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
seedsman_n and_o the_o word_n to_o the_o seed_n now_o you_o know_v the_o ground_n must_v be_v prepare_v before_o the_o seed_n be_v cast_v in_o otherwise_o thou_o can_v not_o rational_o expect_v a_o crop_n the_o body_n must_v be_v prepare_v and_o the_o humour_n gather_v to_o a_o head_n before_o physic_n work_v kind_o what_o business_n of_o moment_n can_v be_v do_v without_o preparation_n and_o can_v we_o think_v in_o this_o business_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o rush_v hand_n over_o head_n without_o consideration_n some_o preparation_n shall_v be_v make_v before_o the_o sabbath_n come_v in_o set_v thy_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o thy_o house_n in_o order_n the_o command_n be_v to_o remember_v the_o sabbath_n to_o keep_v it_o holy_a and_o when_o the_o day_n be_v come_v there_o be_v some_o duty_n require_v before_o thou_o rush_v into_o the_o congregation_n perform_v those_o duty_n in_o thy_o family_n and_o in_o thy_o closet_n that_o be_v require_v beg_v of_o god_n a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o upon_o the_o minister_n that_o he_o may_v speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o thy_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v meet_v with_o thy_o corruption_n and_o may_v strengthen_v thy_o grace_n and_o benefit_v thy_o soul_n how_o can_v expect_v a_o blessing_n that_o do_v not_o beg_v for_o it_o this_o be_v one_o cause_n that_o many_o go_v away_o barren_a because_o they_o come_v unprepared_a lay_v thy_o heart_n open_a before_o god_n say_v as_o samuel_n speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v in_o thy_o prayer_n open_v thy_o soul_n to_o god_n unlap_v thy_o ear_n and_o desire_v a_o plaster_n offer_v up_o thy_o sin-sick_a soul_n to_o this_o physician_n that_o he_o may_v pour_v oil_n and_o wine_n into_o thy_o wound_n who_o know_v but_o this_o may_v be_v the_o time_n of_o love_n wherein_o god_n may_v say_v unto_o thy_o soul_n live_v come_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o deny_v thyself_o thy_o carnal_a wisdom_n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n come_v not_o with_o a_o resolution_n to_o oppose_v god_n in_o any_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o cross_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n or_o to_o thy_o carnal_a will_n or_o interest_n or_o be_v never_o so_o opposite_a to_o thou_o own_o natural_a inclination_n or_o appetite_n why_o shall_v we_o come_v to_o know_v our_o duty_n if_o we_o will_v not_o do_v it_o or_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o will_v not_o leave_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n seldom_o work_v upon_o a_o forestalled_n affection_n if_o thou_o know_v and_o know_v thou_o may_v if_o thou_o careful_o observe_v it_o what_o have_v usual_o hinder_v thou_o in_o time_n past_a from_o profit_v by_o the_o word_n take_v heed_n of_o that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v sometime_o thou_o will_v find_v that_o it_o be_v pride_n thou_o set_v up_o thy_o own_o will_n against_o god_n sometime_o passion_n this_o put_v thy_o heart_n out_o of_o frame_n for_o the_o duty_n sometime_o worldlyness_n this_o fill_v thy_o heart_n with_o vain_a thought_n beware_v of_o these_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v especial_o beware_v of_o these_o sin_n which_o be_v most_o predominant_a in_o thy_o soul_n for_o this_o will_v spoil_v the_o duty_n come_v with_o a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o obey_v god_n in_o every_o thing_n when_o he_o forbid_v any_o sin_n resolve_v to_o leave_v it_o when_o he_o command_v any_o duty_n set_v about_o it_o for_o to_o what_o end_n else_o do_v thou_o hear_v if_o it_o be_v only_o to_o know_v thy_o duty_n and_o not_o to_o practise_v it_o it_o will_v but_o procure_v thou_o the_o more_o stripe_n but_o many_o be_v like_o those_o silly_a woman_n mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n ever_o learing_n and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o they_o be_v like_o balaam_n let_v god_n deny_v they_o never_o so_o oft_o they_o will_v come_v again_o fall_v they_o will_v have_v a_o dispensation_n to_o sin_n and_o go_v to_o heaven_n in_o a_o sinful_a way_n but_o we_o must_v with_o good_a old_a ely_n say_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v with_o i_o as_o he_o list_v or_o like_o paul_n lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v come_v also_o with_o a_o good_a stomach_n than_o the_o word_n will_v be_v savoury_a to_o thou_o such_o a_o man_n will_v not_o strain_v courtesy_n and_o carve_v all_o from_o himself_o but_o greedy_o feed_v upon_o something_o now_o he_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o man_n say_v one_o now_o he_o hit_v such_o a_o one_o home_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o thou_o be_v nothing_o there_o that_o thou_o can_v eat_v get_v also_o some_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o state_n of_o thy_o own_o soul_n how_o the_o matter_n stand_v between_o god_n and_o thou_o or_o otherwise_o thou_o can_v hardly_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o and_o apply_v it_o there_o be_v threaten_n for_o obstinate_a sinner_n and_o there_o be_v promise_n for_o the_o penitent_a there_o be_v milk_n for_o babe_n and_o strong_a meat_n for_o men._n how_o will_v know_v thy_o own_o portion_n if_o thou_o know_v not_o the_o state_n of_o thy_o own_o soul_n if_o a_o sick_a man_n come_v to_o a_o apothecary_n shop_n and_o may_v make_v choice_n of_o what_o medicine_n he_o please_v and_o yet_o neither_o know_v his_o disease_n nor_o what_o will_v cure_v it_o he_o may_v as_o well_o take_v nay_o it_o be_v more_o like_a that_o he_o will_v take_v that_o which_o be_v hurtful_a than_o that_o which_o be_v helpful_a so_o a_o poor_a humble_a sinner_n ofttimes_o lay_v hold_v of_o the_o threaten_a which_o belong_v not_o to_o he_o and_o the_o presumptuous_a man_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o last_o when_o death_n come_v say_v to_o the_o world_n stand_v by_o as_o abraham_n to_o his_o servant_n i_o will_v come_v again_o 5._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n with_o a_o hunger_a thirst_a desire_n after_o it_o this_o be_v the_o food_n of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v only_o the_o hunger_a soul_n that_o be_v right_o qualify_v for_o it_o the_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o honeycomb_n prov._n 27.7_o what_o shall_v a_o full_a stomach_n do_v at_o a_o feast_n or_o a_o full_a soul_n at_o a_o sermon_n how_o sweet_a how_o good_a how_o precious_a be_v the_o word_n to_o david_n psal_n 19.10_o and_o to_o job_n better_a than_o his_o appoint_a food_n job_n 23.12_o and_o how_o pitiful_o do_v david_n complain_v when_o he_o find_v the_o want_n psal_n 120.5_o and_o how_o earnest_o do_v he_o desire_v it_o and_o thirst_v after_o it_o psal_n 42.1,2_o as_o ever_o chase_v hart_n do_v for_o the_o water-brook_n and_o have_v thou_o ever_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o word_n or_o rather_o of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n i_o need_v not_o word_n to_o have_v persuade_v thou_o to_o love_v it_o but_o that_o i_o may_v set_v some_o edge_n upon_o thy_o appetite_n i_o shall_v desire_v thou_o to_o consider_v with_o i_o these_o few_o thing_n first_o consider_v who_o word_n it_o be_v be_v it_o not_o the_o word_n of_o that_o great_a god_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v one_o that_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a both_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o be_v also_o faithful_a and_o will_v make_v it_o good_a heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v fail_v rather_o than_o one_o tittle_n of_o his_o word_n be_v un-fulfilled_n and_o shall_v we_o slight_v a_o message_n send_v from_o such_o a_o one_o have_v a_o potent_a prince_n send_v a_o message_n whether_o a_o promise_n or_o threaten_v how_o diligent_o shall_v we_o have_v read_v it_o and_o how_o great_o shall_v we_o have_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o with_o joy_n or_o sorrow_n now_o god_n send_v his_o messenger_n with_o a_o message_n of_o peace_n if_o we_o will_v accept_v it_o if_o not_o they_o be_v to_o denounce_v war_n yea_o and_o threaten_v everlasting_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o yet_o who_o regard_v it_o read_v the_o content_n of_o his_o letter_n deut._n 28._o throughout_o nay_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n be_v it_o but_o for_o trifle_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n but_o it_o be_v concern_v life_n and_o death_n nay_o the_o everlasting_a salvation_n or_o damnation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v slight_v they_o be_v fool_n that_o jest_v with_o such_o edge_a tool_n here_o be_v instruction_n draw_v up_o how_o you_o may_v avoid_v hell_n and_o attain_v heaven_n how_o you_o may_v get_v rid_v of_o sin_n and_o get_v out_o of_o the_o slavery_n of_o satan_n how_o you_o may_v have_v a_o remedy_n for_o your_o sin-sick_a soul_n and_o a_o plaster_n for_o your_o wound_n how_o you_o may_v get_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n
and_o a_o title_n to_o glory_n in_o a_o word_n how_o you_o may_v avoid_v misery_n and_o attain_v everlasting_a happiness_n and_o be_v not_o all_o this_o worth_a your_o serious_a consideration_n again_o here_o be_v a_o rich_a legacy_n bequeath_v to_o you_o by_o your_o heavenly_a father_n even_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n more_o worth_a than_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o these_o worth_n the_o read_n at_o these_o breast_n of_o consolation_n thou_o may_v suck_v and_o be_v satisfy_v for_o they_o can_v never_o be_v draw_v dry_a thou_o will_v never_o repent_v the_o pain_n thou_o take_v this_o way_n this_o word_n also_o be_v excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o call_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n act_v 13.26_o as_o point_v out_o the_o only_a way_n to_o salvation_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n 2_o cor._n 5.19_o as_o hold_v out_o christ_n the_o only_a reconnciliator_n the_o word_n of_o life_n phil._n 2.16_o as_o point_v out_o the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n here_o also_o be_v contain_v our_o evidence_n for_o glory_n and_o all_o we_o have_v to_o show_v for_o heaven_n this_o tell_v we_o what_o qualification_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n here_o we_o find_v a_o redeemer_n a_o saviour_n a_o surety_n to_o discharge_v our_o debt_n and_o redeem_v the_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o slavery_n of_o satan_n yea_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a justice_n this_o be_v god_n love_n letter_n wherein_o he_o make_v love_n to_o sinful_a soul_n and_o offer_v they_o christ_n for_o a_o husband_n and_o heaven_n with_o he_o for_o a_o jointure_n here_o thou_o may_v find_v a_o cure_n for_o a_o wound_a conscience_n and_o a_o sin_n sick_a soul_n when_o neither_o man_n nor_o mean_n neither_o food_n nor_o physic_n can_v do_v thou_o good_a here_o be_v a_o plaster_n point_v out_o to_o draw_v out_o the_o vennom_n of_o sin_n and_o staunch_v the_o blood_n yea_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v here_o chalk_v out_o and_o shall_v we_o trifle_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o many_o be_v the_o promise_v make_v to_o those_o that_o walk_v after_o this_o rule_n rom._n 3.12_o and_o many_o be_v the_o threaten_n against_o those_o that_o contemn_v it_o deut._n 19.20_o poru._n 1.23,24_o isa_n 6.9,10_o 1_o sam._n 2.25_o methinks_v such_o consideration_n shall_v breed_v a_o appetite_n to_o it_o 6._o direction_n if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n be_v sure_a to_o carry_v thyself_o well_o in_o the_o time_n of_o hear_v we_o must_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o hear_v as_o well_o as_o what_o we_o hear_v if_o thou_o shall_v make_v these_o preparation_n as_o before_o direct_v yet_o all_o may_v be_v spoil_v at_o last_o resort_v therefore_o timely_a to_o the_o ordinance_n it_o be_v more_o fit_a for_o thou_o to_o wait_v for_o god_n than_o god_n wait_v for_o thou_o late_a come_n argue_v a_o weak_a stomach_n hungry_a person_n will_v not_o strive_v to_o be_v last_o at_o a_o feast_n and_o a_o hungry_a soul_n will_v make_v haste_n where_o meat_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o when_o thou_o be_v there_o behave_v thyself_o reverent_o set_v thyself_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n say_v as_o jacob_n this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o carry_v thyself_o as_o if_o god_n be_v present_a look_v upon_o thou_o many_o by_o their_o light_a behaviour_n manifest_v their_o little_a zeal_n do_v apprehend_v god_n present_a before_o the_o eye_n of_o thy_o soul_n it_o will_v keep_v thy_o eye_n from_o sleep_v and_o thy_o heart_n from_o wander_v join_v with_o the_o minister_n in_o every_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n a_o private_a prayer_n be_v most_o suitable_a for_o a_o private_a place_n and_o private_a duty_n as_o before_o shall_v be_v perform_v in_o the_o closet_n be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n eccles_n 5.1_o when_o the_o minister_n pray_v join_v with_o he_o and_o pray_v with_o devotion_n when_o he_o sing_v sing_v with_o the_o understanding_n when_o he_o preach_v here_o with_o attention_n attend_v not_o only_o to_o the_o word_n but_o to_o the_o sense_n and_o not_o only_o to_o the_o sense_n but_o also_o to_o the_o divine_a obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o thou_o draw_v out_o all_o thy_o strength_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n hear_v as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o thy_o life_n for_o thy_o soul_n for_o eternity_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v deut._n 32.46,47_o set_a your_o heart_n upon_o all_o the_o word_n which_o i_o testify_v among_o you_o this_o day_n which_o you_o shall_v command_v your_o child_n to_o observe_v for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o vain_a thing_n for_o you_o because_o it_o be_v your_o life_n and_o through_o this_o you_o shall_v prolong_v your_o day_n and_o you_o must_v not_o only_o hear_v with_o attention_n but_o with_o understand_v also_o for_o how_o can_v you_o profit_v by_o it_o or_o what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v you_o if_o you_o understand_v it_o not_o and_o yet_o some_o minister_n the_o more_o be_v the_o pity_n seek_v to_o hide_v their_o meaning_n in_o a_o cloud_n of_o word_n and_o deliver_v their_o message_n either_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n or_o in_o unknown_a notion_n and_o it_o be_v the_o folly_n of_o some_o hearer_n that_o delight_n in_o those_o sermon_n they_o understand_v not_o the_o mass_n bite_v not_o but_o what_o wise_a man_n will_v delight_v to_o gnaw_v bone_n that_o may_v have_v flesh_n paul_n have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n in_o the_o church_n to_o edification_n than_o two_o thousand_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n 1_o cor._n 14.19_o and_o when_o thou_o do_v understand_v it_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o take_v it_o not_o upon_o trust_n it_o be_v christ_n counsel_n search_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o apostle_n try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o so_o do_v act._n 17.11_o and_o when_o you_o have_v find_v it_o to_o be_v wholesome_a meat_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o heart_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o and_o without_o this_o it_o will_v do_v you_o little_a good_a what_o good_a will_v meat_n do_v if_o not_o eat_v or_o physic_n if_o not_o take_v or_o a_o plaster_n if_o not_o apply_v do_v as_o a_o hungry_a man_n do_v lay_v hold_v on_o something_o to_o feed_v upon_o when_o nice_a stomach_n carve_v away_o all_o to_o other_o now_o he_o meet_v with_o this_o man_n or_o that_o man_n but_o do_v he_o say_v nothing_o to_o thou_o will_v another_o man_n meat_n feed_v thou_o or_o another_o man_n physic_n make_v thou_o well_o close_o with_o it_o thyself_o lay_v thy_o heart_n open_a to_o the_o word_n strive_v not_o against_o it_o submit_v to_o it_o endeavour_v not_o by_o subtle_a destruction_n cunning_a evasion_n false_a gloss_n partial_a interpretation_n to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o it_o or_o blunt_v the_o edge_n but_o with_o david_n when_o reprove_v cry_v out_o i_o be_o the_o man_n wrest_v not_o out_o of_o god_n hand_n if_o any_o sin_n be_v reprove_v reform_v it_o if_o any_o duty_n press_v practise_v it_o if_o the_o minister_n teach_v thou_o any_o thing_n thou_o know_v not_o before_o remember_v it_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o it_o 7._o direction_n if_o thou_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v demean_v thyself_o well_o then_o after_o hear_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o give_v diligent_a attention_n nay_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o foregoing_a duty_n for_o the_o most_o of_o the_o work_n lie_v behind_o when_o the_o minister_n have_v do_v thy_o work_n begin_v thou_o must_v call_v it_o to_o mind_n ruminate_v upon_o it_o do_v as_o the_o clean_a beast_n under_o the_o law_n chew_v the_o cud_n what_o ever_o slip_v out_o of_o thy_o memory_n will_v do_v thou_o little_a good_a it_o be_v wat_fw-mi thou_o remember_v be_v most_o like_a to_o profit_v thou_o now_o to_o this_o end_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o minister_n method_n what_o be_v his_o text_n how_o divide_v how_o explain_v what_o observation_n he_o raise_v how_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o what_o scripture_n by_o what_o reason_n how_o he_o apply_v they_o what_o mark_n or_o motive_n he_o give_v under_o such_o use_v etc._n etc._n if_o he_o take_v not_o this_o method_n which_o be_v exceed_o good_a for_o the_o memory_n yet_o observe_v at_o least_o what_o design_n he_o follow_v what_o he_o drive_v at_o what_o sin_n he_o reprove_v what_o duty_n he_o press_v what_o grace_n he_o excite_v and_o thus_o do_v thou_o will_v gather_v up_o some_o glean_n of_o this_o sermon_n especial_o observe_v if_o he_o press_v any_o duty_n thou_o neglecte_v or_o reprove_v any_o sin_n thou_o live_v in_o if_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v forget_v remember_v this_o and_o
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
it_o at_o first_o if_o it_o be_v why_o do_v leave_v it_o if_o thou_o now_o leave_v off_o all_o thy_o labour_n and_o all_o the_o pain_n that_o ever_o thou_o have_v take_v will_v be_v utter_o lose_v in_o reference_n to_o salvation_n if_o the_o righteous_a forsake_v his_o way_n all_o his_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o be_v remember_v to_o he_o in_o his_o sin_n he_o shall_v die_v ezek._n 18.24_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o have_v go_v many_o a_o mile_n to_o hear_v sermon_n spend_v many_o a_o hour_n in_o prayer_n and_o humiliation_n &_o many_o a_o day_n in_o fast_v and_o humble_v thy_o soul_n and_o will_v thou_o lose_v all_o thy_o labour_n at_o the_o last_o nay_o will_v thou_o now_o dishonour_v that_o god_n which_o time_n be_v thou_o seem_v to_o honour_n and_o will_v thou_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o poor_a doubt_v dhristian_n and_o sadden_fw-mi the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a will_v thou_o bring_v the_o blood_n of_o soul_n upon_o thy_o own_o head_n if_o not_o hold_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o holy_a duty_n whatever_o opposition_n thou_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o way_n heaven_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o all_o the_o sweat_n and_o blood_n thou_o lose_v and_o hell_n will_v be_v sour_a sauce_n to_o thy_o sweet_a meat_n what_o madness_n be_v it_o to_o leave_v thy_o work_n a_o little_a before_o thou_o shall_v receive_v thy_o wage_n 4._o direct_v let_v all_o the_o duty_n thou_o perform_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n proceed_v from_o a_o right_a principle_n from_o a_o heart_n sanctify_v by_o grace_n and_o purify_v by_o faith_n and_o season_v with_o love_n make_v the_o tree_n good_a and_o his_o fruit_n will_v be_v good_a but_o a_o corrupt_a tree_n bring_v forth_o evil_a fruit._n a_o evil_a tree_n can_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n nor_o a_o good_a tree_n evil_a fruit._n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o corrupt_a fountain_n shall_v send_v forth_o sweet_a water_n or_o a_o filthy_a vessel_n sweet_a liquor_n let_v the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o strong_a motive_n to_o thy_o obedience_n and_o let_v this_o engage_v thy_o heart_n to_o every_o duty_n though_o thou_o shall_v do_v the_o duty_n require_v if_o thou_o do_v it_o not_o in_o obedience_n to_o that_o command_n god_n will_v not_o own_v it_o whatever_o thou_o do_v do_v all_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n or_o thou_o will_v lose_v thy_o reward_n let_v thy_o heart_n say_v in_o sincerity_n propter_fw-la te_fw-la propter_fw-la te_fw-la domine_fw-la it_o be_v for_o thy_o sake_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o thy_o command_n that_o i_o do_v it_o and_o for_o no_o sinister_a respect_n whatsoever_o hypocrite_n may_v do_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n command_v but_o from_o another_o ground_n and_o for_o another_o end_n they_o savour_v of_o the_o cask_n and_o smell_v of_o self-interest_n they_o reach_v no_o high_a than_o themselves_o as_o water_n ascend_v no_o high_a than_o the_o fountain_n head_n jehu_n do_v what_o god_n command_v in_o destroy_v idolatry_n and_o root_a out_o ahab_n posterity_n but_o all_o this_o while_n he_o have_v a_o kingdom_n in_o his_o eye_n but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n oil_n the_o chariot-wheel_n of_o a_o christian_n endeavour_n it_o carry_v he_o above_o beyond_o and_o out_o of_o himself_o god_n tell_v he_o what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v a_o christian_a never_o examine_v the_o command_n by_o any_o carnal_a interest_n whether_o he_o may_v reap_v gain_n or_o loss_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n by_o it_o come_v what_o come_v will_v he_o resolve_v to_o do_v it_o if_o god_n command_v it_o whatever_o stand_v in_o his_o way_n though_o he_o meet_v death_n itself_o in_o the_o face_n he_o will_v go_v on_o god_n call_v he_o and_o with_o samuel_n he_o cry_v out_o speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v he_o know_v he_o that_o set_v he_o on_o work_n can_v bear_v he_o out_o now_o all_o service_n that_o arise_v not_o from_o this_o ground_n be_v slavish_a and_o mercenary_a and_o merit_v nothing_o at_o god_n hand_n but_o blow_n he_o that_o do_v the_o thing_n command_v and_o know_v not_o of_o the_o command_n do_v not_o obey_v god_n in_o the_o work_n and_o if_o he_o know_v that_o it_o be_v command_v and_o do_v it_o yet_o not_o because_o it_o be_v command_v but_o upon_o other_o account_n god_n will_v not_o reward_v this_o as_o obedience_n the_o pharisee_n know_v that_o prayer_n fast_v and_o alms-deed_n be_v command_v duty_n yea_o they_o perform_v those_o duty_n but_o not_o because_o god_n command_v they_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v applaud_v by_o man_n therefore_o christ_n send_v they_o to_o man_n for_o a_o reward_n mat._n 6.1,2,3_o etc._n etc._n the_o performance_n of_o a_o duty_n will_v do_v we_o little_a good_a if_o we_o can_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o many_o be_v constant_a attender_n upon_o the_o ordinance_n not_o out_o of_o love_n to_o god_n or_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n or_o any_o delight_n they_o have_v in_o the_o duty_n but_o for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o hope_v of_o reward_n either_o from_o god_n or_o man_n or_o for_o popular_a applause_n or_o one_o thing_n or_o other_o of_o that_o nature_n and_o these_o man_n perhaps_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n have_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o work_n and_o their_o heart_n busy_v in_o the_o devil_n service_n and_o they_o look_v upon_o god_n service_n as_o a_o slavery_n and_o glad_a when_o they_o be_v release_v but_o a_o sincere_a christian_a be_v like_o the_o servant_n mention_v exod._n 21.15_o that_o say_v i_o love_v my_o master_n i_o will_v not_o go_v free_a though_o there_o be_v neither_o reward_n in_o heaven_n for_o my_o obedience_n nor_o punishment_n in_o hell_n for_o my_o disobedience_n i_o will_v do_v it_o because_o it_o be_v my_o master_n will_n and_o i_o delight_v in_o the_o work_n itself_o this_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o weight_n to_o the_o clock_n or_o as_o oil_n to_o the_o jack_n it_o set_v it_o on_o work_n for_o god_n love_n make_v labour_n light_n they_o do_v it_o for_o conscience_n sake_n rom._n 13.5_o when_o other_o do_v it_o for_o gain_n sake_n saul_n obey_v for_o a_o kingdom_n and_o jehu_n for_o a_o crown_n and_o when_o this_o be_v obtain_v their_o obedience_n be_v over_o they_o be_v like_a to_o dog_n they_o follow_v their_o master_n till_o they_o meet_v with_o carrion_n examine_v now_o thy_o heart_n what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o thy_o obedience_n if_o it_o be_v low_a than_o thy_o love_n to_o god_n and_o desire_v to_o obey_v he_o it_o be_v not_o right_a 5._o direction_n let_v all_o thy_o duty_n whether_o to_o god_n or_o man_n be_v perform_v in_o the_o manner_n which_o god_n require_v now_o christ_n himself_o tell_v thou_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o he_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n john_n 4.24_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v little_a but_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n 1_o tim._n 4.8_o it_o be_v not_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o the_o move_a of_o the_o lip_n it_o be_v not_o bowing_n couch_n cringing_n that_o he_o be_v affect_v with_o if_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n go_v not_o along_o this_o be_v one_o main_a difference_n between_o a_o sincere_a christian_a and_o a_o hypocrite_n both_o may_v do_v the_o same_o duty_n both_o may_v join_v in_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o both_o may_v hear_v the_o same_o sermon_n yet_o one_o may_v be_v accept_v and_o the_o other_o not_o nay_o for_o the_o bulk_n and_o materiallity_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o hypocrite_n may_v exceed_v the_o other_o the_o pharisee_n they_o fast_v they_o give_v alm_n they_o make_v long_a prayer_n they_o tythe_v mint_n and_o anice_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n lie_v under_o the_o curse_n and_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n and_o persecutor_n of_o christ_n their_o heart_n be_v absent_a from_o their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o right_a to_o god_n they_o lose_v all_o their_o labour_n in_o heaven_n way_n because_o they_o have_v little_a trade_n with_o and_o little_a knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o their_o own_o heart_n hypocrite_n feed_v upon_o the_o husk_n of_o duty_n nnd_v never_o meet_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o duty_n when_o a_o sincere_a heart_n have_v trade_v with_o god_n and_o sweet_a communion_n with_o christ_n himself_n if_o ever_o therefore_o thou_o will_v perform_v please_v sacrifice_n to_o god_n be_v sure_a to_o wind_v up_o thy_o heart_n and_o affection_n unto_o god_n and_o never_o content_v thyself_o with_o any_o duty_n till_o thou_o meet_v with_o christ_n in_o the_o duty_n duty_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v do_v not_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n but_o to_o help_v the_o soul_n to_o mount_v
up_o to_o heaven_n upon_o their_o wing_n which_o be_v the_o place_n of_o its_o rest_n in_o they_o the_o soul_n be_v trade_v with_o god_n for_o christ_n and_o if_o we_o make_v not_o this_o use_n of_o they_o they_o will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a god_n regard_v not_o so_o much_o the_o external_a part_n of_o duty_n though_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v disregard_v as_o he_o do_v the_o internal_a he_o look_v especial_o at_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o duty_n my_o son_n say_v he_o give_v i_o thy_o heart_n if_o this_o be_v present_a many_o infirmity_n shall_v be_v pass_v over_o if_o this_o be_v absent_a though_o the_o duty_n be_v never_o so_o glorious_o act_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v hateful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n cain_n and_o abel_n both_o offer_a sacrifice_n and_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n we_o know_v not_o the_o one_o exceed_v the_o other_o yet_o one_o be_v accept_v and_o the_o other_o reject_v why_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n because_o the_o one_o be_v accompany_v with_o sincerity_n the_o other_o with_o hypocrisy_n and_o as_o god_n so_o all_o good_a man_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o look_v to_o the_o heart_n in_o duty_n they_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o they_o to_o god_n and_o offer_v it_o at_o his_o foot_n they_o know_v the_o more_o of_o the_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o duty_n the_o better_a god_n love_v it_o and_o the_o more_o of_o the_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o sin_n the_o worse_a it_o be_v they_o look_v more_o and_o grieve_v more_o at_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o a_o duty_n when_o it_o lie_v dead_a or_o dull_a than_o at_o a_o mis_fw-fr expression_n or_o external_a fail_n when_o thou_o come_v therefore_o unto_o god_n in_o duty_n gather_v in_o thy_o scatter_a thought_n and_o affection_n and_o let_v they_o meet_v here_o as_o line_n do_v in_o a_o centre_n or_o as_o the_o sunbeam_n in_o a_o burn_a glass_n this_o will_v make_v thy_o prayer_n hot_a and_o fervent_a which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v cold_a and_o remiss_a when_o our_o spirit_n be_v raise_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o flesh_n keep_v under_o in_o the_o duty_n than_o we_o be_v like_a to_o prevail_v it_o be_v not_o the_o multitude_n of_o loose_a or_o lone_a and_o cold_a expression_n will_v serve_v turn_n the_o pharisee_n outdo_v many_o christian_n in_o long_a prayer_n but_o it_o be_v the_o spiritual_a performance_n that_o god_n require_v cold_a petition_n do_v but_o put_v denial_n into_o christ_n mouth_n we_o must_v perform_v every_o duty_n as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o life_n and_o death_n for_o eternity_n yea_o as_o if_o it_o be_v our_o last_o duty_n that_o ever_o we_o shall_v perform_v such_o performance_n as_o these_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o beneficial_a to_o man._n 6._o direction_n thou_o must_v perform_v all_o thy_o duty_n as_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n so_o to_o a_o right_a end_n for_o the_o end_n either_o make_v or_o marrs_n the_o action_n now_o the_o end_n be_v such_o as_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n now_o god_n never_o ordain_v duty_n or_o good_a work_n to_o be_v trust_v in_o for_o salvation_n thou_o can_v never_o merit_v heaven_n by_o thy_o prayer_n or_o other_o duty_n they_o be_v not_o command_v for_o this_o end_n indeed_o they_o be_v a_o causa_fw-la sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la of_o salvation_n for_o though_o they_o can_v save_v we_o yet_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o they_o they_o be_v the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n though_o not_o causa_fw-la regnandi_fw-la christ_n have_v purchase_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n they_o be_v of_o special_a use_n for_o we_o in_o the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o to_o do_v they_o and_o threaten_v we_o and_o will_v punish_v we_o if_o we_o neglect_v they_o as_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o prove_v when_o i_o treat_v of_o they_o particular_o and_o that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v and_o command_v be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v a_o honest_a heart_n though_o there_o be_v neither_o reward_n nor_o punishment_n for_o the_o doer_n or_o neglecter_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o glorify_v god_n john_n 15.8_o hereby_o be_v our_o heavenly_a father_n glorify_v when_o we_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n mat._n 5.18_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n by_o this_o mean_n also_o we_o may_v be_v instrumental_a of_o other_o conversion_n wife_n be_v command_v to_o carry_v themselves_o so_o holy_o and_o wise_o that_o thereby_o unbelieve_a husband_n may_v be_v win_v to_o the_o faith_n 1_o pet._n 3.1_o and_o as_o they_o may_v do_v good_a to_o other_o so_o they_o may_v bring_v comfort_n to_o themselves_o these_o breathe_n out_o of_o grace_n will_v be_v a_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n when_o we_o find_v the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n teach_v we_o how_o and_o for_o what_o to_o pray_v these_o product_n of_o grace_n will_v yield_v the_o soul_n no_o little_a satisfaction_n yea_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o obtain_v many_o blessing_n from_o god_n what_o sweet_a return_n of_o prayer_n have_v the_o saint_n have_v how_o often_o have_v god_n answer_v they_o in_o the_o very_a petition_n they_o have_v ask_v christ_n bid_v they_o ask_v and_o they_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o they_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o they_o and_o how_o many_o can_v experience_n this_o truth_n though_o god_n promise_v the_o mercy_n yet_o he_o will_v be_v seek_v to_o for_o it_o and_o what_o sweet_a and_o ravish_a income_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v christian_n oftentimes_o in_o the_o hear_n read_v meditate_v and_o confer_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o religious_a duty_n and_o what_o satisfaction_n and_o comfort_n it_o be_v true_a we_o must_v not_o trust_v to_o they_o for_o comfort_n as_o the_o cause_n but_o as_o the_o instrument_n hezekiah_n find_v comfort_n upon_o his_o sick_a bed_n from_o the_o faithful_a performance_n of_o god_n will._n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o one_o special_a end_n why_o god_n appoint_v they_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n near_o unto_o christ_n by_o they_o and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o must_v use_v they_o they_o be_v as_o ladder_n to_o help_v we_o up_o to_o heaven_n to_o lift_v we_o above_o ourselves_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n we_o must_v make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o a_o traveller_n do_v of_o a_o boat_n or_o bridge_n to_o help_v we_o over_o unto_o christ_n or_o as_o he_o do_v of_o a_o staff_n or_o style_v to_o help_v he_o in_o his_o journey_n though_o they_o in_o themselves_o have_v no_o excellency_n yet_o they_o help_v we_o over_o where_o true_a treasure_n be_v though_o they_o be_v empty_a in_o themselves_o and_o vain_a to_o those_o that_o trust_v in_o they_o yet_o be_v they_o enrich_v to_o the_o saint_n that_o trust_v not_o to_o they_o but_o use_v they_o for_o the_o end_v appoint_v but_o many_o like_o foolish_a lover_n woo_v the_o maid_n when_o they_o shall_v court_v the_o mistress_n or_o like_o foolish_a traveller_n play_v with_o the_o style_n or_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o the_o boat_n and_o neglect_v their_o way_n they_o trust_v to_o their_o duty_n but_o these_o be_v never_o appoint_v to_o save_v we_o or_o to_o make_v up_o christ_n merit_n satisfactory_a for_o this_o be_v sufficient_a but_o that_o it_o may_v help_v we_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n satisfaction_n use_v they_o therefore_o for_o that_o end_n 7._o direct_v when_o thou_o have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o all_o that_o thou_o can_v say_v thou_o be_v a_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o have_v do_v no_o more_o nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v thy_o duty_n luke_n 17.10_o and_o take_v heed_n of_o rest_v in_o or_o trust_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o christ_n for_o justification_n or_o salvation_n trust_v not_o to_o thy_o duty_n for_o they_o will_v deceive_v thou_o and_o prove_v like_o egyptian_a reed_n not_o only_o break_v but_o run_v into_o thy_o hand_n they_o be_v never_o appoint_v for_o this_o end_n to_o trust_v to_o they_o let_v the_o papist_n brag_n never_o so_o much_o of_o their_o work_n of_o supererogation_n or_o of_o their_o merit_n let_v the_o ignorant_a person_n brag_v of_o his_o good_a meaning_n his_o good_a heart_n and_o his_o good_a serve_a god_n let_v the_o civil_a man_n brag_v of_o his_o pay_v every_o man_n his_o own_o and_o upright_o deal_n and_o the_o almost_o christian_a of_o his_o repent_v return_v and_o reform_v alas_o all_o this_o will_v deceive_v they_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
reconcile_v we_o to_o his_o father_n it_o be_v he_o in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v and_o through_o he_o he_o can_v be_v offend_v he_o be_v the_o highpriest_n that_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n when_o he_o have_v perfume_v they_o with_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n rev._n 8.3_o it_o be_v he_o that_o present_v their_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o make_v they_o acceptable_a which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v abominable_a he_o be_v the_o altar_n whereon_o a_o break_a heart_n must_v offer_v up_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n now_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o go_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n i_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v use_v christ_n name_n to_o god_n or_o conclude_v our_o prayer_n with_o such_o word_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_n though_o this_o be_v lawful_a if_o serious_a yet_o not_o sufficient_a we_o read_v of_o some_o mat._n 7.22_o that_o have_v preach_v in_o his_o name_n and_o in_o his_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o his_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a they_o have_v pray_v in_o his_o name_n also_o and_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o own_v they_o but_o those_o that_o come_v in_o his_o name_n must_v believe_v in_o he_o for_o salvation_n roll_n themselves_o upon_o he_o lay_v hold_v upon_o he_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n for_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n for_o their_o head_n and_o husband_n for_o their_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o whole_o unto_o he_o take_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o and_o forsake_v all_o other_o for_o he_o to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o though_o all_o the_o world_n be_v offend_v at_o it_o to_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o and_o all_o we_o have_v to_o be_v at_o his_o dispose_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v any_o thing_n do_v any_o thing_n suffer_v any_o thing_n he_o will_v have_v we_o and_o so_o to_o come_v with_o confidence_n to_o god_n trust_v in_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n believe_v that_o for_o his_o sake_n we_o shall_v have_v our_o sin_n pardon_v our_o want_n supply_v and_o our_o soul_n save_v he_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o the_o father_n and_o without_o he_o we_o can_v have_v no_o admittance_n he_o open_v the_o door_n and_o bring_v we_o into_o the_o presence-chamber_n eph._n 2.18_o he_o be_v the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n heb._n 9.14_o 1_o tim._n 2.5_o now_o god_n never_o give_v any_o such_o honour_n to_o the_o saint_n nor_o angel_n in_o the_o scripture_n though_o he_o deny_v they_o none_o that_o be_v their_o due_n many_o promise_v we_o have_v that_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v in_o christ_n name_n shall_v be_v give_v we_o john_n 14.13_o but_o no_o promise_n in_o scripture_n of_o prevail_v in_o any_o other_o name_n nay_o the_o contrary_a for_o if_o noah_n daniel_n and_o job_n depart_v saint_n who_o god_n dear_o love_v can_v not_o be_v hear_v for_o son_n or_o daughter_n ezek._n 14.14_o etc._n etc._n what_o hope_n can_v we_o have_v of_o other_o perhaps_o the_o papist_n will_v tell_v we_o they_o do_v not_o pray_v to_o saint_n or_o angel_n that_o they_o shall_v help_v they_o but_o only_o mediate_v for_o they_o but_o who_o make_v they_o mediator_n there_o be_v only_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n even_o the_o lord_n christ_n jesus_n 1_o tim_n 2.5_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o qualify_v for_o the_o office_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o must_v be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n that_o be_v to_o mediate_v between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o that_o he_o be_v perfect_o righteous_a which_o no_o son_n of_o adam_n christ_n except_v ever_o be_v all_o other_o have_v oil_n little_a enough_o and_o none_o to_o spare_v neither_o do_v the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o any_o other_o nay_o exclude_v all_o other_o for_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o only_a mediator_n none_o can_v make_v our_o imperfect_a prayer_n acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o he_o none_o can_v be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n to_o receive_v all_o petition_n but_o he_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n be_v but_o finite_a creature_n and_o can_v be_v in_o all_o place_n at_o once_o and_o what_o assurance_n can_v we_o have_v when_o we_o pray_v that_o they_o be_v present_a and_o hear_v all_o prayer_n and_o understand_v all_o language_n how_o can_v peter_n or_o the_o virgin_n mary_n at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v present_a at_o rome_n venice_n london_n and_o ten_o thousand_o place_n at_o once_o if_o they_o be_v not_o infinite_a as_o we_o have_v no_o precept_n in_o scripture_n to_o make_v these_o our_o mediator_n no_o more_o have_v we_o example_n of_o any_o that_o do_v though_o there_o be_v many_o saint_n then_o dead_a job_n 5.1_o to_o which_o of_o the_o saint_n will_v thou_o turn_v it_o be_v christ_n alone_o that_o know_v that_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a rom._n 8.27_o and_o in_o his_o name_n we_o must_v go_v to_o god_n if_o we_o will_v be_v hear_v 5._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v put_v up_o prevalent_a prayer_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n look_v well_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o ask_v nothing_o of_o god_n but_o what_o thou_o have_v some_o ground_n to_o believe_v thou_o shall_v receive_v from_o god_n every_o thing_n will_v no_o more_o bear_v a_o prayer_n than_o every_o stream_n will_v a_o ship_n thou_o ought_v not_o to_o pray_v for_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v against_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o edification_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o thy_o own_o and_o other_o salvation_n they_o be_v rather_o curse_n than_o prayer_n that_o be_v pour_v out_o by_o wicked_a man_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o a_o faithful_a ministry_n and_o the_o root_n out_o of_o the_o godly_a or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o these_o will_v prevail_v for_o a_o curse_n upon_o the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o the_o imprecator_n thou_o must_v not_o pray_v for_o a_o commission_n to_o break_v thy_o sovereign_n law_n this_o will_v not_o be_v grant_v or_o to_o do_v thing_n contrary_a to_o his_o reveal_v or_o for_o any_o thing_n evil_a in_o itself_o or_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n nature_n to_o grant_v or_o contrary_a to_o his_o eternal_a decree_n thou_o must_v not_o pray_v for_o a_o dispensation_n to_o sin_n and_o for_o assistance_n in_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n or_o to_o reconcile_v god_n and_o mammon_n or_o christ_n and_o belial_n or_o for_o salvation_n without_o sanctification_n or_o for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n without_o faith_n and_o repentance_n neither_o ought_v thou_o to_o pray_v for_o trifle_n and_o thing_n of_o small_a concernment_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o a_o subject_a to_o go_v to_o his_o prince_n to_o beg_v a_o point_n or_o a_o pin._n neither_o shall_v thou_o pray_v for_o that_o which_o thou_o will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o get_v many_o can_v wish_v for_o heaven_n that_o will_v not_o work_v for_o heaven_n but_o thou_o may_v pray_v for_o all_o those_o good_a thing_n for_o soul_n or_o body_n for_o this_o life_n or_o that_o to_o come_v for_o thyself_o or_o other_o which_o be_v necessary_a which_o god_n have_v command_v thou_o to_o ask_v or_o promise_v in_o his_o word_n to_o give_v thou_o have_v a_o good_a foundation_n for_o thy_o faith_n to_o ask_v what_o divine_a writ_n warrant_v thou_o to_o ask_v or_o promise_n shall_v be_v give_v and_o thou_o must_v beg_v they_o as_o they_o be_v promise_v what_o be_v absolute_o promise_v thou_o may_v beg_v absolute_o and_o what_o be_v conditional_o promise_v beg_v it_o if_o god_n see_v it_o good_a for_o thou_o you_o ask_v and_o have_v not_o say_v the_o apostle_n because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o the_o apostle_n be_v reprove_v that_o will_v have_v ask_v fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o burn_v up_o the_o unprofitable_a samaritan_n luke_n 9.54_o every_o petition_n shall_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o upon_o carnal_a conceit_n we_o shall_v ask_v what_o god_n think_v fit_a and_o not_o what_o we_o ourselves_o think_v fit_a it_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a petition_n of_o the_o mother_n of_o zebedee_n child_n that_o her_o son_n may_v sit_v one_o at_o christ_n right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o at_o his_o left_a in_o his_o kingdom_n if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o will_v grant_v it_o we_o 1_o john_n 5.14_o where_o god_n command_v we_o to_o ask_v and_o promise_v we_o to_o give_v here_o be_v a_o double_a ground_n of_o assurance_n now_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o shall_v beg_v of_o god_n for_o ourselves_o or_o other_o be_v either_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a those_o which_o be_v spiritual_a be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o they_o be_v not_o
the_o sacrament_n but_o without_o faith_n they_o can_v be_v lay_v hold_n upon_o 6._o direct_v have_v show_v you_o what_o preparation_n be_v necessary_a and_o also_o what_o qualification_n and_o how_o thou_o shall_v stand_v affect_v when_o thou_o come_v to_o this_o ordinance_n i_o shall_v next_o show_v thou_o how_o to_o demean_v thyself_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o receive_v for_o thy_o external_n behaviour_n or_o outward_a demeanour_n it_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n reverent_a grave_a seemly_a and_o such_o as_o bespeak_v humility_n and_o self-abasing_a not_o light_n and_o wanton_a and_o gazish_v but_o such_o as_o become_v a_o guest_n at_o such_o a_o table_n yet_o beware_v of_o such_o voluntary_a or_o superstitious_a humility_n such_o as_o the_o papist_n and_o some_o other_o use_v which_o have_v no_o foot_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o sure_a way_n be_v to_o take_v the_o scripture_n for_o our_o guide_n but_o for_o thy_o inward_a carriage_n which_o be_v most_o to_o be_v regard_v be_v sure_a thy_o heart_n be_v not_o want_v for_o god_n can_v endure_v heartless_a service_n if_o this_o instrument_n be_v not_o in_o tune_n the_o musitioner_n be_v bad_a here_o if_o any_o where_o god_n call_v son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n and_o nothing_o else_o will_v serve_v turn_n but_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n break_v and_o bleed_v come_v with_o the_o heart_n humble_v god_n can_v endure_v a_o proud_a person_n especial_o in_o a_o ordinance_n that_o hold_v forth_o that_o which_o may_v humble_v thou_o here_o be_v christ_n crucify_a and_o his_o blood_n shed_v for_o thy_o sin_n thou_o be_v the_o traitor_n that_o betray_v he_o the_o judge_n that_o condemn_v he_o and_o the_o executioner_n that_o put_v he_o death_n and_o will_v not_o this_o work_n upon_o thou_o be_v it_o nothing_o to_o have_v blood_n lie_v upon_o thou_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o innocent_a the_o blood_n of_o a_o friend_n the_o blood_n of_o a_o king_n yea_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n what_o ingenious_a spirit_n but_o will_v melt_v at_o such_o a_o consideration_n every_o sacramental_a action_n of_o the_o minister_n may_v further_o thy_o meditation_n and_o help_v thou_o up_o to_o heaven_n in_o thy_o contemplation_n when_o thou_o behold_v the_o minister_n who_o stand_v in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n set_v apart_o and_o consecrate_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n will_v not_o this_o bring_v to_o thy_o mind_n the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o thy_o soul_n who_o from_o eternity_n set_v apart_o his_o only_a son_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v thy_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n thy_o surety_n and_o thy_o saviour_n well_o may_v it_o be_v say_v god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n etc._n etc._n may_v not_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o furnish_v thou_o with_o heart-raising_a heart-warming_a meditation_n and_o when_o thou_o see_v thou_o bread_n break_v and_o the_o wine_n pour_v out_o do_v not_o this_o lively_a represent_v the_o bitter_a death_n and_o bloody_a passion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n thy_o sweet_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n his_o body_n be_v break_v his_o precious_a blood_n be_v shed_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o thy_o sin_n which_o otherwise_o can_v not_o have_v be_v forgive_v ah_o what_o a_o wicked_a thing_n than_o be_v sin_n when_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v divine_a justice_n but_o the_o death_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n when_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n thus_o separate_v thus_o set_v apart_o from_o common_a use_n be_v hold_v forth_o to_o thou_o apprehend_v god_n himself_o give_v christ_n yea_o christ_n offer_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o treasure_n to_o be_v thy_o husband_n thy_o surety_n thy_o mediator_n and_o thy_o saviour_n ah_o what_o soul-refreshing_a thought_n may_v this_o produce_v well_o may_v thou_o say_v with_o david_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o or_o rather_o lord_n what_o be_o i_o that_o thou_o regard_v i_o and_o have_v provide_v such_o a_o feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n for_o i_o with_o wine_n on_o the_o lees_n when_o thousand_o be_v lay_v aside_o as_o good_a as_o i_o by_o nature_n and_o when_o thou_o receive_v the_o element_n at_o the_o minister_n hand_n let_v thy_o faith_n lie_v fast_o hold_v and_z clasp_z fast_o about_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o take_v he_o as_o give_v by_o god_n to_o be_v thy_o husband_n and_o resolve_v that_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o instrument_n shall_v never_o draw_v off_o thy_o affection_n from_o he_o but_o thou_o will_v all_o other_o be_v forsake_v prove_v his_o faithful_a spouse_n and_o when_o thou_o eat_v and_o drink_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n let_v thy_o faith_n feed_v upon_o those_o spiritual_a dainty_n hereby_o represent_v upon_o this_o nectar_n and_o ambrosia_n this_o bread_n and_o this_o water_n of_o life_n receive_v he_o and_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n by_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a action_n let_v thy_o heart_n close_o with_o god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o let_v the_o whole_a bent_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v set_v upon_o he_o and_o by_o such_o meditation_n stir_v up_o thy_o heart_n to_o bless_v god_n and_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o mercy_n and_o to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o and_o to_o vow_v obedience_n to_o he_o and_o as_o thou_o look_v upon_o thy_o sin_n with_o one_o eye_n to_o hate_v and_o abominate_a it_o so_o look_v upon_o christ_n with_o the_o other_o to_o keep_v thou_o from_o despair_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v up_o in_o the_o sacrament_n a_o sacrifice_n to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n and_o beg_v of_o god_n humble_o yet_o believe_o that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o this_o sacrifice_n as_o satisfactory_a for_o thy_o sin_n and_o pardon_v what_o be_v past_a and_o give_v thou_o power_n against_o sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v consider_v also_o the_o give_v and_o receive_v of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v a_o further_a ratification_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o i_o say_v before_o wherein_o god_n offer_v christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o promise_n to_o be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n and_o thou_o promise_v that_o thou_o and_o thou_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n let_v this_o strengthen_v thy_o faith_n in_o his_o promise_n for_o he_o will_v never_o break_v his_o word_n and_o let_v it_o strengthen_v thy_o resolution_n that_o thou_o will_v never_o break_v with_o he_o than_o this_o will_v be_v to_o thou_o a_o happy_a ordinance_n 7._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o sacrament_n behave_v thyself_o well_o after_o thou_o have_v receive_v it_o all_o thy_o work_n be_v not_o do_v nay_o most_o be_v to_o be_v do_v when_o thou_o have_v turn_v thy_o back_n upon_o the_o congregation_n it_o be_v not_o the_o make_v a_o vow_n but_o the_o make_v it_o good_a the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o most_o of_o the_o work_n it_o be_v not_o the_o prepare_n for_o the_o duty_n or_o carry_v thyself_o well_o in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v though_o this_o be_v necessary_a that_o be_v sufficient_a god_n expect_v some_o after-work_n a_o servant_n that_o be_v refresh_v with_o wholesome_a meat_n and_o drink_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v idle_a nor_o to_o spend_v his_o time_n vain_o there_o be_v a_o great_a tie_n lie_v upon_o he_o to_o diligence_n and_o pain_n take_v so_o he_o that_o come_v from_o such_o a_o feast_n and_o be_v refresh_v with_o such_o dainty_n shall_v be_v more_o active_a lively_a quick_n and_o dispose_a to_o spiritual_a exercise_n plung_v not_o thyself_o too_o sudden_o into_o worldly_a business_n distract_v not_o thy_o thought_n about_o thing_n here_o below_o for_o as_o in_o sweat_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o cool_v over-sudden_o so_o it_o be_v here_o when_o the_o affection_n be_v raise_v to_o heaven_n let_v they_o not_o sudden_o grovel_v upon_o the_o ground_n when_o they_o be_v heat_v let_v not_o the_o cold_a wind_n of_o the_o world_n sudden_o benumb_v they_o and_o when_o thou_o do_v set_v about_o worldly_a business_n remember_v there_o be_v a_o business_n of_o great_a concernment_n lie_v upon_o thy_o hand_n and_o therefore_o do_v all_o in_o subordination_n to_o god_n redeem_v some_o time_n for_o divine_a meditation_n to_o consider_v what_o thou_o have_v be_v about_o and_o with_o who_o thou_o have_v have_v to_o deal_v thou_o have_v be_v renew_v that_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o thy_o soul_n which_o be_v make_v in_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o look_v to_o it_o that_o thou_o make_v it_o good_a it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o vow_v than_o to_o vow_n and_o not_o perform_v consider_v whether_o god_n make_v good_a his_o promise_n seal_v by_o this_o sacrament_n if_o not_o doubtless_o the_o fault_n be_v thou_o own_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
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