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Then, well consider all the Circumstances
That qualifie, and all Appurtenances
That aggravate, to make men capable
Of Mercies, or to Judgements liable;
As likewise, all Essentials to that thing
Whose Nature, Merit, or demeriting
You seek to understand; or else what Meed
Or punishment is for the same decreed
According to the Rules, and Judged Cases,
Recorded in that Map of common places.

23

This being done, be confident (if you
have not for Truths received things untrue)
By paralleling Objects which you see,
Upon your left hand plac'd, with such as be
Upon the right, it will to you appear
Whether or not approveable they are;
And, what on Humane Actions, will ensue
Whereof you had an undeceived view;
Except an intervening change takes place
By secret sins, or unseen Acts of Grace.
Nay, otherwhile, it pleaseth Providence
To hint things not deducible from thence,
Concerning both the manner and the time
Of future Consequences, unto them
Who seek not out of Vanity or Pride
For hidden things; and they are verifi'd
Accordingly, when by what's fore-discerned
The welfare of GOD's people is concerned.