gold_n silver_n or_o promotion_n but_o reconciliation_n with_o my_o god_n and_o his_o favour_n in_o jesus_n christ_n if_o thou_o have_v these_o two_o than_o thou_o go_v beyond_o cain_n then_o shall_v thou_o stand_v before_o god_n with_o abel_n and_o be_v accept_v remember_v these_o two_o humiliation_n for_o sin_n and_o desire_v of_o reconciliation_n these_o two_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o religion_n if_o thou_o have_v these_o thou_o be_v bless_v with_o abel_n if_o not_o curse_a with_o cain_n howsoever_o thou_o live_v in_o the_o world_n if_o thou_o say_v cain_n kill_v his_o brother_n and_o so_o will_v not_o i_o do_v for_o all_o the_o world_n i_o will_v do_v no_o man_n hurt_v in_o body_n or_o good_n this_o will_v not_o serve_v for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v no_o respect_n to_o cain_n afore_o he_o kill_v his_o brother_n even_o when_o he_o offer_v his_o sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o this_o duty_n be_v most_o necessary_a and_o there_o be_v no_o shift_v it_o off_o 2._o cain_n offer_v as_o well_o as_o abel_n yea_o cain_n offer_v afore_o abel_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o genesis_n 4.3_o and_o yet_o abel_n sacrifice_n be_v better_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n and_o be_v accept_v &_o not_o cain_n which_o come_v first_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v more_o forward_o than_o many_o other_o in_o many_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n another_o may_v be_v not_o so_o forward_o to_o the_o duty_n and_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v be_v better_o accept_v whence_o come_v this_o what_o be_v forwardness_n in_o good_a duty_n a_o fault_n nothing_o less_o but_o hence_o it_o be_v he_o that_o outward_o be_v most_o forward_o may_v come_v in_o hypocrisy_n &_o without_o faith_n the_o want_n whereof_o make_v his_o forwardness_n nothing_o worth_a many_o such_o have_v we_o in_o our_o church_n great_a frequenter_n of_o place_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o they_o come_v but_o as_o cain_n do_v or_o it_o may_v be_v in_o worse_a intent_n thy_o forwardness_n be_v to_o be_v commend_v but_o take_v this_o with_o thou_o also_o care_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v first_o at_o the_o sermon_n or_o to_o be_v there_o often_o they_o other_o as_o to_o go_v with_o true_a faith_n repentance_n &_o a_o heart_n hunger_a for_o grace_n if_o not_o boast_v not_o in_o thy_o forwardness_n cain_n offer_v afore_o abel_n &_o yet_o not_o accept_v &_o so_o there_o may_v come_v a_o able_a after_o thou_o &_o bring_v faith_n with_o he_o &_o be_v accept_v when_o thou_o with_o thy_o hypocritical_a forwardness_n shall_v be_v reject_v as_o cain_n be_v three_o do_v cain_n offer_v as_o well_o as_o abel_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v a_o mix_v &_o compound_a company_n of_o man_n not_o of_o one_o sort_n but_o true_a believer_n &_o hypocrite_n mingle_v together_o as_o here_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n here_o be_v a_o cain_n worship_v in_o show_n as_o well_o as_o abel_n that_o 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his_o child_n serve_v he_o and_o therefore_o cain_n as_o be_v excomunicate_a complain_v verse_n 14_o because_o he_o must_v leave_v it_o thus_o the_o church_n have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n &_o therefore_o be_v true_o call_v catholic_a the_o papist_n abuse_v this_o place_n notorious_o for_o whereas_o the_o church_n have_v be_v so_o ancient_a they_o argue_v therefore_o it_o be_v above_o the_o scripture_n yea_o &_o that_o we_o can_v not_o know_v it_o to_o be_v scripture_n but_o by_o the_o ancient_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n we_o must_v know_v the_o scripture_n be_v two_o way_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o as_o it_o be_v write_v &_o pen_v by_o holy_a man_n and_o so_o it_o be_v late_a than_o the_o church_n for_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o penman_n of_o scripture_n but_o second_o as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o substance_n sense_n and_o truth_n thereof_o be_v much_o more_o ancient_a they_o the_o church_n yea_o without_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n for_o without_o faith_n be_v no_o church_n because_o the_o church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o without_o the_o word_n it_o be_v no_o faith_n therefore_o no_o word_n no_o faith_n no_o faith_n no_o church_n so_o then_o the_o scripture_n be_v afore_o the_o church_n but_o pen_v after_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o cain_n and_o abel_n offer_v now_o second_o what_o offer_v they_o sacrifice_n sacrifice_n be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o two_o end_n 1._o when_o a_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v especial_o of_o beast_n when_o a_o man_n see_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o beast_n pour_v out_o it_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o desert_n of_o they_o &_o teach_v he_o to_o say_v thus_o eve_n as_o this_o creature_n be_v here_o slay_v &_o his_o blood_n distil_v &_o drop_v away_o so_o my_o sin_n deserve_v that_o my_o blood_n shall_v be_v sâ—â—ed_v and_o my_o soul_n be_v drench_v in_o hell_n for_o ever_o this_o creature_n can_v die_v but_o one_o death_n for_o it_o sin_v not_o but_o my_o sin_n deserve_v both_o the_o 1._o and_o 2._o death_n second_o sacrifice_n serve_v to_o put_v theâ—â—_n in_o mind_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v and_o the_o slay_v of_o the_o beast_n show_v they_o how_o the_o messiah_n shall_v shed_v his_o blood_n &_o give_v his_o life_n for_o the_o â—irâ—s_n of_o the_o people_n these_o be_v the_o 2._o principal_a end_n of_o sacrifice_n &_o for_o these_o 2._o end_n do_v cain_n &_o abel_n offer_v cain_n in_o hypocrisy_n and_o for_o fashion_n sake_n abel_n in_o truth_n conscience_n and_o sincerity_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o old_a sacrifice_n so_o be_v it_o in_o our_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n whereof_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v all_o type_n 1._o in_o baptism_n sprinkle_v of_o the_o water_n serve_v to_o show_v we_o how_o filthy_o we_o be_v defile_v with_o our_o own_o sin_n 2._o it_o signify_v the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n for_o his_o sanctification_n from_o sin_n 2._o in_o the_o supper_n the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n signify_v 1._o how_o we_o shall_v be_v break_v in_o humiliation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o wine_n how_o our_o blood_n and_o life_n shall_v be_v shed_v and_o pour_v out_o for_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o have_v that_o that_o we_o deserve_v and_o second_o they_o represent_v unto_o we_o how_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v break_v &_o his_o blood_n pour_v out_o for_o our_o sin_n which_o he_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v under_o the_o wrath_n of_o his_o father_n for_o our_o sake_n so_o that_o we_o see_v both_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o
for_o he_o be_v a_o righteous_a man_n in_o that_o wicked_a age_n wherein_o all_o the_o world_n welter_v in_o wickedness_n and_o walk_v before_o god_n in_o great_a holiness_n when_o no_o man_n care_v for_o religion_n he_o have_v this_o special_a favour_n from_o god_n that_o when_o he_o purpose_v to_o destroy_v the_o world_n for_o their_o sin_n he_o first_o of_o all_o reveal_v to_o righteous_a noah_n that_o purpose_n of_o he_o so_o that_o these_o word_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o revelation_n which_o noah_n have_v from_o god_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o genesis_n for_o this_o message_n come_v not_o from_o god_n by_o any_o prophet_n for_o we_o know_v none_o in_o those_o evil_a day_n except_o noah_n himself_o but_o either_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n or_o else_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o this_o favour_n he_o receive_v from_o god_n not_o for_o any_o cause_n in_o the_o world_n but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a man_n from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v diverse_a excellent_a instruction_n first_o whereas_o god_n make_v choice_n of_o noah_n to_o reveal_v unto_o he_o his_o counsel_n and_o his_o judgement_n to_o come_v we_o learn_v that_o this_o be_v a_o prerogative_n which_o god_n bestow_v on_o such_o as_o fear_v he_o he_o reveal_v his_o counsel_n to_o they_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n whether_o they_o be_v purpose_n of_o judgement_n upon_o his_o enemy_n or_o of_o mercy_n unto_o his_o church_n thus_o deal_v he_o with_o abraham_n gen._n 18.19_o shall_v i_o say_v god_n hide_v from_o abraham_n the_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v do_v which_o thing_n be_v the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o her_o sister_n and_o so_o when_o the_o sodomite_n live_v in_o wanton_a carelessness_n and_o put_v far_o from_o they_o the_o evil_a day_n than_o abraham_n know_v from_o god_n their_o destruction_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o as_o in_o that_o for_o be_v it_o general_o true_a in_o all_o his_o great_a work_n that_o the_o lord_n god_n will_v do_v nothing_o but_o he_o reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n amos_n 3.7_o now_o this_o be_v not_o a_o prerogative_n of_o prophet_n alone_o or_o of_o such_o as_o be_v extraordinary_a man_n as_o abraham_n be_v but_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v among_o such_o as_o fear_v he_o psalm_n 25.14_o all_o that_o fear_v the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n be_v god_n friend_n and_o of_o his_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o not_o abraham_n only_o be_v call_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n james_n 2.23_o but_o of_o all_o true_a believer_n say_v christ_n john_n 15.14.15_o you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v what_o i_o command_v you_o henceforth_o i_o call_v you_o not_o servant_n but_o friend_n for_o the_o servant_n know_v not_o what_o his_o master_n do_v but_o all_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o my_o father_n have_v i_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v communicate_v and_o impart_v my_o secret_n unto_o you_o as_o one_o friend_n do_v unto_o another_o as_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v fit_a for_o you_o to_o know_v and_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o corinth_n 2.15_o a_o faithful_a and_o a_o holy_a man_n discern_v into_o the_o deep_a counsel_n of_o god_n which_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v their_o salvation_n and_o sometime_o more_o as_o here_o unto_o noah_n who_o be_v forewarn_v of_o god_n of_o thing_n then_o not_o see_v this_o prerogative_n of_o god_n child_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o some_o caution_n first_o that_o this_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o prophet_n and_o holy_a minister_n of_o god_n then_o to_o ordinary_a christian_n second_o that_o it_o be_v more_o ordinary_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n than_o now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o any_o object_n then_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n afore_o christ_n be_v better_a than_o it_o be_v now_o under_o christ_n i_o answer_v not_o so_o for_o first_o we_o be_v recompense_v by_o have_v the_o scripture_n perfect_a and_o complete_a which_o they_o have_v not_o and_o by_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o their_o shadow_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o promise_n in_o which_o respect_v our_o state_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o they_o and_o second_o for_o this_o particular_a i_o answer_v they_o indeed_o have_v more_o ordinary_a revelation_n of_o matter_n personal_a and_o private_a and_o not_o direct_o touch_v salvation_n but_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v general_a and_o do_v necessary_o concern_v salvation_n we_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v more_o evident_a demonstration_n and_o more_o full_a revelation_n than_o they_o have_v afore_o christ._n for_o exsample_n particular_a mercy_n to_o some_o faithful_a man_n or_o particular_a judgement_n on_o god_n enemy_n whether_o particular_a man_n or_o whole_a kingdom_n be_v after_o reveal_v to_o godly_a man_n in_o those_o day_n as_o here_o to_o noah_n but_o salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o messiah_n shall_v save_v his_o church_n be_v more_o full_o and_o plain_o reveal_v now_o then_o in_o those_o day_n out_o of_o which_o consideration_n arise_v the_o three_o caution_n which_o be_v that_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v to_o be_v expect_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v ordinary_o nothing_o else_o but_o these_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n &_o a_o discern_a of_o true_a scripture_n from_o forge_a of_o true_a sacrament_n from_o suppose_a of_o true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a of_o true_a pastor_n from_o false_a prophet_n these_o &_o such_o like_a as_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n all_o true_a and_o faithful_a believer_n which_o out_o of_o a_o humble_a heart_n by_o devoute_a prayer_n do_v seek_v it_o at_o god_n hand_n be_v sure_a to_o have_v reveal_v unto_o they_o from_o god_n but_o as_o for_o other_o purpose_n of_o god_n of_o personal_a and_o particular_a matter_n or_o what_o shall_v be_v his_o blessing_n or_o what_o his_o judgement_n to_o these_o and_o these_o man_n family_n city_n or_o kingdom_n or_o when_o or_o how_o he_o will_v change_v state_n or_o translate_v kingdom_n or_o by_o what_o extraordinary_a mean_n he_o will_v have_v his_o gospel_n propagate_v or_o a_o decline_a church_n or_o state_n uphold_v these_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v nor_o easy_o to_o believe_v any_o that_o shall_v say_v such_o thing_n be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o tie_v not_o the_o lord_n in_o such_o straight_a bond_n but_o that_o he_o may_v sometime_o extraordinary_o reveal_v his_o purpose_n therein_o to_o some_o his_o select_a servant_n yet_o provide_v that_o that_o revelation_n be_v examine_v and_o allow_v of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v immediate_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n god_n spirit_n do_v most_o comfortable_o reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n in_o his_o word_n and_o in_o his_o sacrament_n of_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n be_v among_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v double_a for_o instruction_n and_o for_o exhortation_n for_o our_o instruction_n here_o we_o learn_v how_o to_o answer_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o ask_v we_o how_o do_v we_o know_v true_a religion_n from_o erroneous_a or_o true_a scripture_n or_o sacrament_n from_o forge_a we_o answer_v first_o by_o itself_o by_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o excellency_n thereof_o as_o we_o know_v gold_n from_o brass_n or_o silver_n from_o lead_n but_o what_o if_o the_o brass_n or_o tin_n be_v gild_v over_o i_o then_o answer_v second_o we_o can_v know_v gold_n from_o brass_n and_o silver_n from_o tin_n by_o the_o sound_n and_o smell_v and_o hardness_n to_o endure_v and_o by_o the_o operation_n so_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a sound_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o christian_a a_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o taste_v in_o true_a religion_n a_o spiritual_a operation_n in_o holy_a man_n heart_n of_o the_o true_a sacrament_n but_o what_o if_o false_a prophet_n come_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o by_o lie_a wonder_n seem_v to_o give_v the_o same_o sound_n taste_n smell_v virtue_n and_o operation_n unto_o their_o forgery_n or_o at_o least_o challenge_v it_o and_o say_v that_o they_o be_v true_a i_o answer_v last_o then_o we_o know_v true_a religion_n true_a scripture_n true_a sacrament_n true_a prophet_n true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a by_o a_o holy_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n from_o god_n spirit_n which_o by_o evident_a and_o powerful_a demonstration_n assure_v we_o what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v false_a for_o the_o substance_n of_o salvation_n and_o this_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o all_o that_o in_o true_a humility_n do_v seek_v it_o in_o holy_a prayer_n and_o in_o a_o
the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o faith_n alone_o and_o no_o other_o virtue_n nor_o spiritual_a power_n in_o man_n soul_n be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o and_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o compare_v it_o with_o all_o the_o principal_a virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o among_o all_o there_o be_v none_o that_o may_v come_v into_o comparison_n with_o faith_n but_o hope_v and_o love_n both_o which_o especial_o love_n have_v their_o several_a and_o special_a excellency_n yet_o have_v neither_o of_o they_o nor_o both_o of_o they_o this_o virtue_n to_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v christ_n righteousness_n the_o property_n of_o love_n be_v to_o extend_v itself_o and_o with_o itself_o to_o carry_v many_o passion_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o place_v they_o upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v love_v yet_o can_v love_n be_v say_v proper_o to_o apprehend_v christ_n for_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v apprehend_v before_o he_o can_v be_v love_v and_o the_o proper_a action_n of_o hope_n be_v to_o wait_v and_o expect_v for_o a_o blessing_n to_o come_v so_o hope_n wait_v for_o salvation_n but_o proper_o apprehend_v it_o not_o for_o salvation_n must_v first_o be_v believe_v and_o then_o hope_v or_o expect_v so_o say_v jeremie_n lament_n 3.26_o it_o be_v good_a both_o to_o trust_v and_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o trust_v that_o be_v to_o believe_v assure_o it_o will_v come_v there_o be_v the_o action_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o wait_v till_o it_o do_v come_v that_o be_v the_o action_n of_o hope_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o several_a nature_n and_o action_n of_o these_o two_o worthy_a virtue_n but_o the_o proper_a action_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o apprehend_v and_o lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n and_o that_o be_v do_v then_o come_v love_n and_o hope_n &_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o so_o though_o love_n last_v long_o than_o faith_n do_v yet_o faith_n be_v afore_o love_n and_o make_v the_o way_n for_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o second_o point_n faith_n be_v a_o hand_n to_o take_v hold_n on_o christ_n &_o his_o benefit_n love_n be_v a_o hand_n to_o give_v out_o token_n of_o faith_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n for_o 1._o cor._n 13.5_o love_n seek_v not_o her_o own_o but_o other_o good_a namely_o the_o good_a of_o they_o that_o be_v love_v hope_n be_v a_o eye_n look_v out_o and_o wait_v for_o the_o good_a thing_n promise_v so_o that_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o love_n be_v the_o hand_n and_o hope_n be_v the_o eye_n of_o faith_n love_v the_o hand_n whereby_o it_o work_v and_o hope_v the_o eye_n whereby_o it_o wait_v and_o look_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o faith_n have_v apprehend_v and_o believe_v if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n think_v this_o any_o wrong_n to_o this_o holy_a virtue_n of_o love_n to_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o faith_n let_v they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o we_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o say_v faith_n work_v by_o love_n if_o faith_n work_n by_o it_o then_o sure_o love_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o faith_n thus_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n wait_v by_o hope_n but_o believe_v by_o itself_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o righteousness_n that_o make_v we_o righteous_a before_o god_n be_v rather_o call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n then_o of_o any_o other_o christian_a virtue_n or_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o for_o the_o same_o cause_n be_v it_o that_o so_o often_o in_o s._n paul_n epistle_n it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o name_n as_o philipp_n 3.9_o the_o three_o and_o last_o point_n concern_v noah_n faith_n be_v that_o noah_n be_v make_v heir_n of_o this_o righteousness_n a_o special_a commendation_n of_o his_o faith_n it_o make_v he_o heir_n of_o true_a and_o save_a righteousness_n that_o be_v it_o give_v he_o a_o true_a title_n unto_o it_o &_o make_v he_o heir_n apparent_a of_o that_o glory_n which_o it_o assure_v every_o one_o that_o apprehend_v it_o by_o this_o true_a faith_n and_o so_o he_o be_v make_v as_o certain_o and_o as_o true_o partaker_n of_o it_o as_o the_o young_a prince_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n at_o his_o time_n or_o the_o heir_n of_o his_o father_n land_n here_o two_o most_o worthy_a doctrine_n do_v offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o view_n 1._o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n estate_n the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n appear_v thus_o it_o make_v a_o holy_a man_n assure_v &_o certain_a of_o his_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v it_o be_v presumption_n in_o any_o man_n to_o think_v so_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n but_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v true_a faith_n that_o be_v able_a to_o assure_v he_o of_o salvation_n for_o faith_n make_v he_o a_o heir_n of_o true_a righteousness_n and_o of_o salvation_n thereby_o now_o we_o know_v the_o heir_n be_v most_o sure_a and_o certain_a of_o his_o inheritance_n whatever_o he_o get_v or_o lose_v he_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o but_o this_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n by_o it_o be_v his_o inheritance_n therefore_o he_o may_v be_v and_o be_v by_o faith_n assure_v of_o it_o the_o papist_n therefore_o do_v wrong_a unto_o this_o doctrine_n and_o derogate_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o true_a faith_n but_o this_o be_v their_o custom_n they_o will_v extol_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o much_o extoll_v namely_o true_a faith_n for_o if_o they_o know_v what_o it_o be_v true_o to_o know_v christ_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o by_o that_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n they_o will_v then_o know_v that_o faith_n make_v a_o man_n heir_n of_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o most_o assure_v of_o it_o second_o here_o we_o may_v see_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n estate_n he_o be_v not_o naked_a nor_o destitute_a of_o comfort_n but_o be_v heir_n of_o a_o glorious_a inheritance_n by_o mean_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o a_o christian_a man_n inheritance_n be_v christ_n righteousness_n out_o of_o which_o we_o learn_v first_o that_o no_o man_n by_o any_o good_a work_n do_v by_o or_o in_o himself_o can_v merit_v true_a and_o justify_v righteousness_n the_o pharisaical_a papist_n teach_v so_o but_o their_o conceit_n be_v here_o overthrow_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o save_v righteousness_n be_v his_o inheritance_n which_o we_o know_v be_v always_o get_v by_o the_o father_n and_o descends_z from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n as_o a_o free_a token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o it_o be_v scornful_a and_o absurd_a to_o see_v a_o son_n offer_v to_o buy_v his_o inheritance_n of_o his_o father_n it_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o inheritance_n to_o come_v any_o other_o way_n but_o by_o free_a gift_n from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n therefore_o our_o righteousness_n that_o must_v save_v we_o be_v as_o we_o see_v here_o our_o inheritance_n let_v we_o resolve_v of_o it_o we_o can_v buy_v nor_o merit_v it_o again_o here_o be_v sure_a and_o solid_a comfort_n against_o all_o the_o grieâ—â—s_n and_o cross_n and_o loss_n of_o this_o world_n god_n child_n must_v needs_o have_v their_o portion_n of_o affliction_n in_o this_o life_n but_o here_o be_v their_o comfort_n they_o may_v lose_v their_o good_n live_n possession_n their_o good_a name_n their_o health_n their_o life_n but_o their_o inheritance_n stand_v sure_a and_o firm_a and_o can_v be_v lose_v let_v they_o therefore_o here_o learn_v not_o to_o grieve_v out_o of_o measure_n for_o a_o holy_a man_n may_v say_v thus_o to_o himself_o and_o that_o most_o true_o my_o father_n may_v frown_v on_o i_o for_o my_o fault_n and_o chastise_v i_o for_o my_o sin_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o will_v not_o disenherite_v i_o for_o i_o be_o heir_n by_o faith_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o i_o may_v lose_v many_o thing_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o lose_v that_o three_o and_o last_o here_o must_v god_n child_n learn_v their_o duty_n they_o be_v heir_n to_o a_o godly_a and_o glorious_a inheritance_n and_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v their_o inheritance_n therefore_o they_o must_v learn_v to_o set_v and_o settle_v all_o their_o affection_n on_o this_o inheritance_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n more_o worthy_a to_o be_v affect_v than_o a_o fair_a inheritance_n we_o must_v therefore_o first_o labour_n above_o all_o worldly_a thing_n for_o this_o inheritance_n namely_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o righteousness_n this_o be_v that_o pearl_n which_o we_o have_v find_v must_v sell_v all_o we_o have_v to_o
man_n constitution_n may_v help_v forward_o this_o fear_n yet_o many_o time_n it_o come_v from_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n as_o a_o fruit_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o way_n to_o remove_v it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v learn_v namely_o to_o do_v as_o moses_n do_v that_o be_v labour_v to_o be_v resolve_v of_o god_n presence_n with_o we_o and_o providence_n over_o we_o and_o this_o will_v arm_v we_o against_o all_o satanical_a and_o foolish_a fear_n for_o if_o god_n be_v on_o our_o side_n who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o to_o do_v we_o harm_n again_o the_o soldier_n by_o his_o place_n and_o call_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o courage_n for_o else_o the_o state_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o enemy_n will_v much_o affright_v he_o now_o how_o may_v he_o become_v courageous_a they_o use_v to_o sound_v the_o drum_n and_o trumpet_n for_o this_o end_n and_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v they_o be_v good_a incitement_n &_o provocation_n unto_o battle_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o point_n of_o danger_n these_o can_v give_v heart_n other_o use_v against_o the_o battle_n to_o fill_v themselves_o with_o wine_n and_o to_o make_v themselves_o valiant_a by_o strong_a drink_n this_o indeed_o may_v make_v they_o senseless_a and_o so_o desperate_a but_o the_o true_a way_n be_v to_o become_v christian_a soldier_n know_v and_o fear_v god_n and_o with_o their_o bodily_a armour_n to_o bring_v also_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n whereby_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n have_v call_v they_o to_o that_o fight_n &_o that_o he_o be_v present_a with_o they_o to_o cover_v their_o head_n in_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n this_o will_v make_v they_o to_o take_v heart_n and_o courage_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o become_v true_o valorous_a though_o by_o nature_n they_o be_v weak_a and_o timorous_a three_o who_o know_v whether_o god_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o this_o trial_n either_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n or_o forsake_v his_o truth_n for_o he_o may_v just_o take_v from_o we_o these_o golden_a day_n of_o peace_n for_o our_o ingratitude_n now_o if_o such_o time_n come_v upon_o we_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v shall_v we_o deny_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n god_n forbid_v but_o how_o shall_v we_o stand_v out_o in_o such_o a_o trial_n sure_o we_o must_v follow_v moses_n and_o labour_n to_o see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a by_o faith_n this_o will_v make_v we_o courageous_a and_o without_o fear_n in_o god_n cause_n remember_v this_o also_o that_o among_o those_o which_o be_v reckon_v to_o go_v down_o to_o hell_n the_o fearful_a man_n be_v one_o revel_v 21.8_o who_o dare_v not_o stand_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o for_o fear_n of_o man_n deny_v it_o let_v we_o therefore_o now_o begin_v to_o settle_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o protection_n that_o so_o when_o trial_n come_v we_o may_v be_v bold_a in_o the_o case_n of_o god_n he_o that_o be_v invisible_a that_o be_v god_n who_o be_v a_o most_o simple_a essence_n void_a of_o all_o composition_n or_o corporal_a substance_n for_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n john_n 4.24_o and_o therefore_o invisible_a and_o not_o subject_a to_o man_n sense_n but_o some_o will_v say_v god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v head_n heart_n hand_n and_o foot_n with_o other_o part_n of_o man_n body_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v visible_a answ._n the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o speak_v in_o scripture_n of_o god_n by_o way_n of_o resemblance_n of_o he_o unto_o man_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o thereby_o conceive_v of_o his_o work_n for_o therefore_o be_v the_o part_n of_o man_n body_n ascribe_v unto_o god_n in_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o do_v such_o work_n by_o his_o divine_a power_n as_o man_n do_v by_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n man_n show_v his_o strength_n and_o valour_n in_o his_o arm_n and_o by_o resemblance_n unto_o man_n god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o arm_n to_o note_v out_o his_o power_n and_o valiant_a act_n and_o so_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v eye_n because_o we_o shall_v conceive_v that_o by_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o see_v all_o thing_n more_o clear_o than_o man_n do_v any_o thing_n at_o noon_n day_n with_o his_o bodily_a eye_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n but_o moses_n be_v say_v to_o talk_v with_o god_n face_n to_o face_n and_o to_o see_v his_o back_n part_n exod._n 33.11_o 23._o answ._n this_o import_v not_o that_o he_o see_v the_o substance_n of_o god_n but_o only_o that_o god_n do_v after_o a_o familiar_a manner_n reveal_v himself_o unto_o he_o and_o in_o some_o resemblance_n show_v he_o his_o glory_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o moses_n be_v able_a to_o behold_v it_o for_o the_o text_n be_v plain_a my_o face_n can_v not_o be_v see_v there_o shall_v no_o man_n see_v i_o and_o live_v vers_fw-la 20._o here_o we_o learn_v that_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n we_o must_v not_o conceive_v of_o he_o by_o any_o form_n or_o image_n in_o our_o mind_n for_o so_o we_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o god_n quest._n what_o then_o must_v we_o do_v for_o how_o will_n some_o say_v can_v i_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o not_o think_v of_o he_o answ._n when_o we_o think_v of_o god_n or_o pray_v unto_o he_o we_o must_v conceive_v of_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n as_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o in_o scripture_n that_o be_v by_o his_o work_n and_o by_o his_o property_n we_o must_v think_v in_o our_o mind_n of_o a_o eternal_a essence_n most_o holy_a wise_a etc._n etc._n who_o make_v all_o thing_n and_o govern_v they_o by_o his_o mighty_a power_n for_o every_o image_n to_o resemble_v god_n by_o either_o to_o the_o mind_n or_o to_o the_o eye_n be_v a_o plain_a lie_n make_v he_o visible_a who_o be_v invisible_a as_o say_v the_o prophet_n hab._n 2_o 18_o the_o image_n what_o profit_v it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o lie_n which_o flat_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n who_o resemble_v the_o true_a god_n even_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a trinity_n in_o image_n what_o else_o do_v they_o herein_o but_o make_v a_o lie_n of_o god_n but_o the_o papist_n say_v they_o devise_v no_o image_n to_o resemble_v god_n in_o but_o only_o such_o whereby_o he_o have_v show_v himself_o as_o the_o scripture_n testify_v as_o the_o father_n like_o a_o old_a man_n the_o son_n as_o he_o be_v incarnate_a and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n like_o a_o dove_n math._n 3.16_o answ._n we_o must_v not_o conceive_v of_o those_o form_n of_o a_o old_a man_n or_o of_o a_o dove_n to_o have_v be_v ever_o any_o image_n of_o the_o father_n or_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o only_a sign_n and_o pledge_n for_o a_o time_n whereby_o those_o person_n do_v then_o manifest_a their_o presence_n now_o there_o be_v a_o express_a commandment_n against_o all_o representation_n of_o god_n by_o image_n not_o except_v those_o very_a shape_n whereby_o it_o please_v god_n for_o a_o time_n to_o signify_v his_o presence_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v idolatrous_a presumption_n to_o make_v any_o image_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o trinity_n and_o indeed_o god_n be_v invisible_a as_o the_o text_n say_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v any_o true_a image_n or_o resemblance_n of_o he_o verse_n 28._o by_o faith_n he_o ordain_v the_o passeover_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o blood_n lest_o he_o that_o destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v shall_v touch_v they_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n have_v show_v unto_o we_o the_o notable_a faith_n of_o moses_n by_o two_o worthy_a act_n 1_o his_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n 2_o his_o depart_n out_o of_o egypt_n now_o here_o in_o this_o verse_n he_o commend_v his_o faith_n unto_o we_o by_o a_o three_o action_n which_o be_v the_o ordination_n or_o celebrate_v of_o the_o passeover_n this_o verse_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o 12._o chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v this_o after_o that_o god_n have_v send_v nine_o several_a plague_n upon_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n which_o be_v occasion_n to_o harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n at_o last_o he_o send_v moses_n to_o certify_v pharaoh_n that_o unless_o he_o will_v let_v the_o people_n go_v he_o will_v send_v a_o ten_o plague_n which_o shall_v be_v more_o grievous_a to_o they_o than_o all_o the_o former_a even_o the_o slaughter_n of_o all_o the_o first_o bear_v in_o egypt_n both_o of_o man_n and_o beast_n yet_o pharaoh_n heart_n be_v not_o soften_v neither_o do_v he_o let_v the_o people_n go_v therefore_o moses_n depart_v from_o he_o and_o according_a to_o god_n commandment_n assemble_v the_o elder_n of_o israel_n together_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o kill_v every_o
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in_o the_o old_a test._n christ_n be_v show_v &_o signify_v unto_o they_o in_o ceremony_n rite_n and_o type_n which_o be_v in_o number_n many_o and_o in_o signification_n some_o of_o they_o dark_a and_o obscure_a but_o now_o these_o type_n and_o ceremony_n be_v abolish_v the_o shadow_n be_v go_v and_o the_o substance_n come_v and_o in_o stead_n of_o dark_a sign_n and_o figure_n we_o have_v two_o most_o plain_a and_o sensible_a sacrament_n more_o plain_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v seal_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o lamb_n as_o sign_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o now_o to_o his_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n christ_n himself_o have_v seal_v his_o testament_n by_o his_o own_o blood_n three_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n all_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o law_n and_o their_o understanding_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v obscure_a and_o very_a slender_a but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o only_o the_o law_n be_v make_v manifest_a but_o also_o the_o supernatural_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n four_o the_o law_n be_v only_o commit_v and_o publish_v to_o one_o nation_n and_o people_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v spread_v and_o preach_v to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o last_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n believe_v in_o christ_n to_o come_v but_o now_o the_o church_n believe_v in_o christ_n which_o be_v already_o come_v &_o exhibit_v in_o all_o which_o respect_v the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v exceed_v the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a now_o where_o the_o text_n say_v god_n provide_v a_o better_a thing_n for_o we_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v it_o of_o all_o these_o prerogative_n but_o only_o of_o the_o first_o and_o last_o touch_v the_o actual_a exhibit_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n as_o christ_n also_o import_v luke_n 10.23_o 24_o bless_v be_v the_o eye_n which_o see_v that_o you_o see_v for_o i_o tell_v you_o many_o prophet_n and_o king_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v those_o thing_n you_o see_v and_o have_v not_o see_v they_o which_o thing_n we_o must_v understand_v of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ._n and_o that_o this_o be_v such_o a_o prerogative_n to_o the_o new_a testament_n appear_v by_o old_a simeon_n who_o when_o he_o have_v see_v christ_n in_o the_o temple_n as_o it_o be_v promise_v to_o he_o sing_v unto_o god_n this_o song_n luke_o 2.29_o lord_n now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n according_a to_o thy_o word_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v now_o lord_n live_v long_o enough_o let_v i_o now_o depart_v in_o peace_n see_v now_o i_o have_v see_v thy_o christ_n my_o saviour_n where_o we_o see_v he_o make_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o full_a contentment_n unto_o his_o soul_n which_o the_o believer_n under_o the_o law_n see_v not_o hence_o we_o must_v learn_v our_o duty_n for_o if_o our_o state_n be_v now_o better_o than_o the_o state_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v 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they_o go_v beyond_o we_o in_o obedience_n that_o they_o without_o we_o may_v not_o be_v make_v perfect_a that_o be_v may_v not_o be_v full_o glorify_v here_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o christ_n be_v not_o exhibit_v in_o their_o day_n indeed_o all_o true_a believer_n before_o christ_n be_v justify_v and_o sactify_v and_o in_o soul_n receive_v to_o glory_n before_o we_o yet_o perfect_v in_o soul_n and_o body_n both_o they_o must_v not_o be_v before_o we_o but_o we_o must_v all_o be_v perfect_v together_o now_o his_o will_n herein_o he_o bring_v thus_o to_o pass_v all_o must_v be_v perfect_v in_o christ_n but_o he_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o come_v and_o suffer_v till_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n come_v in_o these_o last_o day_n heb._n 1.2_o as_o
at_o the_o punishment_n belong_v unto_o they_o how_o can_v this_o be_v but_o that_o howsoever_o he_o grant_n there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o god_n have_v power_n to_o revenge_v the_o contempt_n of_o his_o law_n &_o therefore_o he_o never_o fear_v nor_o shrink_v at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o nor_o fly_v at_o all_o from_o his_o revenge_a hand_n but_o plod_v on_o in_o sin_n without_o fear_n three_o man_n by_o nature_n deny_v god_n justice_n for_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v to_o wink_v at_o sin_n in_o no_o man_n but_o to_o condemn_v and_o punish_v it_o wheresoever_o he_o find_v it_o by_o inflict_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o it_o but_o man_n deny_v this_o justice_n for_o though_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n law_n and_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o of_o it_o yet_o he_o persuade_v himself_o there_o be_v no_o curse_n nor_o punishment_n due_a for_o it_o at_o least_o that_o he_o shall_v escape_v it_o nay_o though_o he_o see_v never_o so_o 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his_o face_n 13._o he_o will_v not_o see_v he_o will_v not_o regard_v the_o second_o by_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o rabsakeh_n who_o utter_v with_o his_o tongue_n that_o which_o all_o man_n heart_n think_v by_o nature_n etc._n what_o god_n can_v deliver_v you_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n the_o three_o isaiah_n prove_v apparent_o where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o wicked_a say_v we_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o death_n 28.15_o and_o with_o hell_n be_v we_o at_o agreement_n though_o a_o scourge_n run_v over_o and_o pass_v through_o it_o shall_v not_o come_v at_o us._n thus_o both_o scripture_n and_o plain_a demonstration_n prove_v this_o to_o be_v true_a that_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n deny_v god_n presence_n power_n and_o justice_n and_o therefore_o be_v by_o nature_n a_o plain_a atheist_n not_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v god_n indâ—ede_o now_o furthermore_o there_o be_v 4._o sort_n of_o people_n that_o put_v in_o practice_n this_o atheism_n first_o suâ—h_o as_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o say_v open_o be_v there_o a_o god_n or_o no_o and_o dare_v dispute_v the_o question_n and_o at_o last_o avouch_v there_o be_v none_o but_o that_o all_o matter_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o worship_n be_v nothing_o but_o device_n of_o politic_a man_n to_o keep_v simple_a man_n in_o awe_n and_o to_o make_v fool_n fain_o but_o these_o themselves_o be_v fool_n of_o all_o fool_n and_o the_o devil_n devise_v that_o impious_a conceit_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o miserable_a blindness_n there_o have_v be_v such_o fool_n in_o all_o age_n yet_o in_o old_a time_n as_o david_n say_v these_o fool_n do_v but_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n 14.1_o but_o now_o the_o fool_n of_o these_o last_o &_o rot_a age_n be_v ripe_a in_o their_o folly_n and_o they_o dare_v say_v with_o their_o mouth_n there_o be_v no_o god_n these_o be_v monster_n in_o nature_n and_o devil_n incarnate_a worse_o than_o the_o devil_n himself_o for_o he_o in_o judgement_n never_o be_v a_o atheist_n these_o be_v to_o be_v mark_v &_o hate_v worse_o than_o toad_n &_o adder_n and_o if_o such_o a_o one_o can_v be_v convict_v by_o any_o lawful_a evidence_n if_o ever_o heretic_n or_o traitor_n deserve_a death_n such_o a_o one_o deserve_v ten_o death_n as_o be_v a_o traitor_n to_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o to_o nature_n herself_o and_o though_o these_o wretch_n say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n yet_o make_v they_o a_o god_n of_o themselves_o sacrifice_v all_o their_o affection_n to_o their_o pleasure_n and_o their_o profit_n the_o second_o sort_n be_v such_o as_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v a_o god_n but_o a_o false_a god_n these_o have_v be_v in_o all_o country_n and_o in_o most_o age_n as_o history_n do_v show_v some_o worship_v the_o sun_n some_o the_o moon_n some_o star_n some_o beast_n bird_n fish_n some_o dead_a idol_n of_o wood_n or_o stone_n or_o metal_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n &_o no_o better_o be_v some_o in_o these_o church_n where_o the_o true_a god_n be_v worship_v for_o the_o apostle_n say_v covetousness_n be_v idolatry_n for_o if_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v set_v whole_o on_o riches_n than_o the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n be_v his_o god_n and_o to_o other_o who_o affection_n be_v all_o on_o pleasure_n their_o belly_n be_v their_o god_n let_v these_o man_n hold_v in_o judgement_n as_o they_o can_v their_o practice_n i_o be_o sure_a proclaim_v atheism_n the_o three_o sort_n be_v such_o as_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n but_o in_o a_o false_a manner_n and_o of_o these_o there_o be_v 3._o principal_a sort_n first_o turk_n second_o jew_n who_o hold_v the_o true_a god_n but_o deny_v the_o trinity_n of_o person_n and_o the_o deity_n of_o christ._n three_o the_o true_a papist_n hold_v in_o word_n one_o god_n &_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n as_o we_o do_v but_o look_v at_o their_o doctrine_n and_o if_o their_o word_n have_v any_o natural_a meaning_n they_o deny_v it_o for_o if_o the_o second_o person_n be_v true_a christ_n then_o have_v he_o two_o nature_n godhead_n and_o manhood_n but_o by_o their_o feign_a transubstantiation_n they_o quite_o take_v away_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o manhood_n and_o again_o christ_n have_v three_o office_n he_o be_v the_o true_a king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o so_o he_o be_v not_o christ_n but_o the_o papist_n doctrine_n in_o plain_a word_n and_o necessary_a consequence_n deny_v they_o all_o as_o have_v be_v often_o prove_v unto_o their_o shame_n and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o they_o never_o yet_o to_o this_o day_n can_v or_o dare_v answer_v it_o for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o shall_v soon_o either_o hear_v of_o we_o again_o or_o else_o we_o will_v recant_v it_o but_o till_o then_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o god_n be_v by_o their_o doctrine_n not_o the_o true_a god_n but_o a_o idol_n for_o he_o that_o deny_v the_o son_n deny_v the_o father_n also_o 2.23_o as_o say_v s._n john_n the_o four_o sort_n of_o atheist_n be_v such_o as_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o worship_v he_o in_o true_a manner_n for_o the_o outward_a worship_n but_o in_o their_o life_n and_o deed_n deny_v he_o and_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o in_o turkey_n or_o jury_n or_o italy_n for_o all_o church_n be_v full_a of_o such_o protestant_a atheist_n italy_n may_v have_v more_o atheist_n in_o judgement_n than_o we_o but_o these_o hypocrite_n and_o atheist_n in_o life_n be_v here_o also_o those_o tare_n we_o have_v among_o our_o corn_n of_o these_o speak_v the_o apostle_n that_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v god_n but_o deny_v he_o in_o their_o work_n let_v this_o seem_v no_o wonder_n 1.16_o that_o such_o man_n be_v call_v atheist_n for_o the_o apostle_n say_v plain_o he_o that_o care_v not_o for_o his_o family_n 5.8_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n whereby_o it_o appear_v a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o a_o christian_a in_o profession_n and_o a_o infidel_n or_o atheist_n in_o his_o practice_n &_o it_o be_v certain_a let_v any_o man_n profess_v what_o he_o will_v if_o his_o life_n be_v nought_o his_o religion_n be_v a_o false_a religion_n in_o he_o now_o then_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o point_n with_o the_o use_n thereof_o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o sort_n of_o atheist_n that_o almost_o the_o world_n be_v full_a and_o that_o we_o be_v all_o so_o by_o nature_n then_o first_o let_v we_o see_v how_o hard_o a_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o god_n aright_o and_o if_o no_o man_n come_v to_o god_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v god_n aright_o than_o we_o see_v it_o be_v no_o marvel_v though_o so_o few_o come_v to_o god_n let_v we_o
therefore_o go_v to_o god_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o give_v we_o his_o spirit_n to_o work_v true_a faith_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o make_v we_o of_o a_o true_a belief_n and_o second_o see_v man_n may_v be_v christian_n in_o profession_n and_o atheist_n in_o practice_n let_v we_o all_o look_n narrow_o to_o ourselves_o and_o join_v with_o our_o profession_n conscience_n and_o obedience_n for_o else_o the_o more_o we_o know_v god_n the_o worse_o we_o be_v it_o may_v please_v god_n after_o to_o give_v we_o better_a mind_n but_o as_o yet_o we_o be_v no_o better_a than_o denier_v of_o god_n and_o though_o we_o come_v near_o god_n in_o profession_n and_o in_o his_o outward_a service_n yet_o indeed_o we_o be_v far_o from_o he_o because_o we_o want_v that_o true_a faith_n which_o must_v profess_v god_n not_o in_o judgement_n alone_o but_o in_o practice_n and_o that_o will_v bring_v we_o near_o unto_o god_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o he_o that_o will_v come_v to_o god_n and_o please_v he_o the_o second_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a sentence_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o comfortable_a in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o contain_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o part_n be_v natural_o two_o 1._o how_o a_o man_n do_v seek_v god_n 2._o how_o god_n reward_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o for_o the_o first_o a_o man_n true_o seek_v god_n by_o do_v four_o action_n first_o a_o man_n must_v forsake_v himself_o go_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o as_o it_o be_v loose_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o judgement_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o seek_v god_n if_o any_o ask_v how_o that_o may_v be_v i_o answer_v thus_o a_o man_n must_v labour_v to_o see_v his_o sin_n full_o and_o distinct_o and_o in_o sight_n thereof_o be_v cast_v down_o in_o himself_o as_o a_o man_n be_v when_o he_o see_v his_o debt_n then_o let_v he_o look_v into_o himself_o and_o see_v if_o he_o can_v find_v in_o himself_o any_o ability_n to_o pay_v those_o debt_n or_o any_o mean_n in_o the_o world_n to_o satisfy_v god_n â—ustice_n and_o purchase_v pardon_n and_o if_o upon_o due_a examination_n he_o find_v none_o at_o all_o no_o not_o the_o least_o nor_o any_o thing_n in_o himself_o but_o a_o accuse_v and_o rage_a conscience_n let_v he_o then_o fall_v out_o of_o all_o love_n with_o himself_o nay_o hate_v and_o abhor_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o baseness_n and_o last_o let_v he_o despair_v of_o his_o own_o salvation_n in_o or_o from_o himself_o and_o thus_o do_v he_o forsake_v himself_o deny_v himself_o and_o even_o lose_v himself_o and_o thus_o necessary_o must_v he_o do_v to_o himself_o that_o will_v set_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n for_o god_n will_v be_v find_v of_o none_o that_o hope_v to_o find_v help_n at_o any_o hand_n but_o he_o they_o therefore_o that_o seek_v god_n but_o will_v seek_v themselves_o too_o do_v just_o loose_v both_o god_n and_o themselves_o second_o he_o that_o will_v seek_v god_n aright_o when_o he_o have_v lose_v himself_o must_v hunger_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n not_o after_o wealth_n and_o honour_n ease_n or_o pleasure_n but_o after_o the_o favour_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o one_o drop_n of_o christ_n blood_n to_o wash_v away_o the_o guilt_n and_o stain_n of_o his_o defile_a and_o sinful_a soul_n must_v be_v dear_a to_o he_o then_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o glory_n of_o ten_o world_n look_v how_o a_o hungry_a soul_n hunger_n after_o meat_n and_o a_o fainty_a soul_n thirst_v after_o drink_n so_o must_v his_o soul_n hunger_n after_o god_n mercy_n and_o thirst_n for_o christ_n blood_n and_o these_o be_v necessary_a for_o as_o a_o man_n that_o undertake_v a_o long_a journey_n must_v be_v provide_v of_o meat_n and_o drink_v so_o he_o that_o undertake_v the_o journey_n to_o go_v seek_v the_o lord_n must_v have_v this_o provision_n for_o the_o diet_n of_o his_o poor_a soul_n god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n and_o he_o that_o seek_v without_o a_o soul_n hunger_a after_o these_o may_v seek_v long_o and_o find_v nothing_o three_o if_o he_o will_v true_o seek_v god_n he_o must_v not_o go_v in_o every_o path_n but_o take_v the_o true_a &_o live_a way_n which_o christ_n have_v consecrate_v by_o his_o blood_n nor_o take_v any_o guide_n but_o trust_v to_o christ_n spirit_n alone_o to_o be_v his_o guide_n nor_o make_v many_o mediator_n or_o messenger_n to_o god_n but_o make_v christ_n alone_o to_o god_n the_o father_n we_o must_v therefore_o go_v to_o he_o and_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o to_o be_v teach_v and_o guide_v by_o he_o &_o leave_v our_o suit_n to_o be_v prefer_v by_o he_o we_o must_v not_o look_v to_o come_v to_o god_n by_o run_v on_o pilgrimage_n to_o this_o or_o that_o saint_n picture_n or_o bone_n or_o to_o our_o lady_n of_o loreto_n many_o have_v seek_v god_n in_o these_o but_o who_o ever_o find_v he_o nay_o alas_o thou_o may_v lodge_v in_o her_o forge_a tabernacle_n at_o loreto_n all_o thy_o life_n and_o lie_v in_o hell_n for_o all_o that_o when_o thou_o be_v dead_a and_o may_v kiss_v all_o the_o saint_n picture_n and_o bone_n and_o hair_n and_o all_o their_o relic_n in_o spain_n and_o italy_n and_o all_o can_v get_v thou_o one_o sight_n of_o god_n favourable_a countenance_n nor_o again_o must_v we_o look_v to_o come_v to_o god_n by_o our_o good_a work_n though_o we_o be_v to_o do_v they_o they_o be_v good_a mark_n in_o the_o way_n and_o good_a evidence_n of_o a_o right_a way_n but_o they_o can_v open_v heaven_n and_o let_v thou_o in_o and_o therefore_o when_o thou_o have_v do_v all_o thou_o can_v thou_o must_v forsake_v they_o all_o in_o matter_n of_o justification_n and_o come_n to_o god_n only_o thou_o must_v go_v to_o god_n by_o christ_n and_o cleave_v to_o he_o alone_o he_o be_v the_o door_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n the_o life_n and_o certain_o never_o man_v find_v god_n that_o seek_v he_o not_o in_o christ_n alone_o and_o when_o popish_a device_n and_o distinction_n have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v man_n will_v be_v find_v liar_n and_o christ_n to_o speak_v truth_n say_v no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o last_o when_o all_o these_o be_v do_v then_o must_v thou_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v become_v thy_o merciful_a father_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o thou_o in_o he_o for_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n but_o if_o thou_o seek_v god_n in_o christ_n thou_o shall_v find_v he_o and_o when_o thou_o have_v do_v the_o three_o former_a thing_n thou_o may_v safe_o and_o assure_o believe_v that_o thou_o have_v true_o seek_v god_n and_o after_o all_o these_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o firm_a and_o lively_a faith_n thou_o do_v not_o seek_v god_n for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o faith_n to_o please_v god_n so_o be_v it_o impossible_a without_o faith_n to_o find_v god_n thus_o if_o a_o man_n lose_v himself_o long_o after_o god_n mercy_n take_v christ_n alone_o for_o his_o guide_n and_o mediator_n and_o steadfast_o believe_v his_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n by_o christ_n than_o he_o seek_v god_n aright_o and_o to_o this_o seek_v belong_v a_o reward_n and_o blessing_n now_o than_o if_o this_o be_v to_o seek_v god_n here_o be_v some_o light_n give_v to_o a_o great_a question_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o their_o doctrine_n true_o catholic_a or_o erroneous_a and_o fail_v in_o fundamental_a point_n for_o answer_v can_v that_o be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o do_v not_o bring_v her_o child_n to_o seek_v god_n or_o that_o catholic_a doctrine_n which_o teach_v not_o her_o child_n to_o seek_v god_n the_o right_a way_n but_o send_v they_o into_o 1000_o byway_n sure_o if_o this_o be_v to_o seek_v god_n then_o search_v all_o the_o popish_a doctor_n and_o almost_o all_o their_o writer_n and_o see_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v not_o teach_v to_o seek_v god_n quite_o in_o another_o walk_n which_o way_n of_o they_o whether_o be_v ordinary_o bring_v the_o seeker_n to_o god_n or_o no_o we_o leave_v to_o god_n merciful_a judgement_n but_o for_o ourselves_o as_o we_o see_v we_o have_v the_o true_a &_o live_a way_n the_o sure_a and_o infallible_a way_n by_o christ_n to_o god_n by_o the_o son_n to_o the_o father_n let_v we_o rejoice_v in_o the_o comfort_n of_o so_o rich_a a_o mercy_n and_o be_v thankful_a to_o the_o lord_n for_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o we_o and_o open_v unto_o we_o the_o true_a way_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o
it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o save_v they_o another_o way_n even_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n for_o it_o teach_v they_o many_o thing_n first_o it_o be_v a_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n unto_o their_o soul_n for_o if_o he_o be_v so_o careful_a to_o save_v their_o body_n from_o the_o flood_n they_o thereby_o assure_v themselves_o he_o will_v be_v as_o good_a unto_o their_o soul_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v far_o more_o precious_a and_o excellent_a second_o it_o show_v they_o how_o to_o be_v save_v for_o as_o they_o see_v no_o safety_n nothing_o but_o present_a death_n out_o of_o the_o ark_n so_o it_o teach_v they_o that_o out_o of_o god_n church_n and_o out_o of_o god_n favour_n no_o salvation_n can_v be_v expect_v and_o so_o it_o teach_v they_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n and_o member_n of_o his_o true_a church_n three_o they_o see_v they_o be_v save_v from_o the_o flood_n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o first_o noah_n believe_v god_n word_n that_o the_o flood_n shall_v come_v then_o he_o obey_v god_n commandment_n and_o make_v the_o ark_n as_o he_o be_v command_v and_o thus_o he_o and_o he_o by_o believe_v &_o obey_v be_v save_v through_o the_o ark_n and_o without_o these_o the_o ark_n can_v not_o have_v save_v they_o this_o teach_v they_o more_o particular_o how_o to_o be_v save_v namely_o by_o believe_v god_n and_o obey_v god_n and_o else_o no_o salvation_n for_o when_o they_o see_v their_o body_n can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o they_o it_o assure_v they_o much_o less_o can_v their_o soul_n be_v save_v without_o faith_n and_o obedience_n last_o this_o deliverance_n by_o the_o ark_n be_v a_o pawn_n unto_o they_o from_o god_n assure_v they_o of_o salvation_n if_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n for_o see_v god_n so_o full_o perform_v his_o promise_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o bodily_a deliverance_n upon_o their_o believe_v they_o thereby_o may_v assure_v themselves_o he_o will_v perform_v his_o promise_n of_o salvation_n unto_o they_o upon_o their_o faith_n and_o true_a obedience_n moreover_o it_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n for_o when_o ever_o after_o any_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o they_o or_o any_o word_n of_o god_n come_v unto_o they_o they_o then_o remember_v god_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n unto_o they_o in_o their_o deliverance_n by_o the_o ark_n and_o therefore_o believe_v unto_o these_o and_o many_o other_o spiritual_a use_n do_v the_o ark_n serve_v unto_o noah_n and_o to_o his_o household_n as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o be_v believer_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o indeed_o the_o ark_n serve_v they_o for_o a_o temporal_a deliverance_n it_o save_v their_o life_n therefore_o they_o also_o have_v reason_n to_o make_v spiritual_a use_n of_o it_o but_o it_o save_v not_o we_o it_o serve_v we_o to_o no_o use_n corporal_a therefore_o how_o can_v we_o make_v any_o spiritual_a use_n of_o it_o i_o answer_v though_o we_o have_v no_o corporal_a use_n of_o the_o ark_n yet_o there_o arise_v a_o excellent_a spiritual_a use_n out_o of_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n and_o our_o baptism_n be_v figure_n correspondent_a one_o to_o the_o other_o that_o that_o noah_n ark_n be_v to_o they_o baptism_n be_v to_o us._n thus_o teach_v s._n peter_n 1.3.20.21_o to_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n the_o figure_n which_o now_o save_v we_o even_o baptism_n agree_v the_o same_o that_o s._n paul_n here_o ascribe_v to_o the_o ark_n s._n peter_n ascribe_v to_o baptism_n the_o ark_n save_v they_o baptism_n save_v us._n now_o the_o resemblance_n betwixt_o these_o two_o figure_n have_v two_o branch_n first_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v in_o the_o flood_n to_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n and_o out_o of_o the_o ark_n no_o possibility_n to_o escape_v so_o be_v it_o for_o they_o that_o will_v have_v their_o soul_n save_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n they_o must_v be_v mystical_a member_n of_o christ_n and_o visible_a member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o out_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n no_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n that_o this_o be_v true_a for_o christ_n s._n peter_n prove_v apparent_o act_v 4.12_o among_o man_n there_o be_v no_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o to_o be_v save_v but_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o and_o that_o this_o be_v true_a for_o the_o church_n he_o prove_v act_n 2.47_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v see_v how_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v save_v must_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n when_o they_o see_v where_o it_o be_v and_o all_o this_o be_v signify_v &_o teach_v in_o baptism_n for_o the_o outward_a use_n of_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n &_o the_o inward_a &_o powerful_a use_n of_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o use_n and_o consideration_n hereof_o shall_v make_v we_o all_o more_o careful_a to_o be_v true_a member_n of_o christ_n &_o of_o his_o church_n by_o make_v not_o only_o a_o bare_a profession_n of_o religion_n but_o by_o seek_v to_o be_v incorporate_a into_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n for_o this_o must_v save_v we_o when_o nothing_o else_o can_v as_o they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n no_o gold_n nor_o silver_n can_v buy_v out_o their_o safety_n no_o land_n nor_o live_n no_o house_n nor_o building_n no_o hill_n nor_o mountain_n nothing_o in_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o whole_a world_n itself_o can_v save_v they_o but_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n they_o perish_v so_o if_o a_o man_n be_v out_o of_o christ_n &_o out_o of_o his_o church_n no_o gold_n nor_o silver_n no_o honour_n nor_o glory_n no_o wit_n nor_o policy_n no_o estimation_n nor_o authority_n no_o friend_n nor_o favour_n no_o wisdom_n nor_o learning_n no_o hill_n of_o happiness_n nor_o mountain_n of_o gold_n can_v save_v his_o soul_n but_o he_o must_v perish_v in_o the_o flood_n of_o god_n eternal_a wrath_n for_o as_o it_o prove_v folly_n in_o they_o that_o trust_v to_o their_o high_a house_n or_o catch_v hold_v on_o the_o hill_n if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n so_o will_v it_o prove_v much_o great_a folly_n to_o they_o that_o shall_v trust_v to_o any_o mean_n of_o salvation_n if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o christ._n and_o contrariwise_o as_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v save_v do_v the_o water_n wind_n and_o weather_n storm_n and_o tempest_n all_o they_o can_v so_o that_o still_o the_o more_o the_o water_n rise_v the_o ark_n rise_v also_o and_o be_v ever_o high_o than_o they_o and_o the_o high_a it_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o water_n the_o safe_a it_o be_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o hill_n and_o rock_n and_o so_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o danger_n they_o be_v out_o of_o danger_n and_o be_v save_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n so_o he_o that_o be_v once_o true_o in_o christ_n be_v sure_a of_o salvation_n nothing_o can_v hinder_v it_o flood_n of_o calamity_n may_v assault_v he_o and_o humble_v he_o but_o they_o hurt_v not_o his_o salvation_n he_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n he_o be_v in_o christ_n nay_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o overthrow_v he_o but_o through_o all_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n &_o through_o all_o tempest_n of_o temptation_n the_o bless_a ark_n of_o christ_n love_n and_o merit_n shall_v carry_v he_o up_o and_o at_o last_o convey_v he_o to_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o bless_a assurance_n of_o all_o they_o that_o be_v true_o baptize_v into_o christ._n but_o as_o for_o such_o as_o out_o of_o their_o profaneness_n either_o care_v not_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o contemn_v baptism_n let_v they_o assure_v themselves_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n &_o they_o perish_v certain_o this_o be_v the_o 1._o part_n of_o the_o resemblance_n the_o second_o be_v this_o noah_n body_n go_v into_o the_o ark_n he_o seem_v therein_o a_o dead_a man_n go_v into_o a_o grave_n or_o a_o tomb_n to_o be_v bury_v for_o he_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o ark_n &_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o water_n &_o he_o deprive_v of_o the_o fresh_a airâ—_n &_o gladsome_a light_n yet_o by_o god_n appointment_n it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o save_v noah_n which_o in_o all_o reason_n seem_v to_o be_v his_o grave_n &_o if_o noah_n will_v be_v save_v he_o must_v go_v into_o this_o grave_n so_o they_o that_o will_v escape_v hell_n and_o damnation_n by_o christ_n the_o true_a ark_n of_o holiness_n must_v be_v bury_v and_o mortify_v in_o their_o flesh_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o come_v
a_o city_n also_o and_o the_o best_a on_o earth_n be_v but_o shadow_n of_o it_o and_o it_o may_v shame_v they_o that_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delicacy_n of_o earthly_a city_n and_o care_v not_o nor_o look_v after_o the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n as_o it_o be_v call_v heb._n 12.22_o but_o alas_o it_o seem_v they_o care_v not_o for_o this_o shame_n for_o where_o be_v security_n wantonness_n profaneness_n oppression_n so_o common_a as_o in_o these_o great_a city_n and_o as_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o country_n town_n berea_n be_v more_o zealous_a and_o religious_a than_o the_o rich_a and_o stately_a city_n of_o thessalonica_n act_n 17.11_o so_o be_v it_o general_o to_o this_o day_n especial_o at_o such_o place_n in_o the_o country_n where_o teach_v and_o knowledge_n be_v but_o let_v such_o city_n know_v that_o as_o they_o have_v better_a mean_n &_o more_o comfort_n and_o their_o very_a name_n shall_v put_v they_o in_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o in_o love_n with_o heaven_n so_o they_o shall_v receive_v great_a damnation_n last_o city_n be_v place_n of_o freedom_n and_o all_o such_o great_a place_n have_v some_o notable_a privilege_n therefore_o man_n desire_v to_o be_v free_a in_o such_o place_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o london_n rome_n venice_n etc._n etc._n even_o the_o great_a person_n will_v be_v content_a to_o be_v free_a of_o they_o and_o many_o seek_v it_o and_o pay_v dear_a for_o it_o or_o at_o least_o work_v a_o long_a time_n for_o it_o but_o heaven_n be_v the_o city_n of_o city_n the_o perfection_n of_o beauty_n and_o true_a happiness_n therefore_o let_v every_o one_o that_o desire_v either_o honour_n or_o happiness_n labour_n and_o strive_v to_o be_v a_o freeman_n of_o heaven_n and_o never_o rest_v till_o he_o know_v he_o be_v and_o let_v those_o that_o live_v in_o city_n when_o they_o be_v admit_v freeman_n as_o daily_o some_o be_v remember_v what_o a_o blessedness_n it_o will_v be_v if_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v freeman_n of_o the_o glorious_a city_n which_o be_v above_o and_o how_o little_a that_o shall_v avail_v they_o if_o they_o want_v this_o which_o be_v the_o hope_n and_o joy_n of_o abraham_n and_o all_o holy_a man_n to_o go_v further_o this_o city_n which_o abraham_n faith_n wait_v for_o be_v describe_v by_o two_o point_n 1._o that_o it_o have_v a_o foundation_n 2._o that_o the_o maker_n and_o builder_n be_v god_n for_o the_o first_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n have_v a_o foundation_n such_o a_o one_o as_o no_o city_n in_o this_o world_n have_v &_o by_o this_o phrase_n the_o holy_a ghost_n insinuate_v unto_o we_o what_o be_v the_o property_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v two_o 1._o the_o state_n of_o heaven_n be_v unchangeable_a 2._o everlasting_a and_o eternal_a first_o the_o state_n of_o the_o elect_a in_o heaven_n &_o their_o glory_n there_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o corruption_n or_o the_o least_o alteration_n as_o appear_v in_o that_o notable_a and_o lofty_a description_n of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n apoc._n 21.14_o and_o from_o the_o 10._o verse_n to_o the_o 21_o it_o have_v a_o great_a wall_n and_o high_a 12._o gate_n 12._o angel_n for_o porter_n and_o the_o wall_n have_v 12._o foundation_n of_o 12._o sort_n of_o most_o excellent_a precious_a stone_n and_o the_o wall_n itself_o be_v jasper_n and_o the_o city_n pure_a gold_n like_a crystal_n the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v shadow_v by_o precious_a stone_n and_o gold_n to_o signify_v as_o well_o the_o durableness_n as_o the_o excellency_n thereof_o and_o in_o the_o 15._o psalm_n vers_fw-la 1._o it_o be_v call_v the_o mountain_n of_o god_n holiness_n hill_n be_v hardly_o remove_v and_o therefore_o david_n say_v that_o mount_n zion_n can_v be_v remove_v but_o remain_v for_o ever_o psal._n 125.1_o now_o if_o that_o be_v true_a of_o mount_n zion_n in_o this_o world_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v take_v either_o literal_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o can_v be_v utter_o overthrow_v or_o mystical_o for_o the_o state_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o in_o this_o world_n can_v total_o &_o final_o be_v lose_v i_o say_v if_o this_o mount_n zion_n stand_v fast_o and_o can_v be_v remove_v how_o much_o more_o true_a iâ—_n it_o of_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o triumphant_a church_n and_o of_o heavenly_a zion_n that_o it_o be_v so_o unchangeable_a so_o durable_a so_o unremovable_a that_o it_o can_v be_v shake_v but_o stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n well_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v here_o it_o have_v a_o foundation_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o revelation_n say_v to_o have_v 12._o foundation_n second_o the_o state_n of_o the_o elect_a in_o heaven_n be_v not_o only_o sure_a but_o everlasting_a that_o be_v without_o end_n psal._n 37.18_o the_o inheritance_n of_o holy_a man_n be_v perpetual_a and_o therefore_o s._n peter_n 1.1.4_o say_v that_o the_o inheritance_n reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o be_v immortal_a &_o not_o fade_v away_o it_o fade_v not_o away_o there_o be_v the_o unchangeableness_n it_o be_v immortal_a there_o be_v the_o eternity_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v mean_v by_o have_v a_o foundation_n for_o in_o this_o world_n so_o much_o the_o long_o do_v any_o thing_n endure_v as_o the_o foundation_n be_v strong_a therefore_o see_v the_o heavenly_a city_n have_v such_o a_o foundation_n no_o marvel_n though_o it_o endure_v for_o ever_o now_o put_v these_o two_o together_o and_o they_o show_v the_o perfect_a excellency_n of_o that_o city_n which_o be_v both_o unchangeable_a and_o eternal_a where_o we_o learn_v the_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o state_n of_o that_o world_n and_o this_o present_a world_n wherein_o we_o live_v in_o the_o body_n for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o this_o world_n so_o excellent_a so_o precious_a so_o costly_a so_o artificial_a but_o be_v subject_a both_o to_o alteration_n and_o in_o the_o end_n to_o dissolution_n the_o long_a day_n have_v his_o night_n and_o the_o long_a life_n end_v in_o death_n after_o many_o misery_n and_o toss_n the_o long_a empire_n and_o mighty_a monarchy_n have_v their_o period_n after_o many_o mutation_n the_o stately_a and_o strong_a city_n end_v in_o ruin_n after_o many_o civil_a broil_n massacre_n and_o other_o misery_n so_o that_o no_o glory_n no_o strength_n no_o happiness_n nothing_o at_o all_o be_v there_o in_o this_o world_n that_o be_v either_o constant_a or_o perpetual_a but_o subject_a to_o utter_v dissolution_n in_o the_o end_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o pitiful_a alteration_n so_o weak_a a_o foundation_n have_v this_o world_n and_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o it_o but_o contrariwise_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n have_v such_o a_o foundation_n as_o it_o be_v both_o unchaâ—geable_a and_o eternal_a the_o consideration_n of_o this_o difference_n have_v manifold_a &_o profitable_a use_n first_o we_o may_v see_v how_o reasonable_a the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v 1._o tim_n 6._o â—7_n charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o high_a mind_v and_o put_v not_o their_o trust_n in_o uncertain_a riches_n but_o in_o the_o live_a god_n for_o what_o a_o misery_n and_o vanity_n be_v it_o to_o trust_v in_o that_o that_o be_v uncertain_a and_o therefore_o will_v deceive_v they_o the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o what_o to_o do_v namely_o do_v good_a and_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o distribute_v lay_v up_o in_o store_n for_o themselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n that_o be_v that_o they_o so_o spend_v their_o riches_n in_o holiness_n &_o charity_n that_o they_o may_v 〈◊〉_d the_o end_n attain_v heaven_n which_o be_v the_o city_n that_o have_v a_o foundation_n and_o who_o will_v not_o spend_v riches_n which_o be_v so_o uncertain_a for_o heaven_n which_o be_v so_o certain_a a_o glory_n second_o this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n jesus_n math._n 6.19.20_o lay_v not_o up_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n on_o earth_n where_o moth_n and_o canker_n corrupt_v &_o thief_n steal_v but_o in_o heaven_n where_o be_v neither_o canker_n moth_n thief_n nor_o any_o other_o corruption_n every_o man_n natural_o must_v have_v his_o treasure_n and_o that_o be_v it_o whereon_o he_o set_v his_o heart_n now_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o a_o man_n heart_n which_o will_v be_v lose_v we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o but_o let_v we_o make_v heaven_n our_o treasure_n the_o glory_n whereof_o be_v both_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a again_o see_v nothing_o here_o be_v certain_a we_o must_v learn_v to_o seek_v sound_a comfort_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v seek_v it_o in_o this_o world_n and_o it_o will_v fail_v
they_o all_o know_v and_o some_o confess_v it_o be_v sure_a and_o safe_a to_o die_v in_o our_o religion_n let_v we_o therefore_o cheerful_o and_o comfortable_o live_v in_o that_o religion_n and_o faith_n wherein_o we_o may_v so_o bold_o die_v that_o even_o our_o adversary_n confess_v it_o to_o be_v safe_a now_o follow_v the_o four_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o by_o promise_n we_o understand_v first_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n second_o the_o spiritual_a promise_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n these_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v that_o be_v full_o though_o in_o part_n they_o do_v for_o true_a faith_n do_v always_o receive_v apprehend_v and_o apply_v unto_o itself_o true_o though_o not_o full_o the_o thing_n promise_v god_n say_v he_o will_v give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o they_o do_v not_o full_o enjoy_v and_o possess_v it_o so_o likewise_o the_o messiah_n be_v promise_v unto_o they_o but_o they_o never_o see_v his_o come_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o yet_o they_o believe_v god_n promise_n and_o die_v in_o that_o faith_n where_o we_o may_v see_v the_o invincible_a force_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n even_o unto_o death_n though_o they_o never_o enjoy_v the_o thing_n promise_v in_o this_o life_n which_o plain_o condemn_v our_o age_n of_o unbelief_n for_o we_o have_v more_o accomplish_v unto_o we_o than_o ever_o they_o have_v abraham_n never_o see_v christ_n but_o afar_o off_o yet_o we_o have_v he_o exhibit_v in_o the_o flesh_n we_o see_v and_o know_v he_o live_v and_o die_v rise_v again_o and_o ascend_v and_o now_o make_v continual_a intercession_n for_o we_o and_o we_o have_v the_o true_a sacrament_n which_o shall_v last_v for_o ever_o pledge_n of_o he_o and_o of_o life_n everlasting_a by_o he_o and_o for_o temporal_a promise_n we_o have_v far_o more_o accomplish_v unto_o we_o than_o ever_o he_o have_v but_o though_o we_o go_v before_o abraham_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n promise_n yet_o we_o come_v far_o behind_o he_o in_o belief_n for_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n and_o love_n be_v see_v in_o true_a obedience_n but_o general_o this_o be_v too_o true_a man_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o obedience_n which_o show_v undoubted_o that_o there_o be_v little_a sound_a faith_n among_o us._n and_o it_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o these_o notable_a man_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n shall_v stand_v in_o judgement_n against_o we_o to_o our_o further_a condemnation_n for_o they_o never_o receive_v the_o accomplish_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o yet_o they_o believe_v but_o we_o do_v see_v the_o same_o fulfil_v &_o exhibit_v unto_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o here_o be_v the_o property_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o promise_n be_v afar_o off_o and_o yet_o they_o see_v they_o the_o phrase_n here_o use_v be_v borrow_v from_o mariner_n who_o be_v far_o on_o the_o sea_n can_v descry_v town_n and_o coast_n afar_o off_o but_o only_o by_o help_n of_o some_o tower_n or_o high_a place_n which_o their_o eye_n will_v soon_o discern_v though_o it_o be_v afar_o off_o and_o so_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n be_v long_o before_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n can_v not_o other_o way_n see_v christ_n but_o afar_o off_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n for_o this_o be_v the_o property_n of_o faith_n to_o make_v a_o thing_n absent_a to_o be_v present_a after_o a_o sort_n faith_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v here_o than_o we_o may_v learn_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a we_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n more_o lively_a discern_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o a_o clear_a light_n of_o understanding_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o christ_n than_o the_o church_n have_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n howsoever_o they_o excel_v in_o faith_n yet_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o discern_v of_o christ_n they_o be_v inferior_a unto_o us._n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n make_v this_o promise_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n long_o before_o that_o they_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o water_n that_o cover_v the_o sea_n and_o saint_n paul_n prove_v this_o perform_v when_o he_o affirm_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 2._o corinth_n 3.18_o but_o all_o we_o as_o in_o a_o mirror_n behold_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o open_a face_n and_o christ_n joh._n 6.45_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o knowledge_n shall_v so_o abound_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o all_o ignorant_a person_n of_o this_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n must_v know_v that_o they_o have_v much_o to_o answer_v for_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v make_v his_o church_n to_o abound_v in_o knowledge_n so_o that_o their_o ignorance_n for_o which_o they_o think_v god_n will_v hold_v they_o excuse_v shall_v be_v a_o bill_n of_o indictment_n against_o they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o their_o further_a condemnation_n because_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o clear_o and_o plentiful_o reveal_v in_o these_o day_n that_o whereas_o the_o most_o excellent_a patriarch_n of_o all_o can_v then_o but_o see_v christ_n afar_o off_o the_o most_o simple_a may_v now_o see_v he_o near_o unto_o they_o again_o where_o be_v more_o knowledge_n there_o shall_v be_v more_o obedience_n therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o those_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n &_o submit_v themselves_o to_o hear_v and_o learn_v the_o word_n of_o god_n teach_v unto_o they_o not_o content_v themselves_o with_o bare_a knowledge_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o but_o withal_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n in_o their_o life_n &_o conversation_n for_o though_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o regard_n of_o faith_n do_v go_v far_o before_o we_o yet_o see_v we_o have_v more_o knowledge_n than_o they_o have_v in_o the_o messiah_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o become_v like_a unto_o they_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o life_n their_o faith_n be_v strong_a than_o we_o but_o our_o obedience_n shall_v be_v great_a than_o they_o because_o we_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o believe_v than_o they_o s._n paul_n say_v we_o all_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o mirror_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o open_a face_n 3.18_o and_o the_o end_n thereof_o be_v this_o that_o we_o may_v be_v transform_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o the_o more_o knowledge_n we_o have_v the_o more_o sanctification_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o the_o more_o hatred_n of_o sin_n &_o more_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n but_o the_o more_o be_v the_o pity_n the_o case_n go_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o world_n for_o even_o many_o among_o we_o that_o be_v no_o student_n by_o profession_n have_v great_a and_o commendable_a knowledge_n in_o religion_n but_o where_o be_v the_o fruit_n hereof_o in_o holy_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n god_n by_o call_v have_v make_v we_o a_o pleasant_a vine_n but_o the_o sour_a grape_n of_o sin_n be_v our_o ordinary_a fruit_n they_o be_v the_o grape_n of_o gall_n as_o moses_n say_v 32.33_o for_o atheism_n blasphemy_n contempt_n of_o god_n word_n and_o worship_n with_o open_a profane_v of_o god_n sabaoth_n do_v every_o where_o abound_v to_o omit_v the_o heinous_a crime_n against_o the_o second_o table_n as_o oppression_n adultery_n and_o blood_n touch_v blood_n for_o all_o which_o we_o may_v just_o fear_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v either_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o we_o and_o so_o of_o a_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n make_v we_o no_o church_n or_o else_o sweep_v we_o away_o by_o some_o fearful_a judgement_n as_o with_o the_o bosom_n of_o destruction_n because_o we_o withhold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n rom._n 1.18_o for_o better_a it_o be_v not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n then_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n give_v unto_o we_o let_v we_o therefore_o join_v with_o our_o knowledge_n obedience_n that_o so_o we_o may_v show_v forth_o our_o faith_n in_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n unto_o god_n and_o of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o christianity_n unto_o our_o brethren_n thus_o much_o of_o
the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o second_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n and_o believe_v they_o where_o by_o believe_v we_o must_v understand_v not_o so_o much_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o be_v note_v before_o as_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o the_o word_n import_v a_o confirmation_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o a_o resolution_n in_o assurance_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v not_o unusual_a in_o scripture_n for_o paul_n pray_v for_o the_o church_n who_o have_v true_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o love_n that_o they_o may_v increase_v and_o abound_v therein_o more_o and_o more_o ephesian_n 3.16.17_o philippian_n 1.9.11_o colossian_n 1.9.11_o here_o than_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o example_n of_o these_o patriarch_n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o property_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n to_o go_v forward_o and_o increase_v in_o faith_n till_o he_o come_v to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n in_o god_n promise_n all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o faith_n be_v the_o lord_n talent_n and_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v the_o lord_n servant_n call_v to_o occupy_v therewith_o now_o god_n have_v put_v his_o talon_n into_o any_o man_n hand_n do_v require_v the_o increase_n thereof_o as_o the_o parable_n show_v luke_n 19.13_o and_o this_o paul_n teach_v for_o pray_v for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o and_o be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n ephesian_n 3.16_o he_o signify_v that_o he_o that_o do_v true_o believe_v in_o christ_n must_v go_v on_o from_o grace_n to_o grace_n till_o he_o be_v a_o tall_a man_n in_o christ_n as_o a_o child_n grow_v from_o year_n to_o year_n till_o he_o come_v to_o be_v a_o strong_a man_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v like_a unto_o fire_n which_o will_v not_o go_v out_o so_o long_o as_o wood_n or_o other_o fuel_n be_v put_v unto_o it_o but_o will_v take_v hold_v thereof_o and_o grow_v unto_o a_o great_a flame_n and_o so_o will_v faith_n grow_v up_o to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n in_o all_o those_o that_o conscionablie_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o worde_n and_o prayer_n but_o go_v the_o case_n thus_o with_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n nay_o very_o general_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o many_o among_o we_o have_v no_o regard_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o think_v they_o may_v live_v as_o they_o lust_n their_o good_a meaning_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n other_o and_o those_o not_o a_o few_o be_v so_o far_o from_o go_v forward_o in_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v every_o day_n worse_o and_o worse_o and_o still_o go_v backward_o more_o and_o more_o a_o three_o sort_n we_o have_v that_o will_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o yet_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v very_o slender_a they_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n and_o profit_v little_a now_o howsoever_o it_o may_v be_v think_v but_o a_o small_a fault_n not_o to_o profit_v in_o religion_n yet_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n when_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n in_o any_o congregation_n be_v daily_o teach_v and_o do_v not_o profit_v thereby_o and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n note_v those_o woman_n to_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n which_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2._o timoth._n 3.7_o if_o a_o child_n late_o bear_v like_v not_o well_o nor_o grow_v when_o it_o have_v good_a keep_n the_o common_a say_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o changeling_n so_o if_o a_o man_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n we_o may_v most_o true_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o spiritual_a changeling_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n we_o must_v first_o labour_n for_o faith_n &_o have_v faith_n increase_v therein_o and_o in_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n till_o we_o come_v to_o be_v strong_a man_n in_o christ._n it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o those_o patriarch_n increase_v in_o faith_n but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o do_v attain_v hereto_o answer_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n we_o may_v find_v three_o way_n whereby_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o do_v grow_v up_o in_o grace_n the_o first_o mean_n be_v from_o god_n himself_o for_o when_o he_o have_v make_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n merciful_o renew_v the_o same_o during_o his_o life_n as_o occasion_n serve_v sundry_a time_n he_o stay_v not_o there_o suffer_v it_o to_o die_v with_o abraham_n but_o when_o abraham_n be_v dead_a god_n renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o isaac_n and_o rebecka_n and_o with_o jacob_n also_o after_o they_o now_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n can_v utter_v what_o a_o wonderful_a furtherance_n it_o be_v unto_o their_o faith_n to_o have_v the_o lord_n himself_o to_o renew_v his_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o they_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o increase_a their_o faith_n be_v their_o holy_a converse_v one_o with_o another_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o to_o nurture_n they_o up_o in_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o do_v not_o only_o implant_v god_n promise_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o child_n but_o be_v themselves_o confirm_v in_o the_o same_o for_o he_o that_o teach_v another_o from_o a_o feel_a heart_n great_o strengthen_v his_o own_o soul_n now_o god_n himself_o do_v testify_v this_o thing_n of_o abraham_n 18.19_o say_v i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o son_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v righteousness_n and_o judgement_n now_o look_v what_o abraham_n herein_o do_v to_o isaac_n that_o no_o doubt_n do_v isaac_n unto_o jacob_n the_o three_o mean_n to_o increase_v their_o faith_n be_v from_o each_o one_o to_o himself_o for_o they_o give_v themselves_o often_o time_n in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o muse_n &_o meditate_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n 24.63_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o isaac_n that_o he_o go_v out_o to_o pray_v or_o to_o meditate_v in_o the_o field_n towards_o evening_n and_o we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o it_o be_v concern_v this_o and_o other_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o and_o we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o abraham_n and_o jaacob_n do_v the_o like_a these_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o these_o godly_a patriarch_n be_v strengthen_v in_o their_o faith_n all_o which_o must_v be_v mark_v of_o we_o diligent_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n for_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n often_o and_o yet_o profit_v little_a by_o it_o be_v chief_o this_o because_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o man_n shall_v grow_v up_o in_o faith_n be_v so_o slender_o use_v among_o us._n for_o the_o first_o mean_n which_o be_v on_o god_n behalf_n to_o man_n be_v through_o his_o great_a and_o unspeakable_a mercy_n plentiful_o afford_v in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o land_n in_o the_o holy_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o god_n gracious_a promise_n of_o mercy_n be_v open_v and_o apply_v to_o man_n heart_n and_o his_o judgement_n against_o sin_n be_v sharp_o denounce_v to_o drive_v man_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ._n but_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o second_o mean_n which_o be_v mutual_a instruction_n of_o father_n to_o child_n of_o master_n to_o servant_n and_o of_o one_o neighbour_n to_o another_o together_o with_o mutual_a conference_n about_o that_o we_o be_v teach_v or_o else_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o three_o mean_n which_o be_v private_a meditation_n upon_o god_n word_n and_o promise_n teach_v unto_o we_o which_o meditation_n be_v to_o a_o christian_a soul_n like_o the_o chew_v of_o the_o cud_n unto_o a_o beast_n for_o as_o chew_v the_o cud_n turn_v that_o which_o be_v eat_v into_o true_a feed_n so_o do_v holy_a meditation_n make_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n spiritual_a refresh_n by_o digest_v they_o in_o the_o heart_n if_o i_o say_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o these_o two_o latter_a we_o shall_v find_v they_o seldom_o use_v of_o very_a many_o or_o not_o at_o all_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o use_v these_o mean_n with_o care_n and_o reverence_n but_o alas_o these_o some_o be_v very_o few_o and_o because_o this_o duty_n be_v so_o slack_o perform_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o though_o the_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v oft_o repeat_v yet_o man_n reap_v little_a profit_n by_o it_o so_o that_o we_o
that_o when_o temptation_n shall_v come_v we_o may_v be_v find_v sound_n and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o trial_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o abraham_n temptation_n now_o follow_v the_o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v therein_o and_o first_o of_o the_o time_n when_o abraham_n be_v tempt_v hereof_o we_o may_v read_v genesis_n 22.1_o after_o these_o thing_n say_v moses_n god_n do_v prove_v abraham_n the_o word_n will_v admit_v a_o double_a reference_n but_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o fit_a for_o that_o place_n to_o wit_n that_o after_o god_n have_v make_v most_o excellent_a promise_n unto_o abraham_n and_o give_v he_o most_o wonderful_a blessing_n and_o privilege_n than_o he_o tempt_v he_o hence_o we_o learn_v this_o notable_a lesson_n that_o those_o people_n in_o god_n church_n which_o receive_v from_o god_n more_o grace_n than_o other_o must_v look_v for_o more_o tentation_n this_o we_o shall_v see_v to_o be_v true_a in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o he_o be_v baptise_a and_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n matthew_n 3_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o have_v this_o voice_n of_o god_n the_o father_n pronounce_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o be_v his_o wellbeloved_n son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v then_o present_o follow_v this_o that_o he_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n matthew_n 4.1_o luke_n 4.1_o be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o luke_n say_v so_o likewise_o when_o god_n have_v testify_v of_o job_n that_o he_o be_v a_o upright_o and_o just_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a job_n 1.8_o then_o satan_n take_v occasion_n thereby_o to_o tempt_v he_o as_o in_o all_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o that_o book_n we_o may_v plain_o see_v wherein_o be_v set_v down_o most_o wonderful_a temptation_n and_o trial_n whereby_o he_o be_v prove_v so_o jacob_n must_v wrestle_v with_o the_o angel_n genesis_n 32.24.28_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n overcome_v god_n himself_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a prerogative_n to_o prevail_v with_o the_o lord_n but_o yet_o he_o must_v prevail_v with_o his_o foil_n verse_n 31_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o ever_o after_o draw_v one_o of_o his_o leg_n after_o he_o even_o to_o his_o die_a day_n saint_n paul_n be_v rapt_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n into_o paradise_n and_o hear_v word_n which_o can_v be_v speak_v yea_o which_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o utter_v yet_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v out_o of_o measure_n through_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o a_o prick_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o 2._o corinthian_n 12._o verse_n 7_o god_n will_v honour_v he_o with_o revelation_n but_o yet_o satan_n shall_v have_v leave_n to_o buffet_v and_o beat_v he_o as_o it_o be_v black_a and_o blue_a in_o all_o which_o we_o may_v see_v that_o to_o who_o god_n vouchsafe_v a_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o they_o he_o appoint_v singular_a trial_n and_o temptation_n above_o other_o man_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o god_n grace_n do_v better_o appear_v in_o temptation_n then_o out_o of_o they_o as_o gold_n be_v best_a try_v in_o the_o fire_n and_o thereby_o prove_v most_o pure_a and_o perfect_a second_o temptation_n serve_v to_o abase_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o down_o in_o his_o own_o conceit_n that_o he_o be_v not_o proud_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o he_o or_o puff_v up_o with_o conceit_n that_o there_o be_v more_o in_o he_o than_o indeed_o there_o be_v this_o we_o see_v in_o paul_n example_n he_o be_v buffet_v of_o satan_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v with_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n we_o may_v see_v a_o type_n hereof_o in_o worldly_a affair_n the_o best_a ship_n that_o float_v on_o the_o sea_n when_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o most_o precious_a jewel_n be_v ballace_v with_o gravel_n or_o sand_n to_o make_v it_o sink_v into_o the_o water_n and_o so_o sail_v more_o sure_o least_o float_v too_o high_a it_o shall_v be_v unstable_a even_o so_o deal_v the_o lord_n with_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o good_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n then_o do_v he_o also_o lay_v temptation_n upon_o they_o to_o humble_v they_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v puff_v up_o in_o themselves_o the_o second_o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o temptation_n be_v the_o greatness_n thereof_o it_o be_v the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v for_o aught_o we_o read_v of_o that_o god_n shall_v command_v he_o to_o kill_v his_o own_o son_n for_o if_o god_n have_v tell_v abraham_n that_o his_o son_n isaac_n must_v have_v die_v it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o grievous_a and_o sorrowful_a news_n unto_o he_o and_o yet_o more_o grievous_a if_o he_o have_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v die_v a_o bloody_a death_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v most_o grievous_a of_o all_o that_o abraham_n himself_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n shall_v sacrifice_v his_o own_o son_n nay_o his_o only_a son_n and_o that_o which_o be_v more_o he_o must_v kill_v his_o only_a child_n in_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v that_o in_o he_o shall_v his_o seed_n be_v call_v this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a wound_n unto_o his_o heart_n and_o yet_o to_o augment_v his_o grief_n he_o must_v not_o do_v it_o present_o nor_o where_o he_o will_v but_o go_v three_o day_n journey_n in_o the_o wilderness_n during_o which_o time_n satan_n undoubted_o wrought_v mighty_o upon_o his_o natural_a affection_n to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o obedience_n which_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o be_v far_o more_o grievous_a unto_o his_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o greevousnesse_n of_o this_o temptation_n we_o may_v learn_v this_o lesson_n that_o god_n in_o tempt_v a_o man_n do_v sometime_o proceed_v thus_o far_o not_o only_o to_o cross_v his_o sin_n and_o corruption_n but_o even_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o nothing_o in_o regard_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o natural_a affection_n for_o this_o commandment_n abraham_n kill_v thy_o son_n may_v have_v make_v abraham_n if_o he_o have_v consult_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n even_o distract_v in_o himself_o and_o without_o reason_n not_o know_v which_o way_n to_o turn_v himself_o and_o according_o let_v all_o god_n child_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v the_o great_a grace_n look_v for_o such_o temptation_n as_o shall_v lay_v their_o humane_a reason_n sâ—at_a upon_o the_o ground_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o point_n even_o utter_o to_o deny_v themselves_o the_o three_o circumstance_n in_o this_o temptation_n be_v this_o what_o abraham_n do_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o faith_n he_o offer_v up_o isaac_n be_v tempt_v abraham_n be_v thus_o tempt_v whether_o he_o will_v obey_v god_n commandment_n or_o not_o obey_v god_n in_o offer_v up_o his_o soon_o and_o yet_o lay_v hold_v upon_o god_n promise_v make_v in_o he_o for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o abraham_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o blessing_n in_o isaac_n and_o be_v now_o command_v to_o kill_v isaac_n he_o do_v not_o now_o cast_v off_o his_o hope_n and_o desperate_o think_v it_o can_v not_o be_v perform_v if_o this_o commandment_n be_v obey_v but_o by_o the_o great_a power_n of_o faith_n he_o both_o obey_v the_o commandment_n and_o yet_o still_o believe_v the_o promise_n for_o so_o say_v the_o text_n by_o faith_n he_o offer_v up_o isaac_n therefore_o in_o the_o very_a action_n of_o kill_a isaac_n he_o believe_v the_o promise_n that_o isaac_n shall_v live_v and_o this_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v with_o his_o own_o voice_n bid_v a_o man_n kill_v his_o son_n it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v be_v find_v that_o will_v do_v it_o but_o to_o do_v it_o and_o still_o to_o believe_v a_o contrary_a promise_n make_v before_o betoken_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o admirable_a faith_n in_o this_o circumstance_n we_o may_v learn_v a_o good_a instruction_n to_o wit_n in_o all_o temptation_n that_o befall_v we_o still_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n though_o in_o the_o devil_n purpose_n they_o tend_v to_o the_o loosen_a of_o our_o hold_n and_o in_o all_o common_a reason_n we_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o let_v they_o go_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o must_v never_o let_v go_v but_o still_o hold_v the_o promise_n fast_o and_o rather_o let_v go_v all_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n than_o god_n promise_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o true_a faith_n but_o even_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n for_o example_n god_n promise_n be_v joh._n 3.16_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v
to_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o that_o be_v the_o fit_a time_n for_o faith_n to_o show_v itself_o in_o for_o faith_n as_o we_o have_v before_o hear_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o subsist_v of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v now_o further_o it_o be_v say_v abraham_n receive_v god_n promise_n that_o be_v he_o apply_v they_o to_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o conscience_n and_o believe_v they_o and_o make_v they_o his_o own_o by_o faith_n this_o be_v a_o notable_a point_n and_o worthy_a the_o mark_v god_n make_v his_o promise_n to_o abraham_n now_o abraham_n he_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v and_o learn_v the_o promise_n but_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o and_o by_o faith_n make_v they_o his_o own_o and_o thus_o ought_v we_o to_o do_v with_o all_o the_o gracious_a promise_n make_v in_o christ._n but_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o day_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o when_o the_o merciful_a promise_n of_o god_n be_v lay_v down_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n we_o be_v content_a to_o hear_v and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o learn_v and_o know_v the_o same_o but_o where_o be_v the_o man_n to_o be_v find_v that_o will_v apply_v they_o to_o his_o ow_v conscience_n and_o by_o faith_n make_v they_o his_o own_o man_n common_o be_v like_a unto_o way-faring_a man_n or_o traveller_n on_o the_o sea_n that_o pass_v by_o many_o goodly_a fair_a building_n rich_a town_n and_o island_n which_o when_o they_o behold_v they_o admire_v and_o wonder_v at_o and_o so_o go_v their_o way_n without_o make_v purchase_n of_o any_o of_o they_o and_o thus_o deal_v the_o most_o man_n with_o god_n merciful_a promise_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n god_n lay_v open_a unto_o they_o his_o rich_a mercy_n and_o bountiful_a promise_n in_o christ_n and_o man_n approve_v thereof_o and_o like_o they_o well_o whereupon_o many_o do_v willing_o apply_v themselves_o to_o know_v the_o same_o but_o for_o all_o this_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v they_o by_o faith_n and_o so_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o own_o soul_n but_o we_o must_v take_v a_o better_a course_n and_o when_o we_o hear_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v unto_o we_o in_o christ_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o labour_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o apply_v they_o unto_o ourselves_o to_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n and_o so_o by_o faith_n make_v they_o our_o own_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o abraham_n and_o in_o he_o of_o all_o the_o faithful_a the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n come_v on_o the_o gentile_n through_o jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o faith_n gal._n 3.14_o further_o observe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v down_o that_o particular_a promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n in_o his_o son_n isaac_n to_o who_o it_o be_v say_v in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v gen._n 21.12_o rom._n 9.7_o in_o which_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v his_o seed_n be_v call_v the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v plain_a and_o thus_o much_o in_o effect_n ishmael_n shall_v not_o be_v thy_o son_n &_o heir_n but_o isaac_n be_v the_o child_n which_o shall_v be_v thy_o heir_n he_o it_o be_v in_o who_o i_o will_v accomplish_v the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n make_v to_o thou_o from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v first_o we_o must_v observe_v paul_n collection_n gather_v from_o god_n deal_v with_o those_o two_o person_n roman_n 9.7_o namely_o that_o god_n before_o all_o world_n have_v choose_v some_o man_n to_o salvation_n in_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n to_o manifest_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o have_v refuse_v and_o reject_v other_o leave_v they_o unto_o themselves_o to_o show_v forth_o his_o justice_n upon_o they_o this_o doctrine_n be_v gather_v out_o of_o this_o place_n after_o this_o manner_n such_o as_o be_v god_n practice_n and_o deal_n towards_o man_n in_o time_n such_o be_v his_o eternal_a counsel_n and_o decree_n for_o as_o god_n before_o all_o time_n determine_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n so_o in_o time_n he_o deal_v with_o they_o now_o god_n practice_n and_o deal_n with_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n be_v this_o ishmael_n be_v vouchsafe_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n but_o yet_o he_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o spiritual_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o isaac_n be_v the_o man_n that_o must_v receive_v the_o covenant_n and_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o life_n everlasting_a and_o so_o according_o it_o be_v with_o other_o god_n have_v decree_v to_o choose_v some_o man_n to_o salvation_n and_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n other_o he_o have_v decree_v to_o reject_v and_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o covenant_n and_o from_o life_n everlasting_a these_o two_o person_n isaac_n &_o ishmael_n be_v two_o type_n of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o god_n do_v elect_v and_o reject_v isaac_n represent_v those_o that_o be_v choose_v to_o salvation_n who_o become_v the_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n and_o ishmael_n be_v a_o type_n of_o those_o that_o be_v reject_v now_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o different_a deal_n of_o god_n with_o mankind_n choose_v some_o and_o refuse_v other_o we_o must_v all_o put_v in_o practice_n saint_n peter_n lesson_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a even_o careful_a above_o all_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o election_n sure_a 2._o peter_n 1.10_o for_o all_o be_v not_o elect_v to_o salvation_n but_o some_o be_v reject_v all_o be_v not_o isaac_n but_o some_o be_v ismaelite_n if_o all_o be_v elect_v and_o choose_v to_o salvation_n than_o no_o man_n need_v to_o care_n for_o it_o but_o see_v some_o be_v reject_v and_o never_o vouchsafe_v to_o come_v within_o the_o covenant_n indeed_o therefore_o it_o stand_v we_o great_o in_o hand_n to_o take_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o election_n sure_a second_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v not_o in_o ishmael_n but_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v we_o may_v note_v the_o state_n of_o god_n church_n in_o this_o world_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n that_o live_v therein_o for_o abraham_n family_n be_v gods_n church_n in_o those_o day_n and_o therein_o be_v both_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n though_o both_o his_o child_n yet_o far_o differ_v in_o estate_n before_o god_n ishmael_n indeed_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o there_o bring_v up_o teach_v and_o circumcise_v but_o yet_o he_o be_v without_o the_o covenant_n in_o god_n sight_n now_o isaac_n be_v not_o only_o bear_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n and_o circumcise_v but_o also_o receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n and_o herein_o differ_v far_o from_o ishmael_n for_o he_o be_v that_o son_n of_o abraham_n in_o who_o god_n will_v continue_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o life_n everlasting_a to_o his_o posterity_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o gods_n church_n at_o this_o day_n in_o it_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o man_n one_o which_o be_v baptize_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o yet_o be_v not_o save_v because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n effectual_o root_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o other_o sort_n be_v they_o which_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n hear_v the_o word_n effectual_o and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n worthy_o to_o their_o salvation_n because_o god_n do_v establish_v his_o covenant_n in_o their_o heart_n this_o difference_n be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o draw-net_n math._n 13._o of_o the_o sour_a and_o of_o the_o tare_n as_o also_o by_o christ_n behaviour_n at_o the_o last_o judgement_n math._n 25.32_o sever_a the_o sheep_n from_o the_o goat_n both_o which_o live_v together_o in_o the_o church_n and_o by_o saint_n paul_n who_o speak_v of_o those_o which_o be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n say_v that_o some_o be_v child_n of_o the_o flesh_n &_o some_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n rom._n 9.8_o this_o be_v so_o that_o every_o one_o which_o live_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v be_v not_o a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o true_a child_n of_o abraham_n it_o must_v make_v we_o all_o careful_a to_o use_v all_o holy_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v full_o assure_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v unto_o we_o for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n for_o so_o do_v ishmael_n and_o
yet_o never_o be_v save_v unless_o therewithal_o we_o have_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v unto_o we_o and_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o seal_v in_o our_o conscience_n by_o god_n holy_a spirit_n again_o consider_v who_o speak_v these_o word_n but_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v we_o shall_v find_v in_o genesis_n 21.12_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o let_v it_o not_o say_v god_n unto_o abraham_n be_v grievous_a in_o thy_o sight_n for_o the_o child_n and_o for_o the_o bondwoman_n in_o all_o that_o sarah_n shall_v say_v unto_o thou_o hear_v her_o voice_n which_o be_v to_o cast_v out_o the_o bondwoman_n and_o her_o son_n ishmael_n for_o say_v god_n in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v here_o observe_v a_o notable_a practice_n of_o abraham_n as_o a_o good_a direction_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n submit_v themselves_o outward_o to_o the_o ministry_n and_o regiment_n thereof_o abraham_n here_o have_v two_o son_n isaac_n and_o ishmael_n he_o circumcise_v they_o both_o and_o instruct_v they_o both_o for_o he_o teach_v all_o his_o household_n to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o fear_v and_o obey_v he_o gen._n 18.19_o he_o judge_v they_o both_o to_o be_v in_o one_o state_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n covenant_n though_o they_o be_v not_o but_o that_o difference_n be_v make_v by_o god_n abraham_n do_v not_o on_o his_o own_o head_n and_o by_o his_o own_o will_n put_v ishmael_n out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o his_o family_n but_o god_n bid_v he_o put_v he_o out_o and_o then_o he_o put_v he_o out_o and_o not_o before_o till_o such_o time_n he_o keep_v he_o in_o and_o hold_v he_o to_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n be_v even_o so_o must_v we_o deal_v towards_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n secret_a judgement_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n and_o till_o god_n manifest_v the_o contrary_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n we_o must_v hold_v they_o all_o elect_v this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o saint_n paul_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o corinth_n 1._o corinth_n 1.2_o he_o call_v they_o all_o sanctify_a and_o to_o the_o galatian_n gal._n 1.2_o he_o call_v they_o all_o elect_v speak_v so_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n although_o he_o know_v that_o among_o they_o there_o be_v many_o profane_a and_o wicked_a man_n and_o though_o he_o reprove_v many_o great_a error_n and_o heinous_a sin_n among_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o argument_n whereby_o abraham_n faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o namely_o the_o great_a impediment_n which_o may_v hinder_v the_o same_o now_o follow_v the_o second_o argument_n or_o reason_n whereby_o his_o faith_n be_v commend_v to_o wit_n abraham_n victory_n over_o these_o impediment_n or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o overcome_v they_o and_o induce_v himself_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o these_o word_n verse_n 19_o for_o he_o consider_v or_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n that_o make_v abraham_n to_o offer_v his_o son_n and_o yet_o believe_v the_o promise_n that_o in_o he_o his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o abraham_n have_v rather_o have_v die_v himself_o if_o it_o may_v have_v stand_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o to_o have_v sacrifice_v his_o son_n how_o then_o do_v he_o induce_v himself_o to_o offer_v he_o up_o ans._n by_o this_o which_o be_v here_o set_v down_o he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v diverse_a point_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o we_o first_o observe_v the_o text_n say_v not_o that_o abraham_n murmur_v or_o reason_v against_o god_n but_o reason_v with_o himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o his_o son_n again_o and_o thereby_o induce_v himself_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n unto_o god_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o when_o god_n lay_v upon_o we_o any_o hard_a commandment_n we_o must_v not_o plead_v the_o case_n with_o god_n or_o murmur_v against_o he_o but_o with_o all_o quietness_n and_o meekness_n obey_v this_o be_v a_o notable_a grace_n of_o god_n commend_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n himself_o in_o rest_n and_o quietness_n say_v god_n isaiah_n 30.15_o shall_v be_v your_o strength_n in_o quietness_n and_o confidence_n shall_v you_o be_v save_v many_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o endure_v or_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o god_n impose_v on_o his_o child_n but_o our_o spiritual_a strength_n stand_v in_o these_o two_o in_o silence_n or_o rest_n and_o in_o quietness_n by_o these_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v when_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n the_o son_n of_o aaron_n offer_v strange_a fire_n before_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v there_o go_v out_o a_o fire_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o devour_v they_o so_o they_o die_v before_o the_o lord_n 10.1.2_o now_o when_o aaron_n their_o father_n ask_v moses_n a_o cause_n hereof_o moses_n say_v it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n speak_v he_o will_v be_v glorify_v in_o all_o that_o come_v near_o he_o which_o when_o aaron_n hear_v the_o text_n say_v he_o heide_v his_o peace_n and_o say_v not_o a_o word_n so_o david_n behave_v himself_o in_o the_o case_n of_o distress_n i_o hold_v my_o peace_n and_o say_v nothing_o because_o thou_o lord_n do_v it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o special_a point_n for_o we_o to_o learn_v and_o practice_n we_o must_v not_o grudge_v or_o repine_v at_o god_n hard_a commandment_n nor_o plead_v the_o case_n with_o he_o but_o in_o all_o quietness_n and_o silence_n obey_v god_n in_o all_o that_o he_o say_v unto_o us._n again_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o abraham_n reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a etc._n etc._n here_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n that_o believe_v to_o have_v good_a knowledge_n in_o god_n word_n that_o when_o a_o temptation_n come_v against_o his_o faith_n by_o knowledge_n and_o reason_v out_o of_o god_n word_n he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o put_v back_o the_o same_o for_o all_o our_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n so_o do_v abraham_n in_o this_o place_n against_o this_o strong_a temptation_n reason_n out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o stay_v himself_o so_o that_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o therefore_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v erroneous_a and_o here_o condemn_v which_o say_v that_o if_o a_o man_n become_v devout_a &_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v though_o he_o know_v not_o what_o the_o church_n believe_v yet_o this_o faith_n will_v save_v he_o but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a device_n of_o their_o own_o and_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o we_o see_v here_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n be_v necessary_a for_o he_o that_o have_v true_a save_v faith_n but_o what_o be_v abraham_n argument_n whereby_o he_o move_v himself_o to_o obey_v god_n sure_o this_o he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a one_o part_n of_o his_o reason_n he_o take_v for_o grant_v which_o here_o he_o conceal_v for_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o he_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v now_o this_o he_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o god_n will_v never_o change_v his_o promise_n from_o whence_o he_o reason_v thus_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n my_o son_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v sacrifice_v my_o son_n according_a to_o his_o commandment_n for_o this_o i_o know_v certain_o that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v my_o seed_n be_v call_v see_v god_n have_v promise_v that_o as_o well_o as_o he_o command_v this_o other_o in_o this_o example_n we_o see_v a_o mean_n set_v down_o unto_o we_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o hard_a and_o difficult_a case_n impose_v by_o god_n which_o be_v a_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v careful_o of_o every_o one_o of_o us._n for_o say_v that_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o touch_v in_o conscience_n for_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o even_o despair_v of_o our_o own_o salvation_n what_o must_v we_o do_v in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v take_v abraham_n course_n and_o dispute_v with_o ourselves_o for_o ourselves_o &_o we_o must_v draw_v our_o argument_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n we_o must_v join_v the_o promise_n and_o power_n of_o god_n together_o as_o for_o example_n thus_o we_o must_v say_v god_n have_v make_v this_o promise_n this_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o i_o do_v believe_v it_o
he_o alone_o three_o whole_a day_n in_o great_a perplexity_n and_o abraham_n go_v forward_o according_a to_o god_n command_n even_o to_o lay_v his_o knife_n to_o his_o son_n throat_n here_o than_o we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o lord_n deal_v with_o his_o servant_n he_o let_v they_o alone_o for_o a_o long_a season_n in_o temptation_n and_o pitiful_a distress_n and_o at_o the_o length_n when_o it_o come_v even_o to_o the_o extremity_n and_o when_o the_o knife_n be_v as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o throat_n then_o he_o show_v himself_o and_o bring_v comfort_n unto_o they_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o a_o true_a christian_a soul_n whether_o you_o will_v for_o it_o be_v true_a both_o in_o the_o general_a and_o particular_a cant._n 3.2.3_o she_o seek_v christ_n every_o where_o in_o the_o street_n and_o open_a place_n but_o she_o find_v he_o not_o then_o she_o go_v to_o the_o watchman_n which_o be_v god_n minister_n and_o there_o inquire_v after_o he_o who_o her_o soul_n love_v and_o they_o can_v tell_v she_o where_o she_o may_v find_v he_o so_o that_o now_o all_o hope_n of_o find_v he_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v pass_v but_o when_o she_o be_v a_o little_a from_o they_o than_o she_o find_v he_o and_o christ_n come_v to_o she_o when_o she_o be_v most_o in_o fear_v not_o to_o have_v find_v he_o at_o all_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v many_o year_n in_o bondage_n in_o egypt_n and_o when_o the_o time_n come_v that_o moses_n be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o fetch_v they_o thence_o and_o to_o be_v their_o guide_n and_o deliverer_n when_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o out_o and_o carry_v they_o to_o the_o red_a sea_n than_o come_v pharaoh_n with_o a_o huge_a army_n after_o they_o to_o destroy_v they_o exod._n 14.25_o before_o they_o have_v be_v in_o great_a affliction_n and_o bondage_n but_o now_o they_o be_v quite_o past_a all_o hope_n of_o recovery_n for_o they_o have_v before_o they_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o on_o each_o side_n of_o they_o great_a hill_n and_o mountain_n and_o behind_o they_o the_o huge_a host_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o therefore_o they_o cry_v out_o unto_o moses_n who_o then_o by_o gods_n commandment_n do_v divide_v the_o red_a sea_n and_o make_v it_o dry_a land_n and_o deliver_v they_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n but_o as_o for_o their_o enemy_n pharaoh_n and_o all_o his_o host_n the_o lord_n drown_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o so_o for_o ourselves_o when_o god_n shall_v exercise_v any_o of_o we_o in_o case_n of_o extremity_n we_o must_v look_v to_o be_v so_o deal_v withal_o at_o god_n hand_n he_o will_v let_v we_o alone_o for_o a_o time_n and_o never_o help_v we_o till_o the_o last_o pinch_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v wait_v for_o his_o good_a pleasure_n with_o patience_n for_o this_o he_o will_v do_v to_o try_v we_o to_o the_o full_a and_o to_o make_v manifest_a the_o grace_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o us._n the_o three_o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v this_o in_o what_o manner_n do_v abraham_n receive_v his_o son_n from_o the_o dead_a this_o we_o may_v read_v of_o gen._n 22.13_o he_o must_v take_v a_o ram_n that_o be_v catch_v behind_o he_o in_o a_o bush_n and_o offer_v he_o in_o stead_n of_o isaac_n so_o isaac_n be_v save_v and_o the_o ram_n be_v sacrifice_v and_o slay_v now_o whereas_o abraham_n offer_v isaac_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o yet_o isaac_n live_v and_o the_o ram_n be_v slay_v in_o his_o stead_n hence_o some_o gather_v this_o use_n and_o we_o may_v profitable_o consider_v of_o the_o same_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o we_o offer_v unto_o god_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v live_a sacrifice_n for_o isaac_n he_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n &_o yet_o he_o live_v and_o die_v not_o but_o the_o ram_n be_v slay_v for_o he_o so_o must_v we_o offer_v ourselves_o in_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n not_o dead_a in_o sin_n but_o live_v unto_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o thus_o shall_v we_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o living_n sacrifice_n unto_o god_n when_o as_o we_o consecrate_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n service_n and_o obey_v he_o in_o our_o life_n and_o calling_n and_o look_v as_o under_o the_o law_n the_o burn_a offering_n be_v burn_v all_o to_o smoke_n and_o ash_n so_o must_v we_o in_o our_o life_n whole_o and_o altogether_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n and_o renounce_v ourselves_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o world_n but_o whole_o dedicate_v to_o god_n neither_o must_v we_o come_v unto_o he_o in_o our_o sin_n for_o sin_n make_v our_o sacrifice_n dead_a lame_a halt_v and_o blind_a which_o god_n do_v abhor_v but_o we_o must_v bring_v ourselves_o living_n sacrifice_n unto_o god_n as_o paul_n say_v ro._n 12.1_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n that_o you_o give_v up_o your_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a &_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v your_o reasonable_a serve_v of_o god_n hence_o also_o some_o gather_v that_o this_o sacrifice_v of_o isaac_n be_v a_o sign_n and_o type_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o as_o isaac_n be_v sacrifice_v and_o live_v so_o do_v christ_n though_o he_o die_v yet_o rise_v again_o and_o now_o live_v for_o ever_o but_o because_o it_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o this_o place_n though_o it_o be_v true_a which_o be_v say_v of_o both_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o urge_v the_o same_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o three_o reason_n whereby_o abraham_n faith_n be_v commend_v with_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a abraham_n faith_n isaac_n faith_n verse_n 20._o by_o faith_n isaac_n bless_v jacob_n and_o esau_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v in_o the_o three_o former_a verse_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v particular_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n now_o in_o this_o verse_n he_o proceed_v to_o set_v down_o unto_o we_o the_o faith_n of_o isaac_n particular_o also_o wherein_o we_o be_v to_o mark_v these_o four_o point_n first_o a_o blessing_n wherewith_o isaac_n bless_v jacob_n and_o esau_n second_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o blessing_n that_o be_v his_o faith_n three_o the_o party_n bless_v which_o be_v jacob_n and_o esau_n four_o the_o nature_n and_o matter_n of_o this_o blessing_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v of_o these_o in_o order_n first_o for_o the_o blessing_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o it_o we_o must_v search_v out_o the_o kind_n of_o blessing_n how_o many_o they_o be_v in_o god_n word_n we_o find_v three_o kind_n of_o blessing_n 1._o whereby_o god_n bless_v man_n now_o god_n bless_v man_n by_o give_v unto_o he_o gift_n and_o benefit_n either_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a and_o so_o he_o bless_v all_o his_o creature_n in_o the_o beginning_n but_o especial_o man_n the_o 2._o kind_n of_o blessing_n be_v that_o whereby_o man_n bless_v god_n and_o this_o man_n do_v by_o praise_v god_n and_o give_v thanks_n unto_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o blessing_n so_o paul_n say_v bless_a be_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o christ_n ephes._n 1.3_o begin_v his_o epistle_n with_o this_o kind_n of_o blessing_n that_o be_v by_o praise_v god_n and_o so_o zachary_n after_o the_o birth_n of_o his_o son_n and_o the_o receive_n of_o his_o sight_n he_o sing_v unto_o god_n this_o song_n of_o praise_n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n luk_n 1.68_o that_o be_v praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v unto_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n the_o three_o kind_n of_o blessing_n be_v that_o whereby_o one_o man_n do_v bless_v another_o and_o under_o this_o kind_n we_o must_v understand_v isaac_n blessing_n in_o this_o place_n now_o further_o this_o kind_n of_o blessing_n whereby_o one_o man_n bless_v another_o be_v either_o private_a or_o public_a a_o private_a blessing_n be_v that_o whereby_o one_o private_a man_n whatsoever_o he_o be_v in_o his_o place_n pray_v to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o another_o and_o this_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n for_o every_o man_n may_v bless_v another_o that_o be_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o another_o but_o especial_o it_o belong_v to_o parent_n thus_o to_o bless_v their_o child_n by_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o commandment_n go_v thus_o honour_v thy_o fa-thy_a father_n and_o thy_o mother_n that_o they_o may_v prolong_v thy_o day_n in_o the_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n give_v thou_o exod._n 20.12_o now_o
will_n &_o counsel_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v his_o child_n as_o in_o this_o place_n he_o reveal_v unto_o jacob_n the_o particular_a estate_n of_o the_o two_o son_n of_o joseph_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o god_n be_v to_o destroy_v the_o sodomite_n shall_v i_o hide_v say_v the_o lord_n from_o abraham_n that_o thing_n which_o i_o do_v 18.17.18.19_o see_v that_o abraham_n shall_v be_v indeed_o a_o mighty_a nation_n for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o son_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o prophet_n amos_n say_v sure_o the_o lord_n will_v do_v nothing_o 3.7_o but_o he_o reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n so_o say_v our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n and_o he_o give_v a_o reason_n because_o say_v he_o i_o have_v reveal_v unto_o you_o all_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o my_o father_n john_n 15.15_o so_o that_o those_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n the_o friend_n of_o god_n they_o shall_v in_o a_o particular_a and_o special_a manner_n know_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n will_v not_o reveal_v unto_o other_o and_o look_v as_o this_o be_v here_o verify_v to_o jacob_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n so_o it_o be_v true_a general_o in_o all_o god_n servant_n &_o child_n he_o reveal_v some_o particular_a thing_n unto_o they_o more_o than_o he_o do_v unto_o other_o for_o beside_o that_o general_a knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v in_o his_o word_n he_o reveal_v particular_o unto_o they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o election_n of_o their_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o glorification_n to_o come_v though_o not_o by_o way_n of_o prophecy_n yet_o by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o meditation_n of_o his_o word_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o blessing_n now_o follow_v the_o circumstance_n the_o 1._o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o time_n when_o jacob_n bless_v the_o two_o son_n of_o joseph_n note_v in_o these_o word_n when_o he_o be_v die_v that_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o die_v not_o in_o the_o act_n of_o die_v in_o this_o circumstance_n we_o may_v learn_v two_o especial_a duty_n one_o for_o master_n of_o family_n the_o other_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n for_o here_o jacob_n bear_v the_o person_n not_o only_o of_o a_o father_n but_o of_o a_o prophet_n first_o master_n of_o family_n be_v here_o teach_v to_o set_v in_o order_n their_o house_n and_o family_n whereof_o they_o have_v charge_n before_o they_o die_v for_o jacob_n have_v a_o great_a charge_n and_o many_o child_n call_v for_o the_o son_n of_o joseph_n ephraim_n &_o manasses_n before_o his_o death_n and_o make_v they_o his_o own_o to_o perfect_v his_o family_n quest._n how_o will_n some_o ask_v must_v a_o man_n set_v his_o house_n in_o order_n when_o he_o die_v answer_n by_o do_v two_o thing_n after_o jacob_n example_n for_o first_o he_o dispose_v of_o 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he_o say_v to_o go_v the_o way_n of_o all_o flesh_n he_o call_v for_o solomon_n his_o son_n and_o make_v he_o king_n in_o his_o stead_n and_o give_v he_o a_o most_o notable_a charge_n concern_v god_n worship_n verse_n 3_o read_v the_o place_n it_o be_v worth_a the_o mark_v so_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n when_o he_o come_v to_o hezekiah_n from_o the_o lord_n he_o aim_v at_o these_o two_o and_o bid_v he_o set_v his_o house_n in_o order_n for_o he_o must_v die_v and_o not_o live_v isaiah_n 38.1_o and_o so_o ought_v every_o master_n of_o a_o family_n after_o their_o example_n both_o learn_v and_o practise_v these_o two_o duty_n second_o god_n minister_n must_v hence_o learn_v their_o duty_n for_o jacob_n be_v a_o notable_a minister_n and_o prophet_n in_o god_n church_n which_o be_v then_o in_o his_o family_n jacob_n he_o bless_v the_o son_n of_o joseph_n that_o he_o may_v receive_v they_o into_o his_o family_n and_o into_o the_o covenant_n that_o so_o he_o may_v continue_v and_o preserve_v 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hand_n to_o hand_n &_o from_o person_n to_o person_n may_v increase_v from_o time_n to_o time_n s._n peter_n practice_n herein_o be_v notable_a 2._o pet._n 1.15_o i_o will_v endeavour_v therefore_o always_o that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o have_v remembrance_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n after_o my_o departure_n have_v profess_v before_o that_o while_o he_o live_v he_o will_v stir_v they_o up_o by_o put_v they_o in_o remembrance_n v_o 13._o and_o in_o like_a sort_n all_o god_n faithful_a minister_n must_v do_v their_o whole_a endeavour_n before_o they_o die_v that_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v preach_v when_o they_o be_v go_v 2._o circumstance_n by_o what_o mean_n do_v jacob_n bless_v the_o two_o son_n of_o joseph_n ans._n by_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n so_o the_o text_n say_v by_o faith_n jacob_n bless_v the_o two_o son_n of_o joseph_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n well_o we_o shall_v see_v it_o be_v a_o notable_a faith_n for_o he_o be_v now_o a_o poor_a 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portion_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o work_n of_o a_o notable_a faith_n wonderful_o apprehend_v &_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o his_o example_n we_o be_v teach_v a_o notable_a duty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o salvation_n when_o as_o any_o of_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o rigorous_a temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o by_o their_o assault_n shall_v seem_v to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o our_o inheritance_n in_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n what_o must_v we_o do_v we_o must_v not_o despair_v but_o even_o then_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n and_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v unto_o we_o in_o
in_o regard_n of_o his_o profession_n and_o religion_n for_o mock_v be_v persecution_n gal._n 4.29_o with_o gen._n 21.9_o and_o that_o reproach_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o a_o christian_a be_v cast_v upon_o christ_n and_o christ_n take_v it_o as_o do_v unto_o himself_o the_o persecutor_n wound_v christ_n jesus_n through_o the_o side_n of_o a_o poor_a christian_a which_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n for_o in_o so_o do_v he_o set_v himself_o against_o the_o lord_n jesus_n he_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_v and_o if_o he_o so_o continue_v he_o must_v needs_o look_v for_o some_o fearful_a end_n for_o who_o have_v ever_o be_v fierce_a against_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v prosper_v job._n 9.4_o wherefore_o if_o any_o of_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n in_o this_o kind_n let_v we_o repent_v for_o unless_o we_o turn_v our_o condemnation_n will_v be_v remediless_a again_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v their_o suffering_n for_o christ_n where_o note_n that_o though_o christ_n his_o come_n be_v then_o afar_o off_o yet_o the_o israelite_n than_o know_v of_o christ_n for_o else_o they_o can_v not_o suffer_v for_o he_o this_o confute_v those_o which_o hold_v that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o religion_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v if_o he_o live_v civil_o and_o upright_o therein_o their_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o jew_n who_o they_o say_v have_v only_o the_o knowledge_n of_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o so_o be_v save_v but_o that_o opinion_n be_v here_o disproove_v for_o the_o jew_n know_v christ_n and_o profess_v he_o or_o else_o they_o will_v never_o suffer_v for_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v save_v by_o he_o and_o not_o by_o their_o obedience_n to_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o reason_n which_o move_v moses_n to_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n as_o he_o do_v now_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n be_v add_v a_o reason_n why_o moses_n be_v of_o this_o strange_a judgement_n to_o think_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n namely_o because_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n that_o be_v he_o often_o set_v his_o eye_n to_o behold_v and_o his_o heart_n to_o consider_v how_o god_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n of_o life_n everlasting_a after_o this_o life_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o obey_v he_o and_o trust_v in_o he_o in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o enjoy_n whereof_o he_o prefer_v that_o estate_n wherein_o he_o may_v live_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o reproach_n before_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o where_o we_o see_v what_o it_o be_v that_o will_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o esteem_v affliction_n with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n better_a than_o the_o treasure_n &_o pleasure_n of_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n namely_o as_o we_o set_v the_o bodily_a eye_n to_o behold_v the_o affliction_n so_o we_o must_v lift_v up_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o faith_n to_o behold_v the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n that_o be_v the_o state_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n prepare_v for_o god_n child_n thus_o do_v the_o christian_a hebrew_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n hebrew_n 10.37_o they_o suffer_v with_o joy_n the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n a_o very_a hard_a thing_n but_o yet_o most_o true_a for_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v render_v they_o know_v in_o themselves_o how_o that_o they_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o better_a and_o more_o endure_a substance_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o hebrew_n 12.1_o that_o be_v in_o consideration_n of_o that_o joy_n in_o glory_n whereto_o he_o shall_v be_v advance_v himself_o and_o bring_v all_o his_o member_n this_o we_o must_v make_v use_n of_o for_o if_o we_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n we_o must_v suffer_v affliction_n this_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v not_o yield_v unto_o and_o therefore_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o suffer_v with_o joy_n we_o must_v with_o moses_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n we_o must_v say_v thus_o to_o our_o soul_n the_o day_n will_v come_v wherein_o we_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o we_o now_o serve_v and_o fear_v he_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o for_o his_o sake_n be_v content_a to_o suffer_v a_o short_a affliction_n see_v the_o great_a of_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v roman_n chapter_n 8._o verse_n 18._o question_n but_o why_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v everlasting_a life_n a_o reward_n answer_n it_o be_v not_o so_o call_v because_o moses_n do_v procure_v it_o and_o deserve_v it_o at_o god_n hand_n by_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o work_n in_o suffering_n for_o sure_o no_o man_n can_v merit_v any_o thing_n at_o god_n hand_n the_o case_n be_v plain_a for_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v man_n consider_v his_o manhood_n apart_o from_o his_o godhead_n can_v not_o merit_v any_o thing_n at_o god_n hand_n for_o he_o that_o will_v merit_v of_o god_n by_o any_o work_n must_v do_v three_o thing_n 1._o he_o must_v do_v the_o work_n of_o himself_o and_o by_o himself_o for_o if_o he_o do_v it_o by_o another_o the_o other_o merit_v and_o must_v have_v the_o reward_n and_o praise_n of_o the_o work_n second_o he_o must_v do_v it_o of_o mere_a good_a will_n and_o not_o of_o duty_n for_o that_o which_o be_v of_o duty_n can_v merit_v because_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o 3._o the_o work_n do_v to_o merit_n must_v be_v of_o that_o price_n and_o dignity_n that_o it_o may_v be_v proportionable_a to_o life_n everlasting_a which_o be_v the_o reward_n now_o though_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v man_n be_v above_o all_o man_n &_o all_o angel_n in_o grace_n and_o dignity_n yet_o consider_v his_o manhood_n apart_o from_o his_o godhead_n and_o he_o can_v not_o do_v a_o work_n with_o these_o three_o property_n for_o first_o the_o work_v do_v of_o the_o manhood_n be_v not_o do_v of_o itself_o but_o from_o that_o fullness_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherewith_o he_o be_v endue_v second_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n and_o so_o consider_v his_o work_n be_v of_o duty_n to_o the_o creator_n and_o so_o can_v merit_v three_o christ_n work_n as_o man_n simple_o consider_v be_v finite_a and_o so_o can_v not_o merit_v infinite_a glory_n question_n how_o then_o do_v christ_n merit_v at_o god_n hand_n answer_n partly_o by_o mean_n of_o god_n promise_v make_v in_o the_o law_n which_o be_v this_o do_v this_o and_o thou_o shall_v live_v but_o proper_o and_o chief_o because_o he_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a man_n only_o but_o withal_o true_a and_o very_a god_n for_o because_o his_o obedience_n both_o in_o his_o life_n and_o death_n though_o perform_v in_o his_o manhood_n be_v the_o obedience_n of_o he_o that_o be_v god_n and_o man_n even_o from_o the_o infinite_a excellency_n of_o the_o person_n who_o it_o be_v it_o become_v meritorious_a in_o his_o manhood_n he_o obey_v the_o law_n and_o suffer_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o the_o dignity_n thereof_o come_v from_o his_o godhead_n for_o he_o that_o do_v these_o work_n for_o we_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n now_o if_o christ_n consider_v as_o man_n only_o can_v merit_v then_o much_o less_o can_v any_o other_o man_n merit_n at_o god_n hand_n and_o therefore_o moses_n though_o he_o be_v a_o worthy_a man_n yet_o because_o he_o be_v but_o a_o man_n and_o a_o sinful_a man_n also_o he_o can_v not_o by_o any_o work_n deserve_v life_n everlasting_a at_o god_n hand_n but_o life_n everlasting_a be_v call_v a_o reward_n in_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n promise_v by_o god_n to_o his_o child_n in_o christ_n for_o this_o end_n to_o allure_v and_o draw_v they_o on_o in_o obedience_n and_o it_o must_v not_o seem_v strange_a that_o we_o say_v a_o reward_n be_v a_o free_a gift_n for_o so_o it_o may_v be_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o compare_v two_o place_n of_o scripture_n together_o to_o wit_n matthew_n 5.44_o with_o luke_n 6.32_o for_o whereas_o matthew_n say_v if_o you_o love_v they_o that_o love_v you_o what_o reward_n have_v you_o saint_n luke_n repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n say_v what_o thank_v have_v you_o or_o as_o the_o word_n signify_v what_o favour_n or_o free_a gift_n have_v you_o second_o there_o may_v be_v another_o cause_n render_v why_o life_n everlasting_a be_v call_v a_o reward_n to_o wit_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o work_n do_v but_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o worker_n consider_v in_o christ_n for_o christ_n merit_n make_v life_n everlasting_a to_o be_v a_o
who_o god_n know_v it_o good_a for_o they_o be_v deliver_v in_o general_a judgement_n and_o preserve_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o use_v of_o the_o church_n but_o how_o do_v the_o angel_n destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v in_o egypt_n both_o of_o man_n and_o beast_n answ._n by_o take_v from_o they_o their_o temporal_a life_n by_o destroy_v or_o kill_v their_o body_n that_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o to_o this_o signification_n answer_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n now_o some_o do_v abuse_v this_o place_n &_o such_o like_a for_o the_o overthrow_v of_o the_o ancient_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o excommunication_n for_o say_v they_o the_o practice_n of_o s._n paul_n 1._o cor._n 5_o be_v the_o principal_a ground_n of_o excommunication_n where_o paul_n bid_v that_o the_o incestuous_a man_n be_v give_v to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n now_o they_o that_o deny_v excommunication_n will_v have_v that_o place_n to_o be_v interpret_v by_o this_o because_o the_o same_o word_n be_v there_o use_v and_o therefore_o say_v they_o paul_n word_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o destroy_v the_o incestuous_a man_n body_n and_o take_v away_o his_o temporal_a life_n this_o interpretation_n do_v quite_o overthrow_v excommunication_n for_o if_o nothing_o else_o be_v there_o understand_v but_o only_o the_o torment_a of_o the_o body_n than_o excommunication_n be_v not_o thence_o prove_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o that_o censure_n which_o the_o apostle_n urge_v there_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o body_n which_o i_o prove_v thus_o in_o that_o place_n s._n paul_n oppose_v the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n now_o usual_o when_o he_o make_v this_o opposition_n flesh_n signify_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n &_o the_o spirit_n signify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o man_n so_o that_o his_o plain_a meaning_n be_v this_o let_v he_o be_v deliver_v to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n and_o of_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n further_o where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o first_o bear_v we_o must_v understand_v it_o of_o the_o first_o bear_v among_o the_o egyptian_n both_o of_o man_n and_o beast_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v shall_v touch_v they_o he_o mean_v the_o israelite_n who_o be_v not_o touch_v in_o this_o destruction_n hence_o we_o learn_v two_o point_n further_o 1_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o egypt_n be_v destroy_v both_o of_o man_n and_o beast_n this_o be_v markable_a for_o the_o egyptian_n in_o former_a time_n destroy_v the_o israelite_n child_n and_o especial_o their_o first_o bear_v for_o they_o slay_v all_o the_o male_n lest_o they_o shall_v increase_v in_o their_o land_n and_o now_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o their_o child_n even_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o their_o first_o bear_v be_v slay_v for_o the_o israelite_n sake_n and_o when_o they_o be_v 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punish_v man_n what_o way_n he_o will_n but_o he_o oft_o observe_v this_o order_n to_o punish_v man_n by_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o to_o catch_v the_o wicked_a in_o their_o own_o device_n this_o must_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o make_v we_o to_o look_v unto_o ourselves_o and_o to_o have_v care_n against_o all_o sin_n of_o the_o second_o table_n for_o look_v wherein_o thou_o take_v thy_o pleasure_n to_o god_n dishonour_n therein_o shall_v thou_o feel_v and_o see_v god_n judgement_n upon_o thou_o to_o thy_o correction_n and_o confusion_n psal._n 109.17_o as_o he_o love_v curse_v so_o shall_v it_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o as_o he_o love_v not_o blessing_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v far_o from_o he_o this_o adonibezek_n feel_v and_o confess_v when_o his_o thumb_n be_v cut_v off_o judg._n 1.6_o 7_o as_o i_o have_v do_v so_o god_n have_v reward_v i_o last_o in_o that_o the_o destroyer_n kill_v the_o first_o bear_v of_o egypt_n mark_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o god_n judgement_n king_n pharaoh_n and_o his_o people_n sin_n because_o they_o will_v not_o let_v the_o israelite_n go_v but_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v lay_v upon_o their_o child_n and_o cattle_n the_o like_a we_o read_v of_o 2._o sam._n 12.14_o when_o david_n have_v commit_v those_o grievous_a sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n a_o part_n of_o his_o punishment_n be_v the_o death_n of_o his_o child_n when_o he_o number_v the_o people_n the_o plague_n light_n on_o they_o 2._o sam._n 24._o now_o we_o must_v not_o too_o curious_o pry_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o course_n of_o god_n judgement_n for_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v account_n of_o his_o action_n &_o yet_o in_o reason_n we_o may_v see_v the_o equity_n thereof_o for_o we_o must_v consider_v of_o kingdom_n and_o society_n and_o of_o town_n and_o family_n as_o of_o body_n every_o society_n be_v a_o body_n and_o the_o particular_a person_n therein_o be_v member_n of_o that_o body_n now_o look_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a body_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n civil_a or_o politic_a oftentimes_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n when_o the_o stomach_n be_v sick_a the_o head_n ache_v the_o brain_n be_v wound_v and_o the_o heart_n ache_v the_o foot_n be_v hurt_v and_o the_o head_n ache_v and_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o tongue_n may_v be_v punish_v with_o stripe_n upon_o the_o back_n even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a society_n the_o prince_n sin_v and_o the_o people_n be_v punish_v or_o the_o people_n sin_n and_o the_o prince_n be_v punish_v this_o be_v no_o injustice_n with_o god_n for_o since_o prince_n and_o people_n make_v but_o one_o body_n and_o so_o parent_n and_o child_n god_n may_v just_o lay_v upon_o any_o member_n the_o temporal_a punishment_n of_o sin_n commit_v by_o another_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o example_n and_o of_o the_o faith_n of_o moses_n alone_o the_o israelite_n faith_n verse_n 29._o by_o faith_n they_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n as_o by_o dry_a land_n which_o when_o the_o egyptian_n have_v assay_v to_o do_v they_o be_v drown_v hitherto_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o faith_n of_o moses_n alone_o high_o commend_v in_o two_o example_n now_o follow_v a_o commendation_n of_o his_o faith_n with_o other_o so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o new_a example_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o israelite_n together_o with_o moses_n for_o moses_n be_v here_o to_o be_v consider_v not_o only_o as_o one_o of_o they_o but_o as_o a_o principal_a agent_n in_o this_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o here_o their_o faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o by_o a_o wonderful_a strange_a action_n which_o they_o do_v through_o the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n namely_o by_o their_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n not_o by_o pass_v over_o it_o for_o that_o may_v have_v be_v by_o art_n but_o through_o it_o which_o be_v above_o nature_n and_o art_n &_o mere_o miraculous_a this_o fact_n of_o they_o be_v large_o set_v down_o exod._n 14._o and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v every_o way_n wonderful_a as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n commend_v it_o by_o two_o circumstance_n which_o notable_o set_v forth_o unto_o we_o the_o strangeness_n hereof_o first_o by_o their_o manner_n how_o they_o pass_v through_o namely_o as_o by_o dry_a land_n second_o by_o the_o time_n when_o namely_o then_o when_o the_o egyptian_n follow_v they_o be_v drown_v here_o first_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o fact_n itself_o and_o then_o of_o the_o circumstance_n the_o fact_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o first_o word_n by_o faith_n they_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n the_o word_n be_v plain_a of_o themselves_o and_o offer_v unto_o we_o sundry_a point_n worthy_a our_o observation_n and_o first_o
therefore_o she_o come_v to_o the_o spy_n who_o she_o have_v receive_v and_o hide_v upon_o the_o roof_n of_o her_o house_n &_o there_o confess_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n in_o heaven_n above_o 11._o and_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o here_o we_o may_v note_v that_o when_o ordinary_a mean_n fail_v for_o the_o beginning_n and_o increase_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n then_o god_n can_v work_v faith_n extraordinary_o even_o by_o report_n and_o rumour_n for_o thus_o rahab_n and_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a come_v to_o believe_v we_o say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o it_o be_v no_o true_a church_n and_o that_o their_o religion_n can_v save_v a_o man_n hereupon_o many_o that_o savour_v that_o way_n reply_n and_o say_v will_v you_o therefore_o condemn_v all_o your_o forefather_n that_o live_v and_o die_v in_o time_n of_o popery_n we_o answer_v no_o we_o dare_v not_o give_v such_o censure_n upon_o they_o but_o rather_o judge_v charitable_o of_o they_o yea_o we_o have_v great_a hope_n that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v save_v for_o though_o they_o want_v preach_v &_o read_v yet_o god_n may_v work_v faith_n in_o they_o extraordinary_o and_o bless_v even_o good_a report_n and_o speech_n unto_o they_o with_o the_o read_n of_o other_o godly_a book_n beside_o god_n word_n which_o some_o of_o they_o have_v we_o need_v not_o then_o give_v so_o hard_a a_o censure_n of_o they_o because_o god_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o ordinary_a mean_n but_o can_v save_v extraordinary_o when_o mean_n fail_v further_o concern_v rahabs_n faith_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v whether_o it_o be_v weak_a or_o strong_a because_o before_o she_o have_v do_v this_o fact_n of_o faith_n her_o whole_a abode_n be_v among_o the_o heathen_a answ._n we_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n a_o certain_a seed_n or_o beginning_n or_o preparation_n to_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v honour_n with_o the_o title_n of_o a_o true_a &_o lively_a faith_n as_o when_o a_o man_n know_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n have_v withal_o a_o care_n and_o conscience_n to_o profit_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o join_v practice_n therewith_o in_o his_o life_n and_o calling_n example_n hereof_o we_o have_v many_o in_o god_n word_n a_o certain_a ruler_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o beseech_v he_o to_o go_v down_o &_o heal_v his_o son_n joh._n 4.49_o 50._o etc._n etc._n jesus_n but_o say_v unto_o he_o go_v thy_o way_n thy_o son_n live_v and_o the_o ruler_n believe_v the_o word_n that_o jesus_n speak_v unto_o he_o and_o his_o son_n live_v now_o inquire_v of_o the_o hour_n and_o find_v it_o to_o be_v the_o same_o time_n when_o jesus_n say_v thy_o son_n live_v the_o text_n say_v he_o believe_v and_o all_o his_o household_n now_o what_o be_v this_o man_n faith_n sure_o he_o only_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o withal_o resign_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n to_o be_v instruct_v further_o therein_o and_o though_o they_o know_v nothing_o particular_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o saviour_n yet_o for_o this_o willingness_n in_o embrace_v christ_n and_o readiness_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v they_o do_v believe_v so_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n vers_fw-la 29_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n be_v convict_v in_o her_o conscience_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o christ_n tell_v she_o run_v into_o the_o town_n and_o say_v come_v see_v a_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v i_o all_o thing_n that_o ever_o i_o do_v be_v not_o he_o the_o christ_n then_o the_o text_n say_v many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n believe_v because_o of_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n now_o what_o faith_n have_v these_o samaritan_n sure_o they_o do_v only_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v further_o instruct_v in_o his_o doctrine_n which_o they_o testify_v by_o go_v to_o hear_v he_o in_o their_o own_o person_n so_o likewise_o christ_n give_v a_o notable_a testimony_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o apostle_n faith_n math._n 16.17_o 18_o in_o the_o person_n of_o peter_n say_v thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n that_o be_v upon_o this_o your_o faith_n which_o thou_o confess_v will_n i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o main_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o a_o little_a after_o when_o christ_n tell_v they_o of_o his_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o his_o passion_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o they_o and_o all_o the_o elect_a peter_n persuade_v he_o to_o the_o contrary_a say_v master_n spare_v thyself_o these_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v unto_o thou_o whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o peter_n do_v not_o know_v how_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o saviour_n neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n particular_o know_v christ_n his_o resurrection_n till_o he_o be_v rise_v again_o yea_o at_o the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o ascension_n they_o know_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o therefore_o they_o ask_v he_o lord_n will_v thou_o now_o restore_v the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n act_n 1.6_o dream_v still_o of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n for_o which_o christ_n rebuke_n they_o and_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o want_n christ_n say_v they_o have_v true_a faith_n yea_o such_o faith_n as_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o this_o then_o be_v a_o most_o comfortable_a truth_n that_o if_o a_o man_n in_o the_o want_n of_o mean_n of_o further_a knowledge_n do_v hold_v christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o yield_v himself_o willing_a to_o learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o withal_o join_v obedience_n to_o his_o knowledge_n the_o lord_n be_v willing_a for_o a_o time_n to_o accept_v of_o this_o as_o of_o true_a faith_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o rahabs_n faith_n her_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o weak_a faith_n or_o rather_o the_o seed_n and_o beginning_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n afterward_o for_o as_o we_o may_v read_v all_o that_o she_o know_v be_v this_o that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v certain_o deliver_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n into_o the_o israelite_n hand_n 2.11_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a persuasion_n wrought_v by_o a_o report_n and_o according_o she_o join_v herself_o to_o god_n people_n and_o resign_v herself_o to_o obey_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n but_o whether_o she_o know_v the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o here_o set_v down_o and_o it_o be_v very_o like_a that_o as_o yet_o she_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o it_o for_o here_o be_v all_o thing_n set_v down_o that_o tend_v to_o her_o commendation_n so_o that_o her_o faith_n be_v very_o weak_a and_o only_o the_o seed_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o yet_o here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v commend_v she_o for_o her_o faith_n among_o the_o most_o renown_a believer_n that_o ever_o be_v hence_o we_o may_v learn_v many_o good_a instruction_n first_o that_o god_n make_v much_o account_n of_o a_o little_a grace_n if_o he_o see_v in_o a_o man_n but_o the_o seed_n of_o grace_n he_o do_v high_o esteem_v thereof_o when_o the_o young_a man_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o ask_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v 10.17_o christ_n tell_v he_o he_o must_v keep_v the_o commandment_n the_o young_a man_n answer_v that_o he_o have_v keep_v they_o from_o his_o youth_n at_o which_o answer_n it_o be_v say_v christ_n look_v upon_o he_o and_o love_v he_o this_o he_o he_o do_v for_o the_o show_n of_o grace_n which_o appear_v in_o his_o answer_n much_o more_o than_o will_v he_o like_v of_o that_o which_o be_v true_a grace_n indeed_o so_o likewise_o christ_n reason_v with_o the_o scribe_n concern_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o perceive_v that_o he_o have_v answer_v discreet_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o thou_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mark_v 12.34_o show_v hereby_o how_o deep_o he_o tender_v the_o spark_n and_o seed_n of_o true_a grace_n nay_o he_o make_v much_o of_o a_o very_a show_n of_o grace_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o if_o god_n have_v give_v to_o any_o of_o we_o but_o one_o spark_n of_o true_a grace_n how_o ought_v we_o to_o tender_v it_o and_o cherish_v it_o and_o to_o rejoice_v therein_o with_o all_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o it_o yea_o we_o must_v seek_v to_o increase_v the_o same_o for_o according_a to_o our_o grace_n be_v our_o acceptance_n and_o respect_n with_o god_n in_o christ._n second_o whereas_o
get_v his_o father_n blessing_n for_o so_o god_n have_v determine_v and_o yet_o she_o fail_v in_o the_o manner_n quest._n but_o how_o can_v this_o work_n be_v good_a be_v faulty_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o ans._n it_o may_v for_o rebecca_n person_n stand_v righteous_a before_o god_n in_o christ._n now_o the_o worker_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n the_o work_n must_v needs_o be_v good_a also_o and_o though_o the_o worker_n fail_v in_o the_o circumstance_n yet_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o work_n be_v cover_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o be_v approve_v and_o the_o fault_n thereof_o cover_v the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v twofold_a first_o it_o show_v that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n child_n be_v partly_o good_a and_o partly_o bad_a even_o the_o best_a work_n they_o do_v be_v imperfect_a second_o this_o show_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o saint_n james_n when_o he_o say_v that_o rahab_n be_v justify_v by_o her_o work_n hereby_o 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the_o city_n jericho_n be_v give_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o right_a lord_n thereof_o and_o shall_v enjoy_v they_o so_o that_o she_o hide_v the_o spy_n not_o in_o treachery_n but_o in_o faith_n thus_o we_o see_v her_o fact_n the_o duty_n which_o we_o learn_v hence_o be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o harlot_n rahab_n be_v by_o call_v a_o hostess_n and_o a_o victualler_n receive_v the_o spy_n peaceable_o hence_o innkeeper_n be_v teach_v their_o duty_n first_o if_o they_o will_v show_v themselves_o faithful_a they_o must_v have_v special_a regard_n and_o respect_n unto_o such_o guest_n of_o they_o as_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o fear_v he_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o rahabs_n faith_n towards_o the_o spy_n of_o god_n people_n david_n make_v this_o the_o property_n of_o every_o godly_a man_n that_o in_o his_o eye_n a_o vile_a person_n be_v contemn_v but_o he_o honour_v they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n psalm_n 15._o verse_n 4_o and_o therefore_o if_o innkeeper_n will_v show_v themselves_o godly_a they_o must_v so_o do_v and_o to_o encourage_v each_o one_o hereto_o our_o saviour_n christ_n make_v this_o notable_a promise_n matthew_n chapter_n 10._o verse_n 41_o he_o that_o receive_v a_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n shall_v receive_v a_o prophet_n reward_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v a_o just_a man_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o just_a man_n shall_v receive_v a_o just_a man_n reward_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v give_v to_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o to_o drink_n a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o shall_v not_o lose_v his_o reward_n also_o stranger_n be_v here_o teach_v that_o in_o seek_v place_n for_o their_o abode_n they_o must_v make_v choice_n to_o be_v with_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n so_o god_n direct_v these_o spy_n to_o do_v and_o when_o christ_n send_v his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v he_o bid_v they_o matthew_n chapter_n 10._o verse_n 11_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o city_n to_o inquire_v who_o be_v worthy_a in_o that_o city_n and_o there_o to_o abide_v till_o they_o depart_v but_o alas_o these_o duty_n be_v little_o perform_v especial_o the_o first_o for_o innkeeper_n and_o such_o as_o entertain_v stranger_n do_v make_v most_o of_o those_o that_o give_v themselves_o to_o ryote_n and_o good_a fellowship_n they_o be_v best_a welcome_n that_o spend_v most_o in_o game_n drink_v and_o lasciviousness_n these_o may_v learn_v otherwise_o of_o rahab_n who_o do_v better_a though_o she_o have_v be_v a_o harlot_n three_o innkeeper_n must_v here_o learn_v that_o when_o a_o man_n come_v into_o their_o house_n if_o he_o be_v no_o malefactor_n they_o must_v give_v he_o protection_n thus_o rahab_n do_v here_o to_o the_o spy_n of_o the_o israelite_n even_o with_o the_o danger_n of_o her_o own_o life_n the_o like_a also_o we_o may_v read_v of_o lot_n for_o when_o two_o angel_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n come_v into_o his_o house_n and_o the_o man_n of_o sodom_n will_v have_v have_v they_o out_o lot_z beseech_v they_o to_o let_v they_o alone_o gen._n 19.8_o and_o his_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o come_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o roof_n again_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v another_o general_a duty_n to_o wit_n that_o a_o christian_a man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n &_o danger_n be_v not_o to_o discover_v his_o fellow_n brethren_n or_o to_o detect_v they_o but_o must_v rather_o endanger_v his_o own_o life_n by_o conceal_v they_o for_o their_o preservation_n this_o be_v practise_v by_o good_a obadiah_n when_o jesabel_n kill_v the_o lord_n prophet_n he_o hide_v they_o by_o fifty_n in_o a_o cave_n which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v know_v will_v have_v cost_v he_o his_o life_n and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o brethren_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v slay_v paul_n in_o damascus_n the_o brethren_n take_v he_o by_o night_n and_o let_v he_o down_o through_o the_o wall_n in_o a_o basket_n to_o save_v his_o life_n act_v 9.25_o and_o since_o those_o time_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v find_v that_o when_o the_o christian_n be_v urge_v by_o persecuter_n to_o reveal_v their_o brethren_n they_o rather_o choose_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o own_o life_n then_o to_o betray_v their_o brethren_n into_o their_o enemy_n hand_n and_o this_o be_v true_a love_n indeed_o such_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n commend_v when_o a_o man_n will_v give_v his_o life_n for_o his_o brother_n 1._o john_n 3.16_o last_o whereas_o rahab_n receive_v the_o spy_n peaceable_o we_o note_v that_o it_o be_v a_o special_a fruit_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v peaceable_a and_o kind_a the_o holy_a ghost_n repeat_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n name_n peace_n and_o meekness_n among_o they_o 4.22_o now_o this_o peace_n be_v when_o a_o man_n be_v kind_a and_o peaceable_a to_o all_o but_o especial_o to_o those_o that_o â—e_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n foretold_v shall_v be_v under_o the_o gospel_n isaiah_n 11.6_o that_o then_o the_o wolf_n shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n lie_v with_o the_o kid_n signify_v that_o howsoever_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v as_o savage_a as_o wolf_n yet_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v become_v gentle_a as_o lamb_n be_v kind_a and_o peaceable_a one_o to_o another_o this_o peaceablenesse_n be_v especial_o to_o be_v show_v in_o the_o place_n and_o call_v where_o a_o man_n live_v for_o there_o do_v rahab_n show_v forth_o she_o when_o the_o spy_n come_v unto_o she_o and_o where_o this_o be_v true_o in_o outward_a action_n there_o be_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o good_a token_n that_o a_o man_n be_v at_o peace_n with_o god_n when_o he_o live_v peaceable_o with_o man_n which_o be_v so_o we_o must_v learn_v not_o to_o give_v place_n to_o our_o heady_a affection_n but_o must_v rather_o bridle_v the_o rage_n of_o malice_n and_o anger_n and_o endeavour_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o especial_o with_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o god_n church_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o example_n the_o judge_n faith_n verse_n 32._o and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o for_o the_o time_n will_v be_v too_o short_a for_o i_o to_o tell_v of_o gedeon_n of_o barac_n and_o of_o samson_n and_o of_o jephte_n also_o of_o david_n and_o samuel_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n which_o through_o faith_n subdue_v kingdom_n wrought_v righteousness_n etc._n etc._n hitherto_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n have_v
set_v down_o unto_o we_o example_n of_o faith_n more_o at_o large_a but_o from_o this_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o heap_n up_o brief_o together_o many_o example_n of_o faith_n one_o upon_o another_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v first_o because_o the_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v very_o great_a and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o here_o stand_v to_o set_v they_o down_o in_o order_n one_o by_o one_o second_o by_o handle_v all_o the_o example_n at_o large_a which_o the_o author_n propound_v in_o this_o short_a epistle_n he_o shall_v have_v seem_v to_o have_v restrain_v the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o faith_n to_o a_o very_a few_o for_o all_o that_o be_v here_o name_v and_o commend_v for_o their_o faith_n be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o all_o that_o true_o believe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o he_o heap_n up_o the_o rest_n together_o to_o intimate_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v more_o than_o he_o can_v record_v and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o a_o rhetorical_a preterition_n or_o pass_v over_o call_v in_o school_n paralepsis_n whereby_o matter_n be_v brief_o dispatch_v and_o pass_v over_o with_o the_o very_o name_v only_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o that_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o have_v propound_v diverse_a worthy_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v also_o many_o more_o but_o the_o time_n of_o write_v a_o epistle_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o handle_v they_o all_o at_o large_a first_o in_o this_o particular_a quick_a dispatch_n of_o believer_n by_o our_o apostle_n we_o may_v observe_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o infinite_a understanding_n of_o god_n and_o the_o create_a understanding_n that_o be_v in_o man_n mind_n man_n indeed_o understand_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v to_o he_o of_o god_n but_o yet_o in_o a_o manner_n and_o order_n far_o different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v in_o god_n for_o man_n can_v conceive_v in_o his_o mind_n all_o the_o thing_n he_o know_v at_o once_o by_o one_o act_n of_o his_o understanding_n but_o must_v have_v distinct_a time_n to_o conceive_v of_o they_o one_o by_o one_o distinct_o for_o look_v as_o he_o utter_v they_o distinct_o one_o by_o one_o as_o we_o see_v in_o this_o place_n so_o likewise_o do_v he_o apprehend_v they_o in_o conceit_n and_o understanding_n but_o with_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o god_n at_o once_o by_o one_o act_n of_o understanding_n without_o distinction_n of_o time_n do_v conceive_v of_o all_o thing_n at_o once_o both_o past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v and_o so_o can_v utter_v and_o express_v they_o if_o any_o creature_n be_v able_a in_o conceit_n so_o to_o comprehend_v they_o second_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v the_o time_n will_v be_v too_o short_a etc._n etc._n he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v very_o great_a and_o that_o a_o long_a time_n will_v not_o serve_v to_o repeat_v they_o or_o to_o write_v of_o they_o this_o direct_v we_o unto_o a_o good_a answer_n to_o a_o question_n which_o much_o trouble_v our_o common_a people_n to_o wit_n how_o great_a be_v the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v whether_o be_v it_o great_a than_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v damn_v ans._n we_o must_v consider_v the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_v 2._o way_n 1._o in_o comparison_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v condemn_v second_o in_o themselves_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o elect_a with_o the_o reprobate_n the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n for_o in_o most_o age_n the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v be_v but_o a_o handful_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n this_o likewise_o be_v true_a many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o that_o be_v call_v but_o yet_o consider_v the_o elect_a as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o they_o be_v a_o huge_a great_a number_n yea_o innumerable_a as_o saint_n john_n say_v speak_v of_o the_o elect_a among_o the_o gentile_n beside_o the_o choose_a jew_n for_o all_o that_o do_v true_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v now_o believer_n be_v innumerable_a this_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n will_v insinuate_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o phrase_n of_o speech_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o etc._n etc._n in_o handle_v these_o example_n we_o must_v observe_v the_o order_n here_o use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o in_o this_o 32._o verse_n he_o set_v down_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n that_o believe_v all_o joint_o together_o rehearse_v they_o one_o by_o one_o and_o in_o the_o 33_o 34_o 45_o verse_n he_o lay_v down_o brief_o the_o fruit_n of_o all_o their_o faith_n in_o number_n ten_o most_o notable_a action_n serve_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o most_o worthy_o to_o commend_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o they_o we_o will_v follow_v the_o order_n observe_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o first_o speak_v of_o the_o person_n then_o of_o their_o action_n the_o four_o first_o be_v these_o gedeon_n barac_n samson_n and_o jephte_n these_o four_o be_v judge_n in_o israel_n the_o five_o be_v david_n who_o be_v both_o a_o prophet_n and_o a_o king_n the_o six_o be_v samuel_n both_o a_o judge_n and_o a_o prophet_n last_o the_o prophet_n general_o by_o who_o we_o must_v understand_v especial_o these_o three_o elias_n eliseus_n and_o daniel_n in_o speak_v of_o these_o person_n here_o commend_v unto_o we_o first_o we_o will_v entreat_v of_o they_o general_o and_o then_o in_o particular_a in_o general_n let_v we_o first_o observe_v the_o order_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o use_v in_o name_v they_o gedeon_n for_o time_n be_v after_o barac_n and_o yet_o here_o he_o be_v first_o name_v so_o samson_n be_v after_o jephte_n and_o yet_o here_o he_o be_v put_v before_o he_o this_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v never_o do_v without_o some_o special_a cause_n we_o therefore_o must_v know_v that_o the_o scripture_n use_v a_o twofold_a order_n in_o reckon_v up_o of_o person_n to_o wit_n the_o order_n of_o time_n when_o as_o he_o that_o live_v first_o be_v first_o name_v and_o the_o order_n of_o dignity_n when_o the_o most_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a be_v name_v first_o though_o he_o be_v late_a in_o time_n now_o the_o scripture_n account_v best_a of_o they_o that_o do_v excel_v in_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o so_o in_o this_o place_n whereas_o gedeon_n be_v set_v before_o barac_n &_o samson_n before_o jephte_n the_o holy_a ghost_n observe_v not_o the_o order_n of_o time_n but_o the_o order_n of_o dignity_n according_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o faith_n name_v they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o be_v most_o famous_a for_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o do_v exceed_v the_o other_o in_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o here_o we_o learn_v this_o special_a point_n that_o the_o more_o man_n excel_v in_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o more_o god_n will_v honour_v they_o for_o look_v who_o most_o honour_n god_n shall_v be_v most_o honour_v of_o he_o but_o the_o more_o a_o man_n excel_v in_o grace_n the_o more_o he_o honour_v god_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v gedeon_n prefer_v before_o barac_n and_o samson_n before_o jephte_n because_o they_o be_v more_o plentiful_a in_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n this_o must_v move_v we_o not_o only_o to_o seek_v to_o have_v faith_n but_o to_o labour_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n for_o the_o more_o a_o man_n abound_v in_o grace_n before_o god_n the_o more_o will_v god_n honour_v he_o both_o here_o and_o in_o heaven_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o order_n wherein_o they_o be_v propound_v second_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n these_o be_v gedeon_n barac_n and_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v extraordinary_a man_n in_o their_o time_n raise_v up_o by_o god_n for_o the_o special_a good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o may_v help_v and_o defend_v they_o in_o distress_n and_o therefore_o as_o their_o call_n be_v extraordinary_a so_o god_n endue_v they_o with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n strength_n zeal_n and_o authority_n for_o which_o they_o be_v here_o renown_v in_o this_o catalogue_n of_o most_o worthy_a believer_n in_o their_o example_n we_o may_v observe_v this_o point_n that_o who_o god_n do_v raise_v up_o extraordinary_o for_o some_o special_a good_a in_o his_o church_n they_o he_o endue_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n to_o discharge_v that_o call_n and_o withal_o he_o give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n with_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n
gather_v it_o out_o of_o the_o story_n and_o record_n of_o man_n which_o howsoever_o they_o be_v not_o now_o extant_a yet_o in_o his_o day_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v extant_a know_v and_o approve_a neither_o must_v this_o seem_v strange_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n speak_v of_o man_n have_v oftentimes_o reference_n and_o relation_n therein_o to_o humane_a write_n as_o this_o phrase_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n of_o such_o and_o such_o be_v they_o not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n so_o often_o use_v in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n and_o chronicle_n do_v evident_o declare_v now_o those_o book_n of_o chronicle_n be_v not_o parcelle_v of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a story_n like_v to_o our_o book_n of_o martyr_n and_o chronicle_n 2._o timothy_n chapter_n 3._o verse_n 8_o saint_n paul_n say_v jannes_n and_o jambre_n resist_v moses_n now_o in_o the_o book_n of_o exodus_fw-la we_o shall_v not_o find_v the_o sorcerer_n that_o withstand_v moses_n once_o name_v and_o saint_n jude_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o prophecy_n of_o enoch_n jude_n verse_n 14_o which_o in_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v not_o record_v and_o it_o be_v like_a that_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o penne-manne_n of_o holy_a scripture_n whence_o then_o have_v these_o apostle_n these_o thing_n answer_n no_o doubt_n the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v reveal_v such_o thing_n unto_o they_o though_o they_o have_v be_v unknowen_a in_o those_o time_n but_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n have_v they_o out_o of_o some_o jewish_a writer_n or_o record_v then_o extant_a and_o approve_v among_o the_o jew_n so_o paul_n preach_v to_o the_o athenian_n allege_v the_o say_n of_o aratus_n a_o athenian_a poet_n for_o 17.28_o we_o be_v his_o generation_n and_o to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o propound_v a_o sentence_n of_o menander_n evil_a word_n corrupt_v good_a manner_n 1._o cor._n 15._o and_o to_o titus_n he_o allege_v epimenides_n a_o cretian_a poet_n the_o cretan_n be_v always_o liar_n evil_a beast_n slow_a belly_n titus_n 1.12_o now_o whereas_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n take_v these_o sentence_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o man_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o to_o read_v the_o write_n of_o man_n be_v not_o unlawful_a but_o a_o thing_n of_o good_a use_n to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n but_o whereas_o some_o will_v hence_o prove_v that_o their_o authority_n may_v be_v allege_v ordinary_o at_o every_o man_n pleasure_n in_o the_o public_a ministry_n it_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o these_o place_n for_o first_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o their_o public_a ministry_n that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v but_o no_o minister_n at_o this_o day_n have_v such_o a_o privilege_n second_o the_o apostle_n allege_v or_o record_v the_o say_n of_o man_n in_o their_o sermon_n or_o write_n do_v thereby_o sanctify_v they_o and_o make_v they_o to_o become_v a_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n this_o no_o ordinary_a minister_n can_v do_v but_o let_v he_o allege_v a_o humane_a testimony_n ten_o thousand_o time_n yet_o still_o it_o remain_v humane_a and_o be_v not_o god_n word_n three_o they_o that_o will_v warrant_v their_o practice_n in_o allege_v humane_a testimony_n in_o their_o sermon_n by_o the_o apostle_n aught_o to_o follow_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o manner_n of_o allegation_n now_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o spare_v herein_o that_o in_o many_o book_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v one_o for_o there_o be_v only_o three_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n again_o the_o apostle_n do_v it_o without_o ostentation_n for_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n be_v conceal_v whence_o they_o take_v their_o testimony_n and_o last_o the_o apostle_n do_v it_o upon_o weighty_a cause_n and_o just_a occasion_n to_o wit_n when_o they_o be_v persuade_v in_o conscience_n that_o those_o testimony_n will_v convince_v the_o conscience_n of_o their_o hearer_n in_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o allege_v they_o now_o how_o far_o many_o differ_v from_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o allegation_n let_v the_o world_n judge_v yet_o before_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o these_o example_n of_o faith_n in_o particular_a there_o be_v sundry_a general_a point_n to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o three_o former_a verse_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v set_v down_o the_o prosperous_a success_n of_o believer_n through_o faith_n but_o hear_v he_o come_v to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o a_o different_a estate_n of_o other_o believer_n under_o grievous_a persecution_n and_o torment_n even_o unto_o most_o cruel_a and_o bitter_a kind_n of_o death_n from_o this_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o observe_v we_o may_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o god_n church_n and_o people_n here_o in_o this_o world_n for_o god_n vouchsafe_v peace_n and_o prosperous_a success_n to_o some_o as_o a_o just_a reward_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o other_o must_v want_v the_o comfort_n of_o outward_a peace_n and_o welfare_n and_o undergo_v most_o grievous_a trial_n and_o persecution_n look_v as_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a interchange_n between_o day_n and_o night_n and_o the_o one_o do_v constant_o follow_v the_o other_o so_o as_o it_o be_v one_o while_o day_n and_o a_o other_o while_o night_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o with_o true_a believer_n in_o this_o world_n sometime_o they_o have_v peace_n and_o prosperity_n and_o this_o continue_v not_o always_o but_o another_o while_o they_o be_v in_o trouble_n misery_n and_o persecution_n to_o make_v this_o point_n more_o plain_a because_o it_o be_v of_o some_o importance_n we_o may_v behold_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o the_o beginning_n adam_n family_n be_v gods_n church_n and_o therein_o be_v first_o notable_a peace_n but_o when_o god_n accept_v abel_n sacrifice_n and_o refuse_v cain_n than_o persecution_n begin_v and_o cain_n slay_v his_o brother_n abel_n abraham_n be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o his_o family_n in_o those_o day_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o may_v notable_o see_v this_o changeable_a estate_n for_o god_n call_v he_o out_o of_o charran_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n exod._n 12.1_o 10._o but_o within_o a_o while_n the_o family_n be_v so_o great_a in_o the_o land_n that_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o go_v down_o into_o egypt_n to_o sojourn_v there_o and_o there_o the_o lord_n bless_v he_o exceed_o and_o enrich_v he_o so_o great_o that_o he_o become_v a_o mighty_a prince_n able_a to_o encounter_v with_o the_o king_n of_o those_o nation_n in_o battle_n after_o his_o return_n to_o canaan_n exod._n 14._o the_o israelite_n god_n choose_a people_n be_v 400._o year_n in_o bondage_n in_o egypt_n but_o at_o the_o appoint_a time_n god_n give_v they_o a_o glorious_a deliverance_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v try_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 40._o year_n after_o which_o time_n they_o be_v plant_v safe_o in_o the_o fruitful_a land_n of_o canaan_n a_o land_n that_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n and_o there_o also_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v in_o this_o case_n sometime_o in_o prosperity_n and_o otherwhiles_o in_o adversity_n for_o when_o it_o be_v rule_v by_o judge_n as_o in_o that_o book_n appear_v for_o ten_o twenty_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n together_o the_o israelite_n for_o their_o sin_n be_v in_o subjection_n &_o bondage_n to_o the_o nation_n about_o they_o as_o the_o moabite_n the_o philistines_n the_o ammonite_n etc._n etc._n yet_o then_o when_o they_o cry_v to_o god_n he_o send_v they_o some_o mighty_a judge_n to_o deliver_v they_o for_o so_o long_a time_n again_o this_o be_v the_o interchangeable_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o afterward_o when_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o king_n it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n for_o one_o while_o god_n give_v they_o good_a king_n who_o will_v advance_v religion_n and_o maintain_v and_o cherish_v the_o priest_n and_o prophet_n of_o god_n and_o for_o their_o time_n the_o church_n prosper_v but_o otherwhiles_o for_o their_o sin_n god_n will_v send_v they_o wicked_a prince_n which_o persecute_v the_o prophet_n and_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o chronicle_n after_o the_o reign_n of_o good_a king_n josias_n come_v the_o captivity_n into_o babylon_n &_o 70_o year_n expire_v the_o lord_n by_o k._n cyrus_n return_v they_o again_o after_o their_o return_n they_o be_v one_o while_n in_o peace_n and_o another_o while_n in_o distress_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n and_o nehemias_n but_o above_o all_o other_o that_o persecution_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n be_v
most_o notorious_a which_o be_v foretell_v by_o daniel_n in_o his_o prophecy_n dan._n 11.36_o and_o be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n to_o come_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o primitive_a church_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n suffer_v ten_o most_o bloody_a &_o grievous_a persecution_n betwixt_o each_o of_o which_o she_o yet_o have_v some_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o as_o it_o be_v respite_n to_o breath_n in_o and_o after_o the_o ten_o persecution_n end_v the_o lord_n raise_v up_o the_o good_a emperor_n constantine_n who_o bring_v peace_n &_o welfare_n unto_o the_o church_n but_o soon_o after_o he_o the_o heresy_n of_o arrius_n raise_v up_o by_o the_o devil_n bring_v as_o grievous_a persecution_n upon_o the_o church_n as_o ever_o the_o pagan_n do_v be_v a_o most_o blasphemous_a heresy_n deny_v the_o eternal_a deity_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o prevail_v in_o the_o church_n for_o 80._o year_n not_o long_o after_o the_o suppression_n of_o that_o heresy_n begin_v the_o idolatry_n and_o tyranny_n of_o antichrist_n to_o prevail_v in_o the_o church_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o now_o about_o some_o fourscore_o year_n ago_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n raise_v up_o worthy_a instrument_n by_o who_o mean_n he_o deliver_v his_o church_n from_o that_o idolatry_n and_o blindness_n yet_o so_o as_o still_o the_o church_n have_v feel_v the_o bloody_a hand_n of_o antichrist_n in_o grievous_a persecution_n all_o which_o show_v this_o to_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o god_n church_n be_v interchangeable_a have_v one_o while_o peace_n and_o another_o while_n grievous_a persecution_n to_o apply_v this_o to_o ourselves_o god_n have_v plant_v his_o church_n among_o we_o in_o this_o land_n and_o for_o many_o year_n together_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o prosperity_n and_o peace_n which_o in_o great_a mercy_n he_o have_v give_v we_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o servant_n which_o be_v among_o we_o and_o during_o this_o time_n we_o have_v have_v great_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n in_o god_n holy_a ministry_n for_o the_o word_n prayer_n &_o sacrament_n but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o state_n of_o god_n church_n for_o peace_n and_o trouble_n be_v interchangeable_a as_o day_n and_o night_n for_o light_n and_o darkness_n wherefore_o we_o must_v be_v advertise_v to_o look_v unto_o ourselves_o for_o our_o estate_n in_o peace_n must_v not_o last_v always_o these_o golden_a day_n will_v have_v a_o end_n and_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n will_v undoubted_o come_v indeed_o god_n only_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o affliction_n shall_v befall_v and_o the_o particular_a time_n thereof_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o time_n appoint_v of_o god_n we_o may_v resolve_v ourselves_o by_o the_o reason_n follow_v first_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n be_v this_o that_o the_o curse_n do_v follow_v the_o transgression_n so_o that_o when_o any_o man_n family_n or_o people_n live_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o god_n commandment_n they_o must_v look_v for_o god_n judgement_n to_o be_v pour_v upon_o they_o now_o we_o may_v too_o true_o assume_v that_o this_o our_o nation_n and_o people_n abound_v with_o grievous_a sin_n in_o all_o estate_n for_o in_o the_o civil_a estate_n to_o omit_v manifold_a practice_n of_o oppression_n where_o be_v justice_n without_o bribery_n or_o bargain_v without_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n and_o in_o the_o ministry_n beside_o many_o abuse_n where_o be_v that_o care_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o the_o build_n of_o god_n church_n and_o for_o the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n beside_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o superstition_n what_o fearful_a blasphemy_n whoredom_n swear_v and_o sabbaoth-breaking_a do_v every_o where_o abound_v beside_o fearful_a atheism_n which_o be_v a_o mother_n of_o abomination_n whether_o we_o respect_v natural_a atheism_n whereby_o many_o deny_v god_n by_o their_o work_n or_o learned_a atheism_n in_o some_o who_o dispute_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o sin_n among_o we_o cry_v loud_o for_o gods_n judgement_n upon_o we_o even_o for_o that_o fearful_a judgement_n the_o remooveall_v of_o god_n kingdom_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n second_o consider_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n of_o place_n and_o note_n both_o in_o church_n and_o common_a wealth_n god_n take_v from_o we_o by_o death_n even_o in_o their_o best_a time_n be_v they_o not_o such_o as_o excel_v among_o we_o for_o great_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n and_o for_o true_a piety_n and_o good_a conscience_n now_o howsoever_o this_o may_v seem_v but_o a_o small_a thing_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o many_o yet_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o god_n judgement_n for_o the_o righteous_a perish_v and_o no_o man_n consider_v it_o in_o heart_n and_o merciful_a man_n be_v take_v away_o and_o no_o man_n understand_v that_o the_o righteous_a be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v isa._n 57.1_o three_o god_n have_v set_v his_o fearful_a judgement_n among_o we_o and_o about_o we_o war_n and_o sword_n in_o our_o neighbour_n nation_n which_o also_o have_v be_v oft_o shake_v at_o we_o also_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n throughout_o our_o own_o land_n by_o intercourse_n and_o long_a continuance_n levit._n 26._o now_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o when_o god_n send_v his_o judgement_n upon_o a_o people_n if_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v one_o judgement_n be_v but_o the_o forerunner_n of_o another_o more_o grievous_a and_o terrible_a than_o the_o former_a but_o little_a or_o no_o repentance_n appear_v among_o we_o nay_o rather_o we_o fall_v away_o more_o and_o more_o and_o so_o stand_v still_o in_o danger_n of_o more_o fearful_a judgement_n last_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o god_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o his_o own_o servant_n as_o he_o do_v sometime_o reward_v their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n with_o peace_n so_o otherwhiles_o he_o will_v try_v their_o faith_n by_o affliction_n thus_o he_o deal_v with_o his_o servant_n job_n though_o there_o be_v none_o for_o piety_n like_o he_o in_o his_o time_n through_o all_o the_o world_n now_o god_n have_v his_o servant_n among_o we_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o who_o faith_n we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o some_o tribulation_n shall_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v tribulation_n 2._o tim._n 3.12_o this_o be_v so_o that_o our_o peace_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o trouble_n as_o by_o the_o former_a reason_n which_o direct_o fasten_v themselves_o upon_o our_o church_n and_o state_n may_v evident_o appear_v let_v we_o then_o here_o learn_v our_o duty_n first_o we_o must_v cast_v with_o ourselves_o what_o may_v be_v the_o worst_a that_o can_v befall_v we_o when_o trial_n and_o persecution_n shall_v come_v this_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o those_o that_o will_v follow_v he_o constant_o as_o good_a disciple_n they_o must_v as_o good_a builder_n consider_v of_o the_o cost_n before_o they_o lie_v the_o foundation_n and_o like_o good_a warrior_n consider_v of_o their_o strength_n before_o they_o go_v out_o into_o the_o field_n lest_o they_o leave_v off_o &_o turn_v back_o like_o fool_n and_o coward_n luk._n 14.28_o etc._n etc._n we_o by_o god_n mercy_n do_v now_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n with_o hope_n to_o be_v save_v thereby_o therefore_o we_o must_v cast_v with_o ourselves_o what_o our_o religion_n may_v cost_v we_o and_o see_v before_o hand_n what_o be_v the_o worst_a thing_n that_o may_v befall_v we_o for_o our_o profession_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n if_o we_o have_v not_o do_v this_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o profession_n we_o must_v now_o do_v it_o for_o better_a late_o than_o never_o lest_o go_v on_o secure_o without_o this_o account_n make_v we_o shameful_o forsake_v christ_n when_o trial_n come_v in_o former_a time_n the_o constant_a profession_n of_o christ_n have_v cost_v man_n loss_n of_o friend_n loss_n of_o good_n and_o liberty_n yea_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o heart_n blood_n and_o the_o same_o case_n may_v befall_v us._n wherefore_o we_o must_v cast_v with_o ourselves_o and_o see_v whether_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o good_n and_o friend_n yea_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o life_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o christ_n true_a religion_n again_o as_o this_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n must_v move_v we_o to_o make_v this_o account_n for_o resolution_n in_o suffer_v so_o it_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o those_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o may_v enable_v we_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o all_o temptation_n trouble_n &_o persecution_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o blaze_a lamp_n as_o the_o
these_o our_o body_n be_v they_o never_o so_o miserable_o torment_v here_o shall_v one_o day_n rise_v to_o life_n and_o glory_n by_o jesus_n christ._n all_o the_o true_a martyr_n of_o christ_n know_v and_o be_v resolve_v of_o this_o and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o make_v they_o so_o confident_a in_o their_o suffering_n and_o if_o we_o can_v attain_v unto_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v great_a use_n hereof_o both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n for_o our_o life_n this_o will_v move_v we_o to_o embrace_v true_a religion_n from_o our_o heart_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n this_o paul_n testify_v act._n 24.15_o 16_o for_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o his_o hope_n in_o the_o resurrection_n both_o of_o just_a and_o unjust_a he_o say_v and_o herein_o i_o endeavour_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o clear_a conscience_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o for_o death_n this_o persuasion_n also_o be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o it_o will_v notable_o stay_v the_o heart_n against_o the_o natural_a fear_n of_o death_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o see_v how_o terrible_a the_o thought_n of_o death_n be_v to_o many_o a_o one_o now_o this_o fear_n arise_v hence_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o heart_n resolve_v of_o their_o resurrection_n to_o life_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o if_o they_o be_v they_o will_v endeavour_n themselves_o with_o patience_n and_o with_o comfort_n to_o undergo_v the_o pang_n thereof_o though_o never_o so_o terrible_a second_o hence_o we_o must_v learn_v so_o to_o lead_v this_o temporal_a life_n that_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a our_o body_n may_v rise_v again_o to_o life_n eternal_a these_o martyr_n be_v a_o notable_a precedent_n herein_o unto_o we_o for_o they_o be_v so_o resolute_a to_o hold_v that_o course_n of_o life_n which_o have_v the_o hope_n of_o glory_n that_o they_o will_v rather_o lose_v temporal_a life_n then_o leave_v that_o course_n and_o indeed_o this_o duty_n be_v so_o necessary_a that_o unless_o we_o order_v well_o this_o temporal_a life_n we_o can_v never_o have_v hope_n to_o rise_v to_o glory_n quest._n how_o shall_v we_o lead_v this_o temporal_a life_n that_o we_o may_v rise_v to_o glory_n after_o death_n answer_n this_o s._n john_n teach_v we_o revel_v 20_o 6_o bless_a and_o holy_a be_v he_o that_o have_v his_o part_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n for_o on_o such_o the_o second_o death_n have_v no_o power_n we_o must_v therefore_o labour_v earnest_o to_o have_v our_o part_n herein_o this_o first_o resurrection_n be_v spiritual_a wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n cause_v he_o that_o be_v by_o nature_n dead_a in_o sin_n to_o rise_v to_o newness_n of_o life_n whereof_o whosoever_o be_v true_o partaker_n shall_v undoubted_o rise_v to_o glory_n for_o they_o that_o be_v quicken_v in_o christ_n from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n be_v make_v to_o sit_v together_o in_o heavenly_a place_n in_o christ_n jesus_n eph._n 2.5.6_o natural_a death_n may_v sever_v soul_n &_o body_n for_o a_o time_n but_o it_o can_v never_o hinder_v the_o fruition_n of_o eternal_a life_n wherefore_o as_o we_o desire_v this_o life_n which_o be_v eternal_a when_o we_o be_v dead_a so_o let_v we_o frame_v our_o natural_a life_n to_o die_v unto_o sin_n while_o we_o be_v alive_a verse_n 36._o and_o other_o have_v be_v try_v by_o mock_n and_o scourge_n yea_o moreover_o by_o bond_n and_o prisonment_n the_o second_o kind_n of_o suffer_v wherewith_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v then_o try_v be_v mock_v touch_v the_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v diverse_a point_n first_o whence_o it_o come_v no_o doubt_v it_o come_v from_o ungodly_a person_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n church_n &_o true_a religion_n for_o here_o it_o be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o god_n church_n by_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o here_o then_o behold_v the_o state_n of_o mocker_n and_o scoffer_n at_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n they_o be_v here_o account_v wicked_a wretch_n and_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o truth_n so_o saint_n jude_n speak_v of_o certain_a false_a prophet_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n call_v they_o ungodly_a man_n jude_n 4_o which_o he_o prove_v afterward_o by_o their_o black_a mouth_n in_o evil_a speak_n verse_n 8.10_o and_o ishmael_n be_v account_v a_o persecuter_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o mock_v isaac_n galatian_n chapter_n 4._o verse_n 29._o and_o david_n reckon_v up_o the_o degree_n of_o sinner_n make_v the_o chair_n of_o the_o scornful_a the_o three_o and_o high_a psalm_n 1.1_o all_o these_o place_n show_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o of_o we_o young_a or_o old_a high_a or_o low_o have_v be_v overtake_v with_o it_o heretofore_o let_v we_o now_o repent_v and_o leave_v it_o for_o it_o be_v odious_a in_o god_n sight_n thou_o that_o be_v a_o scoffer_n may_v flatter_v thyself_o and_o think_v all_o be_v well_o let_v the_o matter_n prove_v how_o it_o can_v word_n be_v but_o wind_n but_o know_v thy_o case_n be_v fearful_a for_o as_o yet_o thou_o want_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o one_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v judge_v not_o only_o for_o thy_o wicked_a deed_n but_o for_o all_o thy_o cruel_a speaking_n jude_n verse_n 15._o second_o whereas_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v try_v by_o mock_n it_o show_v that_o god_n church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v subject_a to_o this_o affliction_n it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n new_o begin_v in_o this_o age_n of_o we_o but_o have_v be_v always_o in_o god_n church_n from_o the_o beginning_n genesis_n chapter_n 21._o verse_n 9_o ishmael_n mock_v isaac_n and_o isaiah_n bring_v in_o christ_n complain_v thus_o isaiah_n chapter_n 8._o verse_n 18_o behold_v i_o and_o my_o child_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v i_o be_v as_o sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o israel_n and_o jeremie_n say_v i_o be_o in_o derision_n daily_o every_o one_o mock_v i_o jeremie_n chapter_n 20._o verse_n 7_o yea_o our_o saviour_n christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n when_o he_o be_v work_v the_o bless_a work_n of_o man_n redemption_n be_v even_o then_o mock_v by_o the_o spiteful_a jew_n mat._n 27.41_o and_o paul_n be_v mock_v of_o the_o athenian_n for_o preach_v christ_n and_o the_o resurrection_n act_n 17.18_o now_o if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o estate_n of_o christ_n our_o head_n &_o of_o his_o most_o worthy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o be_v mock_v &_o scorn_v then_o must_v no_o child_n of_o god_n at_o this_o day_n think_v to_o escape_v for_o if_o they_o have_v do_v this_o to_o the_o green_a tree_n what_o will_v they_o do_v to_o the_o dry_a wherefore_o if_o we_o belong_v to_o christ_n we_o must_v prepare_v for_o it_o and_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o patience_n to_o undergo_v this_o trial_n the_o disciple_n be_v not_o above_o his_o master_n nor_o the_o servant_n above_o his_o lord_n if_o they_o have_v call_v the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n beelzebub_n how_o much_o more_o they_o of_o the_o house_n mat._n 10.24_o 25_o three_o whereas_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v try_v by_o mock_n and_o do_v endure_v the_o same_o by_o faith_n here_o we_o learn_v how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o mock_v and_o derision_n especial_o for_o religion_n sake_n we_o must_v not_o return_v mock_n for_o mock_v and_o taunt_v for_o taunt_v but_o with_o meekness_n of_o heart_n learn_v to_o bear_v the_o same_o when_o christ_n be_v upon_o the_o cross_n the_o jew_n most_o shameful_o mock_v he_o yet_o even_o then_o do_v christ_n pray_v for_o they_o and_o the_o same_o be_v david_n behaviour_n as_o we_o may_v read_v notable_o psal._n 38._o verse_n 12_o 13_o 14_o when_o his_o enemy_n speak_v evil_a of_o he_o what_o do_v he_o do_v he_o rail_v on_o they_o again_o no_o he_o be_v as_o a_o deaf_a man_n and_o hear_v not_o and_o as_o a_o dumb_a man_n which_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n even_o as_o a_o man_n that_o hear_v not_o and_o in_o who_o mouth_n be_v no_o reproof_n this_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n in_o david_n that_o he_o can_v thus_o bridle_v his_o affection_n in_o the_o case_n of_o reproach_n but_o read_v the_o 15._o verse_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o cause_n he_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n also_o he_o consider_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o their_o reproach_n as_o 2._o samuel_n chapter_n 16._o ver_fw-la 10_o and_o these_o thing_n make_v he_o silent_a this_o example_n we_o must_v look_v upon_o and_o learn_v hereby_o with_o patience_n to_o possess_v our_o soul_n under_o reproach_n the_o three_o kind_n of_o suffer_v be_v scourge_v they_o be_v not_o only_o mock_v for_o religion_n but_o also_o whip_v and_o
aim_v at_o the_o minister_n life_n then_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o flock_n he_o may_v go_v apart_o for_o his_o own_o safety_n for_o a_o time_n so_o it_o be_v with_o paul_n when_o the_o ephesian_n be_v in_o a_o uproar_n about_o their_o diana_n paul_n in_o zeal_n will_v have_v enter_v in_o among_o they_o but_o the_o disciple_n suffer_v he_o not_o act._n 19.30_o this_o they_o do_v for_o paul_n safety_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o know_v those_o idolater_n will_v have_v be_v most_o fierce_a against_o paul_n and_o so_o ought_v every_o particular_a church_n to_o have_v special_a care_n of_o the_o life_n of_o their_o minister_n other_o case_n there_o be_v in_o which_o he_o may_v fly_v but_o i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o recite_v all_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o circumstance_n which_o may_v alter_v the_o case_n as_o well_o respect_v his_o enemy_n as_o himself_o and_o his_o people_n make_v that_o unlawful_a at_o one_o time_n &_o to_o some_o person_n which_o to_o other_o or_o at_o another_o time_n may_v be_v lawful_a second_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v these_o servant_n of_o god_n wander_v up_o and_o down_o we_o do_v learn_v that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o travel_v from_o country_n to_o country_n if_o so_o be_v he_o go_v in_o faith_n as_o these_o man_n do_v again_o their_o go_n be_v to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o for_o the_o same_o end_n may_v any_o man_n lawful_o travel_v from_o place_n to_o place_n but_o when_o man_n go_v not_o in_o faith_n nor_o yet_o for_o this_o end_n the_o better_a to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n there_o undoubted_o their_o travel_n be_v not_o lawful_a by_o this_o then_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o reprove_v the_o bad_a course_n of_o many_o night-wanderer_n among_o we_o as_o first_o of_o our_o common_a beggar_n who_o whole_a life_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o wander_a from_o place_n to_o place_n though_o not_o in_o faith_n nor_o for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o they_o find_v a_o sweetness_n in_o their_o idle_a kind_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o they_o wander_v because_o they_o will_v not_o work_v now_o this_o their_o course_n have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o love_n of_o idleness_n and_o contempt_n of_o pain_n in_o a_o lawful_a calling_n can_v be_v but_o great_o displease_v unto_o god_n who_o enjoin_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v walk_v in_o some_o lawful_a call_n and_o eat_v his_o own_o bread_n this_o they_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n pursue_v they_o for_o general_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o most_o horrible_a sin_n of_o injustice_n and_o uncleanness_n they_o walk_v inordinate_o for_o they_o range_v not_o themselves_o into_o any_o family_n but_o live_v like_a brute_n beast_n than_o man_n they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n but_o excommunicate_v themselves_o from_o all_o church_n and_o so_o live_v as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o god_n no_o christ_n nor_o true_a religion_n and_o herein_o we_o may_v see_v god_n hand_n more_o heavy_a upon_o they_o that_o they_o take_v all_o their_o delight_n in_o that_o course_n of_o wander_v which_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n be_v a_o curse_n &_o a_o punishment_n second_o we_o may_v here_o also_o just_o reprove_v the_o course_n of_o some_o other_o among_o we_o who_o will_v needs_o be_v traveller_n not_o for_o religion_n sake_n for_o that_o be_v commendable_a if_o they_o have_v such_o need_n nor_o yet_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o call_n which_o be_v lawful_a but_o only_o for_o this_o end_n to_o see_v fashion_n and_o strange_a country_n and_o they_o refrain_v not_o from_o such_o place_n as_o rome_n spain_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o that_o cruel_a inquisition_n will_v hardly_o suffer_v any_o to_o pass_v with_o safety_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o this_o their_o travel_n be_v commendable_a no_o sure_o for_o the_o end_n of_o lawful_a travel_n be_v the_o preservation_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n â—r_o the_o bond_n of_o some_o lawful_a call_n now_o these_o man_n travel_v upon_o no_o such_o ground_n but_o only_o upon_o pleasure_n how_o shall_v we_o think_v they_o will_v stand_v to_o the_o truth_n when_o they_o thrust_v themselves_o into_o such_o needless_a danger_n and_o trial_n the_o craze_a conscience_n of_o many_o at_o their_o return_n show_v sufficient_o the_o badness_n of_o that_o course_n further_o note_v the_o state_n of_o these_o believer_n for_o their_o attire_n it_o be_v of_o sheep_n skin_n and_o goat_n skin_n the_o like_a may_v be_v observe_v in_o other_o famous_a prophet_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n eliiah_n wear_v a_o garment_n of_o hair_n and_o thereby_o be_v know_v 2._o king_n 1.8_o and_o so_o do_v john_n baptist_n matth._n 3.4_o yea_o the_o false_a prophet_n go_v so_o array_v that_o they_o may_v the_o rather_o be_v respect_v of_o the_o people_n zach._n 13.4_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v the_o false_a prophet_n shall_v come_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n like_o the_o true_a prophet_n when_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v raven_a wolf_n now_o the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n go_v thus_o base_o attire_v that_o not_o only_o by_o word_n and_o doctrine_n but_o also_o in_o life_n in_o conversation_n they_o may_v preach_v repentance_n unto_o the_o people_n and_o indeed_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o light_n unto_o his_o people_n both_o in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o he_o that_o preach_v well_o and_o do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o his_o doctrine_n build_v with_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o pull_v down_o with_o the_o other_o now_o whereas_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n go_v up_o and_o down_o in_o such_o base_a attire_n as_o sheep_n skin_n and_o goat_n skin_n it_o be_v for_o poverty_n sake_n be_v deprive_v of_o friend_n good_n house_n and_o land_n and_o so_o destitute_a of_o provision_n for_o better_a attire_n in_o their_o example_n we_o may_v note_v that_o god_n servant_n and_o child_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o extreme_a poverty_n and_o necessity_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v want_v ordinary_a food_n and_o raiment_n and_o be_v fain_o to_o cover_v themselves_o with_o beast_n skin_n this_o be_v the_o poor_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o godly_a lazarus_n yea_o christ_n jesus_n for_o our_o sake_n do_v undergo_v a_o mean_a estate_n for_o he_o have_v not_o a_o place_n whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n and_o at_o his_o death_n he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o ground_n of_o his_o own_o as_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o burial_n place_n but_o be_v lay_v in_o josephs_n tomb_n which_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n to_o any_o child_n of_o god_n in_o like_a distress_n for_o why_o shall_v any_o be_v dismay_v with_o that_o estate_n which_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o dear_a servant_n have_v undergo_v for_o his_o example_n here_o some_o may_v ask_v how_o this_o can_v stand_v with_o that_o say_n of_o david_n i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o be_o old_a yet_o i_o never_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_v nor_o his_o seed_n beg_v bread_n psalm_n 37._o verse_n 25._o answer_n david_n saying_n may_v be_v take_v two_o way_n first_o as_o his_o own_o observation_n in_o his_o time_n for_o he_o say_v not_o the_o righteous_a be_v never_o forsake_v but_o that_o he_o never_o see_v it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n to_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_v second_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v david_n meaning_n the_o righteous_a man_n be_v never_o forsake_v and_o his_o seed_n too_o for_o if_o god_n lie_v a_o temporal_a chastisement_n on_o any_o of_o his_o servant_n suffer_v they_o to_o want_v yet_o he_o forsake_v not_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o but_o renew_v his_o mercy_n towards_o they_o if_o they_o walk_v in_o obedience_n before_o he_o he_o may_v make_v trial_n of_o godly_a parent_n by_o want_n but_o their_o godly_a child_n shall_v sure_o be_v bless_v so_o that_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o the_o godly_a may_v be_v in_o want_n further_o whereas_o they_o be_v say_v to_o go_v up_o and_o down_o in_o sheep_n skin_n and_o goat_n skin_n we_o must_v understand_v that_o they_o do_v it_o by_o faith_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v that_o when_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n fail_v than_o the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v by_o faith_n lie_v hold_v upon_o god_n gracious_a promise_n of_o life_n eternal_a and_o stay_v himself_o thereon_o this_o point_n must_v be_v remember_v careful_o for_o say_v we_o shall_v want_v all_o kind_n of_o temporal_a benefit_n must_v we_o thereupon_o despair_v and_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forsake_v we_o god_n forbid_v nay_o when_o all_o mean_n fail_v and_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v against_o we_o yet_o than_o we_o must_v lay_v hold_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n eternal_a in_o
whereof_o we_o must_v all_o labour_n diligent_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o get_v true_a faith_n in_o christ_n that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v approbation_n at_o god_n hand_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o second_o here_o also_o learn_v the_o right_a way_n to_o get_v testimony_n approbation_n and_o credit_n with_o man_n a_o thing_n whereof_o many_o be_v exceed_v glad_a and_o which_o the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v not_o contemn_v now_o the_o way_n be_v this_o he_o must_v first_o labour_n to_o get_v approbation_n at_o gods_n hand_n which_o indeed_o he_o can_v do_v any_o other_o way_n save_v only_o by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v before_o now_o the_o lord_n god_n approve_v of_o he_o he_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n in_o his_o hand_n incline_v they_o whither_o he_o will_v and_o if_o it_o do_v stand_v with_o his_o glory_n he_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o like_v and_o to_o speak_v well_o of_o he_o that_o do_v believe_v many_o indeed_o get_v great_a applause_n in_o the_o world_n which_o little_a regard_n true_a faith_n but_o in_o the_o end_n this_o their_o glory_n and_o applause_n will_v be_v their_o shame_n for_o they_o that_o honour_v i_o will_v i_o honour_v say_v the_o lord_n but_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o shall_v be_v despise_v 1._o sam._n 2.30_o last_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o all_o these_o worthy_a man_n obtain_v testimony_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n we_o be_v hereby_o teach_v that_o we_o which_o now_o live_v in_o the_o church_n be_v much_o more_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o believe_v than_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n they_o receive_v it_o not_o and_o yet_o believe_v wherefore_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n let_v we_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n but_o some_o will_v say_v what_o shall_v we_o hear_v so_o much_o of_o faith_n we_o do_v all_o believe_v answ._n indeed_o we_o say_v so_o much_o with_o our_o mouth_n but_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n to_o find_v true_a and_o sound_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n for_o grosâ—e_n and_o palpable_a ignorance_n abound_v every_o where_o and_o yet_o man_n will_v needs_o be_v good_a believer_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o how_o shall_v faith_n be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o as_o man_n be_v ignorant_a so_o they_o have_v no_o care_n to_o learn_v nor_o to_o get_v knowledge_n that_o so_o they_o may_v come_v by_o true_a faith_n their_o heart_n be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o world_n for_o matter_n of_o profit_n and_o delight_n that_o they_o can_v spare_v no_o time_n to_o seek_v for_o this_o precious_a gift_n of_o faith_n again_o many_o have_v knowledge_n with_o who_o true_a faith_n be_v rare_a for_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v join_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o show_v itself_o by_o obedience_n through_o love_n now_o to_o leave_v the_o heart_n to_o god_n where_o almost_o be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v answerable_a to_o his_o knowledge_n may_v we_o not_o true_o say_v of_o many_o that_o as_o the_o word_n come_v in_o at_o the_o one_o ear_n it_o go_v out_o at_o the_o other_o and_o among_o those_o which_o learn_v and_o bear_v away_o something_o there_o be_v little_a care_n to_o practise_v it_o in_o life_n but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v approve_v of_o god_n we_o must_v believe_v now_o so_o long_o as_o we_o remain_v ignorant_a or_o else_o have_v knowledge_n do_v not_o join_v practice_n therewith_o in_o obedience_n from_o a_o good_a conscience_n undoubted_o we_o have_v no_o spark_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o us._n we_o may_v make_v a_o show_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n we_o believe_v but_o certain_o this_o will_v prove_v a_o very_a dead_a faith_n and_o in_o the_o end_n and_o finish_v of_o all_o appear_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o bare_a lip-faith_n and_o mere_a presumption_n now_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n we_o must_v know_v that_o unless_o we_o get_v true_a faith_n as_o these_o believer_n have_v which_o we_o must_v show_v by_o good_a fruit_n as_o they_o do_v even_o they_o shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o to_o condemn_v we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o they_o believe_v though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n so_o lay_v before_o they_o as_o we_o have_v wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o want_v knowledge_n labour_n for_o it_o and_o they_o which_o have_v it_o let_v they_o join_v obedience_n with_o their_o knowledge_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o life_n for_o true_a faith_n can_v be_v hide_v but_o will_v break_v out_o in_o good_a work_n verse_n 40._o god_n provide_v a_o better_a thing_n for_o we_o that_o they_o without_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v make_v perfect_a because_o some_o man_n may_v much_o marvel_v that_o such_o man_n as_o receive_a testimony_n of_o god_n for_o their_o faith_n shall_v not_o yet_o receive_v the_o promise_n therefore_o here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n render_v a_o reason_n thereof_o to_o wit_n the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n appoint_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v incarnate_a at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o perfect_a consummation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n consist_v of_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n for_o though_o these_o ancient_a believer_n be_v in_o time_n long_o before_o we_o yet_o god_n provide_v christ_n incarnation_n so_o fit_o for_o we_o that_o they_o without_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v perfect_a consummation_n in_o glory_n the_o exposition_n god_n provide_v a_o better_a thing_n for_o us._n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n translate_v provide_v signify_v proper_o foreseeing_a wherein_o be_v likewise_o include_v god_n decree_n and_o ordination_n now_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a prerogative_n belong_v to_o the_o true_a god_n alone_o to_o be_v able_a to_o foresee_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o that_o many_o thousand_o year_n before_o no_o creature_n of_o himself_o can_v do_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o property_n to_o foresee_v be_v ascribe_v unto_o god_n not_o proper_o but_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o capacity_n for_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n proper_o god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o foresee_v any_o thing_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v present_a to_o he_o whether_o past_a or_o to_o come_v this_o prescience_n or_o foreknowledge_n in_o god_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o all_o false_a god_n yea_o between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o all_o creature_n for_o the_o true_a god_n foresee_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v so_o can_v no_o creature_n do_v indeed_o some_o creature_n foresee_v and_o foretell_v some_o thing_n yet_o herein_o they_o come_v short_a of_o the_o divine_a property_n for_o god_n foresee_v all_o thing_n by_o himself_o without_o sign_n or_o cause_n or_o outward_a mean_n but_o creature_n only_o foresee_v some_o thing_n not_o of_o themselves_o but_o by_o mean_n of_o sign_n and_o outward_a cause_n or_o by_o revelation_n from_o god_n otherwise_o can_v no_o creature_n foresee_v thing_n to_o come_v now_o as_o we_o say_v before_o this_o foresight_n in_o god_n include_v his_o decree_n and_o ordination_n for_o therefore_o do_v these_o thing_n so_o come_v to_o pass_v because_o god_n ordain_v they_o whereby_o we_o see_v that_o god_n prescience_n of_o foreknowledge_n be_v not_o idle_a but_o operative_a and_o join_v with_o his_o will_n for_o math._n 10.29_o 30_o a_o hair_n can_v fall_v from_o our_o head_n nor_o a_o sparrow_n light_n upon_o the_o ground_n without_o his_o will_n as_o all_o thing_n in_o time_n come_v to_o pass_v so_o god_n before_o all_o world_n will_v that_o be_v decree_v and_o appoint_v they_o and_o under_o this_o large_a extent_n of_o god_n will_v or_o decree_n we_o must_v include_v the_o sinful_a action_n of_o man_n for_o god_n do_v not_o bare_o foresee_v they_o but_o decree_v the_o be_v of_o they_o and_o so_o will_v they_o after_o a_o sort_n though_o not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o himself_o yet_o by_o other_o when_o judas_n betray_v christ_n and_o pilate_n with_o the_o wicked_a jew_n condemn_v and_o revile_v he_o they_o sin_v grievous_o &_o yet_o herein_o they_o do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o god_n hand_n and_o counsel_n have_v determine_v before_o to_o be_v do_v this_o point_n well_o consider_v confute_v their_o opinion_n who_o indeed_o enlarge_v god_n prescience_n or_o before_o knowledge_n over_o all_o thing_n both_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o yet_o exclude_v sin_n from_o without_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o decree_n and_o ordination_n but_o here_o we_o see_v god_n foresight_n include_v his_o decree_n and_o nothing_o
ourselves_o and_o to_o lay_v it_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o then_o no_o doubt_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o word_n of_o power_n able_a to_o reform_v both_o the_o misdemeanour_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o error_n of_o our_o mind_n now_o to_o the_o reason_n more_o particular_o we_o must_v be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n because_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n here_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o for_o their_o faith_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n and_o then_o to_o a_o cloud_n compass_v us._n last_o to_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n they_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n as_o i_o take_v it_o by_o allusion_n to_o the_o cloud_n which_o direct_v and_o lead_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o when_o they_o come_v from_o egypt_n and_o be_v 40._o year_n in_o the_o desert_n of_o arabia_n all_o that_o while_n they_o be_v direct_v by_o a_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n by_o day_n exod._n 13.21_o now_o look_v as_o this_o cloud_n guide_v the_o israelite_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n so_o do_v this_o company_n of_o famous_a believer_n direct_v all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o right_a way_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n to_o the_o spiritual_a canaan_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o these_o worthy_a believer_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n mark_v further_o they_o be_v call_v a_o cloud_n but_o what_o a_o cloud_n namely_o compass_v us._n a_o compass_v cloud_n they_o be_v call_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a company_n of_o believer_n so_o as_o which_o way_n soever_o a_o man_n turn_v he_o he_o shall_v see_v believer_n on_o every_o side_n and_o they_o be_v say_v to_o compass_v we_o because_o they_o give_v we_o direction_n in_o the_o course_n of_o christianity_n as_o the_o cloud_n do_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n now_o whereas_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v a_o cloud_n compass_v we_o here_o be_v answer_v a_o common_a objection_n of_o temporizer_n which_o argue_v thus_o against_o religion_n there_o be_v so_o many_o kind_n of_o religion_n now_o aday_n that_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v which_o to_o be_v of_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n till_o we_o be_v certify_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n this_o carnal_a reason_n be_v here_o answer_v for_o howsoever_o in_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v variety_n of_o opinion_n in_o god_n church_n yet_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n all_o agree_v in_o one_o for_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o world_n resemble_v a_o cloud_n that_o go_v before_o we_o show_v we_o the_o right_a way_n which_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n second_o in_o that_o these_o ancient_a believer_n be_v call_v a_o cloud_n compass_v we_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o as_o the_o israelites_n do_v follow_v the_o cloud_n in_o the_o wilderness_n from_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n to_o canaan_n so_o must_v we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o these_o ancient_a believe_a father_n &_o prophet_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o see_v how_o the_o israelite_n follow_v that_o cloud_n they_o never_o go_v till_o it_o go_v before_o they_o and_o when_o it_o stand_v still_o they_o stand_v still_o also_o though_o it_o be_v 2._o year_n together_o and_o when_o it_o begin_v to_o move_v they_o move_v with_o it_o so_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n must_v we_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o life_n the_o worthy_a example_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n 15.4_o we_o must_v therefore_o be_v follower_n of_o they_o in_o faith_n obedience_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v direct_v to_o life_n everlasting_a in_o the_o spiritual_a canaan_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o follow_v they_o absolute_o for_o all_o of_o they_o have_v their_o infirmity_n &_o some_o of_o they_o have_v their_o grievous_a fault_n whereby_o they_o be_v taint_v &_o their_o commendation_n somewhat_o blemish_v but_o we_o must_v follow_v they_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n &_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o cloud_n that_o guide_v the_o israelite_n have_v two_o part_n 14.20_o a_o light_a part_n &_o a_o dark_a the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n people_n have_v not_o the_o light_a part_n before_o they_o but_o the_o dark_a part_n &_o so_o follow_v that_o they_o rush_v into_o the_o red_a sea_n &_o be_v drown_v when_o as_o the_o israelite_n follow_v the_o light_a part_n go_v through_o in_o safety_n even_o so_o these_o believer_n have_v in_o they_o two_o thing_n their_o sin_n which_o be_v their_o dark_a part_n which_o if_o we_o follow_v we_o cast_v our_o soul_n into_o great_a danger_n &_o destruction_n and_o faith_n with_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v their_o light_a part_n which_o we_o must_v follow_v as_o our_o light_n which_o if_o we_o do_v careful_o it_o will_v bring_v we_o safe_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o paul_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n be_v follower_n of_o he_o yet_o not_o absolute_o in_o every_o thing_n but_o as_o he_o follow_v christ_n and_o so_o must_v we_o follow_v the_o father_n as_o they_o go_v on_o in_o faith_n in_o christ._n further_o they_o be_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n that_o be_v a_o huge_a multitude_n of_o witness_n and_o they_o be_v so_o call_v first_o because_o by_o their_o own_o blood_n they_o confirm_v the_o faith_n which_o they_o profess_v second_o because_o they_o do_v all_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o true_a religion_n whereof_o they_o be_v witness_n partly_o by_o speech_n and_o partly_o by_o action_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o so_o be_v every_o member_n of_o christ_n a_o witness_n as_o the_o lord_n often_o call_v the_o believe_a israelite_n 12_o his_o witness_n quest._n how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v that_o these_o believer_n shall_v be_v god_n witness_n answer_n sure_o because_o they_o testify_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o god_n holy_a religion_n both_o in_o word_n and_o action_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n now_o see_v these_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v christ_n witness_n first_o hereby_o all_o ignorant_a person_n must_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o get_v faith_n and_o to_o learn_v true_a religion_n if_o any_o thing_n will_v move_v a_o man_n to_o become_v religious_a this_o will_n for_o out_o of_o all_o the_o world_n god_n will_v choose_v faithful_a man_n to_o be_v his_o witness_n to_o testify_v of_o his_o religion_n unto_o other_o if_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o some_o worthy_a mighty_a prince_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o call_v he_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o his_o side_n he_o will_v be_v wonderful_a glad_a thereof_o and_o take_v it_o for_o a_o great_a honour_n to_o he_o how_o much_o more_o than_o ought_v we_o to_o labour_n for_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o true_a religion_n that_o we_o may_v become_v witness_n unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n if_o it_o be_v a_o dignity_n to_o be_v witness_n to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n oh_o then_o what_o a_o great_a prerogative_n be_v this_o for_o a_o silly_a sinful_a man_n to_o become_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n &_o who_o word_n need_v no_o confirmation_n this_o must_v make_v we_o all_o to_o labour_v for_o knowledge_n &_o for_o faith_n and_o for_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o we_o will_v remain_v still_o in_o our_o ignorance_n and_o never_o labour_v for_o knowledge_n then_o shall_v these_o servant_n of_o god_n that_o believe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n stand_v up_o and_o witness_v against_o we_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o they_o have_v not_o such_o mean_n as_o we_o have_v and_o yet_o they_o become_v most_o faithful_a witness_n second_o this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v careful_a that_o as_o in_o word_n we_o profess_v christ_n so_o indeed_o we_o may_v confess_v he_o express_v the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o us._n for_o by_o this_o true_a confession_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v make_v his_o witness_n but_o when_o we_o confess_v christ_n in_o word_n only_o and_o yet_o in_o life_n &_o practice_n deny_v he_o than_o we_o be_v unfaithful_a witness_n for_o we_o say_v &_o unsay_v in_o a_o earthly_a court_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v one_o while_o say_v one_o thing_n &_o another_o while_o another_o thing_n he_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v for_o a_o