near_o we_o resemble_v he_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v of_o he_o in_o which_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o future_a state_n do_v consist_v it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfect_a purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o consist_v in_o repeat_v act_n of_o love_n and_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o the_o better_a fit_v and_o prepare_v we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n by_o furnish_v our_o soul_n with_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o those_o divine_a quality_n of_o humility_n meekness_n charity_n etc._n etc._n the_o more_o capable_a we_o shall_v be_v of_o partake_v of_o those_o heavenly_a pleasure_n 16.11_o psal_n 16.11_o which_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n for_o evermore_o our_o time_n in_o this_o world_n be_v give_v we_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o we_o may_v furnish_v ourselves_o with_o such_o virtue_n and_o grace_n those_o wedding_n garment_n which_o will_v render_v we_o fit_a guest_n for_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb._n it_o be_v easy_a for_o i_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o every_o virtue_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o future_a happiness_n and_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n which_o we_o must_v obtain_v before_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v it_o but_o this_o will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o time_n at_o present_a 1._o dr._n scot_n in_o his_o christian_a life_n part._n 1._o and_o have_v be_v already_o large_o treat_v on_o by_o a_o excellent_a hand_n i_o shall_v therefore_o only_a remark_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o frame_v a_o notion_n of_o our_o future_a state_n from_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n or_o to_o take_v those_o figurative_a description_n of_o it_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o literal_a sense_n our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v 12.25_o mark_v 12.25_o nor_o marry_v nor_o be_v give_v in_o marriage_n a_o sensual_a paradise_n may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v by_o a_o turk_n or_o pagan_a but_o not_o by_o a_o christian_a who_o religion_n teach_v he_o to_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o sinful_a lust_n and_o desire_v of_o the_o same_o it_o permit_v he_o indeed_o the_o moderate_a use_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o render_v his_o pilgrimage_n more_o easy_a and_o his_o journey_n to_o heaven_n more_o comfortable_a but_o yet_o it_o teach_v he_o that_o his_o chief_a happiness_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v place_v in_o transitory_a delight_n that_o they_o be_v joy_n of_o a_o more_o sublime_a nature_n such_o as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v 2.9_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o understand_v which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o those_o who_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o such_o blessing_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o immortal_a part_n such_o as_o the_o bless_a society_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a the_o vision_n of_o god_n in_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v transform_v into_o his_o image_n will_v be_v continual_o delight_v and_o transport_v in_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o perfection_n of_o their_o creator_n if_o therefore_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v happy_a hereafter_o 12.14_o heb._n 12.14_o we_o must_v practice_v holiness_n in_o this_o life_n for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n can_v see_v god_n we_o must_v make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o our_o life_n to_o keep_v our_o passion_n within_o their_o due_a bound_n and_o under_o the_o government_n of_o our_o reason_n to_o mortify_v our_o immoderate_a appetite_n and_o exercise_v our_o grace_n such_o as_o faith_n hope_n patience_n and_o charity_n this_o be_v that_o godliness_n which_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o every_o one_o who_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n be_v persuade_v to_o embrace_v this_o pleasant_a course_n of_o life_n and_o methinks_v there_o shall_v need_v no_o more_o argument_n to_o prevail_v with_o you_o present_o to_o enter_v upon_o it_o since_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v unquestionable_o both_o for_o your_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a interest_n for_o what_o do_v god_n require_v of_o you_o which_o be_v not_o high_o just_a and_o reasonable_a what_o do_v he_o command_v you_o but_o to_o do_v justice_n to_o love_v mercy_n 6.8_o micah_n 6.8_o and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o your_o god_n i._n e._n to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o your_o nature_n and_o to_o act_n as_o become_v reasonable_a and_o dependent_a being_n consider_v what_o can_v you_o wish_v for_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o religion_n length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n she_o shall_v give_v thy_o head_n a_o ornament_n of_o grace_n 3.16_o pror_n 3.16_o and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n exalt_v she_o and_o she_o shall_v promote_v thou_o and_o bring_v thou_o to_o honour_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o ornament_n of_o grace_n to_o thy_o head_n and_o as_o a_o chain_n about_o thy_o neck_n what_o allurement_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o perish_v even_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n that_o you_o shall_v prefer_v they_o before_o those_o which_o flow_v from_o a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a life_n and_o now_o may_v not_o god_n just_o expostulate_v with_o we_o as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n 5.4_o isa_n 5.4_o what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v to_o my_o vineyard_n which_o i_o have_v not_o do_v unto_o it_o what_o more_o probable_a and_o more_o rational_a method_n can_v god_n have_v take_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o be_v good_a and_o by_o consequence_n happy_a than_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o he_o have_v address_v himself_o both_o to_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n he_o have_v place_v eternal_a happiness_n on_o one_o hand_n and_o eternal_a misery_n on_o the_o other_o and_o moreover_o have_v strew_v our_o way_n to_o heaven_n with_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o now_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o god_n have_v do_v for_o we_o we_o resolve_v to_o be_v miserable_a and_o to_o take_v even_o hell_n by_o force_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o blame_v but_o our_o own_o stupendous_a folly_n we_o can_v sure_o be_v so_o silly_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n reap_v any_o benefit_n by_o our_o service_n or_o that_o our_o praise_n make_v any_o addition_n to_o his_o glory_n 35.6_o job_n 35.6_o for_o as_o elihu_n very_o well_o argue_v if_o thou_o sin_v what_o do_v thou_o against_o he_o or_o if_o thy_o transgression_n be_v multiply_v what_o do_v thou_o unto_o he_o if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a what_o give_v thou_o he_o or_o what_o receive_v he_o at_o thy_o hand_n thy_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n as_o thou_o be_v and_o thy_o righteousness_n may_v profit_v the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v only_o our_o welfare_n god_n seek_v it_o be_v our_o good_a he_o be_v so_o solicitous_a for_o and_o as_o he_o make_v we_o at_o first_o with_o a_o design_n to_o communicate_v happiness_n unto_o we_o so_o he_o still_o retain_v the_o same_o gracious_a intention_n towards_o we_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o shall_v we_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o go_v on_o to_o defeat_v all_o the_o gracious_a purpose_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o grieve_v his_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v not_o these_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o move_v we_o shall_v neither_o our_o eternal_a nor_o our_o temporal_a interest_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o we_o this_o will_v certain_o be_v such_o unaccountable_a folly_n and_o monstrous_a ingratitude_n as_o no_o consider_v person_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o let_v i_o therefore_o beseech_v you_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n 12.1_o rom._n 12.1_o that_o you_o present_v your_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v but_o your_o reasonable_a service_n let_v i_o beg_v and_o entreat_v of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o your_o bless_a lord_n and_o redeemer_n that_o you_o will_v so_o far_o consult_v your_o own_o interest_n as_o to_o lead_v a_o pure_a holy_a and_o devout_a life_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o pass_v your_o time_n cheerful_o and_o comfortable_o in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o make_v sure_a of_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v sermon_n ii_o psalm_n cxix_o 59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n there_o be_v nothing_o which_o with_o great_a reason_n have_v
apostle_n advice_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o think_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a 4.8_o phil._n 4.8_o but_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o here_o i_o shall_v interpose_v one_o caution_n that_o in_o all_o these_o case_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o action_n still_o remain_v indifferent_a for_o those_o action_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a may_v become_v necessary_a by_o some_o circumstance_n limit_v and_o bound_v they_o and_o if_o my_o indifferent_a action_n be_v annex_v to_o a_o necessary_a duty_n or_o determine_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n i_o be_o no_o long_o at_o liberty_n which_o way_n to_o act_n nor_o will_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o my_o abstain_v from_o it_o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o rule_n which_o the_o best_a casuist_n have_v lay_v down_o but_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o reach_v to_o all_o particular_a case_n and_o where_o they_o fall_v short_a our_o christian_a prudence_n will_v be_v the_o best_a guide_n and_o director_n hereby_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o do_v not_o live_v themselves_o up_o to_o any_o particular_a rule_n but_o in_o indifferent_a matter_n suit_v their_o action_n to_o the_o exigence_n of_o thing_n and_o comport_v themselves_o so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v best_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n if_o therefore_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o as_o have_v have_v leisure_n and_o part_n and_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v thing_n may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o dissent_v from_o we_o our_o of_o interest_n and_o design_n and_o be_v so_o unjust_a as_o to_o deny_v we_o that_o freedom_n which_o they_o themselves_o enjoy_v my_o advice_n be_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n with_o which_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a 5.1_o gal._n 5.1_o least_o by_o any_o mean_a and_o undue_a compliance_n we_o shall_v confirm_v the_o erroneous_a shake_v the_o faithful_a encourage_v the_o adversary_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o government_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v settle_v among_o we_o but_o of_o other_o let_v we_o have_v compassion_n 22._o jud._n 22._o make_v a_o difference_n those_o who_o be_v indeed_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a information_n be_v scrupulous_a in_o the_o lesser_a matter_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o be_v offend_v at_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o give_v they_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n or_o disgust_v they_o either_o by_o our_o word_n or_o action_n but_o endeavour_v to_o win_v they_o over_o by_o all_o the_o lawful_a art_n and_o endearment_n of_o kindness_n and_o condescension_n and_o if_o we_o must_v still_o differ_v in_o small_a matter_n let_v we_o love_v as_o brethren_n if_o we_o can_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o of_o one_o opinion_n yet_o let_v we_o be_v all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n amen_o and_o amen_o sermon_n vii_o eccles_n v._o 1._o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil._n the_o design_n of_o the_o royal_a preacher_n in_o these_o word_n be_v to_o persuade_v his_o hearer_n to_o approach_v with_o humble_a reverence_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n into_o god_n immediate_a presence_n and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o during_o the_o time_n of_o public_a worship_n with_o a_o become_a decency_n and_o devotion_n to_o come_v into_o his_o house_n with_o â—ouls_n affect_v with_o awful_a and_o reverential_a apprehension_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n with_o open_a ear_n and_o obedient_a heart_n dispose_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o keep_v thy_o foot_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i._n e._n prepare_v and_o fit_v thyself_o to_o partake_v of_o these_o holy_a ordinance_n compose_v thy_o mind_n and_o thy_o body_n to_o a_o behaviour_n suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o those_o duty_n thou_o be_v about_o and_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o the_o expression_n be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a country_n of_o pluck_v off_o their_o shoe_n when_o they_o make_v any_o profession_n of_o solemn_a respect_n or_o tread_v on_o consecrate_a ground_n and_o of_o wash_v their_o foot_n before_o they_o enter_v the_o palace_n of_o their_o king_n or_o the_o place_n dedicate_v to_o god_n public_a worship_n of_o these_o custom_n we_o have_v several_a instance_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 3.5_o exod._n 3.5_o when_o god_n appear_v unto_o moses_n in_o the_o bush_n he_o command_v he_o to_o put_v his_o shoe_n from_o off_o his_o foot_n because_o the_o place_n whereon_o he_o stand_v be_v holy_a ground_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n say_v unto_o joshua_n 5.15_o josh_n 5.15_o lose_v the_o shoe_n from_o off_o thy_o foot_n for_o the_o place_n whereon_o thou_o stand_v be_v holy_a loose_v or_o pluck_v off_o the_o shoe_n be_v a_o ceremony_n of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o uncover_v the_o head_n among_o we_o a_o token_n of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n and_o therefore_o they_o wash_v and_o make_v clean_o their_o foot_n when_o they_o go_v into_o public_a assembly_n so_o that_o keep_v the_o foot_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a expression_n to_o denote_v that_o respect_n and_o veneration_n that_o humility_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o requisite_a qualification_n for_o every_o devout_a worshipper_n who_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o that_o reverent_a demeanour_n of_o himself_o whilst_o he_o be_v there_o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n or_o as_o the_o original_a may_v be_v render_v when_o thou_o come_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o denote_v to_o we_o both_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o how_o we_o must_v comport_v and_o demean_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v there_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v present_o add_v and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n i.e._n be_v sure_a to_o bring_v a_o attentive_a ear_n and_o a_o obedient_a heart_n along_o with_o thou_o with_o which_o god_n will_v be_v better_o please_v than_o with_o those_o sacrifice_n whereby_o wicked_a man_n think_v though_o very_o foolish_o to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o to_o render_v he_o favourable_a and_o propitious_a to_o they_o though_o they_o lead_v their_o life_n and_o conversation_n never_o so_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil_a they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v open_o declare_v that_o he_o hate_v and_o abhor_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o such_o man_n who_o offer_v they_o up_o with_o unclean_a hand_n and_o a_o impure_a heart_n such_o as_o those_o who_o think_v that_o their_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n will_v atone_v and_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o wickedness_n and_o immorality_n of_o their_o life_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v some_o enlargement_n upon_o they_o under_o these_o follow_a head_n i._o i_o shall_v consider_v how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n ii_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o demean_v ourselves_o whilst_o we_o be_v worship_v he_o iii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v after_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n 1._o how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o our_o edify_v and_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v on_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o they_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n unless_o our_o heart_n be_v manure_v and_o cultivate_v prepare_a and_o dispose_v to_o receive_v it_o our_o prayer_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o sin_n 29.13_o isay_n 29.13_o if_o whilst_o we_o speak_v to_o god_n with_o our_o lip_n our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o nor_o will_v our_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o we_o if_o whilst_o we_o be_v partake_v of_o the_o holy_a element_n we_o cherish_v and_o harbour_v sinful_a and_o impure_a thought_n
and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v seasonable_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n which_o many_o of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o deep_a and_o serious_a sense_n what_o a_o weighty_a and_o solemn_a duty_n the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o forbear_v it_o because_o they_o think_v they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n these_o very_a man_n presume_v to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o address_v themselves_o unto_o god_n throne_n and_o hear_v his_o holy_a word_n without_o any_o preparation_n at_o all_o as_o if_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o only_a duty_n of_o religion_n which_o require_v care_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o thus_o they_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n whilst_o they_o be_v too_o negligent_a and_o profane_a on_o the_o other_o they_o whole_o omit_v one_o ordinance_n of_o god_n because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n because_o they_o will_v not_o prepare_v themselves_o at_o all_o for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o man_n who_o live_v so_o long_o under_o the_o most_o powerful_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n edify_v so_o little_a by_o it_o why_o their_o understanding_n be_v so_o little_o improve_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n so_o little_o better_v thereby_o but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o bring_v prepare_v mind_n and_o good_a disposition_n along_o with_o they_o their_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o with_o worldly_a affair_n their_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o many_o wicked_a and_o impure_a spirit_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o take_v up_o his_o abode_n with_o they_o when_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o give_v he_o any_o suitable_a entertainment_n some_o preparation_n therefore_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v before_o we_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v after_o this_o or_o such_o like_a manner_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o any_o other_o day_n dedicate_v to_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o set_v apart_o from_o our_o private_a employment_n to_o the_o more_o solemn_a worship_n of_o our_o creator_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o awake_v let_v our_o soul_n be_v season_v with_o some_o holy_a and_o devout_a meditation_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o sun_n salute_v our_o eye_n and_o refresh_v our_o body_n with_o his_o comfortable_a beam_n 4.2_o mal._n 4.2_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v arise_v with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n and_o make_v we_o the_o overture_n of_o some_o peculiar_a favour_n that_o this_o day_n be_v set_v apart_o by_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o receive_v the_o homage_n of_o his_o vassal_n and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o enter_v his_o court_n appear_v before_o his_o throne_n admire_v his_o excellency_n adore_v his_o perfection_n celebrate_v his_o praise_n and_o lay_v open_a their_o want_n before_o he_o and_o beg_a supply_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o improve_v these_o season_n of_o grace_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o meet_v our_o god_n and_o not_o only_o to_o put_v our_o body_n into_o a_o decent_a and_o become_a dress_n but_o to_o adorn_v our_o soul_n with_o such_o qualification_n and_o disposition_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o poor_a sinful_a man_n when_o they_o appear_v before_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o because_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n 16.1_o prov._n 16.1_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o to_o beseech_v god_n 1.17_o jam._n 1.17_o who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o he_o will_v inspire_v our_o heart_n with_o holy_a disposition_n and_o afford_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o cast_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n all_o vain_a and_o worldly_a thought_n to_o subdue_v all_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n a_o pure_a undefiled_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n that_o we_o may_v spend_v this_o day_n especial_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o iâ—â—edicated_v to_o god_n immediate_a service_n â—â—ter_v so_o holy_a and_o devout_a a_o manner_n as_o may_v promote_v our_o spiritual_a welfare_n and_o hereby_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 5.16_o matth._n 5.16_o let_v we_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n that_o his_o good_a spirit_n may_v go_v along_o with_o we_o through_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n and_o incite_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o every_o good_a work_n that_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v with_o fervency_n and_o a_o holy_a assurance_n that_o all_o our_o request_n which_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v grant_v we_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n with_o attention_n and_o firm_a resolution_n of_o perform_v whatsoever_o we_o be_v convince_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o with_o gladness_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o soul_n with_o heart_n fill_v with_o the_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o his_o benefit_n and_o love_a kindness_n towards_o we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o read_v some_o portion_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o make_v this_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o meditation_n till_o the_o hour_n approach_v when_o we_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o our_o devotion_n and_o we_o hear_v the_o summons_n to_o attend_v god_n public_a worship_n it_o will_v then_o be_v time_n to_o enter_v upon_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n how_o we_o have_v pass_v the_o last_o week_n how_o well_o we_o have_v perform_v those_o resolution_n which_o we_o have_v former_o take_v up_o what_o sin_v we_o have_v since_o be_v guilty_a of_o what_o good_a duty_n we_o have_v omit_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v sorry_a for_o these_o our_o neglect_v and_o bewail_v our_o mis-carriage_n and_o resolve_v that_o we_o will_v amend_v our_o life_n and_o never_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o that_o we_o will_v walk_v more_o upright_o and_o more_o exact_o in_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o preparation_n of_o soul_n which_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o make_v before_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v serve_v with_o unclean_a hand_n and_o a_o unsanctify_v heart_n he_o abhor_v even_o the_o most_o solemn_a fast_n of_o those_o man_n who_o smite_v with_o the_o fist_n of_o wickedness_n 58.4_o isa_n 58.4_o he_o expect_v that_o the_o sprinkle_v water_n shall_v be_v sprinkle_v upon_o we_o 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n when_o we_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o wash_v our_o hand_n in_o innocency_n 26.6_o psal_n 26.6_o before_o we_o compass_n god_n altar_n let_v we_o therefore_o never_o omit_v this_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o before_o we_o enter_v into_o god_n house_n when_o we_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o upon_o some_o sudden_a emergency_n all_o this_o precaution_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v this_o exactness_n of_o preparation_n may_v be_v omit_v and_o a_o general_a and_o habitual_a preparation_n of_o mind_n will_v suffice_v yet_o this_o will_n in_o no_o wise_a excuse_n the_o constant_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n nor_o take_v off_o the_o blame_n from_o those_o man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a omission_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o self-examination_n be_v a_o duty_n in_o some_o degree_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v before_o we_o attend_v god_n public_a worship_n as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o receive_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o sacrament_n be_v ancient_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o of_o late_a year_n it_o have_v be_v scandalous_o neglect_v and_o therefore_o as_o when_o man_n come_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o due_a preparation_n 11.29_o 1_o cor._n 11.29_o they_o trample_v under_o foot_n christ_n holy_a body_n and_o blood_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v condemnation_n to_o themselves_o so_o when_o they_o frequent_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o attend_v upon_o
we_o the_o blessing_n we_o pray_v for_o he_o will_v give_v we_o some_o better_a thing_n instead_o of_o they_o or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o deliver_v we_o out_o of_o that_o affliction_n or_o trouble_v we_o groan_v under_o he_o will_v bestow_v upon_o we_o a_o suitable_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o support_v we_o under_o it_o either_o of_o these_o consideration_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o place_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n upon_o god_n and_o to_o persevere_v in_o our_o address_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n sermon_n ix_o prov_n iv_o 23._o keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n it_o be_v deserve_o look_v upon_o as_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a excellency_n of_o the_o persian_a law_n that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o design_n the_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n as_o the_o use_v mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o commission_n of_o it_o that_o by_o a_o careful_a education_n of_o youth_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o morality_n they_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o affection_n and_o render_v their_o duty_n so_o familiar_a and_o habitual_a to_o they_o that_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o those_o terrible_a torture_n and_o bloody_a execution_n whereby_o other_o lawgiver_n fright_v their_o subject_n into_o obedience_n and_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o duty_n recommend_v in_o the_o text_n for_o be_v but_o this_o one_o precept_n sincere_o conform_v to_o do_v we_o but_o perform_v this_o one_o duty_n conscientious_o and_o honest_o we_o shall_v find_v very_o little_a difficulty_n in_o yield_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o that_o man_n will_v never_o commit_v murder_n that_o dare_v not_o be_v angry_a without_o a_o cause_n nor_o be_v adulterous_a in_o the_o act_n who_o do_v not_o first_o transgress_v in_o his_o desire_n can_v we_o think_v he_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o deliberate_a perjury_n that_o fear_v a_o oath_n or_o defraud_v another_o who_o permit_v not_o himself_o to_o covet_n for_o if_o the_o first_o spark_n of_o ill_n be_v quench_v within_o they_o will_v never_o break_v out_o into_o a_o flame_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v advice_n well_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n in_o which_o word_n be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n i._o of_o a_o duty_n recommend_v to_o we_o to_o keep_v our_o heart_n ii_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o duty_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o all_o diligence_n iii_o of_o the_o motive_n to_o engage_v we_o thus_o to_o perform_v it_o for_o out_o of_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n iv_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o direction_n to_o facilitate_v this_o duty_n to_o we_o and_o to_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o due_a government_n of_o our_o heart_n 1._o here_o be_v a_o duty_n enjoin_v we_o heart_n psal_n 12.2_o 2_o kin._n 10.30_o matth._n 22.37_o 2_o sam._n 24.5_o rom._n 7.22_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o man_n within_o we_o 1_o pet._n 3.4_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n now_o the_o heart_n have_v different_a acceptation_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v sometime_o take_v for_o one_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o sometime_o for_o another_o for_o the_o understanding_n the_o will_n the_o affection_n the_o conscience_n and_o sometime_o for_o the_o whole_a soul_n i_o shall_v take_v it_o in_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a sense_n and_o then_o it_o will_v denote_v to_o we_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o inclination_n the_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o seat_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o instrument_n of_o its_o most_o noble_a operation_n so_o that_o by_o keep_v the_o heart_n be_v mean_v a_o look_v into_o the_o most_o private_a recess_n of_o our_o soul_n a_o curious_a and_o particular_a observation_n what_o be_v transact_v there_o the_o take_v a_o view_n of_o all_o our_o inclination_n passion_n desire_n and_o affection_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n approve_v those_o which_o be_v good_a and_o disallow_v those_o which_o be_v evil._n it_o denote_v also_o the_o make_v use_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o bring_v our_o soul_n into_o a_o due_a frame_n and_o temper_v the_o take_a care_n that_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n may_v not_o be_v take_v up_o with_o any_o unlawful_a object_n or_o draw_v out_o too_o far_o on_o any_o sensual_a pleasure_n or_o worldly_a advantage_n but_o that_o we_o sincere_o desire_v and_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o render_v they_o entire_o conformable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o best_a and_o most_o holy_a man_n to_o govern_v their_o heart_n so_o exact_o as_o never_o to_o transgress_v the_o strict_a rule_n of_o their_o duty_n or_o never_o to_o offend_v in_o thought_n alas_o vain_a and_o sinful_a thought_n will_v continual_o spring_v up_o in_o our_o mind_n they_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o our_o deprave_a nature_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o incite_v they_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o present_v such_o tempt_a and_o allure_a object_n to_o our_o fancy_n as_o will_v produce_v inordinate_a affection_n and_o desire_v it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o keep_v our_o heart_n as_o that_o no_o vain_a thought_n shall_v intrude_v themselves_o there_o whilst_o we_o continue_v in_o these_o frail_a body_n and_o house_n of_o clay_n we_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o many_o passion_n and_o the_o fume_n which_o arise_v from_o our_o inferior_a appetite_n will_v cloud_v our_o understanding_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n captivate_v our_o reason_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a that_o many_o of_o our_o thought_n proceed_v from_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o body_n and_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v on_o the_o present_a circumstance_n we_o be_v in_o and_o the_o object_n we_o converse_v with_o if_o we_o be_v of_o a_o cold_a and_o phlegmatic_a constitution_n we_o shall_v be_v affect_v with_o melancholy_a and_o distrustful_a thought_n and_o fancy_n if_o of_o a_o choleric_a temper_n passion_n will_v sometime_o get_v the_o upper_a hand_n of_o we_o when_o we_o be_v at_o ease_n and_o in_o prosperity_n our_o thought_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v too_o gay_a and_o volatile_a if_o in_o pain_n or_o misery_n we_o must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o pore_v on_o it_o and_o therefore_o all_o that_o a_o good_a christian_a can_v do_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v his_o heart_n in_o as_o good_a a_o frame_n as_o he_o possible_o can_v to_o be_v continual_o on_o his_o guard_n and_o though_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o to_o endeavour_v after_o it_o by_o curb_v his_o unruly_a passion_n govern_v his_o affection_n and_o appetite_n by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o whenever_o they_o break_v out_o and_o act_n irregular_o reduce_v they_o within_o their_o due_a bound_n and_o not_o allow_v or_o delight_v in_o the_o least_o sinful_a thought_n or_o suffer_v it_o to_o dwell_v or_o remain_v in_o our_o heart_n but_o cast_v it_o out_o with_o all_o speed_n and_o indignation_n imaginable_a and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v ii_o with_o all_o diligence_n which_o denote_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o this_o duty_n ought_v to_o be_v our_o constant_a employment_n that_o we_o do_v not_o let_v any_o day_n slip_v without_o examine_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o heart_n for_o if_o we_o sleep_v never_o so_o little_a the_o evil_a one_o will_v take_v the_o opportunity_n of_o sow_v his_o tare_n in_o our_o soul_n if_o we_o be_v not_o always_o upon_o our_o guard_n the_o care_n and_o business_n of_o life_n or_o the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n will_v imprint_v either_o such_o light_n and_o garish_a or_o such_o melancholy_a and_o distract_n idea_n of_o thing_n in_o our_o mind_n as_o will_v produce_v a_o fruitful_a crop_n of_o vain_a solicitous_a and_o sinful_a thought_n this_o must_v be_v the_o business_n of_o every_o day_n for_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v disorder_v with_o every_o gust_n of_o passion_n and_o will_v require_v a_o watchful_a eye_n and_o a_o continual_a care_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o any_o tolerable_a order_n 2._o the_o keep_v our_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n imply_v the_o great_a intenseness_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n imaginable_a for_o we_o must_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o come_v to_o a_o through_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n
thought_n be_v not_o sinful_a unless_o immediate_o blasphemous_a against_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o blame_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o commit_v murder_n or_o adultery_n unless_o it_o be_v actual_o put_v in_o execution_n which_o we_o have_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o among_o we_o who_o maintain_v this_o absurd_a opinion_n and_o fancy_n their_o thought_n be_v so_o free_a that_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v call_v to_o account_v for_o they_o if_o they_o can_v but_o act_n so_o cunning_o as_o to_o escape_v the_o censure_n of_o man_n 55.21_o psal_n 55.21_o if_o they_o can_v but_o speak_v word_n smooth_a than_o oil_n they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o solicitous_a how_o their_o heart_n stand_v affect_v but_o let_v these_o man_n consider_v 2.15_o rom._n 2.15_o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o loud_a word_n and_o most_o public_a action_n in_o god_n book_n not_o only_o the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n but_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v write_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v command_v not_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n 13.14_o rom._n 13.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o contrive_v beforehand_o how_o we_o may_v fulfil_v our_o sinful_a appetite_n and_o desire_n solomon_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o thought_n of_o foolishness_n be_v sin_n i._n e._n 9_o prov._n 2.4_o 9_o a_o foolish_a thought_n and_o that_o a_o man_n of_o wicked_a device_n or_o thought_n god_n will_v condemn_v 12.2_o prov._n 12.2_o and_o st._n john_n affirm_v 3.15_o 1_o joh._n 3.15_o that_o whosoever_o hate_v his_o brother_n or_o retain_v any_o rancour_n or_o malice_n in_o his_o heart_n be_v a_o murderer_n now_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n god_n will_v accept_v of_o the_o sincere_a intention_n of_o those_o person_n who_o fail_v in_o their_o obedience_n only_o for_o want_n of_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v command_v they_o so_o on_o the_o other_o our_o thought_n may_v be_v sinful_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n though_o we_o have_v neither_o will_n nor_o power_n to_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n abraham_n only_o intend_v to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n isaac_n 11.17_o heb._n 11.17_o and_o this_o holy_a purpose_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n 18.12_o gen._n 18.12_o and_o when_o sarah_n disbelieved_a the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o deride_v it_o in_o her_o heart_n she_o be_v say_v to_o laugh_v within_o herself_o and_o god_n resent_v the_o provocation_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o when_o a_o wicked_a thought_n be_v put_v into_o execution_n and_o break_v out_o into_o a_o wicked_a act_n 1.15_o jam._n 1.15_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o sin_n it_o be_v of_o a_o far_o more_o heinous_a nature_n and_o deep_a dye_n than_o when_o it_o be_v only_o a_o embryo_n or_o in_o the_o birth_n yet_o in_o many_o respect_v our_o thought_n may_v be_v more_o wicked_a than_o either_o our_o word_n or_o action_n can_v be_v for_o 1._o our_o thought_n be_v more_o numerous_a than_o our_o action_n there_o must_v be_v many_o preparatory_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n many_o thought_n twist_v together_o to_o produce_v one_o deliberate_a sinful_a action_n how_o many_o plotting_n and_o contriving_n desire_n and_o hope_n wish_n and_o complacency_n must_v go_v before_o the_o commission_n of_o every_o evil_a deed_n there_o must_v be_v first_o a_o scheme_n erect_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o mean_n and_o method_n must_v be_v resolve_v on_o the_o instrument_n must_v be_v choose_v and_o the_o thing_n frequent_o act_v over_o in_o our_o thought_n before_o any_o notorious_a sinful_a action_n can_v be_v commit_v 2._o the_o same_o sin_n may_v be_v act_v over_o a_o thousand_o time_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o can_v only_o be_v once_o perform_v in_o the_o outward_a action_n we_o may_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o recall_v the_o sin_n we_o have_v former_o commit_v in_o represent_v they_o in_o our_o fancy_n and_o re-acting_a they_o over_o in_o our_o imagination_n and_o hereby_o draw_v down_o a_o fresh_a gild_n upon_o ourselves_o nay_o 3._o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n by_o contrive_v they_o in_o our_o mind_n which_o can_v never_o possible_o be_v real_o act_v thus_o the_o covetous_a man_n may_v rob_v his_o neighbour_n of_o his_o wealth_n though_o he_o never_o obtain_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o the_o malicious_a and_o revengeful_a may_v murder_v his_o enemy_n when_o out_o of_o his_o reach_n and_o the_o cruel_a and_o bloodthirsty_a may_v imagine_v all_o mankind_n to_o have_v but_o one_o neck_n and_o then_o cut_v it_o off_o 14.1_o psal_n 14.1_o and_o the_o atheist_n may_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o fancy_v he_o exclude_v out_o of_o the_o world_n from_o these_o and_o such_o other_o consideration_n it_o be_v obvious_a to_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o think_v as_o we_o please_v but_o that_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n be_v a_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a duty_n nay_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a be_v it_o to_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n that_o no_o word_n or_o action_n can_v be_v good_a or_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o unessayed_v heart_n a_o wicked_a man_n may_v perform_v many_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o good_a disposition_n of_o mind_n they_o be_v only_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la counterfeit_a virtue_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 13.1_o 1_o cor._n 13.1_o that_o if_o we_o give_v our_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o have_v not_o charity_n i._n e._n a_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o heart_n all_o those_o good_a deed_n will_v profit_v we_o nothing_o 2._o the_o keep_v of_o our_o heart_n be_v conducive_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n because_o the_o maintain_v our_o communion_n with_o god_n depend_v on_o it_o now_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v maintain_v by_o our_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o praise_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o acceptance_n of_o they_o and_o bestow_v on_o we_o the_o bless_a influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o if_o so_o then_o what_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n can_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o from_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o impure_a desire_n and_o affection_n reek_v with_o lust_n or_o anger_n or_o revenge_n he_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o delight_n to_o dwell_v in_o a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a heart_n 57.15_o isa_n 57.15_o and_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v infect_v with_o envy_n malice_n pride_n or_o lust_n we_o shall_v grieve_v he_o and_o he_o will_v depart_v from_o we_o and_o then_o the_o devil_n those_o impure_a spirit_n will_v take_v possession_n of_o our_o soul_n they_o will_v become_v a_o cage_n of_o these_o unclean_a bird_n a_o fit_a habitation_n for_o these_o legion_n to_o dwell_v in_o 3._o a_o right_a frame_n of_o heart_n be_v a_o qualification_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o render_v we_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o our_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v on_o the_o preparation_n we_o have_v make_v for_o it_o in_o this_o our_o life_n here_o be_v a_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n a_o small_a span_n of_o time_n allot_v we_o to_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o divine_a quality_n those_o wedding_n garment_n which_o will_v render_v we_o welcome_a guest_n at_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb._n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v have_v any_o well-grounded_n hope_v of_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o must_v make_v it_o our_o employment_n here_o to_o restrain_v our_o passion_n moderate_a our_o affection_n inflame_v our_o heart_n with_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o holy_a meditation_n these_o be_v qualification_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v we_o relish_v the_o pleasure_n of_o another_o life_n for_o we_o may_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n hope_v to_o satisfy_v our_o hunger_n with_o precious_a stone_n and_o diamond_n or_o our_o thirst_n with_o the_o sight_n of_o stately_a building_n or_o goodly_a apparel_n as_o that_o a_o malicious_a envious_a lustful_a or_o covetous_a person_n whilst_o he_o continue_v so_o shall_v take_v delight_n in_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n and_o in_o sing_v praise_n and_o hallelujah_n unto_o god_n so_o necessary_a be_v it_o that_o we_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v our_o
excite_v the_o admiration_n of_o considerate_a man_n than_o the_o ill_a entertainment_n which_o religion_n and_o its_o professor_n have_v find_v in_o the_o world_n for_o its_o precept_n be_v so_o rational_a so_o easy_a so_o much_o for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o the_o general_n and_o the_o contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n even_o in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o will_v be_v every_o wise_a man_n choice_n be_v they_o not_o his_o duty_n and_o yet_o beside_o the_o internal_a goodness_n and_o conveniency_n of_o those_o command_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o lay_v upon_o we_o he_o have_v enforce_v they_o with_o many_o powerful_a motive_n he_o have_v denounce_v many_o dreadful_a punishment_n against_o those_o person_n who_o disobey_v they_o punishment_n so_o intolerable_a that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v even_o by_o those_o who_o must_v undergo_v they_o he_o have_v propose_v many_o excellent_a reward_n to_o those_o who_o comply_v with_o they_o such_o as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o understand_v these_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v one_o will_v think_v the_o christian_a religion_n can_v not_o miss_v of_o a_o candid_a reception_n but_o that_o all_o man_n to_o who_o these_o joyful_a tiding_n come_v will_v soon_o become_v its_o proselyte_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v man_n i._n e._n reasonable_a and_o thoughtful_a being_n and_o not_o be_v christian_n and_o yet_o our_o experience_n convince_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v visible_a to_o every_o inquisitive_a observer_n that_o piety_n decay_v devotion_n grow_v cold_a in_o our_o age_n and_o those_o who_o live_v under_o the_o best_a law_n be_v most_o taint_v with_o vice_n and_o most_o dissolute_a in_o their_o manner_n there_o be_v many_o indeed_o who_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o baptism_n who_o wear_v his_o badge_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v few_o very_o few_o who_o obey_v his_o command_n and_o live_v by_o those_o rule_n he_o have_v lay_v down_o in_o his_o holy_a gospel_n now_o among_o the_o many_o cause_n which_o concur_v to_o produce_v this_o strange_a effect_n there_o be_v none_o which_o be_v assign_v with_o more_o appearance_n of_o reason_n than_o the_o want_n of_o consideration_n that_o general_a stupidity_n and_o careless_a temper_n which_o have_v seize_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n most_o man_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o earnest_a pursuit_n after_o riches_n honour_n or_o pleasure_n with_o the_o business_n of_o their_o calling_n and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n that_o they_o seldom_o think_v of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v or_o consider_v what_o their_o condition_n will_v be_v hereafter_o nay_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o their_o mortality_n and_o consideration_n that_o they_o must_v short_o leave_v this_o world_n seem_v as_o unwelcome_a to_o they_o as_o death_n itself_o for_o do_v we_o but_o frequent_o and_o serious_o think_v on_o our_o way_n we_o shall_v turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o think_v on_o our_o way_n second_o what_o the_o consequence_n will_v be_v of_o a_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o shall_v turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o think_v on_o our_o way_n way_n be_v a_o metaphor_n very_o often_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o signify_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n the_o time_n of_o our_o continuance_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o fit_o set_v out_o by_o a_o journey_n or_o pilgrimage_n it_o be_v begin_v at_o our_o birth_n and_o every_o moment_n which_o pass_v afterward_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o step_n which_o bring_v we_o near_o our_o long-home_o by_o think_v on_o our_o way_n may_v be_v mean_v either_o 1._o a_o compare_v a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n with_o a_o vicious_a and_o debauch_a one_o a_o consider_v what_o pleasure_n and_o conveniency_n each_o of_o they_o afford_v what_o effect_n they_o produce_v and_o a_o determine_n within_o ourselves_o whether_o it_o be_v best_a and_o most_o for_o our_o interest_n to_o take_v up_o with_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o live_v a_o honest_a sober_a and_o devout_a life_n though_o attend_v with_o many_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n and_o expose_v to_o many_o suffering_n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o a_o former_a discourse_n first_o sermon_n the_o first_o or_o else_o 2._o the_o think_v on_o our_o way_n may_v denote_v a_o reflection_n on_o our_o own_o particular_a action_n a_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n and_o examine_v our_o conscience_n whether_o we_o have_v live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o from_o thence_o conclude_v what_o the_o present_a state_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v and_o what_o expectation_n we_o may_v reasonable_o entertain_v of_o be_v happy_a hereafter_o and_o if_o we_o take_v these_o word_n of_o my_o text_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n in_o this_o last_o sense_n than_o they_o imply_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o a_o set_n apart_o some_o time_n to_o recollect_v ourselves_o and_o to_o consider_v what_o the_o past_a action_n of_o our_o life_n have_v be_v second_o a_o compare_v our_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n three_o a_o serious_a resolution_n to_o persevere_v in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o reform_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o put_v these_o thing_n in_o practice_n and_o perform_v they_o with_o the_o better_a success_n i_o shall_v show_v i._n how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o every_o one_o who_o design_n to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n thus_o to_o consider_v his_o way_n ii_o i_o shall_v show_v after_o what_o manner_n we_o ought_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n iii_o what_o excellent_a effect_n a_o due_a performance_n of_o it_o will_v have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n we_o shall_v turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n first_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o every_o one_o who_o design_n to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n to_o consider_v his_o way_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a 1._o because_o it_o be_v so_o frequent_o enjoin_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o god_n who_o make_v we_o and_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o our_o frame_n and_o disposition_n and_o what_o mean_n will_v be_v most_o useful_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n frequent_o exhort_v we_o to_o look_v back_o into_o our_o past_a life_n to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o our_o action_n by_o compare_v they_o with_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o if_o we_o find_v we_o have_v do_v amiss_o to_o repent_v and_o do_v so_o no_o more_o in_o the_o four_o psalm_n verse_n the_o four_o the_o psalmist_n advise_v we_o commune_fw-la with_o your_o own_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n and_o be_v still_o upon_o which_o word_n st._n chrysostom_n thus_o dictate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n that_o be_v before_o you_o compose_v yourself_o to_o sleep_n summon_v a_o court_n of_o judicature_n in_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o exact_v a_o severe_a account_n of_o yourself_o consider_v what_o wicked_a purpose_n and_o design_n you_o have_v harbour_v and_o how_o many_o of_o these_o have_v take_v effect_n arraign_v and_o condemn_v yourself_o for_o those_o sin_n and_o resolve_v that_o you_o will_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o any_o more_o st._n ourselves_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o we_o will_v discern_v or_o distinguish_v ourselves_o paul_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v i._n e._n we_o shall_v avoid_v those_o sin_n which_o bring_v the_o divine_a judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o same_o advice_n be_v couch_v in_o those_o parable_n luk._n 14.28_o 29._o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n for_o which_o of_o you_o intend_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o compute_v the_o cost_n whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o finish_v it_o lest_o happy_o after_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v it_o all_o that_o behold_v he_o begin_v to_o mock_v he_o say_v this_o man_n begin_v to_o build_v and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v or_o what_o king_n go_v to_o make_v war_n against_o another_o king_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o consult_v whether_o he_o be_v able_a with_o ten_o thousand_o to_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o
labour_n of_o prove_v to_o you_o the_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o one_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o have_v be_v the_o usage_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o of_o those_o who_o example_n be_v recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o also_o of_o those_o heathen_n who_o have_v be_v eminent_a for_o virtue_n and_o morality_n the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o 77.6_o psal_n 77.6_o that_o he_o use_v constant_o to_o call_v himself_o to_o a_o account_n i_o call_v to_o remembrance_n my_o song_n in_o the_o night_n i_o common_a with_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o my_o spirit_n make_v diligent_a search_n among_o the_o father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o find_v all_o those_o who_o write_v upon_o practical_a subject_n press_v this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n the_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o shall_v i_o instance_n in_o the_o precept_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n basil_n gregory_n and_o the_o rest_n neither_o be_v the_o heathen_a moralist_n want_v in_o the_o recommendation_n of_o it_o both_o by_o precept_n and_o their_o own_o example_n that_o precept_n of_o pythagoras_n in_o his_o golden_a verse_n be_v general_o know_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ask_v thyself_o say_v he_o every_o night_n what_o sin_n have_v i_o commit_v this_o day_n what_o good_a have_v i_o do_v what_o good_a have_v i_o leave_v undo_v which_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v seneca_n tell_v we_o quotidie_fw-la apud_fw-la i_o causam_fw-la dico_fw-la i_o every_o day_n pass_v judgement_n upon_o my_o own_o action_n when_o i_o be_o in_o bed_n and_o the_o light_n be_v take_v away_o i_o run_v over_o all_o my_o word_n and_o deed_n i_o consider_v how_o i_o have_v spend_v that_o day_n i_o omit_v nothing_o which_o i_o can_v recollect_v for_o why_o shall_v i_o be_v afraid_a to_o reflect_v on_o my_o own_o fail_n when_o i_o can_v say_v to_o myself_o this_o be_v not_o well_o do_v but_o do_v so_o no_o more_o he_o also_o tell_v we_o of_o his_o friend_n sixtus_n the_o philosopher_n who_o due_o thus_o examine_v himself_o before_o he_o go_v to_o rest_v what_o disease_n of_o thy_o soul_n or_o what_o vice_n have_v thou_o cure_v this_o day_n what_o sin_n have_v thou_o subdue_v be_v thou_o a_o better_a man_n to_o day_n than_o thou_o be_v yesterday_o if_o so_o thou_o have_v live_v to_o some_o purpose_n but_o if_o not_o thou_o have_v but_o consume_v and_o lose_v thy_o time_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o the_o divine_a plato_n when_o he_o see_v any_o man_n do_v a_o wicked_a or_o unbecoming_a action_n use_v to_o ask_v himself_o this_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v i_o never_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o crime_n if_o this_o sin_n look_v so_o ill_a in_o that_o man_n be_v it_o not_o worse_o in_o i_o if_o i_o have_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o let_v i_o be_v sure_a to_o avoid_v it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o may_v easy_o heap_v up_o many_o like_a instance_n for_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a who_o omit_v or_o neglect_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v this_o for_o grant_v and_o proceed_v second_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o direction_n how_o we_o may_v perform_v this_o duty_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o 1._o when_o we_o design_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n let_v we_o first_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o the_o care_n and_o business_n of_o life_n from_o every_o thing_n which_o will_v take_v up_o our_o thought_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o this_o task_n with_o seriousness_n and_o attention_n for_o since_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o be_v wide_o different_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o attend_v on_o the_o one_o whilst_o our_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o about_o the_o other_o and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o fix_v our_o eye_n upon_o two_o opposite_a object_n at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o keep_v our_o apprehensive_a faculty_n intent_n both_o on_o thing_n temporal_a and_o thing_n spiritual_a when_o we_o have_v cleanse_v and_o purge_v our_o soul_n from_o all_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a thought_n and_o affection_n let_v we_o beseech_v god_n from_o who_o be_v the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v enable_v we_o impartial_o to_o examine_v and_o search_v into_o our_o own_o soul_n enlighten_v our_o understanding_n assist_v our_o memory_n and_o discover_v to_o we_o those_o sin_n which_o lie_v hide_v in_o our_o conscience_n and_o teach_v we_o those_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o which_o either_o we_o never_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o which_o we_o have_v forget_v that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n of_o they_o at_o present_a we_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v affect_v with_o when_o we_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o sickbed_n and_o to_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o the_o other_o world_n have_v thus_o fit_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n we_o must_v examine_v ourselves_o and_o i._o the_o time_n when_o we_o ought_v to_o employ_v ourselves_o about_o this_o duty_n ii_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o examination_n and_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o time_n when_o this_o duty_n will_v be_v most_o seasonable_o perform_v i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n to_o examine_v themselves_o daily_o and_o this_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o since_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v one_o condition_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o before_o he_o will_v seal_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v make_v a_o full_a and_o particular_a confession_n of_o they_o unless_o we_o examine_v ourselves_o daily_o the_o number_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v so_o great_a that_o shall_v we_o defer_v it_o till_o a_o far_a time_n many_o of_o they_o will_v slip_v out_o of_o our_o memory_n and_o than_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o no_o other_o condition_n of_o pardon_n but_o that_o general_a confession_n of_o they_o 19.12_o psal_n 19.12_o cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o my_o secret_a sin_n and_o how_o can_v we_o call_v those_o sin_n secret_a which_o be_v conceal_v from_o we_o only_o because_o we_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o discover_v they_o what_o time_n of_o the_o day_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o this_o employment_n every_o man_n prudence_n must_v determine_v this_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o the_o exigency_n of_o his_o affair_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a even_o in_o this_o case_n 11.6_o eccles_n 11.6_o to_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o morning_n sow_v thy_o seed_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n withhold_v not_o thy_o hand_n to_o consider_v in_o the_o morning_n what_o temptation_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o that_o day_n what_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o make_v the_o most_o strong_a and_o firm_a resolution_n that_o we_o will_v resist_v the_o one_o and_o embrace_v the_o other_o and_o to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o account_v in_o the_o evening_n how_o well_o we_o have_v put_v these_o resolution_n into_o execution_n whether_o we_o have_v perform_v our_o vow_n unto_o god_n or_o else_o shameful_o give_v up_o his_o cause_n and_o yield_v to_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o prevail_a temptation_n but_o beside_o this_o daily_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o there_o be_v other_o time_n when_o we_o ought_v to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o account_n it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n a_o day_n set_v apart_o on_o purpose_n that_o those_o person_n who_o all_o the_o week_n long_o be_v cumber_v with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n employ_v in_o the_o business_n of_o their_o calling_n and_o in_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o body_n may_v have_v some_o time_n to_o recollect_v themselves_o and_o to_o secure_v the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o how_o can_v man_n employ_v this_o day_n better_o i_o mean_v that_o part_n of_o it_o when_o they_o be_v not_o call_v upon_o to_o join_v in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n than_o in_o recollect_v themselves_o how_o they_o have_v spend_v the_o week_n past_a what_o sin_v they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o what_o good_a action_n they_o have_v perform_v what_o progress_n they_o have_v make_v in_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o in_o consider_v what_o temptation_n they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o follow_a week_n and_o in_o take_v up_o resolution_n of_o walk_v more_o strict_o and_o more_o
same_o pitch_n of_o devotion_n but_o when_o he_o be_v at_o the_o low_a ebb_n he_o endeavour_v to_o quicken_v and_o raise_v his_o affection_n he_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o inflame_v his_o heart_n with_o a_o coal_n from_o the_o altar_n and_o can_v rest_v satisfy_v till_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n shine_v in_o upon_o his_o soul_n and_o he_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n assure_v of_o god_n favour_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o he_o these_o be_v the_o four_o mark_n by_o which_o we_o may_v certain_o discover_v if_o we_o will_v but_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o the_o trial_n whether_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o the_o form_n only_o i_o come_v now_o four_o to_o show_v how_o far_o we_o must_v turn_v away_o from_o such_o person_n as_o have_v only_o the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o i._o we_o must_v examine_v their_o doctrine_n ii_o detest_v their_o evil_a example_n iii_o avoid_v their_o company_n i._o we_o must_v examine_v their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o end_n of_o it_o st._n paul_n give_v we_o a_o hint_n of_o both_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n 18._o rom._n 16.17_o 18._o mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n there_o be_v their_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o avoid_v they_o for_o they_o that_o be_v such_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o be_v their_o end_n and_o design_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n and_o by_o good_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a whatever_o doctrine_n have_v a_o show_n of_o seem_a holiness_n and_o piety_n and_o yet_o by_o probable_a consequence_n tend_v to_o promote_v any_o evil_a and_o wicked_a design_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v till_o try_v by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n and_o be_v find_v exact_o conformable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n ii_o we_o must_v detest_v their_o evil_a example_n for_o this_o be_v a_o absolute_a and_o certain_a rule_n that_o unless_o we_o dislike_v their_o evil_a practice_n and_o alienate_v our_o affection_n from_o they_o we_o shall_v write_v after_o the_o same_o copy_n our_o life_n will_v be_v according_a to_o our_o like_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v hate_v and_o detest_v their_o hypocrisy_n though_o we_o love_v the_o man_n we_o must_v abhor_v the_o uglyness_n of_o their_o vice_n though_o we_o bear_v no_o ill_a will_n to_o their_o person_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v hate_v they_o right_a sore_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n 139.22_o psal_n 139.22_o even_o as_o though_o they_o be_v our_o enemy_n iii_o we_o must_v avoid_v their_o company_n and_o this_o be_v the_o literal_a meaning_n of_o the_o text._n from_o such_o turn_n away_o it_o be_v a_o subtle_a though_o a_o wicked_a policy_n of_o jeroboam_n to_o set_v up_o two_o golden_a calf_n the_o one_o at_o dan_n the_o other_o at_o bethâ—el_n that_o he_o may_v detain_v his_o people_n at_o home_n lest_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o converse_v with_o the_o subject_n of_o rehoboam_n they_o shall_v contract_v a_o friendship_n and_o familiarity_n with_o they_o and_o be_v persuade_v to_o return_v to_o their_o obedience_n he_o know_v how_o much_o company_n and_o conversation_n win_v upon_o man_n affection_n and_o that_o society_n and_o familiarity_n have_v by_o degree_n wrought_v out_o what_o the_o most_o persuasive_a rhetoric_n can_v never_o accomplish_v be_v you_o not_o therefore_o unequal_o yoke_v say_v the_o apostle_n for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n etc._n etc._n 16._o 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 16._o wherefore_o come_v you_o out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o but_o this_o be_v the_o rock_n upon_o which_o too_o many_o split_n they_o first_o look_v upon_o all_o other_o man_n as_o common_a and_o unclean_a who_o in_o truth_n be_v much_o better_a than_o themselves_o and_o then_o not_o only_o avoid_v their_o conversation_n but_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v treat_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a honesty_n and_o thus_o by_o strain_v the_o string_n too_o high_a make_v it_o jar_v and_o spoil_v all_o the_o harmony_n and_o consort_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v more_o particular_o set_v out_o the_o bound_n and_o limitation_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o consider_v how_o far_o we_o must_v turn_v away_o from_o such_o man_n as_o have_v the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o first_o we_o be_v not_o hereby_o engage_v to_o quit_v our_o particular_a engagement_n or_o to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o our_o friend_n and_o near_a relation_n for_o the_o servant_n be_v tie_v to_o his_o master_n the_o child_n to_o his_o parent_n the_o husband_n and_o wife_n to_o each_o other_o and_o no_o pretence_n of_o great_a sanctity_n and_o purity_n be_v sufficient_a to_o excuse_v they_o from_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n nay_o we_o must_v not_o so_o turn_v away_o from_o any_o man_n as_o to_o refuse_v do_v good_a and_o charitable_a office_n either_o to_o his_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o rather_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n 5.45_o matth._n 5.45_o who_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o descend_v on_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a tâ—â—_n more_o wicked_a any_o man_n be_v and_o the_o more_o infect_v with_o the_o leprosy_n of_o sin_n the_o more_o need_n he_o have_v of_o a_o physician_n if_o therefore_o we_o see_v a_o man_n who_o have_v the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n let_v we_o omit_v no_o opportunity_n of_o reclaim_v he_o from_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n let_v we_o assist_v he_o with_o seasonable_a counsel_n and_o advice_n and_o do_v he_o all_o the_o good_a turn_v that_o lie_n in_o our_o way_n remember_v that_o excellent_a say_v of_o a_o heathen_a homo_fw-la sum_fw-la humani_fw-la nihil_fw-la à _fw-la i_o alienum_fw-la puto_fw-la i_o myself_o be_o but_o a_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o affliction_n can_v happen_v to_o any_o one_o but_o i_o bear_v my_o part_n in_o it_o but_o let_v we_o not_o contract_v a_o familiarity_n with_o a_o vicious_a or_o heretical_a person_n let_v we_o not_o lay_v such_o a_o one_o in_o our_o bosom_n or_o make_v he_o our_o particular_a friend_n but_o keep_v such_o a_o strict_a guard_n over_o ourselves_o and_o be_v so_o cautious_a in_o our_o deal_n with_o he_o that_o we_o may_v receive_v no_o prejudice_n by_o his_o evil_a example_n we_o must_v treat_v he_o as_o we_o usual_o do_v those_o who_o be_v sick_a of_o a_o infectious_a disease_n furnish_v he_o with_o those_o thing_n he_o want_v administer_v to_o all_o his_o press_a necessity_n but_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o converse_v frequent_o with_o he_o or_o to_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o catch_v that_o distemper_n under_o which_o he_o labour_v such_o a_o familiarity_n as_o this_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o avoid_v 1.1_o psal_n 1.1_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n say_v david_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a and_o in_o another_o place_n i_o have_v not_o dwell_v with_o vain_a person_n 43.4_o psal_n 43.4_o neither_o will_v i_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o deceitful_a i_o have_v hate_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o will_v not_o sit_v among_o the_o ungodly_a i_o will_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n o_o lord_n and_o so_o will_v i_o compass_v thy_o altar_n and_o when_o ever_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o calling_n oblige_v we_o to_o frequent_v their_o company_n we_o must_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n woe_n be_v i_o that_o i_o dwell_v in_o mesech_n 120.5_o psal_n 120.5_o and_o take_v up_o my_o habitation_n in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n in_o short_a let_v we_o observe_v these_o three_o rule_n 1._o let_v we_o imitate_v they_o in_o good_a thing_n the_o form_n of_o godliness_n the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v high_o necessary_a and_o praiseworthy_a let_v we_o therefore_o imitate_v they_o in_o this_o nay_o let_v we_o go_v beyond_o they_o in_o a_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o devotion_n of_o our_o prayer_n the_o solemnity_n of_o our_o fast_n the_o become_a decency_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o in_o avoid_v all_o such_o sin_n as_o be_v not_o only_o heinous_a offence_n against_o god_n but_o scandalous_a among_o man_n and_o uneasy_a to_o modest_a and_o virtuous_a conversation_n let_v that_o face_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o put_v on_o incite_v in_o we_o a_o holy_a emulation_n to_o outdo_v they_o in_o their_o own_o art_n for_o good_a be_v still_o the_o same_o in_o whatsoever_o subject_a it_o be_v find_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n
divine_a joy_n to_o see_v those_o church_n raise_v to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o adorn_v with_o a_o more_o splendid_a magnificency_n than_o their_o first_o founder_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o one_o who_o consult_v ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n increase_v and_o king_n and_o emperor_n become_v the_o nurse_n father_n of_o the_o church_n more_o stately_a and_o magnificent_a structure_n be_v build_v and_o dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n no_o cost_n be_v spare_v nothing_o be_v think_v too_o good_a for_o this_o sacred_a use_n the_o whole_a christian_a world_n do_v seem_v to_o rejoice_v that_o they_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o bestow_v their_o good_n to_o this_o holy_a purpose_n and_o their_o profuse_a liberality_n be_v speak_v of_o with_o honour_n and_o approbation_n gaudentium_fw-la st._n jerom._n ad_fw-la nepotian_n de_fw-fr vitâ_fw-la clerici_fw-la ad_fw-la demetr_v epist_n 12._o ad_fw-la gaudentium_fw-la it_o be_v confess_v there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o father_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v these_o expensive_a building_n but_o than_o it_o be_v only_o comparative_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o lay_v out_o upon_o these_o structure_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o bestow_v on_o the_o live_a temple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o have_v such_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n for_o adorn_v church_n that_o they_o starve_v the_o poor_a and_o do_v not_o provide_v a_o competent_a allowance_n for_o those_o who_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o who_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n endeavour_v to_o adorn_v our_o profession_n by_o a_o diligent_a and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n by_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o these_o holy_a duty_n and_o a_o devout_a comportment_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o a_o filial_a regard_n to_o all_o those_o devout_a rite_n and_o solemnity_n enjoin_v we_o by_o our_o superior_n that_o so_o we_o who_o be_v now_o member_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a may_v as_o far_o as_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o condition_n will_v permit_v resemble_v that_o hide_a dignity_n and_o glory_n wherewith_o the_o church_n triumphant_a in_o heaven_n be_v glorify_v and_o worship_n our_o god_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n sermon_n vi._n 1_o thes_n v._o 22._o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v a_o recapitulation_n of_o several_a truth_n deliver_v in_o the_o body_n of_o this_o epistle_n between_o which_o there_o be_v no_o strict_a connection_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o exact_a dependence_n one_o upon_o another_o only_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o those_o which_o go_v immediate_o before_o do_v bear_v some_o relation_n for_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n give_v direction_n concern_v our_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v good_a we_o must_v careful_o examine_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n whether_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o those_o which_o seem_v and_o appear_v to_o be_v good_a and_o those_o which_o be_v real_o so_o we_o must_v reject_v the_o one_o and_o hold_v fast_o the_o other_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o we_o must_v take_v quite_o different_a measure_n in_o relation_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v evil_a which_o either_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o which_o we_o have_v any_o probable_a reason_n to_o suspect_v be_v so_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n there_o be_v indeed_o another_o interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n those_o who_o follow_v the_o syriac_a version_n render_v they_o abstain_v from_o every_o kind_n of_o evil_n but_o since_o this_o word_n be_v not_o so_o render_v in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n from_o the_o scope_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n to_o translate_v it_o so_o i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v with_o the_o generality_n of_o interpreter_n to_o follow_v the_o vulgar_a translation_n and_o render_v it_o as_o in_o my_o text_n abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o the_o rather_o â—â—_o phil._n 4._o â—â—_o because_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o this_o precept_n be_v contain_v in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n the_o word_n thus_o understand_v may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o as_o a_o rule_n for_o the_o direct_v our_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o latter_a of_o these_o be_v chief_o intend_v in_o the_o text_n and_o therefore_o my_o present_a enquiry_n shall_v be_v what_o those_o action_n and_o practice_n be_v which_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o from_o which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o abstain_v that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o more_o plain_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v consider_v these_o word_n 1._o absolute_o and_o 2._o as_o they_o bear_v a_o respect_n and_o relation_n to_o our_o neighbour_n first_o take_v absolute_o they_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o this_o proposition_n that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v any_o action_n which_o either_o real_o be_v or_o have_v the_o blush_n or_o appearance_n of_o evil._n second_o if_o consider_v with_o respect_n to_o our_o neighbour_n they_o import_v that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o such_o action_n which_o may_v probable_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n to_o our_o brother_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o word_n absolute_o and_o then_o they_o import_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o every_o action_n word_n or_o thought_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n ii_o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v even_o from_o lawful_a action_n if_o they_o appear_v evil_a to_o we_o iii_o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o such_o action_n which_o have_v any_o tendency_n to_o incite_v ensnare_v and_o tempt_v we_o into_o sin_n 1._o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o every_o action_n word_n or_o thought_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n though_o it_o may_v appear_v of_o never_o so_o little_a concernment_n whatsoever_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n though_o in_o the_o small_a and_o most_o inconsiderable_a circumstance_n must_v be_v careful_o avoid_v by_o we_o because_o every_o such_o transgression_n will_v expose_v we_o to_o god_n anger_n and_o by_o consequence_n render_v we_o liable_a to_o everlasting_a punishment_n let_v we_o therefore_o careful_o avoid_v even_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n let_v we_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o our_o eye_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o take_v care_n that_o we_o do_v not_o offend_v with_o our_o tongue_n remember_v that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n every_o idle_a word_n must_v be_v account_v for_o and_o that_o in_o god_n book_n all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v record_v some_o sin_n be_v indeed_o of_o a_o deep_a dye_n than_o other_o and_o do_v admit_v of_o more_o heinous_a aggravation_n sin_n commit_v wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o be_v more_o hateful_a to_o god_n be_v the_o conscience_n more_o and_o by_o consequence_n be_v more_o dangerous_a to_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o soul_n than_o those_o sin_n into_o which_o we_o be_v betray_v by_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o surprise_n of_o a_o temptation_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v sin_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n no_o sin_n can_v be_v small_a or_o little_a or_o as_o the_o papist_n speak_v venial_a for_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o wilful_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 3.4_o 1_o joh._n 3.4_o and_o whoever_o wilful_o offend_v god_n just_o incur_v the_o sentence_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n nay_o even_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n may_v be_v attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n and_o aggravation_n as_o may_v render_v they_o of_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n unto_o we_o than_o those_o which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n imply_v a_o great_a gild_n a_o small_a injury_n do_v on_o purpose_n to_o vilify_v and_o reproach_v we_o be_v resent_v more_o heinous_o than_o when_o we_o sustain_v a_o great_a damage_n through_o the_o folly_n and_o inadvertency_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o least_o sin_n wilful_o commit_v and_o obstinate_o persevere_v in_o will_v deprive_v we_o utter_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n how_o vain_a and_o dangerous_a then_o be_v that_o know_a distinction_n of_o sin_n among_o the_o papist_n into_o sin_n venial_a and_o sin_n mortal_a i._n e._n as_o they_o explain_v it_o into_o such_o sin_n as_o do_v deserve_v eternal_a
his_o ordinance_n careless_o and_o negligent_o they_o grieve_v god_n holy_a spirit_n provoke_v he_o to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n 14._o isa_n 29.13_o 14._o forasmuch_o as_o this_o people_n say_v the_o prophet_n draw_v near_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o therefore_o behold_v i_o will_v proceed_v to_o do_v a_o marvellous_a work_n and_o a_o wonder_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n shall_v perish_v and_o the_o understanding_n of_o their_o prudent_a man_n shall_v be_v hide_v god_n do_v not_o now_o always_o punish_v profaneness_n and_o coldness_n in_o our_o devotion_n with_o temporal_a evil_n and_o sickness_n in_o the_o body_n as_o former_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o he_o have_v exchange_v they_o for_o such_o as_o be_v far_o more_o dreadful_a such_o as_o endanger_v the_o soul_n and_o take_v away_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o a_o christian_n every_o unsanctify_v approach_n which_o we_o make_v unto_o he_o render_v we_o more_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a in_o our_o devotion_n till_o at_o last_o iâ—_n lead_v we_o by_o degree_n into_o open_a profaneness_n and_o atheism_n let_v therefore_o every_o one_o who_o desire_v to_o receive_v the_o bless_a influence_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o his_o soul_n may_v be_v a_o temple_n fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o he_o to_o dwell_v in_o let_v he_o i_o say_v first_o cleanse_v his_o heart_n by_o a_o due_a and_o strict_a examination_n of_o himself_o and_o a_o serious_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n for_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n let_v he_o thus_o keep_v his_o foot_n before_o he_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i._n e._n observe_v what_o path_n he_o have_v walk_v in_o how_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v fit_v and_o dispose_v to_o partake_v of_o these_o holy_a ordinance_n last_o whilst_o we_o be_v go_v towards_o the_o house_n of_o god_n let_v we_o entertain_v ourselves_o with_o such_o meditation_n as_o these_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o that_o god_n before_o who_o we_o be_v go_v to_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a creator_n preserver_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o humble_v himself_o to_o look_v down_o upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v exalt_v above_o all_o praise_n and_o exceed_o happy_a and_o glorious_a above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o think_v it_o be_v this_o god_n who_o grant_v we_o audience_n and_o vouchsafe_v we_o the_o favour_n of_o make_v our_o address_n unto_o he_o let_v we_o consider_v also_o our_o own_o vileness_n and_o sinfulness_n how_o unworthy_a we_o be_v of_o so_o great_a favour_n and_o hereby_o raise_v up_o in_o our_o soul_n that_o humble_a awe_n and_o devout_a reverence_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v 26.2_o levit._fw-la 26.2_o which_o be_v require_v of_o every_o one_o who_o worship_n god_n thus_o the_o devout_a cornelius_n tell_v peter_n that_o he_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v present_a before_o god_n 10.23_o act_n 10.23_o to_o hear_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v they_o by_o god_n i._n e._n they_o have_v consider_v with_o themselves_o who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o word_n they_o be_v to_o hear_v be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o peter_n a_o frail_a sinful_a man_n like_o themselves_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o before_o we_o present_v our_o petition_n unto_o god_n we_o be_v command_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o we_o on_o earth_n i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a distance_n between_o the_o creator_n and_o his_o poor_a creature_n that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a the_o most_o glorious_a and_o the_o most_o holy_a be_v but_o we_o only_a dust_n and_o ash_n vile_a earth_n and_o miserable_a sinner_n vile_a we_o be_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n but_o we_o have_v make_v ourselves_o much_o more_o so_o by_o our_o manifold_a sin_n and_o repeat_v transgression_n when_o therefore_o we_o approach_v the_o holy_a temple_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o say_v thus_o within_o ourselves_o 28.17_o gen._n 28.17_o how_o dreadful_a be_v this_o place_n this_o be_v certain_o the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n dwell_v i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n almighty_n who_o have_v my_o soul_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o the_o breath_n of_o my_o nostril_n at_o his_o disposal_n in_o who_o i_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v my_o be_v i_o be_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o present_v myself_o before_o his_o face_n to_o pay_v he_o my_o homage_n and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o tender_v of_o my_o bind_a duty_n and_o service_n let_v i_o therefore_o put_v my_o mind_n into_o such_o a_o devout_a frame_n as_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o and_o take_v care_n that_o i_o behave_v myself_o with_o reverence_n decency_n and_o devotion_n and_o now_o have_v bring_v you_o to_o the_o temple_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v 2._o how_o we_o ought_v to_o demean_v ourselves_o when_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o here_o i_o be_o to_o consider_v 1._o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o soul_n 41.24_o joh._n 41.24_o 2._o the_o gesture_n of_o our_o body_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n i._n e._n require_v principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o worship_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o then_o that_o of_o our_o body_n now_o to_o a_o due_a worship_a god_n with_o our_o soul_n there_o be_v require_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o attention_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v about_o ii_o the_o intention_n and_o ardency_n of_o the_o affection_n iii_o the_o consent_n of_o our_o will_n and_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n 1._o if_o we_o will_v offer_v up_o unto_o god_n a_o acceptable_a service_n our_o mind_n must_v be_v attentive_a to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v about_o whilst_o we_o be_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o those_o blessing_n we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o or_o praise_v he_o for_o those_o we_o have_v receive_v we_o must_v either_o be_v meditate_v on_o the_o god_n we_o worship_n or_o the_o thing_n we_o desire_v or_o praise_v he_o for_o for_o since_o worship_n be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o those_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v have_v any_o serious_a sense_n or_o make_v any_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o these_o perfection_n unless_o we_o keep_v our_o mind_n intent_n upon_o they_o we_o may_v as_o well_o commend_v the_o beauty_n of_o a_o object_n we_o never_o see_v and_o be_v take_v with_o that_o music_n we_o never_o hear_v as_o admire_v and_o acknowledge_v those_o excellency_n we_o never_o think_v on_o or_o consider_v for_o to_o serve_v god_n with_o our_o mouth_n when_o our_o thought_n be_v wander_v some_o where_n else_o and_o employ_v about_o some_o other_o business_n be_v but_o lip-worship_n at_o the_o best_a a_o sacrifice_n without_o a_o heart_n which_o god_n will_v utter_o detest_v and_o abhor_v it_o be_v therefore_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a device_n of_o the_o devil_n 2.11_o 2_o cor._n 2.11_o of_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ignorant_a to_o excite_v and_o stir_v up_o vain_a thought_n in_o our_o mind_n during_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o divert_v they_o upon_o worldly_a and_o sinful_a object_n and_o hereby_o to_o deprive_v we_o of_o that_o benefit_n we_o may_v otherwise_o obtain_v by_o a_o due_a and_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o care_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n to_o stand_v continual_o upon_o their_o guard_n to_o bear_v a_o strict_a eye_n over_o their_o heart_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o find_v any_o vain_a and_o sinful_a thought_n spring_v up_o in_o their_o mind_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o to_o restrain_v and_o bring_v back_o their_o wander_a thought_n and_o never_o to_o make_v they_o their_o own_o by_o consent_v to_o they_o or_o dwell_v upon_o they_o some_o man_n be_v more_o addict_v to_o rove_a and_o volatile_a thought_n than_o other_o be_v from_o their_o natural_a temper_n and_o constitution_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o so_o unblamable_a for_o that_o which_o they_o can_v help_v but_o it_o be_v then_o only_o they_o be_v faulty_a when_o their_o will_n close_v with_o they_o when_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_v of_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n to_o prevent_v they_o i._n e._n a_o due_a and_o conscientious_a preparation_n of_o their_o heart_n for_o religious_a duty_n then_o do_v
they_o corrupt_v their_o most_o holy_a offering_n and_o turn_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n into_o sin_n let_v it_o therefore_o be_v our_o first_o and_o principal_a care_n to_o fix_v our_o thought_n and_o keep_v they_o attentive_a to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v about_o and_o we_o shall_v soon_o find_v that_o he_o who_o have_v thus_o well_o begin_v have_v half_o finish_v his_o work_n if_o we_o can_v but_o once_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o be_v serious_a and_o attentive_a to_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n this_o will_v natural_o produce_v 2._o the_o intention_n and_o ardency_n of_o our_o affection_n 12.1_o rom._n 12.1_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o themselves_o so_o reasonable_a a_o service_n so_o excellent_o fit_v to_o bring_v about_o those_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v require_v little_o more_o to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o like_n and_o delight_n than_o a_o sober_a and_o serious_a application_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o a_o daily_a and_o constant_a accustom_v ourselves_o to_o they_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a and_o irksome_a to_o we_o at_o the_o first_o to_o spend_v our_o time_n in_o religious_a duty_n to_o pray_v and_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o meditate_v upon_o it_o but_o when_o we_o have_v once_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o our_o corrupt_a and_o stubborn_a nature_n by_o a_o daily_a practice_n of_o these_o duty_n nothing_o will_v yield_v we_o so_o much_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n as_o the_o pour_v out_o our_o prayer_n before_o god_n the_o lay_v open_a our_o want_n and_o beg_a supply_n the_o magnify_v his_o name_n for_o benefit_n bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o communicate_v to_o other_o the_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o our_o soul_n these_o be_v the_o employment_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n above_o and_o will_v create_v a_o kind_n of_o heaven_n in_o every_o good_a man_n breast_n who_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o with_o such_o glorious_a conception_n and_o joyful_a resentment_n as_o these_o 19.10_o psal_n 19.10_o these_o as_o david_n tell_v we_o be_v sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n which_o make_v he_o choose_v rather_o to_o spend_v one_o day_n in_o god_n court_n 84.10_o psal_n 84.10_o than_o a_o thousand_o elsewhere_o let_v we_o therefore_o worship_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o all_o our_o mind_n and_o all_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o embrace_v his_o truth_n with_o our_o understanding_n treasure_n it_o up_o in_o our_o memory_n and_o caress_n it_o with_o our_o affection_n let_v we_o pray_v unto_o he_o with_o faith_n zeal_n and_o fervency_n and_o praise_v he_o with_o a_o due_a admiration_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o lovingkindness_n and_o then_o nothing_o will_v remain_v but_o that_o 3._o we_o close_v with_o it_o by_o our_o will_n and_o conform_v they_o to_o his_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o we_o resolve_v to_o amend_v our_o life_n in_o every_o particular_a wherein_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o to_o yield_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o every_o know_a instance_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v not_o perform_v our_o devotion_n only_o that_o we_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v religious_a but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v real_o so_o and_o not_o only_o be_v wise_a man_n but_o better_a christian_n for_o the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o devotional_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v chief_o to_o lead_v we_o unto_o practice_n they_o be_v enjoin_v we_o as_o help_n and_o mean_n to_o assist_v we_o to_o direct_v our_o conversation_n aright_o and_o that_o hereby_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n do_v but_o take_v any_o particular_a duty_n into_o your_o consideration_n and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o it_o have_v a_o necessary_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o a_o due_a performance_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o instance_n will_v it_o not_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n because_o he_o take_v delight_n in_o the_o sigh_n and_o tear_n of_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n for_o he_o who_o be_v a_o be_v of_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v never_o better_o please_v than_o when_o he_o be_v do_v we_o good_a and_o communicate_v his_o blessing_n unto_o we_o but_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o command_v we_o to_o repent_v be_v that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a nature_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o misery_n and_o ruin_n which_o our_o vice_n betray_v we_o into_o and_o that_o hereby_o we_o may_v be_v deter_v from_o those_o action_n which_o be_v so_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o so_o prejudicial_a to_o ourselves_o nor_o will_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o fancy_n that_o our_o prayer_n and_o praise_n make_v any_o addition_n to_o his_o glory_n or_o increase_v his_o happiness_n for_o he_o be_v infinite_o and_o therefore_o perfect_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o but_o these_o duty_n be_v enjoin_v we_o that_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v more_o serious_o affect_v with_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o a_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o god_n goodness_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v incline_v to_o yield_v the_o ready_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o be_v draw_v by_o these_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n to_o obey_v his_o law_n i_o may_v instance_n in_o all_o the_o other_o duty_n of_o institute_v religion_n 11.4_o hosea_n 11.4_o but_o from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n do_v direct_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n more_o holy_a in_o this_o life_n in_o order_n to_o make_v they_o more_o happy_a in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o that_o then_o it_o do_v obtain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v appoint_v when_o we_o take_v up_o resolution_n of_o live_v better_o and_o of_o conform_v our_o will_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v what_o that_o worship_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o attention_n of_o our_o thought_n the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o harmony_n of_o our_o will_n with_o god_n divine_a will._n i_o come_v to_o consider_v 2._o how_o we_o ought_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o our_o body_n for_o since_o our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v but_o high_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v pay_v he_o the_o homage_n of_o they_o and_o serve_v he_o also_o with_o our_o body_n which_o be_v he_o that_o we_o shall_v dispose_v ourselves_o during_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o such_o decent_a become_v and_o reverential_a gesture_n that_o we_o may_v make_v it_o evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o our_o whole_a man_n be_v dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n and_o this_o will_v be_v best_a perform_v by_o bear_v in_o mind_n this_o general_a rule_n that_o we_o put_v on_o that_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n of_o look_n and_o behaviour_n and_o deport_v ourselves_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n immediate_a presence_n and_o the_o solemnity_n of_o his_o worship_n require_v from_o we_o for_o though_o irreverence_n and_o indecency_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v by_o too_o many_o esteem_v a_o light_n and_o trivial_a offence_n and_o hardly_o worth_a take_v notice_n of_o which_o proceed_v from_o this_o false_a notion_n they_o be_v prepossess_v with_o that_o if_o they_o serve_v god_n with_o their_o mind_n and_o spirit_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o their_o bodily_a behaviour_n be_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n and_o of_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n if_o weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o of_o unprejudiced_a reason_n for_o 1._o why_o shall_v we_o believe_v those_o man_n will_v worship_n god_n with_o their_o soul_n and_o spirit_n who_o will_v not_o worship_v he_o with_o their_o body_n if_o they_o will_v not_o do_v so_o easy_a a_o thing_n as_o to_o comport_v their selve_o decent_o and_o affectionate_o during_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o they_o shall_v perform_v that_o which_o be_v far_o more_o difficult_a to_o worship_v he_o with_o intention_n of_o soul_n and_o ardency_n of_o affection_n it_o require_v their_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o application_n to_o keep_v their_o mind_n attentive_a and_o to_o go_v along_o with_o the_o congregation_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o these_o man_n will_v
never_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o perform_v who_o both_o by_o their_o look_n and_o gesture_n declare_v that_o their_o mind_n be_v in_o some_o other_o place_n and_o employ_v on_o some_o other_o business_n a_o multitude_n of_o needless_a and_o insignificant_a ceremony_n such_o as_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n tend_v to_o divert_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o business_n we_o be_v about_o and_o make_v so_o much_o employment_n for_o our_o body_n that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o serve_v he_o with_o our_o soul_n but_o this_o can_v be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o our_o religious_a worship_n nor_o do_v i_o plead_v for_o they_o it_o be_v only_o a_o devout_a and_o reverential_a deportment_n of_o ourselves_o i_o will_v enforce_v a_o behave_v ourselves_o with_o that_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n our_o church_n prescribe_v that_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n that_o humble_a prostration_n of_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o become_v man_n who_o be_v in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n will_v appear_v 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o as_o i_o have_v former_o observe_v consist_v in_o that_o awe_n and_o reverence_n which_o man_n have_v for_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o infinite_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o the_o creator_n and_o his_o poor_a creature_n who_o continual_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o every_o thing_n they_o enjoy_v which_o make_v they_o approach_v his_o presence_n with_o humility_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o profound_a adoration_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o will_v discover_v itself_o in_o their_o look_n word_n and_o action_n for_o there_o be_v so_o close_a a_o union_n between_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n that_o when_o the_o one_o be_v serious_o affect_v the_o other_o can_v remain_v unconcern_v when_o our_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o glorious_a idea_n of_o god_n wonderful_a perfection_n his_o majesty_n power_n goodness_n and_o lovingkindness_n towards_o we_o we_o may_v as_o well_o think_v to_o carry_v fire_n in_o our_o bosom_n and_o not_o be_v burn_v 6.27_o prov._n 6.27_o as_o to_o contain_v ourselves_o from_o discover_v the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o visible_a demonstration_n beside_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o public_a worship_n that_o we_o make_v know_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o public_a token_n of_o reverence_n and_o sign_n of_o honour_n this_o be_v one_o chief_a end_n of_o our_o worship_a god_n in_o public_a 15.6_o rom._n 15.6_o that_o we_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n and_o incite_v and_o stir_v up_o one_o another_o to_o praise_v and_o adore_v he_o and_o declare_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n what_o a_o reverence_n we_o retain_v for_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n which_o can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v do_v but_o by_o our_o external_a behaviour_n and_o devout_a deportment_n of_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o man_n deserve_o eminent_a for_o piety_n and_o devotion_n who_o do_v not_o join_v bodily_a worship_n with_o his_o mental_a adoration_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v a_o three_o consideration_n 3._o that_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n be_v present_a in_o our_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a that_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o decent_o and_o carry_v ourselves_o with_o humility_n and_o respect_n uncover_v our_o head_n and_o bend_v our_o body_n and_o give_v all_o the_o sign_n of_o attention_n and_o readiness_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o command_n than_o we_o will_v be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o temporal_a prince_n do_v god_n appear_v in_o our_o church_n in_o a_o visible_a manner_n as_o former_o he_o do_v in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o dread_a of_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n will_v put_v every_o one_o of_o we_o into_o the_o most_o humble_a and_o devout_a posture_n yet_o god_n be_v here_o present_a of_o a_o truth_n though_o we_o know_v it_o not_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n do_v not_o only_o look_v down_o and_o behold_v we_o but_o be_v as_o certain_o present_a in_o this_o congregation_n as_o if_o we_o behold_v they_o with_o our_o bodily_a eye_n let_v we_o therefore_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o god_n 95.6_o psal_n 95.6_o and_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n let_v we_o give_v he_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o our_o body_n and_o praise_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o bow_v down_o ourselves_o before_o he_o 3._o i_o come_v to_o consider_v in_o the_o last_o place_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v after_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o here_o that_o the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n may_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o our_o heart_n let_v we_o not_o give_v up_o our_o mind_n to_o our_o secular_a affair_n and_o worldly_a thought_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o divine_a service_n be_v end_v much_o less_o shall_v we_o let_v loose_v our_o thought_n to_o pastime_n and_o recreation_n though_o never_o so_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a for_o be_v there_o no_o divine_a command_n common_a prudence_n will_v dictate_v to_o we_o that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o fix_v those_o truth_n we_o have_v hear_v upon_o our_o memory_n be_v to_o take_v some_o time_n to_o recollect_v ourselves_o and_o to_o digest_v what_o we_o have_v hear_v by_o serious_a meditation_n and_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o divert_v our_o thought_n to_o other_o employment_n will_v deface_v all_o those_o good_a impression_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v make_v on_o our_o mind_n blot_v they_o out_o of_o our_o memory_n and_o make_v those_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v like_o the_o seed_n sow_o by_o the_o way_n side_n 13.5_o matth._n 13.5_o which_o become_v a_o prey_n to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air._n let_v we_o therefore_o spend_v some_o time_n in_o recollect_v what_o the_o preacher_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o consider_v what_o article_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v explain_v what_o virtue_n have_v be_v recommend_v what_o vice_n reprove_v what_o argument_n and_o motive_n have_v be_v use_v and_o in_o short_a in_o compare_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o find_v it_o agreeable_a to_o it_o then_o let_v we_o treasure_n it_o up_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o transcribe_v it_o into_o our_o life_n let_v this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o hear_v god_n word_n that_o we_o may_v yield_v a_o more_o exact_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o grow_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o conclude_v all_o with_o our_o affectionate_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o inlighten_v our_o understanding_n open_v our_o heart_n and_o incline_v our_o will_n and_o to_o render_v his_o good_a word_n effectual_a to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v only_o bare_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o doer_n of_o the_o same_o let_v we_o praise_v and_o magnify_v his_o name_n for_o the_o many_o gracious_a opportunity_n he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o enter_v his_o court_n and_o approach_v his_o sanctuary_n that_o we_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o worship_v he_o in_o public_a and_o enjoy_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o his_o gospel_n whilst_o so_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n 107.10_o psal_n 107.10_o and_o let_v we_o not_o only_o content_v ourselves_o with_o make_v a_o verbal_a acknowledgement_n of_o these_o favour_n but_o testify_v our_o thankfulness_n by_o a_o constant_a attendance_n on_o his_o worship_n and_o word_n and_o make_v it_o the_o stand_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n sermon_n viii_o 2_o cor._n xii_o 9_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o wonderful_a good_a and_o gracicious_a be_v the_o design_n of_o providence_n towards_o mankind_n both_o as_o to_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o god_n dispensation_n in_o this_o life_n be_v so_o to_o exercise_v their_o grace_n to_o implant_v in_o they_o such_o virtuous_a disposition_n and_o habit_n that_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o hereafter_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v excellent_a advice_n though_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o heathen_a si_fw-la vis_fw-la consilium_fw-la permit_v ipsis_fw-la expendere_fw-la numinibus_fw-la quid_fw-la conveniat_fw-la nobis_fw-la rebusque_fw-la sit_fw-la utile_fw-la nostris_fw-la nam_fw-la pro_fw-la jucundis_fw-la aptissima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la dabunt_fw-la
the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a and_o desperate_o wicked_a 17.9_o jer._n 17.9_o who_o can_v know_v it_o which_o text_n though_o primary_o intend_v to_o denote_v the_o difficulty_n of_o know_v what_o other_o man_n think_v or_o what_o opinion_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o thing_n hereafter_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n with_o those_o which_o go_v before_o yet_o they_o may_v well_o serve_v to_o intimate_v to_o we_o the_o difficulty_n of_o give_v a_o impartial_a judgement_n of_o the_o present_a sentiment_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o what_o the_o true_a bent_n and_o tendency_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n be_v for_o we_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o our_o bosom_n sin_n and_o those_o darling_n delight_v which_o either_o custom_n or_o inclination_n have_v endear_v to_o we_o that_o we_o think_v we_o can_v never_o sufficient_o caress_n they_o and_o though_o our_o affection_n be_v draw_v out_o after_o the_o most_o extravagant_a manner_n after_o they_o yet_o we_o clothe_v they_o with_o such_o plausible_a and_o specious_a pretence_n as_o make_v the_o most_o criminal_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o appear_v at_o least_o to_o we_o harmless_a and_o lawful_a who_o be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n with_o the_o most_o intense_a and_o zealous_a affection_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n and_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n in_o a_o low_a and_o subordinate_a degree_n and_o yet_o how_o difficult_a a_o task_n will_v it_o be_v to_o persuade_v the_o most_o sordid_a and_o miserable_a worlding_n that_o his_o affection_n be_v not_o place_v on_o thing_n above_o but_o on_o thing_n below_o and_o though_o he_o be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n and_o see_v the_o folly_n of_o it_o in_o other_o man_n yet_o be_v he_o not_o able_a to_o turn_v his_o eye_n inward_a and_o to_o discover_v it_o in_o himself_o so_o great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n do_v it_o require_v to_o range_v over_o all_o the_o turn_n and_o wind_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o those_o crooked_a path_n which_o sin_n and_o error_n have_v make_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o diligence_n require_v to_o know_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n it_o must_v needs_o call_v for_o our_o utmost_a care_n to_o manage_v they_o aright_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o due_a order_n and_o therefore_o there_o will_v be_v the_o more_o need_n to_o consider_v iii_o the_o motive_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o text_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o out_o of_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n i._n e._n our_o happiness_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o do_v depend_v upon_o a_o diligent_a and_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n 1._o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n depend_v upon_o it_o for_o 1._o by_o keep_v our_o heart_n we_o shall_v learn_v to_o manage_v our_o affair_n with_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o extravagant_a action_n which_o man_n commit_v proceed_v either_o from_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a deliberation_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o action_n or_o a_o discreet_a execute_n what_o their_o reason_n tell_v they_o be_v fit_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v either_o they_o be_v hurry_v on_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o headstrong_a passion_n or_o bias_v by_o some_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o these_o betray_v they_o into_o indiscreet_a absurd_a and_o sinful_a word_n and_o action_n now_o he_o that_o be_v accustom_a to_o keep_v his_o heart_n consider_v well_o and_o deliberate_o every_o circumstance_n of_o a_o action_n before_o he_o put_v his_o thought_n into_o execution_n he_o weigh_v first_o his_o own_o power_n and_o ability_n and_o then_o inquire_v both_o into_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o undertake_v by_o which_o mean_n he_o avoid_v those_o rock_n upon_o which_o so_o many_o split_n i._n e._n rashness_n in_o set_v upon_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v neither_o power_n nor_o skill_n to_o perform_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o too_o great_a diffidency_n and_o distrust_n of_o his_o own_o ability_n on_o the_o other_o the_o first_o of_o these_o produce_v shame_n and_o disappointment_n when_o a_o man_n find_v himself_o not_o able_a to_o compass_v the_o end_n he_o aim_v at_o and_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o too_o bold_a and_o dare_a design_n the_o second_o deprive_v he_o of_o many_o valuable_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o lie_v in_o his_o way_n and_o require_v only_o the_o pain_n of_o seek_v after_o they_o and_o possess_v himself_o of_o they_o and_o in_o truth_n since_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n be_v the_o stream_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o heart_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o govern_v his_o heart_n wise_o and_o prudent_o can_v go_v far_o astray_o in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n all_o our_o vital_a operation_n will_v savour_v of_o that_o root_n and_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v and_o a_o holy_a life_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o a_o sanctify_a heart_n 2._o a_o due_a government_n of_o our_o heart_n will_v produce_v peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o mind_n by_o free_v we_o from_o those_o rage_a passion_n and_o sensual_a affection_n from_o proud_a malicious_a and_o envious_a thought_n which_o disturb_v our_o peace_n and_o quiet_n and_o render_v our_o life_n uneasy_a and_o burdensome_a to_o we_o for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o old_a and_o a_o very_a true_a observation_n that_o content_a and_o satisfaction_n and_o by_o consequence_n happiness_n in_o this_o life_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o sensual_a pleasure_n but_o from_o the_o temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o a_o contentedness_n and_o satisfaction_n with_o that_o condition_n the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v allot_v we_o and_o a_o discreet_a enjoyment_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n he_o have_v make_v our_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n a_o sound_a mind_n in_o a_o sound_a body_n be_v the_o wise_a wish_n of_o a_o heathen_a poet_n for_o that_o man_n who_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o envy_n or_o malice_n or_o solicitous_a care_n or_o pride_n will_v be_v uneasy_a on_o a_o throne_n and_o miserable_a amid_o the_o most_o plentiful_a affluence_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n but_o he_o who_o have_v obtain_v the_o art_n of_o govern_v his_o thought_n by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n will_v enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o quiet_a and_o compose_v mind_n amid_o all_o the_o noise_n and_o hurry_v of_o this_o world_n and_o remain_v content_v and_o satisfy_v with_o his_o condition_n without_o cast_v either_o a_o envious_a eye_n on_o the_o possession_n of_o those_o who_o be_v above_o he_o or_o a_o disdainful_a look_v on_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o mean_a condition_n than_o himself_o from_o hence_o will_v flow_v 3._o peace_n of_o conscience_n 3.21_o 1_o joh._n 3.21_o for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n that_o man_n who_o have_v be_v so_o careful_a as_o to_o set_v a_o strict_a and_o diligent_a watch_n over_o his_o thought_n will_v be_v from_o thence_o assure_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v upright_o towards_o god_n and_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o under_o his_o protection_n and_o this_o will_v produce_v the_o great_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n imaginable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a advice_n which_o the_o oracle_n give_v croesus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o way_n to_o be_v happy_a be_v to_o know_v thyself_o for_o a_o through_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o chief_a ingredient_n as_o well_o as_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o a_o happy_a life_n in_o this_o world_n these_o be_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o keep_v our_o heart_n as_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o this_o life_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v 2._o it_o be_v influence_n on_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n we_o must_v needs_o judge_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o use_v our_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o 1._o god_n have_v make_v the_o keep_v our_o heart_n one_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v not_o only_o a_o prudential_a council_n contain_v matter_n of_o advice_n but_o a_o positive_a command_n god_n expect_v we_o shall_v comply_v with_o it_o and_o yield_v our_o obedience_n to_o it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o jew_n of_o old_a do_v imagine_v that_o
of_o our_o duty_n it_o command_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o necessary_a precept_n such_o as_o be_v those_o which_o be_v enjoin_v in_o this_o and_o the_o precede_a chapter_n and_o leave_v our_o reason_n to_o work_v out_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v upon_o particular_a and_o casual_a emergency_n to_o direct_v in_o some_o case_n what_o be_v lawful_a and_o in_o most_o what_o be_v prudent_a and_o expedient_a and_o for_o our_o great_a security_n have_v lay_v down_o some_o general_a rule_n which_o if_o serious_o consider_v and_o careful_o attend_v to_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v our_o reason_n in_o all_o its_o judgement_n and_o determination_n thus_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n which_o principal_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a gospel_n command_v we_o 24._o joh._n 4.24_o 24._o to_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n to_o direct_v our_o address_n to_o god_n alone_o through_o one_o mediator_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o several_a other_o particular_a precept_n it_o give_v we_o as_o to_o the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o our_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v all_o refer_v to_o this_o general_a rule_n 14.40_o 1_o cor._n 14.40_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o thus_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n which_o concern_v our_o neighbour_n our_o saviour_n have_v lay_v down_o many_o excellent_a precept_n in_o this_o admirable_a though_o short_a epitome_n of_o morality_n his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o then_o close_v all_o with_o this_o rule_n of_o universal_a influence_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o unto_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o end_n and_o design_n then_o of_o this_o rule_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o towards_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v the_o most_o difficult_a and_o most_o neglect_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o we_o be_v general_o so_o much_o bias_v by_o self-love_n that_o when_o any_o controversy_n be_v start_v in_o which_o our_o own_o interest_n be_v concern_v we_o be_v very_o nice_a and_o exact_a in_o claim_v what_o belong_v to_o we_o and_o be_v our_o due_n but_o when_o the_o scale_n be_v turn_v and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o our_o neighbour_n may_v just_o expect_v from_o we_o than_o we_o make_v use_v of_o false_a weight_n and_o measure_n and_o too_o often_o determine_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n we_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a scholar_n in_o learning_n this_o lesson_n of_o charity_n as_o we_o be_v severe_a master_n in_o exact_v it_o from_o other_o and_o therefore_o ii_o i_o shall_v mark_v out_o the_o bound_n and_o limitation_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o consider_v the_o just_a extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v etc._n etc._n 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o rule_n be_v determine_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n for_o so_o it_o be_v limit_v in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o text._n it_o be_v whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n some_o there_o be_v indeed_o who_o will_v have_v this_o rule_n extend_v also_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n and_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n but_o this_o without_o the_o support_n of_o any_o good_a reason_n for_o though_o religion_n may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v justice_n towards_o god_n because_o all_o the_o service_n which_o we_o owe_v and_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v unto_o god_n be_v high_o just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o what_o be_v but_o our_o bind_a duty_n and_o service_n yet_o the_o distance_n be_v so_o great_a between_o a_o infinite_o perfect_a be_v and_o we_o poor_a vile_a worm_n his_o work_n be_v so_o wonderful_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o high_a presumption_n for_o we_o to_o weigh_v our_o action_n in_o the_o same_o balance_n with_o he_o these_o word_n be_v therefore_o limit_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n as_o may_v be_v plain_o make_v out_o from_o that_o parallel_n place_n where_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v ask_v this_o question_n 22.3_o matt._n 22.3_o master_n which_o be_v the_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o law_n return_v this_o answer_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o namely_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o and_o then_o add_v on_o these_o two_o hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n where_o we_o may_v see_v that_o this_o rule_n be_v make_v to_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n only_o of_o the_o second_o table_n 2._o this_o rule_n be_v determine_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o st._n austin_n read_v the_o word_n quaecunque_fw-la bona_fw-la etc._n etc._n whatsoever_o good_a thing_n you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o to_o they_o for_o there_o be_v some_o man_n of_o such_o envious_a and_o malicious_a temper_n that_o they_o will_v willing_o undergo_v any_o severity_n themselves_o on_o condition_n that_o their_o enemy_n may_v endure_v the_o same_o and_o suffer_v their_o own_o house_n to_o be_v burn_v that_o his_o may_v perish_v in_o the_o flame_n nay_o lose_v one_o of_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o like_a advantage_n like_o the_o pretend_a mother_n of_o the_o live_a child_n will_v say_v 3.26_o 1_o kin._n 3.26_o let_v neither_o of_o we_o have_v it_o but_o let_v it_o be_v divide_v other_o there_o be_v of_o so_o proud_a and_o churlish_a a_o disposition_n that_o they_o scorn_v to_o be_v oblige_v and_o have_v rather_o be_v without_o a_o benefit_n than_o to_o be_v behold_v for_o it_o to_o one_o they_o hate_v such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o will_v soon_o die_v than_o owe_v his_o life_n to_o a_o enemy_n and_o in_o regard_n to_o these_o man_n this_o rule_n must_v be_v understand_v thus_o 3._o whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o any_o man_n not_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a person_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o unto_o they_o 4._o if_o we_o will_v put_v the_o case_n right_a we_o must_v suppose_v the_o circumstance_n to_o be_v the_o same_o between_o our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o for_o one_o different_a circumstance_n will_v very_o much_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o action_n thus_o upon_o supposition_n that_o i_o be_o strong_a and_o more_o healthy_a than_o my_o neighbour_n i_o may_v be_v willing_a that_o he_o may_v do_v some_o thing_n to_o i_o which_o if_o i_o shall_v do_v the_o same_o to_o he_o will_v tend_v very_o much_o to_o his_o prejudice_n and_o disadvantage_n a_o rich_a and_o wealthy_a man_n may_v be_v willing_a that_o other_o shall_v withhold_v their_o hand_n from_o do_v he_o good_a that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o same_o excuse_v to_o deny_v his_o charitable_a relief_n to_o the_o poor_a nay_o mere_a difference_n in_o opinion_n may_v make_v it_o unreasonable_a that_o i_o shall_v desire_v some_o thing_n of_o such_o a_o man_n which_o he_o may_v very_o reasonable_o demand_v of_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v ready_o comply_v with_o 5._o we_o must_v take_v care_n in_o apply_v this_o rule_n that_o our_o desire_n be_v restrain_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v just_a and_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o expect_v from_o our_o neighbour_n and_o then_o this_o rule_n will_v run_v thus_o whatsoever_o you_o have_v just_a and_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o desire_v that_o any_o man_n in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o unto_o they_o for_o every_o malefactor_n who_o be_v sentence_v to_o punishment_n for_o his_o evil_a deed_n will_v willing_o have_v his_o punishment_n remit_v and_o the_o judge_n himself_o will_v desire_v it_o if_o he_o be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o a_o criminal_a at_o the_o bar_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o all_o criminal_n shall_v be_v pardon_v for_o this_o will_v make_v the_o law_n itself_o useless_a by_o relax_v the_o co-ercive_a power_n of_o it_o and_o render_v magistrate_n cheap_a and_o contemptible_a when_o they_o be_v no_o long_o ble_a to_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil_a doer_n 13.3_o rom._n 13.3_o but_o only_a encourager_n of_o those_o who_o do_v well_o these_o be_v the_o most_o