either_o in_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o to_o remember_v he_o that_o of_o one_o make_v multitude_n to_o spring_v out_o therefore_o when_o thou_o be_v bring_v never_o so_o low_a either_o in_o soul_n or_o body_n by_o any_o misery_n either_o inward_a or_o outward_a faint_v not_o but_o go_v forward_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n particular_o if_o god_n have_v afflict_v thou_o with_o poverty_n that_o thou_o have_v almost_o nothing_o to_o begin_v withal_o or_o for_o thy_o soul_n be_v thy_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n small_a thy_o mean_n poor_a thy_o feel_n of_o god_n favour_n but_o weak_a yet_o faint_v not_o but_o lay_v fast_o hold_v on_o god_n power_n &_o promise_n use_v careful_o the_o holy_a mean_n god_n have_v ordain_v remember_v and_o rely_v on_o he_o who_o make_v million_o grow_v out_o of_o one_o and_o assure_v thyself_o that_o as_o job_n say_v though_o thy_o beginning_n be_v small_a yet_o thy_o late_a end_n shall_v great_o increase_v second_o observe_v here_o how_o old_a person_n be_v call_v half_o dead_a or_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a &_o that_o be_v true_a of_o they_o many_o way_n first_o their_o year_n and_o day_n limit_v they_o be_v as_o good_a as_o go_v for_o suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v be_v as_o sure_a to_o live_v 100_o year_n as_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o run_v all_o the_o day_n long_v his_o course_n and_o at_o night_n to_o go_v down_o yet_o as_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v pass_v the_o height_n and_o draw_v downward_o we_o say_v it_o go_v fast_o down_o and_o the_o day_n haste_v away_o so_o when_o a_o man_n be_v pass_v his_o middle_a age_n when_o the_o sun_n of_o his_o life_n be_v pass_v the_o noonsteede_o he_o decline_v daily_a and_o draw_v fast_o away_o and_o the_o night_n of_o his_o life_n approach_v with_o haste_n and_o much_o horror_n unless_o he_o prevent_v it_o second_o their_o strength_n &_o vital_a power_n by_o which_o their_o life_n be_v continue_v and_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n keep_v together_o be_v so_o much_o weaken_v that_o they_o be_v almost_o extinguish_v whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v a_o old_a man_n may_v feel_v a_o manifest_a defect_n in_o all_o power_n of_o mind_n and_o body_n three_o sickness_n or_o disease_n grow_v upon_o they_o in_o old_a age_n and_o as_o their_o strength_n fail_v so_o the_o force_n of_o disease_n be_v redouble_v on_o they_o and_o look_v what_o disease_n have_v lurk_v in_o their_o body_n which_o either_o natural_o be_v breed_v in_o they_o or_o accidental_o take_v they_o now_o show_v themselves_o more_o sensible_o and_o the_o weak_a a_o man_n be_v the_o strong_a be_v his_o sickness_n in_o these_o three_o respect_n a_o old_a man_n or_o woman_n be_v as_o good_a as_o dead_a the_o use_n hereof_o be_v profitable_a first_o they_o must_v therefore_o be_v advise_v to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o death_n every_o man_n be_v to_o prepare_v i_o confess_v then_o if_o every_o man_n especial_o they_o that_o be_v old_a the_o young_a man_n may_v die_v the_o old_a man_n must_v die_v the_o young_a can_v live_v always_o the_o old_a man_n can_v live_v long_o the_o age_a man_n grave_n be_v as_o it_o be_v make_v already_o &_o his_o one_o foot_n be_v in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v not_o man_n conceit_n alone_o but_o god_n own_o judgement_n who_o as_o we_o see_v here_o call_v a_o old_a man_n as_o good_a as_o dead_a and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o in_o regard_n that_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o die_v as_o that_o he_o be_v near_o it_o therefore_o as_o every_o man_n young_a or_o old_a be_v to_o make_v ready_a because_o his_o time_n be_v unknown_a and_o no_o man_n be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v live_v to_o be_v old_a and_o as_o the_o psalmist_n sing_v every_o man_n in_o his_o best_a estate_n be_v altogether_o vaenity_n psal._n 39.6_o so_o especial_o he_o to_o who_o god_n have_v be_v so_o gracious_a as_o to_o let_v he_o see_v old_a age_n he_o shall_v think_v of_o nothing_o but_o his_o end_n &_o prepare_v every_o day_n to_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n his_o gray_a hair_n his_o wrinkle_a skin_n his_o wither_a face_n his_o ill_a stomach_n his_o weak_a memory_n his_o crooked_a body_n and_o the_o manifest_a &_o most_o sensible_a alteration_n and_o decay_n of_o his_o whole_a state_n of_o mind_n and_o body_n shall_v hourly_o all_o cry_n in_o his_o ear_n i_o be_o half_a dead_a i_o will_v therefore_o prepare_v to_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o miserable_a sight_n to_o see_v that_o those_o who_o of_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v most_o willing_a to_o die_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n most_o desirous_a to_o live_v and_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v most_o ready_a to_o die_v be_v general_o most_o ignorant_a most_o covetous_a and_o their_o heart_n most_o of_o all_o wed_a to_o the_o earth_n and_o earthly_a thing_n second_o old_a person_n must_v here_o learn_v s._n paul_n lesson_n 2._o corinth_n 4._o that_o as_o the_o outward_a man_n perish_v so_o the_o inward_a man_n may_v be_v renew_a daily_a the_o outward_a man_n be_v the_o body_n the_o inward_a man_n be_v the_o soul_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o it_o they_o must_v therefore_o labour_v that_o as_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o body_n decay_n so_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n may_v quicken_v and_o revive_v but_o alas_o the_o common_a practice_n be_v contrary_a for_o old_a man_n have_v general_o so_o misspend_v their_o youth_n and_o in_o their_o old_a age_n be_v partly_o so_o backward_o partly_o so_o unfit_a to_o learn_v religion_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o their_o deathbed_n they_o be_v then_o to_o be_v catechise_v in_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o when_o as_o the_o body_n be_v half_a dead_a religion_n have_v no_o be_v in_o they_o and_o when_o the_o body_n be_v a_o die_a religion_n and_o grace_n scarce_o begin_v to_o live_v in_o they_o such_o man_n cast_v all_o upon_o a_o desperate_a point_n but_o let_v they_o that_o desire_v a_o joyful_a departure_n think_v of_o these_o thing_n aforehand_o and_o as_o year_n draw_v on_o and_o so_o draw_v life_n to_o his_o end_n and_o the_o body_n to_o the_o grave_n so_o let_v they_o wean_v their_o heart_n from_o the_o world_n and_o lift_v they_o up_o to_o god_n and_o so_o spend_v their_o last_o day_n in_o get_v knowledge_n and_o in_o serve_v god_n that_o when_o their_o body_n be_v weak_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o earth_n their_o soul_n may_v be_v the_o holy_a and_o ripe_a for_o heaven_n to_o such_o man_n shall_v it_o never_o be_v discomfort_n to_o see_v their_o body_n half_o dead_a when_o for_o recompense_v thereof_o they_o find_v their_o soul_n half_a in_o heaven_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o root_n or_o foundotion_n of_o this_o posterity_n how_o poor_a and_o weak_a it_o be_v now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o thereof_o spring_v as_o many_o in_o number_n etc._n etc._n this_o one_o old_a couple_n abraham_n and_o sarah_n be_v make_v by_o god_n power_n the_o father_n &_o mother_n of_o many_o nation_n and_o he_o and_o she_o of_o who_o the_o world_n will_v have_v pronounce_v they_o shall_v not_o have_v leave_v a_o name_n upon_o the_o earth_n have_v now_o million_o of_o child_n that_o spring_v out_o of_o they_o here_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o though_o god_n work_v ordinary_o according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n which_o himself_o have_v establish_v yet_o that_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o it_o nor_o will_v be_v he_o bind_v it_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n it_o shall_v bind_v he_o here_o we_o may_v see_v the_o power_n and_o prerogative_n of_o god_n majesty_n as_o in_o the_o beginning_n he_o make_v to_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o so_o still_o he_o call_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v rom._n 4.17_o and_o turn_v and_o alter_v the_o state_n and_o nature_n of_o his_o creature_n as_o please_v he_o he_o can_v take_v life_n from_o the_o live_a man_n and_o leave_v he_o dead_a he_o can_v give_v life_n to_o the_o dead_a man_n &_o make_v he_o live_v again_o so_o have_v he_o deal_v for_o the_o body_n and_o for_o the_o soul_n he_o have_v be_v no_o less_o wonderful_a saul_n of_o a_o bloody_a persecuter_n he_o can_v make_v a_o zealous_a preacher_n act_v 9_o even_o a_o glorious_a instrument_n and_o a_o choose_a vessel_n to_o carry_v his_o name_n unto_o the_o gentile_n even_o he_o who_o think_v to_o have_v blot_v out_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o call_v on_o that_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n act_v 9.14_o rahab_n a_o harlot_n &_o a_o common_a woman_n yet_o by_o god_n work_n so_o far_o alter_v that_o her_o faith_n be_v here_o register_v in_o the_o 31._o ver_fw-la among_o the_o most_o excellent_a
god_n will_v not_o be_v call_v in_o special_a manner_n the_o god_n of_o unfaithful_a man_n but_o rather_o will_v bestow_v such_o a_o special_a favour_n upon_o believer_n but_o that_o favour_n do_v god_n vouchsafe_v to_o these_o three_o patriarch_n therefore_o doubtless_o they_o live_v and_o die_v in_o that_o holy_a faith_n in_o that_o it_o be_v say_v god_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n here_o first_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v his_o mercy_n equal_o to_o all_o man_n but_o some_o man_n have_v more_o prerogagative_n in_o his_o favour_n and_o mercy_n than_o other_o king_n make_v choice_n among_o all_o their_o subject_n of_o some_o man_n who_o they_o will_v prefer_v to_o be_v of_o their_o counsel_n or_o guard_n &_o to_o who_o they_o will_v give_v special_a countenance_n and_o dispense_v their_o favour_n more_o liberal_o then_o to_o all_o even_o so_o god_n among_o all_o abrabrahams_n kindred_n make_v choice_n of_o these_o three_o person_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n to_o bestow_v on_o they_o such_o special_a honour_n as_o he_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o any_o of_o their_o forefather_n afore_o they_o nor_o posterity_n after_o they_o no_o marvel_n therefore_o though_o he_o bestow_v not_o his_o special_a mercy_n upon_o all_o see_v he_o dispense_v not_o his_o inferior_a favour_n unto_o all_o alike_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o be_v no_o accepter_n of_o person_n for_o he_o only_o be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v a_o accepter_n of_o person_n that_o prefer_v one_o before_o another_o in_o regard_n of_o some_o quality_n in_o the_o person_n but_o god_n vouchsafe_v this_o honour_n unto_o these_o three_o only_o of_o mere_a mercy_n and_o good_a will_n and_o not_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o respect_v in_o they_o this_o confute_v the_o conceit_n and_o error_n of_o many_o man_n broach_v abroad_o in_o this_o age_n that_o god_n do_v equal_o love_v all_o man_n as_o they_o be_v man_n and_o have_v choose_v all_o man_n to_o salvation_n as_o they_o be_v man_n and_o have_v reject_v none_o for_o say_v they_o it_o stand_v with_o equity_n and_o good_a reason_n that_o the_o creator_n shall_v love_v all_o his_o creature_n equal_o and_o this_o opinion_n they_o will_v build_v upon_o the_o general_a promise_n make_v to_o abraham_n because_o that_o in_o he_o god_n say_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v gen._n 22.18_o but_o we_o must_v understand_v that_o all_z be_v not_o always_o take_v general_o but_o sometime_o indefinite_o for_o many_o and_o so_o paul_n speak_v of_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n say_v the_o lord_n make_v abraham_n a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n rom._n 4.17_o where_o repeat_v the_o covenant_n record_v by_o moses_n he_o put_v many_o for_o all_o again_o grant_v that_o abraham_n be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o that_o in_o he_o all_o the_o kindred_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o therefore_o god_n shall_v love_v all_o man_n equal_o &_o alike_o for_o he_o may_v love_v the_o faithful_a of_o all_o nation_n &_o yet_o not_o love_v all_o man_n in_o all_o nation_n for_o in_o his_o bountiful_a mercy_n in_o christ_n he_o prefer_v some_o before_o other_o and_o this_o answer_n seem_v the_o better_a because_o we_o may_v have_v some_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v save_v of_o every_o nation_n some_o but_o no_o ground_n to_o imagine_v he_o will_v save_v all_o of_o any_o nation_n much_o less_o all_o of_o every_o nation_n 2._o here_o we_o may_v see_v that_o god_n honour_v those_o his_o servant_n that_o honour_v he_o as_o he_o say_v to_o ely_n the_o priest_n 1._o sam._n 2.30_o which_o be_v a_o point_n to_o be_v mark_v diligent_o for_o this_o god_n be_v the_o glorious_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n yet_o he_o abase_v himself_o &_o be_v content_a to_o be_v name_v by_o his_o creature_n advance_v they_o by_o abase_v himself_o to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n where_o we_o may_v apparent_o see_v rather_o than_o god_n will_v not_o have_v they_o honour_v that_o honour_n he_o he_o will_v abase_v himself_o that_o they_o thereby_o may_v be_v honour_v hence_o we_o may_v learn_v many_o thing_n first_o that_o all_o that_o profess_v religion_n true_o must_v inure_v themselves_o to_o go_v through_o good_a report_n and_o ill_a report_n and_o in_o all_o estate_n to_o be_v content_a for_o god_n honour_n sake_n as_o paul_n say_v i_o have_v learn_v in_o whatsoever_o state_n i_o be_o therewith_o to_o be_v content_a i_o can_v be_v abase_v and_o i_o can_v abound_v 11._o every_o where_o in_o all_o thing_n i_o be_o instruct_v both_o to_o be_v full_a and_o to_o be_v hungry_a to_o abound_v &_o to_o have_v want_n thus_o speak_v that_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n &_o so_o must_v we_o all_o endeavour_n to_o say_v &_o according_o to_o practice_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v good_a because_o if_o a_o man_n honour_n god_n howsoever_o he_o be_v contemn_v or_o not_o regard_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o god_n will_v honour_v he_o &_o esteem_v high_o of_o he_o that_o will_v prove_v the_o way_n to_o all_o true_a honour_n as_o it_o have_v do_v even_o in_o this_o world_n to_o all_o that_o try_v it_o second_o hence_o we_o learn_v which_o be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o get_v sound_a honour_n among_o man_n namely_o to_o honour_v god_n good_a estimation_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v contemn_v for_o the_o lord_n command_v all_o inferior_n to_o honour_v their_o superior_n whereby_o he_o also_o bind_v every_o man_n to_o preserve_v his_o own_o dignity_n 20.12_o now_o god_n honour_v they_o that_o honour_n he_o therefore_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o get_v true_a honour_n among_o man_n be_v this_o let_v a_o man_n first_o lie_v his_o foundation_n well_o &_o begin_v with_o god_n &_o set_v all_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o heart_n &_o thought_n on_o this_o to_o honour_n god_n quest._n how_o may_v a_o man_n honour_n god_n answ._n by_o forsake_v the_o rebellious_a way_n of_o sin_n &_o ungodliness_n &_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n through_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n this_o do_v god_n take_v to_o be_v a_o honour_n unto_o his_o high_a majesty_n and_o when_o a_o man_n do_v this_o unfeigned_o than_o god_n will_v honour_v he_o even_o among_o man_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o shall_v be_v for_o his_o good_a for_o god_n have_v all_o man_n heart_n in_o his_o hand_n &_o will_v make_v they_o to_o honour_v those_o that_o honour_v he_o so_o s._n paul_n say_v if_o any_o man_n therefore_o purge_v himself_o from_o these_o 2d_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o vessel_n unto_o honour_n not_o only_o in_o glory_n eternal_a after_o death_n but_o also_o in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n church_n this_o confute_v the_o opinion_n and_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o many_o who_o will_v fain_o have_v good_a report_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v speak_v well_o of_o by_o all_o man_n but_o what_o course_n i_o pray_v you_o take_v they_o to_o come_v by_o this_o good_a name_n they_o do_v not_o begin_v with_o god_n and_o lay_v their_o foundation_n by_o honour_v he_o but_o they_o strive_v to_o please_v man_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o they_o care_v not_o their_o only_a care_n be_v to_o please_v all_o for_o that_o be_v their_o rule_n and_o resolution_n all_o must_v be_v please_v and_o because_o most_o man_n be_v ill_a they_o rather_o choose_v oftentimes_o to_o do_v ill_a than_o they_o will_v not_o please_v the_o great_a sort_n but_o he_o that_o begin_v to_o get_v honour_n by_o please_a man_n begin_v at_o a_o wrong_a end_n for_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o place_n the_o way_n to_o get_v sound_a approbation_n before_o man_n be_v first_o to_o begin_v with_o god_n and_o to_o honour_v he_o three_o if_o god_n will_v honour_v they_o that_o honour_n he_o then_o by_o the_o contrary_a consider_v what_o a_o miserable_a case_n many_o a_o man_n be_v in_o for_o those_o that_o dishonour_n god_n god_n will_v dishonour_v they_o again_o as_o we_o may_v see_v at_o large_a and_o very_o plain_o in_o the_o example_n of_o elie_n and_o his_o two_o son_n for_o they_o that_o honour_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n unto_o he_o i_o will_v honour_v and_o they_o that_o despise_v i_o shall_v be_v despise_v 1._o sam._n 2.30_o and_o in_o zacharie_n we_o may_v read_v that_o the_o man_n that_o by_o blasphemy_n theft_n or_o perjury_n dishonour_v god_n the_o fly_a curse_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o his_o house_n and_o remain_v in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o and_o consume_v it_o with_o the_o timber_n thereof_o and_o the_o stone_n thereof_o zach._n 5.4_o and_o because_o elie_n do_v more_o honour_n his_o child_n than_o
hitherto_o entreat_v now_o here_o and_o sâ—_n forward_o to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v set_v down_o a_o three_o order_n of_o example_n of_o faith_n namely_o of_o such_o as_o live_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o maccabee_n this_o 30._o verse_n contain_v the_o first_o example_n of_o this_o rank_n namely_o the_o example_n of_o josuahs_n faith_n &_o of_o those_o that_o go_v with_o he_o into_o canaan_n and_o their_o faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o by_o a_o notable_a fact_n of_o they_o the_o cause_v to_o fall_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n the_o history_n whereof_o we_o may_v read_v at_o large_a josuah_n 6._o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o whereas_o the_o israelite_n come_v unto_o canaan_n and_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o jericho_n by_o which_o they_o must_v needs_o pass_v nor_o can_v win_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o huge_a wall_n of_o jericho_n the_o lord_n promise_v to_o deliver_v jericho_n into_o their_o hand_n only_o the_o people_n must_v do_v this_o they_o must_v compasse-about_a the_o wall_n seven_o day_n &_o carry_v the_o ark_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o they_o sound_v with_o ram_n horn_n and_o shout_n and_o so_o the_o wall_n shall_v fall_v down_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v this_o promise_n unto_o they_o the_o israelite_n and_o special_o josuah_n obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o believe_v his_o promise_n and_o thus_o do_v by_o faith_n the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o after_o they_o be_v compassed-about_a seven_o doye_n indeed_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o ruin_n of_o the_o wall_n but_o yet_o because_o upon_o their_o believe_v god_n show_v this_o power_n therefore_o be_v the_o downfall_n of_o they_o ascribe_v to_o their_o faith_n here_o be_v many_o notable_a point_n to_o be_v learn_v 1._o whereas_o the_o text_n say_v by_o faith_n the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o true_a faith_n josuah_n and_o the_o israelite_n believe_v god_n promise_n that_o he_o will_v overturn_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n and_o as_o they_o believe_v so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v matthew_n 17.20_o if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o as_o much_o faith_n as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n he_o shall_v say_v unto_o the_o mountain_n remove_v hence_o and_o it_o shall_v remove_v and_o nothing_o shall_v be_v unpossible_a unto_o he_o signify_v that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o true_a faith_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o man_n reason_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v if_o god_n have_v promise_v they_o as_o we_o see_v in_o this_o place_n the_o mighty_a wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o by_o faith_n which_o to_o man_n reason_n be_v impossible_a so_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o abraham_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n yea_o 18.18_o that_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o he_o this_o be_v strange_a but_o abraham_n believe_v it_o and_o as_o he_o believe_v so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o many_o nation_n descend_v from_o he_o and_o after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n ascension_n when_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v bless_v in_o christ_n the_o promise_a seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o therefore_o be_v he_o call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o come_v unto_o ourselves_o to_o miserable_a man_n it_o may_v seem_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o flesh_n shall_v be_v overcome_v in_o we_o yet_o let_v a_o man_n believe_v this_o promise_n of_o god_n god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o who_o so_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n john_n 3.16_o i_o say_v let_v he_o believe_v this_o effectual_o and_o he_o shall_v find_v by_o faith_n the_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n &_o satan_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o conscience_n weaken_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o and_o therefore_o s._n john_n say_v not_o without_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcom_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n 1._o john_n 5.4_o 2._o here_o observe_v that_o among_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o change_n &_o overthrow_v of_o town_n city_n &_o kingdom_n this_o be_v one_o namely_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n many_o man_n have_v write_v of_o the_o change_n of_o kingdom_n &_o do_v give_v diverse_a reason_n thereof_o but_o most_o of_o they_o omit_v the_o principal_a and_o that_o be_v faith_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o many_o time_n kingdom_n and_o town_n be_v bring_v to_o ruin_n and_o overthrow_n god_n promise_v to_o abraham_n &_o to_o his_o seed_n that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o their_o inheritance_n now_o they_o believe_v this_o promise_n &_o here_o we_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o they_o believe_v jericho_n by_o faith_n be_v overturn_v &_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o city_n &_o the_o people_n of_o canaan_n dispossess_v so_o that_o we_o see_v faith_n in_o god_n promise_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o god_n people_n to_o overturn_v city_n &_o kingdom_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o gospel_n god_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n unto_o his_o church_n that_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n revel_v 18.2_o that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n shall_v flourish_v for_o a_o while_n but_o after_o it_o shall_v be_v destroy_v yea_o such_o a_o ruin_n shall_v come_v unto_o it_o that_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o great_a man_n and_o merchant_n shall_v bewail_v the_o destruction_n thereof_o now_o this_o promise_n be_v receive_v by_o faith_n and_o believe_v of_o god_n church_n shall_v undoubted_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v in_o some_o part_n verify_v already_o for_o we_o see_v some_o kingdom_n and_o people_n have_v renounce_v the_o curse_a doctrine_n and_o tyranny_n of_o rome_n and_o many_o christian_a prince_n have_v already_o shake_v off_o the_o pope_n yoke_n yea_o and_o this_o promise_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o let_v all_o the_o king_n of_o that_o sort_n do_v what_o they_o can_v and_o let_v the_o people_n set_v themselves_o never_o so_o much_o against_o god_n church_n yet_o babylon_n shall_v down_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v so_o to_o his_o church_n and_o his_o church_n believe_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o by_o their_o faith_n it_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o despite_n of_o the_o devil_n three_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o when_o any_o city_n town_n or_o kingdom_n be_v to_o make_v war_n either_o in_o defence_n of_o themselves_o or_o in_o lawful_a assault_n upon_o their_o enemy_n a_o special_a mean_n for_o good_a success_n herein_o be_v true_a faith_n christian_n policy_n be_v a_o commendable_a thing_n in_o this_o case_n but_o if_o policy_n be_v sever_v from_o faith_n it_o be_v nothing_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n of_o protection_n and_o assistance_n do_v far_o surpass_v all_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o therefore_o good_a king_n jehosaphat_n when_o he_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o the_o huge_a army_n of_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n give_v this_o counsel_n to_o his_o people_n 2_o chron._n 20.20_o put_v your_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v assure_v believe_v his_o prophet_n and_o you_o shall_v prosper_v give_v a_o most_o notable_a instruction_n and_o show_v that_o the_o best_a help_n for_o our_o defence_n be_v faith_n in_o god_n whereby_o we_o rest_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v help_v we_o yet_o this_o take_v not_o away_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n but_o it_o give_v the_o blessing_n and_o efficacy_n unto_o they_o 6.16_o i'faith_o we_o know_v be_v call_v a_o shield_n among_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n of_o god_n whereby_o a_o man_n award_v the_o blow_n of_o satan_n and_o though_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a virtue_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v it_o also_o a_o notable_a shield_n to_o defend_v man_n even_o against_o their_o outward_a &_o visible_a enemy_n &_o a_o most_o strong_a engine_n against_o they_o to_o work_v their_o overthrow_n hence_o david_n say_v he_o will_v not_o be_v afraid_a for_o ten_o thousand_o of_o the_o people_n that_o shall_v beset_v he_o round_o about_o 3.6_o they_o therefore_o that_o will_v defend_v themselves_o against_o their_o enemy_n yea_o and_o overcome_v they_o in_o lawful_a assault_n must_v embrace_v &_o obey_v true_a religion_n &_o with_o christian_a policy_n join_v faith_n in_o god_n promise_n for_o by_o faith_n we_o make_v god_n our_o captain_n &_o through_o he_o we_o shall_v do_v
buy_v it_o and_o when_o we_o have_v get_v it_o we_o must_v care_v to_o keep_v it_o and_o therefore_o must_v lay_v it_o up_o in_o our_o very_a heart_n and_o soul_n and_o keep_v it_o we_o must_v rejoice_v and_o delight_v in_o it_o above_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o glorious_a portion_n which_o our_o god_n and_o father_n leave_v we_o as_o his_o child_n what_o shall_v all_o the_o care_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v but_o to_o preserve_v it_o naboth_n have_v a_o little_a vineyard_n that_o come_v to_o he_o from_o his_o father_n by_o inheritance_n ahab_n the_o king_n will_v give_v he_o money_n or_o a_o better_a vineyard_n for_o it_o but_o naboth_n will_v not_o nay_o say_v he_o god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v sell_v my_o father_n inheritance_n 1._o king_n 21.3_o etc._n etc._n if_o he_o make_v such_o account_n of_o a_o earthly_a inheritance_n what_o shall_v we_o of_o the_o heavenly_a if_o he_o of_o a_o poor_a vineyard_n what_o shall_v we_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n if_o he_o deny_v the_o king_n to_o sell_v it_o for_o a_o better_a shall_v not_o we_o deny_v the_o devil_n to_o leave_v our_o part_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n for_o the_o world_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v promise_v we_o in_o all_o such_o temptation_n our_o answer_n shall_v be_v god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v sell_v away_o my_o inheritance_n which_o my_o god_n and_o father_n give_v i_o thus_o do_v bless_v paul_n who_o esteem_v the_o world_n and_o all_o in_o it_o dung_n and_o dross_n that_o he_o may_v win_v christ_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o righteousness_n so_o must_v we_o if_o we_o will_v be_v worthy_a of_o this_o inheritance_n prize_n and_o value_v it_o above_o this_o world_n and_o think_v base_o of_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n in_o comparison_n of_o it_o and_o rather_o be_v content_a to_o lose_v the_o world_n then_o to_o leave_v it_o and_o last_o when_o we_o have_v it_o and_o be_v thus_o careful_a to_o preserve_v it_o where_o shall_v our_o content_n joy_n and_o delight_n be_v but_o in_o this_o our_o inheritance_n so_o do_v the_o heir_n nothing_o so_o rejoice_v he_o as_o to_o think_v of_o his_o inheritance_n here_o therefore_o the_o madness_n of_o carnal_a man_n be_v discover_v who_o rejoice_v exceed_o in_o the_o honour_n profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o liâ—_n e_fw-la as_o swine_n in_o their_o belly_n and_o never_o go_v further_o but_o alas_o this_o be_v not_o their_o inheritance_n if_o they_o look_v to_o have_v their_o soul_n save_v therefore_o herein_o they_o show_v themselves_o void_a of_o grace_n and_o of_o all_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a world_n for_o if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v rejoice_v in_o it_o and_o not_o in_o the_o vain_a and_o transitory_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n which_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n and_o be_v lose_v with_o more_o torment_n and_o vexation_n than_o they_o be_v keep_v with_o delight_n we_o must_v learn_v â—hen_o to_o use_v this_o world_n as_o though_o we_o use_v it_o not_o 1._o cor._n 7_o 3â—_n and_o â—f_o â—he_v lord_n vouchsafe_v we_o any_o portion_n of_o pleasure_n in_o this_o world_n we_o must_v take_v it_o thankful_o as_o above_o our_o inheritance_n &_o must_v therefore_o use_v it_o lawful_o &_o sober_o but_o have_v our_o heart_n &_o the_o joy_n of_o they_o upon_o our_o inheritance_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n whereof_o we_o be_v make_v heir_n by_o faith_n and_o wherein_o we_o be_v fellow_n heir_n with_o this_o bless_a noah_n who_o be_v make_v heir_n of_o that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o thus_o have_v we_o hear_v the_o most_o glorious_a commendation_n of_o noah_n faith_n and_o of_o noah_n by_o his_o faith_n and_o of_o all_o the_o example_n before_o the_o flood_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o sort_n of_o example_n namely_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o second_o world_n after_o the_o flood_n they_o be_v all_o of_o two_o sort_n either_o such_o as_o live_v afore_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n or_o after_o afore_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n here_o be_v many_o whereof_o as_o of_o all_o the_o other_o kind_n some_o be_v man_n some_o woman_n the_o first_o of_o those_o bless_a man_n after_o the_o flood_n who_o faith_n be_v here_o renown_a be_v abraham_n that_o great_a father_n of_o who_o and_o who_o faith_n because_o he_o be_v a_o father_n of_o so_o many_o faithful_a more_o be_v speak_v then_o of_o any_o one_o abraham_n faith_n verse_n 8._o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v call_v obey_v god_n to_o go_v out_o into_o a_o place_n which_o he_o shall_v afterward_o receive_v for_o inheritance_n and_o he_o go_v out_o not_o know_v whether_o he_o shall_v go_v concern_v holy_a abraham_n here_o be_v more_o example_n than_o one_o record_v and_o his_o faith_n be_v renown_v many_o way_n more_o verse_n be_v spend_v of_o he_o then_o of_o some_o five_o other_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o his_o faith_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o any_o other_o that_o follow_v he_o in_o which_o regard_n he_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a oftentimes_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n especial_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n the_o first_o example_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o four_o in_o order_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v of_o his_o leave_v his_o own_o native_a country_n and_o how_o at_o god_n commandment_n he_o go_v he_o know_v not_o whether_o only_a he_o know_v god_n call_v he_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v go_v wherein_o appear_v a_o most_o worthy_a faith_n now_o concern_v this_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n the_o text_n lay_v down_o two_o point_n 1._o the_o cause_n or_o ground_n thereof_o which_o be_v god_n call_n he_o be_v call_v of_o god_n 2._o the_o fruit_n or_o effect_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o hearken_v and_o obey_v and_o this_o his_o obedience_n be_v amplify_v by_o diverse_a particular_n 1._o the_o matter_n of_o it_o he_o go_v out_o of_o his_o country_n 2._o the_o end_n to_o take_v possession_n of_o a_o country_n which_o he_o shall_v not_o enjoy_v of_o a_o long_a time_n 3._o the_o manner_n he_o go_v out_o not_o know_v whither_o he_o shall_v go_v the_o first_o point_n be_v the_o cause_n or_o ground_n of_o abraham_n faith_n in_o this_o action_n and_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o first_o word_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v call_v this_o story_n be_v take_v out_o of_o gen._n the_o 12._o chap._n the_o cause_n of_o abraham_n faith_n be_v god_n calling_n god_n calling_n be_v a_o action_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o appoint_v a_o man_n to_o some_o certain_a condition_n or_o state_n of_o life_n in_o this_o world_n or_o after_o this_o life_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n god_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o general_n in_o the_o field_n which_o assign_v every_o soldier_n his_o stand_n and_o duty_n so_o do_v god_n appoint_v every_o man_n his_o place_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n concern_v these_o calling_n let_v we_o see_v the_o mean_n how_o he_o call_v and_o the_o several_a state_n whereto_o he_o call_v man_n for_o the_o mean_n or_o manner_n god_n call_v man_n 2._o way_n immediate_o or_o by_o mean_n sometime_o immediate_o by_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o voice_n as_o the_o extraordinary_a prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n &_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a so_o say_v s._n paul_n of_o himself_o he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n galath_n 1.1_o sometime_o mediate_o by_o man_n direct_v by_o himself_o &_o furnish_v or_o enable_v for_o that_o duty_n and_o so_o be_v call_v the_o ordinary_a prophet_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o old_a and_o the_o evangelist_n pastor_n &_o doctor_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o first_o be_v extraordinary_a this_o be_v ordinary_a the_o first_o be_v for_o a_o unbelieved_a or_o a_o misbelieve_a people_n the_o second_o be_v for_o a_o ordinary_a &_o establish_a church_n now_o of_o these_o 2._o way_n god_n call_v abraham_n immediate_o by_o himself_o from_o heaven_n gen._n 12.1_o second_o for_o the_o estate_n of_o life_n whereunto_o god_n call_v man_n they_o be_v three_o general_n particular_a personal_a god_n general_n call_v be_v whereby_o he_o call_v all_o man_n to_o repentance_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o to_o life_n eternal_a of_o this_o speak_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.30_o who_o god_n predestinate_v they_o also_o he_o call_v and_o rome_n 11.29_o the_o call_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n hereby_o he_o call_v man_n in_o this_o life_n to_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v to_o all_o his_o particular_a call_n be_v when_o he_o call_v and_o assign_v
man_n to_o some_o particular_a estate_n and_o duty_n in_o family_n church_n or_o commonwealth_n as_o when_o a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o magistrate_n minister_n master_n of_o a_o family_n lawyer_n physician_n etc._n etc._n three_o god_n call_v some_o man_n to_o some_o private_a personal_a duty_n which_o he_o design_v not_o to_o other_o but_o to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o alone_o such_o a_o calling_n have_v he_o assign_v he_o matthew_n 19.21_o that_o will_v needs_o be_v perfect_a go_v sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v etc._n etc._n now_o the_o call_n of_o abraham_n in_o this_o place_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o this_o three_o kind_n for_o it_o be_v a_o private_a and_o personal_a call_n to_o leave_v his_o country_n his_o kindred_n his_o land_n his_o possession_n and_o to_o go_v seek_v another_o and_o to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o to_o receive_v the_o covenant_n and_o this_o duty_n belong_v to_o none_o but_o who_o shall_v personal_o &_o by_o name_n be_v call_v unto_o it_o yet_o all_o these_o three_o calling_n may_v concur_v in_o one_o as_o here_o in_o he_o for_o he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o the_o general_a and_o a_o governor_n of_o a_o great_a family_n for_o the_o particular_a calling_n but_o that_o that_o be_v in_o this_o place_n understand_v be_v this_o extraordinary_a and_o personal_a calling_n to_o leave_v his_o country_n and_o in_o it_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v three_o circumstance_n 1._o who_o be_v call_v 2._o when_o 3._o how_o he_o be_v call_v for_o the_o first_o abraham_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o terah_n but_o neither_o his_o father_n terah_n nor_o his_o brother_n nahor_n be_v call_v but_o abraham_n alone_o but_o it_o may_v worthy_o be_v demand_v why_o god_n shall_v not_o call_v his_o father_n and_o his_o kindred_n there_o can_v be_v no_o answer_n but_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n give_v rom._n 9.18_o god_n have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v and_o withhold_v it_o from_o who_o he_o will_n he_o call_v isaak_n and_o refuse_v ishmael_n love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n take_v abel_n and_o leave_v cain_n even_o because_o he_o will_v and_o for_o no_o cause_n that_o we_o know_v but_o why_o then_o call_v he_o abraham_n and_o not_o his_o kindred_n be_v not_o that_o partiality_n i_o answer_v he_o be_v tie_v to_o none_o he_o may_v refuse_v all_o therefore_o the_o marvel_n be_v that_o he_o call_v any_o but_o why_o some_o and_o not_o other_o why_o abraham_n and_o not_o his_o kindred_n no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v for_o god_n judgement_n be_v wonderful_a but_o as_o that_o that_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n math._n 19.26_o so_o that_o that_o be_v injustice_n or_o partiality_n with_o man_n be_v justice_n with_o god_n and_o it_o be_v extreme_a folly_n and_o intolerable_a presumption_n for_o we_o to_o weigh_v god_n action_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o our_o shallow_a reason_n for_o the_o second_o but_o when_o be_v abraham_n call_v for_o the_o time_n there_o be_v two_o circumstance_n worth_a the_o observation_n first_o abraham_n be_v call_v to_o this_o dignity_n when_o he_o live_v in_o idolatry_n with_o his_o father_n so_o say_v joshua_n 24.2_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n your_o father_n dwell_v beyond_o the_o flood_n in_o old_a time_n even_o terah_n the_o father_n of_o abraham_n and_o serve_v other_o god_n if_o abraham_n be_v call_v by_o god_n when_o he_o be_v a_o idolater_n than_o it_o be_v apparent_a he_o have_v not_o purchase_v god_n favour_n by_o his_o work_n where_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o a_o man_n salvation_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n mere_a mercy_n who_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o isaiah_n 65.1_o abraham_n never_o dream_v of_o the_o true_a god_n nor_o of_o any_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n when_o god_n call_v he_o and_o so_o when_o paul_n be_v go_v arm_v with_o bloody_a fury_n and_o his_o fury_n arm_v with_o commission_n and_o authority_n against_o the_o saint_n than_o god_n from_o heaven_n call_v he_o and_o of_o a_o persecuter_n make_v he_o the_o principal_a instrument_n of_o his_o glory_n act_v 9.2_o etc._n etc._n therefore_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o ourselves_o if_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v we_o the_o same_o grace_n and_o take_v we_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o salvation_n with_o we_o which_o in_o former_a time_n have_v be_v sinner_n of_o the_o gentile_n we_o must_v learn_v here_o to_o see_v whence_o this_o favour_n be_v and_o therefore_o to_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o ourselves_o but_o give_v all_o the_o glory_n unto_o god_n and_o particular_o for_o every_o one_o of_o we_o if_o god_n have_v be_v so_o merciful_a to_o any_o of_o we_o as_o when_o we_o be_v popish_a or_o superstitious_a with_o our_o parent_n or_o kindred_n to_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o bring_v we_o home_o to_o his_o holy_a truth_n or_o when_o we_o welter_v in_o wickedness_n and_o sensuality_n with_o the_o profane_a world_n to_o touch_v our_o heart_n and_o to_o call_v we_o to_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n let_v we_o often_o remember_v and_o free_o acknowledge_v this_o his_o undeserued_a mercy_n and_o say_v with_o the_o holy_a prophet_n unto_o thâ—e_n belong_v mercy_n but_o unto_o we_o open_a shame_n second_o for_o the_o time_n when_o abraham_n be_v call_v it_o be_v when_o he_o be_v 75._o year_n of_o age_n or_o thereabouts_o as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o story_n genesis_n 12.4_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o god_n for_o a_o long_a time_n let_v he_o lie_v in_o his_o blindness_n and_o idolatry_n ere_o he_o call_v he_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a that_o abraham_n in_o that_o mean_a time_n live_v civil_o &_o follow_v learning_n &_o other_o civil_a course_n and_o in_o that_o time_n it_o be_v likely_a he_o attain_a to_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o astronomy_n and_o other_o learning_n for_o which_o he_o be_v renown_v in_o old_a writer_n but_o this_o be_v the_o first_o time_n that_o he_o be_v call_v to_o know_v and_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n in_o his_o true_a service_n here_o we_o learn_v that_o though_o a_o man_n persevere_v in_o his_o sin_n for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o pass_v his_o best_a year_n in_o vanity_n without_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o be_v in_o a_o grievous_a and_o fearful_a estate_n yet_o true_a believer_n and_o man_n penitent_a must_v not_o therefore_o judge_v they_o castaway_n for_o god_n mercy_n call_v a_o man_n in_o his_o old_a age_n and_o touch_v the_o heart_n when_o it_o please_v he_o christ_n in_o the_o parable_n call_v some_o at_o the_o 11._o hour_n mat._n 20.6_o and_o so_o god_n call_v man_n to_o grace_n in_o their_o old_a age_n we_o must_v therefore_o spare_v these_o sharp_a &_o unsavourie_a censure_n which_o some_o unaduised_o cast_v upon_o such_o man_n for_o charity_n think_v not_o evil_a 1._o corinth_n 13_o where_o it_o may_v think_v or_o suppose_v any_o possibibility_n of_o good_a but_o contrariwise_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o hope_v of_o their_o conversion_n because_o we_o know_v that_o at_o what_o time_n soever_o a_o sinner_n repent_v of_o his_o sin_n god_n will_v forgive_v he_o ezek._n 18.27.28_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o man_n must_v not_o presume_v to_o live_v careless_o in_o their_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v desperate_o to_o tempt_v god_n but_o must_v follow_v the_o holy_a counsel_n of_o solomon_n eccles._n 12.1_o to_o remember_v their_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o youth_n and_o to_o turn_v unto_o god_n when_o they_o have_v mean_n lest_o god_n take_v away_o the_o mean_n and_o with_o the_o mean_n his_o favour_n from_o they_o abraham_n be_v not_o call_v till_o he_o be_v old_a but_o when_o he_o be_v call_v he_o hearken_v and_o obey_v so_o must_v thou_o when_o god_n call_v thou_o by_o affliction_n or_o by_o his_o word_n than_o answer_n and_o obey_v as_o abraham_n do_v or_o else_o abraham_n calling_n in_o his_o old_a age_n will_v be_v little_a comfort_n to_o thou_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o time_n three_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o call_n it_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o story_n of_o genesis_n to_o be_v in_o a_o earnest_a kind_n of_o counsel_n go_v out_o say_v god_n from_o thy_o kindred_n and_o from_o thy_o father_n house_n unto_o the_o land_n that_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v he_o say_v not_o bare_o go_v or_o come_v forth_o but_o he_o amplifi_v and_o urge_v it_o with_o many_o word_n and_o circumstance_n if_o any_o ask_v why_o god_n do_v so_o when_o he_o may_v have_v give_v the_o commandment_n in_o one_o word_n i_o answer_v the_o reason_n be_v that_o abraham_n may_v have_v cause_n more_o serious_o to_o consider_v of_o god_n calling_n and_o to_o
imprint_v it_o more_o deep_o in_o his_o heart_n lest_o at_o the_o first_o brunt_n he_o shall_v have_v obey_v and_o afterward_o have_v shrink_v back_o for_o it_o be_v doubtless_o that_o this_o call_n be_v harsh_a to_o reason_n and_o that_o abraham_n find_v many_o hindrance_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v dangerous_a he_o will_v have_v start_v back_o after_o some_o trial_n of_o these_o difficulty_n he_o must_v pass_v through_o if_o he_o have_v have_v but_o a_o bare_a call_n &_o commandment_n to_o go_v but_o when_o god_n say_v to_o he_o go_v out_o of_o thy_o native_a country_n let_v it_o not_o stay_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v bear_v there_o nor_o hinder_v thou_o that_o thy_o kindred_n dwell_v there_o but_o leave_v all_o and_o come_v with_o i_o forsake_v all_o and_o trust_v i_o follow_v i_o into_o the_o land_n that_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o i_o take_v thou_o from_o one_o but_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o another_o when_o god_n i_o say_v use_v all_o these_o and_o it_o may_v be_v many_o more_o like_a word_n to_o abraham_n its_o apparent_a he_o will_v have_v he_o furnish_v with_o strength_n and_o resolution_n to_o go_v through_o with_o his_o call_n after_o he_o have_v once_o make_v entrance_n into_o it_o out_o of_o which_o practice_n of_o god_n we_o learn_v this_o instruction_n that_o god_n will_v have_v no_o man_n enter_v upon_o any_o calling_n or_o duty_n with_o a_o fearful_a and_o faint_a heart_n nor_o with_o a_o doubtful_a mind_n but_o with_o a_o strong_a &_o settle_a resolution_n to_o go_v through_o stitch_n with_o it_o and_o not_o to_o relent_v and_o repent_v in_o the_o midst_n and_o for_o this_o end_n god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n afore_o they_o enter_v serious_o to_o consider_v the_o place_n or_o duty_n they_o be_v to_o undertake_v for_o the_o lord_n have_v rather_o a_o man_n shall_v refuse_v at_o first_o then_o have_v enter_v to_o look_v back_o again_o and_o it_o be_v great_a folly_n for_o man_n hasty_o and_o sudden_o or_o humorous_o to_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o any_o call_n and_o then_o upon_o trial_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o danger_n and_o difficulty_n thereof_o to_o be_v weary_a and_o wish_v they_o have_v never_o do_v it_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v general_o wise_a in_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n if_o a_o man_n be_v to_o build_v a_o house_n he_o will_v not_o forthwith_o set_v upon_o build_v such_o a_o house_n as_o his_o humour_n desire_v but_o will_v first_o of_o all_o sit_v down_o &_o count_v the_o cost_n &_o then_o his_o own_o ability_n to_o see_v if_o the_o one_o will_v countervail_v the_o other_o else_o he_o never_o begin_v it_o so_o say_v christ_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o like_a also_o he_o say_v for_o war_n that_o no_o prince_n will_v fight_v with_o his_o enemy_n on_o unequal_a term_n but_o will_v know_v himself_o able_a to_o sustain_v the_o encounter_n luke_n 14.28.31_o so_o the_o call_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n as_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o defend_v it_o the_o minister_n to_o teach_v it_o so_o all_o man_n to_o profess_v it_o now_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o build_v without_o cost_n or_o to_o fight_v without_o power_n of_o man_n as_o to_o profess_v christ_n in_o any_o call_n either_o general_a or_o particular_a without_o cross_n we_o must_v therefore_o consider_v first_o what_o our_o calling_n and_o profession_n will_v cost_v we_o it_o be_v sure_a to_o cost_v we_o a_o danger_n of_o our_o credit_n and_o estimation_n in_o the_o world_n it_o may_v be_v our_o good_n our_o liberty_n it_o may_v be_v our_o life_n themselves_o again_o what_o enemy_n we_o have_v to_o encounter_v in_o this_o spiritual_a warfare_n the_o devil_n death_n hell_n sin_n corruption_n and_o the_o crafty_a malice_n of_o wicked_a man_n all_o these_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v withal_o be_v it_o not_o then_o folly_n for_o a_o man_n to_o undertake_v this_o profession_n and_o not_o to_o consider_v thus_o much_o aforehand_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v cause_n why_o some_o put_v their_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n and_o after_o shrink_v away_o and_o make_v themselves_o ridiculous_a to_o their_o enemy_n corporal_a and_o spiritual_a and_o for_o particular_a calling_n the_o case_n even_o stand_v so_o also_o some_o man_n think_v the_o call_n of_o a_o magistrate_n a_o place_n of_o honour_n and_o therefore_o ambitious_o plot_n and_o desire_v to_o raise_v themselves_o into_o authority_n never_o remember_v the_o burden_n and_o trouble_v they_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v which_o when_o they_o feel_v to_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o their_o lazy_a shoulder_n to_o bear_v with_o ease_n they_o foul_o fall_v to_o plain_a carelessness_n and_o neglect_v all_o do_v good_a in_o their_o place_n and_o wish_v they_o have_v never_o buy_v honour_n so_o dear_a so_o other_o think_v the_o ministry_n nothing_o but_o a_o place_n of_o ease_n exemption_n and_o preferment_n and_o in_o these_o conceit_n rush_v presumptuous_o &_o rash_o into_o that_o holy_a state_n never_o think_v aforehand_o of_o that_o great_a charge_n of_o soul_n they_o be_v to_o take_v nor_o of_o that_o heavy_a account_n they_o be_v to_o make_v for_o they_o nor_o of_o the_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n and_o extreme_a disgrace_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v if_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n with_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o when_o upon_o experience_n they_o find_v it_o so_o to_o be_v they_o either_o fall_v to_o carnal_a course_n with_o the_o world_n and_o neglect_v their_o duty_n that_o by_o these_o two_o mean_n they_o may_v please_v the_o world_n or_o else_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o duty_n with_o much_o grief_n and_o vexation_n wish_v they_o have_v choose_v rather_o any_o call_n than_o the_o ministry_n and_o by_o either_o of_o both_o do_v expose_v themselves_o to_o shame_n and_o much_o rebuke_n whereas_o contrariwise_o he_o that_o aforehand_o cast_v his_o account_n what_o it_o will_v cost_v he_o to_o be_v a_o minister_n what_o he_o must_v undertake_v what_o he_o must_v lose_v what_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v be_v so_o settle_a and_o resolve_v aforehand_o as_o he_o go_v through_o all_o danger_n and_o contempt_n with_o comfort_n courage_n and_o contentment_n let_v we_o therefore_o all_o learn_v by_o this_o practice_n of_o god_n when_o we_o think_v to_o enter_v upon_o any_o such_o duty_n to_o reason_n with_o ourselves_o as_o god_n do_v with_o abraham_n what_o we_o be_v to_o forsake_v and_o what_o we_o be_v to_o meet_v withal_o so_o shall_v we_o not_o afterward_o repent_v we_o but_o go_v on_o with_o much_o assurance_n as_o abraham_n do_v this_o point_n i_o have_v the_o more_o enlarge_a because_o it_o be_v of_o special_a use_n in_o christian_a life_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o abraham_n faith_n god_n call_v and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n therein_o the_o second_o point_n be_v the_o excellency_n and_o commendation_n thereof_o commend_v by_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n it_o make_v he_o yield_v to_o this_o call_n of_o god_n and_o this_o obedience_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v speak_v of_o two_o way_n 1._o it_o be_v lay_v down_o general_o he_o obey_v god_n 2._o it_o be_v further_a commend_v by_o diverse_a particular_n which_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o their_o place_n obey_v god_n here_o be_v the_o obedience_n of_o abraham_n faith_n lay_v down_o in_o one_o general_a word_n he_o obey_v that_o be_v when_o god_n call_v he_o to_o leave_v his_o country_n kindred_n and_o friend_n he_o yield_v against_o reason_n because_o god_n bid_v he_o when_o god_n tell_v he_o he_o will_v carry_v he_o into_o another_o land_n he_o believe_v it_o and_o lest_o a_o certain_a for_o a_o uncertain_a a_o possession_n for_o a_o expectation_n here_o be_v the_o power_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o faith_n appear_v in_o this_o obedience_n from_o hence_o we_o learn_v two_o instruction_n first_o see_v abraham_n be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a rom._n 4.11_o and_o our_o glory_n be_v to_o be_v child_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n therefore_o we_o must_v all_o learn_v as_o good_a child_n to_o follow_v our_o father_n in_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o god_n calling_n when_o god_n call_v we_o to_o any_o state_n of_o life_n then_o to_o obey_v and_o when_o not_o god_n but_o the_o world_n or_o ouâ—_n own_o corrupt_a hâ—m_n we_o call_v we_o than_o not_o to_o obey_v for_o to_o obey_v the_o first_o be_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n but_o to_o obey_v the_o second_o be_v the_o obedience_n of_o corruption_n therefore_o against_o this_o practice_n of_o holy_a abraham_n two_o sort_n of_o man_n do_v offend_v and_o thereby_o show_v themselves_o child_n unlike_o their_o father_n abraham_n first_o such_o man_n as_o be_v call_v by_o god_n to_o some_o function_n or_o duty_n will_v not_o obey_v
for_o example_n we_o have_v too_o many_o to_o some_o god_n say_v leave_v thy_o private_a care_n which_o be_v for_o none_o but_o thyself_o be_v a_o magistrate_n and_o undertake_v the_o public_a care_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o they_o as_o though_o they_o be_v bear_v for_o themselves_o will_v not_o employ_v themselves_o in_o public_a service_n to_o some_o god_n say_v leave_v thy_o ease_n and_o thy_o care_n of_o worldly_a credit_n and_o undertake_v the_o teach_n of_o my_o people_n and_o care_v not_o for_o the_o contempt_n of_o that_o call_n so_o thou_o may_v save_v soul_n but_o their_o carnal_a carnal_a credit_n and_o ease_n be_v more_o dear_a unto_o they_o than_o abraham_n kindred_n be_v to_o he_o they_o will_v not_o forsake_v they_o these_o and_o all_o that_o do_v so_o may_v make_v what_o show_n they_o will_v but_o they_o be_v not_o child_n of_o abraham_n see_v they_o want_v his_o faith_n and_o they_o want_v in_o his_o faith_n because_o they_o fail_v in_o his_o obedience_n they_o must_v therefore_o learn_v to_o yield_v when_o god_n call_v and_o not_o to_o stand_v upon_o such_o base_a allegation_n of_o worldly_a matter_n when_o abraham_n leave_v country_n and_o kindred_n to_o obey_v god_n second_o such_o man_n as_o respect_v not_o god_n calling_n but_o look_v what_o the_o swinge_n of_o their_o nature_n or_o the_o course_n of_o the_o wicked_a world_n carry_v they_o unto_o they_o present_o yield_v and_o obey_v not_o regard_v whether_o it_o be_v god_n call_v or_o no._n three_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v most_o faulty_a in_o this_o kind_n first_o such_o as_o be_v content_a to_o grow_v in_o wealth_n either_o by_o oppression_n as_o usury_n or_o extortion_n or_o by_o craft_n and_o dissemble_a or_o by_o any_o other_o such_o indirect_a course_n whereby_o their_o brother_n be_v hurt_v look_v only_o at_o gain_n but_o not_o regard_v whence_o it_o come_v second_o such_o as_o live_v by_o dice_v card_v or_o by_o play_n and_o interlude_n think_v any_o trade_n lawful_a that_o bring_v in_o wealth_n or_o that_o get_v money_n never_o care_v whether_o god_n allow_v the_o call_n or_o no._n three_o such_o as_o live_v in_o no_o call_n but_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o eat_v drink_v sleep_a and_o sport_v because_o they_o have_v living_n of_o their_o own_o and_o land_n leave_v by_o their_o parent_n all_o these_o and_o all_o such_o like_a do_v obey_v indeed_o but_o whereunto_o not_o unto_o god_n calling_n for_o alas_o he_o never_o call_v they_o to_o these_o course_n but_o have_v often_o recall_v they_o from_o it_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o obedience_n not_o of_o faith_n but_o of_o corruption_n and_o of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a disobedience_n unto_o god_n for_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n rom._n 8_o so_o obedience_n to_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o world_n be_v disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n all_o such_o man_n must_v know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n because_o they_o be_v not_o child_n of_o his_o faith_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v heir_n of_o his_o faith_n because_o they_o practise_v not_o his_o obedience_n for_o god_n call_v and_o no_o other_o rule_n for_o our_o life_n must_v christian_a man_n admit_v when_o he_o call_v they_o must_v obey_v and_o when_o he_o call_v not_o or_o allow_v not_o a_o course_n of_o gain_v or_o a_o trade_n of_o life_n though_o all_o the_o world_n allow_v it_o we_o must_v not_o follow_v it_o this_o will_v honour_v they_o and_o their_o profession_n before_o god_n abraham_n faith_n justify_v he_o before_o god_n but_o his_o obedience_n justify_v his_o faith_n obedience_n say_v samuel_n 1._o sam._n 25.22.23_o be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n but_o disobedience_n be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n therefore_o let_v all_o christian_n approve_v their_o faith_n by_o their_o obedience_n hang_v on_o god_n mouth_n and_o attend_v on_o god_n calling_n for_o direction_n of_o their_o whole_a life_n and_o resolve_v with_o david_n psal._n 119.105_o thy_o word_n be_v a_o lantern_n to_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n to_o my_o path_n when_o king_n may_v not_o live_v but_o by_o this_o light_n of_o god_n calling_n and_o god_n word_n it_o be_v shameful_a presumption_n for_o ordinary_a man_n to_o frame_v their_o life_n by_o light_n of_o their_o own_o make_n in_o the_o second_o place_n out_o of_o ahrahams_n obedience_n let_v we_o mark_v by_o what_o mean_v obey_v he_o by_o faith_n learn_v here_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o true_a faith_n it_o bring_v forth_o true_a obedience_n where_o ever_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o christian_a obedience_n be_v call_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n rom._n 1.5_o and_o these_o two_o can_v be_v separate_v no_o more_o then_o light_a from_o the_o sun_n or_o heat_n from_o fire_n for_o as_o the_o sun_n natural_o and_o necessary_o give_v light_n and_o the_o fire_n heat_n no_o less_o do_v true_a faith_n yield_v true_a obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n which_o be_v so_o it_o teach_v we_o for_o the_o use_n first_o how_o our_o church_n and_o doctrine_n be_v slander_v by_o the_o papist_n who_o please_v themselves_o in_o say_v we_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o sole_a faith_n and_o without_o work_n for_o we_o teach_v that_o though_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v without_o respect_n to_o his_o work_n yet_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o justify_v who_o faith_n do_v not_o bring_v forth_o good_a and_o holy_a work_n and_o we_o teach_v that_o none_o be_v heir_n of_o abraham_n faith_n which_o be_v not_o also_o of_o his_o obedience_n therefore_o god_n will_v reward_v their_o lie_a tongue_n second_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v rare_a in_o these_o day_n many_o make_v profession_n of_o abraham_n religion_n but_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v as_o far_o deceive_v as_o the_o jew_n be_v john_n 8.39_o the_o jew_n will_v be_v abraham_n child_n because_o they_o be_v of_o his_o flesh_n and_o man_n now_o will_v be_v so_o because_o they_o be_v of_o his_o profession_n but_o both_o be_v far_o wide_a for_o we_o must_v be_v child_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v like_o he_o in_o faith_n we_o must_v be_v like_o he_o in_o obedience_n also_o when_o god_n call_v we_o to_o any_o duty_n we_o must_v forsake_v our_o own_o nature_n and_o deny_v our_o own_o affection_n and_o cross_v our_o own_o corruption_n to_o follow_v god_n calling_n and_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n so_o shall_v we_o be_v true_a child_n of_o abraham_n when_o we_o be_v like_o our_o father_n in_o his_o best_a virtue_n thus_o we_o see_v his_o obedience_n lay_v down_o general_o particular_o in_o his_o obedience_n there_o be_v lay_v down_o three_o point_n 1._o the_o matter_n of_o his_o obedience_n all_o which_o be_v lay_v down_o direct_o in_o the_o text._n 2._o the_o end_n of_o his_o obedience_n all_o which_o be_v lay_v down_o direct_o in_o the_o text._n 3._o the_o manner_n of_o his_o obedience_n all_o which_o be_v lay_v down_o direct_o in_o the_o text._n for_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o obedience_n it_o follow_v in_o these_o word_n to_o go_v out_o into_o a_o place_n etc._n etc._n the_o particular_a matter_n wherein_o abraham_n obedience_n consist_v be_v this_o at_o god_n commandment_n he_o go_v out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n into_o another_o for_o one_o which_o he_o shall_v inherit_v he_o leave_v that_o which_o he_o do_v inherit_v here_o many_o point_n of_o good_a instruction_n may_v be_v learned_a first_o see_v here_o the_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o true_a faith_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a hard_a thing_n for_o abraham_n to_o do_v thus_o for_o first_o he_o be_v well_o strike_v in_o year_n 75._o year_n old_a young_a man_n delight_v to_o be_v stir_v but_o man_n grow_v into_o year_n do_v love_n to_o settle_v themselves_o as_o bird_n in_o their_o nest_n and_o it_o be_v grievous_a unto_o they_o to_o think_v of_o remove_v or_o take_v long_a journey_n second_o he_o must_v leave_v his_o own_o country_n where_o he_o be_v breed_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o which_o all_o man_n general_o do_v love_n by_o nature_n three_o he_o must_v leave_v his_o good_n and_o land_n and_o live_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v great_a for_o have_v live_v so_o long_o in_o his_o native_a country_n and_o be_v bear_v as_o he_o be_v his_o estate_n doubtless_o be_v very_o great_a four_o he_o must_v leave_v his_o acquaintance_n with_o which_o he_o have_v live_v all_o his_o life_n yea_o his_o own_o kindred_n and_o must_v go_v live_v among_o stranger_n these_o four_o consideration_n be_v so_o many_o hindrance_n to_o his_o obedience_n and_o strong_a temptation_n to_o make_v he_o have_v look_v backward_o but_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o be_v command_v of_o god_n therefore_o he_o obay_v and_o
into_o the_o body_n of_o scripture_n even_o as_o the_o three_o sentence_n of_o the_o heathen_a poet_n allege_v by_o saint_n paul_n act_n 17.28_o 1._o corinthian_n 15.33_o titus_n 1.12_o have_v now_o a_o divine_a truth_n in_o they_o which_o they_o have_v not_o before_o but_o yet_o will_v some_o say_v the_o apostle_n have_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o tradition_n see_v they_o be_v not_o write_v i_o answer_v we_o may_v safe_o grant_v it_o and_o yet_o our_o cause_n lose_v nothing_o though_o it_o may_v be_v they_o have_v they_o by_o inspiration_n and_o not_o by_o tradition_n that_o be_v as_o likely_a or_o much_o more_o than_o the_o other_o three_o but_o for_o this_o particular_a i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o word_n or_o at_o least_o the_o matter_n out_o of_o the_o story_n in_o genesis_n for_o thus_o go_v the_o word_n gâ—d_v say_v to_o abraham_n go_v out_o of_o thy_o country_n etc._n etc._n into_o the_o land_n that_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o he_o name_v none_o to_o he_o but_o tell_v he_o he_o will_v show_v he_o one_o so_o then_o abraham_n go_v out_o at_o god_n appointment_n and_o god_n know_v but_o he_o know_v not_o whither_o he_o go_v he_o know_v well_o the_o land_n he_o leave_v but_o he_o know_v not_o the_o land_n he_o shall_v have_v but_o it_o may_v be_v again_o object_v that_o this_o be_v not_o true_a for_o it_o appear_v gen._n 12.5_o that_o abraham_n with_o sarah_n his_o wife_n and_o all_o their_o substance_n depart_v to_o go_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n they_o come_v therefore_o he_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v namely_o to_o that_o land_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a he_o go_v out_o with_o purpose_n and_o assurance_n to_o inherit_v a_o land_n promise_v he_o by_o god_n but_o not_o name_v to_o he_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v there_o say_v he_o go_v out_o to_o go_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n that_o be_v speak_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o performance_n when_o he_o be_v come_v thither_o not_o of_o the_o first_o promise_n make_v he_o at_o his_o departure_n or_o of_o the_o time_n when_o moses_n write_v it_o not_o of_o the_o time_n when_o god_n speak_v it_o to_o abraham_n and_o that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o land_n god_n do_v mean_a until_o he_o come_v thither_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o seven_o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o abraham_n have_v pass_v through_o all_o the_o country_n and_o wai_o come_v into_o canaan_n than_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o and_o say_v this_o land_n will_v i_o give_v unto_o thy_o seed_n but_o till_o than_o god_n never_o name_v it_o unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o read_v afore_o that_o he_o believe_v and_o obey_v upon_o the_o general_a promise_n but_o now_o when_o god_n do_v particular_o specify_v and_o show_v what_o land_n he_o then_o show_v his_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o do_v there_o build_v a_o altar_n unto_o the_o god_n that_o have_v appear_v unto_o he_o thus_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o abraham_n go_v out_o not_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v which_o be_v so_o it_o appear_v that_o abraham_n do_v that_o which_o the_o world_n will_v call_v plain_a foolishness_n to_o leave_v know_v friend_n for_o unknowen_a certain_a live_n for_o uncertain_a be_v a_o simple_a course_n in_o man_n reason_n at_o least_o the_o world_n will_v say_v he_o may_v first_o have_v demand_v of_o god_n what_o land_n that_o be_v which_o he_o shall_v have_v before_o he_o leave_v that_o which_o he_o have_v but_o abraham_n make_v no_o such_o question_n move_v no_o such_o doubt_n but_o believe_v and_o obay_v and_o go_v out_o of_o his_o certain_a dwell_n at_o god_n calling_n though_o he_o know_v not_o where_o to_o lodge_v at_o night_n this_o practice_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n have_v profitable_a use_n first_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o though_o god_n commandment_n seem_v foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a yet_o we_o must_v obey_v they_o christ_n say_v if_o a_o man_n will_v ever_o come_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n he_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3.3_o s._n paul_n say_v if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v wise_a let_v he_o be_v a_o fool_n that_o he_o may_v be_v wise_a 1._o corinth_n 3.18_o christ_n say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n he_o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o follow_v i_o luk_n 9.23_o but_o how_o can_v these_o commandment_n be_v believe_v or_o do_v how_o can_v reason_n believe_v they_o how_o can_v nature_n do_v they_o so_o dispute_v the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n with_o christ_n john_n 4.11_o when_o christ_n tell_v she_o he_o will_v give_v she_o of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n she_o reply_v sir_n thou_o have_v nothing_o to_o draw_v with_o and_o the_o well_o be_v deep_a whence_o then_o have_v thou_o that_o water_n of_o life_n thus_o we_o object_n and_o reason_n against_o god_n with_o carnal_a objection_n and_o weigh_v god_n commandment_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o reason_n thus_o god_n and_o his_o commandment_n be_v much_o abuse_v by_o us._n and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n we_o hear_v and_o read_v god_n word_n and_o profit_v not_o by_o it_o because_o we_o ponder_v it_o in_o our_o reason_n and_o allow_v nor_o follow_v it_o no_o further_o than_o it_o agree_v with_o our_o natural_a affection_n as_o a_o man_n that_o will_v needs_o stand_v under_o a_o penthouse_n have_v no_o water_n fall_v on_o he_o though_o it_o shall_v rain_v never_o so_o precious_a water_n from_o heaven_n so_o when_o the_o water_n of_o life_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v drop_v upon_o our_o soul_n to_o comfort_v our_o conscience_n and_o to_o wash_v away_o our_o sin_n we_o have_v our_o device_n out_o of_o wit_n and_o distinction_n out_o of_o reason_n as_o penthouse_n to_o keep_v it_o from_o we_o that_o it_o slide_v away_o and_o never_o have_v any_o work_n in_o us._n but_o contrariwise_o we_o must_v remember_v abraham_n the_o father_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o when_o we_o hear_v god_n word_n we_o must_v with_o he_o captivate_v our_o reason_n and_o subdue_v our_o affection_n to_o it_o measure_v they_o by_o god_n word_n and_o not_o it_o by_o they_o and_o what_o we_o can_v yield_v to_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o reason_n we_o must_v obey_v with_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o shall_v god_n word_n have_v a_o gracious_a and_o powerful_a work_n in_o us._n second_o here_o we_o must_v learn_v that_o though_o we_o see_v no_o profit_n come_v by_o obey_v god_n commandment_n yet_o we_o must_v obey_v they_o for_o what_o profit_n can_v abraham_n see_v in_o leave_v a_o certain_a live_n for_o a_o uncertainty_n yet_o he_o obey_v and_o go_v upon_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o god_n build_v upon_o it_o that_o god_n be_v his_o guide_n he_o can_v not_o go_v astray_o so_o must_v we_o follow_v god_n sincere_o and_o do_v his_o commandment_n though_o no_o profit_n seem_v can_v come_v thereby_o but_o some_o will_v say_v shall_v godly_a man_n be_v lead_v like_o blindefolde_a fool_n shall_v they_o refuse_v all_o mean_n of_o help_n by_o wit_n and_o policy_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v they_o ridiculous_a and_o ass_n for_o the_o wicked_a world_n to_o ride_v upon_o i_o answer_v let_v godly_a man_n use_v all_o their_o wit_n and_o look_v with_o all_o their_o eye_n in_o their_o action_n with_o man_n of_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n commandment_n let_v they_o do_v as_o abraham_n do_v follow_v god_n call_v though_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v to_o no_o end_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n we_o must_v do_v as_o blindeman_n do_v who_o follow_v their_o guide_n though_o it_o be_v through_o wood_n &_o rock_n hill_n or_o dale_n or_o dangerous_a place_n regard_v nothing_o fear_v nothing_o only_o follow_v &_o trust_v their_o guide_n who_o have_v eye_n for_o they_o though_o they_o have_v none_o for_o themselves_o so_o must_v we_o follow_v god_n calling_n and_o yield_v absolute_a obedience_n to_o his_o commandment_n fear_v nothing_o but_o trust_v to_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o power_n and_o assure_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v our_o bless_a guide_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v mislead_v thus_o to_o do_v be_v true_a faith_n but_o alas_o how_o contrary_a be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n man_n deal_v with_o god_n as_o we_o do_v with_o loose_a chapman_n who_o we_o will_v not_o trust_v without_o a_o good_a pawn_n so_o we_o will_v not_o obey_v god_n commandment_n long_o than_o his_o religion_n serve_v our_o turn_n nor_o will_v we_o trust_v and_o follow_v god_n without_o the_o pawn_n of_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n nay_o we_o do_v worse_o most_o man_n esteem_v of_o god_n no_o better_o nor_o use_v he_o any_o better_a than_o they_o do_v thief_n in_o their_o house_n if_o a_o man_n come_v
live_v by_o faith_n in_o all_o our_o action_n from_o one_o day_n to_o another_o meditate_v daily_o on_o god_n promise_n and_o believe_v they_o and_o rely_v on_o they_o and_o apply_v the_o general_n to_o our_o own_o self_n and_o practise_v faith_n by_o make_v conscience_n of_o sin_n and_o inure_v ourselves_o to_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v thus_o do_v we_o shall_v be_v child_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n who_o first_o by_o faith_n leave_v his_o own_o country_n and_o then_o by_o faith_n also_o dwell_v still_o in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o action_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o abide_v in_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n now_o follow_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o action_n which_o be_v two_o 1._o the_o manner_n how_o 2._o the_o person_n with_o who_o the_o manner_n be_v lay_v down_o in_o two_o point_n 1._o as_o a_o stranger_n 2._o as_o one_o that_o dwell_v in_o tent_n the_o first_o point_n for_o the_o manner_n be_v lay_v down_o in_o these_o word_n as_o in_o a_o strange_a country_n the_o meaning_n be_v he_o esteem_v it_o a_o strange_a country_n to_o he_o and_o account_v himself_o a_o stranger_n in_o it_o against_o which_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o he_o be_v familiar_o acquaint_v with_o mamre_n aner_n and_o eshcol_n three_o great_a &_o mighty_a man_n of_o that_o country_n then_o he_o &_o they_o be_v confederate_n together_o gen._n 14.13_o therefore_o it_o seem_v he_o live_v not_o like_o a_o stranger_n in_o the_o country_n some_o answer_n that_o these_o three_o be_v not_o canaanite_n but_o near_o akin_a to_o abraham_n and_o have_v other_o name_n but_o the_o text_n be_v plain_a in_o that_o place_n that_o mamre_n be_v a_o amorite_n and_o the_o other_o two_o be_v his_o brethren_n therefore_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o in_o all_o likelihood_n they_o three_o be_v proselyte_n and_o that_o by_o abraham_n godly_a persuasion_n they_o have_v renounce_v idolatry_n and_o be_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o that_o they_o join_v with_o abraham_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o so_o be_v he_o convert_v whereupon_o abraham_n as_o he_o may_v lawful_o converse_v with_o they_o as_o his_o familiar_a friend_n and_o hereof_o there_o be_v two_o inducement_n first_o it_o be_v say_v gen._n 14.13_o that_o they_o be_v confederate_n with_o abraham_n and_o it_o appear_v so_o by_o their_o deed_n for_o they_o join_v their_o power_n and_o assist_v he_o in_o the_o war_n against_o the_o the_o king_n gen._n 14.24_o second_o it_o be_v say_v gen._n 14.13_o that_o abraham_n dwell_v on_o the_o land_n of_o mamre_n he_o be_v his_o tenant_n or_o farmour_n now_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a abraham_n will_v not_o have_v so_o far_o be_v beholden_a to_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v true_a christian_n and_o of_o his_o own_o religion_n therefore_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o he_o may_v be_v a_o stranger_n notwithstanding_o unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o abraham_n say_v of_o himself_o unto_o some_o of_o they_o gen._n 23.4_o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n and_o soiourner_n among_o you_o but_o it_o may_v be_v then_o demand_v why_o do_v abraham_n live_v among_o they_o as_o a_o stranger_n and_o in_o that_o land_n as_o a_o soiourner_n i_o answer_v the_o reason_n be_v diverse_a first_o he_o have_v title_n give_v to_o that_o land_n but_o no_o possession_n he_o therefore_o content_v himself_o with_o that_o that_o god_n give_v he_o and_o challenge_v not_o any_o possession_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n but_o buy_v or_o borrow_v of_o mamre_n the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v and_o dwell_v gen._n 14.13_o and_o of_o the_o hittite_n a_o place_n of_o burial_n gen._n 23.3_o etc._n etc._n this_o may_v teach_v all_o man_n not_o to_o be_v too_o hasty_a in_o seek_v for_o that_o that_o it_o may_v be_v be_v their_o right_n let_v not_o man_n prescribe_v their_o own_o time_n nor_o be_v their_o own_o carver_n but_o leave_v their_o affair_n to_o god_n dispose_v and_o enter_v no_o further_o than_o they_o see_v god_n go_v afore_o they_o abraham_n must_v be_v a_o stranger_n in_o his_o own_o land_n and_o thou_o sometime_o must_v be_v content_a for_o a_o time_n to_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o that_o which_o be_v thy_o own_o second_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n heathen_a idolater_n among_o who_o abraham_n will_v not_o converse_v but_o as_o spare_o as_o may_v be_v now_o if_o abraham_n will_v be_v a_o stranger_n in_o his_o own_o country_n rather_o than_o live_v familiar_o with_o idolater_n it_o show_v how_o little_a faith_n and_o less_o conscience_n they_o have_v who_o can_v be_v content_a to_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n among_o idolater_n where_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o can_v converse_v with_o they_o in_o all_o familiarity_n without_o any_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n abraham_n make_v himself_o a_o stranger_n at_o home_n to_o avoid_v idolatry_n but_o they_o will_v make_v themselves_o at_o home_n in_o a_o strange_a country_n to_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o idolatry_n these_o man_n will_v hardly_o prove_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n these_o reason_n abraham_n himself_o have_v in_o this_o his_o so_o do_v there_o be_v a_o three_o a_o more_o spiritual_a or_o mystical_a reason_n and_o that_o reason_n god_n have_v in_o make_v abraham_n live_v in_o canaan_n as_o a_o stranger_n namely_o to_o teach_v all_o christian_a man_n their_o duty_n to_o the_o world_n end_n abraham_n be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a rom._n 4.11_o and_o this_o be_v our_o honour_n to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n we_o must_v therefore_o follow_v our_o father_n in_o his_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o we_o must_v live_v in_o this_o world_n as_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o our_o peace_n &_o prosperity_n of_o all_o our_o liberty_n riches_n land_n and_o possession_n yea_o of_o all_o our_o friend_n &_o worldly_a acquaintance_n if_o it_o seem_v strange_a how_o this_o can_v be_v i_o answer_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o six_o action_n first_o we_o must_v not_o bathe_v ourselves_o in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n pilgrim_n take_v but_o little_a delight_n in_o their_o journey_n because_o they_o think_v themselves_o not_o at_o home_n this_o be_v s._n peter_n argument_n dear_o belove_v as_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o fight_v against_o the_o soul_n 1._o pet._n 2.11_o for_o too_o much_o delight_n in_o fleshly_a pleasure_n smother_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o we_o and_o le_fw-fr we_o loose_v all_o sin_n and_o give_v life_n unto_o all_o corruption_n second_o we_o must_v use_v this_o world_n as_o though_o we_o use_v it_o not_o that_o be_v even_o the_o necessary_a comfort_n &_o delight_n thereof_o they_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 7.31_o for_o so_o the_o pilgrim_n when_o he_o pass_v through_o a_o strange_a country_n have_v not_o his_o mind_n trouble_v with_o look_v or_o think_v on_o the_o good_n or_o commodity_n of_o that_o country_n where_o he_o be_v but_o use_v as_o much_o thereof_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o all_o his_o thought_n be_v on_o his_o own_o country_n so_o shall_v we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o our_o best_a estate_n in_o our_o great_a jollity_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o wealth_n and_o abundance_n of_o pleasure_n cast_v our_o mind_n from_o they_o &_o have_v our_o thought_n even_o then_o converse_v in_o heaven_n where_o be_v the_o place_n of_o our_o abode_n this_o be_v likewise_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n philipp_n 3.20_o worldly_n man_n make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n that_o be_v drown_v themselves_o in_o carnal_a pleasure_n so_o far_o as_o they_o forget_v any_o other_o god_n any_o other_o heaven_n but_o we_o must_v not_o do_v so_o our_o conversation_n must_v be_v in_o heaven_n from_o whence_o we_o look_v for_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n three_o we_o must_v have_v a_o serious_a care_n and_o endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n for_o all_o the_o earth_n be_v he_o and_o we_o be_v but_o sojourner_n in_o his_o sight_n therefore_o as_o the_o pilgrim_n be_v careful_a to_o please_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o country_n by_o who_o leave_n he_o travel_v through_o it_o so_o must_v we_o be_v to_o please_v the_o lord_n see_v as_o god_n say_v levit_n 25.23_o the_o land_n be_v he_o and_o we_o be_v but_o stranger_n and_o sojourner_n with_o he_o and_o hereunto_o add_v a_o four_o which_o be_v near_o akin_a unto_o it_o we_o must_v cast_v all_o our_o care_n on_o god_n see_v that_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o earth_n &_o we_o be_v but_o pilgrim_n and_o sojourner_n david_n say_v psal._n 24.1_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o all_o that_o therein_o be_v
to_o remove_v from_o the_o earth_n to_o heaven_n the_o soon_o the_o better_a and_o this_o do_v the_o father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n not_o that_o they_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o build_v city_n or_o dwell_v in_o house_n but_o that_o they_o may_v testify_v their_o religion_n and_o their_o expectation_n of_o another_o world_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o profane_a age_n wherein_o they_o live_v wherein_o there_o be_v almost_o none_o that_o either_o regard_v remember_v or_o acknowledge_v a_o world_n to_o come_v and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o particular_a or_o singular_a deed_n of_o abraham_n alone_o all_o holy_a man_n in_o those_o day_n live_v in_o tent_n gen._n 9.21_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o noah_n dwell_v in_o tent_n though_o then_o he_o be_v king_n of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o so_o do_v lot_n also_o as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v with_o abraham_n gen._n 13.5_o let_v hâ—d_n sheep_n and_o cattle_n and_o tent_n and_o thus_o they_o do_v because_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o have_v here_o no_o endure_a city_n but_o they_o seek_v for_o one_o to_o come_v heb._n 13.14_o and_o they_o think_v they_o ever_o hear_v that_o voice_n sound_v in_o their_o ear_n micah_n 2.10_o arise_v &_o depart_v for_o this_o be_v not_o your_o rest_n contrariwise_o the_o wicked_a of_o the_o world_n because_o they_o set_v up_o their_o rest_n in_o this_o world_n and_o care_v for_o no_o other_o they_o begin_v present_o to_o build_v they_o house_n nay_o city_n as_o cain_n do_v even_o in_o the_o beginning_n ge._n 4.17_o and_o the_o sodomite_n have_v a_o city_n even_o wall_v as_o be_v likely_a for_o lot_n be_v sit_v in_o the_o gate_n of_o sodom_n when_o the_o two_o angel_n come_v to_o he_o gen._n 19.1_o 2._o and_o the_o canaanite_n have_v city_n wall_v exceed_v high_a numb_a 13._o but_o we_o find_v not_o that_o ever_o god_n child_n build_v they_o city_n until_o they_o come_v to_o have_v a_o settle_a church_n of_o their_o own_o but_o contrariwise_o it_o be_v worth_a observe_n that_o god_n promise_v his_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o dwell_v in_o city_n which_o they_o build_v not_o namely_o which_o be_v build_v by_o worldly_a man_n to_o their_o hand_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o reason_n why_o abraham_n dwell_v in_o tent_n now_o let_v we_o see_v the_o use_n of_o it_o first_o here_o we_o learn_v frugality_n out_o of_o the_o civil_a use_n of_o their_o tent_n that_o be_v to_o use_v the_o blessing_n and_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n as_o sober_o and_o spare_o as_o may_v be_v and_o to_o bestow_v as_o little_a cost_n as_o may_v be_v of_o ourselves_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n namely_o meat_n drink_n apparel_n and_o house_n for_o what_o be_v spend_v herein_o be_v spend_v only_o on_o ourselves_o and_o be_v spend_v be_v go_v therefore_o the_o less_o the_o better_a always_o provide_v there_o be_v a_o discreet_a care_n have_v of_o our_o health_n and_o of_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o place_n we_o hold_v and_o of_o our_o enable_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o call_n which_o be_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o it_o be_v a_o christian_a frugality_n to_o spare_v what_o further_o may_v bespared_a and_o he_o have_v the_o less_o to_o answer_v for_o who_o spend_v the_o least_o in_o superfluity_n again_o here_o we_o be_v teach_v contentation_n in_o the_o state_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o &_o not_o to_o strive_v too_o fast_o to_o climb_v to_o wealth_n these_o holy_a man_n can_v be_v content_a to_o dwell_v in_o tent_n and_o tabernacle_n though_o they_o may_v have_v compass_v much_o more_o for_o they_o be_v great_a and_o mighty_a man_n abraham_n have_v 318._o man_n able_a to_o bear_v a_o sword_n in_o his_o house_n daily_o &_o with_o they_o and_o a_o little_a help_n more_o he_o overthrewe_v diverse_a king_n and_o rescue_v lot_n gen._n 14.14_o he_o that_o dare_v encounter_v and_o do_v overcome_v such_o a_o host_n how_o many_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o country_n can_v he_o have_v beat_v out_o of_o their_o house_n and_o how_o many_o tenant_n can_v he_o have_v put_v out_o of_o their_o live_n and_o how_o much_o of_o that_o country_n can_v he_o have_v enclose_v to_o himself_o sure_o even_o as_o much_o and_o as_o many_o as_o he_o have_v please_v yet_o do_v he_o no_o such_o thing_n but_o contrariwise_o consider_v himself_o to_o be_v but_o a_o tenant_n under_o god_n he_o be_v content_a to_o let_v every_o man_n sit_v quiet_o by_o he_o and_o himself_o to_o dwell_v in_o tent_n rather_o than_o to_o encroach_v one_o foot_n further_o than_o god_n bid_v he_o though_o he_o have_v be_v able_a this_o check_v the_o pride_n or_o covetousness_n or_o ambition_n or_o all_o of_o such_o as_o join_v house_n to_o house_n land_n to_o land_n lordship_n to_o lordship_n town_n to_o town_n and_o care_v not_o how_o many_o man_n house_n they_o pull_v down_o to_o build_v one_o of_o their_o own_o nor_o how_o many_o man_n want_v land_n and_o live_n so_o they_o have_v their_o park_n and_o pasture_n garden_n and_o orchard_n and_o all_o other_o delight_v they_o can_v devise_v these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o abraham_n mind_n who_o desire_v only_o so_o much_o land_n as_o his_o tent_n may_v stand_v on_o &_o may_v feed_v his_o cattle_n as_o they_o can_v enclose_v and_o make_v several_a to_o themselves_o that_o which_o in_o common_a shall_v be_v the_o live_n of_o many_o soul_n but_o what_o can_v befall_v such_o man_n but_o that_o that_o isaiah_n prophesi_v to_o they_o isaiah_n 5.8_o woe_n be_v unto_o they_o that_o join_v house_n to_o house_n and_o land_n to_o land_n till_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o the_o poor_a to_o dwell_v in_o three_o in_o that_o abraham_n live_v thus_o as_o ready_a ever_o to_o depart_v into_o any_o other_o country_n when_o god_n will_v call_v he_o it_o show_v that_o true_a faith_n do_v never_o limit_v god_n hand_n either_o in_o the_o greatness_n or_o length_n of_o trial_n but_o submit_v itself_o whole_o to_o his_o will_n be_v resolve_v &_o content_a to_o suffer_v all_o trial_n how_o great_a soever_o and_o how_o many_o soever_o god_n please_v to_o lay_v upon_o a_o man_n reason_n will_v have_v say_v i_o have_v leave_v one_o country_n at_o god_n word_n if_o i_o must_v leave_v another_o than_o i_o shall_v never_o know_v a_o end_n nor_o have_v any_o thing_n certain_a to_o trust_v to_o but_o faith_n say_v as_o i_o have_v leave_v one_o country_n at_o god_n calling_n so_o upon_o his_o word_n i_o will_v leave_v twenty_o more_o for_o god_n have_v as_o good_a reason_n to_o bid_v i_o the_o second_o time_n as_o the_o first_o and_o his_o love_n can_v fail_v i_o he_o may_v still_o try_v i_o but_o can_v never_o leave_v i_o thus_o speak_v abraham_n faith_n and_o not_o he_o alone_o for_o job_n though_o he_o cry_v out_o of_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o temptation_n the_o arrow_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v in_o i_o and_o the_o venom_n thereof_o do_v drink_v up_o my_o spirit_n &_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n do_v fight_v against_o i_o chap._n 6.4_o yet_o when_o faith_n come_v to_o play_v his_o part_n he_o than_o protest_v that_o though_o god_n kill_v he_o yet_o he_o will_v trust_v in_o he_o &_o he_o shall_v be_v his_o salvation_n chap._n 13.15_o see_v abraham_n faith_n will_v lead_v he_o from_o country_n to_o country_n and_o job_n will_v carry_v he_o through_o life_n and_o death_n and_o noble_a david_n be_v not_o behind_o for_o his_o part_n for_o he_o will_v lose_v his_o kingdom_n if_o god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o 2._o sam._n 15.26_o if_o say_v david_n god_n say_v i_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o thou_o lo_o here_o i_o be_o let_v he_o do_v to_o i_o not_o what_o i_o in_o my_o reason_n can_v wish_v but_o what_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o eye_n behold_v now_o in_o these_o holy_a man_n the_o practice_n and_o obedience_n of_o true_a faith_n it_o prescribe_v not_o god_n the_o measure_n there_o and_o thus_o do_v we_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n though_o we_o live_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v do_v the_o rather_o because_o general_o the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o such_o man_n who_o as_o the_o same_o place_n say_v do_v mind_n nothing_o but_o earthly_a thing_n now_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v unlike_o the_o world_n and_o to_o resist_v multitude_n and_o general_a example_n but_o we_o must_v still_o remember_v we_o be_v abraham_n child_n and_o child_n must_v labour_v to_o be_v like_o their_o father_n and_o not_o the_o common_a multitude_n and_o it_o must_v more_o move_v a_o good_a child_n what_o his_o father_n alone_o do_v than_o what_o be_v do_v by_o many_o other_o three_o let_v we_o observe_v how_o god_n promise_v abraham_n only_o the_o land_n of_o
canaan_n that_o be_v a_o temporal_a inheritance_n he_o look_v further_o for_o a_o city_n in_o heaven_n this_o he_o do_v out_o of_o his_o faith_n for_o he_o know_v that_o canaan_n be_v but_o a_o type_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o earthly_a canaan_n he_o arise_v to_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o heavenly_a and_o in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o earthly_a apprehend_v the_o heavenly_a this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o christian_a use_n of_o all_o god_n blessing_n give_v in_o this_o life_n in_o they_o to_o behold_v better_a thing_n lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n and_o shadow_v in_o the_o other_o man_n use_v for_o their_o use_n spectacle_n in_o read_v but_o they_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o look_v upon_o they_o but_o at_o other_o thing_n by_o and_o through_o they_o so_o shall_v christian_n through_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n look_v at_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a which_o be_v promise_v and_o shadow_v under_o the_o temporal_a thus_o do_v christ_n himself_o teach_v we_o in_o the_o very_a order_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n direct_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o temporal_a blessing_n first_o in_o the_o four_o petition_n and_o then_o for_o eternal_a in_o the_o five_o and_o six_o as_o though_o that_o the_o one_o be_v introduction_n and_o passage_n to_o the_o other_o and_o this_o make_v the_o prophet_n so_o ordinary_o cover_v spiritual_a blessing_n under_o temporal_a and_o put_v temporal_a deliverance_n for_o spiritual_a and_o confuse_o oftentimes_o one_o for_o another_o because_o that_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o the_o old_a church_n do_v never_o rest_v in_o view_n of_o any_o temporal_a promise_n or_o blessing_n but_o ascend_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o high_a thing_n in_o they_o how_o pitiful_a then_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o worldly_a man_n who_o use_v god_n blessing_n so_o as_o they_o daily_o abuse_v and_o pervert_v they_o use_v meat_n to_o gluttony_n raiment_n to_o pride_n learn_v to_o vainglory_n speech_n to_o flattery_n wit_n to_o deceit_n authority_n to_o revenge_n calling_n to_o oppression_n whereas_o they_o be_v all_o give_v to_o be_v help_n in_o god_n service_n and_o furtherance_n in_o religion_n and_o mean_n to_o help_v we_o towards_o heaven_n these_o man_n look_v at_o god_n gift_n with_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n and_o no_o further_o but_o if_o they_o look_v at_o they_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n as_o abraham_n do_v it_o will_v teach_v they_o to_o make_v a_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a use_n of_o they_o as_o he_o do_v last_o in_o the_o general_a state_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o of_o abraham_n practice_n observe_v how_o he_o have_v promise_n of_o canaan_n wait_v for_o heaven_n now_o no_o man_n wait_v for_o any_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o he_o have_v hope_n of_o nor_o hope_v true_o and_o proper_o for_o any_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o he_o have_v assurance_n of_o for_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a rom._n 5.5_o noâ—_n worldly_a hope_n for_o that_o have_v deceive_v no_o more_o than_o ever_o trust_v it_o but_o hope_v in_o god_n never_o deceive_v man_n nor_o go_v any_o away_o disappoint_v that_o hope_v in_o god_n therefore_o here_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o hope_v of_o heaven_n go_v with_o assurance_n and_o this_o assurance_n must_v be_v particular_a to_o the_o believer_n as_o the_o belief_n and_o faith_n be_v but_o the_o papist_n say_v this_o be_v true_a indeed_o of_o abraham_n he_o have_v not_o only_a hope_n but_o even_o full_a assurance_n but_o that_o come_v by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o rare_a example_n &_o his_o particular_a revelation_n be_v no_o general_a warrant_n to_o us._n we_o answer_v from_o s._n paul_n rom._n 4.11_o that_o abraham_n be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o that_o his_o faith_n be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o christian_n to_o follow_v for_o else_o why_o do_v the_o apostle_n so_o far_o extol_v &_o set_v forth_o that_o faith_n of_o he_o above_o 1300._o year_n after_o his_o death_n shall_v it_o be_v only_o for_o his_o commendation_n and_o not_o for_o our_o imitation_n also_o therefore_o every_o man_n that_o will_v walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o holy_a abraham_n may_v come_v with_o he_o to_o that_o measure_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v wait_v for_o heaven_n with_o assurance_n to_o enjoy_v it_o now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a description_n of_o that_o heaven_n which_o abraham_n thus_o wait_v for_o a_o city_n have_v a_o foundation_n who_o maker_n and_o builder_n be_v god_n the_o description_n have_v three_o part_n 1._o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o city_n 2._o that_o have_v a_o foundation_n 3._o that_o god_n make_v and_o build_v it_o for_o the_o first_o abraham_n by_o his_o faith_n wait_v for_o heaven_n but_o for_o which_o for_o there_o be_v three_o heaven_n or_o difference_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o first_o that_o wherein_o we_o live_v and_o breath_n bird_n fly_v and_o cloud_n move_v the_o second_o that_o wherein_o the_o star_n be_v the_o three_o be_v that_o that_o be_v above_o they_o both_o and_o be_v invisible_a the_o seat_n of_o god_n glory_n where_o god_n reveal_v his_o majesty_n in_o special_a manner_n to_o man_n and_o angel_n this_o heaven_n abraham_n wait_v for_o for_o as_o for_o the_o first_o he_o live_v in_o it_o and_o for_o the_o second_o he_o know_v it_o as_o well_o as_o most_o man_n for_o it_o be_v credible_o think_v he_o be_v a_o notable_a astronomer_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o three_o and_o high_a heaven_n he_o wait_v for_o which_o he_o know_v this_o world_n can_v not_o give_v he_o and_o therefore_o expect_v it_o in_o another_o now_o this_o heaven_n which_o be_v abraham_n hope_n be_v call_v a_o city_n a_o city_n proper_o be_v a_o place_n for_o the_o habitation_n of_o man_n compass_v with_o wall_n and_o distinguish_v by_o street_n and_o house_n now_o proper_o heaven_n or_o the_o estate_n of_o holy_a man_n in_o heaven_n be_v not_o a_o city_n but_o as_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v call_v a_o house_n a_o tabernacle_n a_o temple_n a_o inheritance_n a_o kingdom_n so_o be_v it_o here_o call_v a_o city_n namely_o for_o the_o resemblance_n it_o have_v thereunto_o which_o consist_v special_o in_o four_o point_n 1_o a_o city_n have_v many_o house_n great_a less_o and_o for_o all_o sort_n so_o in_o heaven_n also_o there_o be_v many_o mansion_n joh._n 14.2_o place_n of_o glory_n for_o all_o man_n none_o need_v to_o fear_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o perfect_a happiness_n a_o city_n be_v build_v and_o at_o first_o be_v ordain_v to_o this_o end_n that_o many_o citizen_n may_v live_v together_o in_o concord_n and_o amity_n so_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v a_o heavenly_a city_n where_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n shall_v live_v in_o perfect_a peace_n and_o loâ—e_n with_o fullness_n of_o joy_n every_o one_o in_o himself_o and_o each_o one_o in_o another_o 3_o the_o goodness_n or_o excellency_n of_o a_o city_n consist_v in_o this_o to_o have_v good_a law_n good_a magistrate_n to_o execute_v they_o and_o good_a people_n perform_v subjection_n and_o obedience_n therefore_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a city_n wherein_o god_n law_n be_v the_o only_a law_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v in_o man_n heart_n where_o each_o one_o be_v a_o sufficient_a governor_n of_o himself_o &_o yet_o all_o subject_n to_o god_n and_o their_o god_n unto_o they_o all_o in_o all_o 4_o a_o city_n be_v a_o place_n where_o general_o be_v all_o necessary_n and_o comfort_n for_o man_n life_n one_o part_n of_o the_o country_n have_v this_o commodity_n another_o that_o but_o in_o the_o city_n be_v all_o either_o bring_v into_o it_o or_o of_o itself_o so_o in_o heaven_n be_v all_o part_n of_o perfection_n and_o all_o compliment_n of_o happiness_n to_o make_v the_o state_n of_o god_n child_n there_o infinite_o bless_v such_o a_o glorious_a place_n be_v the_o city_n that_o be_v abraham_n hope_n now_o for_o the_o use_n hereof_o first_o be_v heaven_n such_o a_o city_n here_o be_v a_o notable_a comfort_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o plain_a countryman_n who_o live_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o country_n life_n till_v the_o ground_n or_o keep_v cattle_n and_o it_o may_v be_v never_o see_v or_o at_o the_o least_o never_o taste_v of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o city_n if_o he_o serve_v god_n and_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n here_o be_v his_o happiness_n he_o shall_v be_v citizen_n in_o the_o high_a and_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n that_o city_n which_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n second_o this_o may_v teach_v citizen_n in_o the_o great_a populous_a and_o pompous_a city_n of_o this_o world_n to_o labour_v also_o to_o be_v citizen_n in_o heaven_n for_o that_o be_v
with_o his_o lust_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o holiness_n we_o must_v become_v penitent_a sinner_n for_o our_o life_n past_a and_o new_a man_n for_o hereafter_o or_o else_o let_v we_o not_o look_v to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o heaven_n and_o good_a reason_n for_o god_n be_v the_o maker_n and_o builder_n of_o it_o but_o he_o be_v not_o the_o maker_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o devil_n and_o ourselves_o bring_v it_o out_o and_o think_v we_o the_o devil_n work_n shall_v come_v in_o heaven_n or_o that_o god_n will_v build_v a_o house_n for_o the_o devil_n slave_n to_o dwell_v in_o let_v we_o not_o be_v deceive_v but_o contrariwise_o grace_n and_o holiness_n be_v god_n work_n as_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n so_o our_o regeneration_n be_v much_o more_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o mercy_n that_o man_n therefore_o who_o can_v say_v god_n as_o once_o he_o make_v i_o a_o man_n so_o he_o have_v again_o make_v and_o build_v i_o a_o new_a man_n and_o a_o new_a creature_n that_o man_n be_v he_o that_o shall_v be_v a_o inhabitant_n in_o that_o heavenly_a city_n who_o maker_n and_o builder_n be_v the_o same_o god_n in_o this_o holy_a way_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n do_v the_o holy_a father_n walk_n to_o this_o city_n as_o david_n say_v in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o thus_o i_o will_v wait_v for_o thou_o in_o holiness_n psalm_n and_o thus_o doubtless_o do_v the_o noble_a patriarch_n abraham_n who_o as_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o be_v he_o also_o a_o pattern_n of_o repentance_n &_o holy_a life_n &_o in_o that_o holiness_n he_o wait_v for_o this_o city_n that_o have_v a_o foundation_n who_o maker_n and_o builder_n be_v god_n hitherto_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o holy_a practice_n of_o abraham_n faith_n in_o two_o example_n there_o be_v much_o more_o speak_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o by_o the_o way_n the_o holy_a ghost_n interlace_v a_o worthy_a example_n even_o of_o a_o woman_n faith_n namely_o sarah_n his_o wife_n the_o six_o example_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o whole_a follow_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o two_o next_o verse_n sarahs_n faith_n verse_n 11._o by_o faith_n even_o sarah_n also_o receive_v strength_n to_o conceive_v seed_n and_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o child_n when_o she_o be_v past_o age_n because_o she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v next_o to_o abraham_n who_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o of_o faithful_a man_n follow_v sarah_n who_o be_v also_o mystical_o the_o mother_n of_o believer_n next_o to_o the_o husband_n follow_v the_o wife_n nay_o abraham_n faith_n be_v commend_v both_o before_o she_o and_o after_o she_o and_o she_o enclose_v in_o the_o midst_n by_o the_o way_n here_o observe_v how_o god_n honour_v holy_a marriage_n and_o observe_v the_o decorum_n and_o dignity_n of_o it_o he_o not_o only_o allow_v or_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o abel_n who_o it_o may_v be_v be_v unmarried_a but_o as_o we_o see_v of_o marry_a man_n also_o and_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o of_o all_o these_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o record_v for_o their_o faith_n and_o holiness_n they_o be_v all_o marry_v except_o abel_n of_o who_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o he_o be_v or_o no._n it_o appear_v therefore_o that_o god_n as_o he_o ordain_v holy_a marriage_n so_o he_o always_o honour_v it_o both_o with_o his_o grace_n on_o earth_n and_o his_o glory_n in_o heaven_n as_o well_o if_o not_o better_o than_o any_o other_o state_n of_o life_n they_o therefore_o do_v spit_v in_o the_o face_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o any_o way_n disgrace_v it_o and_o they_o especial_o who_o allow_v fornication_n or_o adultery_n in_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n rather_o than_o it_o as_o some_o papist_n do_v but_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v further_o how_o god_n maintain_v the_o dignity_n &_o decorum_n of_o it_o he_o place_v abraham_n and_o sarah_n together_o and_o put_v none_o betwixt_o they_o to_o show_v the_o inseparable_a unity_n that_o be_v to_o be_v betwixt_o they_o so_o far_o as_o that_o eveâ—_o in_o story_n they_o be_v to_o be_v set_v together_o and_o how_o heinous_a their_o presumption_n be_v that_o darâ—_n any_o way_n attempt_n to_o separate_v or_o part_v that_o unity_n he_o place_v abraham_n first_o to_o show_v the_o dignity_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o man_n who_o for_o her_o sin_n god_n have_v set_v over_o she_o not_o only_o for_o her_o head_n but_o for_o her_o guide_n &_o governor_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o man_n that_o he_o and_o his_o example_n shall_v be_v first_o and_o shall_v be_v a_o light_n unto_o she_o to_o shame_v they_o who_o come_v behind_o their_o wife_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n he_o place_v abraham_n both_o afore_o and_o after_o she_o and_o she_o in_o the_o midst_n to_o teach_v she_o that_o her_o glory_n and_o honour_n every_o way_n be_v in_o the_o virtue_n and_o worthiness_n of_o her_o husband_n her_o head_n under_o god_n who_o be_v to_o go_v before_o she_o to_o give_v her_o good_a example_n and_o to_o come_v after_o to_o oversee_v her_o course_n and_o on_o all_o side_n to_o be_v a_o shelter_n and_o defence_n unto_o she_o these_o thing_n may_v not_o unfit_o be_v note_v in_o this_o contextion_n now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o word_n wherein_o be_v these_o point_n 1._o who_o believe_v even_o sarah_n 2._o what_o she_o believe_v god_n promise_v to_o bear_v isaac_n 3._o the_o impediment_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v two_o 1._o her_o age_n 2._o her_o barrenness_n 4._o the_o effect_n of_o this_o her_o faith_n which_o be_v three_o 1._o thereby_o she_o conceive_v seed_n 2._o bring_v forth_o isaac_n 3._o have_v a_o great_a â—ssue_n and_o posterity_n by_o he_o 5_o the_o ground_n of_o her_o faith_n she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v all_o these_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o verse_n or_o the_o next_o the_o first_o point_n be_v the_o person_n of_o who_o this_o story_n be_v sarah_n a_o woman_n even_o she_o believe_v we_o have_v hear_v some_o example_n of_o notable_a man_n but_o he_o hold_v here_o a_o woman_n chronicle_v for_o her_o faith_n and_o holy_a obedience_n as_o well_o as_o man_n where_o we_o learn_v that_o save_v faith_n and_o consequent_o salvation_n itself_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o one_o sex_n but_o to_o both_o man_n &_o woman_n the_o woman_n indeed_o be_v the_o first_o that_o bring_v in_o sin_n and_o be_v deceive_v herself_o by_o the_o devil_n she_o deceive_v man_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o tim._n 2.14_o the_o man_n be_v not_o deceive_v but_o the_o woman_n and_o she_o be_v in_o the_o transgression_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n grievous_a calamity_n and_o much_o bitterness_n be_v lay_v upon_o that_o sex_n in_o bear_v and_o bring_v up_o child_n and_o in_o subjection_n in_o which_o regard_v they_o may_v think_v themselves_o forsake_v of_o god_n for_o their_o fault_n for_o the_o prevent_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n here_o or_o rather_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o he_o teach_v we_o that_o true_a faith_n and_o salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n belong_v to_o sarah_n as_o well_o as_o abraham_n to_o woman_n as_o well_o as_o to_o man_n and_o saint_n peter_n also_o most_o plain_o 1._o pet._n 3.7_o teach_v we_o that_o they_o be_v heir_n together_o with_o their_o husband_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o life_n the_o use_n whereof_o as_o it_o discover_v the_o monstrous_a and_o unnatural_a madness_n of_o some_o man_n who_o have_v call_v into_o question_n the_o possibility_n of_o their_o salvation_n yea_o some_o whether_o they_o have_v soul_n or_o no_o so_o it_o give_v encouragement_n to_o woman_n to_o serve_v that_o god_n in_o zeal_n and_o sincerity_n which_o have_v be_v so_o merciful_a unto_o their_o sin_n and_o who_o though_o he_o have_v subject_v they_o in_o body_n unto_o their_o husdand_n yet_o have_v make_v their_o soul_n partaker_n with_o they_o of_o the_o same_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n yet_o withal_o we_o may_v observe_v how_o few_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o record_v namely_o but_o one_o or_o two_o woman_n among_o many_o man_n for_o so_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n those_o that_o have_v be_v good_a be_v excellent_a but_o they_o be_v few_o in_o comparison_n of_o man_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o more_o commendation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v good_a so_o it_o must_v stir_v up_o all_o woman_n profess_v religion_n to_o labour_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o grandmother_n sarah_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v some_o of_o those_o few_o but_o let_v we_o enter_v into_o further_a and_o more_o particular_a consideration_n who_o this_o sarah_n be_v especial_o see_v she_o be_v the_o only_a woman_n
believer_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n let_v this_o teach_v we_o when_o we_o see_v our_o own_o sin_n how_o hideous_a &_o monstrous_a they_o be_v yet_o not_o to_o despair_v and_o when_o we_o see_v other_o man_n live_v in_o extreme_a dissolutenes_n yet_o not_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o before_o the_o time_n but_o even_o then_o with_o hope_n and_o comfort_n remember_v that_o god_n who_o quicken_v the_o dead_a and_o call_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v and_o in_o that_o hope_n let_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o he_o may_v quicken_v our_o dead_a heart_n and_o revive_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o therefore_o in_o that_o hope_n let_v we_o raise_v up_o ourselves_o to_o use_v all_o holy_a mean_n of_o god_n word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n which_o if_o we_o careful_o and_o continual_o do_v we_o shall_v see_v wonder_n wrought_v in_o we_o that_o as_o they_o say_v of_o paul_n this_o man_n preach_v the_o faith_n which_o afore_o he_o destroy_v and_o therefore_o glorify_v god_n for_o he_o galath_n 1.22.23_o so_o shall_v man_n say_v of_o we_o this_o man_n hate_v the_o profaneness_n that_o afore_o he_o live_v in_o and_o love_v the_o religion_n that_o afore_o he_o mock_v such_o miracle_n will_v the_o lord_n work_v in_o we_o if_o with_o faith_n and_o diligence_n we_o use_v the_o holy_a mean_n that_o so_o all_o that_o see_v we_o shall_v glorify_v god_n for_o us._n thus_o we_o see_v general_o how_o great_a the_o issue_n and_o posterity_n of_o sarah_n be_v but_o it_o be_v more_o particular_o enlarge_v by_o two_o comparison_n as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n in_o the_o sky_n or_o as_o the_o sand_n by_o the_o sea_n shore_n which_o be_v innumerable_a his_o comparison_n be_v two_o one_o take_v from_o the_o heaven_n as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n in_o the_o sky_n the_o other_o from_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o sand_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o these_o two_o be_v use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v thing_n of_o incredible_a number_n to_o express_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o come_v all_o from_o sarah_n not_o but_o that_o other_o thing_n also_o be_v of_o as_o great_a number_n as_o the_o drop_n of_o water_n dust_n of_o the_o earth_n &_o hair_n of_o man_n head_n &c_n &c_n but_o these_o two_o be_v most_o common_a and_o proverbial_a phrase_n whereby_o to_o express_v a_o multitude_n and_o again_o the_o star_n of_o the_o sky_n be_v rather_o name_v then_o any_o other_o because_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o beginning_n please_v to_o use_v it_o to_o abraham_n when_o he_o have_v never_o a_o child_n gen._n 15.8_o god_n carry_v abraham_n forth_o in_o the_o night_n and_o bid_v he_o count_v the_o star_n if_o he_o can_v and_o say_v so_o shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v and_o moses_n afterward_o use_v the_o same_o comparison_n deut._n 10.22_o our_o father_n go_v down_o into_o egypt_n 70._o person_n and_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v we_o as_o the_o star_n of_o the_o sky_n in_o multitude_n now_o because_o all_o man_n be_v not_o astronomer_n as_o abraham_n and_o moses_n be_v and_o that_o ignorant_a man_n may_v say_v they_o can_v perceive_v no_o such_o matter_n in_o the_o star_n therefore_o he_o use_v another_o comparison_n which_o every_o countryman_n may_v discern_v how_o innumerable_a they_o be_v namely_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o seashore_n and_o lest_o any_o shall_v say_v i_o dwell_v in_o the_o midland_n country_n and_o never_o see_v the_o sea_n sand_n and_o be_o ignorant_a and_o so_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o star_n therefore_o to_o put_v he_o out_o of_o doubt_n the_o holy_a ghost_n assure_v he_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n that_o they_o be_v both_o innumerable_a that_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o or_o to_o god_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o man_n and_o man_n skill_n unable_a to_o be_v count_v concern_v these_o two_o comparison_n let_v we_o observe_v the_o manner_n or_o the_o phrase_n of_o speech_n in_o they_o use_v second_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o intend_v for_o the_o first_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o speech_n be_v not_o proper_a but_o figurative_a for_o proper_o they_o be_v not_o as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n or_o as_o the_o sand_n neither_o be_v the_o star_n or_o sand_n innumerable_a but_o it_o be_v a_o figure_n call_v by_o the_o rhetorician_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v a_o excess_n of_o fineness_n of_o speech_n or_o a_o excessive_a elegancy_n and_o as_o it_o be_v ordinary_a in_o all_o writer_n and_o even_o in_o common_a speech_n so_o it_o be_v not_o refuse_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o use_v both_o here_o and_o in_o the_o two_o forename_a place_n and_o the_o like_a also_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n but_o in_o other_o phrase_n in_o other_o place_n as_o saint_n john_n 21.25_o i_o suppose_v say_v he_o if_o all_o the_o say_n and_o do_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o will_v be_v write_v mean_v they_o will_v be_v exceed_v many_o and_o more_o than_o will_v be_v needful_a for_o salvation_n and_o deuteronomie_n 9_o verse_n 1._o moses_n say_v that_o the_o city_n of_o the_o canaanite_n be_v great_a and_o wall_v up_o to_o heaven_n mean_v that_o they_o be_v very_o high_a and_o so_o high_a as_o be_v possible_a for_o city_n wall_n to_o be_v and_o as_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v be_v scale_v in_o all_o man_n reason_n have_v not_o god_n fight_v for_o they_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v common_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o see_v we_o allow_v that_o liberty_n to_o all_o writer_n and_o to_o ourselves_o in_o common_a speech_n no_o reason_n to_o deny_v it_o to_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v write_v for_o all_o man_n understanding_n and_o therefore_o in_o such_o phrase_n as_o be_v usual_a and_o ordinary_a with_o all_o man_n and_o the_o like_a liberty_n be_v here_o take_v also_o in_o another_o figure_n as_o many_o as_o the_o sand_n by_o the_o shore_n of_o the_o sea_n the_o word_n proper_o signify_v and_o sound_v the_o lip_n of_o the_o sea_n now_o the_o sea_n have_v no_o lip_n but_o it_o be_v a_o speech_n take_v or_o borrow_v from_o man_n or_o beast_n who_o have_v lip_n and_o the_o sea_n shore_n resemble_v a_o lip_n for_o look_v what_o a_o lip_n be_v to_o they_o the_o shore_n be_v to_o the_o sea_n as_o the_o two_o lip_n do_v enclose_v the_o mouth_n so_o the_o two_o shore_n on_o both_o side_n do_v enclose_v the_o sea_n which_o lie_v as_o in_o a_o mouth_n betwixt_o they_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v profitable_a instruction_n first_o that_o therefore_o rhetoric_n be_v a_o warrantable_a good_a and_o lawful_a art_n and_o it_o arise_v thus_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n practice_v must_v needs_o be_v not_o only_o not_o evil_a but_o good_a and_o warrantable_a but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v and_o practice_v rhetoric_n here_o and_o in_o many_o place_n else_o of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o lawful_a arte._n the_o proposition_n be_v undoubted_a the_o assumption_n be_v clear_a both_o by_o these_o place_n and_o almost_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o scripture_n many_o of_o saint_n paul_n epistle_n many_o of_o christ_n own_o sermon_n saint_n johns_n gospel_n many_o of_o the_o prophet_n especial_o esayah_n have_v as_o much_o and_o as_o elegant_a rhetoric_n in_o they_o as_o any_o writer_n in_o the_o world_n and_o beside_o all_o other_o virtue_n and_o divine_a power_n in_o they_o do_v even_o for_o figure_n and_o ornament_n of_o art_n match_v any_o orator_n that_o have_v write_v in_o the_o greek_n or_o latin_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v any_o hard_a task_n to_o undertake_v to_o prove_v and_o illustrate_v every_o approve_a rule_n of_o rhetoric_n out_o of_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n now_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o practise_v the_o rule_n of_o rhetoric_n then_o be_v it_o lawful_a also_o to_o collect_v those_o rule_n together_o to_o pen_v they_o and_o to_o make_v a_o art_n of_o they_o they_o therefore_o that_o hold_v the_o contrary_a do_v say_v or_o teach_v or_o write_v it_o be_v unlawful_a go_v against_o the_o stream_n and_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o rule_n of_o common_a reason_n second_o here_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o in_o preach_v god_n word_n it_o be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a for_o a_o minister_n to_o use_v rhetoric_n and_o eloquence_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v good_a for_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v in_o pen_v of_o the_o scripture_n the_o same_o may_v god_n minister_n use_v also_o in_o preach_v the_o same_o they_o therefore_o that_o deny_v that_o liberty_n to_o minister_n be_v too_o rough_a and_o rugged_a and_o pull_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n one_o of_o his_o weapon_n &_o out_o of_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o
the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n of_o god_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o fall_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o two_o covenant_n of_o work_n by_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o mediator_n and_o such_o other_o substantial_a point_n touch_v god_n his_o word_n sacrament_n law_n gospel_n prayer_n good_a work_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o creed_n and_o catechism_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n do_v yield_v unto_o us._n herein_o the_o case_n of_o the_o common_a people_n of_o all_o nation_n be_v miserable_a in_o popery_n their_o clergy_n be_v so_o fat_a and_o full_a they_o will_v not_o in_o our_o church_n the_o ministry_n a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o so_o poor_a and_o ill_o provide_v for_o they_o can_v teach_v betwixt_o both_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n do_v perish_v for_o lack_v of_o knowledge_n for_o how_o can_v they_o but_o perish_v that_o die_v not_o in_o faith_n how_o can_v they_o die_v so_o that_o live_v not_o in_o faith_n and_o how_o can_v they_o ever_o have_v faith_n that_o have_v no_o knowledge_n see_v knowledge_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n therefore_o it_o need_v the_o help_n of_o those_o that_o may_v and_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o that_o our_o church_n may_v have_v teacher_n and_o our_o people_n catechiser_n for_o without_o learn_v the_o catechism_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o learn_v religion_n second_o when_o we_o have_v get_v knowledge_n and_o so_o lay_v the_o foundation_n then_o must_v we_o learn_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o salvation_n and_o we_o must_v hide_v they_o in_o our_o heart_n as_o the_o jewel_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n we_o must_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a and_o effectual_a to_o all_o that_o will_v take_v hold_n of_o they_o and_o we_o ourselves_o must_v therefore_o take_v hold_n of_o they_o and_o apply_v they_o to_o our_o soul_n three_o after_o both_o these_o we_o must_v conform_v ourselves_o throughout_o heart_n and_o life_n unto_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n we_o must_v leave_v all_o bad_a way_n and_o ungodly_a course_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o dear_a unto_o we_o or_o so_o common_a in_o the_o world_n and_o must_v make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v all_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n the_o second_o be_v faith_n itself_o the_o last_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o a_o assure_a testimony_n of_o it_o to_o god_n to_o his_o church_n and_o to_o a_o man_n own_o conscience_n and_o to_o do_v these_o three_o thing_n be_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o old_a and_o holy_a way_n consecrate_v by_o christ_n blood_n and_o tread_v in_o by_o all_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o popery_n nor_o any_o other_o religion_n can_v appoint_v so_o â—aâ—e_a so_o sure_a nor_o so_o direct_a a_o way_n thus_o live_v abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n and_o after_o this_o course_n they_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o now_o live_v in_o glory_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o with_o they_o if_o we_o will_v live_v in_o faith_n as_o they_o do_v but_o else_o we_o may_v long_o look_v for_o heaven_n before_o we_o come_v there_o indeed_o god_n can_v make_v a_o man_n that_o live_v not_o in_o faith_n die_v in_o faith_n but_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o what_o he_o can_v do_v but_o what_o be_v his_o ordinary_a course_n &_o that_o be_v this_o they_o that_o live_v in_o faith_n die_v in_o faith_n therefore_o let_v we_o take_v the_o ordinary_a course_n and_o repent_v and_o turn_v betimes_o and_o live_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o leave_v late_a repentance_n to_o they_o that_o think_v it_o but_o a_o sport_n to_o venture_v a_o soul_n that_o course_n may_v speed_v but_o this_o course_n be_v sure_a to_o speed_v he_o that_o live_v in_o sin_n may_v happen_v to_o die_v in_o faith_n but_o he_o that_o live_v in_o faith_n be_v sure_o to_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o to_o live_v in_o glory_n for_o ever_o second_o observe_v how_o it_o be_v say_v all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n not_o some_o but_o all_o abraham_n the_o father_n and_o the_o root_n and_o with_o he_o the_o wife_n the_o child_n and_o the_o grandchild_n behold_v a_o true_a noble_a blood_n a_o holy_a kindred_n a_o bless_a generation_n worthy_a be_v abraham_n of_o all_o the_o honour_n he_o have_v who_o be_v the_o root_n of_o such_o a_o noble_a and_o bless_a brood_n and_o worthy_a be_v isaac_n and_o jaacob_n of_o so_o good_a a_o father_n who_o stain_v not_o their_o blood_n by_o forsake_v their_o faith_n but_o hold_v it_o as_o they_o receive_v it_o and_o live_v and_o die_v in_o it_o let_v this_o teach_v we_o first_o if_o we_o be_v father_n to_o shine_v before_o our_o child_n in_o a_o holy_a religion_n true_a faith_n and_o good_a life_n and_o it_o be_v great_a hope_n that_o our_o wife_n and_o child_n will_v follow_v we_o in_o the_o same_o second_o if_o we_o be_v son_n to_o look_v which_o of_o our_o forefather_n and_o ancestor_n embrace_v the_o most_o holy_a religion_n and_o to_o choose_v and_o live_v and_o die_v in_o their_o faith_n most_o of_o our_o young_a papist_n can_v say_v no_o more_o for_o their_o religion_n but_o this_o my_o father_n and_o grandfather_n be_v of_o that_o religion_n but_o they_o must_v look_v to_o all_o their_o forefather_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n will_v not_o be_v of_o their_o great_a grandfather_n nahors_n or_o terahs_n religion_n but_o of_o their_o father_n abraham_n and_o abraham_n himself_o will_v not_o be_v of_o his_o father_n terahs_n or_o his_o grand_a father_n nahors_n religion_n but_o he_o go_v up_o a_o great_a deal_n high_o to_o his_o forefather_n to_o the_o ten_o generation_n noah_n and_o shem_n and_o embrace_v their_o religion_n so_o that_o we_o see_v it_o be_v nothing_o to_o say_v i_o be_o of_o my_o father_n or_o grandfather_n religion_n unless_o first_o i_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o then_o he_o be_v a_o noble_a christian_a man_n which_o know_v that_o will_v not_o forsake_v it_o but_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o it_o three_o see_v here_o true_a honour_n and_o gentry_n be_v to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o holy_a religion_n of_o our_o ancestor_n here_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o honour_n to_o do_v as_o these_o do_v abraham_n perceive_v he_o be_v wrong_a and_o err_v with_o his_o father_n he_o therefore_o leave_v his_o father_n and_o grandfather_n religion_n &_o go_v up_o high_a and_o take_v a_o better_a isaac_n his_o son_n make_v himself_o heir_n not_o of_o his_o land_n alone_o but_o of_o his_o father_n religion_n also_o jaacob_n the_o grandchild_n follow_v both_o and_o die_v in_o faith_n with_o they_o behold_v here_o jaacob_n a_o true_a gentleman_n in_o blood_n his_o holiness_n and_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o three_o descent_n let_v we_o all_o learn_v to_o adorn_v our_o gentility_n and_o nobility_n with_o these_o ensign_n of_o true_a honour_n and_o let_v all_o they_o that_o shame_n to_o stain_v their_o blood_n by_o treason_n or_o misdemeanour_n shame_n also_o to_o let_v their_o forefather_n religion_n holiness_n or_o virtue_n fail_v in_o they_o but_o let_v they_o all_o so_o live_v in_o they_o that_o with_o jaacob_n they_o may_v die_v in_o their_o father_n faith_n last_o observe_v how_o it_o be_v say_v they_o die_v in_o faith_n they_o afore_o live_v in_o it_o but_o now_o their_o principal_a commendation_n be_v they_o die_v in_o it_o let_v we_o learn_v here_o to_o hold_v on_o in_o a_o good_a course_n when_o we_o have_v enter_v into_o it_o for_o constancy_n and_o continuance_n be_v the_o true_a commendation_n he_o that_o die_v in_o faith_n be_v he_o that_o receive_v the_o crown_n to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o with_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n galath_n 6.9_o let_v we_o not_o be_v weary_a of_o well_o do_v for_o in_o due_a time_n we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o and_o further_o let_v this_o teach_v we_o all_o to_o choose_v that_o faith_n to_o live_v in_o with_o these_o holy_a patriarch_n that_o we_o may_v bold_o die_v in_o it_o be_v a_o true_a observation_n that_o popery_n be_v a_o good_a religion_n to_o live_v in_o but_o we_o to_o die_v in_o the_o papist_n usurp_v this_o say_n and_o turn_v it_o the_o contrary_a way_n but_o they_o have_v as_o much_o right_n to_o it_o as_o the_o thief_n to_o the_o true_a man_n purse_n the_o liberty_n the_o pardon_n dispensation_n sanctuary_n the_o pomp_n and_o outward_a glory_n of_o their_o church_n and_o their_o fast_n &_o outward_a austerity_n be_v foul_a and_o feign_a hypocrisy_n and_o indeed_o open_a licentiousness_n these_o and_o many_o thing_n more_o may_v allure_v any_o natural_a man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o live_v in_o their_o religion_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v than_o
obey_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o three_o fruit_n of_o the_o patriarch_n faith_n the_o four_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n follow_v and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n herein_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v diverse_a point_n 1._o the_o text_n say_v they_o confess_v that_o be_v they_o profess_v open_o what_o they_o be_v and_o what_o their_o religion_n be_v and_o that_o not_o only_o among_o themselves_o but_o before_o the_o face_n of_o god_n enemy_n and_o heathen_a man_n gen._n 23.4_o abraham_n tell_v the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n that_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n and_o a_o foreigner_n among_o they_o and_o when_o jacob_n come_v before_o pharaoh_n he_o confess_v that_o both_o his_o day_n &_o the_o day_n of_o his_o father_n be_v day_n of_o pilgrimage_n gen._n 47.9_o now_o affirm_v so_o open_o that_o they_o be_v stranger_n in_o those_o country_n they_o intimate_v a_o plain_a denial_n and_o dislike_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o idolatry_n of_o those_o heathen_a country_n and_o proclaim_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o another_o religion_n so_o that_o this_o be_v true_a which_o here_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o make_v confession_n and_o profession_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o their_o faith_n and_o that_o to_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o that_o holy_a profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o which_o we_o be_v call_v our_o calling_n be_v to_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n now_o to_o many_o it_o be_v a_o reproach_n &_o ignominy_n but_o we_o must_v learn_v this_o special_a lesson_n by_o the_o example_n of_o these_o man_n that_o howsoever_o the_o world_n judge_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n yet_o we_o have_v enter_v into_o this_o holy_a profession_n and_o be_v call_v hereunto_o must_v never_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o much_o less_o deny_v or_o forsake_v the_o same_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n it_o be_v a_o contemptible_a thing_n both_o among_o the_o jew_n &_o grecian_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n to_o the_o one_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o other_o a_o laughingstock_n 1._o corin._n 1.23_o and_o yet_o paul_n profess_v open_o that_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o that_o holy_a gospel_n rom._n 1.16_o and_o so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o we_o we_o profess_v christ_n religion_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o some_o there_o be_v that_o know_v but_o little_a &_o yet_o have_v a_o good_a mind_n to_o religion_n but_o when_o they_o see_v some_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o make_v a_o mock_n and_o a_o jest_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v thereby_o daunt_v and_o hold_v back_o from_o the_o open_a profession_n and_o embrace_v of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n as_o these_o man_n be_v we_o must_v learn_v by_o their_o example_n not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n whereto_o we_o be_v call_v but_o must_v follow_v this_o notable_a example_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o patriarch_n who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a nor_o afraid_a to_o testify_v their_o profession_n among_o the_o heathen_a whensoever_o any_o occasion_n be_v offer_v for_o whosoever_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n christ_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o he_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n behis_a father_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v luke_n 9.26_o to_o go_v further_o these_o patriarch_n profess_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v stranger_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n a_o stranger_n be_v one_o that_o have_v his_o abode_n not_o in_o his_o own_o but_o in_o a_o strange_a country_n though_o he_o travail_v not_o and_o a_o pilgrim_n be_v one_o that_o be_v go_v through_o a_o foreign_a country_n to_o his_o own_o home_n abraham_n isaac_n &_o jacob_n be_v stranger_n because_o they_o dwell_v as_o stranger_n in_o tent_n not_o in_o their_o own_o country_n where_o they_o be_v bear_v but_o in_o that_o strange_a country_n whither_o god_n have_v call_v they_o and_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n because_o they_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o go_v thence_o whithersoever_o god_n will_v call_v they_o and_o in_o all_o place_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v still_o they_o wait_v on_o god_n and_o seek_v to_o he_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o this_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o these_o patriarch_n but_o be_v also_o common_a to_o all_o christian_n that_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o the_o same_o faith_n for_o david_n long_o after_o they_o confess_v unto_o god_n psal._n 39.12_o that_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n and_o a_o pilgrim_n or_o soiourner_n with_o he_o as_o all_o his_o father_n be_v and_o even_o we_o also_o must_v follow_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o profession_n dwell_v here_o on_o the_o earth_n we_o must_v testify_v &_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v both_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n but_o how_o will_n some_o say_v shall_v we_o be_v answerable_a to_o this_o profession_n answer_n for_o the_o practice_n hereof_o we_o must_v do_v these_o 3._o thing_n 1._o we_o must_v use_v this_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o as_o though_o we_o use_v they_o not_o 1._o cor_fw-la 7.31_o the_o temporal_a blessing_n we_o here_o enjoy_v we_o must_v so_o use_v as_o though_o they_o be_v not_o we_o but_o as_o stranger_n do_v only_o for_o the_o present_a occasion_n but_o we_o must_v not_o set_v our_o heart_n thereon_o and_o the_o rather_o to_o persuade_v we_o hereunto_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o godly_a patriarch_n they_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n distinct_o &_o absolute_o so_o as_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v more_o right_a to_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o possess_v than_o they_o have_v to_o this_o land_n yet_o when_o they_o come_v into_o it_o they_o enjoy_v it_o and_o all_o thing_n therein_o as_o stranger_n and_o possess_v nothing_o but_o do_v even_o buy_v ground_n to_o bury_v their_o dead_a in_o and_o so_o must_v we_o use_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v in_o this_o world_n for_o our_o house_n we_o must_v use_v they_o as_o stranger_n do_v a_o inn_n and_o for_o our_o good_n we_o must_v use_v they_o as_o pilgrim_n do_v other_o man_n good_n where_o they_o stay_v for_o a_o night_n we_o must_v so_o use_v they_o always_o as_o be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o leave_v they_o the_o next_o morning_n or_o at_o any_o time_n when_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o away_o second_o we_o must_v cast_v off_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n that_o may_v any_o whit_n hinder_v we_o in_o our_o journey_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n like_v unto_o good_a traveller_n who_o will_v carry_v nothing_o with_o they_o in_o the_o way_n but_o that_o which_o may_v further_o they_o to_o their_o journey_n end_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n hinder_v they_o in_o the_o way_n they_o will_v cast_v it_o from_o they_o and_o rather_o lose_v it_o then_o be_v hinder_v from_o their_o home_n but_o what_o be_v that_o which_o be_v burdensome_a unto_o we_o in_o this_o our_o journey_n to_o heaven_n this_o s._n paul_n show_v when_o he_o say_v 2._o tim._n 3.6_o that_o certain_a simple_a woman_n be_v lade_v with_o sin_n behold_v sin_n be_v that_o that_o lade_v uâ—_n and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n call_v sin_n the_o thing_n that_o hang_v on_o so_o fast_o and_o press_v we_o down_o heb._n 1â—_n 1â—_n therefore_o if_o we_o will_v be_v good_a traveller_n and_o pilgrim_n towards_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o all_o sin_n for_o that_o will_v hold_v we_o down_o that_o we_o can_v go_v one_o step_n forward_o but_o will_v draw_v we_o backward_o unto_o hell_n for_o the_o way_n be_v straight_o that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o the_o gate_n narrow_a and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o can_v enter_v into_o it_o math._n 7.13_o he_o that_o will_v come_v hither_o must_v come_v with_o a_o humble_a and_o pure_a heart_n for_o the_o gate_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o that_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n to_o enter_v therein_o the_o proud_a man_n who_o heart_n be_v puff_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o the_o covetous_a man_n who_o heart_n be_v enlarge_v with_o desire_n of_o gain_n the_o ambitious_a man_n who_o iâ—_n with_o child_n with_o worldly_a pomp_n &_o state_n and_o the_o luxurious_a and_o voluptuous_a man_n who_o fat_v himself_o with_o earthly_a and_o carnal_a pleasure_n all_o these_o be_v grow_v too_o big_a to_o enter_v into_o this_o straight_a gate_n but_o the_o meek_a in_o spirit_n who_o lead_v a_o humble_a and_o innocent_a life_n these_o shall_v tread_v this_o path_n though_o it_o be_v narrow_a and_o enter_v in_o at_o this_o door_n though_o it_o be_v straight_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v cast_v off_o
offer_v he_o for_o though_o the_o common_a opinion_n be_v that_o he_o be_v but_o 13._o year_n old_a yet_o the_o more_o receive_a opinion_n of_o the_o best_a writer_n be_v that_o isaac_n be_v 25._o or_o 27._o year_n old_a how_o then_o can_v abraham_n be_v a_o old_a man_n of_o more_o than_o 120._o year_n be_v able_a to_o bind_v isaac_n be_v a_o young_a and_o lusty_a man_n and_o lay_v he_o on_o the_o altar_n to_o kill_v he_o for_o though_o abraham_n have_v a_o commandment_n to_o kill_v isaac_n yet_o we_o find_v not_o that_o god_n command_v isaac_n to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v kill_v now_o nature_n move_v every_o one_o to_o seek_v to_o save_v his_o own_o life_n and_o to_o resist_v such_o as_o will_v kill_v us._n how_o then_o be_v isaac_n bring_v to_o yield_v thus_o far_o to_o his_o father_n for_o answer_v hereunto_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o abraham_n be_v no_o ordinary_a man_n but_o a_o prophet_n and_o that_o a_o excellent_a and_o extraordinary_a prophet_n so_o god_n himself_o testify_v of_o he_o to_o abimelech_n he_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o thou_o 20.7_o yea_o he_o be_v esteem_v and_o reverence_v as_o a_o prophet_n &_o a_o honourable_a man_n even_o of_o the_o heathen_a the_o hittite_n tell_v he_o thou_o be_v a_o prince_n of_o god_n among_o us._n genesis_n 23.6_o now_o be_v a_o man_n of_o so_o high_a place_n and_o so_o great_a regard_n even_o in_o the_o world_n doubtless_o he_o be_v of_o much_o more_o authority_n in_o his_o own_o house_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o likely_a that_o he_o tell_v isaac_n his_o son_n that_o he_o have_v a_o special_a commandment_n from_o god_n to_o kill_v he_o in_o sacrifice_n now_o isaac_n be_v a_o holy_a man_n and_o well_o bring_v up_o hear_v this_o be_v content_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v and_o obey_v his_o father_n herein_o this_o i_o speak_v not_o as_o certain_a but_o as_o most_o probable_a and_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o best_a learned_a who_o have_v have_v good_a experience_n in_o the_o scripture_n this_o circumstance_n well_o observe_v serve_v great_o for_o the_o commendation_n of_o they_o both_o of_o abraham_n the_o father_n that_o have_v so_o religious_o bring_v up_o his_o only_a son_n that_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o he_o that_o he_o will_v not_o resist_v the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o he_o though_o it_o cost_v he_o his_o life_n oh_o that_o parent_n will_v follow_v abraham_n in_o so_o do_v to_o their_o child_n then_o will_v it_o go_v well_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god._n again_o isaac_n behaviour_n be_v here_o admirable_a that_o he_o will_v not_o resist_v his_o weak_a and_o age_a father_n but_o suffer_v he_o to_o bind_v he_o and_o to_o lay_v he_o on_o the_o altar_n yield_v himself_o unto_o death_n when_o his_o father_n tell_v he_o my_o son_n god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o this_o example_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o obedience_n not_o only_o for_o child_n towards_o their_o parent_n but_o for_o we_o all_o towards_o god_n minister_n when_o they_o shall_v tell_v we_o what_o god_n will_v have_v we_o do_v we_o must_v submit_v ourselves_o and_o yield_v though_o it_o turn_v to_o our_o bodily_a pain_n and_o grief_n for_o isaac_n yield_v though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o life_n but_o alas_o who_o will_v follow_v isaac_n for_o let_v the_o minister_n speak_v against_o our_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o unlawful_a gain_n let_v he_o cross_v our_o humour_n and_o affection_n than_o we_o refuse_v to_o hear_v and_o will_v not_o obey_v nay_o if_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n as_o the_o lord_n priest_n come_v with_o the_o sacrifice_a knife_n of_o god_n word_n to_o the_o throat_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o kill_v the_o same_o in_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v pure_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n do_v we_o not_o resist_v he_o and_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o will_v none_o of_o this_o doctrine_n or_o if_o he_o like_o a_o prophet_n of_o god_n come_v and_o offer_v to_o bind_v our_o conscience_n with_o the_o cord_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o lay_v our_o affection_n on_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o law_n then_o we_o resist_v and_o be_v either_o too_o young_a or_o too_o old_a too_o rich_a or_o too_o learned_a or_o too_o great_a to_o be_v teach_v and_o bind_v to_o obedience_n but_o let_v we_o know_v that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v true_a isaac_n even_o the_o son_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o true_a heir_n of_o abraham_n faith_n as_o we_o will_v bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n then_o as_o he_o do_v submit_v himself_o to_o be_v bind_v of_o his_o father_n so_o must_v we_o yield_v ourselves_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o be_v bind_v by_o his_o word_n and_o suffer_v the_o same_o word_n to_o be_v in_o we_o the_o two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o cut_v down_o sin_n and_o corruption_n in_o we_o and_o to_o make_v we_o new_a creature_n that_o so_o both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n we_o may_v become_v pure_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n unto_o our_o god_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o fact_n itself_o wherein_o abraham_n faith_n be_v set_v forth_o now_o follow_v the_o argument_n or_o reason_n whereby_o the_o same_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o us._n the_o first_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o great_a impediment_n which_o may_v hinder_v his_o faith_n and_o they_o be_v in_o number_n three_o first_o that_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o work_n not_o by_o ordinary_a command_n but_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a course_n in_o temptation_n be_v tempt_v second_o that_o he_o be_v to_o offer_v his_o own_o child_n yea_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n three_o that_o he_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n must_v offer_v he_o and_o kill_v he_o in_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v for_o the_o first_o impediment_n in_o the_o ordinary_a translation_n it_o be_v read_v thus_o when_o he_o be_v try_v but_o that_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a be_v rather_o a_o exposition_n of_o the_o meaning_n than_o a_o translation_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o very_a word_n signify_v to_o be_v tempt_v and_o the_o meaning_n be_v when_o he_o be_v try_v i_o will_v therefore_o rather_o read_v it_o thus_o when_o he_o be_v tempt_v or_o be_v tempt_v as_o the_o word_n signify_v in_o the_o handle_n hereof_o first_o we_o will_v entreat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o temptation_n and_o then_o come_v to_o the_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o the_o same_o temptation_n as_o it_o be_v here_o use_v may_v be_v thus_o describe_v it_o be_v a_o action_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o prove_v and_o make_v experience_n of_o the_o loyalty_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o servant_n first_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o action_n of_o god_n this_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n in_o genesis_n gen._n 22.1_o where_o if_o we_o read_v the_o history_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n do_v prove_v abraham_n object_n but_o against_o this_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o saint_n james_n say_v james_n 1.13_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o temptation_n be_v the_o action_n of_o god_n answ._n that_o place_n in_o james_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v understand_v god_n tempt_v no_o man_n that_o be_v god_n do_v not_o stir_v up_o or_o move_v any_o man_n heart_n to_o sin_n yet_o further_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o temptation_n be_v a_o action_n of_o satan_n for_o so_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v read_v mat._n 4.3_o that_o he_o be_v call_v the_o tempter_n answ._n some_o temptation_n be_v the_o action_n of_o god_n and_o some_o the_o action_n of_o satan_n god_n tempt_v and_o satan_n tempt_v but_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n in_o their_o temptation_n first_o in_o the_o manner_n for_o satan_n tempt_v a_o man_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v some_o evil_n god_n tempt_v a_o man_n to_o do_v something_o which_o shall_v be_v only_o against_o his_o own_o affection_n or_o his_o reason_n second_o god_n tempt_v for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o servant_n but_o satan_n tempt_v for_o the_o destruction_n both_o of_o their_o body_n and_o soul_n again_o i_o say_v whereby_o he_o make_v trial_n etc._n etc._n here_o some_o will_v say_v god_n know_v every_o man_n heart_n and_o what_o be_v in_o they_o and_o what_o they_o will_v do_v long_v before_o and_o therefore_o he_o need_v not_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o any_o man_n answ._n god_n make_v trial_n of_o his_o servant_n not_o because_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o which_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o he_o understandeth_v their_o thought_n long_o before_o but_o because_o he_o will_v have_v their_o obedience_n make_v know_v partly_o to_o themselves_o and_o partly_o to_o the_o world_n so_o that_o he_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o servant_n
that_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n 3.16_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n this_o be_v god_n promise_n and_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v change_v now_o therefore_o howsoever_o my_o case_n be_v heavy_a and_o desolate_a yet_o god_n be_v able_a to_o comfort_v i_o and_o to_o bring_v my_o soul_n out_o of_o hell_n and_o from_o this_o case_n of_o desperation_n therefore_o though_o he_o kill_v i_o i_o will_v trust_v in_o he_o and_o i_o will_v use_v all_o holy_a mean_n whereby_o i_o may_v overcome_v this_o hard_a and_o grievous_a temptation_n so_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o call_v we_o to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a profession_n flesh_n and_o blood_n we_o know_v be_v weak_a and_o nature_n will_v make_v this_o objection_n that_o life_n be_v sweet_a what_o course_n therefore_o shall_v we_o take_v we_o must_v do_v as_o abraham_n here_o do_v unto_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n promise_v we_o must_v adjoine_v his_o power_n and_o reason_n thus_o god_n have_v make_v this_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o that_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o own_o name_n sake_n and_o i_o know_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v i_o and_o though_o he_o will_v not_o yet_o he_o can_v make_v i_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o therefore_o i_o will_v patient_o suffer_v and_o abide_v whatsoever_o his_o holy_a hand_n shall_v lay_v upon_o i_o three_o be_v a_o man_n so_o trouble_v with_o some_o sin_n that_o he_o can_v get_v out_o nor_o overcome_v it_o then_o also_o let_v he_o set_v before_o he_o this_o fact_n of_o abraham_n and_o unfeigned_o endeavour_n to_o do_v hereafter_o for_o that_o which_o be_v past_a let_v he_o labour_n to_o believe_v this_o promise_n of_o god_n at_o what_o time_n soever_o a_o sinner_n do_v repent_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n he_o will_v put_v all_o his_o wickedness_n out_o of_o his_o remembrance_n and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v be_v first_o resolve_v that_o god_n can_v enable_v he_o to_o leave_v his_o sin_n let_v he_o strive_v by_o good_a mean_n to_o leave_v his_o sin_n avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o and_o pray_v against_o it_o and_o this_o will_v be_v as_o a_o cable-rope_n to_o draw_v he_o out_o of_o the_o pit_n of_o sin_n this_o course_n we_o must_v take_v and_o this_o do_v in_o every_o hard_a case_n that_o shall_v befall_v us._n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o abraham_n induce_v himself_o to_o obey_v god_n the_o three_o and_o last_o reason_n whereby_o abraham_n faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o be_v the_o issue_n and_o event_n thereof_o in_o these_o word_n from_o whence_o he_o receive_v he_o also_o after_o a_o sort_n from_o whence_o that_o be_v from_o death_n after_o a_o sort_n or_o as_o it_o may_v be_v read_v in_o some_o show_n this_o be_v say_v because_o isaac_n in_o the_o thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o abraham_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a man_n for_o abraham_n be_v full_o resolve_v with_o himself_o upon_o god_n command_n to_o have_v sacrifice_v he_o yea_o he_o have_v go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o put_v the_o sacrifice_a knife_n unto_o his_o son_n throat_n and_o have_v slay_v he_o indeed_o have_v not_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n stay_v his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o angel_n say_v lay_v not_o thy_o hand_n upon_o the_o child_n neither_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o he_o even_o than_o do_v abraham_n in_o some_o show_n receive_v isaac_n from_o death_n here_o we_o learn_v diverse_a point_n 1_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v rest_v on_o god_n providence_n and_o good_a pleasure_n even_o in_o case_n of_o extremity_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v out_o of_o all_o hope_n with_o himself_o shall_v at_o the_o last_o have_v a_o good_a issue_n this_o we_o see_v to_o be_v true_a by_o abraham_n example_n in_o this_o place_n as_o we_o say_v before_o he_o himself_o no_o doubt_n have_v rather_o have_v die_v ten_o thousand_o time_n than_o to_o have_v isaac_n slay_v in_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v but_o yet_o believe_v god_n promise_n that_o that_o shall_v never_o change_v he_o rest_v himself_o on_o god_n good_a pleasure_n and_o providence_n and_o go_v on_o in_o obedience_n and_o so_o in_o the_o end_n receive_v a_o bless_a issue_n this_o be_v very_o clear_o set_v down_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o history_n record_v by_o moses_n for_o when_o abraham_n have_v go_v three_o day_n journey_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o have_v build_v a_o altar_n than_o isaac_n say_v unto_o abraham_n gen._n 22.7_o father_n here_o be_v the_o fire_n and_o the_o wood_n but_o where_o be_v the_o lamb_n for_o the_o burn_a offering_n then_o abraham_n say_v my_o son_n god_n will_v provide_v he_o a_o lamb_n for_o a_o burn_a offering_n vers._n 8._o and_o thus_o yield_v himself_o to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n and_o providence_n he_o receive_v his_o son_n again_o as_o a_o dead_a child_n restore_v to_o life_n so_o when_o we_o be_v in_o case_n of_o extremity_n when_o all_o go_v against_o we_o and_o when_o we_o can_v see_v no_o hope_n of_o any_o good_a issue_n or_o end_n and_o all_o good_a mean_n seem_v to_o fail_v we_o if_o we_o can_v then_o cast_v ourselves_o on_o god_n providence_n and_o roll_v ourselves_o upon_o god_n we_o shall_v have_v comfort_n in_o the_o end_n and_o a_o good_a issue_n out_o of_o all_o we_o do_v all_o of_o we_o in_o word_n acknowledge_v god_n providence_n but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o pinch_n that_o we_o fall_v into_o case_n of_o extremity_n then_o we_o use_v unlawful_a mean_n and_o do_v not_o with_o abraham_n cast_v ourselves_o upon_o god_n but_o seek_v help_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n but_o all_o such_o person_n must_v look_v for_o a_o curse_a issue_n they_o therefore_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n be_v put_v to_o any_o plunge_n or_o extremity_n must_v cast_v themselves_o upon_o god_n whole_o and_o wait_v for_o his_o good_a time_n and_o pleasure_n and_o then_o will_v the_o issue_n be_v both_o joyous_a and_o comfortable_a unto_o their_o soul_n here_o some_o circumstance_n of_o this_o fact_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v out_o of_o the_o large_a story_n the_o first_o be_v this_o what_o do_v god_n unto_o abraham_n at_o this_o time_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o kill_v his_o son_n answ._n god_n now_o give_v he_o a_o commandment_n to_o stay_v his_o hand_n and_o not_o to_o slay_v his_o son_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o abraham_n stay_v his_o hand_n god_n before_o command_v he_o to_o go_v three_o day_n journey_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o there_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n hereupon_o abraham_n go_v but_o now_o be_v come_v to_o the_o place_n have_v bind_v his_o son_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o cut_v his_o throat_n god_n bid_v he_o stay_v his_o hand_n and_o then_o also_o abraham_n obey_v god_n and_o do_v not_o kill_v his_o son_n here_o we_o see_v abraham_n be_v at_o god_n command_n and_o as_o we_o say_v at_o his_o beck_n he_o do_v not_o follow_v his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n but_o when_o god_n call_v he_o be_v wonderful_a pliable_a to_o do_v god_n command_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v one_o way_n or_o other_o this_o practice_n of_o abraham_n must_v be_v a_o look_a glass_n for_o we_o wherein_o to_o see_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v what_o god_n command_v we_o to_o do_v that_o we_o must_v do_v and_o what_o he_o forbid_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v but_o this_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o day_n our_o practice_n general_o be_v contrary_a for_o in_o our_o life_n we_o follow_v our_o own_o humour_n and_o affection_n never_o regard_v what_o god_n do_v either_o will_n or_o will_v but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v abraham_n child_n we_o must_v follow_v abraham_n practice_n in_o this_o place_n for_o the_o son_n of_o abraham_n will_v do_v the_o work_n of_o abraham_n john_n 8.39_o good_a servant_n will_v come_v and_o go_v 8.9_o do_v and_o undo_v at_o their_o lord_n pleasure_n and_o forget_v themselves_o to_o obey_v their_o master_n and_o so_o must_v it_o be_v with_o we_o if_o we_o call_v god_n our_o good_a lord_n and_o master_n luk._n 6.46_o the_o second_o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o time_n when_o abraham_n receive_v his_o son_n from_o death_n to_o wit_n at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n when_o his_o knife_n be_v at_o his_o son_n throat_n and_o he_o himself_o ready_a to_o offer_v he_o up_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n unto_o the_o lord_n at_o that_o same_o instant_a god_n speak_v unto_o he_o by_o his_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o say_v abraham_n stay_v thy_o hand_n gen._n 22.10_o this_o circumstance_n be_v worth_a the_o mark_v for_o god_n let_v
kill_v a_o man_n not_o present_o but_o a_o week_n or_o a_o month_n or_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o year_n after_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o that_o have_v give_v themselves_o to_o study_n and_o practise_v such_o hurtful_a device_n and_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o mark_v that_o the_o principal_a inventor_n and_o practiser_n of_o such_o hurtful_a invention_n have_v be_v of_o the_o romish_a religion_n the_o second_o circumstance_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v the_o time_n of_o this_o exploit_n it_o be_v not_o on_o any_o of_o the_o first_o six_o day_n but_o on_o the_o seven_o and_o that_o after_o they_o have_v that_o day_n compass_v the_o city_n about_o seven_o time_n then_o when_o the_o priest_n blow_v the_o trumpet_n and_o all_o the_o people_n shout_v as_o josuah_n bid_v they_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o for_o this_o be_v the_o time_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o this_o exploit_n the_o reason_n why_o god_n appoint_v seven_o day_n and_o seven_o time_n compass_v on_o the_o seven_o day_n be_v not_o reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o curious_o pry_v into_o it_o nor_o yet_o as_o some_o do_v hence_o gather_v that_o seven_o be_v a_o perfect_a number_n but_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o very_a time_n wherein_o the_o wall_n fall_v down_o we_o may_v learn_v this_o that_o if_o we_o will_v have_v god_n to_o accomplish_v his_o promise_n unto_o we_o we_o must_v wait_v for_o that_o time_n &_o season_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n will_v accomplish_v they_o when_o we_o appoint_v but_o we_o must_v believe_v god_n promise_n and_o also_o wait_v his_o good_a leisure_n and_o then_o will_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o israelite_n compass_v about_o jericho_n one_o day_n and_o the_o wall_n never_o stir_v yea_o they_o do_v so_o six_o day_n together_o and_o six_o time_n more_o on_o the_o seven_o day_n &_o yet_o they_o stand_v fast_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n appoint_v time_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v but_o on_o the_o seven_o day_n when_o they_o have_v compass_v they_o about_o the_o seven_o time_n all_o the_o people_n give_v up_o the_o shout_n &_o then_o they_o fall_v down_o because_o that_o be_v the_o particular_a set_a time_n wherein_o god_n will_v accomplish_v his_o promise_n further_o whereas_o they_o compass_v about_o the_o wall_n seven_o day_n together_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o they_o go_v about_o they_o on_o the_o sabbaoth_n day_n for_o that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o seven_o now_o here_o a_o doubt_n arise_v for_o this_o be_v a_o servile_a work_n upon_o the_o sabbaoth_n contrary_a to_o god_n commandment_n which_o enjoin_v so_o strict_a a_o rest_n upon_o the_o sabbaoth_n day_n that_o they_o may_v not_o kindle_v a_o fire_n thereon_o how_o then_o can_v they_o lawful_o compass_v the_o city_n on_o the_o sabbaoth_n day_n answ._n all_o god_n commandment_n in_o the_o moral_a law_n must_v be_v understand_v with_o this_o exception_n thou_o shall_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o unless_o i_o the_o lord_n command_v thou_o otherwise_o for_o god_n be_v a_o absolute_a lord_n and_o so_o above_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o may_v lawful_o command_v that_o which_o the_o law_n forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n he_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o thyself_o any_o grave_a image_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o moses_n by_o god_n special_a appointment_n set_v up_o a_o brazen_a serpent_n which_o be_v a_o figure_n of_o christ._n upon_o such_o a_o special_a command_n abraham_n lawful_o offer_v to_o kill_v isaac_n the_o israelite_n at_o their_o departure_n spoil_v and_o rob_v the_o egyptian_n and_o josuah_n with_o the_o people_n here_o compass_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n on_o the_o sabbaoth_n day_n rahabs_n faith_n verse_n 31._o by_o faith_n rahab_n the_o harlot_n perish_v not_o with_o they_o which_o obey_v not_o when_o she_o have_v receive_v the_o spy_n peaceable_o in_o this_o verse_n the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v further_a in_o declare_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n and_o for_o this_o end_n commend_v unto_o we_o the_o faith_n of_o rahab_n the_o word_n contain_v the_o sum_n and_o abbridgement_n of_o the_o second_o and_o six_o chapter_n of_o josua_n the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v plain_a the_o point_n herein_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v three_o 1._o the_o person_n believe_v to_o wit_n rahab_n 2._o the_o reward_n of_o her_o faith_n give_v by_o josuah_n she_o perish_v not_o but_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o jericho_n 3._o the_o testimony_n of_o her_o faith_n so_o call_v by_o saint_n james_n chapter_n 2._o verse_n 25_o and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o verse_n when_o she_o have_v receive_v the_o spy_n peaceable_o for_o the_o person_n rahab_n be_v a_o woman_n of_o canaan_n dwell_v in_o jericho_n as_o we_o may_v read_v josuah_n 2_o there_o she_o live_v and_o have_v her_o abode_n she_o be_v no_o israelite_n but_o a_o foreigner_n in_o regard_n of_o her_o birth_n and_o a_o stranger_n from_o gods_n church_n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o she_o be_v commend_v for_o her_o faith_n and_o here_o put_v into_o the_o catalogue_n of_o these_o renown_a believer_n why_o be_v not_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o canaanite_n prefer_v to_o this_o honour_n as_o well_o as_o she_o answer_n we_o must_v know_v this_o that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n ascension_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v small_a sometime_o shut_v up_o in_o some_o few_o family_n as_o from_o the_o flood_n to_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o after_o limit_v to_o a_o small_a kingdom_n and_o people_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n where_o the_o lord_n people_n dwell_v during_o which_o time_n all_o other_o nation_n and_o people_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o this_o little_a company_n be_v no_o people_n of_o god_n but_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n and_o as_o pauâ—_n say_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o howsoever_o god_n church_n be_v thus_o shut_v up_o 2.12_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o corner_n yet_o now_o and_o then_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reach_v out_o his_o merciful_a hand_n to_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_a call_v they_o into_o his_o church_n and_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o covenant_n and_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n proselyte_n in_o abraham_n family_n 17.27_o his_o bondman_n and_o servant_n be_v circumcise_v and_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god._n and_o in_o moses_n day_n jethro_n moses_n father_n in_o law_n 1â—.12_n a_o priest_n of_o midian_a obtain_v this_o at_o god_n hand_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o god_n church_n and_o so_o be_v ruth_n the_o moabite_n ruth_n 1.16_o and_o naaman_n the_o assyrian_a 2._o king_n 5.17_o and_o as_o some_o think_v nabuchadonozer_n daniel_n 4.3_o but_o that_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a and_o so_o be_v the_o eunuch_n of_o ethiopia_n candace_v the_o queen_n of_o ethiopias_n chief_a governor_n act_v 8.27_o now_o as_o god_n in_o mercy_n deal_v with_o these_o so_o do_v he_o in_o like_a mercy_n call_v rahab_n the_o harlot_n above_o all_o the_o people_n of_o jericho_n for_o they_o trust_v to_o their_o strong_a wall_n and_o therefore_o die_v but_o rahab_n believe_v that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o so_o have_v mercy_n show_v unto_o she_o now_o after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n ascension_n god_n deal_v more_o bountiful_o with_o the_o world_n for_o he_o send_v the_o light_n of_o his_o gospel_n into_o all_o nation_n and_o as_o the_o scripture_n say_v their_o sound_n go_v through_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o word_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n rom._n 10.18_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o limit_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n serve_v to_o discover_v unto_o we_o the_o error_n of_o those_o that_o maintain_v and_o hold_v universal_a call_n of_o all_o and_o every_o man_n to_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n but_o if_o that_o be_v so_o then_o in_o former_a age_n the_o gentile_n will_v have_v believe_v whereas_o we_o see_v that_o before_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v but_o a_o small_a remnant_n among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n only_o and_o not_o one_o of_o ten_o thousand_o believe_v among_o the_o gentile_n now_o if_o all_o man_n have_v be_v effectual_o call_v than_o all_o will_v have_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o many_o nation_n in_o former_a age_n never_o hear_v of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v never_o in_o all_o age_n a_o general_a effectual_a call_n of_o all_o man_n object_n paul_n say_v god_n reconcile_v the_o world_n unto_o himself_o by_o christ_n 2._o cor._n 5.19_o and_o if_o that_o
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
nation_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n john_n chapter_n 16_o verse_n 2_o they_o shall_v excommunicate_v you_o yea_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o shall_v think_v he_o do_v god_n good_a service_n act_n chapter_n 22._o verse_n 22_o away_o say_v the_o jew_n of_o paul_n with_o such_o a_o follow_v from_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o he_o shall_v live_v and_o hence_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o other_o apostle_n 1._o corinthian_n chapter_n 4._o verse_n 13_o they_o be_v make_v the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o any_o common_a calamity_n befall_v the_o people_n or_o state_n as_o famine_n dearth_n pestilence_n or_o such_o like_a they_o straightway_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o christian_n say_v that_o they_o and_o their_o wicked_a religion_n be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o and_o though_o we_o have_v religion_n maintain_v among_o we_o yet_o the_o poor_a servant_n of_o god_n find_v the_o like_a welcome_a in_o the_o world_n for_o thus_o the_o wicked_a censure_n they_o every_o where_o that_o they_o be_v dissemble_a hypocrite_n and_o none_o so_o bad_a and_o vile_a person_n as_o they_o be_v now_o if_o any_o man_n ask_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v slander_v they_o so_o and_o think_v so_o vile_o of_o they_o answer_v first_o because_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n in_o regard_n of_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o grace_n joh._n 15.19_o therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o joh._n 15.19_o second_o the_o world_n know_v they_o not_o 1._o joâ—_a 3.1_o and_o therefore_o speak_v evil_a of_o they_o jude_n 10._o three_o the_o wicked_a measure_n other_o by_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o despise_v the_o godly_a that_o join_v not_o with_o they_o 1._o pet._n 4.3_o last_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a enmity_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o wicked_a &_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o joh._n 3.12_o the_o wicked_a be_v of_o that_o evil_a one_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o hate_v the_o godly_a who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n so_o that_o when_o we_o shall_v see_v or_o hear_v that_o ungodly_a person_n shall_v in_o any_o such_o sort_n abuse_v the_o child_n of_o god_n we_o must_v not_o marvel_v nor_o be_v trouble_v at_o it_o for_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n it_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n but_o we_o must_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v open_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v turn_v from_o their_o sin_n to_o repentance_n and_o then_o no_o doubt_n they_o will_v change_v their_o conceit_n and_o alter_v their_o behaviour_n towards_o they_o as_o paul_n do_v gal._n 1.13_o 15._o act._n 9.1_o 26._o to_o come_v to_o the_o word_n more_o particular_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o they_o that_o be_v the_o company_n of_o ungodly_a liver_n without_o christ_n and_o void_a of_o grace_n be_v not_o worthy_a the_o society_n of_o these_o holy_a one_o &_o for_o this_o cause_n do_v the_o lord_n take_v they_o from_o among_o they_o here_o note_v a_o singular_a fruit_n of_o true_a faith_n it_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o that_o estate_n and_o give_v he_o that_o excellency_n that_o he_o be_v more_o worth_n than_o the_o whole_a world_n i_o mean_v by_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o estate_n of_o all_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o world_n out_o of_o christ._n if_o then_o a_o man_n will_v have_v true_a and_o stable_a dignity_n let_v he_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n for_o faith_n have_v this_o privilege_n to_o advance_v a_o believer_n to_o true_a honour_n &_o excellency_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o by_o faith_n 1.12_o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n or_o prerogative_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o take_v it_o for_o a_o great_a prerogative_n to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n and_o so_o it_o be_v but_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n be_v a_o pre-eminence_n and_o dignity_n above_o all_o dignity_n and_o no_o tongue_n can_v express_v the_o excellency_n thereof_o for_o what_o more_o can_v a_o man_n desire_n than_o to_o be_v heir_n of_o glory_n in_o life_n everlasting_a and_o yet_o true_a faith_n bring_v this_o to_o a_o believer_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a dignity_n to_o be_v match_v with_o angel_n and_o no_o prince_n in_o the_o world_n by_o all_o humane_a wit_n or_o power_n can_v attain_v unto_o it_o but_o yet_o the_o child_n of_o god_n can_v be_v join_v to_o god_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n whereby_o in_o some_o sort_n he_o be_v above_o the_o angel_n themselves_o for_o our_o nature_n in_o christ_n be_v advance_v above_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n honour_n and_o dignity_n in_o politic_a or_o civil_a estate_n be_v the_o good_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o ordinance_n whereby_o man_n be_v in_o high_a place_n and_o in_o account_n be_v above_o another_o but_o yet_o all_o the_o dignity_n honour_n and_o pomp_n of_o the_o world_n sever_v from_o that_o dignity_n which_o faith_n bring_v to_o the_o believer_n be_v nothing_o worth_a indeed_o if_o worldly_a pre-eminence_n be_v join_v with_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o excellent_a prerogative_n for_o faith_n make_v it_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n but_o sever_z faith_n from_o worldly_a dignity_n and_o what_o be_v they_o but_o vanity_n of_o vanity_n which_o will_v turn_v to_o the_o great_a condemnation_n of_o he_o that_o enjoy_v they_o if_o a_o man_n have_v favour_n in_o the_o court_n and_o yet_o want_v the_o king_n favour_n it_o be_v nothing_o and_o such_o be_v all_o temporal_a dignity_n without_o god_n favour_n for_o at_o his_o indignation_n they_o vanish_v away_o now_o his_o favour_n without_o faith_n can_v no_o man_n have_v for_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v vers_fw-la 6._o here_o all_o these_o that_o be_v in_o place_n above_o other_o either_o by_o birth_n or_o special_a call_n must_v learn_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o labour_n for_o the_o dignity_n of_o faith_n when_o we_o have_v such_o thing_n wherein_o we_o delight_v we_o desire_v continuance_n of_o they_o behold_v the_o dignity_n of_o faith_n be_v everlasting_a and_o beside_o it_o sanctify_v all_o civil_a dignity_n and_o make_v the_o owner_n of_o they_o glorious_a &_o acceptable_a both_o before_o god_n and_o man_n when_o as_o otherwise_o without_o faith_n they_o be_v nothing_o and_o they_o that_o have_v they_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o abuse_v they_o again_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o these_o man_n for_o another_o cause_n and_o that_o be_v this_o every_o christian_a man_n by_o his_o faith_n bring_v many_o blessing_n among_o those_o party_n and_o to_o that_o place_n where_o he_o live_v now_o the_o world_n deserve_v no_o such_o blessing_n and_o therefore_o be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o person_n by_o who_o they_o come_v question_n how_o do_v christian_n bring_v blessing_n to_o place_n where_o they_o live_v answer_n first_o by_o their_o presence_n for_o as_o god_n say_v to_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a thou_o shall_v be_v a_o blessing_n gen._n 12.3_o so_o be_v it_o with_o all_o believer_n laban_n confess_v that_o he_o perceive_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v he_o for_o jacob_n sake_n gen._n 30.27_o and_o potiphar_n see_v that_o joseph_n be_v a_o blessing_n in_o his_o house_n for_o the_o lord_n make_v all_o that_o he_o do_v to_o prosper_v gen._n 39.2.3_o while_o lot_n be_v in_o sodom_n the_o angel_n can_v not_o destroy_v it_o gen_n 19.22_o and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v ten_o believer_n in_o sodom_n the_o lord_n will_v have_v spare_v all_o for_o ten_o sake_n gen._n 18.32_o now_o bring_v good_a thing_n and_o keep_v back_o god_n judgement_n by_o their_o presence_n they_o be_v thereby_o blessing_n second_o they_o be_v blessing_n by_o their_o prayer_n abraham_n pray_v for_o abimelech_n gen._n 20.17.18_o and_o god_n heal_v he_o and_o his_o family_n of_o barrenness_n at_o moses_n prayer_n god_n judgement_n be_v take_v from_o egypt_n exod._n 7.12.13.30_o and_o his_o wrath_n appease_v towards_o his_o people_n exod._n 32.11_o 14._o and_o some_o think_v that_o stephen_n prayer_n at_o his_o death_n for_o his_o persecuter_n be_v one_o mean_n for_o mercy_n unto_o saul_n that_o then_o consent_v to_o his_o death_n act_n 7_o 60._o and_o 8.1_o three_o they_o bring_v blessing_n upon_o a_o place_n by_o their_o example_n for_o when_o man_n shall_v see_v godly_a person_n walk_v before_o they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o cause_v other_o to_o turn_v from_o their_o wicked_a way_n to_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o
the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o the_o believer_n live_v in_o these_o last_o day_n may_v have_v time_n of_o be_v in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v call_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v glorify_v with_o they_o that_o live_v before_o for_o put_v the_o case_n that_o christ_n have_v suffer_v in_o the_o day_n of_o abraham_n or_o david_n or_o thereabout_a then_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o have_v come_v the_o soon_o for_o so_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o late_a age_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o pet_n 1_o 20._o now_o if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v soon_o cut_v off_o then_o have_v there_o not_o be_v time_n of_o birth_n and_o calling_n for_o all_o the_o elect_a that_o now_o live_v and_o shall_v live_v therefore_o for_o their_o sake_n be_v christ_n come_n defer_v till_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n now_o in_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o say_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v perfect_v with_o all_o the_o ancient_a believer_n in_o the_o old_a we_o must_v hereby_o be_v admonish_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o unto_o these_o ancient_a father_n in_o the_o participation_n of_o grace_n &_o practice_n of_o obedience_n in_o this_o life_n for_o how_o can_v we_o look_v to_o be_v glorify_v with_o they_o after_o this_o life_n if_o here_o we_o be_v not_o like_o they_o in_o grace_n christ_n tell_v his_o follower_n that_o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n to_o sit_v with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n math_n 8.11_o 12_o because_o they_o be_v follower_n of_o these_o patriarch_n in_o the_o faith_n when_o as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v many_o jew_n by_o birth_n bear_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n now_o if_o christ_n deny_v to_o glorify_v the_o child_n and_o posterity_n of_o these_o ancient_a believer_n because_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v they_o in_o grace_n and_o in_o obedience_n how_o can_v we_o which_o be_v by_o nature_n sinner_n of_o the_o gentile_n look_v to_o be_v glorify_v with_o they_o unless_o in_o grace_n and_o obedience_n we_o conform_v ourselves_o unto_o they_o thus_o much_o for_o these_o example_n of_o faith_n now_o something_o must_v be_v add_v out_o of_o the_o next_o chapter_n because_o there_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v use_v of_o all_o these_o worthy_a example_n a_o commentary_n upon_o part_n of_o the_o 12._o chapter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n verse_n 1._o wherefore_o let_v we_o also_o see_v we_o be_v compass_v with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n cast_v away_o every_o thing_n that_o press_v down_o and_o that_o sin_n that_o hang_v so_o fast_o on_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o us._n in_o these_o word_n the_o holy_a ghost_n propound_v a_o worthy_a exhortation_n to_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o they_o shall_v labour_v to_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o hold_v embracing_z and_o beeleeve_v true_a christian_a religion_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v frame_v thus_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v likewise_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n that_o live_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v lay_v down_o in_o all_o the_o example_n of_o the_o former_a chapter_n the_o conclusion_n or_o sequel_n be_v contain_v in_o this_o 1._o verse_n wherein_o we_o may_v observe_v two_o point_n a_o exhortation_n unto_o constancy_n in_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o way_n or_o mean_n to_o attain_v thereunto_o the_o exhortation_n be_v infer_v upon_o the_o former_a example_n which_o be_v all_o here_o apply_v as_o precedent_n and_o direction_n unto_o we_o for_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n in_o these_o word_n wherefore_o see_v we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n that_o be_v see_v abel_n enoch_n no_o abraham_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n who_o be_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n unto_o we_o that_o be_v light_n and_o leader_n before_o we_o be_v constant_a in_o true_a religion_n whether_o we_o respect_v their_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n or_o obedience_n to_o his_o commandment_n therefore_o we_o also_o must_v be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n the_o way_n or_o mean_n hereunto_o stand_v in_o three_o duty_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v let_v we_o cast_v away_o etc._n etc._n for_o the_o exhortation_n first_o in_o general_a the_o very_a infer_v of_o it_o from_o the_o former_a example_n teach_v we_o this_o special_a duty_n that_o every_o one_o in_o god_n church_n must_v apply_v unto_o himself_o those_o instruction_n that_o be_v lay_v down_o either_o general_o in_o doctrine_n or_o particular_o in_o example_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o say_v not_o let_v the_o galatian_n or_o the_o corinthian_n which_o be_v renown_v church_n be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n but_o let_v we_o that_o be_v you_o hebrew_n with_o myself_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o your_o ancient_a father_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n that_o many_o of_o they_o hear_v god_n word_n but_o it_o be_v not_o profitable_a unto_o they_o 4.2_o because_o it_o be_v not_o mingle_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o what_o be_v it_o to_o mingle_v the_o word_n with_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o receive_v it_o by_o faith_n believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a but_o also_o by_o the_o same_o hand_n of_o faith_n to_o apply_v it_o to_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n to_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o undoubted_o god_n word_n thus_o apply_v to_o a_o man_n particular_a person_n have_v in_o it_o great_a power_n and_o fruit_n whether_o we_o regard_v information_n of_o judgement_n or_o reformation_n of_o life_n but_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o do_v and_o rare_a to_o find_v a_o man_n that_o do_v sincere_o apply_v unto_o himself_o either_o general_a doctrine_n or_o particular_a example_n we_o be_v all_o prone_a to_o shift_v it_o from_o ourselves_o and_o to_o lay_v it_o upon_o other_o say_v this_o be_v a_o good_a item_n or_o a_o good_a lesson_n for_o such_o a_o one_o or_o such_o a_o one_o if_o he_o be_v here_o or_o if_o he_o will_v mark_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n what_o benefit_n reap_v we_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o word_n not_o apply_v to_o ourselves_o do_v we_o no_o good_a it_o be_v like_a physic_n not_o take_v or_o food_n not_o eat_v and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o we_o hear_v much_o yet_o we_o profit_v little_a by_o the_o ministry_n of_o god_n word_n we_o must_v therefore_o learn_v to_o follow_v mary_n example_n who_o ponder_v christ_n word_n and_o lay_v they_o up_o in_o she_o own_o heart_n when_o a_o exhortation_n be_v give_v we_o must_v not_o post_v it_o off_o and_o lay_v it_o upon_o other_o man_n shoulder_n but_o apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o and_o lay_v it_o to_o our_o own_o heart_n say_v this_o instruction_n be_v for_o i_o hereby_o no_o doubt_n we_o shall_v feel_v great_a blessing_n upon_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n than_o yet_o we_o do_v and_o to_o move_v we_o hereunto_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o satan_n our_o utter_a enemy_n who_o seek_v nothing_o but_o our_o destruction_n be_v most_o busy_a to_o hinder_v this_o application_n of_o the_o word_n either_o by_o the_o minister_n or_o by_o a_o man_n own_o conscience_n as_o for_o example_n when_o the_o minister_n by_o occasion_n out_o of_o god_n word_n shall_v confute_v either_o error_n in_o judgement_n or_o misdemeanour_n in_o life_n then_o man_n that_o hear_v and_o be_v guilty_a thereof_o shall_v say_v this_o be_v my_o error_n or_o my_o fault_n now_o be_o i_o confute_v or_o reprove_v and_o god_n no_o doubt_n if_o man_n will_v thus_o do_v will_v make_v it_o 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