For the former kind of charges and directions which are Divine, these phrases of aNot turning to the right hand or the left: of bnot going beyond the word of the Lord to do less or more, or cto do good or bad of ones own mind, imply a precise cleaving, and close holding to Gods Word, so as we swerve from it in nothing, no not in circumstances. That first phrase of not turning to the right hand or to the left, implieth that Gods Word is as a right way wherein only we must walk to attain unto happiness: and that being in that way, we may not turn out of it on any side, any whither. The phrase is used in that promise which the Israelites made to Edom when they desired to pass through his land. dLet us pass (say they) through thy country: we will not pass through the fields or through the vineyards, neither will ⟨p. 95⟩we drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the Kings high way: we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders. They hereby profess to keep themselves only in the high-way: and not at any time any where to step out of it, no not with mind of returning into it again. Thus it imports that it is not enough in some things to follow Gods direction, and so to walk in his way: and in other things to swerve from his direction, and so to walk out of it; but in all things we must follow it. Yea though there be occasions of sundry sorts, some enticing us one way, others another way, some to the right hand, some to the left, some more fair in show then others, yet ought we not to yield to any of them. This charge given to Moses (e Look that thou make them after their pattern, which was showed thee in the mount) hath respect not only to the general matter and substance, but also to particular manner and circumstances. So do all those Epithets which in Divine directions and commandments are used to set out the manner of performing things required.
For the former kind of charges and directions which are Divine, these phrases of aNot turning to the right hand or the left: of bnot going beyond the word of the Lord to do lesse or more, or cto do good or bad of ones owne mind, imply a precise cleaving, and close holding to Gods Word, so as we swarve from it in nothing, no not in circumstances. That first phrase of not turning to the right hand or to the left, implieth that Gods Word is as a right way wherein onely we must walke to attaine unto happinesse: and that being in that way, we may not turne out of it on any side, any whither. The phrase is used in that promise which the Israelites made to Edom when they desired to passe thorow his land. dLet us passe (say they) thorow thy country: we will not passe thorow the fields or thorow the vineyards, neitherwill ⟨p. 95⟩we drinke of the water of the wells: we will go by the Kings high way: we will not turne to the right hand nor to the left, untill we have passed thy borders. They hereby professe to keepe themselves onely in the high-way: and not at any time any where to step out of it, no not with mind of returning into it againe. Thus it imports that it is not enough in some things to follow Gods direction, and so to walke in his way: and in other things to swerve from his direction, and so to walke out of it; but in all things we must follow it. Yea though there be occasions of sundry sorts, some enticing us one way, others another way, some to the right hand, some to the left, some more faire in shew then others, yet ought we not to yeeld to any of them. This charge given to Moses (e Looke that thou make them after their patterne, which was shewed thee in the mount) hath respect not only to the generall matter and substance, but also to particular manner and circumstances. So do all those Epithites which in Divine directions and commandements are used to set out the manner of performing things required.
- aDeut. 5. 32.—17. 20.—28. 14. Jos. 1. 7.—23. 6. Pro. 4. 27.Deut. 5. 32.—17. 20.—28. 14. Ios. 1. 7.—23. 6. Pro. 4. 27.
- bNum. 22. 18.
- c—24. 13.
- dNumb. 20 17.
- eExo 25. 40
