A Complete Body of Divinity, Sermons · 227 (Question 90)
SERMON CCXXVII.
QUESTION XC.
HOW is the Word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to Salvation?
ANSWER.
THAT the Word may become effectual to Salvation, we muſt attend thereunto with Diligence, Preparation and Prayer, receive it with Faith and Love, lay it up in our Hearts, and practice it in our Lives.
UNDER the former Queſtion we had a brief account of the Work of the Holy Spirit, in and with the Word of God, to render it efficacious for the bringing about of the Salvation of the Sinner. Where was obſerved in what Order of Cauſality the Word ſtands, with regard to this great affair, viz. as an Inſtrument in his hand. We conſidered what ſort of Inſtrument it is, viz. Moral, or accommodated to Mans rational powers, as he is a Cauſe by Counſel, it is therefore ſuited to inform the Underſtanding to perſwade the Will, and to move the Affections.
THAT which now lies before us for our Contemplation, is the Duty that lies upon all ſuch as enjoy the benefit of this Word, in order to their obtaining of ſaving good by it, and that we may not receive the Grace of God in Vain: That there is ſuch a Duty incumbent on us, and that we cannot without Infinite hazard to our own Souls, live in the neglect of it, the Word itſelf abundantly informs us: For, though it is certain, that the efficacy, entirely depends on the Operation of the Holy Spirit, it being a work of Almighty Power: Nevertheleſs, there is ſomething that he requires of us, to which he applies both his preventing and Co-operating Grace in the Elect; according to, Phil. 2.1…. For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleaſure. We are not to ſuppoſe; that the Word is uſed only as a ſpell or charm, for the producing of this effect, but as a Moral Inſtrument; and therefore we, as reaſonable Creatures are to apply ourſelves to it, that we may reap the benefit of it: and what this is, is the matter that we are now called to apply ourſelves to enquite into.
HERE then we may obſerve, that there are two ways in which the Word of God is made ſerviceable for the Salvation of Sinful Men, viz, For their Converſion and their Edification: In the former of theſe the Spirit prevents us, for it is certain that he muſt put the Grace into us, that we do our Duty Graciouſly, before we can ſo do, Iſa. 65.1. I … ſought of them that asked not for me: I … ſound of them that ſought me not: I ſaid, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was, … called by my name. But ſtill, it is the Duty of all that Live where the Goſpel …mes, to wait upon the means, and that not only becauſe he hath required it, but alſo becauſe they are means ſuited in their Order for ſuch an end. And it is in and with them that he is wont Ordinarily to work theſe things in Mens Minds and Conſciences, that are morally Prepari…ory for his coming with his Grace into their Hearts, viz. The Conviction of Sin and Miſery; thoſe Feats and Terrors by which they are rouſed to enquire after the remedy, together with which he is wont, as he pleaſeth, to come in and plant his Grace in them. Which Grace, when infuſed, enables them to improve thoſe Convictions and Compunctions in their Active Converſion; and that as Reaſonable Creatures. Nor is this to be expected in any other way but this, as the Experience of ſuch as have been Converted will Confirm. In the latter of theſe, there is alſo the Co…operation of the Spirit, with inherent Grace, which not only excites, but alſo aids the New Principle in them to its Operations; for as every new born Chriſtian, is at firſt a Babe in Chriſt, ſo he is regenerated in order to growth: As there is a foundatie of Eternal Life laid in him, ſo he is to be built up in it, in order to his being made meat for the Inheritance. And as the Word of God, is accommodated both for the New Birth, Jam. 11.18. And alſo for growth, as 1 Pet. 2.2. So it is our Duty to improve the Word to both theſe ends: and for this reaſon, we are not only to hear it, but to endeavour ſo to hear it, as that it may be ſerviceable hereunto; hence that caution given by Chriſt, Luk 8.18. Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whoſoever hath, … be given; and wh… …, from … even that … to have. And we are told, Rom. 10 17. So … ſaith …, and hearing by the w…rd of God. N…r is it ſu…cle …t for us to plead our own impotency in either of theſe regards, but our tenſe of Impotency ſhould drive us to ſeek aid of him, who is both able & ready to afford it us, Luk. 11.13. Now the Duties required of us, that we may be truly advantaged by the Word, ſo as to get ſaving Benefit by it, may be ranged under three heads.
1. THE due attention which is to be given to the Word; We muſt attend thereto with Diligence, Preparation and Prayer.
AND here let us Obſerve,
1. THE Duty itſelf required is Attention. And there are ſeveral things required … this; briefly; we are then ſaid to attend to a thing, When we ſo apply ourſelves to a thing, as to make a buſineſs of it. And it is uſually oppoſed to neglect, and pe…uncto…neſs in and about a thing, and it requires the whole Man to be engaged in it: but this will be more diſtinctly taken up in theſe things that follow, Hence,
2. THE manner of doing it, or the things required for the right diſcharge of it; and theſe are three;
1. DILIGENCE. God requires of his People that they uſe induſtry in all the works which he requires of them, Eccl▪ 9.10. Whatſoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might: for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, n…r wiſdom in the grave whither abou go…t. And this Reading or Hearing of the Word▪ is one of th…ſe, to which there is a Promiſe made, Iſa. 55.3. Now becauſe our right Improvement of the Word, is a matter of vaſt imp…rt, and this Affection to it, is of Abſolute Neceſſity, in order to ſuch an improvement, We may take a brief account of what is contained in this Diligence, which is ſo much inculcated in the Word of God; which will fall under diverſe Conſiderations.
1. WE muſt give Deligence to attend upon the Word. Care is to be uſed that we do not omit this Duty, in the pro… ſeaſon of it: And though that alone is not ſufficient for our Profiting, yet it cannot be neglected without our Damage; and becauſe Reading and Hearing doth not engroſs all the buſineſs of a Chriſtian in this World, but there are many other things imcumbent on him; it is no little part of his Diſcretion, in ordering his affairs, ſo as they do not interfere one with another, not yet that they do ſhut out one the other. And becauſe there are ſo many fleſhly Avocations from this Duty, the greater Vigilance ought to be uſed in it, leſt the things of this Life ſhould hurt us in our purſuit of the Affairs of our Souls & Eternity.
HERE therefore,
(1.) WE ought to be very frequent in Reading the Word of God. God hath not only ſent his Servants to tell us what is our Duty, but he ha…h aff…ded u… our Bible to … Houſes ready for our …. And … not to let them ly, to be covered with … and Mo…d, but to take Opportunities to divert and …crea…e ourſelves with them; … certainly we cannot Ordinarily let … paſs without taking a turn with this … Companion, and at leaſt Morning and … ing; and if we have a due Love to it, it will herein diſcover it ſelf, Pſal 119.97. … in l…ve I thy law! it is my meditati…n all the day. And this is the way to profit greatly, …er. 9… ▪ I have more underſtanding then all my teachers: for thy teſtimonies are my meditation.
(2.) WE ought to take every ſuitable Opportunity to hear the Word Preached. There is a ſpecial Bleſſing of God annexed to this Ordinance; which will only reach to thoſe who afford their Attendance upon it. Hence that encouragement, Prov. 8.34, 35. Bleſſed is the … that heareth me, watching daily at my gates; waiting at the … of my d…rs. For whoſe findeth me, findeth life, and ſhall obtain … of the Lord. Now all have not the like Advantage for this; ſome enjoy it only on the Sabbath, others have it in ſeaſon and out of ſeaſon: And God's Providence may put in an Obſtruction ſometimes, but we ſhould not make any of ourſelves, without reaſon. The Sabbath is a Day which is ſet apart for th…; among the other parts of Worſhip, and our ſecular buſineſs may not excuſe us from it; and except Sickneſs, Tempeſtuous Seaſons, Wat, Fire, or ſuch emergencies interv…ne, it will be our Duty to attend; according to Heb. 10.25. Not forſaking the aſſembling of our ſelves together, as the manner of ſome is, but exhorting one another: and ſo much the more, as ye ſee the day approaching. And as to other Occaſional Opportunities in the Week time, as we are not to neglect the outward Affairs or work appointed for the ſix days, on pretence of running to hear Sermons, ſo a careful Chriſtian who values his Soul in the firſt place, will endeavour to redeem ſuch Opportunities as much as he can, if he hath the Plaſmiſts Eſtimate, Pſal 84.10. For a d…y in thy courts is better than a thouſand; I had rather be a door keeper in the houſe of my God, then to dwell in the tents of wickedneſs. And doubtleſs the too great neglect of many Profeſſors in all theſe regards, is a thing to be Lamented.
2. WE ought to give our Diligence in our attending upon the Word Read or Heard. It is not enough, that we omit nor the Seaſons, but we muſt ſee that we hu…band them well, that ſo we may get the profit of them. And theſe is not a little care to be uſed in this.
(1.) WE muſt keep our minds and thoughts fix'd upon the preſent Buſineſs. In all Duties of Worſhip God requires the Heart, Prov. 23.26. My ſon, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes obſerve my ways. For which reaſon we are adviſed to great watchfulneſs over our ſelves, leſt otherwiſe we prove like E…ekte… 's hearers, Ezek. 3….31. And they come thee is the people cometh, and they ſet before thee is my people, and they heard thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they ſhew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetouſneſs. And this is not an eaſy work; there is a root of corruption within, and the firſt motions of Original Sin are in the tho'ts; and there is ſo much of Atheiſm in our w…rſer part, that makes us think none ſeeth our inward motions: And Satan out buſy Adverſary, is then more intent to ſuggeſt vain imaginations to us, whereby he leads our Hearts into the ends of the Earth. And by this mean the Word flies over us, and leaves no impreſſion behind upon us.
(2.) WE muſt reſiſt drowſine… of Body. This is very apt … creep upon us, when we are engaged in the Du…s of Worſhip, and if it be not withſtood, it will ſtupify our ſenſes. And he that is half aſleep at an Ordinance, is in not fit p…ſture to give diligent attention to the Word that is diſpenſed. When therefore the Pſalmiſt was engaging in Duty, he rouſeth himſelf up to it with great earneſtneſs, Pſal. 57.8. Awake up my glory, awake …ſaltery and harp, I my ſelf will awake early. They that ſet themſelves to ſleep, and put themſelves into a poſture for it, have no reaſon to expect that the Spirit will come in, and make the Word profitable to them. The Apoſtle tells us, in Rom. 10.17. So then, ſaith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But he that ſleeps at a Sermon, obſtructs his hearing; how then ſhould his Faith be nouriſhed …hereby? We are not to expect that he will apply himſelf to us in a dream, who are called to wait for the Inſtructions of his Word.
(3.) IT is our Duty at ſuch a time, to ſet a ſtrict guard on our Senſes. As the ſeaſes are to be employed in our Attendance upon the Word, becauſe in the ordinary diſpenſation, it comes thro' theſe to our Underſtandings: So theſe ſenſes ſtand in need of being looked after, that they in there order be rendre… ſerviceable hereunto Theſe ſenſes are either External or Internal: The latter of theſe may be referred to what was conſidered under the keeping of our minds. And the former nextly comes under our preſent Conſideration. And it is by theſe ſenſes that too frequently diſturbance is given to us in our attention, and we are not a little diſtracted in hearing the Word; and though there is no ſenſe but what may be thus affected, yet the Eye and the Ear are more peculiarly concerned, and therefore to be well watched over: And the Eye moſt of all. There are various Objects that open to our ſight, and if they draw our eyes after them, they will readily ſet our Imagination on work, & quite divert us from the preſent buſineſs: for which reaſon he Prays to God on this account among others, Pſal. 119.37. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, and quicken thou me in thy way. The Ear alſo is apt to be engaged by every noiſe brought to it, to divert us to the Object, and thereby to put an Intertupting Parenthe…'s into our Attendance, that renders us incapable of making ſenſe of the things that are ſpoken to us; ſo that though this be great Seaſe of diſcipline, yet without great caution it will give us a Let in our ſo hearing, as is required of us.
3. TO this Diligence is alſo requiſite, that we carefully apply our rational P…wers, to the things that are taught us by the Word of God. It the Word be a Moral Inſtrument, and is accordingly applied to our Moral Powers, it neceſſarily requires the exerciſe of theſe Powers, and the entertainment which we give to it. And that which is here nextly concerned is our Underſtanding; for as to the Operation of the Will and Affections in this affair, it will come to be conſidered afterwards. Now there are two things about which our Underſtanding is to be exerciſed with care, in our attendance on the Word viz.
(1.) TO get a right apprehenſion of the true nation of the Truths, that are therein laid open before us. Though we are not capable of a full comprehenſion of the Myſteries of the Goſpel, yet a diſtinct apprehenſion of the mind or meaning of them, is one great deſign of their being given us; and for the obtaining of which we are to uſe great diligence; this David Prays for, Pſal. 119.18. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things one of thy law. And the wiſe man tells us … what way it is to be gained, Prov. 2.2. &c. So that thou encline thine ear unto wiſdom, … apply thine heart to underſtanding. And it is a great buſineſs incumbent on the faithful Miniſters of the Goſpel, to apply themſelves to this purpoſe; as Jer. ….15. And I will give you …aſ…ours according to mine heart, which ſhall feed you with knowledge and underſtanding. And let perſons take never ſo much pains, in giving their Bodily attendance on the Ordinances, yet if they ſtill abide Ignorant of the things taught to them, they loſe the good of ſuch Attendance. Hence that is charged upon ſome, 2 Tim. 3.7. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the …ru…h. And we are aſſured that this is the way in which God hath been wont to impart this knowledge to the Children of Men, Pſal. 119.98. Thou through thy commandments haſt … …e wiſer then mine enemies: for they are ever with me. And if he had not thus done, he could not have ſaid as ver. 105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
(2.) TO make a right Judgment of them. This belongs to the practical Underſtanding, and without the exerciſe of it, the other will not profit us, but it will evaporate in the Air. And there are two things about which the Judgment is to be employed, viz. The diſcerning of the truth and reality of them; without which we ſhall look upon them, as no better than an idle tale, and empty Romance, which we ſhall let in at one ear, and out at another. And the other is an apprehenſion of the uſefulneſs and neceſſity of them for us▪ otherwiſe we ſhall he but a very little concerned about them. And this requires the application of them to ourſelves, and that we conſider what … they have into our well being. He ought therefore to enquire into the Beauty, …, & Pleaſan…y or theſe Truths, and the great things contained in the…, and till we c…me to have ſuch an inſight into them, we ſhall but contemn and neglect them.
4. IT is …arther required in this Diligence, that we quicken ourſelves to ſer…ſneſs in this Attendance, by proper M…ti…s. There is a Native and …p…ition to Diligence, and aptitude to ſlothfulneſſ in us, by reaſon of indwelling Sin, which maketh it needful for us to uſe undeavours to excite ourſelves to this l…d…lity. And here,
(1.) … ſhould rouſe ourſelves by the conſideration of the great concern of our Souls in ſo doing. M…s uſed this Argument with …, Deut. …2.46, 47. And he ſaid act th…, set y…r hearts unto all the words which … you this day; which ye ſhall command … children to obſerve to do, all the … of this law. For it is not a … thing for year becauſe it is y…r …ife. It is by this Word, a…d theſe Ordinances, that God is pleaſed to treat with us about our Everlaſting Affairs, and if we do not diligently attend theſe, we therein make it evident that we have a low regard to our Souls; than which, what greater diſtraction can we labour of? And could we bear upon our Hearts, the worth of a Soul, and calculate according to that of our Saviour, M…th. 16.26. it would put another frame into us.
(2) WE ſhould effect our thoughts with an apprehenſion of the Preſence of God, which is peculiarly converſ…n… in the Evangelical Diſpenſations of his Word. God's Omnipreſence fills the whole World, but there is a more awful Preſence of his in his Aſſemblies: and He, with a critical …ye taketh notice of the frame and deportment with which we entertain his Word, when it is ſet before us, according to his Inſtitution. And ſurely if he, be ſo there, he cannot but be diſpleaſed if he obſerves a ſlighty frame of Heart in us, and a wandring Spirit; and will ani…advert upon it. Whereas, if we be right in this, he who takes notice of it w…ll approve it, and give us ſome teſtimony of his Acceptance. And this was the frame that David endeavoured ever to maintain, Pſal. 16.8
(3.) WE ſhould come to hear the Word, with the ſerious Conſideration, that this may be our laſt Opprortunity. We ſhould come to every Ordinance, with ſuch a reflection on ourſelves, that hea…ing time will are long be over. And we have no aſſurance that we ſhall have another advantage for his in this World. And we ſee this often verified in others, and why may not our turn come to the next? And we ſhould think, if we were ſure that this would be our laſt, how ſhould we hear? And let this ſtimulate us to hear accordingly▪ and except we are horribly ſtupid, it muſt needs put us upon ſerious Attention.
2. THE next thing that bel…n…s to this Attention, is Preparation. And indeed, without this Preparation, we ſhall never rightly uſe that Diligence, which we have had under our Conſideration. There is ſo much of …rnality abiding in us, by reaſon of the corrupt part which remains in the Children of God while they are here: And the influence which this hath into all the outward Affairs of Life and Time, which we are called to be converſa…t with in this World; and our aptneſs to have our Hearts too deeply engaged in, and interchanged with theſe things; that it requires not a little care and induſtry, to get in a readineſs to attend this Duty after a ſpiritual and profitable manner. And he who raſheth into this Duty, will be in hazard of doing it perfu…ct…rily, and miſs the benefit. And here theſe Things are require….
1. WE ſhould lay off, not only our outward Buſineſs, but alſo the Incumbrances on our Minds. Tho' there are more ſolemn practices of this at ſome times, yet there is no time when we are to read or hear the Word, but we ought in order thereto to ſeparate our ſelves from other things, both as to our thought, and actions. It is therefore a remark made. Prov. 18.1. Through deſ…rt a man having ſeparated himſelf; ſeeketh and intermedieth with all wiſdom. And it becomes us not only to endeavour the maintaining a gracious frame in all our ſecular Buſineſs, which is propet for the keeping them in due ſubordination, that they may no way obſtruct our better Concerns; but we ſhould, when we go about this, bethink ourſelves, that we are now going to ſeek Communion with God, in this Word, in which he is wont to apply himſelf to the Souls of his People; that ſo we may undiſturbedly hear what the Lord hath to ſay to us: And without that we ſhall be confuſed in our preſent buſineſs. And would we thus do, we ſhould likely find more ſweetneſs in …ery ſuch Opportunity, than others who are … negligent do. And unleſs we do this, we have no reaſon to expect to find our Hearts fixed, when we are actually engaged in this Duty.
2. WE ſhould get an Heart duly affected with a deſire after, and delight in ſuch Opportunities. This alſo is a thing neceſſary in our preparing to attend upon the Word, it we would find the good of ſuch Attendance. A…d beſides the fixed delight in the Word, which we ought to maintain in us, we ſhould particularly raiſe this delight in us, when we are to engage in this Duty: As David could ſay in Pſal. 119.97. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. So he tells us, Pſal. 122.1. I was glad when they ſaid unto me, Let us go into the houſe of the Lord. And there is great reaſon for this, becauſe whenſoever we addreſs our ſelves to this Duty, if we are right, we ſeek after tha intimate Communion with God, which he hath given in his Word for a Medium of our enjoyment of. And that Soul which conſiders, I am now going to meet and converſe with God, cannot but find ſatisfaction in this thought, if ever he hath raſted the ſweetneſs of it.
3. HENCE more peculiarly in our addreſſing our ſelves to attend on the Word Preached, we ought to endeavour to have ſuch impreſſions on our Minds as may fill us with an …oy awe. We are too apt to go to it as a common thing, and no wonder then if we loſe the benefit of it We ought therefore to ask our own Souls, ſuch ſolemn Interrogations as theſe: Whither am I now going? Is it not to the Houſe of God, to the Place where his Honour dwells, to the ſacred Solemnities of his Worſhip, where he peculiarly declares himſelf to be a jealous God? Who will not be put off with an outſide Worſhip, but requires the Heart, and will curiouſly obſerve whether I carry mine with me or no. What do I go for? Or what is my Errand thither? What buſineſs have I at this Ordinance? Surely there is ſome aim or deſign which a reaſonable Creature hath in all its deliberate Actions: But it is too obvious that a great many go to the publick Ordinances, that cannot give a rational account of their ſo doing. Hence we have our Saviour upbraiding of them, Math. 11.7. And as they departed, Jeſus began to ſay unto the multitude concerning John, What …nt ye out into the wilderneſs to ſee? A …ed ſhaken with the wind. How few go that they may hear the Word, and God-ſpeaking to them in it; but to ſee and be ſeen, and divert themſelves with vain ſights, or Sleep away the time, or what beſt pleaſes their fancies, with ſomething that may tickle them. What if I ſhould miſs of the ſpiritual good of this Ordinance; and come away unprofited? There is danger of it; if my vain Heart, and Satan my great Adverſary can obtain, it ſhall be ſo. What need have I then to be ſerious, & keep a ſ…ict guard upon my ſelf; and if I get not good by the Word, I ſhall hurt my ſelf; if it be not a ſavour of Life, it will be a ſavour of Death to me. It may be, this will be the laſt time, that ever I ſhall hear the Word, and I muſt give an account of it to God another Day; and if I now looſe the Opportunity, I may rue it for ever. They are the Concerns of my Soul and Eternity, that I am now to be engaged in. Such like Meditations as theſe beforehand, are very proper & neceſſary for us, if we would indeed profit by the Means of Grace, and not looſe the ſaving good of them. And all this is requiſite to our Preparation for the Word, eſpecially when ſolemnly to be diſpenſed; and the neglect thereof will be great damage to us.
3. THE laſt thing here required to this Attention, is Prayer. Touching the Nature of Prayer, we may have occaſion to Diſcourſe diſtinctly hereafter. The Confideration of it in this place, is only ſo far as it is to be uſed, as a neceſſary Medium for our ſo attending on the reading or preaching of the Word, as that it may be effectual for the promoving of our Salvation. The Univerſal uſefulneſs of Prayer, in all that a Chriſtian ſets about will be evident, if we conſider that all our aſſiſtance in Duty, and all the good ſucceſs of it intirely depends on his bleſſing, who hath ſaid that he will be ſought to, &c. E…k. 36.37. And in nothing more is this wanting, than in our attendance upon the Word, which is an Inſtrument, that the Spirit alone can ſo wield, as to reach our Hearts ſavingly thereby, 1 Cor. 3.6. And we are to obſerve, that there are both ſet Prayers, and ſuch as are Ejaculatory, proper to be uſed in this Affair by us. And there are three Seaſons, wherein we are to apply our ſelves to Prayer on this account.
1. WHEN we go to attend upon the Word, either to read it, or to hear it, in the Houſe of God. And this is requiſite in order to our right Preparation for this; that we obtain that from him, without which we can do nothing aright; and all the Duties that we before obſerved for a right Attention, muſt here be ſought of God, that he will be with us, and give us this help in order thereto. And here we muſt Pray of him that he will fix our thoughts, and call them off from all their wandrings, to which they are ſ…pr…re, that we may intend the preſe …uſineſs. We muſt Pray, that he will open the eyes of our Minds, that we may diſcern the Truth as it is in Jeſus; and may have the gracious diſcovery of the Goſpel Myſtery that is contained in the Word; and may not be left to errors and miſtakes, and to p…rvert the Truths to our own deluſion, but be inſtructed in the way of Life by them: And that he will enable us to receive his Word mixed with Faith, that ſo we may have the ſaving effic… cy of it on our ſelves, and live according to it; and that he will keep from us the power of thoſe Temptations that are now apt to aſſail us. And as we ſhould not abruptly attempt to read the Word, without liſring up our Hearts to God for this, ſo we ſhould do it more ſolemnly, when going to publick Ordinances.
2. WHEN we are attending on the Word. For though there is now no room for ſet and continued Prayer, for that would be to turn out Duty, and make one to claſh with another, which will hinder inſtead of furthering out profiting. Nevertheleſs, there is room ſufficient for the darting up of our thoughts to Heaven, in ſudden Ejaculations, which will be no impertinent parentheſis in our hearing; but a proper aid of it, and many things will call for it. If we find our Hearts to wander, as we ſhall if we watch them, it is a time to lift up a requeſt to God, that he will fetch them back again, and a new fix them. If we find the life and vigour of our Grace to fail, and we grow cold & flat in our affections, it calls us to lift up a …gh to God for new quickning & reviving. If we find any prejudice to riſe in our minds againſt any of the Truths that are for before us, and we are ready … not them hard ſayings, we ſhould groun… … of God that he would give us … over it, that it may not be too hard … us … if there be any thing that is … us, and we cannot ſee through it by … of darkneſs, we ſhould a…k of h…m, to g…ve us entrance into the Word, and … his Mind to us, and not ſ…ffer us to … to an… miſtake: And if we …i…d a…y Truth c…me home to us, with the …aiſ…ng of … A…ctions, we ſhould bleſs God for it, a … pray that it may have its ab…di…g …. F…r we muſt have all th…s … it ever we have it.
3. AFTER … …ai…ng or hearing the W…rd, it …, f…r and ſeaſonable for us … it with Prayer …er it. There is an after-imp…ment o… it, which is required of us, which w… me afterwards u…er our Confideration … we may ſo uſe it, it is our duty … our ſelves to him who o…ly …. And there are ſeveral Articles … Prayer which belong to this; and a …ſe or our own trail…y and dep…d… … put us upon being earneſt in this …. We ſhould pray to God, that he would write this Law of his on our Hearts, and …grave it … …ard Parts; that he would … his Word in our Hearts, that we …ay …t ſi… agai…ſt him: That he would make … Word o… his to be a Light to our …cet a…d … L…mp to our paths; and enable us to regulate all our ſteps, all our thoughts, words and acti…s, according to the directs of it: That we may not go away and forget, and ſo looſe the advantage that we have had; but may make it always the Man of our Counſels. And in this way, and by his gracious Aſsiſtance and Acceptance of us, we ſhall be h…l…e… in our Work, and be made to find that Light and L… i… his Word, that ſhall help us ſ… … …rder our Converſation aright, as to ſee his Salvation.