus_o preach_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o blessedness_n and_o the_o answer_n be_v it_o appear_v by_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v the_o way_n and_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o christ_n have_v found_v his_o church_n convert_v the_o nation_n and_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o believer_n so_o s._n paul_n say_v that_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v so_o the_o world_n esteem_v it_o it_o please_v god_n to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 1.21_o and_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o do_v forbid_v the_o apostle_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 1_o thess_n 2.16_o and_o to_o these_o say_n the_o event_n prove_v answerable_a for_o saint_n peter_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o one_o sermon_n convert_v three_o thousand_o soul_n act._n 2.41_o and_o s._n paul_n convert_v many_o jew_n and_o proselyt_n act._n 13.43_o and_o more_o particular_o and_o by_o name_n he_o convert_v lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n act._n 16._o and_o dionysius_n areopagita_n and_o damaris_n and_o other_o act._n 17._o and_o in_o a_o word_n by_o he_o &_o his_o fellowlabourer_n all_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o faith_n experience_n then_o show_v it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o by_o faith_n to_o salvation_n 2._o it_o be_v prove_v also_o because_o god_n do_v send_v preacher_n into_o the_o world_n that_o by_o their_o labour_n he_o may_v bring_v man_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n for_o this_o end_n it_o be_v that_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n say_v our_o lord_n in_o the_o prophet_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n unto_o the_o meek_a etc._n etc._n that_o they_o may_v be_v call_v the_o tree_n of_o righteousness_n the_o plant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v be_v 61.1_o 2_o 3._o in_o these_o word_n we_o have_v two_o thing_n for_o our_o purpose_n 1._o the_o work_n that_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v send_v about_o and_o that_o be_v to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o end_n that_o be_v intend_v and_o effect_v by_o it_o &_o that_o be_v twofold_a man_n sanctification_n and_o god_n glory_n that_o they_o may_v be_v call_v the_o tree_n of_o righteousness_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v by_o it_o and_o for_o the_o like_a end_n and_o purpose_n our_o lord_n christ_n himself_o do_v send_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v matt._n 10.5_o 7_o and_o the_o seventie_o disciple_n luk._n 10.1_o and_o s._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 1.17_o and_o to_o save_v labour_n in_o name_v of_o particular_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o our_o lord_n be_v ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n he_o give_v some_o to_o be_v apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o why_o and_o for_o what_o end_n all_o this_o why_o it_o be_v say_v the_o text_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n &_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v bring_v man_n to_o the_o faith_n by_o their_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o beginning_n so_o god_n have_v establish_v a_o settle_a course_n of_o teach_v to_o the_o world_n end_n by_o which_o man_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o happiness_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o answer_v to_o the_o second_o question_n iii_o quest_n the_o last_o be_v what_o help_n may_v we_o have_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v beside_o or_o more_o than_o we_o may_v gain_v by_o hear_v the_o scripture_n read_v to_o this_o my_o answer_n be_v it_o may_v furtherus_fw-la in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n diverse_a way_n over_o and_o beside_o the_o benefit_n that_o be_v reap_v by_o the_o word_n read_v for_o 1._o it_o may_v further_o we_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o many_o passage_n of_o scripture_n more_o than_o we_o can_v gather_v by_o hear_v of_o they_o read_v for_o though_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_v of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v deliver_v clear_o &_o plain_o in_o scripture_n and_o a_o man_n by_o read_v or_o hear_v they_o read_v may_v gain_v much_o help_n towards_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o there_o be_v many_o speech_n &_o phrase_n &_o word_n which_o be_v not_o easy_o understand_v by_o a_o ordinary_a christian_a but_o may_v be_v explain_v &_o make_v clear_a by_o a_o learned_a preacher_n for_o example_n the_o disciple_n understand_v not_o the_o right_a meaning_n of_o that_o sentence_n of_o the_o prophet_n behold_v i_o will_v send_v you_o eliiah_n the_o prophet_n before_o the_o come_n of_o the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n etc._n etc._n malac._n 4.5_o for_o they_o conceit_v that_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o elias_n in_o person_n whereas_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o come_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o elias_n and_o because_o he_o resemble_v he_o in_o his_o office_n be_v therefore_o call_v by_o his_o name_n this_o when_o they_o understand_v not_o our_o lord_n expound_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o make_v they_o to_o know_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o scripture_n as_o appear_v mar._n 9.12_o again_o the_o eunuch_n of_o ethiopia_n do_v not_o understand_v that_o
reader_n a_o short_a list_n of_o they_o such_o as_o these_o be_v 1._o he_o be_v endue_v with_o power_n from_o above_o to_o keep_v god_n word_n and_o do_v his_o commandment_n which_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n can_v not_o do_v for_o 1._o they_o do_v not_o know_v nor_o can_v they_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o god_n reveil_v they_o to_o his_o child_n by_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.10_o 2._o by_o nature_n and_o of_o themselves_o man_n can_v think_v a_o good_a thought_n but_o god_n work_v in_o his_o child_n both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a phil._n 2.13_o and_o last_o of_o ourselves_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o want_v as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v not_o be_v express_v rom._n 8.26_o thus_o the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o grace_n receive_v from_o his_o heavenly_a father_n be_v enable_v to_o serve_v god_n for_o the_o save_n of_o his_o soul_n which_o ability_n they_o have_v not_o who_o have_v not_o christ_n for_o their_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n 2._o the_o child_n of_o god_n have_v this_o privilege_n above_o other_o that_o the_o service_n which_o he_o do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o grace_n though_o it_o be_v weak_a and_o unperfect_a yet_o be_v upright_o and_o sincere_a be_v accept_v with_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v perfect_a and_o want_v nothing_o for_o of_o he_o that_o be_v mean_v which_o the_o apostle_n say_v if_o there_o be_v a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o that_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o that_o he_o have_v not_o 2_o cor._n 8.12_o 3._o those_o sentence_n of_o god_n word_n which_o be_v legal_o mean_v of_o the_o unregenerat_a man_n and_o therefore_o contain_v a_o curse_n against_o he_o be_v evangelical_o understand_v of_o those_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o serve_v to_o direct_v he_o by_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n to_o eternal_a life_n for_o example_n that_o sentence_n of_o 27.26_o of_o deut._n 27.26_o moses_n wherein_o he_o require_v a_o performance_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n if_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o a_o man_n out_o of_o christ_n it_o carry_v in_o it_o the_o sentence_n of_o his_o condemnation_n because_o he_o keep_v not_o nor_o can_v not_o keep_v that_o law_n and_o therefore_o he_o remain_v liable_a to_o the_o curse_n there_o denounce_v curse_a be_v every_o one_o that_o confirm_v not_o etc._n etc._n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n urge_v this_o place_n gal._n 3.10_o but_o if_o the_o same_o sentence_n be_v apply_v to_o a_o true_a christian_a it_o speak_v no_o condemnation_n to_o he_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o commendation_n of_o his_o integrity_n and_o piety_n because_o he_o keep_v this_o law_n so_o as_o god_n require_v of_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v say_v of_o zacharie_n and_o elizabeth_n that_o they_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n of_o of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a luk._n 1.6_o and_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o josias_n that_o he_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o his_o might_n according_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n 2_o king_n 23.25_o these_o and_o such_o like_a privilege_n do_v belong_v to_o he_o who_o be_v engraft_v into_o christ_n and_o by_o these_o he_o may_v encourage_v himself_o in_o his_o call_n and_o stir_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o cheerfulness_n in_o god_n service_n who_o have_v be_v so_o gracious_a unto_o he_o 2._o second_o see_v all_o our_o ability_n of_o keep_v of_o god_n word_n come_v only_o from_o god_n grace_n we_o may_v hence_o learn_v who_o to_o thank_v for_o all_o the_o good_a work_n that_o we_o do_v out_o of_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v that_o saint_n paul_n have_v say_v i_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o they_o all_o present_o add_v in_o the_o next_o word_n yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o and_o so_o if_o any_o of_o we_o be_v more_o fervent_a and_o frequent_a in_o prayer_n than_o other_o be_v and_o more_o strict_a in_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n than_o they_o be_v and_o more_o plentiful_a in_o the_o deed_n of_o charity_n he_o shall_v still_o remember_v to_o add_v after_o all_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o i_o that_o do_v this_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v with_o i_o that_o so_o god_n who_o give_v all_o may_v be_v praise_v for_o all_o 3._o see_v all_o our_o ability_n of_o keep_v god_n word_n be_v from_o god_n grace_n we_o shall_v again_o learn_v when_o we_o want_v any_o grace_n whither_o to_o go_v for_o help_n and_o supply_v if_o we_o want_v water_n we_o go_v to_o the_o conduit_n because_o there_o be_v the_o well_o head_n whence_o the_o water_n flow_v and_o if_o we_o want_v health_n we_o go_v to_o the_o physician_n because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o disease_n and_o remedy_n be_v presume_v to_o be_v in_o he_o and_o if_o we_o be_v wrong_v and_o oppress_v we_o go_v to_o the_o justice_n or_o the_o magistrate_n because_o he_o have_v the_o sword_n that_o can_v right_v and_o relieve_v we_o and_o so_o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n say_v s._n james_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o jam._n 1.5_o and_o so_o say_v i_o if_o any_o among_o we_o do_v want_n knowledge_n to_o direct_v himself_o in_o god_n service_n let_v he_o go_v by_o his_o prayer_n to_o god_n who_o enlighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o if_o he_o want_v patience_n to_o bear_v the_o cross_n let_v he_o go_v to_o he_o for_o mercy_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o patience_n and_o comfort_n and_o if_o he_o want_v strength_n to_o withstand_v a_o tentation_n let_v he_o go_v to_o he_o who_o suffer_v not_o his_o servant_n to_o be_v tempt_v above_o their_o strength_n but_o together_o with_o the_o tentation_n make_v a_o way_n for_o they_o to_o escape_v 10.13_o 1._o cor._n 10.13_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o in_o a_o word_n if_o any_o man_n want_v any_o grace_n let_v he_o go_v to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n &_o from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a &_o perfect_a gift_n if_o we_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o grace_n and_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o help_v and_o submit_v to_o he_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o have_v what_o we_o want_v and_o will_v do_v that_o which_o we_o desire_v 2._o §._o 2._o ii_o the_o second_o general_a point_n concern_v the_o keep_n of_o god_n word_n be_v how_o and_o wherein_o this_o keep_n of_o the_o law_n be_v available_a to_o happiness_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o this_o question_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o avail_v or_o conduce_v to_o happiness_n two_o way_n 1._o as_o a_o condition_n qualify_a man_n person_n for_o this_o glorious_a estate_n and_o 2._o as_o a_o service_n which_o god_n reward_v with_o eternal_a glory_n i._n first_o it_o conduce_v as_o a_o condition_n require_v to_o be_v in_o they_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o heaven_n for_o though_o god_n be_v liberal_a and_o bountiful_a in_o bestow_v of_o his_o gift_n and_o use_v to_o give_v more_o then_o either_o we_o deserve_v or_o desire_v yet_o he_o be_v no_o prodigal_a or_o wasteful_a spender_n he_o bestow_v they_o not_o careless_o without_o respect_v who_o and_o what_o the_o man_n be_v that_o partake_v of_o his_o favour_n but_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o as_o be_v fit_a and_o in_o some_o sense_n it_o sense_n i_o mean_v a_o worthiness_n which_o make_v a_o man_n fit_a to_o receive_v a_o favour_n and_o not_o a_o worthiness_n which_o make_v he_o able_a to_o deserve_v it_o worthy_a of_o such_o mercy_n the_o philosopher_n say_v benefacta_fw-la malè_fw-la locata_fw-la malefacta_fw-la arbitror_fw-la good_n deed_n ill_o place_v and_o so_o they_o be_v when_o they_o be_v bestow_v on_o unworthy_a man_n i_o count_v to_o be_v evil_a not_o good_a work_n and_o therefore_o god_n though_o for_o his_o great_a bounty_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o consolation_n and_o comfort_n who_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n yet_o give_v he_o not_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n promiscuous_o to_o all_o man_n but_o as_o when_o the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n desire_v to_o sit_v one_o on_o christ_n right_a and_o a_o other_o on_o his_o left_a hand_n in_o his_o kingdom_n our_o lord_n answer_v those_o importunat_a beggar_n to_o sit_v upon_o my_o
by_o virtue_n of_o god_n promise_v i_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v due_a for_o god_n have_v promise_v heaven_n to_o good_a work_n as_o have_v be_v show_v already_o and_o promise_n be_v due_a debt_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v and_o all_o man_n do_v acknowledge_v even_o a_o man_n word_n ti_v he_o to_o performance_n &_o god_n word_n must_v needs_o tie_v he_o much_o more_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n for_o they_o that_o serve_v god_n aright_o style_v god_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o righteous_a or_o just_a judge_n in_o bestow_v of_o that_o reward_n 2_o tim._n 4.8_o and_o in_o a_o other_o place_n god_n say_v he_o be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n heb._n 6.10_o where_o 1_o when_o he_o say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o forget_v their_o good_a work_n he_o mean_v that_o he_o leave_v they_o not_o unrewarded_a and_o 2._o when_o he_o say_v that_o god_n be_v not_o unjust_a to_o forget_v they_o he_o impli_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v unjust_a if_o he_o do_v not_o reward_v their_o labour_n in_o his_o service_n but_o he_o speak_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 41._o 2_o thes_n 1.6_o 7._o it_o be_v a_o just_a thing_n with_o god_n say_v he_o to_o recompense_v tribulation_n to_o they_o that_o trouble_v you_o and_o to_o you_o which_o be_v trouble_v rest_n with_o we_o where_o we_o may_v note_v that_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o justice_n in_o god_n as_o well_o to_o reward_v the_o patient_a suffering_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n as_o the_o wrong_a oppressure_n of_o persecutor_n and_o evil_a doer_n be_v it_o grant_v then_o that_o a_o reward_n be_v due_a to_o well-doing_n by_o virtue_n of_o god_n promise_n who_o for_o our_o encouragement_n have_v tie_v himself_o by_o this_o bond_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v no_o merit_n or_o worth_n in_o our_o best_a work_n by_o which_o we_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o such_o a_o reward_n this_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o word_n of_o a_o s._n paul_n who_o speak_v of_o martyrdom_n and_o patience_n in_o persecution_n for_o christ_n sake_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o glorious_a work_n to_o which_o christ_n have_v promise_v his_o reward_n yet_o even_o of_o this_o he_o say_v i_o reckon_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveil_v ro._n 8.18_o and_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o our_o light_a affliction_n say_v he_o work_v for_o we_o a_o more_o exceed_o and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n where_o by_o elevate_a our_o service_n in_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o amplify_a the_o reward_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o for_o it_o he_o plain_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o equality_n or_o proportion_n between_o the_o work_n and_o the_o reward_n our_o saviour_n also_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v command_v we_o and_o yet_o who_o be_v there_o that_o do_v so_o but_o upon_o supposition_n that_o we_o have_v do_v all_o yet_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o say_v unto_o god_n we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n we_o do_v that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v luk._n 17.10_o he_o mean_v that_o because_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o our_o duty_n do_v bind_v we_o to_o therefore_o we_o can_v plead_v merit_n or_o desert_n god_n owe_v we_o no_o thanks_o for_o it_o no_o more_o than_o a_o master_n owe_v thanks_o to_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o have_v do_v what_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o his_o place_n to_o do_v i_o conclude_v then_o that_o the_o reward_n of_o blessedness_n promise_v to_o well-doing_n be_v due_a by_o god_n promise_n and_o not_o for_o the_o worth_n of_o any_o work_n and_o now_o out_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n lay_v together_o the_o conclusion_n follow_v which_o i_o propound_v in_o the_o beginning_n that_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n word_n be_v available_a to_o happiness_n as_o a_o service_n to_o which_o eternal_a life_n be_v promise_v for_o a_o reward_n and_o hence_o we_o have_v these_o deduction_n for_o our_o further_a use_n 1._o see_v holiness_n be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n require_v unto_o blessedness_n this_o may_v be_v for_o a_o admonition_n to_o all_o evil_a doer_n who_o live_v in_o any_o sin_n against_o conscience_n they_o may_v hence_o take_v notice_n how_o fearful_a their_o state_n be_v for_o the_o present_a and_o how_o needful_a it_o will_v be_v for_o they_o to_o begin_v a_o better_a life_n for_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v so_o desperate_o mad_a but_o desire_v that_o he_o may_v be_v happy_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o man_n among_o christian_n but_o know_v that_o happiness_n be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v have_v but_o with_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o now_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o declaration_n of_o this_o point_n that_o no_o evil_a doer_n shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o that_o place_n take_v a_o view_n if_o you_o please_v of_o all_o the_o ungodly_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o you_o will_v not_o find_v that_o ever_o any_o one_o of_o they_o have_v be_v heretofore_o or_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v receive_v in_o at_o heaven_n gate_n in_o heaven_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o great_a multitude_n which_o no_o man_n can_v number_v of_o all_o nation_n and_o kindred_n and_o people_n and_o language_n but_o among_o all_o these_o there_o be_v not_o one_o drunkard_n nor_o one_o adulterer_n nor_o one_o slanderer_n nor_o one_o oppressor_n nor_o one_o deceiver_n nor_o one_o liar_n nor_o any_o one_o evil_a doer_n again_o in_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o defect_n or_o want_n of_o room_n in_o my_o father_n house_n say_v our_o lord_n there_o be_v many_o mansion_n joh._n 14.2_o there_o be_v a_o mansion_n for_o the_o prophet_n they_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n luk._n 13.28_o and_o there_o be_v a_o mansion_n for_o the_o apostle_n they_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o sit_v on_o throne_n judge_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n luk._n 22.30_o and_o there_o be_v a_o mansion_n for_o the_o martyr_n they_o follow_v the_o lamb_n whithersoever_o he_o go_v apo._n 14.4_o there_o be_v a_o mansion_n for_o the_o penitent_a thief_n this_o day_n say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n luk._n 23.43_o and_o in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v a_o mansion_n for_o every_o righteous_a man_n they_o shall_v shine_v forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n matt._n 13.43_o and_o in_o these_o mansion_n be_v lodge_v all_o nation_n and_o country_n in_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n from_o the_o north_n and_o from_o the_o south_n and_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n luk._n 13.29_o but_o now_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n search_v the_o book_n of_o god_n throughout_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o genesis_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o see_v whether_o you_o can_v find_v any_o mansion_n any_o room_n any_o hole_n reserve_v for_o drunkard_n or_o harlot_n or_o whoremaster_n or_o deceiver_n or_o slanderer_n or_o any_o other_o such_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a mâ—n_z oh_o then_o think_v upon_o this_o all_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n turn_v unto_o he_o betimes_o wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v make_v as_o white_a as_o snow_n and_o your_o soul_n dear_a in_o god_n sight_n and_o yourselves_o my_o abecome_v citizen_n of_o the_o holy_a city_n which_o be_v above_o with_o god_n 2._o see_v god_n reward_n in_o heaven_n be_v square_v and_o proportion_v according_a to_o our_o service_n &_o good_a work_n this_o may_v be_v for_o the_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n of_o all_o well_o mind_a people_n they_o may_v be_v comfort_v in_o that_o good_a which_o they_o have_v do_v already_o as_o ezekiah_n comfort_v himself_o with_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o upright_a life_n when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o great_a sorrow_n and_o sickness_n he_o cheer_v himself_o by_o say_v unto_o god_n remember_v now_o o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n be_v 38.3_o and_o so_o nehemiah_n remember_v i_o o_o my_o god_n say_v he_o concern_v this_o and_o wipe_v not_o out_o my_o good_a deed_n that_o i_o have_v do_v for_o the_o house_n of_o my_o god_n and_o for_o the_o office_n thereof_o nehem._n 13.14_o and_o so_o may_v every_o good_a christian_a pray_v and_o expect_v a_o blessing_n from_o god_n for_o the_o
because_o we_o hear_v and_o rehearse_v and_o talk_v of_o a_o sermon_n but_o we_o must_v refer_v all_o to_o future_a practice_n and_o esteem_v they_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o good_a as_o they_o make_v we_o better_o either_o wise_a in_o our_o knowledge_n or_o holy_a in_o our_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n describe_v the_o nature_n of_o right_a hear_n say_v 42.23_o isa_n 42.23_o who_o among_o you_o will_v give_v ear_n to_o this_o who_o will_v hearken_v and_o hear_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v in_o which_o word_n 1._o when_o he_o say_v who_o will_v give_v ear_n and_o who_o will_v hearken_v he_o impli_v that_o all_o shall_v but_o yet_o few_o do_v so_o and_o 2._o when_o he_o say_v who_o will_v hear_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v he_o mean_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o transient_a action_n of_o hear_v which_o continue_v no_o long_o then_o while_o the_o sound_n last_v but_o they_o must_v so_o hear_v for_o the_o present_a that_o it_o may_v serve_v for_o afterward_o namely_o that_o they_o think_v on_o it_o and_o consider_v of_o it_o and_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v this_o be_v to_o hear_v for_o afterward_o but_o if_o any_o while_o he_o hear_v have_v some_o warm_a affection_n kindle_v in_o he_o and_o after_o he_o be_v go_v think_v no_o more_o on_o it_o or_o amend_v not_o his_o life_n by_o it_o this_o man_n hear_v only_o for_o the_o present_a and_o do_v not_o answer_v god_n expectation_n when_o he_o say_v who_o will_v hear_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o so_o in_o like_a sort_n if_o a_o man_n note_v sermon_n with_o his_o pen_n and_o repeat_v they_o afterward_o with_o his_o family_n and_o yet_o for_o most_o part_n insi_v upon_o empty_a word_n and_o idle_a allegation_n which_o do_v not_o profit_v he_o or_o they_o in_o godliness_n and_o neglect_v those_o note_n which_o may_v make_v they_o better_o this_o man_n writing_n and_o repeat_v be_v both_o alike_o of_o no_o value_n but_o if_o further_o any_o shall_v abuse_v these_o holy_a exercise_n to_o countenance_v their_o factious_a meeting_n and_o instead_o of_o meditate_v on_o god_n word_n do_v devise_v slander_n against_o god_n church_n these_o man_n turn_v duty_n of_o religion_n into_o occasion_n of_o sin_n let_v not_o my_o pen_n ever_o speak_v any_o word_n for_o encouragement_n in_o such_o a_o evil_a practice_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v that_o if_o we_o will_v prove_v ourselves_o to_o be_v good_a hearer_n of_o god_n word_n we_o must_v so_o hear_v and_o so_o repeat_v and_o so_o perform_v every_o duty_n require_v in_o this_o work_n as_o that_o all_o of_o they_o may_v further_o we_o in_o god_n service_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n ii_o the_o second_o general_a duty_n be_v that_o together_o with_o our_o own_o endeavour_n and_o performance_n we_o join_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o work_n that_o we_o go_v about_o for_o as_o david_n say_v in_o a_o like_a case_n except_o the_o lord_n build_v the_o house_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a that_o build_v it_o and_o except_o the_o lord_n keep_v the_o city_n the_o watchman_n wake_v but_o in_o vain_a psal_n 127.1_o so_o except_o god_n assist_v we_o with_o his_o grace_n we_o shall_v prepare_v ourselves_o in_o vain_a and_o hear_v god_n word_n in_o vain_a and_o what_o we_o have_v hear_v we_o shall_v repeat_v in_o vain_a and_o nothing_o that_o we_o go_v about_o either_o before_o or_o after_o or_o while_o we_o hear_v can_v prosper_v unless_o god_n give_v the_o blessing_n and_o make_v it_o to_o prosper_v now_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v and_o obtain_v by_o prayer_n s._n james_n his_o direction_n be_v if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o jam._n 1.5_o in_o this_o scripture_n we_o have_v first_o a_o precept_n direct_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n and_o second_o a_o promise_n assure_v we_o of_o success_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o and_o three_o a_o reason_n draw_v from_o god_n nature_n he_o give_v liberal_o to_o all_o and_o he_o upbraid_v no_o man_n with_o his_o gift_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o give_v we_o that_o which_o we_o want_v if_o we_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o so_o if_o any_o man_n lack_v and_o who_o lack_v not_o either_o a_o prepare_a mind_n before_o hear_v or_o due_a attention_n in_o the_o time_n of_o hear_v or_o a_o firm_a memory_n after_o hear_v let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n who_o give_v liberal_o and_o he_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o god_n will_v give_v what_o he_o do_v ask_v according_a to_o god_n will_n upon_o this_o ground_n 10._o ground_n col._n 10._o cap._n 10._o cassian_n a_o ancient_a &_o learned_a writer_n advise_v man_n upon_o every_o occasion_n to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o prayer_n of_o david_n deus_fw-la in_o adjutorium_fw-la meum_fw-la intend_v domine_fw-la ad_fw-la juvandum_fw-la i_o festina_fw-la o_o god_n make_v speed_n to_o save_v i_o o_o lord_n make_v haste_n to_o help_v i_o psal_n 70.1_o for_o this_o prayer_n fit_v every_o condition_n of_o man_n as_o he_o declare_v in_o many_o particular_n the_o sum_n whereof_o may_v be_v this_o if_o a_o man_n be_v in_o any_o distress_n or_o danger_n than_o he_o shall_v say_v deus_fw-la in_o adjutorium_fw-la etc._n etc._n o_o god_n make_v speed_n to_o save_v i_o o_o lord_n make_v haste_n to_o help_v i_o and_o if_o he_o be_v solicit_v by_o any_o tentation_n than_o he_o shall_v pray_v o_o god_n make_v speed_n to_o save_v i_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o he_o want_v any_o grace_n or_o blessing_n they_o he_o shall_v pray_v o_o god_n make_v speed_n to_o save_v i_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o he_o have_v obtain_v any_o blessing_n or_o favour_n from_o god_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o mercy_n and_o his_o right_n use_v of_o it_o he_o shall_v pray_v o_o god_n make_v speed_n to_o save_v i_o o_o lord_n make_v haste_n to_o help_v i_o and_o what_o soever_o the_o occasion_n be_v still_o this_o prayer_n will_v be_v seasonable_a and_o useful_a thus_o this_o holy_a man_n teach_v we_o how_o to_o observe_v that_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n pray_v without_o cease_v 1_o thess_n 5.17_o this_o direction_n be_v applicable_a to_o this_o purpose_n when_o we_o be_v prepare_v to_o hear_v god_n word_n we_o shall_v pray_v god_n that_o he_o will_v prepare_v our_o heart_n and_o fit_v we_o for_o that_o service_n when_o we_o be_v busy_v in_o the_o act_n of_o hear_v we_o shall_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v direct_v we_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o that_o which_o we_o find_v useful_a for_o we_o &_o after_o our_o hear_n we_o shall_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v bless_v our_o memory_n to_o keep_v the_o good_a lesson_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v this_o to_o be_v a_o laudable_a custom_n still_o to_o beg_v a_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o every_o endeavour_n of_o we_o no_o man_n i_o suppose_v will_v deny_v only_o perhaps_o some_o man_n may_v doubt_v how_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o hear_n without_o hinder_v or_o interrupt_v the_o public_a and_o enjoin_v exercise_n then_o certain_o more_o necessary_a than_o any_o private_a prayer_n or_o devotion_n to_o this_o my_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o scripture_n itself_o do_v sufficient_o direct_v we_o herein_o there_o we_o read_v that_o nehemiah_n when_o the_o king_n be_v talk_v and_o confer_v with_o he_o about_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o people_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n yet_o say_v of_o himself_o so_o i_o pray_v to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o i_o say_v to_o the_o king_n if_o it_o please_v the_o king_n etc._n etc._n neh._n 2.4_o 5._o by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o nehemiah_n at_o the_o same_o time_n do_v both_o prey_n god_n for_o a_o blessing_n and_o continue_v his_o speech_n with_o the_o king_n which_o show_v that_o while_o he_o be_v talk_v with_o the_o king_n about_o those_o weighty_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n he_o dart_v up_o a_o jaculatory_a short_a prayer_n unto_o god_n either_o that_o he_o will_v direct_v the_o king_n heart_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n or_o that_o he_o will_v prosper_v the_o business_n in_o hand_n or_o some_o such_o prayer_n to_o the_o like_a purpose_n and_o hence_o we_o have_v direction_n in_o this_o case_n when_o we_o hear_v a_o useful_a point_n that_o concern_v we_o much_o we_o may_v by_o a_o short_a prayer_n desire_v god_n blessing_n upon_o it_o for_o our_o good_a without_o hinder_v or_o divert_v away_o our_o attention_n from_o any_o part_n of_o the_o sermon_n for_o