his_o servant_n upon_o be_v reasonable_a and_o easy_a and_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n that_o he_o require_v to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a command_n and_o upon_o these_o hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n mat._n 22.37_o etc._n etc._n love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n rom_n 13.10_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a duty_n and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n our_o great_a benefactor_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o our_o brethren_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o also_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a when_o we_o can_v never_o prove_v that_o ever_o he_o deceive_v any_o to_o praise_v he_o also_o be_v our_o work_n this_o be_v a_o angelical_a work_n fit_a for_o heaven_n and_o heavenborn_a soul_n and_o will_v be_v the_o work_n of_o eternity_n where_o saint_n and_o angel_n shall_v make_v up_o one_o choir_n to_o trumpet_n out_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o he_o this_o be_v a_o christian_n happiness_n here_o and_o to_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n be_v heaven_n itself_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v call_v perfect_a freedom_n and_o his_o servant_n be_v call_v his_o freeman_n 1_o cor._n 7.21_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o christ_n tell_v we_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n be_v light_a mat._n 11.30_o for_o all_o those_o that_o feel_v it_o find_v it_o so_o through_o divine_a assistance_n i_o know_v to_o a_o carnal_a heart_n and_o unsanctified_a soul_n it_o appear_v otherwise_o but_o it_o be_v the_o gall_n sore_n and_o putrify_a corruption_n of_o nature_n that_o make_v it_o so_o the_o easy_a yoke_n upon_o a_o gall_a neck_n seem_v uneasy_a learn_v but_o this_o one_o lesson_n get_v but_o this_o one_o qualification_n to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v prove_v easy_a love_n make_v labour_n light_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o make_v he_o willing_a not_o only_o to_o be_v bind_v but_o to_o die_v for_o christ_n then_o prayer_n will_v be_v no_o difficult_a duty_n for_o who_o will_v not_o willing_o go_v to_o he_o he_o love_v and_o pour_v out_o his_o request_n into_o his_o bosom_n when_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v have_v a_o supply_n and_o have_v such_o promise_n as_o those_o ask_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o you_o psal_n 50.15_o praise_v also_o then_o will_v be_v a_o delightful_a duty_n how_o apt_a be_v we_o to_o commend_v those_o we_o love_v and_o speak_v well_o of_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n be_v not_o weary_a of_o this_o work_n even_o to_o eternity_n communion_n with_o god_n be_v no_o toylful_a but_o delightful_a duty_n for_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v the_o soul_n happiness_n nay_o it_o be_v here_o a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o will_v be_v their_o heaven_n for_o ever_o which_o be_v sweet_a here_o though_o much_o interrupt_v what_o will_v it_o be_v then_o when_o we_o enjoy_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v here_o it_o fill_v the_o heart_n full_a of_o such_o joy_n as_o no_o stranger_n shall_v ever_o meddle_v with_o prov._n 14.10_o i_o know_v the_o world_n brag_v of_o their_o pleasure_n in_o the_o devil_n service_n and_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v christian_n for_o fear_n of_o lose_v they_o but_o this_o be_v but_o one_o of_o the_o devil_n lime-twig_n in_o which_o he_o fetter_n they_o and_o one_o of_o the_o deceit_n of_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n a_o true_a christian_a find_v by_o experience_n more_o true_a joy_n more_o ravish_a delight_n in_o one_o day_n communion_n with_o christ_n than_o ever_o he_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n for_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o laughter_n the_o sinner_n heart_n be_v sorrowful_a and_o the_o end_n of_o that_o mirth_n be_v heaviness_n but_o a_o believer_n may_v eat_v his_o meat_n with_o joy_n and_o drink_v his_o wine_n with_o a_o merry_a heart_n for_o god_n accept_v his_o work_n eccl._n 9.7_o and_o with_o joy_n they_o can_v draw_v water_n out_o of_o these_o well_n of_o salvation_n isa_n 12.3_o yea_o shout_n for_o joy_n if_o he_o be_v of_o a_o upright_a heart_n psal_n 32.11_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v more_o true_a cause_n of_o joy_n than_o they_o have_v here_o they_o be_v under_o the_o divine_a protection_n of_o god_n and_o be_v sure_a to_o want_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a and_o when_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v they_o have_v a_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o they_o but_o what_o be_v the_o devil_n work_v which_o he_o employ_v his_o servant_n about_o it_o be_v the_o base_a drudgery_n the_o most_o servile_a slavery_n the_o most_o sordid_a unreasonable_a dangerous_a work_n in_o the_o world_n he_o set_v they_o to_o hate_n god_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a to_o hold_v up_o weapon_n of_o defiance_n against_o he_o from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o be_v to_o blaspheme_n his_o name_n abuse_v his_o creature_n break_v his_o commandment_n persecute_v his_o child_n both_o by_o hand_n and_o tongue_n pluck_v the_o star_n out_o of_o his_o right_a hand_n the_o signet_n of_o his_o finger_n the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n his_o jewel_n those_o who_o his_o soul_n love_v yea_o to_o de-throne_n he_o and_o set_v up_o the_o devil_n in_o his_o place_n yea_o he_o make_v they_o so_o mad_a upon_o it_o that_o they_o will_v venture_v life_n and_o limb_n in_o the_o prosecution_n yea_o liberty_n and_o estate_n and_o ruin_n their_o own_o soul_n and_o as_o many_o more_o as_o they_o be_v able_a and_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v by_o minister_n parent_n or_o their_o godly_a friend_n from_o such_o course_n when_o the_o devil_n enter_v into_o these_o swine_n they_o run_v headlong_o till_o they_o ruin_n themselves_o 4._o motive_n thou_o shall_v serve_v the_o lord_n because_o he_o best_o deserve_v thy_o service_n he_o have_v do_v more_o for_o thou_o than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o that_o which_o all_o the_o world_n can_v do_v it_o be_v he_o that_o create_v thou_o and_o give_v thou_o a_o be_v when_o thou_o be_v nothing_o it_o be_v not_o long_o since_o there_o be_v nothing_o hear_v of_o thou_o and_o god_n have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o he_o be_v infinite_a in_o his_o perfection_n and_o glory_n before_o thou_o be_v and_o thou_o have_v add_v nothing_o to_o his_o happiness_n and_o will_v not_o own_v he_o for_o thy_o creator_n yea_o he_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o rational_a creature_n when_o he_o may_v have_v make_v thou_o a_o bruit_n beast_n he_o make_v thou_o capable_a of_o communion_n with_o himself_o yea_o in_o his_o own_o image_n when_o he_o may_v have_v make_v thou_o a_o dog_n or_o toad_n or_o serpent_n or_o the_o most_o despicable_a worm_n that_o crawl_v under_o thy_o foot_n what_o excellent_a faculty_n have_v he_o bestow_v upon_o thou_o as_o undestrand_a will_n affection_n memory_n conscience_n and_o such_o like_a yea_o he_o have_v make_v thou_o little_o low_a than_o the_o angel_n psal_n 8.4,5_o thou_o be_v the_o clay_n and_o he_o be_v the_o potter_n he_o may_v have_v make_v thou_o a_o vessel_n of_o dishonour_n and_o shall_v the_o thing_n form_v say_v to_o he_o that_o form_v it_o why_o have_v thou_o make_v i_o thus_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o have_v give_v thou_o thy_o limb_n and_o thy_o sense_n when_o thou_o may_v have_v be_v blind_a or_o lame_a or_o deaf_a or_o dumb_a and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mercy_n thou_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n when_o other_o run_v rage_v in_o the_o street_n mad_a frantic_a or_o lunatic_n yea_o it_o be_v he_o that_o maintain_v thou_o at_o his_o own_o cost_n and_o charge_n it_o be_v his_o corn_n and_o his_o wine_n that_o feed_v thou_o 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 inrich_v thou_o all_o be_v he_o and_o all_o be_v his_o free-gift_n thou_o deserve_v not_o the_o crumb_n that_o fall_v under_o thy_o table_n and_o be_v all_o this_o nothing_o hos_fw-la 2.5_o etc._n etc._n yea_o have_v thou_o these_o thing_n of_o thy_o own_o they_o can_v do_v thou_o no_o good_a without_o his_o blessing_n food_n can_v not_o nourish_v nor_o clothes_n keep_v thou_o warm_a he_o give_v thou_o peace_n when_o thou_o may_v have_v be_v in_o bloody_a war_n health_n when_o thou_o mighe_v have_v be_v on_o thy_o sick_a bed_n and_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
overwhelm_v in_o the_o sea_n exod._n 14.21_o over_o amalek_n exod._n 17.12_o over_o sennacherib_n 2_o king_n 19.32_o it_o have_v withhold_v rain_n from_o the_o earth_n for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o after_o procure_v it_o james_z 5.17,18_o it_o have_v bring_v angel_n from_o heaven_n for_o the_o help_n of_o man_n thus_o to_o daniel_n chap._n 9.21_o for_o hezekiahs_n help_n 2_o king_n 19.35_o where_o a_o angel_n slay_v in_o one_o night_n in_o the_o camp_n of_o sennacherib_n a_o hundred_o forty_o and_o five_o thousand_o and_o to_o elisha_n 2_o king_n 6.17_o where_o the_o mountain_n be_v full_a of_o horse_n and_o chariot_n of_o fire_n about_o elisha_n it_o have_v bring_v fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v the_o enemy_n 2_o kin._n 1.10.12_o it_o have_v procure_v bear_n to_o devour_v those_o child_n that_o mock_v the_o prophet_n 2_o king_n 2.24_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n mat._n 17.21_o and_o to_o work_v strange_a deliverance_n as_o jonah_n out_o of_o the_o whale_n belly_n jonah_n 2.10_o peter_n out_o of_o prison_n act_v 12.5_o etc._n etc._n by_o this_o the_o widow_n oil_n be_v increase_v 2_o king_n 4.3_o and_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v mark_n 11.23_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o recover_v the_o sick_a james_n 5.15_o to_o divert_v judgement_n feel_v or_o fear_v thus_o moses_n oft_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o procure_v pardon_n of_o sin_n luke_n 18.13_o to_o avoid_v the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n mat._n 26.41_o to_o have_v deliverance_n out_o of_o trouble_n psal_n 50.15_o to_o procure_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n luke_n 12.13_o to_o get_v wisdom_n james_n 1.5_o who_o now_o will_v not_o set_v upon_o such_o a_o duty_n now_o to_o perform_v this_o duty_n well_o take_v these_o direction_n 1._o direct_v there_o be_v several_a qualification_n requisite_a to_o every_o one_o that_o will_v right_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n without_o which_o a_o blessing_n can_v be_v expect_v for_o though_o christ_n bid_v ask_v and_o we_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o we_o yet_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o we_o ask_v and_o have_v not_o because_o we_o ask_v amiss_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v upon_o thy_o heart_n or_o otherwise_o thou_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o be_v hear_v the_o blind_a man_n john_n 9.31_o can_v say_v god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o other_o to_o pray_v and_o the_o apostle_n incourage_v simon_n magus_n to_o the_o duty_n if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v but_o till_o the_o heart_n be_v bring_v over_o to_o god_n we_o have_v no_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v hear_v we_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v abomination_n to_o god_n till_o then_o we_o can_v comfortable_o call_v god_n father_n nor_o come_v with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n neither_o will_v christ_n mediate_v or_o intercede_v for_o we_o while_o we_o remain_v his_o enemy_n neither_o will_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n assist_v we_o in_o the_o duty_n rom._n 8.15_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o through_o faith_n that_o we_o have_v boldness_n and_o access_n with_o confidence_n to_o god_n eph._n 3_o 12._o it_o be_v necessary_a also_o that_o we_o hate_v sin_n if_o we_o come_v to_o god_n for_o he_o be_v a_o devour_a fire_n to_o his_o enemy_n and_o will_v not_o be_v reconcile_v to_o those_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o sin_n how_o can_v we_o hearty_o pray_v against_o sin_n and_o for_o holiness_n if_o we_o love_v sin_n and_o hate_v holiness_n as_o all_o unconverted_a sinner_n do_v this_o be_v dissemble_v with_o god_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o with_o he_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n say_v david_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n psal_n 66.18_o yea_o god_n who_o be_v holiness_n itself_o require_v holiness_n in_o all_o those_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v god_n with_o comfort_n heb._n 12.14_o knowledge_n also_o be_v requisite_a for_o god_n can_v abide_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a in_o sacrifice_n without_o this_o the_o mind_n can_v be_v good_a nor_o the_o service_n acceptable_a without_o this_o a_o man_n know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o or_o what_o to_o pray_v against_o what_o to_o seek_v or_o what_o to_o shun_v what_o be_v sin_n or_o what_o be_v duty_n what_o he_o want_v or_o what_o he_o have_v and_o what_o blind_a worship_n be_v he_o like_v to_o offer_v he_o can_v never_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v self-denial_n also_o be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n subject_a his_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o notable_a example_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n himself_o who_o meat_n and_o drink_v it_o be_v to_o do_v his_o father_n will._n so_o when_o he_o have_v pray_v that_o that_o bitter_a cup_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o yet_o add_v not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v and_o thus_o he_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n i'faith_o also_o be_v requireâ—_n for_o if_o those_o shaft_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o head_v by_o faith_n they_o will_v never_o reach_v heaven_n this_o be_v the_o condition_n require_v whatsoever_o you_o ask_v believe_o you_o shall_v receive_v and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o nay_o further_o patience_n be_v also_o require_v we_o must_v wait_v for_o a_o answer_n not_o like_o those_o short-winded_a bethulian_o that_o set_v god_n a_o time_n and_o will_v wait_v no_o long_o but_o refer_v all_o to_o his_o will_n who_o best_o know_v his_o own_o time_n yea_o the_o best_a time_n and_o fit_a season_n he_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v a_o humble_a man_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a he_o that_o have_v not_o low_o self-denying_a thought_n of_o himself_o god_n will_v have_v low_a thought_n of_o his_o service_n he_o fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n but_o the_o rich_a he_o send_v empty_a away_o he_o must_v also_o beg_v for_o the_o power_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.26_o god_n know_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o spirit_n come_v not_o in_o thy_o own_o strength_n thou_o must_v also_o be_v painful_a and_o laborious_a not_o only_o pray_v for_o mercy_n but_o endeavour_n for_o they_o a_o few_o faint_a wish_n will_v not_o serve_v turn_n sin_n must_v be_v fight_v against_o as_o well_o as_o pray_v against_o endeavour_n must_v be_v use_v 2._o direct_v before_o thou_o come_v to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n prepare_v thy_o heart_n to_o meet_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o so_o solemn_a a_o duty_n be_v thou_o but_o to_o meet_v some_o prince_n or_o noble_a man_n thou_o will_v make_v some_o preparation_n much_o more_o shall_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v to_o meet_v the_o great_a god_n one_o that_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o thy_o end_n and_o motive_n in_o the_o duty_n what_o business_n of_o concernment_n be_v there_o but_o needs_o some_o preparation_n much_o more_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o examine_v therefore_o what_o relation_n thou_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n whether_o he_o be_v a_o friend_n or_o a_o enemy_n who_o can_v come_v with_o boldness_n to_o he_o that_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o be_v not_o reconcile_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o a_o mediator_n to_o intercede_v for_o thou_o and_o a_o surety_n to_o undertake_v thy_o debt_n how_o dare_v thou_o approach_v to_o the_o creditor_n to_o who_o thou_o owe_v ten_o thousand_o talent_n and_o can_v not_o pay_v a_o farthing_n how_o dare_v approach_v this_o consume_a fire_n that_o be_v but_o chaff_n and_o stubble_n and_o what_o hope_n have_v of_o speed_v if_o thou_o be_v not_o within_o the_o covenant_n the_o promise_n belong_v not_o to_o thou_o but_o when_o thou_o can_v find_v a_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o christ_n can_v call_v god_n father_n yet_o rush_v not_o rude_o into_o his_o presence_n but_o study_v well_o what_o thing_n he_o have_v promise_v for_o those_o thou_o may_v bold_o ask_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v but_o his_o word_n shall_v not_o pass_v till_o it_o be_v fulfil_v but_o if_o thou_o ask_v amiss_o that_o be_v what_o he_o never_o promise_v no_o wonder_n if_o thou_o receive_v it_o not_o acquaint_v thyself_o well_o with_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n his_o power_n goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n this_o will_v be_v a_o excellent_a
foundation_n for_o thy_o faith_n and_o when_o thou_o be_v come_v before_o he_o set_v thyself_o as_o in_o his_o presence_n and_o let_v thy_o heart_n be_v affect_v with_o awful_a reverence_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o tryer_n of_o the_o reins_o there_o be_v many_o that_o come_v to_o he_o in_o prayer_n and_o little_o consider_v with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v come_v also_o with_o a_o full_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n or_o else_o never_o come_v to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v all_o those_o sin_n thou_o shall_v confess_v 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 it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o think_v to_o get_v pardon_n for_o those_o sin_n thou_o will_v not_o leave_v or_o a_o dispensation_n to_o sin_n meditate_v before_o hand_n of_o the_o number_n nature_n and_o quality_n of_o thy_o sin_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o god_n law_n the_o justice_n of_o god_n his_o threaten_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n and_o the_o punishment_n he_o have_v bring_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o sin_n the_o little_a good_a that_o sin_n have_v do_v thou_o and_o the_o great_a hurt_n etc._n etc._n these_o consideration_n may_v work_v in_o thou_o a_o loathe_n of_o sin_n when_o thou_o see_v that_o it_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thy_o misery_n then_o will_v thou_o put_v up_o real_a desire_n to_o have_v it_o mortify_v and_o till_o than_o thou_o will_v but_o dally_v with_o god_n study_v well_o beforehand_o what_o be_v thy_o want_n which_o thou_o will_v have_v supply_v by_o god_n let_v it_o be_v thy_o daily_a work_n to_o think_v what_o sin_n and_o corruption_n be_v strong_a in_o thou_o and_o what_o grace_n be_v weak_a or_o want_v and_o what_o thou_o will_v beg_v at_o god_n hand_n and_o have_v not_o thy_o errand_n to_o seek_v when_o thou_o shall_v do_v it_o study_v well_o also_o what_o mercy_n thou_o have_v receive_v and_o forget_v not_o to_o render_v to_o god_n the_o tribute_n of_o praise_n thankfulness_n for_o one_o mercy_n be_v a_o real_a petition_n for_o another_o many_o like_o the_o leper_n will_v come_v in_o a_o petition_n for_o mercy_n they_o want_v but_o few_o in_o thanksgiving_n for_o mercy_n receive_v most_o man_n be_v like_o the_o swine_n under_o the_o tree_n they_o eat_v the_o crab_n or_o acorn_n but_o look_v not_o up_o from_o whence_o they_o come_v and_o where_o as_o it_o be_v a_o command_a duty_n to_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o sympathize_v one_o with_o another_o mourn_v with_o those_o that_o mourn_v and_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o rejoice_v it_o be_v nehemiah_n practice_n and_o he_o shall_v herein_o be_v our_o precedent_n when_o all_o go_v well_o with_o he_o in_o his_o own_o particular_a the_o affliction_n of_o the_o church_n can_v wring_v tear_n from_o his_o eye_n nehem._n 1.4_o and_o if_o any_o jar_n be_v between_o thou_o and_o another_o be_v reconcile_v this_o be_v christ_n counsel_n mat._n 5.23_o mark_v 11.26_o come_v thus_o prepare_v and_o there_o be_v great_a hope_n of_o speed_a 3._o direct_v will_v thou_o put_v up_o a_o prevail_a prayer_n see_v that_o thou_o make_v it_o to_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o to_o saint_n or_o angel_n or_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v that_o homage_n which_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o and_o that_o honour_n that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v to_o another_o many_o be_v the_o command_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n for_o this_o duty_n psal_n 50.15_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o and_o christ_n bid_v we_o go_v to_o our_o father_n in_o secret_n and_o our_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_n will_v reward_v we_o open_o mat._n 6.6_o this_o be_v the_o refuge_n which_o the_o godly_a run_v to_o in_o all_o their_o strait_n hither_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n go_v gen._n 18.27_o &_o 28.3_o &_o 32.11_o hither_o moses_n go_v when_o god_n threaten_v israel_n exod._n 39.11_o yea_o joshua_n hannah_n samuel_n david_n solomon_n elijah_n jehoshaphat_n hezekiah_n peter_n and_o christ_n himself_o and_o thus_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o do_v mat._n 6.9_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n many_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o those_o that_o go_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o many_o be_v the_o experience_n which_o believer_n have_v have_v of_o the_o return_n of_o prayer_n make_v to_o god_n but_o in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n there_o be_v not_o one_o precept_n for_o or_o approve_a example_n of_o any_o one_o that_o seek_v either_o to_o saint_n or_o angel_n nor_o any_o promise_n to_o any_o that_o do_v so_o or_o any_o experience_n that_o any_o have_v have_v any_o return_n to_o their_o prayer_n no_o nor_o encouragement_n to_o provoke_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n approve_v it_o but_o the_o contrary_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n to_o ground_v our_o faith_n upon_o and_o what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n we_o may_v find_v god_n himself_o style_v a_o god_n hear_v prayer_n a_o title_n give_v to_o no_o creature_n in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n god_n be_v omniscient_a and_o know_v all_o thing_n the_o very_a thought_n and_o wish_n the_o sigh_n and_o breathe_n the_o long_n hungring_n and_o pant_n of_o a_o break_a heart_n be_v know_v to_o he_o and_o he_o know_v when_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o unfeigned_a lip_n he_o be_v hoker_n lebh_n scutator_n cordis_n the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n jer._n 17.10_o and_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n that_o no_o man_n on_o earth_n can_v claim_v neither_o have_v we_o any_o assurance_n that_o saint_n or_o angel_n in_o heaven_n can_v do_v it_o again_o he_o be_v every_o where_o present_a at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n which_o the_o angel_n themselves_o be_v not_o be_v finite_a creature_n and_o therefore_o be_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o help_v we_o know_v he_o hear_v our_o prayer_n but_o have_v no_o assurance_n that_o the_o other_o do_v he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o able_a to_o help_v we_o he_o be_v el_n shaddai_o god_n all-sufficient_a gen._n 17.1_o able_a to_o remove_v all_o rub_n out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o the_o creature_n can_v help_v we_o they_o be_v but_o the_o cistern_n he_o be_v the_o fountain_n they_o have_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o put_v into_o they_o yea_o all_o religious_a worship_n be_v due_a to_o he_o alone_o whereof_o prayer_n be_v a_o principal_a part_n and_o can_v be_v give_v to_o another_o without_o offence_n it_o be_v from_o he_o that_o we_o receive_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n james_n 1.17_o and_o therefore_o unto_o he_o we_o shall_v go_v to_o beg_v it_o who_o keep_v the_o dispose_n of_o they_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o will_v be_v seek_v unto_o before_o he_o part_v with_o they_o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o shall_v be_v of_o our_o prayer_n for_o how_o can_v we_o call_v upon_o he_o upon_o who_o we_o have_v not_o believe_v rom._n 10.14_o the_o very_a heathen_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n acknowledge_v this_o privilege_n this_o duty_n be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o they_o put_v up_o their_o petition_n to_o those_o they_o esteem_v god_n as_o the_o mariner_n in_o jonah_n ship_n call_v every_o man_n upon_o his_o god_n and_o advise_v jonah_n to_o do_v so_o also_o jonah_n 1.5_o and_o god_n himself_o threaten_v the_o family_n that_o call_v not_o upon_o his_o name_n jer._n 10.25_o and_o in_o their_o distress_n threaten_v to_o send_v they_o to_o the_o god_n they_o serve_v how_o much_o then_o be_v those_o to_o blame_v that_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n as_o the_o papist_n or_o offer_v up_o religious_a worship_n to_o any_o other_o but_o to_o god_n alone_o but_o till_o they_o can_v prove_v it_o a_o duty_n by_o direct_a precept_n or_o approve_a example_n till_o they_o can_v prove_v they_o be_v omnipresent_v always_o at_o hand_n omniscient_a and_o know_v all_o thing_n omnipotent_a and_o can_v help_v we_o in_o all_o our_o strait_n which_o they_o will_v never_o do_v let_v we_o never_o leave_v the_o fountain_n that_o be_v all_o this_o and_o go_v to_o the_o cistern_n that_o can_v help_v we_o 4._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v speed_v in_o prayer_n then_o go_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n if_o thou_o take_v he_o not_o along_o with_o thou_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v welcome_a if_o thou_o come_v not_o clothe_v in_o thy_o elder_a brother_n garment_n thou_o will_v return_v without_o the_o blessing_n we_o be_v by_o nature_n enemy_n to_o god_n and_o he_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n to_o his_o enemy_n and_o christ_n must_v be_v the_o screen_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o burn_v it_o be_v he_o alone_o that_o can_v
psalm_n be_v appoint_v by_o he_o but_o in_o what_o tune_n he_o do_v not_o determine_v any_o further_a than_o the_o general_a direction_n of_o decent_o and_o in_o order_n reach_v hebrew_n tune_n as_o i_o say_v be_v much_o unknown_a and_o if_o know_v can_v agree_v with_o our_o language_n no_o more_o do_v we_o with_o other_o language_n now_o if_o we_o sing_v it_o must_v be_v in_o some_o tune_n but_o no_o tune_n be_v peculiar_o command_v our_o own_o no_o doubt_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v neither_o can_v it_o be_v just_o call_v a_o innovation_n thrust_v into_o god_n worship_n any_o more_o than_o the_o word_n translate_v out_o of_o the_o original_a into_o english_a in_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v yet_o this_o be_v hold_v to_o be_v lawful_a it_o be_v invention_n indeed_o which_o savour_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o the_o wit_n or_o will_v of_o man_n thrust_v into_o god_n service_n and_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n this_o may_v be_v suspect_v and_o reject_v but_o this_o be_v not_o of_o that_o nature_n the_o question_n before_o we_o be_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o we_o may_v not_o use_v english_a tune_n as_o well_o as_o english_a word_n in_o god_n worship_n see_v the_o one_o be_v as_o consonant_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n as_o the_o other_o another_o scruple_n that_o some_o make_v upon_o the_o like_a ground_n be_v the_o reading_z of_o the_o psalm_n in_o order_n to_o sing_v indeed_o be_v all_o man_n able_a to_o repeat_v the_o psalm_n without_o book_n or_o have_v all_o those_o to_o who_o sing_v be_v a_o duty_n the_o gift_n of_o read_v or_o be_v furnish_v with_o book_n to_o read_v this_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o till_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o will_v never_o be_v reading_n be_v of_o use_n the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v to_o sing_v and_o unless_o all_o be_v thus_o qualify_v how_o can_v they_o sing_v if_o it_o be_v not_o read_v nature_n itself_o dictate_v to_o we_o we_o must_v use_v mean_n to_o bring_v to_o the_o end_n and_o the_o scripture_n never_o deny_v it_o now_o this_o be_v a_o good_a mean_n for_o instruction_n and_o why_o may_v we_o not_o receive_v instruction_n by_o the_o ear_n in_o hear_v as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o eye_n in_o read_v in_o prayer_n we_o think_v it_o more_o convenient_a to_o join_v with_o the_o minister_n hear_v he_o than_o if_o we_o can_v read_v the_o same_o prayer_n along_o with_o he_o in_o a_o book_n when_o all_o israel_n sing_v together_o with_o moses_n it_o be_v like_o it_o be_v read_v to_o they_o exod._n 15.1,2_o etc._n etc._n for_o doubtless_o all_o have_v not_o copy_n of_o it_o if_o they_o can_v have_v read_v neither_o have_v commit_v it_o to_o memory_n neither_o can_v the_o read_n of_o it_o any_o way_n hinder_v the_o melody_n neither_o will_v it_o hinder_v but_o help_v the_o understanding_n neither_o any_o way_n dull_a the_o affection_n and_o thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v remove_v those_o objection_n and_o answer_v the_o doubt_n of_o those_o that_o scruple_n this_o ordinance_n 6._o direct_v if_o thou_o be_v now_o convince_v that_o sing_v psalm_n be_v a_o gospel_n duty_n yea_o thy_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o set_v upon_o it_o then_o with_o hope_n of_o success_n but_o be_v sure_a to_o observe_v that_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o duty_n thy_o end_n be_v good_a otherwise_o the_o action_n must_v needs_o be_v bad_a many_o a_o man_n lose_v much_o labour_n and_o pain_n and_o spend_v much_o time_n to_o little_a purpose_n a_o evident_a example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o pharisee_n mat._n 6.1,2_o etc._n etc._n who_o fast_v pray_v and_o give_v alm_n all_o excellent_a duty_n but_o those_o sacrifice_n though_o otherwise_o good_a be_v mix_v with_o the_o dung_n of_o their_o own_o self-seeking_a and_o desire_v of_o popular_a applause_n god_n throw_v it_o back_o into_o their_o face_n as_o dung_n without_o a_o reward_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o if_o thou_o seek_v thyself_o and_o not_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n if_o custom_n credit_n or_o a_o desire_n of_o popular_a applause_n drive_v thou_o on_o to_o this_o duty_n and_o not_o the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o god_n glory_n thou_o may_v expect_v thy_o reward_n from_o man_n and_o not_o from_o god_n many_o man_n in_o sing_v psalm_n aim_v at_o no_o high_a end_n nor_o make_v any_o better_a use_n of_o it_o than_o they_o do_v in_o their_o profane_a song_n or_o ungodly_a ballad_n viz._n their_o own_o recreation_n to_o drive_v away_o the_o time_n or_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v applaud_v for_o their_o good_a voice_n or_o tune_n or_o excellent_a gift_n in_o sing_v but_o the_o chief_a end_n which_o every_o christian_a shall_v aim_v at_o in_o all_o his_o action_n especial_o in_o all_o his_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n shall_v be_v god_n glory_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n good_a if_o this_o be_v lay_v aside_o thou_o may_v expect_v a_o curse_n and_o not_o a_o blessing_n upon_o thy_o proceed_n if_o this_o be_v want_v the_o duty_n be_v spoil_v if_o this_o be_v mind_v god_n will_v accept_v of_o it_o though_o accompany_v with_o many_o imperfection_n this_o heavenly_a duty_n be_v perform_v to_o this_o end_n by_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n triumphant_a as_o before_o be_v show_v and_o will_v be_v the_o work_n of_o eternity_n and_o here_o upon_o earth_n if_o heart_n and_o voice_n go_v together_o it_o be_v a_o resemblance_n of_o heaven_n and_o represent_v though_o dark_o that_o melodious_a harmony_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n among_o those_o glorious_a chorister_n we_o shall_v make_v melody_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o not_o only_o with_o our_o mouth_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n and_o appoint_v for_o spiritual_a consolation_n not_o for_o profane_a recreation_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v with_o the_o psalmist_n say_v not_o unto_o we_o lord_n not_o to_o we_o but_o to_o thy_o own_o name_n be_v the_o glory_n let_v we_o work_v for_o god_n and_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o give_v we_o a_o reward_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v in_o this_o duty_n trumpet_n out_o his_o praise_n for_o all_o we_o have_v be_v he_o and_o from_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v we_o receive_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n we_o have_v our_o life_n and_o be_v from_o he_o and_o have_v no_o more_o breath_n than_o what_o he_o put_v into_o we_o and_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n we_o shall_v render_v to_o he_o the_o praise_n due_a for_o all_o and_o this_o be_v one_o way_n we_o have_v to_o praise_n he_o eph._n 5.19_o col._n 3.16_o thus_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a have_v go_v before_o we_o and_o aim_v at_o this_o very_a end_n thus_o deborah_n and_o barak_n moses_n and_o miriam_n and_o many_o more_o and_o thus_o david_n resolve_v to_o do_v psal_n 7.17_o i_o will_v sing_v praise_n to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n most_o high_a psal_n 111.1_o and_o exhort_v other_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n psal_n 30.4_o sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n o_o you_o saint_n of_o he_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 47.6_o &_o 92.1_o now_o this_o duty_n though_o it_o especial_o concern_v the_o godly_a as_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o most_o and_o great_a mercy_n and_o have_v the_o great_a ability_n for_o the_o work_n yet_o other_o also_o have_v receive_v all_o they_o have_v from_o god_n be_v also_o oblige_v to_o render_v praise_n and_o thanks_o to_o god_n and_o be_v frequent_o call_v upon_o thus_o to_o do_v psal_n 110.1_o where_o all_o nation_n be_v excite_v to_o this_o duty_n and_o as_o god_n glory_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v mind_v so_o our_o own_o benefit_n be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v and_o our_o soul_n good_a and_o the_o psalm_n serve_v also_o for_o instruction_n and_o direction_n for_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o scripture_n serve_v to_o this_o end_n eph._n 5.19_o col._n 3.16_o and_o if_o we_o observe_v every_o psalm_n will_v yield_v we_o some_o profitable_a instruction_n direction_n or_o exhortation_n and_o inform_v we_o in_o many_o thing_n concern_v god_n word_n his_o attribute_n providence_n promise_n word_n and_o work_n or_o something_o concern_v ourselves_o or_o other_o good_a or_o bad_a concern_v this_o life_n or_o that_o to_o come_v and_o this_o we_o may_v not_o only_a treasure_n up_o in_o our_o own_o heart_n but_o also_o press_v it_o upon_o other_o and_o teach_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n nay_o wicked_a man_n may_v hence_o be_v instruct_v convince_v and_o reprove_v to_o this_o end_n moses_n song_n be_v indict_v deut._n 31.19_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o consolation_n also_o to_o the_o godly_a in_o all_o condition_n here_o be_v petition_n put_v up_o to_o god_n here_o be_v promise_v make_v by_o god_n
receive_v take_v notice_n of_o your_o unworthiness_n the_o more_o to_o exalt_v the_o mercy_n receive_v but_o confession_n of_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o afflict_v the_o soul_n with_o they_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o day_n bring_v thy_o family_n in_o due_a time_n to_o the_o public_a if_o it_o be_v public_o observe_v otherwise_o carry_v it_o on_o in_o private_a and_o pay_v your_o vow_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n and_o behave_v yourselves_o in_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o day_n as_o be-you_a be_v direct_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n for_o this_o time_n be_v consecrate_a and_o make_v holy_a to_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v whole_o spend_v in_o his_o service_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v as_o careful_a of_o thy_o thought_n thy_o word_n and_o thy_o affection_n as_o though_o it_o be_v a_o sabbath_n for_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o keep_v they_o too_o intent_n upon_o god_n when_o thou_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n thou_o may_v say_v as_o jacob_n gen._n 28.17_o this_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n for_o here_o be_v do_v the_o work_n that_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o heaven_n as_o for_o the_o oher_z expression_n of_o joy_n as_o ring_v of_o bell_n shoot_v off_o gun_n make_v of_o bonfire_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v so_o far_o lawful_a as_o they_o help_v forward_o the_o work_n and_o raise_v the_o heart_n to_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n 5._o direct_v have_v thus_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n for_o the_o work_n and_o set_v thyself_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n that_o see_v and_o know_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o thou_o set_v thyself_o then_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o glorify_v god_n and_o render_v thanks_o to_o he_o from_o thy_o heart_n for_o all_o the_o benefit_n thou_o have_v receive_v praise_n be_v comely_a for_o the_o saint_n and_o this_o religious_a thankfulness_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v be_v thy_o duty_n now_o it_o be_v either_o external_n or_o internal_a the_o internal_a be_v to_o carry_v a_o thankful_a heart_n to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v every_o day_n duty_n external_n be_v when_o the_o thankfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v express_v in_o word_n or_o action_n the_o former_a without_o the_o latter_a be_v not_o sufficient_a the_o latter_a without_o the_o former_a be_v little_a worth_n now_o the_o external_n manifestation_n of_o thy_o thankfulness_n be_v either_o private_a or_o public_a private_a by_o thyself_o or_o family_n public_a in_o the_o great_a congregation_n and_o this_o also_o be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a ordinary_a and_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v at_o every_o time_n when_o we_o come_v together_o to_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o extraordinary_a be_v upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n as_o some_o great_a deliverance_n or_o the_o obtain_n some_o great_a mercy_n or_o the_o bring_n down_o some_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n this_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o and_o offer_v this_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n in_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ_n who_o pray_v over_o all_o our_o prayer_n for_o we_o and_o offer_v our_o praise_n perform_v with_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n now_o it_o be_v requisite_a as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o a_o catalogue_n of_o those_o mercy_n god_n have_v give_v in_o as_o a_o return_n of_o prayer_n be_v lay_v up_o either_o in_o a_o book_n or_o in_o the_o memory_n for_o if_o we_o neglect_v or_o forget_v they_o how_o shall_v we_o speak_v of_o they_o to_o god_n praise_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o remember_v they_o but_o we_o must_v also_o mention_v they_o to_o his_o praise_n thus_o david_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n he_o acknowledge_v god_n the_o author_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o do_v not_o sacrifice_n to_o his_o own_o net_n as_o many_o do_v and_o burn_v incense_n to_o his_o drag_v hab._n 1.16_o but_o as_o the_o church_n not_o unto_o we_o lord_n not_o to_o we_o but_o to_o thy_o name_n be_v the_o praise_n he_o acknowledge_v frequent_o his_o own_o worthlessness_n that_o he_o may_v exalt_v god_n lord_n say_v he_o what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v mindful_a of_o he_o or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o regard_v he_o psal_n 8.4_o i_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o thy_o mercy_n say_v jacob_n i_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o thy_o saint_n say_v paul_n yea_o when_o it_o come_v let_v it_o be_v a_o freewill_n offer_n do_v it_o cheerful_o ready_o willing_o as_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n do_v it_o in_o heaven_n hearty_o not_o heavy_o god_n love_v a_o cheerful_a giver_n and_o matter_n not_o grumble_a service_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o return_v thanks_o as_o ever_o thou_o be_v to_o have_v the_o mercy_n set_a thy_o heart_n on_o work_n in_o this_o duty_n stir_v up_o thyself_o like_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 103.1_o bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o praise_v his_o holy_a name_n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o praise_v he_o with_o the_o lip_n or_o bring_v our_o body_n before_o he_o but_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n shall_v praise_n he_o the_o heart_n shall_v indite_v thy_o praise_n and_o thy_o tongue_n utter_v they_o and_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n seal_v to_o they_o thou_o shall_v do_v thanks_o and_o live_v thanks_o as_o well_o as_o speak_v thanks_o this_o be_v every_o day_n duty_n especial_o when_o we_o receive_v signal_n mercy_n we_o shall_v return_v answerable_a thanks_o when_o national_a mercy_n national_a thanks_o shall_v be_v return_v psal_n 50.15_o moses_n do_v so_o at_o the_o deliverance_n at_o the_o red_a sea_n exod._n 15.1_o deborah_n and_o barak_n do_v so_o judg._n 5.12_o the_o jew_n also_o when_o deliver_v from_o haman_n plot_n est_fw-la 8.11.17_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o praise_n be_v due_a to_o none_o but_o god_n and_o to_o he_o the_o vow_n shall_v be_v perform_v all_o our_o spring_n be_v in_o he_o and_o all_o our_o mercy_n be_v from_o he_o yea_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a end_n for_o which_o he_o give_v they_o and_o it_o be_v all_o he_o require_v for_o they_o this_o pepper-corn_n of_o homage_n be_v all_o his_o rent_n who_o be_v the_o great_a landlord_n and_o though_o it_o be_v due_a from_o all_o yet_o he_o expect_v it_o from_o his_o own_o people_n especial_o he_o will_v extort_v his_o own_o from_o other_o in_o another_o way_n and_o none_o but_o his_o people_n can_v do_v it_o to_o please_v he_o this_o be_v to_o his_o saint_n a_o foretaste_a of_o glory_n where_o it_o must_v be_v their_o constant_a work_n it_o be_v a_o beneficial_a duty_n also_o for_o thanksgiving_n for_o one_o mercy_n be_v a_o real_a yea_o a_o prevail_a request_n for_o another_o those_o that_o offer_v praise_n glorify_v god_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v how_o negligent_a must_v be_v in_o this_o duty_n few_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o mercy_n they_o receive_v but_o like_o swine_n eat_v the_o acorn_n or_o crab_n and_o regard_v not_o whence_o they_o come_v ten_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v and_o but_o one_o return_v thanks_o many_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o want_n and_o with_o the_o horse-leach_n cry_v give_v give_v yet_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o their_o enjoyment_n to_o return_v thanks_o yea_o suffer_v some_o petty_a cross_n to_o hide_v a_o thousand_o blessing_n and_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n 6._o direct_v when_o thou_o be_v thus_o prepare_v thus_o fit_v go_v on_o in_o recounting_a the_o mercy_n thou_o have_v receive_v and_o bless_v god_n for_o they_o this_o be_v the_o main_a work_n of_o the_o day_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o mercy_n be_v various_a all_o man_n receive_v not_o alike_o yet_o all_o receive_v some_o for_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v thankful_a give_v i_o leave_v to_o lead_v you_o by_o the_o hand_n a_o little_a and_o show_v you_o some_o the_o rest_n you_o may_v observe_v yourselves_o bless_v god_n for_o what_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o what_o he_o be_v to_o his_o creature_n in_o himself_o admire_v his_o essence_n for_o fathom_v it_o thou_o can_v not_o the_o like_a we_o may_v say_v of_o his_o attribute_n his_o eternity_n immutability_n his_o power_n wisdom_n holiness_n justice_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n thou_o may_v spend_v thy_o day_n also_o in_o admire_v he_o in_o the_o work_v of_o his_o hand_n lift_v up_o thy_o eye_n to_o heaven_n and_o see_v the_o sun_n the_o moon_n and_o star_n those_o glorious_a lamp_n those_o beauty_n spot_n of_o heaven_n observe_v their_o distance_n course_n influence_n and_o virtue_n and_o well_o thou_o may_v
cry_v out_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 8.3,4_o look_v upon_o the_o earth_n hang_v like_o a_o ball_n in_o the_o open_a air_n stay_v upon_o nothing_o see_v how_o it_o be_v garnish_v with_o tree_n and_o plant_n and_o herb_n and_o flower_n inhabit_a with_o a_o hundred_o sort_n of_o several_a creature_n all_o care_v for_o by_o the_o great_a householder_n behold_v the_o subserviency_n of_o one_o creature_n to_o another_o and_o every_o one_o seem_v rather_o make_v for_o another_o than_o himself_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o star_n pour_v out_o their_o influence_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o earth_n again_o yield_v grass_n and_o herb_n and_o fruit_n for_o man_n and_o beast_n the_o beast_n be_v for_o food_n or_o service_n to_o man_n there_o be_v no_o corner_n of_o nature_n garden_n but_o yield_v matter_n of_o admiration_n and_o praise_v also_o to_o god_n the_o work_v of_o his_o providence_n also_o be_v full_a of_o mystery_n and_o wonder_n and_o may_v fill_v the_o heart_n with_o admiration_n and_o the_o mouth_n with_o praise_n to_o see_v how_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v and_o the_o creature_n all_o provide_v for_o but_o especial_o observe_v his_o providence_n to_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n which_o be_v a_o bush_n on_o fire_n and_o not_o consume_v lamb_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o wolf_n and_o yet_o safe_a see_v his_o providence_n to_o noah_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v drown_v to_o lot_n when_o sodom_n be_v burn_v to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n to_o the_o church_n in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o joseph_n and_o to_o david_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o haman_n time_n to_o the_o apostle_n athanasius_n luther_n and_o general_o down_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n descend_v to_o our_o own_o nation_n how_o wonderful_a have_v his_o mercy_n be_v to_o we_o how_o strange_a be_v his_o bring_v we_o out_o of_o popish_a darkness_n how_o wonderful_a his_o preserve_v we_o from_o be_v reduce_v back_o again_o how_o great_a his_o deliverance_n from_o the_o spantsh_n invasion_n and_o after_o from_o the_o powder_n treason_n and_o many_o other_o hellish_a plot_n hatce_v in_o hell_n against_o god_n people_n upon_o earth_n how_o have_v he_o continue_v our_o peace_n our_o plenty_n our_o health_n our_o liberty_n yea_o the_o gospel_n among_o we_o notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n if_o we_o consider_v our_o own_o particular_a mercy_n and_o that_o as_o we_o be_v man_n or_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n as_o a_o man_n thou_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o shall_v bless_v he_o for_o thy_o creation_n he_o make_v thou_o of_o nothing_o when_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o he_o make_v thou_o a_o rational_a creature_n capable_a of_o communion_n with_o himself_o when_o he_o may_v have_v make_v thou_o a_o dog_n or_o toad_n or_o the_o most_o despicable_a creature_n that_o ever_o fall_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o do_v not_o this_o deserve_v praise_n he_o cover_v thou_o in_o thy_o mother_n womb_n and_o through_o he_o thou_o be_v bear_v david_n bless_v he_o for_o that_o psal_n 139.13_o thou_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o age_n of_o light_n under_o the_o gospel_n thou_o may_v have_v be_v bear_v in_o turkey_n or_o india_n or_o the_o most_o barbarous_a place_n in_o america_n he_o provide_v for_o thou_o when_o thou_o can_v not_o provide_v for_o thyself_o he_o give_v thou_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o bless_v they_o to_o thy_o use_n without_o which_o they_o can_v not_o feed_v thou_o or_o keep_v thou_o warm_v he_o have_v give_v thou_o thy_o limb_n and_o sense_n when_o thou_o may_v have_v be_v blind_a or_o lame_a or_o deaf_a or_o dumb_a thou_o have_v thy_o health_n and_o strength_n thy_o wit_n and_o reason_n when_o thou_o may_v have_v be_v upon_o thy_o bed_n of_o languish_v or_o run_v rage_a in_o the_o street_n thou_o have_v fire_n and_o water_n two_o great_a favour_n be_v they_o want_v thou_o have_v the_o ground_n to_o tread_v upon_o the_o air_n to_o breath_n in_o which_o thou_o have_v not_o deserve_v and_o many_o thousand_o other_o mercy_n and_o can_v not_o yet_o see_v cause_n to_o be_v thankful_a peace_n and_o plenty_n health_n and_o liberty_n be_v give_v in_o to_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o christian_n thy_o obligation_n be_v much_o more_o thou_o shall_v then_o praise_v god_n for_o his_o elect_v love_n when_o he_o pass_v by_o thousand_o and_o set_v his_o love_n on_o thou_o for_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n and_o for_o christ_n suffer_v for_o thy_o sin_n for_o his_o redeem_v of_o thou_o with_o his_o precious_a blood_n for_o his_o adopt_v thou_o to_o be_v his_o child_n his_o call_v sanctify_a and_o justify_v thou_o for_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v give_v thou_o the_o promise_n he_o have_v make_v to_o thou_o for_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n give_v to_o thou_o for_o his_o spirit_n to_o direct_v thou_o his_o minister_n to_o teach_v thou_o thy_o own_o conscience_n to_o check_v thou_o the_o company_n of_o his_o servant_n to_o encourage_v thou_o and_o general_o for_o all_o the_o help_v thou_o have_v in_o heaven_n way_n strength_n against_o temptation_n corruption_n and_o allurement_n now_o christian_n can_v see_v any_o cause_n of_o thankfulness_n doubtless_o thou_o may_v especial_o if_o thou_o consider_v all_o this_o be_v give_v thou_o free_o without_o any_o desert_n on_o thy_o part_n 7._o direct_v have_v sound_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o bless_v he_o for_o church_n mercy_n for_o state_n mercy_n for_o family_n relation_n and_o personal_a mercy_n thy_o next_o work_n be_v to_o go_v to_o god_n to_o petition_v he_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o those_o mercy_n that_o be_v enjoy_v and_o grant_v those_o that_o be_v yet_o want_v for_o prevent_v the_o judgement_n fear_v and_o beg_v the_o removal_n of_o those_o that_o be_v feel_v when_o thou_o have_v pay_v one_o debt_n and_o cancel_v one_o obligation_n thou_o may_v go_v the_o bold_a to_o borrow_v again_o in_o private_a thou_o may_v tell_v he_o what_o sin_v thou_o will_v have_v mortify_v and_o what_o grace_n strengthen_v and_o increase_v what_o temptation_n vanquish_v what_o doubt_v resolve_v and_o what_o other_o want_v thou_o will_v have_v supply_v for_o thyself_o thy_o family_n thy_o relation_n and_o friend_n who_o lie_v under_o sin_n or_o suffering_n or_o temptation_n as_o also_o for_o the_o place_n where_o thou_o sin_v the_o nation_n of_o which_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o judgement_n feel_v or_o fear_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o mercy_n enjoy_v and_o the_o bestow_n of_o those_o that_o be_v want_v the_o reformation_n of_o what_o be_v amiss_o in_o church_n or_o state_n the_o infatuate_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o bloodthirsty_a enemy_n the_o continuance_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o power_n and_o purity_n of_o it_o for_o a_o supply_n of_o faithful_a labourer_n in_o god_n harvest_n and_o a_o blessing_n upon_o their_o endeavour_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o government_n upon_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o royal_a relation_n upon_o his_o counsel_n magistrate_n minister_n and_o all_o in_o authority_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o land_n in_o peace_n and_o plenty_n health_n and_o liberty_n and_o for_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o god_n will_v protect_v they_o by_o his_o power_n direct_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n spread_v abroad_o the_o gosspel_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n make_v all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n that_o he_o will_v root_v out_o every_o plant_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v not_o plant_v and_o purge_v his_o ordinance_n from_o every_o thing_n that_o offend_v and_o bring_v down_o the_o potent_a enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o set_v christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o pull_v down_o the_o throne_n of_o antichrist_n and_o bring_v in_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o be_v one_o fold_v under_o one_o shepherd_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o finish_v those_o sinful_a day_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n we_o shall_v engage_v ourselves_o by_o covenant_n that_o if_o god_n shall_v give_v in_o a_o return_n to_o those_o our_o request_n then_o will_v we_o praise_v and_o magnify_v he_o and_o devote_v ourselves_o more_o to_o his_o service_n and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o duty_n remember_v the_o poor_a this_o be_v also_o a_o necessary_a work_n of_o the_o day_n and_o that_o which_o god_n expect_v at_o our_o hand_n as_o a_o testification_n of_o our_o thankful_a heart_n and_o with_o what_o conscience_n can_v deny_v god_n this_o one_o request_n who_o have_v bestow_v so_o much_o upon_o thou_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o
together_o sin_n be_v to_o holy_a spiritual_a communion_n with_o god_n as_o water_n be_v to_o fire_n of_o a_o extinguish_n nature_n take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o brush_n and_o dash_v babylon_n child_n when_o they_o be_v young_a and_o the_o cockatrice_n egg_n before_o they_o break_v forth_o into_o serpent_n entertain_v not_o a_o delightful_a thought_n of_o any_o sin_n resist_v the_o first_o motion_n of_o sin_n avoid_v all_o the_o occasion_n repel_v the_o temptation_n and_o beware_v of_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o get_v as_o far_o from_o it_o as_o possible_o thou_o can_v for_o god_n and_o sin_n can_v be_v entertain_v and_o lodge_v together_o in_o one_o soul_n thou_o must_v either_o break_v thy_o peace_n with_o the_o one_o or_o with_o the_o other_o of_o these_o irrevocable_a enemy_n thou_o can_v not_o serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n all_o sin_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n yet_o some_o sin_n be_v more_o abominable_a than_o other_o as_o worldly-mindedness_a this_o will_v choke_v all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o thou_o it_o be_v the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n that_o choke_v the_o word_n and_o it_o become_v unfruitful_a mat._n 13.22_o pride_n also_o be_v a_o damn_v sin_n and_o make_v a_o man_n set_v himself_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n and_o set_v up_o his_o own_o will_n for_o his_o rule_n this_o turn_v angel_n out_o of_o heaven_n adam_n out_o of_o paradise_n and_o many_o into_o hell_n idolatry_n also_o be_v abominable_a when_o man_n set_v up_o other_o god_n and_o serve_v they_o god_n will_v not_o take_v it_o at_o their_o hand_n many_o more_o there_o be_v of_o which_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a some_o thing_n likewise_o be_v to_o be_v do_v yea_o every_o duty_n add_v some_o strength_n and_o help_v forward_o this_o communion_n private_a meditation_n and_o private_a prayer_n be_v excellent_a help_n to_o this_o end_n meditation_n be_v a_o excellent_a help_n hereunto_o ah_o what_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a taste_n of_o of_o god_n may_v a_o man_n have_v that_o exercise_v himself_o in_o this_o soul-fatting_a duty_n such_o a_o man_n can_v find_v god_n in_o every_o creature_n and_o like_o the_o bee_n suck_v sweetness_n from_o every_o weed_n and_o flower_n he_o can_v get_v advantage_n by_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n health_n and_o sickness_n yea_o every_o thing_n he_o know_v see_v or_o hear_v of_o yea_o every_o creature_n will_v lead_v such_o a_o man_n to_o god_n and_o teach_v he_o some_o lesson_n worth_a his_o learning_n for_o as_o by_o the_o vein_n the_o mineral_n may_v be_v find_v or_o as_o the_o stream_n lead_v to_o the_o fountain_n so_o every_o thing_n lead_v to_o god_n and_o point_v out_o his_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n yea_o the_o consideration_n and_o thought_n of_o god_n attribute_n word_n and_o work_n may_v fill_v the_o soul_n with_o admiration_n and_o make_v a_o man_n fall_v in_o love_n with_o god_n every_o chapter_n verse_n and_o line_n of_o holy_a writ_n be_v as_o a_o ladder_n to_o lift_v thou_o near_a heaven_n and_o draw_v thou_o near_o unto_o god_n such_o a_o man_n know_v how_o to_o spiritualise_v every_o evil_a and_o moral_a action_n and_o what_o ever_o he_o do_v he_o can_v engage_v god_n for_o to_o reward_v he_o he_o can_v suck_v sweetness_n out_o of_o all_o cross_a providence_n and_o when_o god_n seem_v to_o frown_v can_v turn_v the_o curtain_n aside_o and_o see_v his_o please_a face_n and_o view_v his_o love_n in_o the_o dark_a passage_n of_o his_o providence_n another_o mean_n to_o maintain_v communion_n be_v secret_a prayer_n when_o the_o soul_n can_v power_n out_o itself_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o christ_n with_o faith_n and_o fervency_n who_o have_v promise_v to_o grant_v whatever_o they_o ask_v in_o his_o name_n ah_o what_o sweet_a crumb_n of_o comfort_n do_v many_o feel_v come_v from_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o suit_n when_o a_o man_n spread_v his_o case_n and_o complaint_n before_o christ_n as_o sometime_o hezekiah_n do_v the_o blasphemous_a letter_n how_o do_v this_o engage_v god_n in_o his_o cause_n if_o thou_o maintaine_v life_n in_o these_o two_o duty_n thou_o will_v maintain_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o life_n in_o thy_o soul_n 3._o direct_v another_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o thy_o soul_n be_v to_o store_v thy_o heart_n with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n without_o the_o which_o the_o mind_n can_v be_v good_a prov._n 19.2_o and_o this_o be_v do_v in_o private_a as_o well_o as_o public_a partly_o by_o read_v and_o conference_n read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n this_o will_v notable_o increase_v knowledge_n and_o understanding_n but_o this_o i_o have_v already_o give_v direction_n in_o and_o desire_v thou_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o meditation_n also_o be_v a_o fruitful_a duty_n even_o that_o which_o be_v occasional_a whereby_o thou_o may_v gather_v observation_n and_o learn_v many_o lesson_n for_o thy_o soul_n good_a from_o every_o creature_n thou_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o but_o this_o i_o have_v already_o treat_v of_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o if_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n we_o be_v not_o bear_v for_o ourselves_o if_o thou_o have_v a_o family_n study_n and_o endeavour_v their_o conversion_n also_o teacheh_o they_o in_o the_o way_n they_o shall_v walk_v for_o to_o that_o purpose_n god_n have_v give_v thou_o authority_n over_o they_o thou_o be_v a_o king_n a_o priest_n and_o a_o prophet_n in_o thy_o own_o house_n rule_v then_o in_o thy_o family_n as_o a_o king_n instruct_v as_o a_o prophet_n and_o pray_v among_o they_o as_o a_o priest_n god_n will_v be_v serve_v in_o thy_o family_n as_o well_o as_o in_o thy_o closet_n or_o in_o the_o public_a therefore_o sometime_o particular_a house_n be_v call_v church_n because_o in_o they_o god_n be_v worship_v to_o this_o end_n prepare_v then_o what_o thou_o can_v for_o the_o public_a ordinance_n by_o instruction_n admonition_n and_o encouragement_n remove_v what_o rub_v thou_o can_v out_o of_o their_o way_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v show_v they_o the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o christ_n and_o if_o thou_o can_v help_v it_o let_v none_o serve_v thou_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v god_n this_o be_v david_n resolution_n psal_n 101.2_o etc._n etc._n require_v a_o account_n at_o their_o hand_n what_o they_o learn_v and_o what_o benefit_n they_o receive_v press_v these_o thing_n more_o upon_o their_o spirit_n and_o fasten_v it_o upon_o their_o mind_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v let_v slip_n by_o repeat_v the_o sermon_n or_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a for_o their_o good_a and_o press_v home_o and_o drive_v at_o what_o the_o minister_n drive_v at_o in_o his_o sermon_n read_v the_o scripture_n also_o be_v a_o useful_a mean_n to_o increase_v knowledge_n in_o thyself_o and_o family_n and_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o private_a in_o thy_o family_n and_o in_o secret_a by_o thyself_o redeem_v time_n to_o this_o end_n and_o if_o possible_a make_v they_o understand_v what_o they_o read_v drive_v the_o nail_n to_o the_o head_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o expel_v ignorance_n and_o to_o get_v knowledge_n this_o can_v but_o work_v some_o knowledge_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o in_o this_o word_n be_v contain_v the_o wfll_n of_o god_n concern_v man_n obedience_n and_o here_o be_v a_o legacy_n leave_v we_o by_o our_o father_n will_n the_o promise_n which_o be_v our_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n and_o all_o we_o have_v to_o show_v for_o glory_n and_o shall_v this_o be_v neglect_v by_o we_o or_o mean_o esteem_v some_o may_v object_n they_o have_v long_o try_v this_o mean_n and_o see_v little_a profit_n by_o it_o but_o do_v thy_o duty_n and_o leave_v the_o success_n to_o god_n paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_n but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n yet_o there_o must_v be_v plant_v and_o water_v or_o good_a fruit_n can_v be_v expect_v god_n serve_v his_o providence_n by_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o christ_n himself_o commend_v this_o lesson_n to_o the_o pharisee_n this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n but_o thou_o shall_v meditate_v therein_o for_o ever_o josh_n 18._o psal_n 12._o this_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v plenteous_o in_o you_o col_n 3.16_o it_o be_v abraham_n practice_n to_o teach_v his_o child_n and_o servant_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n gen._n 18.19_o this_o also_o be_v paul_n counsel_n eph._n 6.4_o yea_o and_o god_n own_o command_n deut._n 6.6,7_o the_o word_n that_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o unto_o thy_o child_n thou_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o
require_v not_o or_o do_v it_o in_o a_o manner_n he_o regard_v not_o they_o be_v like_o the_o son_n that_o say_v to_o his_o father_n i_o go_v sir_n but_o go_v not_o mat._n 21.30_o but_o shall_v we_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o thou_o will_v worship_v he_o but_o will_v thou_o do_v it_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n otherwise_o god_n will_v not_o regard_v it_o i_o fear_v we_o may_v say_v of_o many_o as_o joshua_n of_o israel_n josh_n 24.19_o you_o can_v serve_v the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a god_n but_o be_v it_o your_o resolution_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o verse_n follow_v nay_o but_o we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o you_o will_v choose_v the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o consider_v what_o you_o do_v you_o must_v take_v he_o to_o be_v your_o god_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v your_o soul_n cleanse_v from_o all_o your_o sin_n and_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o take_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v your_o lord_n and_o husband_n and_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o as_o save_v by_o he_o and_o must_v resolve_v to_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o do_v his_o will_n and_o live_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o spiritual_a duty_n he_o require_v at_o at_o thy_o hand_n yea_o thou_o must_v have_v a_o settle_a resolution_n to_o cleave_v to_o christ_n and_o obey_v he_o even_o in_o the_o most_o despise_a disgraceful_a dangerous_a difficult_a and_o costly_a part_n of_o duty_n though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o thy_o worldly_a enjoyment_n yea_o and_o life_n itself_o i_o know_v many_o will_v pick_v of_o choose_v their_o duty_n this_o they_o will_v do_v but_o that_o they_o will_v not_o they_o scum_v of_o the_o fat_a and_o sweet_a of_o duty_n but_o leave_v that_o which_o be_v difficult_a or_o dangerous_a but_o god_n will_v have_v no_o such_o servant_n obey_v he_o thou_o must_v though_o thy_o father_n mother_n and_o all_o thy_o friend_n become_v thy_o enemy_n upon_o the_o account_n yea_o in_o some_o case_n thou_o must_v not_o only_o leave_v but_o hate_v father_n and_o mother_n etc._n etc._n yea_o thy_o own_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n yea_o though_o thou_o lose_v thy_o credit_n and_o esteem_v in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v make_v a_o scorn_n and_o a_o reproach_n for_o his_o sake_n though_o thou_o lose_v thy_o pleasure_n and_o never_o see_v merry_a day_n whilst_o thou_o live_v though_o it_o endanger_v thy_o estate_n and_o bring_v thou_o to_o poverty_n though_o thou_o lose_v thy_o liberty_n and_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o prison_n yea_o though_o thou_o lose_v thy_o life_n and_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o stake_n to_o suffer_v yea_o though_o thou_o see_v few_o or_o none_o walk_v that_o same_o way_n with_o thou_o noah_n must_v obey_v god_n though_o the_o whole_a world_n disobey_v he_o yea_o thou_o must_v obey_v he_o though_o his_o command_n be_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o thy_o carnal_a interest_n or_o never_o so_o opposite_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o hard_a or_o difficult_a or_o dangerous_a or_o costly_a before_o ever_o thou_o take_v upon_o thou_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n sit_v down_o first_o and_o reckon_v the_o charge_n lest_o like_o many_o thou_o begin_v to_o build_v and_o be_v unable_a to_o finish_v it_o and_o not_o like_o many_o put_v their_o hand_n to_o the_o blow_n and_o then_o look_v back_o or_o like_o the_o stony_a ground_n when_o persecution_n arise_v present_o be_v offend_v resolve_v to_o give_v he_o thy_o heart_n with_o thy_o hand_n or_o he_o will_v have_v none_o of_o thou_o he_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o reins_o and_o thou_o can_v not_o deceive_v he_o with_o a_o dissemble_a show_n when_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n offer_v strange_a fire_n he_o slay_v they_o when_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n play_v the_o hypocrite_n he_o strike_v they_o dead_a cleanse_v thy_o heart_n therefore_o if_o thou_o will_v serve_v he_o and_o serve_v he_o thou_o must_v or_o do_v worse_o thou_o can_v never_o err_v on_o that_o hand_n in_o serve_v he_o too_o well_o he_o deserve_v more_o and_o better_a than_o thou_o can_v give_v he_o his_o wage_n will_v be_v beyond_o thy_o work_n now_o that_o i_o may_v prevail_v with_o thou_o to_o serve_v god_n take_v these_o follow_a motive_n 1._o motive_n we_o shall_v worship_v and_o serve_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n because_o he_o have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v and_o his_o command_n make_v it_o our_o duty_n we_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o we_o owe_v ourselves_o and_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o he_o for_o our_o creation_n he_o make_v we_o and_o therefore_o have_v most_o right_a to_o we_o he_o make_v we_o for_o his_o service_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o for_o who_o be_v the_o pot_n but_o the_o potter_n and_o this_o be_v the_o service_n he_o require_v of_o we_o to_o worship_v he_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o benefit_n this_o be_v all_o he_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n even_o this_o tribute_n of_o praise_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o ingrateful_a to_o our_o great_a benefactor_n to_o deny_v he_o this_o nay_o we_o be_v his_o also_o by_o right_a of_o redemption_n for_o we_o have_v sell_v ourselves_o unto_o slavery_n even_o to_o satan_n and_o be_v become_v bondslave_n to_o this_o hellish_a pharaoh_n who_o exercise_v more_o cruelty_n to_o our_o soul_n than_o ever_o pharaoh_n do_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o in_o the_o slavery_n have_v remain_v for_o ever_o have_v not_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n to_o ransom_n we_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n satan_n be_v the_o strong_a man_n arm_v that_o keep_v his_o house_n in_o peace_n till_o christ_n a_o strong_a than_o he_o disarm_v he_o and_o take_v away_o his_o weapon_n wherein_o he_o boast_v and_o now_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n we_o shall_v glorify_v god_n with_o our_o body_n and_o with_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v go_n the_o end_n he_o aim_v at_o in_o our_o redemption_n be_v his_o own_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o our_o liberty_n and_o this_o he_o expect_v from_o our_o hand_n be_v we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o our_o enemy_n may_v serve_v he_o without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n luk._n 2.74,75_o nay_o we_o be_v also_o his_o by_o covenant_n under_o our_o hand_n and_o seal_n in_o our_o baptism_n we_o be_v dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n which_o covenant_n since_o we_o have_v often_o ratify_v at_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n and_o how_o can_v we_o deny_v our_o own_o act_n and_o deed_n he_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o we_o shall_v worship_v he_o psal_n 45_o 1â—_n now_o that_o worship_n and_o service_n be_v require_v of_o we_o be_v evident_a scripture_n and_o reason_n speak_v as_o much_o 2_o king_n 17.36_o you_o shall_v not_o fear_v other_o god_n nor_o bow_v yourselves_o to_o they_o nor_o serve_v they_o nor_o sacrifice_n to_o they_o but_o the_o lord_n who_o bring_v you_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n with_o great_a power_n and_o a_o stretch_v out_o arm_n he_o shall_v you_o fear_v and_o he_o shall_v you_o worship_n and_o to_o he_o you_o shall_v do_v sacrifice_n and_o his_o statute_n and_o his_o ordinance_n you_o shall_v observe_v exod._n 34.4_o you_o shall_v worship_v no_o other_o god_n but_o he_o the_o like_a we_o have_v exod._n 20.50_o 1_o chron._n 16.29_o give_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o glory_n due_a unto_o his_o name_n bring_v a_o offer_v and_o a_o oblation_n before_o he_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n yea_o christ_n himself_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n when_o the_o devil_n tempt_v he_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o he_o answer_v it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v mat._n 4.8_o yea_o he_o direct_v we_o with_o what_o worship_n to_o worship_v he_o john_n 4.23,24_o the_o true_a worshipper_n worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o those_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o of_o this_o spiritual_a worship_n we_o may_v also_o read_v phil._n 3.3_o or_o will_v you_o hear_v the_o counsel_n of_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n you_o have_v it_o rev._n 19.10_o worship_n god_n yea_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o angel_n the_o work_n they_o do_v and_o the_o work_n that_o the_o angel_n and_o gloryfy_v saint_n shall_v do_v through_o all_o eternity_n heb._n 1.6_o but_o what_o be_v testimony_n in_o so_o plain_a a_o case_n few_o deny_v it_o though_o few_o
holiness_n to_o heaven_n read_v a_o list_n of_o more_o heb._n 11._o but_o there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o encouragement_n to_o any_o other_o to_o expect_v heaven_n nay_o god_n tell_v we_o in_o plain_a word_n they_o shall_v never_o come_v there_o 1_o cor._n 6.9,10_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o one_o example_n of_o any_o that_o live_v and_o dye_v in_o their_o sinful_a course_n that_o ever_o be_v save_v what_o may_v we_o gather_v hence_o but_o this_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v attain_v to_o true_a happiness_n serve_v god_n with_o a_o sincere_a heart_n 7._o motive_n thou_o shall_v serve_v the_o lord_n because_o as_o he_o be_v best_o able_a to_o reward_v thou_o for_o thy_o obedience_n and_o pay_v thou_o for_o thy_o work_n so_o be_v he_o best_a able_a to_o punish_v thou_o for_o thy_o disobedience_n for_o as_o all_o his_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o a_o man_n faithful_a and_o true_a to_o his_o people_n so_o be_v his_o threaten_n to_o his_o enemy_n thou_o be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v thy_o own_o master_n who_o thou_o will_v serve_v thou_o be_v engage_v to_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o thou_o must_v or_o do_v worse_o thou_o be_v he_o by_o right_n of_o creation_n for_o who_o be_v the_o pot_n but_o the_o potter_n and_o by_o right_a of_o redemption_n he_o pay_v a_o price_n for_o thou_o and_o buy_v thou_o dear_a so_o also_o by_o covenant_n right_a thou_o have_v devote_v thyself_o to_o his_o service_n and_o take_v press_n money_n to_o fight_v his_o battle_n and_o if_o thou_o revolt_v he_o will_v avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n against_o thou_o hence_o it_o be_v thou_o may_v well_o fear_v his_o wrath_n and_o expect_v his_o judgement_n if_o thou_o perfidious_o betray_v thy_o trust_n and_o revolt_a to_o the_o enemy_n christ_n himself_o bid_v thou_o not_o to_o fear_v those_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o fear_v he_o that_o can_v cast_v body_n and_o soul_n into_o hell_n luk._n 12.5_o if_o he_o be_v not_o glorify_v by_o thou_o he_o will_v be_v glorify_v upon_o thou_o if_o he_o have_v not_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o salvation_n he_o will_v have_v the_o glory_n of_o thy_o destruction_n luk._n 19.27_o those_o my_o enemy_n that_o will_v not_o that_o i_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o bring_v they_o and_o slay_v they_o before_o my_o face_n god_n take_v those_o for_o his_o enemy_n that_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o and_o will_v prove_v a_o sore_a enemy_n to_o they_o and_o do_v thou_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o enemy_n unto_o god_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v god_n to_o be_v a_o enemy_n unto_o thou_o it_o will_v send_v thou_o tremble_v to_o thy_o grave_n it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o life_n and_o death_n at_o his_o girdle_n he_o kill_v and_o he_o make_v alive_a he_o bring_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n and_o back_n again_o and_o there_o be_v none_o that_o can_v deliver_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n he_o need_v not_o muster_v a_o army_n against_o thou_o to_o destroy_v thou_o the_o least_o fly_n or_o gnat_n or_o hair_n may_v end_v thy_o life_n if_o it_o have_v a_o commission_n from_o god_n thou_o be_v but_o a_o worm_n if_o he_o tread_v upon_o thou_o he_o leave_v the_o dead_a behind_o he_o if_o he_o withhold_v thy_o breath_n thou_o return_v to_o the_o dust_n for_o thou_o have_v no_o more_o breath_n than_o what_o he_o put_v into_o thou_o how_o then_o can_v thou_o grapple_v with_o the_o almighty_a or_o contend_v with_o god_n be_v thy_o flesh_n of_o brass_n and_o thy_o sinew_n of_o iron_n be_v thy_o foundation_n as_o the_o earth_n or_o as_o the_o pillar_n of_o heaven_n thou_o be_v yet_o too_o weak_a who_o ever_o harden_v himself_o against_o god_n and_o prosper_v whilst_o thou_o remain_v his_o enemy_n well_o may_v thou_o fear_v his_o heavy_a hand_n there_o be_v no_o judgement_n that_o ever_o thou_o read_v threaten_v or_o ever_o execute_v upon_o sinful_a wretch_n that_o thou_o can_v be_v secure_a from_o thou_o know_v not_o but_o the_o water_n may_v drown_v thou_o as_o they_o do_v the_o old_a world_n or_o as_o the_o red_a sea_n do_v pharaoh_n or_o fire_n from_o heaven_n may_v consume_v thou_o as_o it_o do_v sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o also_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n and_o the_o two_o captain_n and_o their_o fifty_n at_o the_o prayer_n of_o elijah_n thou_o know_v not_o but_o the_o plague_n which_o fall_v upon_o egypt_n may_v fall_v upon_o thou_o and_o consume_v thou_o or_o that_o thy_o life_n may_v be_v end_v by_o the_o sword_n the_o famine_n or_o the_o pestilence_n thou_o know_v not_o but_o a_o angel_n may_v smite_v thou_o as_o herod_n and_o thou_o may_v be_v devour_v with_o worm_n or_o that_o the_o earth_n may_v open_v and_o swallow_v the_o quick_a as_o it_o do_v corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n thou_o know_v not_o but_o thou_o may_v be_v strike_v dead_a for_o the_o next_o lie_n thou_o tell_v as_o ananias_n and_o saphirah_n be_v or_o whether_o bear_n may_v not_o devour_v thou_o as_o they_o do_v those_o child_n that_o mock_v the_o prophet_n or_o whether_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v strike_v with_o leprosy_n as_o gehazy_n or_o thy_o house_n may_v not_o fall_v upon_o thy_o head_n as_o upon_o job_n child_n in_o a_o word_n whatever_o a_o man_n destitute_a of_o grace_n and_o divine_a protection_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o suffer_v thou_o have_v no_o assurance_n but_o it_o may_v be_v thy_o portion_n read_v deut._n 28.15_o etc._n etc._n where_o thou_o may_v see_v thy_o own_o miserable_a condition_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o those_o spiritual_a judgement_n which_o be_v worse_a than_o these_o be_v seize_v upon_o thou_o blindness_n of_o mind_n hardness_n of_o hart_n searedness_n of_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n and_o eternal_a judgement_n dog_v thou_o at_o the_o heel_n and_o will_v certain_o seize_v upon_o thou_o except_o repentance_n prevent_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o death_n make_v a_o separation_n between_o soul_n and_o body_n never_o any_o unregenerate_a unrepent_v unrighteouss_n or_o unclean_a person_n shall_v ever_o go_v to_o heaven_n john_n 3.7_o luk._n 13.3_o 1_o cor._n 6.9,10_o rev._n 21.13_o and_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a place_n for_o the_o scripture_n own_v no_o purgatory_n psal_n 9.17_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n and_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n see_v the_o doom_n of_o the_o wicked_a servant_n mat_n 24._o last_o he_o be_v cut_v in_o piece_n and_o his_o portion_n be_v appoint_v with_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o that_o unprofitable_a servant_n that_o improve_v not_o his_o talon_n mat._n 25.30_o he_o be_v bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n and_o cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n and_o all_o the_o wicked_a ungracious_a servant_n that_o improve_v not_o their_o talent_n as_o god_n appoint_v shall_v then_o be_v bid_v depart_v you_o wicked_a into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n mat._n 25.41.48_o this_o be_v god_n judgement_n to_o his_o enemy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o devil_n wage_n to_o his_o friend_n and_o servant_n who_o then_o will_v have_v such_o a_o enemy_n or_o such_o a_o master_n learn_v direction_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o follow_v in_o those_o duty_n mention_v chap._n ii_o of_o duty_n in_o general_n have_v in_o the_o foregoing_a treatise_n show_v you_o the_o excellency_n necessity_n and_o benefit_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o the_o deadly_a danger_n of_o all_o unholy_a course_n i_o hope_v many_o of_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o alter_v that_o course_n of_o life_n you_o have_v too_o long_o already_o live_v in_o and_o will_v begin_v to_o question_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v to_o this_o end_n in_o this_o part_n i_o shall_v point_v out_o some_o necessary_a duty_n which_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o perform_v and_o lay_v down_o some_o direction_n by_o they_o for_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o they_o now_o my_o desire_n be_v that_o you_o will_v resolve_v to_o practise_v what_o out_o of_o god_n word_n i_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v your_o duty_n otherwise_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v i_o write_v they_o or_o you_o read_v they_o what_o say_v say_v you_o will_v you_o do_v it_o or_o will_v you_o not_o it_o be_v not_o a_o slight_a business_n neither_o will_v a_o slight_a resolution_n serve_v your_o turn_n you_o will_v meet_v with_o many_o rack_n in_o the_o way_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o be_v well_o ground_v with_o many_o storm_n of_o temptation_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n you_o have_v spend_v too_o much_o time_n already_o in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o it_o be_v pity_n you_o shall_v any_o long_o serve_v so_o bad_a a_o master_n and_o now_o god_n give_v you_o a_o call_v unto_o his_o service_n methinks_v it_o shall_v
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
angel_n psal_n 8.1,2_o etc._n etc._n such_o occasional_a object_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o many_o of_o christ_n speech_n and_o sermon_n and_o a_o christian_a by_o this_o mean_n may_v learn_v something_o from_o every_o thing_n he_o either_o see_v or_o hear_v that_o meditation_n that_o be_v set_v and_o solemn_a be_v when_o a_o man_n separate_v himself_o from_o other_o employment_n and_o sequester_v himself_o and_o thought_n from_o worldly_a affair_n to_o consider_v of_o some_o portion_n of_o scripture_n or_o some_o point_n of_o divinity_n or_o some_o work_n of_o nature_n for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o his_o soul_n good_a that_o this_o be_v a_o christian_n duty_n few_o christian_n will_v deny_v that_o it_o be_v a_o beneficial_a duty_n all_o that_o have_v try_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n will_v easy_o confess_v experto_fw-la crede_fw-la roberto_n that_o it_o be_v too_o much_o neglect_v we_o may_v acknowledge_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n joshua_n be_v command_v to_o meditate_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n day_n and_o night_n josh_n 1.8_o this_o be_v david_n practice_n psal_n 119.59_o and_o this_o he_o make_v the_o character_n of_o a_o godly_a and_o bless_a man_n psal_n 1.2,3_o it_o be_v isaac_n custom_n as_o also_o paul_n and_o peter_n and_o many_o other_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o digest_v the_o meat_n we_o eat_v and_o can_v meat_n nourish_v if_o not_o digest_v this_o be_v the_o chew_v of_o the_o cud_n when_o we_o ruminate_v upon_o what_o we_o hear_v or_o see_v meat_n undigested_a in_o the_o stomach_n feed_v disease_n when_o it_o be_v digest_v it_o feed_v the_o body_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n so_o many_o good_a sermon_n be_v lose_v among_o we_o and_o so_o many_o gracious_a providence_n pass_v un-observed_n but_o for_o want_v of_o this_o doubtless_o one_o sermon_n well_o digest_v by_o meditation_n will_v bring_v more_o nourishment_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o breed_v more_o good_a blood_n than_o now_o twenty_o do_v by_o meditation_n a_o man_n search_v and_o ransack_v the_o soul_n and_o find_v out_o every_o dust-heap_n every_o corruption_n and_o see_v whether_o those_o divine_a qualification_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v there_o or_o no_o when_o other_o be_v stranger_n at_o home_n by_o this_o he_o get_v light_a into_o the_o understanding_n heat_n into_o the_o affection_n and_o it_o put_v life_n into_o all_o his_o duty_n by_o this_o he_o come_v to_o see_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n the_o emptiness_n of_o the_o creature_n the_o vileness_n of_o sin_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n by_o this_o the_o heart_n be_v take_v off_o the_o world_n and_o set_v upon_o heaven_n and_o see_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v invisible_a by_o this_o he_o trample_v upon_o sublunary_a thing_n and_o fix_v his_o eye_n upon_o thing_n within_o the_o vail_n by_o this_o stephen_n see_v god_n and_o moses_n talk_v with_o god_n and_o paul_n be_v carry_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n by_o this_o affliction_n be_v make_v light_n and_o the_o cross_a easy_a and_o christ_n yoke_n delightful_a this_o make_v a_o man_n choose_v suffering_n rather_o than_o sin_n and_o pain_n rather_o than_o sinful_a pleasure_n this_o help_v the_o soul_n to_o fly_v to_o heaven_n and_o hold_v communion_n with_o christ_n himself_o and_o like_o the_o busy_a bee_n to_o gather_v honey_n from_o flower_n and_o weed_n which_o to_o effect_v take_v these_o follow_a direction_n 1._o direct_v concern_v occasional_a meditation_n though_o it_o be_v not_o what_o i_o chief_o intend_v yet_o be_v of_o daily_a use_n i_o shall_v speak_v something_o of_o it_o at_o present_a a_o christian_a that_o trade_n for_o heaven_n may_v have_v much_o good_n bring_v home_n in_o this_o ship_n he_o may_v get_v advantage_n by_o all_o he_o hear_v or_o see_v or_o observe_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o god_n book_n or_o in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n but_o will_v instruct_v we_o in_o some_o necessary_a lesson_n concern_v god_n or_o ourselves_o and_o mind_v we_o of_o something_o that_o may_v conduce_v to_o our_o advantage_n and_o he_o that_o can_v make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o every_o thing_n he_o see_v or_o hear_v and_o pick_v some_o spiritual_a food_n and_o refresh_v from_o it_o must_v doubtless_o be_v a_o flourish_a cedar_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o enjoy_v heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o spiritualise_v all_o the_o creature_n how_o often_o in_o scripture_n may_v we_o read_v that_o christ_n by_o occasional_a occurrence_n mind_n his_o hearer_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n from_o a_o well_o of_o water_n he_o instruct_v the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n concern_v the_o water_n of_o life_n and_o by_o occasion_n of_o bread_n he_o mind_v they_o of_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o from_o a_o sour_a and_o his_o seed_n show_v that_o a_o bad_a heart_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o the_o word_n prove_v unfruitful_a and_o many_o more_o such_o like_a david_n as_o before_o be_v hint_v behold_v the_o heaven_n be_v raise_v up_o in_o his_o meditation_n to_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o love_n to_o man_n psal_n 8.1,2,3_o etc._n etc._n solomon_n send_v the_o sluggard_n to_o school_n to_o the_o ant_n or_o pismire_n that_o gather_v in_o summer_n for_o winter_n and_o christ_n send_v those_o that_o be_v distrustful_a of_o their_o father_n providence_n to_o observe_v the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n how_o he_o feed_v they_o and_o the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n how_o he_o clothes_n it_o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o a_o wise_a man_n may_v make_v a_o sanctify_a use_n of_o all_o these_o if_o a_o good_a wit_n can_v make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o every_o thing_n much_o more_o a_o good_a heart_n have_v we_o but_o this_o art_n of_o meditation_n every_o thing_n will_v yield_v a_o suitable_a object_n we_o have_v the_o whole_a world_n before_o we_o the_o great_a want_n be_v of_o a_o good_a heart_n to_o improve_v these_o object_n that_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o view_n the_o least_o creature_n will_v be_v useful_a if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v every_o day_n that_o pass_v over_o our_o head_n may_v put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o our_o latter_a end_n thy_o bed_n may_v mind_v thou_o of_o thy_o latter_a end_n and_o the_o time_n when_o thou_o must_v lie_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o thy_o rise_n up_o may_v mind_v thou_o of_o thy_o resurrection_n the_o rise_a sun_n may_v mind_v thou_o what_o a_o glorious_a day_n that_o will_v be_v when_o christ_n with_o his_o saint_n and_o angel_n shall_v appear_v at_o judgement_n each_o one_o shine_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o lustre_n when_o night_n approach_v it_o may_v mind_v thou_o that_o thy_o day_n be_v number_v and_o that_o thou_o have_v now_o one_o few_o to_o spend_v than_o thou_o have_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o mind_v thou_o what_o account_v thou_o can_v give_v of_o it_o and_o make_v thou_o consider_v that_o the_o world_n can_v recall_v it_o every_o pain_n and_o grief_n ache_n and_o trouble_v yea_o every_o gray_a hair_n may_v mind_v thou_o of_o thy_o mortality_n and_o how_o little_o behold_v thou_o be_v to_o sin_n which_o bring_v all_o this_o into_o the_o world_n when_o thou_o see_v the_o heaven_n adorn_v with_o those_o beauty_n spot_n the_o sun_n the_o moon_n the_o star_n thou_o may_v think_v if_o the_o porch_n be_v so_o glorious_a what_o be_v the_o palace_n if_o the_o pavement_n be_v so_o beautiful_a what_o be_v the_o court_n the_o throne_n itself_o when_o thou_o consider_v their_o beauty_n altitude_n magnitude_n selerity_n and_o influence_n thou_o may_v well_o admire_v the_o creator_n and_o with_o david_n cry_v out_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n etc._n etc._n who_o can_v but_o admire_v when_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o earth_n the_o huge_a and_o massy_a globe_n the_o unweiley_o creature_n hang_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o air_n of_o nothing_o distinguish_v into_o hill_n and_o dale_n and_o wood_n and_o river_n furnish_v with_o such_o variety_n of_o tree_n and_o grass_n and_o herb_n and_o flower_n and_o the_o numberless_a number_n of_o live_a creature_n bird_n and_o beast_n and_o fish_n and_o creep_a thing_n and_o all_o provide_v for_o by_o the_o great_a householder_n who_o can_v behold_v the_o rage_a sea_n keep_v within_o his_o bank_n in_o the_o ebb_n and_o flow_n and_o view_v the_o stream_n and_o fountain_n the_o spring_n and_o river_n and_o not_o cry_v out_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n now_o among_o all_o these_o there_o be_v not_o one_o fly_n or_o flea_n not_o one_o graspile_v or_o leaf_n of_o a_o tree_n but_o yield_v matter_n of_o meditation_n and_o admiration_n ah_o what_o a_o rich_a soul_n will_v that_o be_v that_o gather_v fruit_n from_o all_o these_o 2._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v perform_v thy_o duty_n well_o it_o be_v necessary_a thou_o set_v upon_o it_o with_o due_a preparation_n i_o speak_v not_o now_o of_o occasional_a
last_o to_o judgement_n and_o here_o thou_o have_v matter_n enough_o to_o spend_v thy_o day_n about_o consider_v also_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o duty_n he_o require_v at_o thy_o hand_n and_o the_o promise_n he_o make_v to_o the_o obedient_a and_o the_o threaten_n to_o the_o disobedient_a consider_v also_o the_o four_o last_o thing_n death_n and_o judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o by_o this_o thou_o see_v there_o be_v work_n enough_o in_o nature_n garden_n also_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o thing_n well_o worthy_a thy_o consideration_n there_o be_v not_o a_o weed_n in_o the_o field_n a_o tree_n in_o thy_o orchard_n a_o herb_n in_o thy_o garden_n a_o beast_n in_o thy_o pasture_n a_o fowl_n in_o the_o air_n or_o a_o fish_n in_o the_o sea_n or_o river_n but_o will_v teach_v thou_o something_o and_o it_o be_v a_o barren_a heart_n indeed_o that_o can_v draw_v a_o meditation_n from_o the_o least_o gnat_n or_o most_o despicable_a worm_n that_o crawl_v under_o his_o foot_n 4._o direct_v have_v thus_o prepare_v matter_n and_o pitch_v upon_o some_o suitable_a subject_n to_o exercise_n thy_o thought_n and_o meditation_n upon_o proceed_v then_o to_o drive_v on_o thy_o intend_a design_n to_o a_o head_n and_o to_o the_o end_n thou_o do_v propose_v now_o this_o end_n shall_v be_v the_o enlighten_v of_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o clear_n it_o from_o error_n or_o ignorance_n and_o the_o quicken_a the_o affection_n and_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o high_a pitch_n and_o the_o bring_n of_o the_o will_n to_o a_o resolution_n in_o meditation_n if_o right_o manage_v the_o soul_n exercise_n two_o sort_n of_o act_n the_o one_o direct_v the_o other_o reflect_v the_o first_o upon_o the_o subject_a meditate_a upon_o the_o other_o upon_o the_o soul_n itself_o by_o the_o first_o we_o find_v out_o the_o rule_n by_o the_o second_o we_o apply_v our_o own_o heart_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o observe_v our_o deviation_n and_o obliquity_n the_o first_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o the_o other_o quicken_v the_o affection_n by_o the_o first_o we_o come_v to_o know_v what_o be_v true_a what_o be_v false_a what_o be_v good_a what_o be_v bad_a what_o be_v sin_n what_o be_v duty_n and_o consequent_o what_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o what_o refuse_v by_o the_o other_o we_o apply_v our_o action_n to_o this_o rule_n and_o try_v whether_o we_o have_v walk_v according_a to_o it_o wherein_o we_o have_v go_v astray_o and_o which_o way_n to_o return_v now_o as_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o act_n so_o there_o be_v a_o different_a way_n for_o the_o soul_n act_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o those_o several_a end_n for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o some_o have_v pitch_v upon_o this_o course_n which_o though_o all_o man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o follow_v yet_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o for_o the_o use_n of_o those_o that_o can_v and_o that_o be_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o those_o place_n that_o natural_a and_o artificial_a reason_n afford_v we_o which_o may_v help_v the_o invention_n and_o ready_a the_o memory_n and_o much_o facilitate_v the_o work_n i_o mean_v those_o logical_a place_n follow_v as_o first_o to_o consider_v the_o thing_n about_o which_o we_o meditate_v what_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o as_o ability_n do_v serve_v consider_v it_o in_o the_o definition_n or_o the_o description_n of_o it_o but_o stand_v not_o overlong_a or_o over-nice_o upon_o this_o or_o any_o of_o those_o that_o follow_v lest_o what_o you_o get_v one_o way_n may_v be_v lose_v another_o what_o you_o get_v in_o the_o understanding_n be_v lose_v in_o the_o affection_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n consider_v it_o also_o in_o the_o distribution_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v a_o subject_a capable_a of_o the_o sort_n kind_n and_o part_n of_o it_o this_o will_v give_v room_n to_o thy_o thought_n and_o thy_o proceed_n will_v be_v more_o distinct_a consider_v it_o also_o in_o the_o cause_n the_o efficient_a material_a formal_a and_o final_a cause_n the_o efficient_a cause_n be_v that_o by_o who_o virtue_n force_n or_o efficacy_n a_o thing_n be_v the_o material_a cause_n be_v ex_fw-la qua_fw-la res_fw-la est_fw-la of_o what_o matter_n a_o thing_n be_v make_v the_o form_n be_v whereby_o a_o thing_n be_v that_o which_o it_o be_v and_o the_o end_n be_v the_o cause_n for_o who_o sake_n or_o for_o what_o purpose_n a_o thing_n be_v consider_v also_o if_o the_o subject_n will_v admit_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n for_o these_o be_v useful_a and_o helpful_a in_o the_o work_n and_o be_v also_o pertinent_a to_o our_o business_n consider_v also_o the_o subject_a wherein_o it_o be_v and_o about_o which_o it_o be_v occupy_v as_o also_o of_o its_o property_n and_o quality_n either_o adhere_n to_o it_o or_o inhere_v in_o it_o together_o with_o the_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a this_o also_o be_v useful_a also_o the_o comparat_n and_o desperat_o what_o it_o be_v like_a and_o what_o it_o be_v unlike_a fit_a similitude_n much_o illustrate_v and_o give_v great_a light_n to_o the_o understanding_n testimony_n also_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v but_o noble_a command_n assent_n like_o those_o of_o scripture_n holy_a man_n testimony_n be_v of_o good_a use_n but_o divine_a authority_n be_v all_o in_o all_o or_o if_o you_o think_v this_o way_n too_o intricate_a you_o may_v take_v such_o a_o method_n as_o be_v most_o familiar_a to_o explain_v the_o subject_a you_o treat_v of_o raise_v thy_o observation_n clear_v the_o doctrine_n from_o difficulty_n and_o doubt_n prove_v it_o both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o then_o make_v use_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_a let_v it_o inform_v thou_o in_o the_o useful_a consectary_n and_o conclusion_n that_o may_v thence_o follow_v let_v it_o instruct_v thou_o in_o the_o duty_n it_o reach_v forth_o let_v it_o be_v for_o examination_n how_o thou_o have_v carry_v thyself_o or_o whether_o thou_o have_v the_o require_v qualification_n for_o reproof_n if_o thou_o have_v go_v astray_o for_o encouragement_n if_o thou_o have_v do_v thy_o duty_n for_o caution_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o press_v all_o home_n upon_o thy_o heart_n such_o a_o course_n be_v like_a to_o furnish_v thou_o with_o suitable_a matter_n for_o thy_o soul_n good_a 5._o direct_v when_o thou_o have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v and_o by_o meditation_n have_v inform_v thyself_o of_o what_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o present_a point_n and_o have_v find_v out_o by_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture-light_n what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o be_v error_n what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v duty_n what_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o avoid_v thy_o next_o work_n be_v to_o press_v this_o upon_o thy_o own_o head_n and_o compare_v thy_o head_n and_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n and_o try_v wherein_o thou_o have_v go_v right_a and_o wherein_o thou_o have_v go_v astray_o for_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o thus_o reflect_v back_o upon_o thy_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n the_o duty_n will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a if_o thou_o only_o study_v to_o find_v out_o truth_n from_o error_n or_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v duty_n without_o regulate_v thy_o life_n and_o action_n according_o and_o endeavour_v to_o fill_v thy_o head_n with_o notional_a knowledge_n it_o will_v but_o aggravate_v thy_o sin_n and_o thou_o will_v sin_v with_o a_o candle_n in_o thy_o hand_n but_o when_o by_o this_o impartial_a trial_n thou_o find_v out_o wherein_o thou_o have_v sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o thy_o duty_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v at_o thy_o hand_n or_o want_v those_o require_a qualification_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n press_v those_o thing_n home_o upon_o thy_o heart_n till_o they_o make_v some_o impression_n there_o yea_o till_o they_o stir_v up_o the_o affection_n and_o work_v upon_o the_o will_n to_o a_o through_o resolution_n of_o reformation_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v this_o be_v the_o life_n of_o meditation_n and_o without_o this_o it_o be_v little_a worth_n when_o thou_o find_v wherein_o thou_o have_v come_v short_a to_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n to_o make_v more_o haste_n and_o where_o thou_o have_v sin_v go_v astray_o to_o return_v and_o where_o thou_o have_v sin_v to_o reform_v press_v on_o thy_o meditation_n till_o thou_o find_v some_o life_n in_o it_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v good_a till_o thou_o find_v a_o sweetness_n in_o it_o if_o bad_a till_o it_o appear_v odious_a if_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v good_a by_o scripture-light_n and_o rectify_v reason_n than_o the_o affection_n of_o love_n must_v needs_o be_v stir_v for_o good_a be_v its_o object_n and_o evil_a as_o evil_n can_v be_v love_v when_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v bad_a the_o affection_n
set_v forth_o the_o thought_n the_o word_n and_o act_n of_o a_o gracious_a soul_n in_o every_o condition_n and_o the_o experience_n they_o have_v have_v of_o god_n help_n at_o hand_n in_o every_o condition_n how_o oft_o do_v the_o psalmist_n begin_v like_o jonah_n in_o the_o belly_n of_o hell_n and_o be_v raise_v up_o to_o heaven_n before_o the_o conclusion_n and_o it_o be_v wonder_n that_o any_o shall_v desist_v from_o such_o a_o angelical_a duty_n which_o so_o much_o resemble_v heaven_n but_o because_o many_o no_o doubt_n out_o of_o conscience_n question_v the_o duty_n i_o shall_v first_o prove_v the_o duty_n lawful_a and_o then_o give_v my_o advice_n how_o it_o may_v be_v perform_v 1._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v perform_v this_o duty_n acceptable_o to_o god_n and_o profitable_o to_o thyself_o be_v well_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n halt_v not_o between_o two_o opinion_n do_v it_o cheerful_o and_o understand_o which_o thou_o can_v not_o do_v so_o long_o as_o thou_o doubte_v whether_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n or_o whether_o god_n will_v own_v it_o at_o thy_o hand_n whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o to_o this_o end_n view_v the_o argument_n follow_v which_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o thy_o duty_n my_o business_n in_o this_o treatise_n be_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o controversy_n yet_o so_o far_o as_o the_o digression_n may_v be_v tolerable_a and_o my_o method_n and_o design_n will_v allow_v i_o shall_v speak_v something_o for_o thy_o satisfaction_n consider_v therefore_o god_n have_v furnish_v man_n for_o this_o duty_n in_o give_v he_o this_o musical_a faculty_n with_o which_o as_o with_o all_o the_o rest_n he_o shall_v glorify_v god_n and_o how_o can_v he_o glorify_v he_o better_o with_o it_o than_o with_o trumpet_v out_o his_o praise_n and_o sing_v forth_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v the_o way_n that_o david_n stir_v up_o his_o tongue_n to_o praise_v god_n this_o be_v a_o acceptable_a service_n unto_o god_n even_o before_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v give_v exod._n 15.1_o then_o sing_v moses_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n this_o song_n unto_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o mean_n also_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v stir_v up_o in_o we_o eph._n 5.18,19_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o yourselves_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n this_o leave_v a_o sweet_a relish_n and_o delight_n upon_o the_o spirit_n psal_n 104.33,34_o i_o will_v sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n as_o long_o as_o i_o live_v i_o will_v sing_v unto_o my_o god_n while_o i_o have_v my_o be_v my_o meditation_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v sweet_a nay_o this_o be_v that_o which_o saint_n and_o angel_n do_v in_o heaven_n and_o shall_v do_v for_o ever_o thus_o the_o angel_n do_v isa_n 63._o even_o with_o a_o audible_a voice_n as_o also_o of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n luke_n 2.13_o &_o rev._n 5.8,9_o &_o 14.3_o &_o 15.3_o and_o this_o shall_v be_v their_o work_n for_o ever_o yea_o it_o have_v be_v prophesy_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v sing_v in_o gospel_n time_n isa_n 20._o in_o that_o day_n shall_v this_o song_n be_v sing_v isa_n 52.8_o thy_o watchman_n shall_v lift_v up_o the_o voice_n with_o the_o voice_n together_o shall_v they_o sing_v etc._n etc._n which_o the_o apostle_n interpret_v to_o be_v in_o gospel_n time_n heb._n 2.12_o yea_o all_o nation_n be_v stir_v up_o to_o sing_v praise_n unto_o god_n psal_n 100.1_o psal_n 95.12_o which_o include_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o gospel_n time_n as_o it_o be_v interpret_v heb._n 4.3_o neither_o can_v this_o duty_n under_o the_o law_n be_v typical_a for_o neither_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n can_v show_v that_o sing_v psalm_n typify_v out_o a_o believer_n sing_v with_o the_o heart_n in_o gospel_n time_n any_o more_o than_o prayer_n with_o the_o voice_n typify_v out_o pray_v with_o the_o heart_n nay_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n after_o his_o departure_n will_v not_o have_v use_v it_o have_v it_o be_v ceremonial_a if_o this_o serve_v not_o we_o have_v plain_a scripture_n command_v for_o the_o duty_n even_o in_o gospel_n time_n eph._n 5.19_o speak_v to_o yourselves_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n sing_v with_o melody_n in_o your_o heart_n col._n 3.16_o teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n sing_v with_o grace_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n james_n 4.9_o if_o any_o be_v afflict_a let_v he_o pray_v and_o if_o any_o be_v merry_a let_v he_o sing_v psalm_n now_o all_o this_o show_v this_o be_v a_o duty_n if_o yet_o this_o satisfy_v not_o we_o have_v the_o best_a example_n to_o warrant_v we_o i_o shall_v set_v before_o you_o the_o angel_n at_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n luke_n 2.13_o and_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n david_n be_v call_v the_o sweet_a singer_n of_o israel_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v without_o exception_n mat._n 26.30_o after_o supper_n they_o sing_v a_o hymn_n which_o probable_o be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v accustom_v to_o sing_v at_o the_o passeover_n viz._n those_o song_n of_o degree_n from_o psal_n 112_o etc._n etc._n to_o psal_n 118.19_o however_o this_o show_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o duty_n we_o have_v also_o the_o example_n of_o paul_n and_o silas_n that_o sing_v in_o the_o prison_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n for_o the_o prisoner_n hear_v they_o act_v 26.25_o we_o have_v also_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n down_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o all_o those_o can_v likely_o persist_v in_o a_o error_n so_o long_o this_o we_o have_v for_o our_o warrant_n and_o little_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v conclude_v it_o be_v a_o lawful_a and_o laudable_a practice_n 2._o direct_v be_v concern_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o sing_v which_o must_v be_v holy_a not_o profane_a to_o god_n glory_n &_o not_o our_o own_o there_o be_v many_o that_o think_v it_o be_v a_o gospel-duty_n to_o sing_v psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n and_o yet_o they_o scruple_n the_o sing_v of_o david_n psalm_n and_o thus_o they_o seek_v a_o knot_n in_o a_o rush_n david_n psalm_n be_v a_o acceptable_a service_n unto_o god_n and_o we_o read_v not_o where_o ever_o god_n disclaim_v they_o they_o be_v use_v and_o sing_v not_o only_o by_o himself_o but_o other_o not_o only_o in_o his_o own_o time_n but_o in_o succeed_a generation_n where_o they_o praise_v god_n with_o david_n word_n as_o we_o find_v in_o solomon_n time_n 2_o chron._n 5.13_o in_o jehoshaphat_n time_n 2_o chron._n 20.21_o in_o hezekiah_n time_n 2_o chron._n 29.20_o in_o ezra_n time_n ezra_n 3.10,11_o in_o the_o two_o former_a place_n we_o find_v david_n word_n use_v in_o the_o two_o latter_a we_o find_v a_o express_a command_n and_o example_n of_o praising_n god_n with_o david_n word_n and_o with_o the_o word_n of_o asaph_n you_o see_v the_o estimate_n the_o church_n of_o god_n put_v upon_o they_o yea_o as_o may_v be_v apparent_o prove_v they_o be_v thus_o in_o use_n even_o to_o christ_n time_n as_o history_n record_v these_o psalm_n of_o david_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n be_v sing_v by_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o order_n of_o musician_n which_o seem_v to_o typify_v out_o the_o twenty_o four_o elder_n man_n ioned_a rev._n 5.8_o the_o song_n of_o moses_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n exod._n 15.1_o etc._n etc._n be_v sing_v not_o only_o by_o he_o but_o by_o the_o people_n not_o only_o by_o man_n but_o woman_n also_o exod._n 15.20,21_o yea_o moses_n be_v command_v to_o write_v his_o other_o song_n and_o teach_v it_o unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o put_v it_o into_o their_o mouth_n deut._n 31.19_o and_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o thus_o write_v and_o thus_o to_o be_v learn_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v sing_v it_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v we_o ought_v to_o sing_v psalm_n hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n the_o very_a name_n give_v unto_o david_n psalm_n nay_o there_o be_v strong_a probability_n that_o christ_n himself_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n sang_n david_n psalm_n at_o the_o close_a of_o his_o supper_n for_o if_o he_o will_v conform_v to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o sing_v a_o hymn_n at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o passeover_n what_o ground_n have_v we_o to_o think_v he_o do_v not_o conform_v to_o they_o in_o sing_v the_o same_o hymn_n which_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v which_o be_v as_o have_v be_v say_v david_n hymn_n however_o the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o no_o other_o and_o it_o be_v observe_v
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
thing_n not_o command_v as_o meat_n drink_n apparel_n etc._n etc._n and_o tend_v to_o perfection_n and_o by_o the_o keep_n of_o they_o a_o man_n may_v attain_v to_o a_o high_a perfection_n than_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o command_a duty_n but_o what_o scripture_n say_v thus_o their_o end_n which_o be_v to_o merit_v by_o they_o spoil_v all_o their_o duty_n and_o make_v they_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o vow_n we_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n be_v make_v to_o other_o end_n and_o be_v all_o conducible_a to_o this_o great_a end_n viz._n god_n glory_n some_o have_v vow_v thankfulness_n for_o mercy_n receive_v some_o sacrifice_n burn_a offering_n incense_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 66.13,14_o &_o 61.8_o &_o 132.2_o etc._n etc._n some_o have_v make_v conditional_a vow_n if_o god_n will_v give_v they_o in_o such_o mercy_n they_o will_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o thus_o jacob_n dedicate_v himself_o to_o god_n for_o ever_o if_o he_o will_v make_v provision_n for_o he_o in_o his_o journey_n gen._n 28.20,21_o and_o hannah_n that_o if_o god_n will_v give_v she_o a_o son_n she_o will_v devote_v he_o unto_o god_n for_o ever_o 1_o sam._n 1.11_o read_v leu._n 27._o throughout_o psal_n 116.12,13,14_o what_o shall_v i_o render_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v pay_v my_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o god_n glory_n so_o our_o own_o and_o other_o benefit_n be_v to_o be_v regard_v and_o may_v be_v regard_v in_o a_o vow_n it_o be_v some_o stay_n and_o ground_n for_o our_o faith_n and_o some_o confirmation_n for_o our_o assurance_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o forecited_n place_n 1_o sam._n 1.11_o etc._n etc._n when_o hannah_n have_v make_v her_o vow_n she_o look_v no_o more_o sad_a sometime_o they_o be_v make_v of_o thanksgiving_n for_o deliverance_n as_o the_o mariner_n in_o jonah_n ship_n jonah_n 1.16_o make_v vow_n to_o their_o god_n sometime_o they_o be_v make_v to_o prevent_v sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v as_o when_o we_o vow_v sobriety_n and_o moderation_n to_o prevent_v the_o sin_n of_o drunkenness_n gluttony_n pride_n or_o covetousness_n thus_o some_o vow_v against_o drink_v wine_n or_o strong_a drink_n as_o the_o rechabite_v nazarites_n and_o other_o some_o make_v vow_n to_o humble_v their_o soul_n numb_a 30.13_o every_o vow_n and_o every_o bind_a oath_n to_o afflict_v the_o soul_n the_o husband_n may_v establish_v it_o or_o the_o husband_n may_v make_v it_o void_a sometime_o for_o the_o mend_n of_o our_o life_n or_o the_o reform_v what_o be_v amiss_o sometime_o for_o the_o leave_v of_o some_o sin_n or_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o duty_n etc._n etc._n these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v the_o end_n which_o we_o shall_v look_v after_o when_o we_o enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a vow_n so_o likewise_o at_o the_o good_a of_o other_o as_o when_o we_o bound_v ourselves_o to_o give_v alm_n to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a to_o redeem_v captive_n or_o do_v work_n of_o charity_n to_o our_o power_n these_o be_v good_a end_n if_o god_n glory_n and_o not_o our_o own_o applause_n or_o thought_n of_o merit_n interpose_v not_o as_o also_o to_o lay_v out_o something_o for_o religious_a and_o pious_a uses_n the_o maintain_n of_o faithful_a able_a minister_n etc._n etc._n david_n vow_n he_o will_v not_o give_v rest_n or_o sleep_v to_o his_o eye_n or_o come_v within_o his_o house_n till_o he_o have_v find_v out_o a_o place_n for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n psal_n 132.2_o etc._n etc._n but_o where_o do_v you_o read_v of_o any_o that_o vow_v and_o think_v to_o merit_v at_o god_n hand_n by_o so_o do_v 7._o direct_v when_o thou_o have_v make_v thy_o vow_n thy_o next_o duty_n be_v to_o keep_v they_o to_o perform_v the_o word_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o vow_v than_o to_o vow_n and_o not_o perform_v but_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v then_o that_o the_o vow_n be_v lawful_a and_o allow_v by_o god_n otherwise_o the_o performance_n be_v but_o add_v sin_n to_o sin_n and_o increase_v the_o guilt_n he_o that_o vow_v to_o commit_v sin_n ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o if_o thou_o sin_n in_o thy_o vow_n do_v not_o ratify_v it_o by_o perform_v it_o as_o herod_n who_o make_v a_o rash_a vow_n but_o do_v increase_v his_o guilt_n by_o cut_v off_o john_n baptist_n head_n but_o suppose_v thy_o vow_n be_v lawful_a thou_o can_v not_o lawful_o break_v it_o nay_o though_o the_o performance_n tend_v to_o thy_o damage_n for_o if_o thou_o do_v thou_o commit_v a_o sin_n as_o bad_a if_o not_o worse_o than_o perjury_n when_o thou_o have_v vow_v therefore_o defer_v not_o to_o pay_v for_o god_n take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n pay_v that_o therefore_o which_o thou_o have_v vow_v eccl._n 5.3,4,5,6_o deut._n 23.23_o when_o thou_o have_v vow_v a_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n defer_v not_o to_o pay_v it_o for_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v sure_o require_v it_o of_o thou_o and_o it_o will_v be_v sin_n to_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o will_v forbear_v to_o vow_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v sin_n to_o thou_o that_o which_o be_v go_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n thou_o shall_v keep_v and_o perform_v a_o freewill_n offer_v according_a to_o what_o thou_o have_v vow_v unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v promise_v with_o thy_o mouth_n psal_n 76.11_o vow_n and_o pay_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n etc._n etc._n more_o place_n may_v be_v instance_a in_o if_o these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a if_o thy_o vow_n be_v rash_a repent_v of_o the_o rashness_n of_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o lawful_a it_o must_v be_v perform_v if_o it_o prove_v to_o thy_o damage_n it_o be_v a_o reward_n of_o thy_o folly_n but_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a repent_v of_o thy_o sin_n and_o folly_n in_o make_v it_o but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v perform_v for_o a_o vow_n must_v not_o be_v a_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n christ_n himself_o show_v the_o wickedness_n of_o such_o a_o vow_n mat._n 15.5,6_o where_o by_o their_o vow_n corban_n they_o make_v null_a the_o command_n of_o god_n concern_v honour_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o relieve_v they_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o dedicate_v those_o thing_n to_o pious_a uses_n yea_o to_o god_n himself_o which_o we_o owe_v to_o anotner_n david_n rash_a vow_n 1_o sam._n 2.5.12.39_o be_v not_o perform_v he_o vow_v the_o destruction_n of_o nabal_n and_o all_o his_o family_n and_o bless_a god_n for_o keep_v he_o from_o do_v evil_a the_o wicked_a vow_n of_o paul_n persecutor_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v fulfil_v have_v the_o power_n lie_v in_o their_o hand_n act_n 23.21_o nor_o the_o rash_a and_o unadvised_a vow_n of_o saul_n which_o tend_v to_o hurt_v and_o not_o to_o good_a 1_o sam._n 14.39_o nor_o such_o superstitious_a vow_n as_o we_o read_v of_o jer._n 44.25_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n say_v you_o and_o your_o wife_n have_v both_o speak_v with_o your_o mouth_n and_o fulfil_v with_o your_o hand_n say_v we_o will_v sure_o perform_v our_o vow_n that_o we_o have_v vow_v to_o burn_v incense_n to_o the_o queen_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o pour_v out_o drink-offering_n unto_o she_o you_o will_v sure_o accomplish_v your_o vow_n etc._n etc._n god_n take_v it_o ill_a in_o they_o and_o sore_o threaten_v they_o for_o it_o but_o if_o the_o vow_n be_v lawful_a he_o expect_v the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o jacob_n vow_n make_v gen._n 28.20_o god_n mind_v he_o of_o it_o gen._n 31.13_o i_o be_o the_o god_n of_o bethel_n where_o thou_o anoint_v the_o pillar_n numb_a 30.3_o etc._n etc._n a_o young_a woman_n vow_n if_o her_o father_n contradict_v it_o not_o shall_v sure_o stand_v good_a see_v also_o leu._n 7.16_o &_o 22.17_o &_o 27.2_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 76.12_o yea_o the_o lord_n threaten_v those_o that_o make_v not_o good_a their_o vow_n that_o vow_v a_o better_a and_o pay_v a_o worse_o mal._n 1.14_o curse_a be_v the_o deceiver_n which_o have_v in_o his_o flock_n a_o male_a and_o vow_v and_o sacrifice_n unto_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n yea_o we_o find_v he_o punish_v this_o sin_n in_o annanias_n and_o sapphira_n who_o devote_v the_o price_n of_o a_o possession_n to_o god_n and_o after_o keep_v back_o part_n of_o it_o and_o be_v both_o strike_v dead_a for_o it_o act_n 5.1,2_o etc._n etc._n a_o godly_a man_n when_o he_o promise_v reformation_n of_o life_n the_o leave_v of_o any_o know_a sin_n the_o performance_n of_o any_o religious_a duty_n the_o do_v of_o any_o pious_a or_o charitable_a work_n etc._n etc._n will_v make_v good_a his_o vow_n but_o how_o usual_a be_v it_o for_o wicked_a man_n in_o their_o sickness_n distress_n or_o danger_n to_o make_v vow_n
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