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
dii_o charior_fw-la est_fw-la illis_fw-la homo_fw-la quam_fw-la sibi_fw-la which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v commit_v thyself_o and_o all_o thy_o concern_v to_o divine_a providence_n let_v he_o determine_v what_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o thou_o what_o be_v most_o requisite_a in_o the_o course_n of_o thy_o affair_n for_o god_n love_v man_n better_a than_o man_n love_v himself_o and_o do_v he_o good_a oftentimes_o against_o his_o will_n and_o though_o he_o deny_v he_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o his_o fleshly_a appetite_n and_o desire_n to_o his_o carnal_a lust_n and_o inordinate_a passion_n yet_o he_o give_v he_o other_o blessing_n which_o be_v more_o wholesome_a and_o more_o profitable_a to_o he_o thus_o a_o careful_a physician_n prescribe_v safe_a and_o beneficial_a though_o unpalatable_a medicine_n to_o his_o disease_a patient_n and_o thus_o god_n deal_v with_o mankind_n merciful_o and_o bountiful_o and_o frequent_o deny_v his_o request_n and_o prayer_n out_o of_o kindness_n to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v furnish_v he_o with_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o safe_a and_o more_o convenient_a for_o he_o this_o be_v a_o useful_a lesson_n and_o to_o be_v learn_v from_o st._n paul_n experience_n as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o two_o precede_a verse_n lest_o say_v he_o i_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n through_o the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v give_v unto_o i_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v i_o lest_o i_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n for_o this_o thing_n i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o i_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o st._n paul_n prayer_n wherein_o god_n instead_o of_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o pray_v for_o promise_v to_o give_v he_o his_o grace_n to_o endure_v it_o which_o will_v be_v far_o more_o commodious_a and_o advantageous_a to_o he_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o that_o i_o may_v discourse_v with_o the_o great_a profit_n upon_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v consider_v i._o what_o it_o be_v which_o god_n promise_v his_o grace_n ii_o the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o it_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a iii_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o as_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v say_v thus_o unto_o he_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v thy_o request_n in_o exempt_n thou_o from_o thy_o manifold_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n but_o lest_o thou_o shall_v be_v oppress_v by_o they_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o what_o be_v more_o expedient_a for_o thou_o to_o wit_n my_o grace_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o 1._o what_o it_o be_v which_o god_n promise_v viz._n his_o grace_n which_o take_v in_o the_o general_n denote_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n renew_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o continual_o strengthen_v and_o guide_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will._n now_o from_o the_o same_o spirit_n proceed_v diversity_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v gratia_n gratis_o data_fw-la or_o the_o miraculous_a unction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o to_o one_o be_v give_v the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n to_o another_o speak_n with_o tongue_n to_o a_o three_o prophesy_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o grace_n mean_v in_o the_o text_n 10.12_o 1_o cor._n 10.12_o for_o this_o be_v communicate_v to_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o to_o good_a man_n to_o balaâ—â—_n and_o saul_n and_o caiphas_n and_o judas_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o tempt_a st._n paul_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o pride_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text._n and_o those_o excellent_a gift_n and_o endowment_n with_o which_o this_o apostle_n be_v furnish_v tend_v to_o puff_n he_o up_o and_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o buffet_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o that_o grace_n which_o uphold_v and_o strengthen_v he_o and_o be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o be_v what_o the_o schoolman_n call_v gratia_n gratum_fw-la faciens_fw-la or_o the_o grace_n of_o life_n such_o as_o be_v all_o the_o save_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o his_o help_n and_o assistance_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n such_o as_o faith_n hope_n charity_n purity_n humility_n and_o all_o other_o gracious_a habit_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o wherein_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n do_v true_o consist_v 1.6_o eph._n 1.6_o this_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o render_v we_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o be_v in_o effect_n eternal_a life_n unto_o we_o this_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v best_a describe_v by_o its_o effect_n 6.23_o rom._n 6.23_o which_o illuminate_v our_o understanding_n teach_v we_o those_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o 2.27_o 1_o joh._n 2.27_o and_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o renew_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n govern_v our_o perverse_a will_n and_o affection_n counsel_n and_o action_n god_n holy_a spirit_n lead_v guide_a and_o direct_v we_o in_o all_o our_o way_n 8.14_o rom._n 8.14_o this_o unite_v we_o unto_o christ_n our_o head_n comfort_n we_o in_o all_o our_o affliction_n and_o distress_n whether_o of_o body_n or_o soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v call_v the_o comforter_n 45.8_o joh._n 15.26_o psal_n 45.8_o and_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n and_o last_o it_o help_v we_o in_o all_o our_o strait_n and_o support_v we_o in_o time_n of_o the_o great_a distress_n and_o extremity_n it_o keep_v we_o from_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n when_o we_o consider_v our_o manifold_a sin_n and_o transgression_n or_o from_o question_v his_o providence_n because_o of_o our_o misery_n and_o from_o backslide_n and_o fall_a off_o from_o christ_n for_o fear_n of_o danger_n or_o any_o other_o worldly_a respect_n in_o short_a it_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n 4.13_o phil._n 4.13_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v we_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 2._o observable_a in_o the_o text._n the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o this_o grace_n it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o undergo_v whatsoever_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o lay_v upon_o we_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o 5.23_o 1_o thes_n 5.23_o for_o since_o that_o god_n who_o give_v this_o grace_n be_v in_o himself_o all-sufficient_a therefore_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o assistance_n which_o he_o afford_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v about_o those_o end_n for_o which_o he_o give_v it_o god_n grace_n sanctify_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o body_n it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o every_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n it_o cheer_v we_o in_o adversity_n it_o restrain_v we_o in_o prosperity_n not_o suffer_v we_o either_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o the_o one_o or_o to_o droop_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a remedy_n against_o all_o temptation_n and_o fortify_v our_o soul_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o batteries_n 6.12_o eph._n 6.12_o when_o we_o be_v afflict_v it_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o suffering_n here_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 8.18_o rom._n 8.18_o which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o or_o if_o we_o abound_v in_o blessing_n or_o in_o gift_n natural_a or_o supernatural_a it_o tell_v we_o from_o whence_o they_o come_v and_o to_o what_o end_n they_o be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o hide_v these_o talent_n in_o a_o napkin_n or_o abuse_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n unto_o wantonness_n but_o promote_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n though_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n without_o present_a return_v or_o apparent_a success_n it_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n forbear_v to_o give_v we_o those_o good_a thing_n we_o ask_v for_o that_o he_o may_v try_v our_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n and_o since_o he_o do_v not_o see_v it_o expedient_a to_o grant_v they_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o wait_v the_o determination_n of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n again_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o person_n our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v so_o merciful_a that_o he_o shine_v
not_o all_o the_o presumptuous_a sin_n you_o ever_o commit_v in_o your_o life-time_n begin_v in_o your_o heart_n be_v they_o not_o forge_v and_o contrive_v there_o and_o how_o can_v you_o tell_v but_o that_o the_o allowance_n of_o one_o wicked_a thought_n may_v be_v the_o rise_n of_o the_o most_o villainous_a act_n no_o man_n be_v ever_o wicked_a all_o of_o a_o sudden_a the_o sinner_n at_o first_o be_v timorous_a and_o bashful_a and_o go_v on_o by_o degree_n till_o at_o last_o he_o arrive_v at_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o hardness_n and_o impenitency_n many_o a_o man_n there_o be_v who_o think_v it_o can_v be_v no_o heinous_a offence_n to_o cast_v a_o covetous_a eye_n on_o other_o man_n good_n or_o a_o wanton_a look_v on_o his_o neighbour_n wife_n and_o yet_o whosoever_o do_v not_o restrain_v these_o evil_a affection_n of_o his_o mind_n will_v soon_o lie_v under_o a_o unavoidable_a temptation_n to_o commit_v the_o grosser_n act_n of_o theft_n and_o adultery_n for_o if_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o shall_v soon_o come_v to_o think_v every_o sin_n to_o be_v so_o and_o wicked_a thought_n harbour_v and_o encourage_v will_v produce_v wicked_a action_n have_v david_n at_o first_o suppress_v his_o lustful_a thought_n after_o the_o wife_n of_o vriah_n he_o have_v never_o add_v the_o murder_n of_o the_o husband_n to_o adultery_n with_o the_o wife_n but_o when_o once_o he_o give_v way_n to_o sinful_a thought_n this_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n this_o holy_a prophet_n as_o well_o as_o great_a king_n be_v bear_v down_o the_o stream_n of_o his_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o commit_v the_o vile_a act_n of_o the_o most_o presumptuous_a sin_n consider_v therefore_o with_o thyself_o that_o though_o a_o vain_a and_o wicked_a thought_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n when_o it_o enter_v into_o our_o mind_n without_o our_o consent_n and_o approbation_n yet_o we_o shall_v very_o much_o increase_v the_o gild_n when_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o it_o and_o it_o may_v prove_v very_o dangerous_a to_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n 4._o if_o sinful_a thought_n still_o press_v into_o our_o mind_n divert_v they_o to_o some_o holy_a meditation_n and_o take_v this_o hint_n of_o bend_v your_o thought_n to_o the_o contrary_a duty_n thus_o if_o you_o be_v tempt_v to_o plot_n and_o contrive_v the_o commission_n of_o any_o sin_n make_v this_o the_o occasion_n of_o fortify_v and_o strengthen_v your_o resolution_n against_o the_o commission_n of_o that_o very_a sin_n of_o consider_v its_o evil_a nature_n and_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o hereby_o increase_v your_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o sinful_a pleasure_n which_o you_o have_v former_o enjoy_v represent_v to_o your_o fancy_n let_v the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o renew_v your_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n for_o your_o disobedience_n to_o god_n law_n and_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o commandment_n and_o put_v you_o upon_o beg_v god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v you_o may_v live_v more_o upright_o and_o unblamable_o be_v you_o perplex_v and_o trouble_v with_o blasphemous_a and_o atheistical_a thought_n fall_v present_o on_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o wonderful_a work_n which_o he_o have_v make_v and_o the_o curious_a operation_n of_o his_o hand_n consider_v this_o stupendous_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n the_o infinite_a variety_n and_o yet_o exact_a order_n and_o due_a subordination_n of_o being_n contain_v in_o it_o ask_v thyself_o what_o power_n it_o be_v which_o first_o create_v it_o and_o still_o continue_v to_o preserve_v it_o which_o have_v furnish_v irrational_a creature_n with_o unerring_a instinct_n that_o teach_v the_o bird_n to_o build_v its_o nest_n the_o spider_n to_o weave_v its_o web_n look_v into_o the_o curious_a frame_n and_o composition_n of_o that_o lesser_a world_n thy_o own_o body_n 139.14_o psal_n 139.14_o and_o behold_v there_o how_o fearful_o and_o wonderful_o thou_o be_v make_v and_o by_o such_o contemplation_n as_o these_o affect_v thy_o mind_n with_o a_o humble_a awe_n and_o devout_a reverence_n of_o god_n power_n and_o majesty_n be_v you_o tempt_v to_o envy_n the_o prosperity_n of_o your_o neighbour_n consider_v how_o many_o gift_n of_o god_n bounty_n you_o have_v receive_v how_o much_o you_o enjoy_v more_o than_o you_o deserve_v and_o how_o unthankful_a and_o ungrateful_a you_o have_v be_v for_o those_o good_a thing_n god_n have_v already_o give_v into_o your_o hand_n be_v you_o give_v to_o lustful_a thought_n turn_v this_o strange_a fire_n into_o a_o holy_a zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n do_v presumptuous_a thought_n rise_v up_o in_o your_o heart_n consider_v your_o former_a sin_n and_o repeat_v provocation_n against_o god_n and_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o exercise_v your_o humility_n be_v you_o overwhelm_v with_o despair_n call_v to_o mind_n god_n gracious_a promise_n and_o admire_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n who_o have_v give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o send_v he_o into_o the_o world_n on_o purpose_n to_o atone_v for_o your_o sin_n and_o to_o accomplish_v the_o great_a work_n of_o your_o salvation_n and_o still_o make_v you_o the_o proffer_v of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n by_o such_o meditation_n as_o these_o you_o will_v imitate_v your_o heavenly_a father_n in_o draw_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o make_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o occasion_n of_o promote_a your_o eternal_a welfare_n nay_o if_o you_o thus_o resist_v the_o devil_n he_o will_v flee_v from_o you_o 4.7_o james_n 4.7_o his_o assault_n will_v be_v neither_o so_o frequent_a nor_o so_o furious_a when_o he_o find_v they_o serve_v only_o to_o exercise_v your_o grace_n and_o make_v you_o more_o watchful_a 5._o season_n thy_o heart_n every_o morning_n with_o some_o holy_a meditation_n dedicate_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o thy_o thought_n unto_o god_n how_o precious_a be_v thy_o thought_n unto_o i_o o_o god_n say_v the_o psalmist_n how_o great_a be_v the_o sum_n of_o they_o 18._o psal_n 139.17_o 18._o if_o i_o shall_v count_v they_o they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o sand_n when_o i_o wake_v i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o the_o constant_a and_o serious_a meditation_n on_o those_o great_a motive_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o torment_n of_o hell_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n the_o certainty_n of_o death_n the_o terror_n of_o judgement_n if_o make_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o morning_n meditation_n will_v be_v a_o spring_n and_o source_n of_o good_a thought_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o produce_v in_o our_o mind_n suitable_a desire_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o constant_o read_v some_o portion_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o will_v be_v a_o lamp_n to_o our_o foot_n 119.115_o psal_n 119.115_o and_o a_o light_n to_o our_o path_n it_o will_v both_o inform_v our_o judgement_n what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o incline_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n 6._o and_o last_o let_v we_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o enable_v we_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n and_o govern_v our_o desire_n and_o affection_n and_o though_o this_o duty_n be_v too_o difficult_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o our_o own_o strength_n yet_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o because_o he_o require_v nothing_o of_o we_o which_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o perform_v he_o have_v promise_v 42.3_o isa_n 42.3_o that_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n but_o that_o he_o will_v encourage_v every_o effort_n that_o we_o make_v towards_o a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a life_n his_o grace_n be_v never_o deny_v to_o any_o one_o who_o do_v but_o sincere_o desire_v it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o render_v himself_o capable_a of_o receive_v of_o it_o 6.38_o luk._n 6.38_o to_o he_o that_o ask_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v not_o only_o what_o he_o pray_v for_o but_o also_o the_o large_a effusion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o often_o prevent_v our_o prayer_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o give_v than_o we_o be_v either_o to_o desire_v or_o receive_v and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o be_v furnish_v with_o these_o help_n and_o assure_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n immediate_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o endeavour_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n imaginable_a to_o keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n over_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v true_a this_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o much_o pain_n and_o industry_n but_o what_o design_n which_o be_v either_o great_a and_o glorious_a useful_a and_o honourable_a can_v be_v compass_v
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