followed_z infant_n you_o see_v though_o uncapable_a be_v not_o free_v even_o such_o as_o hang_v upon_o their_o mother_n breast_n and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o actual_o sin_v yet_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o sinful_a lump_n of_o mankind_n and_o deserve_a judgement_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v timely_o train_v up_o in_o this_o christian_a duty_n and_o their_o cry_n for_o meat_n and_o the_o very_a bellow_n of_o the_o beast_n may_v stick_v something_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o help_v further_o to_o humble_a and_o break_v it_o yea_o many_o of_o those_o little_a one_o be_v god_n elect_n their_o presence_n may_v be_v a_o argue_v with_o god_n to_o spare_v as_o the_o presence_n of_o jehosophat_n move_v elijah_n to_o come_v to_o ahab_n 2_o king_n 3.19_o this_o be_v one_o motive_n why_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o destroy_v niniveh_n because_o there_o be_v sixscore_o thousand_o soul_n in_o it_o that_o know_v not_o the_o right_a hand_n from_o the_o left_a but_o though_o all_o these_o come_v and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o come_v yet_o all_o come_v not_o right_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v for_o that_o work_n if_o thou_o will_v indeed_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n and_o turn_v away_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n from_o the_o land_n thou_o shall_v be_v one_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o one_o that_o have_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o thy_o soul_n one_o that_o have_v a_o friend_n in_o court_n a_o interest_n in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o can_v through_o he_o go_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n one_o that_o can_v without_o lie_v call_v god_n father_n and_o lie_v claim_v to_o the_o share_n in_o his_o promise_n one_o that_o art_n reconcile_v to_o god_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n such_o a_o one_o be_v like_a to_o prevail_v for_o mercy_n it_o be_v not_o those_o that_o howl_v for_o corn_n and_o wine_n he_o regard_v it_o be_v not_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o swine_n or_o the_o bellow_n of_o beast_n he_o matter_n if_o there_o be_v a_o full_a congregation_n of_o unconverted_a sinner_n that_o resolve_v to_o love_v and_o not_o leave_v their_o sin_n i_o question_v whether_o these_o man_n cry_n do_v not_o prevail_v more_o to_o bring_v down_o judgement_n than_o mercy_n when_o man_n covenant_n with_o â—od_n and_o promise_v obedience_n and_o never_o intend_v to_o perform_v it_o this_o be_v but_o a_o mock_n of_o god_n that_o will_v not_o be_v mock_v and_o the_o break_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o he_o that_o can_v and_o will_v avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n we_o can_v deceive_v he_o though_o we_o come_v with_o tear_n in_o our_o eye_n if_o there_o be_v not_o sorrow_n in_o the_o heart_n our_o crocodile_n tear_n will_v not_o advantage_n we_o but_o if_o there_o be_v but_o weak_a gift_n and_o part_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v right_a yet_o they_o will_v be_v own_v god_n look_v not_o so_o much_o at_o the_o outside_n as_o the_o inside_n of_o duty_n though_o i_o know_v those_o that_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n especial_o in_o public_a shall_v be_v man_n of_o part_n and_o ability_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o all_o be_v thus_o qualify_v it_o be_v a_o sweet_a conjunction_n where_o grace_n and_o part_n meet_v they_o shall_v know_v their_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o bewail_v and_o confess_v they_o ezra_n 9.4.6_o nehem._n 1.6,7_o they_o shall_v know_v their_o own_o want_n and_o the_o want_n of_o the_o nation_n dan._n 9.11.18_o in_o a_o word_n every_o novice_n in_o religion_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o so_o high_a a_o duty_n and_o therefore_o christ_n himself_o excuse_v his_o disciple_n for_o not_o fast_v not_o only_o because_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o but_z as_o it_o be_v conceive_v because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o fit_a for_o so_o high_a a_o duty_n luke_n 5.36,37_o mat._n 9.15,16_o 2._o direct_v will_v thou_o fast_o as_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o as_o god_n require_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o be_v right_o qualify_v but_o come_v prepare_v to_o the_o duty_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n of_o moment_n can_v be_v well_o do_v without_o preparation_n much_o less_o such_o a_o solemn_a work_n and_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a duty_n now_o the_o preparation_n requisite_a be_v partly_o external_n and_o partly_o internal_a the_o external_n help_v forward_o the_o other_o and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o on_o the_o evening_n before_o lay_v aside_o thy_o bodily_a labour_n betimes_o that_o thou_o may_v trim_v up_o thy_o lamp_n to_o meet_v the_o bride_n groom_n the_o day_n follow_v and_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n against_o the_o next_o day_n duty_n and_o take_v that_o evening_n but_o a_o moderate_a supper_n such_o as_o will_v help_v and_o not_o hinder_v thou_o in_o the_o ensue_a duty_n and_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o thou_o can_v without_o prejudice_n to_o thy_o health_n or_o hindrance_n to_o thy_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n follow_v for_o thou_o shall_v deny_v thyself_o in_o sleep_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n but_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o main_a work_n and_o so_o no_o further_o to_o be_v use_v than_o it_o be_v helpful_a to_o it_o now_o the_o main_a work_n be_v to_o get_v the_o heart_n into_o a_o melt_a frame_n and_o humble_a temper_n for_o what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v we_o to_o come_v and_o go_v with_o the_o heart_n unbroken_a now_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o the_o consideration_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o nation_n with_o the_o several_a aggravation_n of_o they_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n when_o they_o be_v press_v home_o upon_o the_o spirit_n by_o serious_a meditation_n call_v to_o mind_n therefore_o thy_o original_a gild_n and_o the_o pollution_n of_o thy_o nature_n and_o how_o the_o whole_a man_n soul_n and_o body_n be_v defile_v by_o it_o and_o thy_o best_a duty_n stain_v as_o also_o thy_o actual_a sin_n many_o for_o number_n and_o heinous_a for_o nature_n call_v to_o mind_n the_o sin_n of_o thy_o youth_n and_o of_o thy_o ripe_a age_n the_o sin_n of_o thy_o call_v general_a and_o particular_a thy_o relation_n sin_n and_o how_o thou_o have_v fail_v in_o every_o relation_n thou_o have_v be_v in_o thy_o sin_n of_o omission_n commission_n and_o participation_n thy_o sin_n of_o knowledge_n and_o ignorance_n of_o weakness_n and_o wilfulness_n against_o the_o law_n and_o against_o the_o gospel_n against_o god_n and_o against_o man_n with_o the_o several_a aggravation_n of_o they_o as_o against_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o love_n and_o light_n against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n promise_n and_o resolution_n vow_n and_o covenant_n mean_n and_o help_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o only_o thy_o own_o sin_n but_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o family_n the_o sin_n of_o thy_o relation_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v yea_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o superior_n and_o inferior_n of_o prince_n and_o governor_n for_o these_o shall_v be_v confess_v as_o daniel_n do_v dan._n 9.2,3_o etc._n etc._n the_o sin_n of_o superior_n inferior_n and_o equal_n for_o from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v the_o abuse_n of_o mercy_n which_o we_o have_v have_v in_o general_a in_o the_o nation_n or_o in_o particular_a ourselves_o david_n can_v mourn_v in_o secret_a when_o man_n keep_v not_o god_n law_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v mourning_n in_o zion_n and_o be_v sure_o come_v not_o before_o the_o lord_n to_o confess_v or_o bewail_v any_o one_o sin_n that_o thou_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o and_o resolve_v to_o leave_v nor_o to_o bewail_v the_o omission_n of_o any_o one_o duty_n which_o thou_o be_v not_o resolve_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v to_o practice_n nor_o to_o beg_v for_o one_o mercy_n that_o thou_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o labour_v for_o as_o well_o as_o to_o pray_v for_o for_o if_o thou_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o thy_o heart_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v thy_o prayer_n psal_n 66.18_o shall_v thou_o come_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o it_o thou_o do_v but_o mock_v god_n that_o will_v not_o mock_v and_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a when_o thou_o say_v lord_n when_o will_v thou_o give_v i_o this_o mercy_n god_n may_v say_v man_z when_o will_v thou_o leave_v thy_o sin_n when_o will_v thou_o give_v i_o thy_o heart_n if_o thou_o say_v never_o god_n will_v return_v thou_o the_o like_a answer_n never_o think_v by_o thy_o prayer_n to_o benefit_n thyself_o or_o the_o church_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o reform_v thy_o own_o heart_n and_o as_o thou_o must_v consider_v thy_o sin_n so_o also_o thy_o want_n what_o mercy_n thou_o will_v beg_v for_o
cry_v out_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 8.3,4_o look_v upon_o the_o earth_n hang_v like_o a_o ball_n in_o the_o open_a air_n stay_v upon_o nothing_o see_v how_o it_o be_v garnish_v with_o tree_n and_o plant_n and_o herb_n and_o flower_n inhabit_a with_o a_o hundred_o sort_n of_o several_a creature_n all_o care_v for_o by_o the_o great_a householder_n behold_v the_o subserviency_n of_o one_o creature_n to_o another_o and_o every_o one_o seem_v rather_o make_v for_o another_o than_o himself_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o star_n pour_v out_o their_o influence_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o earth_n again_o yield_v grass_n and_o herb_n and_o fruit_n for_o man_n and_o beast_n the_o beast_n be_v for_o food_n or_o service_n to_o man_n there_o be_v no_o corner_n of_o nature_n garden_n but_o yield_v matter_n of_o admiration_n and_o praise_v also_o to_o god_n the_o work_v of_o his_o providence_n also_o be_v full_a of_o mystery_n and_o wonder_n and_o may_v fill_v the_o heart_n with_o admiration_n and_o the_o mouth_n with_o praise_n to_o see_v how_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v and_o the_o creature_n all_o provide_v for_o but_o especial_o observe_v his_o providence_n to_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n which_o be_v a_o bush_n on_o fire_n and_o not_o consume_v lamb_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o wolf_n and_o yet_o safe_a see_v his_o providence_n to_o noah_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v drown_v to_o lot_n when_o sodom_n be_v burn_v to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n to_o the_o church_n in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o joseph_n and_o to_o david_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o haman_n time_n to_o the_o apostle_n athanasius_n luther_n and_o general_o down_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n descend_v to_o our_o own_o nation_n how_o wonderful_a have_v his_o mercy_n be_v to_o we_o how_o strange_a be_v his_o bring_v we_o out_o of_o popish_a darkness_n how_o wonderful_a his_o preserve_v we_o from_o be_v reduce_v back_o again_o how_o great_a his_o deliverance_n from_o the_o spantsh_n invasion_n and_o after_o from_o the_o powder_n treason_n and_o many_o other_o hellish_a plot_n hatce_v in_o hell_n against_o god_n people_n upon_o earth_n how_o have_v he_o continue_v our_o peace_n our_o plenty_n our_o health_n our_o liberty_n yea_o the_o gospel_n among_o we_o notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n if_o we_o consider_v our_o own_o particular_a mercy_n and_o that_o as_o we_o be_v man_n or_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n as_o a_o man_n thou_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o shall_v bless_v he_o for_o thy_o creation_n he_o make_v thou_o of_o nothing_o when_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o he_o make_v thou_o a_o rational_a creature_n capable_a of_o communion_n with_o himself_o when_o he_o may_v have_v make_v thou_o a_o dog_n or_o toad_n or_o the_o most_o despicable_a creature_n that_o ever_o fall_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o do_v not_o this_o deserve_v praise_n he_o cover_v thou_o in_o thy_o mother_n womb_n and_o through_o he_o thou_o be_v bear_v david_n bless_v he_o for_o that_o psal_n 139.13_o thou_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o age_n of_o light_n under_o the_o gospel_n thou_o may_v have_v be_v bear_v in_o turkey_n or_o india_n or_o the_o most_o barbarous_a place_n in_o america_n he_o provide_v for_o thou_o when_o thou_o can_v not_o provide_v for_o thyself_o he_o give_v thou_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o bless_v they_o to_o thy_o use_n without_o which_o they_o can_v not_o feed_v thou_o or_o keep_v thou_o warm_v he_o have_v give_v thou_o thy_o limb_n and_o sense_n when_o thou_o may_v have_v be_v blind_a or_o lame_a or_o deaf_a or_o dumb_a thou_o have_v thy_o health_n and_o strength_n thy_o wit_n and_o reason_n when_o thou_o may_v have_v be_v upon_o thy_o bed_n of_o languish_v or_o run_v rage_a in_o the_o street_n thou_o have_v fire_n and_o water_n two_o great_a favour_n be_v they_o want_v thou_o have_v the_o ground_n to_o tread_v upon_o the_o air_n to_o breath_n in_o which_o thou_o have_v not_o deserve_v and_o many_o thousand_o other_o mercy_n and_o can_v not_o yet_o see_v cause_n to_o be_v thankful_a peace_n and_o plenty_n health_n and_o liberty_n be_v give_v in_o to_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o christian_n thy_o obligation_n be_v much_o more_o thou_o shall_v then_o praise_v god_n for_o his_o elect_v love_n when_o he_o pass_v by_o thousand_o and_o set_v his_o love_n on_o thou_o for_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n and_o for_o christ_n suffer_v for_o thy_o sin_n for_o his_o redeem_v of_o thou_o with_o his_o precious_a blood_n for_o his_o adopt_v thou_o to_o be_v his_o child_n his_o call_v sanctify_a and_o justify_v thou_o for_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v give_v thou_o the_o promise_n he_o have_v make_v to_o thou_o for_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n give_v to_o thou_o for_o his_o spirit_n to_o direct_v thou_o his_o minister_n to_o teach_v thou_o thy_o own_o conscience_n to_o check_v thou_o the_o company_n of_o his_o servant_n to_o encourage_v thou_o and_o general_o for_o all_o the_o help_v thou_o have_v in_o heaven_n way_n strength_n against_o temptation_n corruption_n and_o allurement_n now_o christian_n can_v see_v any_o cause_n of_o thankfulness_n doubtless_o thou_o may_v especial_o if_o thou_o consider_v all_o this_o be_v give_v thou_o free_o without_o any_o desert_n on_o thy_o part_n 7._o direct_v have_v sound_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o bless_v he_o for_o church_n mercy_n for_o state_n mercy_n for_o family_n relation_n and_o personal_a mercy_n thy_o next_o work_n be_v to_o go_v to_o god_n to_o petition_v he_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o those_o mercy_n that_o be_v enjoy_v and_o grant_v those_o that_o be_v yet_o want_v for_o prevent_v the_o judgement_n fear_v and_o beg_v the_o removal_n of_o those_o that_o be_v feel_v when_o thou_o have_v pay_v one_o debt_n and_o cancel_v one_o obligation_n thou_o may_v go_v the_o bold_a to_o borrow_v again_o in_o private_a thou_o may_v tell_v he_o what_o sin_v thou_o will_v have_v mortify_v and_o what_o grace_n strengthen_v and_o increase_v what_o temptation_n vanquish_v what_o doubt_v resolve_v and_o what_o other_o want_v thou_o will_v have_v supply_v for_o thyself_o thy_o family_n thy_o relation_n and_o friend_n who_o lie_v under_o sin_n or_o suffering_n or_o temptation_n as_o also_o for_o the_o place_n where_o thou_o sin_v the_o nation_n of_o which_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o judgement_n feel_v or_o fear_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o mercy_n enjoy_v and_o the_o bestow_n of_o those_o that_o be_v want_v the_o reformation_n of_o what_o be_v amiss_o in_o church_n or_o state_n the_o infatuate_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o bloodthirsty_a enemy_n the_o continuance_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o power_n and_o purity_n of_o it_o for_o a_o supply_n of_o faithful_a labourer_n in_o god_n harvest_n and_o a_o blessing_n upon_o their_o endeavour_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o government_n upon_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o royal_a relation_n upon_o his_o counsel_n magistrate_n minister_n and_o all_o in_o authority_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o land_n in_o peace_n and_o plenty_n health_n and_o liberty_n and_o for_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o god_n will_v protect_v they_o by_o his_o power_n direct_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n spread_v abroad_o the_o gosspel_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n make_v all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n that_o he_o will_v root_v out_o every_o plant_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v not_o plant_v and_o purge_v his_o ordinance_n from_o every_o thing_n that_o offend_v and_o bring_v down_o the_o potent_a enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o set_v christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o pull_v down_o the_o throne_n of_o antichrist_n and_o bring_v in_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o be_v one_o fold_v under_o one_o shepherd_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o finish_v those_o sinful_a day_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n we_o shall_v engage_v ourselves_o by_o covenant_n that_o if_o god_n shall_v give_v in_o a_o return_n to_o those_o our_o request_n then_o will_v we_o praise_v and_o magnify_v he_o and_o devote_v ourselves_o more_o to_o his_o service_n and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o duty_n remember_v the_o poor_a this_o be_v also_o a_o necessary_a work_n of_o the_o day_n and_o that_o which_o god_n expect_v at_o our_o hand_n as_o a_o testification_n of_o our_o thankful_a heart_n and_o with_o what_o conscience_n can_v deny_v god_n this_o one_o request_n who_o have_v bestow_v so_o much_o upon_o thou_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o
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
iniquity_n these_o have_v no_o better_a excuse_n than_o herod_n have_v for_o murder_v john_n baptist_n nay_o not_o so_o good_a they_o vow_v it_o intentional_o he_o do_v not_o they_o perform_v willing_o he_o with_o reluctancy_n neither_o shall_v vow_n be_v to_o do_v thing_n superstitious_a as_o that_o of_o the_o papist_n pilgrimage_n to_o the_o lady_n of_o loretto_n and_o such_o like_a nay_o it_o be_v not_o every_o lawful_a thing_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o vow_n but_o something_o that_o be_v weighty_a and_o considerable_a and_o tend_v to_o some_o good_a end_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v up_o this_o stick_n or_o that_o straw_n to_o pare_v the_o nail_n or_o clip_v the_o hair_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o fit_a matter_n for_o a_o vow_n it_o be_v but_o a_o take_n god_n name_n in_o vain_a and_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o ordinance_n to_o use_v it_o upon_o such_o trivial_a account_n neither_o shall_v it_o be_v of_o such_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v do_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o vow_v that_o he_o will_v die_v or_o come_v to_o judgement_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o some_o necessary_a thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n to_o dedicate_v ourselves_o to_o god_n to_o obey_v his_o command_n as_o in_o baptismal_a vow_n 1_o pet._n 3.21_o of_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o mercy_n receive_v thus_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 22.25_o my_o praise_n shall_v be_v of_o thou_o in_o the_o great_a congregation_n i_o will_v pay_v my_o vow_n before_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o psal_n 66.13_o etc._n etc._n or_o for_o other_o thing_n as_o david_n vow_v to_o give_v himself_o no_o rest_n till_o he_o have_v find_v out_o a_o place_n for_o god_n house_n psal_n 132.2_o etc._n etc._n numh._n 6.2_o as_o hannah_n for_o a_o son_n promise_v to_o give_v he_o to_o god_n for_o vow_n either_o bound_v we_o unto_o sin_n and_o these_o be_v unlawful_a or_o unto_o moral_a obedience_n which_o be_v lawful_a or_o unto_o ceremonial_a obedience_n which_o be_v lawful_a but_o now_o be_v not_o or_o unto_o something_o which_o be_v a_o help_n to_o obedience_n as_o fast_v which_o be_v a_o help_n to_o prayer_n abstain_v from_o wine_n and_o strong_a drink_n which_o be_v a_o help_n to_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n to_o alms-deed_n etc._n etc._n or_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o paul_n bind_v himself_o by_o a_o vow_n not_o to_o cherish_v his_o hair_n for_o a_o time_n and_o from_o eat_v of_o flesh_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n act_v 18.18_o 1_o cor._n 8.13_o the_o rechabite_v abstain_v from_o wine_n and_o strong_a drink_n jer._n 35.6_o and_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o we_o find_v our_o nature_n incline_v to_o intemperance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o creature_n now_o these_o be_v most_o proper_o matter_n for_o vow_n which_o be_v not_o command_v duty_n nor_o forbid_a sin_n but_o will_v be_v helpful_a to_o we_o in_o those_o duty_n that_o be_v command_v 4._o direct_v as_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o vow_n must_v be_v lawful_a so_o also_o it_o must_v be_v possible_a and_o in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o power_n to_o perform_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o man_n choice_n whether_o he_o vow_v or_o no_o and_o before_o the_o vow_n whether_o he_o do_v the_o thing_n or_o no_o for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o command_a duty_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o it_o whether_o he_o vow_v or_o no_o but_o if_o he_o vow_v he_o have_v a_o double_a engagement_n upon_o he_o and_o a_o double_a sin_n if_o he_o neglect_v for_o it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o vow_v than_o to_o vow_n and_o not_o perform_v eccl._n 5.5_o but_o a_o vow_n proper_o shall_v be_v a_o thing_n at_o a_o man_n be_v own_o choice_n and_o also_o in_o his_o own_o power_n but_o what_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o before_o as_o his_o duty_n be_v not_o in_o his_o choice_n it_o be_v his_o duty_n though_o he_o have_v not_o vow_v as_o to_o obey_v the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o to_o quicken_v and_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o obedience_n it_o be_v lawful_a and_o i_o conceive_v many_o time_n necessary_a and_o useful_a to_o renew_v our_o covenant_n and_o bind_v ourselves_o to_o that_o which_o god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v bind_v we_o to_o and_o make_v our_o duty_n as_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n be_v oft_o renew_v in_o the_o other_o sacrament_n yet_o have_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o have_v devote_v ourselves_o to_o god_n service_n have_v we_o never_o covenant_v to_o do_v it_o and_o so_o in_o other_o particular_a duty_n now_o in_o so_o do_v we_o make_v not_o ourselves_o more_o duty_n than_o we_o have_v before_o but_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o better_a to_o perform_v they_o as_o if_o we_o vow_v a_o strict_a watch_n over_o our_o heart_n a_o more_o constant_a course_n of_o family_n duty_n a_o more_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o tie_v ourselves_o to_o a_o set_a time_n for_o meditation_n self-examination_n and_o such_o like_a duty_n david_n frequenty_n vow_v the_o perfotmance_n of_o that_o which_o be_v his_o command_a duty_n as_o of_o sacrifice_n thanksgiving_n and_o the_o like_a now_o concern_v thing_n indifferent_a which_o we_o may_v either_o do_v or_o forbear_v it_o be_v good_a before_o hand_n to_o consider_v our_o ability_n to_o perform_v they_o and_o not_o after_o the_o vow_n to_o inquire_v god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n eccl._n 5.4_o as_o the_o matter_n must_v not_o be_v sinful_a so_o neither_o impossible_a or_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o perform_v as_o their_o vow_n be_v both_o that_o vow_v never_o to_o eat_v bread_n till_o they_o have_v kill_v paul_n neither_o shall_v it_o entrench_v upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n lay_v not_o a_o stumbling-block_n before_o thy_o own_o foot_n make_v not_o that_o sin_n which_o god_n have_v not_o make_v sin_n except_o it_o be_v for_o a_o great_a good_a and_o a_o apparent_a help_n in_o heaven_n way_n as_o when_o a_o man_n vow_v chastity_n that_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o continency_n and_o so_o lay_v a_o snare_n for_o his_o own_o foot_n and_o perhaps_o bring_v himself_o into_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v renounce_v marriage_n and_o vow_v a_o single_a life_n when_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o have_v power_n to_o contian_n to_o remain_v single_a be_v no_o sin_n nay_o in_o some_o case_n a_o benefit_n where_o this_o gift_n be_v give_v but_o to_o vow_v it_o be_v to_o vow_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n god_n have_v assure_v no_o man_n that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o this_o gift_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o give_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v he_o require_v no_o more_o than_o he_o give_v he_o that_o will_v not_o put_v new_a wine_n into_o old_a bottle_n nor_o suffer_v his_o disciple_n to_o fast_o till_o they_o be_v able_a will_v not_o require_v this_o at_o their_o hand_n which_o he_o know_v they_o can_v bear_v christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o say_n all_o man_n can_v bear_v mat._n 19.11_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o all_o man_n have_v not_o this_o gift_n 1_o cor._n 7.7_o and_o this_o have_v prove_v a_o snare_n to_o many_o who_o can_v neither_o marry_o nor_o contain_v but_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v better_a marry_o than_o burn_v and_o god_n have_v provide_v marriage_n for_o those_o that_o can_v contain_v and_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o put_v a_o bolt_n upon_o this_o door_n against_o themselves_o and_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o monastical_a vow_n as_o they_o have_v their_o rise_n either_o from_o infidel_n or_o be_v ground_v in_o superstition_n so_o be_v they_o beside_o yea_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o herein_o man_n worship_n god_n after_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o when_o they_o look_v for_o a_o reward_n god_n will_v ask_v they_o who_o require_v these_o thing_n at_o their_o hand_n they_o vow_v poverty_n that_o they_o may_v live_v at_o ease_n and_o in_o plenty_n by_o the_o sweat_n of_o other_o man_n brow_n this_o take_v man_n from_o a_o lawful_a call_v which_o they_o shall_v follow_v 1_o cor._n 7.20_o let_v every_o man_n abide_v in_o the_o call_v wherein_o he_o be_v call_v and_o from_o their_o honest_a labour_n which_o be_v command_v 2_o thes_n 3.10_o if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o labour_v let_v he_o not_o eat_v it_o make_v they_o neglect_v their_o duty_n to_o their_o relation_n in_o provide_v for_o their_o family_n a_o command_a duty_n 1_o tim._n 5.8_o he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o family_n have_v deny_v the_o faith_n and_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n their_o regular_a obedience_n make_v they_o slight_v the_o
and_o promise_v of_o reformation_n which_o they_o forget_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o danger_n be_v past_a and_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o the_o vomit_n and_o the_o wash_a sow_n to_o her_o wallow_n in_o the_o mire_n chap._n xiii_o direction_n in_o fast_v the_o next_o duty_n i_o shall_v direct_v you_o in_o be_v that_o useful_a though_o much_o neglect_a duty_n of_o fast_v which_o though_o in_o itself_o be_v no_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n neither_o be_v it_o command_v for_o itself_o yet_o when_o it_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o right_a manner_n and_o to_o a_o right_a end_n be_v a_o notable_a help_n in_o other_o religious_a duty_n and_o a_o good_a spur_n to_o put_v we_o forward_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o fit_v we_o for_o his_o worship_n now_o before_o i_o show_v you_o what_o a_o fast_a be_v i_o shall_v show_v you_o what_o fast_o i_o mean_v for_o there_o be_v fast_n of_o several_a sort_n and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a abstinence_n from_o meat_n that_o be_v sufficient_a there_o be_v some_o necessary_a fast_n when_o man_n fast_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o as_o when_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o eat_v and_o this_o be_v too_o oft_o the_o poor_a man_n and_o the_o prisoner_n fast_o but_o this_o be_v against_o their_o will_n and_o so_o not_o thanks-worthy_a again_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a fast_n when_o a_o man_n abstain_v from_o food_n for_o want_n of_o a_o stomach_n as_o the_o other_o do_v for_o want_v of_o meat_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sick_a man_n fast_a and_o ofttimes_o the_o rich_a man_n fast_n also_o this_o also_o be_v in-voluntary_a and_o deserve_v no_o praise_n there_o be_v also_o a_o physical_a fast_o undertake_v for_o health_n sake_n this_o be_v not_o it_o we_o treat_v of_o and_o there_o be_v a_o daily_a fast_a when_o man_n use_v the_o creature_n very_o temperate_o and_o moderate_o not_o to_o please_v or_o satisfy_v their_o appetite_n but_o to_o maintain_v their_o life_n and_o strength_n to_o do_v god_n service_n they_o eat_v to_o live_v and_o not_o live_v to_o eat_v and_o live_v to_o serve_v and_o praise_n god_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v every_o christian_n fast_o there_o be_v also_o a_o superstitious_a fast_o such_o as_o the_o papist_n use_n a_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n upon_o religious_a account_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o full_o gorge_v themselves_o with_o other_o meat_n every_o way_n as_o nourish_v and_o provoke_v to_o lust_n and_o this_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o merit_n and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o civil_a fast_o when_o upon_o politic_a account_n some_o sort_n of_o meat_n be_v forbid_v at_o some_o time_n as_o with_o we_o flesh_n in_o the_o lent_n for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o our_o trade_n of_o fish_v and_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o cattle_n there_o be_v some_o miraculous_a fast_n as_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o elijah_n and_o of_o christ_n himself_o all_o which_o fast_v forty_o day_n together_o and_o taste_v no_o food_n but_o these_o be_v for_o our_o admiration_n not_o for_o our_o imitation_n there_o be_v also_o a_o spiritual_a fast_a a_o abstinence_n from_o sin_n which_o all_o shall_v imitate_v and_o there_o be_v a_o hypocritical_a fast_n such_o as_o the_o pharisee_n use_v to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n mat._n 6.2_o etc._n etc._n these_o hang_v down_o the_o head_n like_o a_o bulrush_n isa_n 58.5_o and_o there_o be_v a_o diabolical_a fast_n wherein_o the_o devil_n service_n be_v promote_v a_o fast_a for_o strife_n and_o debate_n and_o to_o strike_v with_o the_o fist_n of_o wickedness_n isa_n 58.4_o such_o a_o fast_a jezebel_n proclaim_v when_o under_o pretence_n of_o religious_a worship_n she_o take_v away_o naboath_n life_n for_o his_o vineyard_n 1_o king_n 21.8_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n invention_n but_o there_o be_v a_o religious_a fast_o set_v apart_o upon_o a_o religious_a account_n for_o a_o man_n to_o afflict_v his_o soul_n and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o now_o speak_v to_o which_o be_v the_o sanctify_a or_o set_v apart_o a_o day_n or_o some_o portion_n of_o time_n to_o the_o lord_n upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n by_o the_o voluntary_a abstinence_n from_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o other_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n as_o also_o from_o labour_n and_o worldly_a business_n so_o far_o as_o mercy_n comeliness_n and_o necessity_n will_v permit_v for_o the_o more_o serious_a humble_v of_o the_o soul_n before_o god_n and_o pour_v out_o our_o request_n to_o he_o for_o the_o prevent_n or_o remove_v of_o judgement_n feel_v or_o fear_v or_o the_o beg_n the_o mercy_n we_o want_v or_o the_o continuance_n of_o those_o we_o enjoy_v that_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o fast_o be_v lawful_a the_o scripture_n be_v evident_a it_o be_v command_v leu._n 23.27,28_o exod._n 33.5_o joel_n 2.15_o mat._n 6.16,17_o &_o 9.15_o 1_o cor._n 7.5_o and_o such_o a_o fast_o be_v observe_v esther_n 4.16_o dan._n 9.2,3,4_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 7.5_o act_n 13.23_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a man_n yea_o of_o christ_n himself_o in_o so_o do_v nay_o jew_n turk_n papist_n protestant_n etc._n etc._n all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n though_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o manner_n and_o end_v of_o the_o duty_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o any_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n or_o desirable_a for_o its_o own_o sake_n for_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o itself_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v use_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o conduce_v to_o the_o main_a design_n of_o god_n honour_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n and_o serve_v to_o the_o end_v propound_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o humble_v of_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v we_o more_o sensible_a of_o our_o want_n and_o more_o fervent_a in_o our_o prayer_n and_o experience_n show_v when_o it_o have_v be_v join_v with_o fervent_a prayer_n very_o great_a thing_n have_v be_v wrought_v by_o it_o great_a deliverance_n have_v be_v get_v great_a mercy_n procure_v and_o great_a judgement_n divert_v now_o this_o religious_a fast_n be_v either_o public_a or_o private_a public_a when_o command_v by_o public_a authority_n and_o general_o observe_v as_o joel_n 1.19_o jonah_n 2.7_o 2_o chron._n 30.13_o and_o private_a when_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o person_n or_o family_n esther_n 4.6_o and_o of_o this_o fast_a christ_n speak_v mat._n 6.17,18_o now_o that_o you_o may_v keep_v a_o fast_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v take_v these_o follow_a direction_n 1._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v prevail_v with_o god_n in_o such_o a_o duty_n as_o this_o either_o to_o beg_v the_o mercy_n want_v for_o thyself_o or_o other_o or_o to_o divert_v the_o judgement_n feel_v or_o hear_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o thou_o be_v right_o qualify_v for_o the_o work_n for_o a_o unqualified_a person_n be_v like_a to_o do_v but_o little_a good_a a_o fast_a as_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v either_o public_a or_o private_a that_o which_o be_v public_a be_v command_v by_o authority_n and_o here_o all_o man_n be_v enjoin_v for_o to_o come_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n because_o every_o man_n have_v offend_v for_o high_a and_o low_a rich_a and_o poor_a noble_a and_o ignoble_a young_a and_o old_a one_o with_o another_o none_o be_v except_v no_o not_o the_o bridegroom_n or_o the_o bride_n nor_o the_o child_n that_o suck_v upon_o the_o mother_n breast_n joel_n 2.16_o gather_v the_o people_n sanctify_v the_o congregation_n assemble_v the_o elder_n gather_v the_o child_n and_o those_o that_o suck_v the_o breast_n let_v the_o bridegroom_n go_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o chamber_n and_o the_o bride_n out_o of_o her_o closet_n etc._n etc._n nay_o the_o very_a beast_n of_o the_o field_n be_v not_o exempt_v jonah_n 3.7,8_o let_v nither_o man_n or_o beast_n hear_v or_o flock_n taste_v any_o thing_n let_v they_o not_o feed_v or_o drink_v water_n but_o let_v man_n and_o beast_n be_v cover_v with_o sack_n cloth_n and_o cry_v mighty_o unto_o god_n yea_o let_v they_o turn_v every_o one_o from_o his_o evil_a way_n and_o from_o the_o violence_n that_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n who_o can_v tell_v if_o god_n will_v turn_v or_o repent_v etc._n etc._n in_o this_o fast_a the_o minister_n most_o common_o be_v their_o mouth_n to_o god_n and_o god_n mouth_n to_o they_o yet_o they_o have_v need_n of_o qualification_n for_o the_o duty_n for_o though_o he_o perform_v much_o of_o the_o external_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n yet_o the_o internal_a rest_n upon_o they_o thy_o heart_n shall_v be_v qualify_v to_o put_v up_o a_o acceptable_a prayer_n to_o god_n great_a one_o be_v not_o except_v from_o this_o duty_n for_o their_o sin_n be_v great_a yea_o perhaps_o great_a and_o admit_v of_o great_a aggravation_n than_o other_o do_v and_o their_o example_n much_o
goodness_n of_o god_n in_o they_o value_v they_o according_a to_o their_o worth_n as_o jacob_n do_v gen._n 22.9.10_o lord_n say_v he_o i_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o thy_o mercy_n which_o thou_o have_v show_v i_o 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 david_n when_o he_o behold_v the_o glorious_a lamp_n of_o heaven_n the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n break_v out_o into_o admiration_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o 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 8.3.4_o outward_a mercy_n but_o especial_o spiritual_a shall_v &_o will_v affect_v the_o heart_n if_o lay_v home_o by_o meditation_n 2._o direct_v when_o thou_o keep_v a_o day_n keep_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o to_o thyself_o let_v thy_o ultimate_a end_n and_o aim_n be_v god_n glory_n and_o the_o main_a design_n thou_o drive_v on_o be_v his_o praise_n it_o be_v true_a in_o all_o duty_n this_o shall_v be_v regard_v but_o especial_o in_o this_o for_o this_o time_n be_v set_v apart_o mere_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o praise_v he_o with_o a_o enlarge_a heart_n and_o if_o thou_o propound_v low_a end_n than_o these_o god_n will_v not_o own_v thy_o work_n these_o day_n be_v appoint_v to_o praise_n god_n and_o not_o as_o many_o abuse_v they_o and_o pamper_v the_o flesh_n it_o be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n and_o doubtless_o our_o duty_n 1._o cor._n 10.31_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v do_v all_o to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o if_o in_o our_o ordinary_a course_n we_o shall_v drive_v on_o this_o design_n much_o more_o in_o this_o extraordinary_a duty_n in_o so_o solemn_a a_o day_n and_o exercise_n here_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v fill_v the_o heart_n spiritual_a and_o not_o carnal_a joy_n &_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v fill_v our_o mouth_n not_o vain_a laughter_n we_o shall_v speak_v out_o the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v do_v for_o our_o soul_n and_o whatsoever_o suit_v not_o with_o this_o be_v unsuitable_a for_o the_o occasion_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n that_o many_o that_o pretend_v conscience_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o saints-day_n blame_v all_o those_o that_fw-mi look_v upon_o they_o as_o indifferent_a i_o say_v that_o those_o to_o who_o honest_a labour_n at_o other_o time_n lawful_a be_v hold_v a_o great_a transgression_n yet_o make_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o of_o serve_v god_n upon_o these_o day_n but_o spend_v their_o time_n vain_o and_o profane_o neither_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o soul_n or_o body_n these_o think_v they_o serve_v god_n better_o at_o a_o alehouse_n at_o a_o cockpit_n or_o bear-baiting_n or_o stage-play_a at_o card_n or_o die_n or_o other_o unlawful_a game_n than_o they_o can_v in_o a_o honest_a call_v but_o be_v this_o the_o feast_n that_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v this_o may_v serve_v turn_n if_o we_o worship_v such_o a_o idol_n as_o israel_n then_o do_v fxod_n 32.6_o but_o shall_v we_o serve_v our_o god_n with_o such_o service_n as_o the_o heathen_a do_v bacchus_n he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o be_v eat_v and_o drink_v to_o gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n this_o spiritual_a service_n that_o be_v command_v shall_v we_o praise_v god_n for_o his_o creature_n by_o intemperance_n and_o abuse_v of_o they_o yet_o be_v not_o these_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o of_o the_o great_a stickler_n for_o such_o festival_n look_v into_o a_o alehouse_n and_o see_v whether_o more_o meet_v not_o there_o upon_o such_o day_n as_o these_o than_o the_o whole_a week_n beside_o and_o many_o a_o oath_n swear_v and_o many_o a_o lie_v tell_v and_o many_o a_o vain_a word_n speak_v at_o such_o time_n and_o upon_o such_o occasion_n yea_o much_o drunkenness_n debauchery_n quarrel_n fight_n and_o sometime_o murder_n be_v there_o committtd_a and_o be_v this_o god_n feast_n or_o the_o devil_n sacrifice_n it_o more_o suit_v a_o heathen_a idol_n than_o a_o holy_a god_n be_v this_o the_o place_n where_o god_n be_v like_a to_o meet_v thou_o or_o will_v have_v death_n meet_v thou_o here_o or_o be_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o company_n suitable_a to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o day_n will_v thou_o thank_v god_n for_o thy_o reason_n when_o thou_o have_v lose_v the_o use_n of_o it_o by_o drink_v and_o transform_v thyself_o into_o a_o beast_n or_o can_v then_o remember_v god_n benefit_n to_o praise_v he_o for_o they_o when_o thou_o can_v not_o remember_v what_o thou_o do_v it_o be_v far_o from_o i_o to_o judge_v any_o man_n that_o keep_v those_o day_n as_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n ought_v to_o be_v keep_v and_o it_o be_v far_o from_o i_o to_o approve_v of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v keep_v i_o know_v the_o godly_a be_v allow_v to_o eat_v their_o bread_n with_o joy_n and_o drink_v their_o wine_n with_o a_o merry_a heart_n but_o it_o be_v spiritual_a not_o carnal_a joy_n they_o ought_v upon_o thanksgiving_n day_n to_o cease_v from_o their_o labour_n but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o than_o they_o keep_v it_o but_o as_o a_o beast_n but_o as_o a_o fast_o be_v a_o help_n to_o humiliation_n and_o make_v prayer_n the_o more_o fervent_a so_o feast_v in_o a_o holy_a manner_n elevate_v the_o soul_n and_o make_v praise_n the_o more_o hearty_a when_o we_o fresh_o taste_v god_n goodness_n in_o the_o prevision_n make_v for_o we_o labour_v in_o both_o be_v forbid_v as_o it_o be_v a_o hindrance_n in_o the_o duty_n in_o hand_n but_o it_o be_v sad_a that_o god_n be_v more_o dishonour_v in_o those_o day_n pretend_v to_o be_v set_v apart_o to_o honour_v he_o in_o than_o in_o all_o the_o day_n of_o the_o year_n beside_o but_o god_n will_v not_o own_o such_o servant_n nor_o accept_v of_o such_o service_n when_o man_n think_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o work_v forbid_v upon_o that_o day_n or_o nothing_o more_o than_o idleness_n require_v but_o many_o will_v glorify_v god_n much_o better_a in_o a_o lawful_a call_v than_o at_o a_o unlawful_a exercise_n or_o unnecessary_a recreation_n i_o know_v recreation_n be_v lawful_a as_o i_o hope_v in_o due_a time_n and_o place_n to_o demonstrate_v and_o give_v direction_n in_o it_o but_o why_o shall_v we_o take_v god_n time_n for_o our_o use_n if_o these_o day_n be_v appropriate_v to_o god_n service_n let_v they_o be_v spend_v in_o his_o service_n if_o for_o our_o recreation_n let_v we_o never_o put_v the_o title_n of_o holiday_n upon_o they_o let_v they_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a to_o be_v use_v or_o not_o use_v at_o pleasure_n or_o people_n keep_v from_o dishonour_v god_n in_o they_o 3._o direct_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o day_n see_v thy_o ground_n be_v good_a and_o that_o thou_o have_v a_o lawful_a call_n to_o it_o or_o otherwise_o god_n will_v not_o own_v it_o it_o be_v true_a thanksgiving_n be_v a_o work_n of_o every_o day_n but_o every_o day_n be_v not_o to_o be_v observe_v as_o a_o holy_a festival_n to_o god_n come_v not_o superstitious_o to_o it_o as_o the_o papist_n nor_o profane_o as_o the_o sensualist_n nor_o wicked_o as_o the_o profane_a enemies_n to_o god_n and_o godliness_n see_v thou_o be_v invite_v to_o it_o by_o real_a mercy_n receive_v and_o in_o give_v thanks_o mistake_v not_o judgement_n for_o mercy_n and_o mercy_n for_o judgement_n it_o be_v true_a we_o ought_v to_o observe_v all_o god_n providence_n and_o bless_v god_n for_o all_o chastisement_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o be_v for_o the_o good_a which_o we_o receive_v by_o they_o as_o job_n 1.21_o but_o this_o shall_v be_v with_o humiliation_n not_o exultation_n if_o thy_o foundation_n be_v rot_v the_o building_n can_v be_v good_a there_o be_v many_o that_o hearty_o rejoice_v and_o give_v thanks_o also_o to_o god_n after_o their_o manner_n for_o the_o downfall_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o extirpation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n i_o fear_v our_o time_n be_v not_o barren_a of_o example_n of_o this_o nature_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o ammonite_n and_o will_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a ezek._n 25.6_o because_o thou_o have_v clap_v thy_o hand_n and_o stamp_v with_o thy_o foot_n and_o rejoice_v in_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o despite_n against_o the_o land_n of_o israel_n therefore_o i_o will_v stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n against_o thou_o and_o deliver_v thou_o for_o a_o spoil_n to_o the_o heathen_a etc._n etc._n see_v god_n take_v it_o ill_o when_o man_n exult_v over_o his_o people_n in_o distress_n and_o if_o they_o praise_v he_o for_o correct_v they_o it_o be_v unpleasing_a service_n to_o he_o