Selected quad for the lemma: mercy_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
mercy_n goodness_n great_a sin_n 6,173 5 4.6117 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33548 Jacob's vow, or, Man's felicity and duty in two parts / by John Cockburn ... Cockburn, John, 1652-1729. 1696 (1696) Wing C4813; ESTC R10808 214,296 486

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duty_n thus_o to_o observe_v the_o work_n and_o way_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o make_v a_o wise_a observation_n of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o follow_v the_o light_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o which_o mean_n we_o shall_v both_o ●…ee_v the_o more_o clear_o and_o shall_v also_o understand_v the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o god_n work_n more_o full_o many_o thing_n which_o lie_v hide_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v discern_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o give_v we_o a_o better_a view_n of_o many_o of_o god_n act_n than_o what_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v otherwise_o and_o hereby_o only_o we_o be_v instruct_v in_o one_o work_n of_o god_n which_o of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o wonderful_a i_o mean_v the_o work_n of_o man_n redemption_n this_o be_v a_o deep_a mystery_n and_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n both_o for_o itself_o &_o because_o help_n to_o unriddle_v all_o the_o other_o mystery_n of_o divine_a providence_n such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a may_v with_o the_o greek_n count_v it_o foolishness_n but_o who_o serious_o examine_v it_o shall_v find_v it_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o it_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 12._o and_o see_v it_o concern_v we_o more_o than_o they_o certain_o we_o can_v never_o sufficient_o either_o consider_v it_o or_o admire_v it_o if_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o observe_v the_o divine_a transaction_n as_o we_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v sure_o we_o ought_v to_o contemptlate_v this_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a contrivance_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o the_o very_a end_n of_o all_o the_o other_o purpose_n of_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v col_n 2._o 3._o here_o we_o see_v the_o most_o amaze_a thing_n viz._n a_o union_n betwixt_o two_o nature_n infinite_o distant_a a_o reconciliation_n betwixt_o infinite_a justice_n and_o infinite_a mercy_n the_o great_a severity_n towards_o sin_n and_o the_o great_a kindness_n towards_o sinner_n express_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o act._n all_o god_n work_v declare_v his_o glory_n but_o never_o any_o more_o or_o so_o much_o as_o this_o his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n justice_n mercy_n and_o other_o perfection_n be_v never_o so_o illustrious_o display_v as_o here_o on_o this_o therefore_o we_o must_v in_o a_o more_o special_a manner_n fix_v our_o thought_n and_o that_o not_o mere_o to_o satisfy_v our_o curiosity_n or_o to_o stuff_n our_o head_n with_o notion_n but_o to_o fill_v we_o with_o a_o great_a knowledge_n of_o god_n to_o raise_v our_o admiration_n of_o he_o to_o excite_v our_o love_n to_o he_o and_o to_o stir_v up_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o their_o power_n and_o faculty_n to_o bless_v and_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o goodness_n and_o wonderful_a work_n to_o the_o child_n of_o men._n and_o as_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o end_n in_o observe_v and_o contemplate_v the_o way_n and_o work_n of_o god_n so_o upon_o this_o very_a account_n we_o be_v oblige_v thereto_o because_o that_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o necessary_a mean_n to_o carry_v on_o this_o end_n we_o can_v love_v nor_o admire_v nor_o adore_v nor_o trust_v &c_n &c_n what_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o we_o can_v know_v god_n otherwave_v then_o by_o his_o work_n and_o those_o manifestation_n which_o he_o have_v give_v of_o himself_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o immeditat_v intuition_n of_o his_o essence_n and_o the_o idea_n which_o we_o have_v of_o he_o by_o nature_n will_v soon_o be_v deface_v if_o it_o be_v not_o cherish_v by_o such_o meditation_n that_o therefore_o we_o may_v know_v god_n and_o know_v he_o be_v engage_v to_o those_o act_n of_o love_n praise_n trust_v dependence_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v those_o work_n and_o action_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v before_o we_o in_o nature_n and_o in_o his_o word_n and_o which_o daily_a appear_v by_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o ourselves_o and_o other_o wherefore_o also_o we_o must_v not_o do_v this_o only_a now_o and_o then_o or_o in_o a_o slight_a overly_o manner_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v up_o frequent_o with_o such_o contemplation_n and_o when_o we_o set_v about_o they_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o all_o seriousness_n and_o attention_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o we_o consider_v and_o that_o it_o may_v have_v a_o due_a impression_n on_o we_o short_a and_o superficial_a glance_n do_v little_a good_a indeed_o what_o occur_v to_o we_o as_o we_o converse_v with_o other_o or_o go_v up_o and_o down_o about_o our_o a_o 〈◊〉_d we_o need_v not_o stay_v long_o thereon_o but_o may_v observe_v pass_o but_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a beside_o to_o set_v a_o part_n some_o particular_a time_n for_o this_o purpose_n that_o our_o meditation_n may_v be_v more_o deliberate_a and_o free_a of_o distraction_n how_o much_o time_n shall_v be_v allot_v and_o what_o hour_n be_v best_a must_v be_v leave_v to_o each_o one_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o general_a rule_n prescribe_v to_o all_o some_o have_v their_o time_n at_o their_o own_o disposal_n and_o can_v use_v it_o as_o they_o please_v other_o be_v not_o so_o the_o first_o sort_n may_v keep_v hour_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o spend_v more_o time_n in_o this_o exercise_n but_o for_o the_o last_o they_o must_v take_v the_o evening_n or_o the_o morning_n or_o midday_n as_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o they_o and_o must_v continue_v long_o or_o short_a as_o agree_v best_a with_o their_o station_n and_o employment_n every_o one_o have_v the_o lord_n day_n almost_o free_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v every_o one_o duty_n to_o employ_v this_o day_n thus_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o main_a end_n of_o the_o day_n and_o 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shall_v determine_v our_o meditation_n to_o these_o especial_o but_o ordinary_o when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o particular_a reason_n to_o determine_v we_o it_o will_v be_v best_a &_o most_o profitable_a to_o follow_v the_o course_n &_o order_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o we_o may_v call_v the_o scripture_n divine_a mom●…ires_n which_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o great_a and_o admirable_a action_n of_o the_o universal_a monarch_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o second_o instance_n of_o walk_v with_o god_n of_o consult_v god._n the_o three_o particular_a mean_v by_o walk_v with_o god_n be_v the_o consult_v he_o about_o what_o concern_v we_o for_o as_o be_v usual_a for_o such_o as_o be_v in_o company_n together_o to_o advise_v with_o one_o another_o so_o by_o walk_v with_o god_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o ask_v his_o counsel_n and_o direction_n and_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o unerring_a wisdom_n the_o more_o eminent_a any_o one_o be_v the_o more_o other_o 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natural_a light_n and_o usual_o call_v the_o moral_a law_n the_o observance_n whereof_o be_v require_v by_o the_o very_a order_n of_o nature_n for_o if_o we_o act_v rational_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v this_o law_n as_o close_o as_o the_o brute_n creature_n do_v their_o natural_a instinct_n but_o beside_o the_o command_n of_o this_o first_o kind_n there_o be_v other_o mere_o arbitrary_a which_o god_n have_v enjoin_v chief_o to_o hold_v out_o his_o absolute_a soveraginity_n over_o we_o and_o to_o prove_v our_o subjection_n to_o he_o these_o divine_n ordinary_o term_v positive_a precept_n and_o they_o be_v only_o know_v by_o revelation_n god_n never_o suffer_v man_n to_o be_v without_o some_o command_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o jew_n have_v many_o such_o but_o christian_n have_v few_o and_o those_o few_o too_o be_v make_v very_o serviceable_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n the_o perfection_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o their_o union_n with_o god_n how_o ever_o though_o it_o be_v 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acknowledge_v we_o shall_v instance_n first_o that_o of_o fear_n and_o here_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v fear_v it_o be_v so_o know_v and_o manifest_a a_o thing_n that_o all_o who_o have_v ever_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n have_v also_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v fear_v so_o that_o not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o even_o among_o all_o nation_n all_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n be_v frequent_o express_v by_o this_o one_o particular_a he_o fear_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a if_o any_o shall_v think_v god_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v fear_v a_o great_a parodox_n be_v never_o vent_v among_o man_n fear_v you_o not_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n will_v you_o not_o tremble_v at_o my_o presence_n which_o have_v place_v the_o sand_n for_o the_o bind_v of_o the_o sea_n by_o a_o perpetual_a decree_n that_o it_o can_v pass_v it_o and_o though_o the_o wave_n thereof_o toss_v themselves_o 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these_o thing_n they_o remove_v and_o stand_v a_o far_o off_o and_o they_o say_v unto_o moses_n speak_v thou_o with_o we_o and_o we_o will_v hear_v but_o let_v not_o god_n speak_v with_o we_o lest_o we_o die_v it_o be_v this_o fear_n also_o which_o possess_v our_o first_o parent_n after_o they_o have_v eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n they_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o hide_v themselves_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n among_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o garden_n gen._n 3._o 8._o nay_o the_o devil_n themselves_o be_v seize_v with_o this_o fear_n they_o also_o fear_v and_o tremble_v but_o by_o do_v so_o they_o do_v not_o please_v god_n nor_o find_v any_o acceptance_n with_o he_o the_o true_a and_o commendable_a fear_n of_o god_n be_v what_o we_o call_v
delicious_a if_o we_o have_v clothes_n that_o be_v useful_a and_o comely_a though_o they_o be_v not_o gaudy_a and_o splendid_a and_o for_o great_a ostentation_n if_o we_o have_v as_o much_o as_o serve_v to_o relieve_v our_o present_a necessity_n and_o to_o afford_v we_o necessary_a and_o convenient_a accommodation_n though_o not_o for_o lavish_a and_o prodigal_a spend_v or_o so_o much_o as_o other_o have_v or_o equal_a to_o what_o our_o ancestor_n enjoy_v in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v and_o if_o we_o do_v complain_v in_o these_o circumstance_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v satisfy_v in_o any_o he_o that_o be_v not_o content_v with_o a_o moderate_a and_o reasonable_a competency_n will_v never_o think_v the_o great_a abundance_n enough_o when_o man_n desire_n once_o go_v beyond_o their_o necessity_n no_o measure_n of_o wealth_n or_o riches_n can_v stay_v they_o crescit_fw-la amor_fw-la nummi_fw-la quantum_fw-la ipsa_fw-la pecunia_fw-la crescit_fw-la and_o solomon_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o love_v silver_n viz._n with_o a_o immoderate_a love_n shall_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o silver_n nor_o he_o that_o love_v abundance_n with_o increase_n eccl._n 5._o 10._o the_o best_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o become_v rich_a be_v not_o to_o seek_v to_o increase_v our_o substance_n but_o to_o moderate_a and_o abridge_v our_o desire_n the_o true_a way_n to_o fill_v a_o leak_a vessel_n be_v not_o to_o carry_v it_o to_o the_o ocean_n or_o some_o great_a river_n but_o to_o stop_v the_o leak_n for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v it_o be_v no_o more_o possible_a to_o fill_v it_o at_o the_o ocean_n then_o at_o some_o small_a rivulet_n even_o so_o if_o we_o will_v draw_v contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n from_o our_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n we_o must_v not_o let_v our_o desire_n reach_v far_o than_o what_o be_v just_a and_o equitable_a otherwise_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o content_v or_o satiat_fw-la they_o but_o suppose_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v even_o by_o the_o narrow_a measure_n that_o thou_o be_v in_o a_o estate_n of_o want_n and_o have_v not_o a_o sufficiency_n answerable_a to_o thy_o necessity_n in_o this_o case_n indeed_o thou_o have_v not_o full_a matter_n of_o contentment_n but_o however_o thou_o must_v labour_v to_o support_v thyself_o with_o patience_n consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o lot_n which_o the_o all_o wise_a god_n have_v give_v thou_o to_o who_o thou_o owe_v a_o entire_a submission_n and_o who_o may_v have_v appoint_v this_o as_o to_o punish_v thy_o former_a folly_n and_o sin_n so_o likewise_o both_o to_o further_o thy_o great_a good_a and_o also_o to_o prevent_v great_a mischief_n and_o evil_n which_o may_v have_v befall_v thou_o and_o though_o thou_o may_v very_o lawful_o seek_v to_o be_v out_o of_o this_o present_a necessitous_a condition_n provide_v it_o be_v by_o lawful_a mean_n and_o moderate_a care_n and_o endeavour_n yet_o thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o fret_v and_o repine_v thereat_o for_o consider_v that_o as_o thy_o estate_n be_v little_a here_o so_o thy_o account_n shall_v be_v the_o less_o hereafter_o and_o thou_o be_v also_o at_o present_a deliver_v from_o many_o dangerous_a temptation_n which_o perhaps_o thou_o can_v not_o well_o have_v resist_v and_o be_v rid_v of_o many_o encumbrance_n and_o entanglement_n which_o will_v either_o have_v hinder_v thy_o progress_n in_o virtue_n and_o h●…liness_n altogether_o or_o else_o render_v it_o very_o difficult_a remember_v also_o that_o even_o in_o this_o state_n there_o be_v fair_a and_o good_a opportunity_n of_o win_v heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n as_o well_o as_o in_o any_o other_o and_o if_o that_o be_v sufficient_o secure_v it_o be_v the_o less_o matter_n what_o come_v of_o other_o thing_n i●…_n we_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v happy_a hereafter_o we_o need_v not_o be_v much_o concern_v how_o we_o fare_v here_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o neither_o our_o praise_n nor_o our_o reward_n depend_v upon_o any_o external_a condition_n of_o this_o world_n but_o upon_o our_o live_n virtuous_o and_o upright_o devout_o and_o pious_o in_o whatsoever_o condition_n god_n put_v we_o the_o state_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o a_o play_n whereof_o we_o all_o be_v the_o actor_n and_o as_o in_o a_o play_n it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n what_o part_n a_o man_n act_n provide_v he_o act_v the_o part_n allot_v he_o handsome_o and_o well_o for_o he_o that_o act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o servant_n or_o clown_n right_o get_v as_o much_o praise_n and_o reward_n as_o he_o who_o play_v the_o part_n of_o a_o prince_n so_o let_v it_o not_o trouble_v thou_o whither_o this_o or_o the_o other_o condition_n have_v fall_v into_o thy_o share_n whither_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o this_o or_o the_o other_o station_n to_o show_v thyself_o in_o but_o whatever_o it_o be_v do_v thou_o what_o become_v thou_o walk_v suitable_o to_o thy_o place_n and_o circumstance_n see_v that_o thou_o carry_v thyself_o so_o as_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v thyself_o praise_v and_o other_o edify_v and_o when_o the_o play_n be_v do_v when_o this_o life_n be_v end_v great_a shall_v be_v thy_o reward_n last_o if_o thou_o find_v that_o god_n have_v put_v thou_o into_o a_o estate_n of_o redundance_n &_o plenty_n so_o that_o beside_o the_o liberal_a supply_n of_o thy_o necessity_n thou_o have_v much_o considerable_o over_o and_o above_o if_o so_o than_o thou_o owe_v first_o great_a thanks_o to_o god_n for_o his_o bountyt_n and_o liberality_n to_o thou_o whilst_o many_o other_o in_o the_o world_n be_v pinch_a and_o strain_v thou_o bring_v as_o little_a into_o the_o world_n with_o thou_o as_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v not_o make_v the_o difference_n and_o keep_v it_o up_o thou_o shall_v have_v feel_v their_o poverty_n and_o they_o may_v have_v enjoy_v thy_o present_a plenty_n make_v therefore_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n unto_o god_n goodness_n as_o this_o jacob_n do_v afterward_o upon_o the_o like_a consideration_n o_o god_n say_v he_o i_o be_o not_o worthy_a of_o the_o least_o of_o all_o the_o mercy_n and_o of_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o thou_o have_v show_v unto_o thy_o servant_n for_o with_o my_o staff_n i_o pass_v over_o this_o jordan_n and_o now_o i_o be_o become_v two_o band_n gen._n 32._o 9_o 10._o but_o as_o thou_o be_v thus_o oblige_v to_o gratitude_n and_o thankfulness_n so_o in_o the_o next_o place_n you_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v what_o warriness_n and_o circumspection_n and_o watchfulness_n thy_o present_a condition_n require_v and_o call_v for_o a_o plentiful_a state_n be_v difficult_a and_o dangerous_a it_o produce_v many_o and_o strong_a temptation_n so_o that_o thou_o have_v need_v to_o take_v head_n to_o thyself_o that_o thou_o be_v not_o overcome_v keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n and_o guard_n over_o all_o thy_o way_n that_o thou_o wax_v not_o proud_a and_o wanton_a that_o thou_o be_v not_o ensna●…ed_v to_o riot_v and_o excess_n that_o thou_o oppress_v not_o thy_o inferior_n let_v not_o thy_o abundance_n make_v thou_o forgetful_a of_o god_n or_o keep_v thou_o from_o the_o thought_n of_o another_o world_n for_o if_o these_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o thy_o plentiful_a condition_n it_o be_v a_o curse_n and_o not_o a_o blessing_n and_o it_o have_v bring_v thou_o to_o utter_v ruin_n and_o destruction_n if_o thou_o thus_o abuse_v thy_o plenty_n thou_o shall_v one_o day_n pay_v sad_o for_o it_o and_o the_o more_o thou_o satiat_v thyself_o here_o the_o great_a shall_v be_v thy_o penu●…y_n and_o want_v hereafter_o then_o thou_o shall_v feel_v the_o folly_n of_o abuse_v plenty-aft_a this_o sort_n and_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v one_o send_v that_o he_o may_v dip_v the_o tip_n of_o his_o finger_n in_o water_n to_o cool_v thy_o tongue_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v grant_v in_o steed_n of_o this_o thou_o shall_v hear_v son_n remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n luk_n 16._o 25._o now_o he_o that_o will_v not_o have_v such_o a_o comfortless_a memorandum_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o other_o world_n let_v he_o remember_v to_o walk_v warri●…y_n in_o this_o let_v he_o not_o give_v himself_o to_o pride_n and_o luxury_n and_o voluptuousness_n but_o let_v he_o exercise_v himself_o to_o godliness_n and_o keep_v that_o charge_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v and_o which_o he_o command_v all_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o give_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o high_a mind_v nor_o trust_v in_o uncertain_a riches_n but_o in_o the_o live_a god_n who_o give_v we_o rich_o all_o thing_n to_o enjoy_v that_o they_o do_v good_a that_o they_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n ready_a
our_o deed_n and_o action_n if_o our_o knowledge_n of_o god_n do_v not_o lead_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o honour_v of_o he_o it_o will_v prove_v much_o to_o our_o hurt_n and_o damage_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o rome_n 1._o where_o we_o see_v what_o plague_n and_o judgement_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o who_o when_o they_o know_v god_n do_v not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n neither_o be_v thankful_a it_o be_v say_v he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o convenient_a that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v d●…mned_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousnes●…_n as_o we_o have_v it_o 2the_n 2._o 12_o see_v therefore_o we_o have_v find_v out_o the_o true_a god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o let_v we_o not_o slight_a or_o neglect_v he_o and_o be_v careless_a to_o please_v he_o but_o let_v we_o with_o all_o readiness_n and_o cheerfulness_n pay_v that_o homage_n worship_n and_o service_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o to_o show_v which_o be_v the_o three_o particular_a we_o promise_v to_o speak_v to_o and_o we_o shall_v treat_v thereof_o in_o the_o follow_a section_n section_n iv._o show_v what_o worship_n and_o service_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o how_o we_o may_v come_v to_o know_v the_o same_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o find_v out_o who_o be_v the_o true_a god_n unless_o we_o also_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v he_o which_o be_v not_o do_v unless_o we_o pay_v he_o that_o homage_n and_o worship_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o for_o as_o he_o be_v our_o master_n who_o we_o serve_v and_o obey_v and_o as_o he_o be_v our_o soveragin_n to_o who_o we_o swear_v loyalty_n and_o pay_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o allegiance_n so_o he_o be_v our_o god_n to_o who_o we_o give_v the_o worship_n due_a to_o god_n which_o can_v never_o be_v right_o perform_v unless_o we_o know_v well_o what_o it_o be_v now_o to_o find_v out_o this_o we_o must_v proceed_v warry_o and_o take_v right_a measure_n otherways_o we_o can_v choose_v but_o fall_v into_o gross_a mistake_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o follow_v at_o random_n the_o device_n and_o imagination_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n for_o what_o please_v we_o may_v displease_v god_n &_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o improper_a for_o the_o advance_v his_o honour_n and_o glory_n nor_o will_v it_o justify_v and_o warrant_v any_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n that_o the_o same_o be_v observe_v by_o other_o for_o whither_o we_o view_v the_o old_a or_o the_o present_a world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n have_v deviate_v much_o from_o the_o true_a way_n of_o worship_v god_n they_o have_v set_v up_o various_a form_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o acceptable_a to_o god_n because_o in_o model_v these_o they_o have_v study_v more_o their_o own_o several_a humour_n and_o disposition_n than_o what_o be_v proper_a in_o itself_o or_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n thus_o for_o example_n the_o manner_n after_o which_o the_o heathen_n worship_v god_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o he_o for_o how_o can_v he_o who_o be_v a_o spirit_n be_v but_o displease_v with_o empty_a outward_a show_n with_o senseless_a insignificant_a action_n how_o can_v it_o but_o offend_v his_o unspoted_a purity_n to_o be_v worship_v by_o debauchery_n and_o act_n of_o filthiness_n and_o impurity_n how_o odious_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a gesture_n shall_v be_v think_v his_o honour_n and_o delight_v and_o how_o unsuitable_a to_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n to_o be_v court_v with_o cruelty_n and_o barbarity_n as_o lucian_n say_v they_o rather_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o impious_a then_o religious_a who_o think_v god_n take_v pleasure_n to_o be_v worship_v after_o that_o manner_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o heathen_a in_o their_o worship_n destroy_v the_o very_a ide●…_n of_o god_n and_o chock_v these_o sentiment_n of_o he_o which_o we_o have_v by_o nature_n for_o they_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o these_o poetical_a fable_n which_o make_v their_o god_n guilty_a of_o theft_n murder_n adultery_n and_o the_o like_a vice_n which_o fable_n be_v again_o necessary_o keep_v up_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o defend_v and_o support_v that_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a worship_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o hold_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o it_o do_v only_o serve_v to_o beget_v mean_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o he_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n therefore_o be_v a_o very_a uncertain_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o as_o well_o as_o our_o own_o fancy_n and_o see_v man_n have_v differ_v about_o nothing_o more_o than_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_v god_n it_o will_v be_v a_o tedious_a task_n to_o examine_v their_o various_a sentiment_n the_o sure_a and_o near_a way_n to_o be_v inform_v wherein_o the_o true_a and_o acceptable_a worship_n of_o god_n consist_v be_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o ●…o_o search_v out_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n concern_v we_o for_o as_o when_o we_o be_v about_o to_o make_v present_n and_o to_o offer_v gift_n we_o do_v not_o so_o much_o consider_v what_o we_o ourselves_o will_v be_v take_v with_o as_o what_o will_v be_v grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o person_n who_o favour_n we_o be_v seek_v so_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v design_v to_o please_v he_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o seek_v therein_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o own_o humour_n &_o inclination_n as_o what_o will_v find_v acceptance_n in_o his_o sight_n and_o nothing_o will_v find_v acceptance_n with_o he_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n conform_v to_o his_o will_n and_o which_o do_v proper_o express_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n so_o none_o can_v show_v we_o these_o thing_n but_o god_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o declare_v they_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o err_v a_o express_a particular_a revelation_n therefore_o be_v necessary_a to_o determine_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o who_o beside_o himself_o shall_v presume_v to_o order_v it_o it_o be_v our_o part_n to_o set_v about_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o only_o to_o prescribe_v it_o it_o be_v true_a something_o of_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n and_o consequent_o part_v of_o his_o true_a worship_n may_v be_v learn_v by_o natural_a light_n for_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v found_v upon_o his_o nature_n which_o never_o vary_v but_o be_v still_o the_o same_o wherefore_o a_o due_a and_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o attribute_n may_v bring_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n and_o of_o what_o be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o the_o dictate_v also_o of_o reason_n and_o conscience_n be_v from_o god_n they_o do_v teach_v we_o his_o will._n but_o though_o natural_a light_n may_v thus_o teach_v we_o part_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o show_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a it_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a so_o far_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v but_o it_o be_v not_o full_a or_o sufficient_a neither_o so_o very_o certain_a now_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o darkness_n which_o sin_n have_v raise_v which_o be_v too_o thick_a to_o be_v dispel_v by_o natural_a light_n yea_o sin_n have_v so_o mingle_v itself_o with_o our_o very_a nature_n and_o constitution_n that_o it_o be_v sometime_o difficult_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o the_o erroneous_a sentiment_n of_o that_o sinful_a contagion_n and_o far_o see_v we_o have_v not_o keep_v our_o first_o state_n but_o be_v become_v sinner_n some_o other_o homage_n and_o worship_n be_v requisite_a then_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o such_o as_o have_v offend_v god_n shall_v do_v no_o more_o then_o if_o they_o have_v still_o retain_v their_o uprightness_n another_o acknowledgement_n be_v due_a from_o traitor_n and_o rebel_n then_o from_o these_o who_o have_v be_v always_o loyal_a else_o it_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v but_o what_o homage_n sinner_n shall_v pay_v or_o how_o they_o shall_v address_v themselves_o to_o god_n can_v be_v know_v unless_o he_o declare_v it_o natural_a reason_n do_v not_o teach_v this_o for_o though_o it_o be_v clear_v of_o its_o present_a encumbrance_n it_o be_v only_o adapt_v to_o the_o state_n in_o which_o we_o be_v create_v that_o be_v a_o state_n of_o innocency_n and_o do_v not_o serve_v to_o direct_v our_o behaviour_n if_o we_o fall_v from_o that_o state_n thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o some_o new_a revelation_n be_v necessary_a to_o
very_o proper_a and_o convenient_a to_o set_v apart_o one_o particular_a room_n of_o our_o house_n for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v perform_v our_o devotion_n with_o the_o great_a freedom_n and_o be_v less_o liable_a to_o disturbance_n and_o those_o interruption_n which_o person_n usual_o meet_v with_o who_o want_n this_o conveniency_n but_o to_o leave_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o thing_n itself_o prayer_n be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n enjoin_v by_o clear_a precept_n recommede_v by_o the_o example_n of_o all_o holy_a man_n and_o so_o necessary_a that_o who_o pray_v not_o at_o all_o or_o but_o seldom_o can_v be_v say_v to_o worship_n god_n whatever_o el●…e_n they_o do_v for_o their_o other_o act_n can_v be_v proper_o refer_v to_o god_n if_o they_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o prayer_n our_o obligation_n to_o prayer_n arise_v not_o from_o one_o but_o from_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o by_o prayer_n there_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o all_o of_o they_o he_o who_o pray_v declare_v god_n omnipresence_n his_o omniscience_n his_o omnipotence_n and_o all_o sufficiency_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o but_o who_o neglect_v prayer_n do_v not_o believe_v these_o divine_a perfection_n or_o do_v not_o serious_o consider_v they_o he_o make_v no_o actual_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o nay_o he_o live_v in_o open_a defiance_n of_o they_o and_o arrogate_v to_o himself_o a_o independency_n and_o selfsufficiency_n which_o be_v god_n prerogative_n again_o there_o can_v be_v no_o intercourse_n with_o god_n but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n without_o prayer_n we_o can_v never_o arrive_v at_o he_o end_v of_o religion_n viz._n union_n with_o god_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n he_o who_o be_v not_o exercise_v in_o prayer_n have_v his_o heart_n alienat_fw-la from_o god_n and_o be_v whole_o indispose_v for_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o impression_n thereof_o without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o advance_v towards_o perfection_n prayer_n be_v by_o some_o compare_v to_o breathe_v and_o not_o unfit_o for_o what_o that_o be_v to_o the_o body_n prayer_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n respiration_n be_v no_o more_o necessary_a to_o our_o naturallli'e_n then_o prayer_n to_o the_o spiritual_a life_n for_o hereby_o it_o ●…s_v preserve_v &_o as_o the_o stifle_a our_o breath_n end_v our_o life_n so_o the_o cease_v to_o pray_v destroy_v the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n the_o b●…dy_n which_o breathe_v not_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o feeling_n nor_o be_v it_o capable_a of_o motion_n even_o so_o the_o man_n who_o pray_v not_o be_v without_o all_o due_a sense_n of_o god_n neither_o make_v he_o any_o motion_n towards_o he_o prayer_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o show_v a_o desire_n and_o capacity_n to_o receive_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o growth_n and_o perfection_n and_o as_o the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o desire_n and_o capacity_n obstruct_v the_o communication_n of_o god_n spirit_n so_o where_o this_o be_v he_o will_v certain_o manifest_v his_o l●…ve_n and_o bestow_v his_o grace_n to_o he_o who_o have_v the_o desire_n and_o capacity_n shall_v be_v give_v he_o who_o ask_v shall_v receive_v he_o who_o seek_v shall_v find_v and_o who_o knock●…th_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o he_o mat._n 11._o but_o to_o make_v prayer_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o thus_o profitable_a to_o ourselves_o it_o must_v be_v right_o perform_v and_o due_o qualify_v true_a prayer_n be_v always_o acceptable_a as_o incense_v and_o never_o fail_v to_o bring_v down_o a_o blessing_n but_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o mere_a show_n they_o be_v content_v that_o they_o seem_v to_o pray_o but_o do_v not_o pray_v real_o some_o pray_v much_o but_o yet_o be_v never_o a_o whit_n near_o god_n nor_o move_v more_o forward_o in_o holiness_n which_o be_v both_o the_o undoubted_a sign_n and_o the_o certain_a effect_n of_o true_a prayer_n we_o ought_v then_o not_o only_o to_o pray_v but_o to_o pray_v aright_o else_o all_o the_o labour_n we_o bestow_v this_o way_n be_v in_o vain_a you_o ask_v say_v st._n james_n and_o you_o have_v not_o why_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o now_o that_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v proper_a prayer_n and_o effectual_a first_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o lip_n for_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n that_o be_v by_o free_a and_o proper_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o not_o by_o empty_a show_n which_o have_v no_o solidity_n or_o reality_n in_o they_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v remove_v he_o care_v not_o for_o our_o draw_v near_o with_o our_o mouth_n or_o the_o honour_v he_o with_o our_o lip_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o isa_n 29._o 1●…_n to_o prostrate_v our_o body_n before_o god_n and_o to_o let_v our_o mind_n ●…ove_v and_o wander_v be_v to_o offer_v a_o dead_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v no_o reasonable_a or_o acceptable_a service_n to_o utter_v word_n which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o who_o meaning_n we_o attend_v not_o to_o be_v not_o to_o pray_v but_o to_o prat_v it_o be_v to_o babble_n without_o sense_n to_o make_v a_o sound_n which_o signify_v nothing_o and_o deserve_v no_o more_o to_o be_v regard_v than_o the_o pronunciation_n of_o puppet_n and_o mechanical_a engine_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o wheel_n and_o spring_n without_o understanding_n our_o prayer_n be_v but_o brutish_a gru●…tlings_n if_o they_o come_v not_o from_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v not_o perform_v by_o the_o understanding_n wherefore_o when_o we_o be_v to_o pray_o we_o shall_v first_o fix_v our_o spirit_n and_o compose_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o serious_a attention_n and_o shall_v endeavonr_v to_o wind_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o that_o fervour_n and_o earnestness_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n ●…_n will_v be_v necessary_a to_o bestow_v some_o time_n in_o meditation_n and_o read_v of_o the_o seripture_n or_o some_o other_o devout_a book_n have_v thus_o reduce_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o due_a attention_n and_o secure_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a against_o wander_a thought_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o prayer_n the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o each_o and_o the_o affection_n suitable_a thereto_o and_o frame_v our_o prayer_n according_o for_o they_o can_v be_v acceptable_a if_o lame_a and_o defective_a nor_o though_o they_o have_v all_o necessary_a part_n if_o each_o part_n be_v not_o right_o adjust_v and_o proper_o qualify_v to_o clear_v this_o better_a we_o will_v touch_v a_o little_a on_o they_o the_o first_o part_n of_o prayer_n be_v adoration_n and_o invocation_n this_o we_o shall_v always_o begin_v with_o for_o as_o in_o our_o address_n to_o king_n and_o great_a personage_n we_o use_v first_o to_o do_v they_o reverence_n and_o to_o testify_v their_o dignity_n before_o we_o present_v our_o request_n so_o in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n we_o shall_v first_o adore_v his_o majesty_n and_o invocate_v his_o audience_n now_o the_o right_a way_n to_o do_v this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v accost_v he_o with_o a_o heap_n of_o big_a tittle_n but_o to_o call_v to_o mind_v his_o incomprehensible_a nature_n and_o adorable_a perfection_n visible_a in_o his_o manifold_a work_n and_o if_o our_o apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v worthy_a of_o he_o we_o will_v be_v abash_v at_o ourselves_o as_o unfit_a for_o so_o great_a a_o presence_n and_o most_o unworthy_a to_o be_v regard_v by_o one_o so_o high_o exalt_v above_o all_o our_o thought_n to_o express_v which_o and_o to_o cherish_v it_o too_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o throw_v ourselves_o in_o some_o humble_a posture_n thus_o the_o publican_n to_o signify_v his_o own_o vileness_n and_o god_n greatness_n he_o stand_v a_o far_o off_o and_o will_v not_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n as_o one_o ashamed_a of_o himself_o but_o lest_o the_o reflect_v upon_o god_n majesty_n and_o greatness_n shall_v take_v away_o the_o hope_n of_o acceptance_n and_o rather_o fill_v we_o with_o dread_n than_o confidence_n in_o he_o we_o must_v remember_v his_o goodness_n his_o love_n his_o mercy_n and_o how_o that_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n as_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o ineffable_a greatness_n who_o throne_n be_v in_o the_o heaven_n so_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o father_n who_o be_v always_o ready_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v when_o you_o pray_v say_v he_o say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n confession_n be_v another_o part_n of_o prayer_n this_o
must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v omit_v god_n require_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n make_v it_o necessary_a and_o there_o be_v no_o remission_n without_o it_o he_o who_o confess_v have_v the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n but_o who_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v to_o perfom_v this_o aright_o we_o must_v consider_v both_o our_o general_n and_o particular_a state_n and_o make_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o they_o in_o the_o general_n we_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v what_o be_v common_a to_o we_o with_o all_o other_o that_o we_o be_v of_o a_o rebellious_a race_n miserable_o corrupt_v and_o prone_a to_o all_o evil_a but_o we_o must_v not_o rest_v here_o but_o must_v subjoine_v also_o a_o confession_n of_o our_o own_o particular_a fault_n all_o our_o sinful_a inclination_n and_o actual_a transgression_n with_o their_o aggravate_v circumstance_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o ought_v to_o search_v our_o heart_n to_o examine_v our_o disp●…sitions_n and_o to_o take_v account_n of_o our_o life_n but_o if_o we_o make_v only_o a_o simple_a confession_n it_o will_v avail_v we_o little_a we_o must_v not_o confess_v our_o sin_n to_o god_n as_o usual_a people_n do_v the_o offence_n they_o give_v one_o another_o or_o some_o great_a man_n which_o they_o do_v clear_o out_o of_o compliment_n or_o out_o of_o constraint_n to_o shun_v some_o present_a inconveniency_n without_o any_o dere●…ation_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o as_o we_o must_v be_v ingenuous_a in_o confess_v our_o sin_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o confess_v they_o with_o sorrow_n and_o contrition_n confession_n be_v a_o mere_a mockery_n if_o it_o proceed_v not_o from_o a_o abhorrency_n at_o sin_n and_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o indignation_n at_o ourselves_o and_o back_v with_o unfeinged_a purpose_n to_o abandon_v sin_n and_o guard_n against_o it_o wherefore_o when_o we_o confess_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v how_o every_o sinful_a act_n be_v a_o complex_fw-la of_o injustice_n ungratitude_n arrogancy_n madness_n and_o folly_n that_o sin_n be_v most_o loathsome_a in_o its_o nature_n and_o most_o mischievous_a in_o its_o consequence_n but_o because_o god_n require_v we_o not_o to_o remember_v and_o confess_v our_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o despair_n but_o to_o stir_v up_o in_o we_o desire_n of_o mercy_n and_o to_o prepare_v we_o for_o it_o so_o have_v humble_v our_o soul_n with_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o wrought_v ourselves_o to_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o stain_n and_o gild_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v next_o support_v ourselves_o with_o the_o comfortable_a consideration_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n how_o that_o he_o be_v most_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o forgive_v and_o how_o that_o to_o make_v way_n for_o his_o mercy_n to_o sinner_n he_o have_v send_v his_o own_o son_n to_o satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o repair_v his_o honour_n which_o by_o our_o sin_n be_v affront_v and_o baffle_v we_o shall_v consider_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a sacrifice_n and_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n which_o by_o faith_n we_o shall_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n and_o thereupon_o both_o ask_v forgiveness_n and_o confident_o hope_v for_o it_o a_o three_o part_n of_o prayer_n be_v petition_n or_o a_o humble_a representation_n of_o our_o desire_n to_o god_n which_o he_o call_v for_o to_o teach_v we_o our_o dependence_n on_o he_o that_o it_o be_v in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o that_o we_o may_v acknowledge_v he_o the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o this_o part_n we_o must_v first_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o indigency_n and_o a_o strong_a faith_n in_o god_n power_n and_o goodness_n in_o his_o power_n that_o he_o be_v able_a and_o in_o his_o goodness_n that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v we_o what_o we_o ask_v for_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o ask_v of_o another_o what_o we_o think_v we_o need_v not_o or_o what_o we_o may_v get_v without_o he_o and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o vain_a to_o address_v ourselves_o to_o one_o in_o who_o we_o have_v no_o confidence_n who_o power_n or_o goodness_n we_o very_o much_o doubt_v now_o to_o persuade_v we_o of_o god_n power_n and_o goodness_n and_o of_o our_o own_o misery_n and_o poverty_n we_o need_v but_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o nature_n and_o work_n of_o god_n and_o take_v a_o impartial_a view_n of_o ourselves_o second_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v to_o the_o aim_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o desire_n that_o we_o have_v a_o right_a end_n before_o we_o for_o if_o we_o have_v a_o evil_a intention_n our_o desire_n be_v sinful_a and_o unworthy_a to_o be_v present_v to_o god_n who_o be_v most_o just_a and_o holy_a and_o who_o can_v be_v pervert_v from_o what_o be_v right_a our_o desire_n therefore_o must_v not_o terminate_v in_o ourselves_o we_o must_v not_o intend_v our_o own_o honour_n glory_n pleasure_n &c_n &c_n in_o this_o world_n that_o must_v be_v the_o chief_n end_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o petition_n which_o be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o our_o life_n and_o be_v viz._n god_n himself_o and_o his_o glory_n this_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o in_o that_o short_a prayer_n he_o prescribe_v for_o there_o we_o be_v command_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o pray_v that_o god_n name_n be_v hallow_v that_o his_o kingdom_n may_v come_v but_o this_o do_v not_o debarr_o we_o from_o respect_v our_o own_o eternal_a felicity_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o we_o shall_v seek_v include_v that_o in_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n we_o seek_v our_o own_o eternal_a interest_n and_o we_o can_v aim_v at_o heaven_n without_o aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n these_o two_o be_v inseparable_a 3_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o consider_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o request_n that_o in_o this_o also_o they_o be_v good_a and_o proper_a that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o crave_v what_o he_o have_v not_o approve_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v acquaint_v ourselves_o well_o with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o which_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n and_o thereby_o regulate_v all_o our_o desire_n what_o he_o have_v allow_v we_o may_v what_o he_o have_v command_v we_o ought_v to_o ask_v but_o what_o he_o have_v forbid_v we_o shall_v pray_v against_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v 4_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v with_o all_o earnestness_n for_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n but_o as_o for_o temporal_a thing_n though_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o they_o too_o yet_o not_o peremptorly_a but_o with_o a_o resignation_n to_o the_o wise_a disposal_n of_o god_n will_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o difference_n be_v because_o he_o have_v absolute_o approve_v of_o spiritual_a blessing_n but_o have_v declare_v otherwise_o anent_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o because_o he_o have_v make_v it_o always_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o be_v good_a holy_a chaste_a sober_a meek_a &_o c._n but_o it_o be_v not_o always_o expedient_a for_o we_o to_o have_v health_n and_o outward_a peace_n prosperity_n and_o other_o temporal_a good_a thing_n nor_o be_v it_o expedient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v when_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o five_o and_o last_o each_o time_n we_o pray_v we_o shall_v not_o only_o consider_v our_o general_a state_n as_o man_n and_o christian_n and_o ask_v what_o be_v agreeable_a thereto_o but_o also_o our_o particular_a station_n the_o condition_n of_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n the_o tentation_n we_o be_v in_o or_o liable_a to_o and_o in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o affair_n both_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a and_o lay_v they_o open_v before_o god_n and_o frame_n desire_v suitable_a to_o each_o of_o these_o thing_n as_o a_o man_n go_v to_o his_o friend_n with_o a_o thing_n which_o befall_v he_o and_o as_o the_o sick_a and_o infirm_a make_v the_o physician_n acquaint_v with_o all_o their_o distemper_n so_o we_o shall_v never_o fail_v to_o impart_v our_o state_n and_o all_o our_o concern_v to_o god_n and_o to_o ask_v the_o direction_n and_o assistance_n he_o know_v we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o which_o be_v do_v in_o faith_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodwill_n as_o be_v say_v before_o can_v but_o be_v a_o great_a ease_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o mind_n because_o than_o we_o may_v have_v this_o confidence_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o petition_n we_o desire_v of_o he_o 1_o john_n 5._o 15._o for_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o god_n so_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o fit_a shall_v be_v do_v to_o they_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o or_o rely_v upon_o he_o blesseod_n be_v they_o who_o believe_v for_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o performance_n of_o these_o
be_v both_o lovely_a in_o itself_o and_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o world_n this_o gain_v the_o heart_n and_o win_v the_o affection_n of_o all_o wit_n learning_n dexterity_n and_o courage_n will_v be_v talk●…d_v of_o indeed_o with_o some_o admiration_n but_o bounty_n and_o charity_n be_v true_o love_v and_o esteem_v instance_n of_o these_o do_v tickle_v the_o fancy_n chief_o but_o this_o real_o affect_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o who_o know_v it_o every_o one_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o embrace_v he_o who_o hand_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o miserable_a every_o mouth_n bless_v he_o and_o every_o tongue_n speak_v of_o his_o praise_n people_n honour_v his_o presence_n pray_v for_o his_o life_n and_o count_v it_o a_o blessing_n and_o when_o he_o be_v go_v hence_o his_o memory_n be_v dear_a to_o they_o such_o a_o one_o need_v no_o brass_n statue_n or_o marble_n tomb_n to_o perpetuate_v his_o name_n it_o never_o rot_v but_o last_v to_o many_o generation_n and_o like_o precious_a ointment_n have_v still_o a_o sweet_a savour_n which_o refresh_v the_o spirit_n of_o those_o who_o smell_v it_o the_o righteous_a say_v the_o psalmist_n that_o be_v the_o charitable_a man_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o context_n shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n ps._n 112._o 6_o and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o three_o charity_n be_v a_o godlike_a thing_n it_o make_v a_o man_n true_o resemble_v god_n in_o the_o most_o lovely_a of_o his_o attribute_n if_o i_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o speak_v so_o god_n omnipotence_n and_o omniscience_n be_v proper_a object_n of_o fear_n and_o reverence_n but_o it_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o his_o goodness_n which_o especial_o beget_v our_o love_n to_o he_o yea_o it_o be_v this_o which_o make_v he_o most_o glorious_a therefore_o when_o he_o show_v his_o glory_n to_o moses_n he_o do_v it_o by_o proclaim_v his_o name_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long_o suffer_v and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n etc._n etc._n exod_n 34._o 6._o because_o goodness_n be_v the_o chief_a of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n therefore_o the_o rest_n be_v set_v on_o work_n for_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o his_o wisdom_n contrive_v and_o his_o power_n act_n that_o by_o both_o he_o may_v show_v his_o goodness_n his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n now_o as_o it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v the_o high_a perfection_n to_o be_v like_o god_n so_o the_o best_a and_o true_a likeness_n to_o he_o be_v to_o study_v to_o be_v good_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v good_a and_o merciful_a though_o we_o can_v come_v to_o some_o resemblance_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n it_o will_v neither_o endear_v we_o to_o he_o nor_o to_o other_o so_o much_o as_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o goodness_n who_o therefore_o will_v be_v like_o god_n who_o be_v act_v with_o such_o a_o high_a and_o holy_a ambition_n let_v they_o busy_v themselves_o in_o do_v good_a and_o according_a to_o their_o power_n let_v they_o abound_v in_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o mercy_n for_o hereby_o they_o shall_v become_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o shall_v purchase_v a_o right_n to_o the_o same_o tittle_n which_o god_n take_v to_o himself_o in_o scripture_n and_o indeed_o glory_n in_o as_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o comfort_n the_o helper_n of_o the_o helpless_a the_o reliever_n of_o the_o needy_a &_o such_o as_o be_v distress_v etc._n etc._n the_o half_a of_o the_o money_n which_o some_o lay_v out_o for_o worldly_a tittle_n will_v procure_v these_o divine_a designation_n which_o be_v by_o far_o preferable_a and_o upon_o many_o consideration_n more_o honourable_a four_o this_o duty_n of_o charity_n be_v most_o pleasant_a and_o take_v it_o be_v not_o more_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o distress_a then_o it_o be_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o charitable_a man_n himself_o wherefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v then_o to_o receive_v act_v 20._o 35._o act_n of_o bounty_n and_o charity_n true_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n and_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o large_a measure_n of_o solid_a joy_n there_o be_v far_o more_o joy_n in_o spiritual_a exercise_n then_o in_o any_o other_o other_o pleasure_n be_v but_o skin_n deep_a they_o be_v only_o some_o titillation_n in_o the_o body_n which_o soon_o evanish_v but_o the_o joy_n which_o result_v from_o virtue_n and_o religious_a exercise_n peirce_v the_o heart_n and_o cause_v the_o very_a spirit_n to_o exult_v and_o there_o be_v in_o particular_a a_o special_a pleasure_n in_o do_v good_n as_o the_o desire_n of_o do_v good_a be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o noble_a which_o make_v a_o heathen_a poet_n to_o call_v they_o sensus_fw-la pars_fw-la optima_fw-la nostri_fw-la so_o certain_o the_o fulfil_n thereof_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o chief_a satisfaction_n have_v a_o gust_n and_o relish_v proper_a to_o delight_v a_o heaven_n bear_v soul_n it_o be_v but_o small_a delight_n which_o come_v from_o dainty_a morsel_n quaff_v of_o health_n for_o these_o be_v brutish_a exercise_n and_o inferior_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o to_o feed_v the_o hungry_a to_o afford_v drink_n to_o the_o thirsty_a soul_n to_o clothe_v the_o naked_a to_o comfort_v those_o who_o mourn_v to_o save_v the_o life_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v and_o other_o the_o like_o charitable_a deed_n be_v exercise_n worthy_a of_o god_n himself_o he_o delight_v in_o they_o and_o how_o can_v it_o but_o delight_n and_o rejoice_v we_o to_o be_v so_o noble_o and_o divine_o employ_v if_o man_n have_v rear_v up_o magnificent_a structure_n great_a building_n and_o make_v fine_a garden_n about_o they_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o contemplate_v they_o with_o vanity_n as_o nebuchadnedzar_n do_v his_o babylon_n say_v be_v not_o this_o great_a babylon_n which_o i_o build_v o_o how_o mean_v a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o be_v vain_a of_o these_o work_n which_o wind_n and_o wether_n can_v deface_v storm_n batter_v down_o and_o time_n wear_v out_o but_o certain_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o rejoice_v in_o be_v instrumental_a to_o rear_v up_o live_a fabric_n to_o repair_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o preserve_v those_o who_o be_v capable_a to_o sound_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n to_o all_o eternity_n if_o people_n will_v but_o consult_v their_o reason_n and_o reflect_v on_o their_o own_o little_a experience_n they_o can_v but_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n in_o do_v good_a in_o contribute_v seasonable_a comfort_n and_o relief_n to_o their_o fellow_n brethren_n in_o be_v able_a to_o step_v in_o and_o pull_v they_o out_o of_o some_o sad_a straight_o or_o to_o hold_v off_o the_o weight_n of_o a_o cross_n who_o pressure_n be_v likely_a to_o fill_v they_o with_o excessive_a grief_n it_o be_v only_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o pleasure_n which_o make_v worldly_a greatness_n desirable_a or_o supportable_a for_o abstract_v from_o this_o it_o be_v a_o useless_a burden_n and_o a_o great_a impertinence_n which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v shun_v and_o seek_v to_o be_v rid_v of_o five_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o bounty_n be_v most_o profitable_a and_o that_o upon_o many_o account_n first_o they_o be_v profitable_a because_o hereby_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v sanctify_v to_o our_o use_n and_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o become_v lawful_a every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a say_v the_o apostle_n and_o nothing_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o it_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n 1_o tim_n 4_o 4._o the_o creature_n be_v only_o good_a then_o when_o thanksgiving_n be_v join_v to_o the_o use_n of_o they_o which_o thanksgiving_n do_v consist_v in_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o god_n propriety_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o of_o his_o goodness_n in_o bestow_v they_o upon_o we_o &_o this_o sense_n must_v be_v express_v not_o only_o in_o word_n but_o deed_n the_o violate_v the_o sign_n of_o god_n dominion_n over_o the_o creature_n bring_v a_o curse_n upon_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o earth_n be_v curse_v to_o we_o and_o this_o curse_n be_v not_o remove_v but_o by_o return_v to_o our_o allegiance_n by_o make_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n right_n and_o dominion_n in_o pay_v the_o tribute_n which_o be_v due_a and_o which_o he_o require_v the_o neglect_n of_o this_o keep_v god_n from_o blessing_n our_o enjoyment_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o some_o as_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n speak_v sow_v much_o and_o bring_v little_a eat_v but_o have_v not_o enough_o drink_v but_o be_v not_o fill_v with_o drink_n clothe_v themselves_o but_o be_v not_o warm_a earn_v wage_n but_o it_o be_v put_v as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o bag_n with_o hole_n hag_n 1_o 6_o and_o as_o the_o give_v god_n his_o due_n sanctify_v the_o creature_n by_o take_v