not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o he_o oh_o let_v not_o christian_a faith_n be_v found_v on_o turkish_a reason_n 2._o persevere_v in_o truth_n and_o piety_n heresy_n must_v come_v that_o they_o who_o be_v sound_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a schism_n must_v succeed_v that_o the_o fix_v in_o christ_n may_v be_v find_v sincere_a these_o must_v not_o only_o come_v on_o the_o the_o stage_n but_o stand_v and_o succeed_v it_o may_v be_v unto_o persecution_n of_o the_o orthodox_n and_o sound_n as_o do_v arrianisme_n in_o the_o grecian_a empire_n &_o anabaptism_n in_o germany_n they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o trial_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n be_v it_o your_o care_n to_o cleave_v to_o truth_n when_o disow_v and_o disregard_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n though_o disorder_a and_o discourage_v let_v not_o the_o boisterous_a blast_n of_o providence_n remove_v you_o from_o your_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o faith_n or_o union_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n i_o know_v the_o design_n of_o some_o schismatical_a neighbour_n by_o court_v nay_o some_o of_o they_o by_o creep_v into_o your_o town_n be_v to_o paganize_v you_o as_o they_o have_v do_v other_o place_n and_o set_v up_o their_o own_o schismatical_a assembly_n and_o i_o fear_v your_o over_o affectionate_a observation_n of_o the_o providential_a rise_n of_o some_o from_o you_o have_v be_v as_o a_o snare_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n unto_o more_o than_o natural_a relation_n but_o however_o church_n gatherer_n have_v gather_v the_o power_n &_o treasure_n of_o these_o nation_n to_o themselves_o forsake_v not_o you_o the_o assemble_v of_o yourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v and_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o sinful_a assemble_v of_o church_n gatherer_n the_o glitter_a glory_n of_o particular_a church_n of_o selfe-constitution_n that_o way_n of_o corah_n and_o self_n consecration_n that_o way_n of_o jeroboam_n will_v prove_v nay_o i_o may_v say_v do_v prove_v a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la lead_v into_o the_o fool_n paradise_n of_o high_a expectation_n but_o leave_v man_n in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o confusion_n they_o that_o fear_v god_n in_o israel_n follow_v the_o despise_a and_o drive_v out_o priest_n to_o jerusalem_n let_v it_o be_v your_o prayer_n &_o care_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n his_o pretend_a companion_n i_o pray_v you_o recall_v to_o mind_v what_o instruction_n i_o give_v you_o many_o year_n since_o from_o that_o text_n cant._n 1.7_o &_o whilst_o you_o have_v power_n prevent_v congregational_a fox_n from_o spoil_v your_o vine_n though_o you_o can_v keep_v they_o out_o of_o close_a corner_n you_o may_v from_o place_n of_o concourse_n and_o command_v they_o out_o of_o your_o common_a hall_n and_o public_a place_n of_o assembly_n give_v they_o no_o countenance_n who_o only_a errand_n be_v confusion_n you_o be_v now_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n become_v not_o the_o guild_a synagogue_n of_o satan_n will_v not_o reason_n tell_v you_o selfe-constitution_n be_v a_o sedition_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n be_v authority_n essential_a to_o a_o civil_a and_o not_o to_o a_o religious_a corporation_n what_o superstructure_n can_v be_v build_v on_o a_o sinful_a schismatical_a foundation_n judge_v you_o though_o it_o flourish_v fly_v from_o it_o it_o can_v but_o fall_v i_o say_v be_v you_o stable_n in_o truth_n steady_a in_o the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n constant_a to_o god_n covenant_n and_o continue_v in_o prayer_n though_o god_n carry_v discouraging_o towards_o his_o people_n for_o god_n laugh_v the_o devil_n to_o scorn_v when_o job_n serve_v he_o for_o nought_o and_o the_o saint_n constancy_n in_o holiness_n do_v witness_v that_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n to_o the_o righteous_a when_o the_o prosper_a providence_n of_o the_o profane_a do_v suggest_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n 3._o prize_n and_o preserve_v among_o you_o a_o sound_n and_o zealous_a ministry_n such_o you_o have_v enjoy_v such_o you_o may_v by_o your_o own_o advantage_n which_o you_o above_o other_o town_n enjoy_v pastor_n to_o feed_v witb_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n be_v god_n promise_n and_o his_o people_n privilege_n bread_n and_o water_n of_o affliction_n to_o be_v embrace_v before_o their_o removeall_n let_v not_o the_o general_a contempt_n providence_n pour_v on_o ministry_n deaden_a your_o affection_n to_o your_o minister_n but_o know_v they_o as_o over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n i_o be_o not_o a_o little_a grieve_a for_o your_o late_a difference_n with_o godly_a minister_n i_o wish_v you_o will_v serious_o survey_v your_o soul_n see_v wether_n some_o spirit_n of_o pride_n passion_n prejudice_n or_o vain_a glory_n do_v not_o act_v and_o occasion_n they_o take_v heed_n you_o jar_v not_o with_o minister_n until_o you_o wreak_v your_o quarrel_n on_o ministry_n i_o wish_v some_o of_o you_o have_v not_o already_o proclaim_v open_a war_n i_o will_v not_o acquit_v your_o minister_n from_o their_o infirmity_n but_o desire_v you_o take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o in_o this_o day_n of_o discourage_a providence_n to_o god_n minister_n true_a piety_n shall_v prize_v &_o prefer_v they_o so_o evil_a be_v the_o time_n that_o dis-satisfaction_n in_o a_o profane_a minister_n can_v scarce_o pass_v without_o the_o censure_n of_o disrespect_n to_o ministry_n much_o less_o when_o foment_v &_o continue_v against_o a_o man_n who_o be_v a_o faithful_a painful_a and_o diligent_a and_o in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o his_o life_n let_v malice_n say_v its_o worst_a a_o godly_a minister_n my_o belove_a let_v the_o office_n and_o person_n be_v distinguish_v and_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o one_o will_v darken_v and_o cloud_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o other_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o one_o will_v awe_v duty_n deny_v to_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o other_o receive_v minister_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n &_o ambassador_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o then_o despise_v they_o even_o in_o their_o distress_n if_o you_o can_v 4._o pursue_v your_o conference_n and_o manage_v it_o with_o all_o prudence_n avoid_v the_o evil_n incident_a to_o it_o pursue_v the_o direction_n herein_o propound_v you_o have_v heretofore_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o but_o have_v need_n to_o be_v put_v in_o remembrance_n take_v heed_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n in_o conference_n lest_o it_o prove_v a_o audley_n conference_n that_o may_v plunge_v you_o into_o the_o precipice_n of_o anabaptism_n and_o other_o heresy_n my_o heart_n bleed_v over_o those_o man_n with_o who_o you_o know_v i_o have_v sometime_o past_o have_v sweet_a communion_n though_o they_o will_v not_o now_o hear_v i_o be_v warn_v by_o their_o example_n be_v careful_a of_o and_o constant_a in_o these_o and_o other_o duty_n direct_v in_o the_o word_n what_o ever_o man_n say_v or_o cross_a providence_n seem_v to_o suggest_v let_v ecebolius_n whirl_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o empire_n until_o he_o proclaim_v the_o shame_n of_o his_o own_o unconstancy_n be_v you_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o cedar_n of_o holiness_n stand_v in_o stormy_a day_n as_o indeed_o root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o christ_n and_o resolve_v into_o divine_a revelation_n as_o your_o rule_n however_o dispose_v by_o providence_n as_o to_o your_o present_a outward_a condition_n whereunto_o that_o you_o may_v be_v strengthen_v read_v these_o note_n as_o helpful_a and_o offer_v from_o the_o hearty_a affection_n and_o with_o the_o hearty_a prayer_n for_o god_n blessing_n of_o your_o quondam_a pastor_n yet_o zealous_o affectionate_a for_o the_o good_a of_o your_o soul_n zac_n crofton_n from_o my_o study_n in_o botolph_n algate_n lon._n nou._n 3._o 1659._o to_o the_o reader_n courteous_a reader_n i_o do_v many_o month_n since_o begin_v this_o discourse_n unto_o my_o own_o congregation_n intend_v chief_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o too_o much_o neglect_v and_o abuse_a duty_n of_o godly_a conference_n but_o find_v the_o word_n so_o connex_v that_o i_o can_v not_o eonvenient_o come_v at_o my_o intend_a doctrine_n until_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o the_o condition_n which_o do_v constrain_v the_o godly_a their_o speak_v one_o to_o another_o i_o divide_v the_o text_n into_o three_o general_a head_n to_o be_v discuss_v and_o so_o intend_v they_o for_o particular_a instruction_n never_o to_o be_v make_v more_o public_a but_o god_n who_o over-ruleth_a man_n purpose_n have_v otherways_o dispose_v in_o june_n last_o i_o be_v call_v to_o preach_v at_o the_o morning_n exercise_n in_o magdalen_n milk-street_n church_n take_v some_o of_o these_o note_n as_o next_o hand_n and_o do_v very_o brief_o discuss_v the_o prosperous_a providence_n which_o do_v attend_v the_o profane_a such_o approbation_n it_o meet_v with_o from_o many_o godly_a hearer_n that_o i_o be_v pursue_v with_o great_a importunity_n to_o
2._o it_o be_v profitable_a to_o excite_v and_o animate_v unto_o duty_n holiness_n be_v supernatural_a to_o man_n heart_n and_o above_o his_o reach_n he_o must_v strain_v and_o stretch_v till_o tire_v that_o will_v work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n nay_o it_o be_v contranatarall_a to_o corrupt_v man_n the_o natural_a man_n be_v at_o a_o enmity_n with_o god_n he_o that_o walk_v with_o god_n walk_v up_o hill_n row_v against_o tide_n and_o sail_v against_o wind_n and_o can_v but_o be_v weary_v and_o find_v many_o time_n their_o very_a spirit_n fail_v but_o especial_o when_o under_o the_o storm_n of_o prosper_a providence_n to_o prophanesse_n and_o the_o discouragement_n of_o successful_a sin_n the_o stout_a heart_n will_v find_v work_n enough_o to_o keep_v his_o station_n and_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o weather_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o lively_a faith_n that_o keep_v the_o soul_n then_o fix_v and_o hope_n from_o faint_a god_n as_o sensible_a of_o our_o flag_a spirit_n have_v leave_v we_o cordial_a counsel_n and_o promise_n to_o encourage_v we_o and_o earnest_a caution_n to_o quicken_v our_o faith_n 2.15_o gal._n 6.9_o 1_o thes_n 3.13_o rev._n 2.15_o as_o be_v not_o weary_a of_o well_o do_v you_o shall_v reap_v if_o you_o faint_v not_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o end_v in_o the_o flesh_n hold_v fast_o that_o thou_o have_v let_v no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n &_o the_o like_a yet_o so_o dull_a be_v our_o heart_n so_o drowsy_a our_o spirit_n that_o the_o best_a of_o christ_n disciple_n may_v rejoice_v in_o the_o compassion_n of_o their_o master_n which_o make_v he_o conclude_v when_o he_o find_v they_o sleep_v the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a even_o the_o stout_a david_n be_v ready_a to_o faint_v with_o wait_v long_o on_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o slack_v in_o holiness_n and_o say_v as_o the_o wicked_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n when_o he_o consider_v the_o proud_a be_v call_v happy_a they_o who_o tempt_v god_n be_v deliver_v but_o holy_a conference_n be_v a_o help_n to_o our_o weak_a and_o saint_a spirit_n society_n be_v serviceable_a in_o heaven_n way_n they_o travel_v cheerful_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n who_o will_v be_v tire_v alone_o two_o be_v better_o than_o one_o say_v the_o preacher_n they_o help_v one_o the_o other_o and_o they_o hearten_v one_o the_o other_o eccles_n 4.10.11_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o wax_v dull_a in_o duty_n and_o begin_v to_o draw_v heavy_o in_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a be_v as_o goad_n &_o as_o nail_n to_o spur_v and_o quicken_v we_o if_o we_o grow_v faint_a and_o feeble_a that_o our_o spirit_n do_v begin_v to_o be_v droop_v and_o despondent_a as_o ointment_n and_o perfume_n rejoice_v the_o heart_n so_o do_v the_o sweetness_n of_o a_o man_n friend_n by_o hearty_a council_n prov._n 27.9_o cold_a heart_n in_o hard_a time_n be_v warm_v and_o heat_v by_o holy_a conference_n consider_v one_o another_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o good_a work_n say_v the_o apostle_n heb._n 10.20_o the_o greek_a word_n be_v consider_v one_o another_o into_o a_o taroxisme_n a_o violent_a heat_n as_o the_o fit_a of_o a_o ague_n or_o burn_v of_o a_o fever_n to_o make_v each_o other_o earnest_n and_o vigorous_a in_o love_n and_o good_a work_n for_o the_o dull_a spirit_n be_v sharpen_v by_o holy_a conference_n as_o a_o edge-tool_n be_v sharpen_v by_o a_o whetstone_n as_o iron_n sharpen_v iron_n so_o a_o man_n sharpen_v the_o countenance_n of_o his_o friend_n prov._n 27.17_o by_o colloquie_n debate_n conference_n familiar_a dispute_n speak_v one_o to_o another_o say_v merâ—er_n and_o lavater_n on_o the_o text_n the_o heathen_a do_v much_o mention_v the_o quicken_a efficacy_n of_o conference_n euripides_n make_v it_o the_o mother_n of_o all_o art_n and_o cicero_n the_o mean_n of_o all_o wisdom_n and_o council_n the_o quickener_n of_o all_o diligence_n heat_n benumb_a member_n with_o rub_v and_o what_o force_n soever_o be_v in_o conference_n be_v the_o profit_n of_o the_o saint_n when_o the_o conference_n be_v christianize_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o for_o thereby_o we_o be_v encourage_v in_o difficulty_n enliven_v in_o deadness_n enlighten_v in_o darkness_n as_o gregory_n nazianzen_n note_n christian_n sharpen_v each_o other_o spirit_n by_o their_o conference_n as_o boar_n sharpen_v their_o tusk_n by_o rub_v they_o one_o against_o another_o 3._o holy_a conference_n be_v prositable_a to_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n profess_v by_o we_o faith_n be_v the_o first_o &_o foundation_n of_o grace_n of_o the_o soul_n all_o our_o sanctity_n nay_o our_o very_a salvation_n be_v dependent_a on_o our_o faith_n hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a of_o all_o grace_n faith_n be_v most_o esteem_v by_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v find_v unto_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n 1_o pet._n 1.7_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n pray_v that_o our_o faith_n fail_v not_o luke_n 22_o 32._o and_o faith_n be_v most_o envy_v by_o the_o devil_n all_o his_o temptation_n be_v to_o overthrow_v our_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o only_a errand_n of_o all_o the_o allurement_n of_o prosper_a profaneness_n and_o the_o threatâ—_n that_o be_v sound_v out_o by_o successful_a sin_n if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n we_o loose_a salvation_n but_o holy_a conference_n be_v a_o mean_n for_o confirmation_n make_v know_v common_a persuasion_n and_o by_o a_o friendly_a debate_n remove_v all_o scruple_n and_o doubt_n which_o arise_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o only_a errand_n of_o paul_n expedition_n to_o rome_n be_v conference_n and_o the_o only_a end_n of_o that_o conference_n the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n i_o long_o to_o see_v you_o to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v impart_v to_o you_o some_o spiritual_a good_a that_o your_o faith_n may_v be_v establish_v rom._n 1.11.12_o the_o lord_n jesus_n while_o upon_o earth_n and_o before_o his_o death_n do_v not_o only_o familiar_o confer_v with_o &_o explain_v to_o his_o disciple_n the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n which_o he_o preach_v to_o other_o in_o parable_n unto_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n therein_o but_o also_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o condescend_v to_o associate_v with_o the_o two_o disciple_n as_o they_o walk_v to_o emmaus_n 24._o luke_n 24._o and_o familiar_o to_o confer_v of_o his_o own_o suffering_n and_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o resurrection_n thus_o also_o he_o in_o a_o friendly_a manner_n do_v confer_v with_o the_o two_o mary_fw-mi and_o with_o the_o eleven_o disciple_n when_o they_o sit_v at_o meat_n and_o with_o the_o other_o disciple_n when_o fish_v so_o excellent_a &_o advantageous_a be_v holy_a conference_n for_o confirmation_n in_o the_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v honour_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v also_o enjoin_v unto_o all_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o support_v each_o of_o other_o in_o day_n of_o seduction_n and_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n judas_n 20._o build_v up_o one_o another_o in_o your_o most_o holy_a faith_n saint_n have_v the_o inspection_n of_o one_o another_o and_o must_v endeavour_v the_o establishment_n and_o edification_n one_o of_o another_o and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n within_o their_o capacity_n whereby_o they_o may_v perform_v it_o but_o holy_a conference_n we_o see_v then_o that_o if_o the_o godly_a have_v any_o care_n of_o divine_a direction_n and_o delight_n desire_v to_o declare_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o sanctity_n &_o dilight_n in_o the_o expulsion_n of_o sin_n excitation_n one_o of_o another_o to_o duty_n and_o establishment_n each_o of_o other_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n they_o must_v in_o time_n of_o sin_n success_n speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o by_o prosper_a prophanesse_n be_v provoke_v to_o godly_a conference_n but_o i_o hasten_v unto_o the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o this_o doctrine_n which_o will_v be_v reproof_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n exhortation_n unto_o the_o discharge_n thereof_o the_o first_o use_n i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v by_o way_n of_o reproof_n see_v prosper_a prophanesse_n shall_v provoke_v holy_a conference_n they_o be_v just_o to_o be_v blame_v who_o profess_v to_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n fall_v short_a in_o this_o duty_n and_o speak_v not_o one_o to_o another_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n conference_n be_v indeed_o common_a among_o man_n but_o it_o be_v seldom_o good_a rare_o holy_a most_o man_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o language_n of_o canaan_n and_o unskilled_a in_o heavenly_a discourse_n the_o most_o of_o man_n seem_v to_o
yet_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v only_o communicate_v to_o the_o member_n thereof_o in_o colloquy_n saint_n stand_v charge_v each_o with_o other_o and_o the_o joint_n must_v supply_v their_o place_n by_o mutual_a conference_n administer_a nourishment_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n lively_a and_o profitable_a christian_n do_v in_o evil_a time_n inquire_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n with_o their_o face_n thitherward_o say_v one_o to_o another_o come_v and_o let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o perpetual_a covenant_n and_o in_o evil_a time_n they_o say_v every_o one_o to_o his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o one_o to_o his_o brother_n what_o have_v the_o lord_n answer_v and_o what_o have_v he_o speak_v they_o do_v stand_v charge_v with_o the_o soul_n each_o of_o other_o and_o be_v therefore_o bind_v to_o exhort_v rebuke_n admonish_v comfort_n &_o edify_v one_o another_o and_o if_o ever_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n must_v be_v manifest_v by_o act_n communication_n it_o must_v be_v in_o evil_a time_n the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n which_o come_v on_o they_o in_o a_o day_n of_o general_a defection_n and_o diligent_a seduction_n the_o saint_n must_v edify_v one_o another_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o save_v one_o another_o with_o fear_n pull_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n if_o you_o be_v will_v ng_z to_o witness_v yourselves_o stupid_a under_o god_n heavy_a judgement_n senseless_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o religion_n and_o liveless_a useless_a member_n in_o the_o body_n you_o may_v with_o due_a shame_n stand_v at_o distance_n each_o from_o other_o and_o smother_v thought_n of_o god_n in_o your_o own_o breast_n for_o want_v of_o vent_n by_o holy_a conference_n but_o consider_v profession_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v no_o less_o useful_a to_o salvation_n then_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o withhold_v counsel_n from_o the_o weak_a in_o evil_a time_n be_v wickedness_n 3._o you_o disgrace_n religion_n and_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o wicked_a of_o the_o world_n whilst_o you_o sinful_o suggest_v that_o sanctity_n destroy_v society_n and_o make_v the_o ungodly_a conclude_v religion_n a_o solitary_a condition_n in_o which_o communion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v enjoy_v whereas_o indeed_o holiness_n be_v a_o bond_n of_o union_n and_o ground_n of_o communion_n which_o whilst_o it_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o wicked_a seat_v we_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o more_o divide_v we_o from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o profane_a then_o drive_v we_o into_o the_o communion_n with_o the_o saint_n the_o scope_n of_o sanctity_n be_v to_o turn_v the_o stream_n and_o direct_v man_n thought_n and_o expression_n into_o a_o holy_a channel_n which_o not_o be_v thus_o employ_v make_v religion_n look_v like_o the_o ruin_n of_o charity_n and_o that_o which_o bar_n all_o kind_n of_o counsel_n admonition_n or_o conference_n the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n then_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n they_o be_v reduce_v into_o no_o strait_n but_o they_o run_v together_o and_o counsel_v each_o other_o to_o escape_v and_o evade_v they_o they_o agitate_v no_o affair_n in_o the_o world_n but_o by_o good_a counsel_n and_o ordinary_a conference_n man_n that_o seduce_v from_o the_o truth_n be_v diligent_a and_o dextrous_a in_o their_o discourse_n chatechize_v and_o conference_n the_o two_o great_a preserva_fw-mi ive_z of_o truth_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v exercise_v as_o eminent_a mean_n of_o seduction_n while_o neglect_v by_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v establish_v by_o they_o be_v it_o not_o ashame_n that_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n shall_v beat_v we_o at_o our_o own_o weapon_n popery_n arianisme_n socincanisme_n anabaptism_n and_o other_o heresy_n be_v propagate_v hy_z catechise_v and_o conference_n while_o these_o edify_a exercise_n be_v omit_v and_o slight_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n we_o be_v common_a in_o counsel_n and_o mutual_a colloquy_n but_o mindless_a of_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o salvation_n let_v it_o therefore_o be_v our_o shame_n that_o we_o be_v so_o slack_a unto_o act_n of_o communion_n and_o so_o careless_a of_o this_o eminent_a mean_n of_o confirmation_n and_o the_o rather_o for_o that_o the_o success_n of_o sin_n shall_v stir_v we_o up_o unto_o the_o frequent_a discharge_n thereof_o lay_v your_o hand_n on_o your_o heart_n and_o blush_v who_o be_v professor_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o worshipper_n of_o the_o same_o god_n pretender_n to_o the_o same_o covenant_n and_o privilege_n and_o yet_o such_o stranger_n unto_o each_o other_o and_o so_o much_o unacquainted_a that_o you_o speak_v not_o unto_o the_o comfort_n &_o confirmation_n one_o of_o another_o repent_v your_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o these_o sociable_a soul-edifying_a act_n of_o conference_n or_o renounce_v your_o relation_n to_o the_o saint_n who_o have_v go_v before_o you_o of_o who_o spirit_n you_o do_v not_o partake_v nay_o renounce_v your_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o his_o people_n of_o and_o to_o who_o you_o speak_v so_o little_a that_o you_o seem_v insensible_a of_o their_o estate_n and_o unprofitable_a to_o their_o soul_n the_o 2._o use_v that_o i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v of_o exhortation_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v frequent_a in_o holy_a conference_n to_o get_v together_o and_o speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o this_o be_v the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o you_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o can_v but_o be_v discharge_v by_o you_o who_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o thought_n of_o god_n holy_a name_n if_o you_o be_v indeed_o in_o union_n maintain_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o whilst_o you_o sit_v joint_o under_o the_o same_o ministration_n of_o grace_n fail_v not_o in_o your_o place_n and_o capacity_n to_o minister_v one_o to_o another_o consider_v christian_a brethren_n scripture_n as_o well_o as_o nature_n do_v teach_v we_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o be_v alone_o we_o be_v not_o bear_v for_o ourselves_o we_o be_v member_n one_o of_o another_o we_o must_v seek_v every_o man_n the_o good_a of_o his_o neighbour_n the_o thing_n of_o other_o not_o our_o own_o thing_n solitude_n be_v not_o more_o burdensome_a and_o dangerous_a to_o nature_n then_o to_o grace_n nor_o more_o unsuitable_a to_o man_n then_o to_o a_o christian_a much_o hurt_n have_v the_o godly_a receive_v by_o solitariness_n when_o david_n exile_v from_o israel_n do_v walk_v alone_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o philistine_n he_o fall_v into_o diffidence_n and_o despondency_n and_o blasphemous_a conceit_n that_o god_n have_v forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a he_o have_v in_o vain_a wash_v his_o hand_n and_o cleanse_v his_o heart_n in_o innocency_n and_o when_o peter_n wander_v alone_o in_o the_o high_a priest_n hall_n he_o be_v overcome_v with_o the_o temptation_n to_o deny_v his_o master_n profit_n of_o holy_a conference_n be_v ever_o great_a but_o most_o in_o evil_a time_n by_o it_o we_o be_v establish_v in_o holiness_n keep_v from_o fall_v restore_v when_o fall_v strengthen_v in_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n quicken_v when_o dead_a and_o dull_a in_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o very_a vein_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v its_o place_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n there_o be_v not_o more_o profit_n than_o privilege_n in_o holy_a conference_n it_o be_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o comunication_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n it_o give_v counsel_n in_o doubt_n and_o strait_n comfort_n in_o despondency_n and_o sorrow_n it_o be_v the_o vent_n of_o grief_n ease_v our_o heart_n of_o the_o burden_n of_o sad_a apprehension_n by_o friendly_a complaint_n it_o be_v the_o expression_n of_o zeal_n which_o will_v burn_v he_o uphold_v of_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o good_a man_n and_o mutual_a counsel_n each_o of_o other_o how_o be_v it_o then_o christian_a soul_n that_o you_o be_v so_o much_o unacquainted_a and_o unaccustomed_a to_o holy_a conference_n for_o shame_n content_v not_o ourselves_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v but_o conserre_v of_o what_o you_o have_v hear_v live_v not_o in_o the_o church_n but_o in_o your_o place_n communicate_v each_o to_o other_o as_o lively_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o time_n evil_a in_o which_o we_o live_v do_v not_o the_o proud_a prosper_v be_v not_o they_o who_o work_n wickedness_n set_v up_o and_o see_v we_o not_o man_n that_o tempt_v god_n deliver_v be_v not_o truth_n blaspheme_v ordinance_n trample_v on_o sincere_a sanctity_n slight_v vilify_v and_o contemn_v be_v not_o perfidy_n perjury_n violation_n oâ—_n solemn_a oath_n and_o covenant_n the_o way_n to_o preferment_n do_v not_o man_n court_v we_o by_o providence_n into_o way_n pinciple_n
neglect_a matter_n of_o order_n tend_v to_o the_o beauty_n but_o not_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n article_n of_o faith_n and_o act_n of_o holiness_n may_v be_v follow_v by_o man_n that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o debate_n of_o church_n order_n dispute_v of_o circumstance_n become_v many_o time_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n it_o be_v note_v of_o eminent_a mr._n dod_n that_o he_o never_o love_v to_o meddle_v with_o the_o controversy_n of_o the_o time_n because_o they_o dull_v his_o affection_n to_o holiness_n if_o in_o any_o thing_n â—ommon_a christian_n shall_v be_v conclude_v by_o church_n officer_n it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n &_o order_n 4._o confer_v not_o the_o experience_n of_o saint_n &_o manner_n of_o god_n work_n on_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n because_o these_o be_v mere_o personal_a &_o may_v prove_v prejudicial_a unto_o other_o conviction_n and_o consolation_n be_v the_o common_a condition_n of_o all_o believer_n but_o the_o modus_fw-la and_o gradus_fw-la operandi_fw-la measure_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v different_a ordinary_o dispose_v by_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n unto_o other_o the_o easiness_n of_o david_n must_v not_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o manasseh_n his_o conviction_n nor_o must_v the_o thunder_a conviction_n and_o conversion_n of_o saul_n be_v the_o square_a thereof_o unto_o peter_n experience_n of_o this_o nature_n administer_v no_o edification_n but_o many_o time_n engender_v in_o some_o despondency_n and_o in_o other_o presumption_n leave_v we_o therefore_o a_o wise_a god_n to_o work_v his_o own_o work_n in_o his_o own_o way_n let_v we_o make_v the_o work_n itself_o object_n of_o our_o observation_n and_o discourse_n not_o much_o make_v know_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n thereof_o these_o thing_n i_o advice_n be_v not_o propound_v as_o the_o matter_n of_o your_o conference_n because_o repugnant_a to_o its_o end_n but_o instead_o hereof_o confer_v 1._o profane_a practice_n of_o the_o wicked_a with_o which_o your_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v affect_v and_o that_o out_o of_o zeal_n to_o god_n holy_a name_n hereby_o dishonour_v and_o piety_n to_o immortal_a soul_n hereby_o endanger_v and_o compassion_n to_o they_o who_o by_o their_o prosperity_n in_o the_o course_n of_o impiety_n do_v become_v a_o stumble_a block_n temptation_n and_o evil_a example_n to_o other_o multiply_v to_o themselves_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v by_o their_o present_a success_n prepare_v this_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a to_o have_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o which_o the_o man_n in_o our_o text_n do_v speak_v one_o to_o another_o we_o may_v not_o always_o speak_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o wicked_a yet_o we_o may_v and_o must_v speak_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o ourselves_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o their_o prosper_a prophanesse_n and_o successful_a sin_n 2._o principle_n of_o which_o be_v ploin_v and_o obvious_a to_o every_o serious_a christian_a studious_a of_o scriptuee_n and_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o uâ—ry_n be_v of_o a_o believer_n and_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o salaation_n these_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n by_o which_o we_o be_v constitute_v christian_n and_o capable_a of_o be_v edify_v ignorance_n and_o inconstancy_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n fit_v we_o for_o all_o heresy_n and_o seduction_n from_o the_o truth_n the_o matter_n of_o christ_n his_o conference_n with_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o coast_n of_o philippi_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o he_o who_o say_v man_n that_o i_o be_o and_o who_o say_v you_o that_o i_o be_o mat._n 16.13.16_o be_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o conference_n with_o the_o disciple_n that_o walk_v to_o emmaus_n be_v his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n those_o great_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o paul_n errand_n to_o rome_n be_v by_o conference_n to_o establish_v the_o saint_n in_o the_o faith_n rom._n 1.11_o the_o common_a work_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v to_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o therefore_o the_o principle_n thereof_o be_v the_o proper_a matter_n of_o their_o conference_n 3._o practice_n of_o piety_n which_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v unto_o these_o be_v to_o the_o gracious_a soul_n supernatural_a and_o and_z above_o his_o reach_n beyond_o his_o natural_a strength_n nay_o contra_fw-la natural_a unto_o which_o their_o flesh_n bear_v a_o enmity_n they_o can_v but_o be_v weak_a and_o dull_a apt_a to_o be_v weary_v especial_o when_o under_o affliction_n and_o all_o worldly_a discouragement_n man_n speak_v &_o common_a course_n of_o providence_n seem_v to_o confirm_v their_o language_n that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n therefore_o we_o must_v consider_v one_o another_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o good_a work_n so_o long_o as_o the_o willing_a spirit_n be_v retard_v with_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a must_v be_v as_o nail_n and_o as_o goad_n 4._o promise_n of_o grace_n which_o must_v be_v the_o prop_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o uphold_a of_o hope_n under_o the_o prosper_a providence_n that_o do_v attend_v the_o profane_a and_o affliction_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o the_o righteous_a whilst_o the_o vision_n be_v delay_v the_o just_a must_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o by_o discourse_v of_o god_n promise_n and_o property_n establish_v their_o expectation_n of_o a_o discrimnate_a deliverance_n out_o of_o all_o their_o sorrow_n though_o at_o the_o present_a the_o proud_a be_v call_v happy_a etc._n etc._n if_o these_o and_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o your_o conference_n it_o will_v produce_v its_o end_n and_o prove_v a_o ordinance_n of_o edification_n inform_v your_o judgement_n affect_v your_o heart_n quicken_a and_o establish_v the_o soul_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o and_o shall_v now_o pass_v to_o the_o 2._o direction_n unto_o the_o right_a management_n of_o conference_n direct_v 2_o right_a matter_n propound_v proceed_v unto_o your_o conference_n with_o due_a prudence_n wisdom_n be_v the_o ornament_n and_o excellency_n of_o every_o action_n and_o must_v be_v the_o especial_a property_n of_o believer_n that_o will_v put_v forth_o in_o exercise_n of_o religion_n they_o must_v proceed_v with_o much_o prudence_n and_o beware_v of_o betray_v the_o same_o into_o scandal_n by_o any_o act_n of_o in_o discretion_n many_o be_v the_o snare_n which_o attend_v holy_a conference_n and_o great_a be_v the_o evil_n which_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n do_v draw_v from_o so_o good_a a_o exercise_n we_o must_v therefore_o be_v very_o watchful_a to_o improve_v it_o to_o its_o end_n and_o avoid_v its_o evil_n though_o accidental_a the_o true_o prudent_a will_v limit_v themselves_o in_o thing_n lawful_a lest_o they_o run_v into_o thing_n unlawful_a it_o be_v augustine_n assertion_n that_o he_o who_o know_v not_o how_o to_o deny_v what_o be_v in_o his_o liberty_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o decline_v what_o be_v forbid_v and_o the_o true_o godly_a must_v avoid_v the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a not_o only_o the_o species_n but_o show_n the_o kind_n but_o shadow_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v shun_v let_v therefore_o your_o conference_n be_v manage_v with_o all_o wisdom_n in_o point_n of_o time_n place_n manner_z and_o order_n 1._o the_o time_n of_o conference_n be_v occasional_a as_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v for_o holy_a conference_n be_v not_o a_o duty_n fix_v to_o any_o special_a season_n but_o as_o divine_a providence_n and_o humane_a condition_n do_v cast_v and_o call_v we_o into_o society_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v one_o unto_o another_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o friendly_a visit_n in_o any_o affliction_n familiar_a intercourse_n in_o holy_a action_n or_o fall_v into_o each_o other_o company_n by_o appoint_a or_o unexpected_a affair_n so_o that_o the_o godly_a must_v watch_v for_o and_o catch_v at_o the_o opportunity_n of_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v comfort_v one_o another_o by_o holy_a conference_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v or_o deem_v it_o unlawful_a for_o the_o godly_a of_o any_o vicinity_n and_o neighbour_n hood_n by_o mutual_a consent_n to_o keep_v fix_v season_n wherein_o to_o associate_v and_o speak_v one_o unto_o another_o in_o holy_a conference_n only_o we_o advise_v that_o the_o time_n fix_v be_v our_o own_o not_o god_n or_o our_o family_n our_o own_o i_o say_v not_o god_n that_o be_v not_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o the_o season_n of_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o public_a worship_n holy_a conference_n i_o confess_v do_v well_o become_v the_o sabbath_n but_o the_o sabbath_n can_v well_o be_v the_o fix_a season_n of_o conference_n epecial_o the_o time_n of_o public_a exercise_n when_o god_n be_v by_o
i_o have_v by_o some_o more_o humble_a than_o the_o rest_n notice_n give_v i_o &_o come_v to_o the_o man_n and_o blame_v their_o indiscretion_n who_o in_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o pride_n scorn_v my_o instruction_n and_o will_v not_o be_v admonish_v another_o grave_n and_o reverend_a divine_a who_o they_o have_v much_o esteem_v deal_v with_o they_o on_o the_o same_o account_n but_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o in_o this_o course_n they_o continue_v until_o they_o break_v out_o into_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o separate_n from_o the_o church_n and_o cast_v off_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o baptism_n and_o constitute_v themselves_o a_o church_n unto_o which_o the_o man_n of_o best_a part_n but_o most_o proud_a be_v at_o this_o day_n become_v leader_n and_o profess_a minister_n be_v wise_a in_o time_n for_o it_o be_v sad_a to_o see_v how_o by_o pretence_n of_o piety_n god_n ordinance_n be_v slight_v and_o soul_n seem_o godly_a be_v seduce_v from_o the_o truth_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o 2._o direction_n the_o 3._o and_o last_o direction_n be_v this_o possess_v a_o suitable_a frame_n of_o spirit_n unto_o the_o due_a management_n of_o holy_a conference_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o saint_n but_o such_o as_o be_v most_o conversant_a therein_o and_o will_v study_v to_o make_v it_o edify_v and_o enforce_v it_o to_o its_o end_n must_v be_v fit_v thereunto_o by_o these_o especial_a qualification_n which_o must_v be_v possess_v viz._n the_o 1._o sense_n of_o union_n and_o relation_n union_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o communion_n and_o relation_n engage_v communication_n know_v we_o that_o we_o be_v brethren_n this_o make_v we_o familiar_a and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n it_o will_v provoke_v inspection_n and_o mutual_a supply_n and_o corroboration_n they_o must_v know_v one_o another_o that_o do_v know_v how_o to_o speak_v one_o unto_o another_o stranger_n be_v ordinary_o silent_a 2._o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n the_o lip_n of_o the_o wise_a must_v feed_v many_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v dwell_v plentiful_o in_o they_o who_o will_v admonish_v one_o another_o man_n of_o holy_a conference_n must_v be_v scribe_n furnish_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n bring_v forth_o of_o their_o treasure_n thing_n new_a &_o old_a be_v studious_a of_o god_n mind_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n if_o you_o study_v to_o be_v profitable_a member_n in_o christ_n his_o body_n 3._o zealous_a affection_n to_o god_n and_o holiness_n apt_a to_o be_v grieve_v when_o man_n transgress_v god_n law_n and_o ready_a to_o plead_v for_o god_n and_o piety_n when_o most_o man_n say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n must_v speak_v they_o must_v fear_v god_n and_o think_v upon_o his_o name_n who_o will_v speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o in_o evil_a time_n 4._o serious_n observation_n of_o and_o sympathy_n with_o our_o brethren_n though_o charity_n begin_v at_o home_o yet_o we_o must_v love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o whilst_o our_o chief_a care_n must_v be_v of_o ourselves_o we_o must_v not_o shut_v our_o eye_n to_o our_o brethren_n soul_n or_o frailty_n we_o must_v see_v the_o brother_n err_v from_o the_o truth_n if_o we_o will_v convert_v he_o know_v his_o sin_n if_o we_o will_v rebuke_v he_o apprehend_v his_o temper_n if_o we_o will_v make_v admonition_n affect_v he_o all_o nature_n be_v not_o a_o like_a nor_o to_o be_v alike_o deal_v withal_o see_v his_o sorrow_n if_o we_o will_v support_v he_o by_o our_o counsel_n they_o must_v consider_v one_o another_o who_o will_v provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o good_a work_n they_o must_v well_o study_v the_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n condition_n and_o constitution_n action_n and_o ability_n of_o their_o brethren_n who_o will_v speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o a_o weary_a soul_n 5._o sincere_a desire_n to_o edify_v and_o be_v edify_v to_o propagate_v grace_n and_o godliness_n not_o to_o proclaim_v part_n and_o proud_o act_v ability_n if_o conference_n be_v paul_n errand_n to_o rome_n his_o only_a end_n be_v to_o impart_v some_o special_a gift_n that_o the_o saint_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o he_o be_v comfort_v by_o the_o mutual_a faith_n of_o one_o another_o the_o weak_a member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v profitable_a in_o its_o place_n every_o joint_n make_v its_o proper_a supply_n unto_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n 5._o special_a meekness_n and_o humility_n submiss_o harken_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o other_o and_o set_v on_o they_o a_o due_a essteem_n not_o puff_v up_o with_o confidence_n of_o our_o own_o knowledge_n and_o with_o all_o tenderness_n of_o compassion_n reprove_v admonish_v and_o comfort_v one_o another_o if_o any_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n be_v over_o take_v with_o a_o fault_n they_o that_o be_v strong_a must_v restore_v he_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n know_v that_o they_o also_o themselves_o may_v be_v tempt_v and_o if_o we_o will_v fulfil_v the_o apostle_n joy_n in_o christian_a conference_n nothing_o must_v be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vain_a glory_n but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n each_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o look_v not_o every_o man_n at_o his_o own_o thing_n but_o every_o man_n at_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o phil._n 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o spiritual_a pride_n be_v the_o bane_n and_o baseness_n of_o holy_a conference_n let_v christian_n these_o direction_n be_v remember_v and_o careful_o practise_v by_o you_o and_o then_o what_o ever_o providence_n attend_v you_o or_o estate_n do_v befall_v the_o wicked_a you_o may_v and_o must_v be_v frequent_a and_o fervent_a in_o holy_a conference_n &_o provoke_v to_o speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o until_o the_o lord_n hearken_v &_o hear_v and_o cause_v a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n to_o be_v write_v be_v before_o he_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o 2._o part_n of_o the_o text_n viz_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prosperous_a estate_n of_o the_o wicked_a auscultatio_fw-la divina_fw-la or_o god_n attention_n to_o good_a conference_n in_o bad_a time_n the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n on_o mal._n 3.15_o 16_o 17._o brief_o touch_v on_o in_o the_o sermon_n preach_v at_o west-chester_n july_n 17._o 1659._o but_o full_o open_v in_o some_o sermon_n since_o preach_v at_o botolphs-algate_n london_n mal._n 3.16_o 17_o 18._o the_o lord_n hearken_v and_o hear_v and_o a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n be_v write_v before_o he_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o think_v upon_o his_o name_n they_o shall_v be_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o make_v up_o my_o jewel_n and_o i_o will_v spare_v they_o as_o a_o man_n spare_v his_o own_o son_n that_o serve_v he_o then_o shall_v you_o return_v and_o discern_v between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a between_o he_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o he_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o i_o have_v heretofore_o consider_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o wicked_a even_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o lay_v before_o you_o their_o prosperity_n and_o also_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o the_o godly_a they_o speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o we_o now_o come_v to_o the_o three_o general_a part_n of_o the_o text_n and_o that_o be_v the_o issue_n and_o event_n of_o both_o &_o that_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o these_o word_n and_o fall_v into_o two_o part_n 1._o the_o delight_n that_o god_n take_v in_o and_o due_a respect_n he_o express_v towards_o the_o godly_a and_o their_o exercise_n the_o lord_n hearken_v and_o hear_v etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o discrimination_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a then_o shall_v you_o return_v and_o discern_v between_o etc._n etc._n of_o these_o in_o their_o order_n and_o first_o of_o god_n delight_n in_o and_o respect_n to_o the_o godly_a and_o therein_o if_o i_o shall_v delight_v in_o mince_v the_o word_n into_o part_n i_o may_v observe_v 1._o the_o respect_n show_v and_o that_o in_o all_o the_o expression_n thereof_o the_o lord_n hearken_v and_o hear_v and_o a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n be_v write_v they_o shall_v be_v i_o i_o will_v spare_v they_o 2._o the_o author_n of_o this_o respect_n who_o it_o be_v that_o thus_o delight_v in_o the_o godly_a it_o be_v the_o lord_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n 3._o the_o object_n of_o this_o acceptance_n they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n &_o thought_n upon_o his_o name_n 4._o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o this_o respect_n they_o speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o in_o evil_a time_n and_o every_o of_o these_o particular_n will_v afford_v we_o very_o profitable_a observation_n but_o i_o intend_v not_o so_o long_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o word_n and_o
be_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o god_n holy_a name_n the_o thought_n of_o god_n name_n fix_v they_o in_o faith_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o fervour_n to_o cleave_v close_o to_o god_n and_o his_o covenant_n under_o the_o utmost_a of_o opposition_n the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o strong_a tower_n the_o righteous_a run_v into_o it_o and_o be_v safe_a prov._n 18.10_o they_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o other_o trust_v in_o chariot_n and_o in_o horse_n psal_n 20.7_o and_o so_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n for_o let_v what_o trouble_n will_v befall_v the_o godly_a they_o deal_v not_o false_o in_o god_n covenant_n because_o they_o forget_v not_o god_n name_n the_o dread_a of_o god_n name_n be_v on_o the_o spirit_n to_o deter_v impiety_n to_o drive_v on_o duty_n and_o quiet_a the_o soul_n in_o dependence_n on_o the_o same_o not_o only_o do_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n stir_v up_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n name_n but_o engage_v the_o godly_a to_o speak_v one_o to_o another_o to_o be_v much_o in_o complaint_n and_o conference_n each_o with_o other_o their_o heart_n swell_v with_o holy_a thought_n and_o their_o tongue_n give_v vent_v unto_o the_o fire_n they_o can_v not_o but_o speak_v against_o fin_n in_o defence_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n when_o the_o wicked_a say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n etc._n etc._n but_o of_o this_o in_o the_o next_o reason_n we_o see_v then_o that_o the_o godly_a be_v fit_v for_o divine_a favour_n be_v affect_v with_o and_o afflict_v for_o god_n name_n in_o a_o evil_a dark_a and_o cloudy_a day_n and_o can_v it_o choose_v but_o engage_v god_n affection_n unto_o they_o but_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o reason_n why_o god_n hearken_v and_o hear_v cause_v a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n to_o be_v write_v and_o show_v special_a respect_n to_o holy_a service_n in_o time_n of_o prosper_a prophanesse_n they_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o special_a person_n relate_v to_o and_o qualify_v for_o god_n for_o if_o the_o tear_n of_o a_o mother_n can_v move_v a_o alexander_n to_o oâ—liteate_v all_o accusation_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o tear_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o elect_n redeem_a call_v and_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o think_v on_o he_o render_v savoury_n the_o service_n of_o holiness_n they_o perform_v special_a service_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o meet_v with_o special_a acceptance_n holy_a action_n be_v always_o good_a but_o sometime_o they_o shine_v with_o more_o than_o common_a splendour_n god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n have_v extraordinary_a service_n to_o put_v his_o people_n upon_o some_o special_a act_n of_o sanctity_n be_v lay_v on_o some_o hand_n which_o be_v not_o on_o other_o and_o do_v at_o sometime_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v at_o other_o thus_o prayer_n be_v the_o work_n of_o every_o day_n but_o holy_a fast_n and_o religious_a vow_n be_v the_o extraordinary_a service_n of_o extreme_a affliction_n and_o so_o christian_n conference_n though_o the_o very_a act_n and_o du_fw-fr y_fw-fr of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n yet_o this_o speak_v one_o unto_o another_o in_o the_o day_n when_o man_n speak_v stout_a word_n against_o god_n and_o say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v he_o be_v special_a and_o peculiar_a service_n it_o be_v special_a service_n unto_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o to_o speak_v one_o unto_o another_o by_o way_n of_o complaint_n of_o god_n great_a dishonour_n by_o way_n of_o comfort_n under_o such_o sad_a prosper_a providence_n to_o the_o most_o profane_a &_o by_o way_n of_o confirmation_n one_o of_o another_o under_o so_o strong_a temptation_n to_o apostasy_n this_o be_v no_o ordinary_a work_n to_o express_v such_o sense_n of_o and_o zeal_n for_o god_n it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o every_o soul_n no_o not_o of_o every_o saint_n to_o instruct_v many_o and_o strengthen_v the_o weak_a hand_n to_o speak_v word_n that_o may_v uphold_v the_o fall_n to_o strengthen_v the_o feeble_a knee_n as_o do_v job_n to_o preach_v a_o sermon_n pen_v a_o psalm_n and_o become_v a_o pattern_n of_o patience_n 37._o job_n 3.3_o 4._o isa_n 37._o as_o do_v david_n in_o perplex_v time_n of_o prosper_a profaneness_n be_v no_o ordinary_a service_n no_o this_o require_v strength_n and_o measure_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n of_o grace_n they_o must_v be_v strong_a in_o the_o faith_n that_o restore_v a_o fall_v brother_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n to_o speak_v one_o to_o another_o be_v special_a service_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o principle_n that_o animate_v and_o act_v the_o same_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o excellent_a useful_a and_o acceptable_a grace_n before_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o primum_fw-la mobile_a spring_n of_o this_o motion_n wheel_n of_o this_o clock_n reason_n of_o this_o zeal_n for_o religion_n the_o thought_n of_o god_n name_n be_v the_o oil_n that_o make_v this_o lamp_n to_o burn_v and_o the_o fullness_n of_o those_o holy_a heart_n who_o speak_v out_o of_o their_o abundance_n but_o on_o these_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o insist_v the_o speciality_n of_o this_o service_n which_o indeed_o set_v the_o lustre_n on_o it_o and_o send_v it_o with_o strength_n and_o holy_a violence_n towards_o heaven_n be_v the_o season_n in_o which_o it_o be_v perform_v then_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o 25.11_o pro._n 25.11_o every_o thing_n say_v solomon_n be_v beautiful_a in_o its_o season_n and_o a_o word_n speak_v in_o season_n in_o like_a apple_n of_o gold_n in_o picture_n of_o silver_n it_o be_v the_o season_n that_o set_v a_o lustre_n on_o these_o holy_a exercise_n they_o be_v perform_v in_o that_o juncture_n of_o time_n which_o eminent_o call_v for_o they_o &_o god_n attendance_n to_o the_o discharge_n of_o they_o then_o they_o speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o when_o all_o man_n almost_o speak_v against_o they_o and_o their_o god_n then_o when_o the_o multitude_n do_v wicked_o and_o walk_v stubborn_o against_o god_n they_o walk_v submissive_o with_o god_n then_o when_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a make_v man_n embrace_v impiety_n as_o the_o step_n to_o honour_n and_o stirrup_n of_o authority_n when_o only_o they_o that_o tempt_v gâ—d_v be_v deliver_v and_o such_o as_o wrought_v all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n be_v set_v up_o they_o cleave_v close_o to_o piety_n and_o the_o practice_n thereof_o they_o patient_o wait_v on_o god_n and_o plead_v his_o cause_n and_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o courage_n and_o constancy_n then_o when_o every_o tongue_n be_v tip_v with_o blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o religion_n they_o speak_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o both_o and_o witness_v it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n or_o walk_v mournful_o before_o he_o that_o god_n be_v just_a and_o gracious_a and_o have_v regard_n unto_o the_o righteous_a so_o that_o their_o then_o holy_a exercise_n be_v vindication_n of_o god_n and_o godliness_n conviction_n of_o wicked_a profane_a contempt_n of_o piety_n and_o blasphemy_n utter_v common_o aghasted_n god_n confirmation_n of_o weak_a brethren_n ready_a to_o stumble_v at_o prosper_a prophanesse_n and_o complaint_n of_o zeal_n and_o affection_n to_o god_n holy_a name_n dishonour_v so_o that_o they_o run_v counter_a to_o the_o common_a cry_n of_o the_o multitude_n set_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o be_v singular_a from_o their_o neighbour_n the_o subject_n of_o scorn_n and_o fury_n speak_v for_o god_n and_o religion_n when_o common_a policy_n nay_o almost_o christian_a wisdom_n do_v conclude_v it_o a_o evil_a time_n in_o which_o the_o prudent_a shall_v keep_v silence_n for_o all_o the_o fruit_n to_o be_v expect_v be_v opposition_n and_o persecution_n so_o that_o this_o be_v indeed_o special_a service_n to_o live_v as_o light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n 1â—_n phil._n 2_o 1â—_n hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n if_o god_n have_v respect_n to_o his_o child_n much_o more_o to_o his_o champion_n he_o can_v but_o take_v it_o well_o to_o see_v man_n best_o in_o the_o worst_a time_n shall_v he_o slight_v they_o that_o stand_v for_o he_o against_o the_o very_a pride_n of_o prosper_a profaneness_n shall_v he_o not_o see_v to_o they_o that_o make_v all_o the_o world_n see_v they_o can_v serve_v god_n for_o nought_o have_v god_n register_v all_o the_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v serve_v he_o no_o only_o such_o be_v make_v eminent_a in_o sacred_a and_o ecclesiastic_a story_n who_o have_v do_v especial_a service_n to_o god_n noah_n a_o preacher_n of_o righteous_a let_v who_o righteous_a soul_n be_v grieve_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o sodom_n job_n a_o mirror_n of_o patience_n under_o the_o prond_n censure_v of_o his_o prosperous_a friend_n david_n a_o cham_n upon_o
out_o why_o shall_v you_o be_v smite_v any_o more_o â—sa_fw-mi 1.5_o the_o son_n of_o most_o liberty_n and_o least_o smart_n be_v usual_o the_o child_n of_o high_a displeasure_n who_o god_n most_o cocker_v he_o most_o correct_v but_o if_o affliction_n be_v not_o feel_v then_o be_v we_o bastard_n and_o not_o son_n now_o affliction_n be_v either_o a_o note_n of_o no_o relation_n unto_o god_n or_o of_o severe_a rejection_n by_o god_n if_o god_n cease_v to_o scourge_v a_o son_n it_o be_v in_o severe_a anger_n to_o let_v he_o take_v his_o swinge_n in_o wickedness_n to_o the_o loss_n of_o father_n blessing_n and_o inheritance_n the_o sad_a estate_n of_o israel_n be_v when_o god_n profess_v he_o will_v cease_v from_o his_o anger_n and_o let_v ephraim_n alone_o when_o join_v to_o idol_n god_n rage_n can_v only_o roar_v out_o this_o language_n i_o will_v make_v my_o fury_n towards_o thou_o to_o rest_v and_o my_o jealousy_n shall_v depart_v from_o thou_o and_o i_o will_v be_v quiet_a and_o be_v no_o more_o angry_a ezek._n 16.42_o and_o i_o will_v not_o punish_v your_o daughter_n when_o they_o commit_v whoredom_n nor_o your_o spouse_n when_o they_o commit_v adultery_n hos_fw-la 4.14_o origen_n quote_v this_o scripture_n cry_v out_o vis_fw-la indignantis_fw-la dei_fw-la vocem_fw-la terribilem_fw-la audire_fw-la will_v you_o hear_v the_o terrible_a voice_n of_o god_n hear_v it_o here_o i_o will_v not_o punish_v the_o profane_a like_o foolish_a child_n think_v their_o father_n quietness_n the_o token_n of_o his_o favour_n they_o be_v well_o please_v when_o profaneness_n pass_v uncontrolled_a and_o impiety_n uncorrected_a when_o god_n silence_n second_o and_o give_v way_n to_o their_o loud_a cry_v sin_n they_o cry_v mercy_n mercy_n but_o bernard_n call_v it_o misericordiam_fw-la omni_fw-la indignatione_fw-la crudeliorem_fw-la a_o cruel_a courtesy_n a_o kill_a kindness_n to_o let_v the_o child_n play_v with_o the_o candle_n till_o burn_v and_o the_o knife_n till_o stab_v vatablus_n interprete_v those_o word_n in_o ezek._n 3.20_o i_o will_v lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o he_o i_o will_v prosper_v he_o and_o not_o by_o affliction_n restrain_v he_o can_v we_o consider_v prosperity_n to_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o spring_n of_o atheism_n irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n therefore_o pride_n compass_v they_o they_o set_v their_o mouth_n against_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 73.6_o and_o conclude_v it_o a_o mercy_n to_o be_v prosperous_a it_o be_v the_o miserable_a mercy_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o god_n give_v up_o unto_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n and_o vile_a affection_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o convenient_a to_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o unrighteousness_n and_o fornication_n wickedness_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 1.28_o 29._o a_o estate_n of_o so_o great_a displeasure_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n rather_o choose_v affliction_n and_o cry_n with_o luther_n feri_fw-la domine_fw-la feri_fw-la strike_v lord_n strike_v and_o spare_v not_o or_o with_o jeremiah_n correct_v i_o o_o lord_n however_o the_o wicked_a boast_n of_o god_n good_a pleasure_n when_o they_o run_v into_o high_a profaneness_n and_o justice_n regard_v not_o to_o restrain_v than_o we_o can_v but_o read_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v bastard_n and_o not_o son_n and_o so_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o god_n chastisement_n be_v domestic_a discipline_n or_o else_o they_o be_v design_v to_o a_o wrathful_a rejection_n they_o have_v provoke_v he_o so_o far_o with_o their_o pride_n and_o stubborness_n that_o he_o will_v no_o long_o be_v trouble_v to_o correct_v they_o or_o attempt_v to_o reduce_v they_o but_o let_v they_o take_v their_o swinge_n and_o run_v their_o career_n of_o profaneness_n unto_o their_o own_o ruin_n let_v they_o swear_v and_o lie_v commit_v adultery_n deal_v false_o do_v what_o they_o will_v they_o shall_v not_o for_o he_o be_v check_v or_o cross_v for_o he_o in_o his_o wrath_n have_v cast_v they_o off_o and_o will_v have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o they_o till_o in_o judgement_n he_o cry_v go_v you_o curse_v into_o hell_n fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n so_o not_o pity_n and_o good_a will_n but_o provoke_v justice_n do_v enforce_v the_o prosperity_n of_o profane_a man_n god_n be_v most_o angry_a when_o most_o silent_a and_z striketh_z least_z thus_o than_o you_o have_v the_o question_n resolve_v and_o see_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o it_o go_v so_o well_o with_o the_o wicked_a and_o if_o we_o attend_v the_o course_n of_o god_n providence_n be_v affect_v with_o the_o work_n of_o god_n patience_n assent_n unto_o the_o saint_n chastisement_n and_o trial_n and_o apprehend_v the_o high_a expression_n of_o provoke_v fury_n we_o see_v satisfy_v reason_n and_o ground_n why_o prosper_a providence_n frequent_o attend_v the_o profane_v wretch_n and_o shall_v cease_v to_o wonder_v that_o the_o proud_a be_v call_v happy_a they_o that_o work_v wickedness_n be_v set_v up_o and_o they_o that_o tempt_v god_n be_v even_o deliver_v have_v thus_o explain_v and_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v now_o pass_v unto_o the_o application_n of_o it_o and_o although_o it_o may_v be_v large_o useful_a i_o shall_v contract_v all_o into_o one_o general_a use_n of_o instruction_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o demean_v and_o carry_v as_o those_o that_o be_v convince_v that_o prosper_a providence_n do_v frequent_o attend_v the_o profane_v wretch_n principle_n must_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o practice_n and_o persuasion_n must_v enforce_v obedience_n do_v we_o then_o see_v that_o they_o call_v the_o proud_a happy_a and_o they_o that_o work_v wickedness_n be_v set_v up_o and_o they_o that_o tempt_v god_n be_v even_o deliver_v let_v it_o be_v our_o care_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o course_n of_o providence_n and_o carry_v suitable_o to_o so_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o profane_a man_n prosperity_n and_o especial_o in_o learning_n and_o daily_o exercise_v these_o three_o lesson_n or_o duty_n first_o favour_v no_o cause_n or_o person_n follow_v no_o course_n of_o life_n as_o approve_v of_o and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n because_o second_v with_o prosper_a providence_n in_o this_o world_n 2._o find_v not_o contentment_n in_o the_o prosper_a providence_n of_o this_o life_n 3._o fret_v not_o at_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a even_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n of_o these_o in_o order_n and_o first_o of_o the_o first_o 1._o if_o prosper_v providence_n do_v frequent_o attend_v the_o profane_v wretch_n then_o favour_v you_o no_o cause_n follow_v no_o course_n as_o approve_v of_o and_z and_z acceptable_a to_o god_n because_o second_v with_o prosper_a providence_n in_o this_o world_n make_v not_o providence_n a_o argument_n of_o defence_n and_o justification_n to_o any_o cause_n or_o yet_o a_o ground_n of_o belief_n and_o embracement_n to_o any_o course_n of_o life_n do_v not_o determine_v this_o or_o that_o principle_n profession_n or_o practice_n to_o be_v true_a because_o not_o trouble_v and_o good_a because_o successful_a the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v in_o our_o much_o age_n observe_v &_o make_v mention_n of_o i_o wish_v they_o be_v not_o more_o then_o admire_v even_o profane_o advance_v to_o palliate_v prophanesse_n and_o impose_v impiety_n on_o other_o how_o many_o that_o act_n horrid_a impiety_n unparallelled_a wickedness_n subvert_v foundation_n supplant_n law_n destroy_v liberty_n usurp_a authority_n despise_v dominion_n speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n trample_v on_o truth_n contemn_v ordinance_n lay_v waist_n the_o church_n advance_v error_n heresy_n schism_n despise_v and_o despit_v god_n minister_n violate_v sacred_a vow_n and_o blaspheme_v most_o solemn_a oath_n and_o covenant_n and_o in_o their_o enterprise_n meet_v with_o success_n proceed_v with_o prosperity_n do_v with_o impudence_n cry_v providence_n providence_n as_o the_o plea_n of_o defence_n to_o their_o damn_a course_n and_o conclude_v their_o horrid_a profaneness_n to_o be_v the_o good_a old_a cause_n even_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n with_o all_o fervour_n impose_v it_o on_o other_o &_o charge_v ignorance_n unbelief_n and_o obstinacy_n on_o all_o such_o as_o say_v not_o all_o be_v well_o do_v and_o do_v not_o strike_v hand_n with_o they_o in_o their_o ungodliness_n whilst_o they_o administer_v no_o light_n nor_o urge_v any_o argument_n save_o success_n and_o prosperity_n sure_o these_o man_n do_v forget_v that_o we_o call_v the_o proud_a happy_a and_o they_o that_o work_v wickedness_n be_v set_v up_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o more_o of_o strength_n in_o their_o pray_n fast_a and_o humiliation_n that_o religious_a run_v into_o prophanesse_n and_o make_v piety_n the_o prologue_n of_o their_o wicked_a undertake_n whilst_o they_o that_o tempt_v god_n be_v even_o deliver_v let_v i_o not_o be_v mistake_v i_o will_v not_o disow_v or_o in_o the_o least_o degrade_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n i_o know_v they_o be_v to_o
be_v observe_v and_o dread_v by_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n there_o must_v be_v in_o all_o godly_a heart_n a_o demeanour_n and_o frame_n of_o spirit_n suitable_a to_o divine_a providence_n the_o success_n and_o prosperity_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n do_v digitate_v and_o direct_v something_o of_o duty_n to_o god_n child_n but_o whilst_o providence_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v against_o any_o precept_n whilst_o it_o be_v to_o be_v improve_v it_o must_v be_v our_o care_n it_o be_v not_o misimprove_v and_o whilst_o we_o wait_v to_o hear_v &_o see_v god_n mind_n in_o a_o providence_n we_o must_v not_o make_v it_o to_o speak_v the_o uncertain_a sound_n of_o our_o own_o fancy_n and_o pointblank_o contrary_a to_o god_n will_v in_o his_o word_n i_o will_v that_o providence_n be_v use_v not_o abuse_v and_o due_o argue_v but_o not_o make_v to_o conclude_v what_o the_o promise_n of_o success_n and_o prosperity_n will_v not_o conclude_v let_v i_o therefore_o unto_o the_o guide_n you_o unto_o the_o due_a observation_n and_o christian_a improvement_n of_o providence_n success_n and_o prosperity_n desire_v you_o to_o keep_v this_o golden_a rule_n in_o mind_n and_o have_v it_o always_o at_o hand_n in_o changeable_a time_n and_o under_o variety_n of_o providence_n viz._n god_n providence_n do_v determine_v our_o condition_n but_o not_o defend_v any_o cause_n or_o dictate_v any_o course_n of_o life_n providence_n be_v the_o explication_n of_o god_n mind_n concern_v our_o enjoyment_n not_o our_o endeavour_n and_o be_v to_o convince_v this_o be_v the_o estate_n we_o must_v enjoy_v or_o endure_v not_o these_o be_v the_o principle_n we_o must_v believe_v and_o practice_n we_o must_v embrace_v god_n providence_n be_v no_o rule_n to_o know_v by_o no_o rule_n to_o go_v by_o it_o be_v never_o intend_v to_o be_v a_o line_n of_o decision_n in_o doubtful_a controversy_n or_o a_o rule_n of_o direction_n in_o difficult_a case_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o good_a dictator_n to_o our_o passion_n but_o no_o direction_n to_o our_o action_n the_o due_a and_o diligent_a observer_n of_o providence_n see_v what_o to_o fear_v and_o what_o to_o desire_v when_o to_o mourn_v and_o when_o to_o rejoice_v and_o how_o to_o lie_v low_a and_o how_o to_o be_v lift_v up_o under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o not_o what_o to_o believe_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o act_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o deny_v not_o the_o change_n of_o god_n people_n under_o change_a providence_n but_o must_v have_v this_o change_n understand_v to_o be_v a_o change_n not_o of_o principle_n but_o passion_n not_o piety_n and_o religion_n but_o particular_a act_n of_o piety_n that_o not_o in_o substance_n and_o matter_n but_o method_n and_o order_n god_n providence_n do_v sometime_o call_v to_o weep_v 22.12_o isai_n 22.12_o and_o mourning_n and_o clothing_n in_o sackcloth_n and_o sometime_o to_o joy_n and_o gladness_n and_o feast_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o that_o answer_v not_o this_o call_n of_o providence_n with_o the_o change_n of_o his_o demeanour_n be_v profane_a and_o liable_a to_o divine_a plague_n yet_o he_o that_o improve_v this_o providence_n to_o the_o cast_v off_o religion_n 44.17_o psal_n 44.17_o and_o forsake_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v blasphemous_a and_o irreligious_a &_o degenerate_v from_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a who_o can_v cleave_v to_o god_n covenant_n under_o the_o great_a of_o cross_n whilst_o then_o we_o fear_v before_o god_n and_o observe_v his_o providence_n as_o dispose_v all_o affair_n under_o the_o sun_n we_o must_v not_o favour_v any_o cause_n because_o successful_a nor_o follow_v any_o course_n of_o life_n because_o prosperous_a for_o we_o must_v know_v 1._o precept_n not_o providence_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o direction_n unto_o the_o people_n of_o god_n their_o enquiry_n be_v what_o do_v god_n speak_v not_o what_o do_v god_n succeed_v god_n have_v publish_v his_o word_n and_o prescribe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n and_o have_v bind_v his_o people_n to_o the_o determination_n thereof_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n have_v ever_o be_v positive_a and_o prescribe_v by_o the_o word_n and_o not_o leave_v to_o the_o uncertain_a determination_n of_o providence_n the_o gentile_n may_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o star_n and_o determination_n of_o heaven_n influence_n but_o god_n israel_n have_v â—â—ws_n statute_n ordinance_n and_o commandment_n which_o they_o must_v observe_v &_o fare_v it_o as_o it_o will_v with_o the_o their_o condition_n they_o must_v not_o turn_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o the_o left_a hand_n from_o god_n declare_v will_n 32.1â—.11.28.14_n deut._n 5_o 32.1â—.11.28.14_n no_o change_n of_o providence_n must_v carry_v they_o from_o positive_a command_n their_o very_a king_n the_o subject_n of_o high_a prosperity_n must_v have_v the_o law_n write_v and_o therein_o read_v daily_o and_o rule_v the_o people_n not_o by_o the_o impulse_n or_o instigation_n of_o providence_n but_o those_o positive_a prescription_n in_o doubtful_a case_n israel_n must_v appeal_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o have_v the_o controversy_n decide_v by_o the_o law_n but_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o appeal_n to_o providence_n direct_v or_o allow_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n 17._o deut._n 17_o 17._o if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isa_n 8.20_o in_o the_o most_o dark_a estate_n that_o that_o ever_o befall_v israel_n they_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o word_n not_o work_n of_o god_n to_o uphold_v their_o faith_n and_o direct_v their_o conversation_n remember_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n my_o servant_n wh_o ill_a i_o command_v he_o in_o horeb_n for_o a_o israel_n with_o the_o statute_n &_o judgement_n 4.4_o mal._n 4.4_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n to_o israel_n until_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o he_o leau_v not_o christian_a faith_n on_o the_o changeable_a wheel_n of_o providence_n but_o commit_v it_o to_o writing_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o standard_n of_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o we_o may_v believe_v joh._n 20.31_o and_o peace_n be_v to_o be_v on_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o write_a rule_n gal._n 6.16_o no_o gracious_a heart_n ever_o yet_o dare_v decline_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o work_n of_o providence_n ahabs_n majesty_n his_o prophet_n harmony_n 14._o 1_o king_n 22.13_o 14._o friend_n persuasion_n and_o fear_v of_o adversity_n have_v no_o influence_n on_o micaiah_n to_o turn_v he_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v speak_v what_o the_o lord_n speak_v nay_o balaam_n the_o false_a prophet_n however_o sway_v by_o the_o prosper_a providence_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o pursue_v the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n dare_v not_o â—ut_v protest_v against_o the_o influence_n of_o providence_n a_o subjection_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n that_o god_n put_v into_o my_o mouth_n that_o will_v i_o speak_v numb_a 22.38_o the_o barbarian_n may_v bottom_n their_o persuasion_n of_o paul_n 12._o act._n 26.6.14.11_o 12._o upon_o the_o success_n of_o the_o viper_n and_o the_o lycaonian_o stir_v up_o their_o superstition_n by_o the_o miraculous_a providence_n that_o attend_v the_o apostle_n 17.11_o 17.11_o but_o the_o noble_a berean_o regard_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o but_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o bottom_n their_o faith_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o that_o weigh_v religion_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o providence_n forsake_v â—he_n balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n god_n never_o intend_v by_o providence_n to_o justle_v our_o precept_n and_o to_o make_v his_o word_n of_o none_o effect_n let_v mâ—homet_n cudgel_v chrâ—â—â—_n jâ—â—us_n will_v convince_v his_o disciple_n and_o by_o his_o word_n witness_v his_o truth_n when_o providence_n run_v never_o so_o cross_a to_o manage_v a_o cause_n with_o appeal_n to_o providence_n be_v to_o manifest_v a_o want_n of_o or_o a_o weakness_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o put_v the_o controversy_n on_o that_o course_n that_o give_v no_o assurance_n of_o decision_n have_v never_o be_v appoint_v to_o that_o end_n to_o embrace_v any_o course_n because_o it_o prosper_v be_v to_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o rude_a and_o uncertain_a and_o blasphemous_o to_o tempt_v god_n by_o a_o course_n on_o which_o no_o faith_n can_v be_v found_v for_o that_o no_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o it_o obedience_n to_o the_o word_n be_v manifest_v when_o work_n of_o providence_n do_v run_v counter_a and_o contrary_a thereunto_o the_o appeal_n of_o comfort_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o honour_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n be_v all_o this_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o yet_o have_v we_o not_o forget_v thou_o nor_o deal_v