Selected quad for the lemma: hand_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
hand_n good_a king_n lord_n 7,040 5 3.9036 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A09376 A cloud of faithfull witnesses, leading to the heauenly Canaan, or, A commentarie vpon the 11 chapter to the Hebrewes preached in Cambridge by that godly, and iudicious divine, M. William Perkins ; long expected and desired, and therefore published at the request of his executours, by Will. Crashawe and Tho. Pierson, preachers of Gods Word, who heard him preach it, and wrote it from his mouth. Perkins, William, 1558-1602. 1607 (1607) STC 19677.5; ESTC S2273 415,205 614

There are 29 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

shall_v come_v forth_o 20.2.3_o and_o encourage_v the_o people_n that_o their_o heart_n may_v not_o faint_a nor_o fear_n nor_o dread_v their_o enemy_n because_o of_o the_o powerful_a presence_n of_o god_n fight_v for_o they_o the_o papist_n object_n this_o by_o way_n of_o reproach_n against_o zwinglius_fw-la who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o restorer_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o die_v in_o the_o field_n among_o soldier_n but_o this_o indeed_o be_v no_o reproach_n but_o rather_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a commendation_n unto_o he_o in_o that_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n in_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a christian_n about_o he_o he_o be_v content_a to_o hazard_v his_o own_o life_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o eight_o effect_n the_o nine_o effect_n of_o faith_n for_o which_o these_o worthy_a man_n be_v commend_v be_v this_o they_o turn_v to_o flight_v the_o army_n of_o the_o alient_n this_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o most_o of_o the_o judge_n and_o of_o the_o good_a king_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n but_o i_o will_v make_v choice_n especial_o of_o two_o gedion_n and_o jehosaphat_n for_o gedion_n one_o of_o the_o judge_n with_o three_o hundred_o soldier_n judge_n 6._o and_o 7_o altogether_o unweaponed_a only_o with_o light_a pitcher_n in_o their_o hand_n put_v to_o flight_v a_o mighty_a huge_a army_n of_o the_o midianite_n and_o jehosaphat_n a_o godly_a king_n be_v assault_v with_o a_o mighty_a and_o great_a army_n of_o moabite_n ammonite_n and_o man_n of_o mount_n seir_n know_v that_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n he_o can_v not_o withstand_v they_o and_o therefore_o by_o faith_n make_v a_o worthy_a prayer_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o lord_n hear_v he_o and_o set_v his_o enemy_n one_o against_o another_o and_o so_o do_v he_o put_v they_o to_o flight_n which_o he_o can_v never_o have_v do_v by_o any_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o here_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o kingdom_n and_o people_n may_v become_v able_a to_o put_v to_o flight_v their_o enemy_n the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n their_o faith_n in_o god_n by_o humble_v themselves_o true_o for_o their_o sin_n past_a with_o unfeigned_a confession_n of_o they_o unto_o god_n pray_v withal_o earnest_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o and_o for_o god_n aid_n assistance_n &_o protection_n against_o their_o enemy_n the_o power_n of_o this_o mean_n be_v evident_a in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o when_o eliah_n be_v take_v up_o elisha_n cry_v my_o father_n my_o father_n the_o chariot_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o horseman_n thereof_o 2._o king_n 2.12_o give_v he_o this_o notable_a commendation_n that_o he_o be_v as_o good_a to_o israel_n by_o mean_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o all_o their_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n question_n how_o can_v that_o possible_o be_v true_a answer_n if_o we_o read_v the_o story_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v most_o true_a that_o by_o his_o prayer_n which_o he_o make_v in_o faith_n he_o do_v as_o much_o or_o more_o than_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o land_n can_v do_v and_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o all_o christian_a king_n and_o people_n if_o they_o can_v show_v forth_o their_o faith_n by_o prayer_n unto_o god_n they_o shall_v do_v wonderful_a much_o hereby_o in_o subdue_a of_o their_o enemy_n to_o apply_v this_o to_o ourselves_o we_o have_v have_v many_o and_o dangerous_a assault_n from_o popish_a enemy_n both_o domestical_a and_o foreign_a who_o have_v of_o long_a time_n and_o no_o doubt_n still_o do_v purpose_n our_o overthrow_n now_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v their_o might_n and_o to_o escape_v their_o malice_n true_a it_o be_v christian_a policy_n and_o warlike_a provision_n must_v be_v use_v yet_o our_o stay_n and_o rest_n must_v not_o be_v thereon_o but_o we_o must_v stir_v up_o our_o faith_n both_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n prince_n and_o people_n and_o first_o of_o all_o humble_a ourselves_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o show_v forth_o our_o repentance_n by_o new_a obedience_n in_o time_n to_o come_v and_o then_o pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o outward_a mean_n which_o shall_v be_v use_v this_o be_v the_o right_a practice_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o case_n of_o danger_n by_o our_o enemy_n which_o we_o shall_v find_v if_o we_o exercise_v it_o unfeigned_o to_o be_v a_o sure_a mean_n of_o safety_n and_o victory_n against_o our_o enemy_n than_o all_o worldly_a munition_n and_o policy_n for_o hereby_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o lord_n for_o our_o protection_n and_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o outward_a mean_n give_v strength_n and_o good_a success_n thereunto_o when_o as_o omit_v this_o duty_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v with_o we_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o vain_a be_v the_o strength_n or_o wit_n of_o man_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o betray_v ourselves_o wilful_o into_o our_o enemy_n hand_n but_o by_o this_o practice_n of_o faith_n enable_v ourselves_o against_o all_o our_o enemy_n whatsoever_o otherwise_o we_o may_v just_o fear_v to_o be_v deliver_v into_o their_o hand_n for_o a_o prey_n unto_o their_o tooth_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o love_v our_o own_o safety_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o land_n let_v we_o practise_v this_o duty_n for_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n avail_v much_o with_o god_n if_o it_o be_v fervent_a and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o moses_n when_o he_o fall_v down_o before_o he_o to_o turn_v back_o the_o wrath_n that_o be_v broken-in_a upon_o the_o people_n let_v i_o alone_o as_o though_o moses_n have_v hold_v or_o bind_v the_o lord_n hand_n by_o his_o prayer_n that_o he_o can_v not_o smite_v his_o people_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o nine_o fruit_n of_o faith_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o widow_n and_o the_o shunamite_n verse_n 35._o the_o woman_n receive_v their_o dead_a raise_v up_o to_o life_n this_o be_v the_o ten_o and_o last_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o these_o two_o woman_n especial_o the_o widow_n of_o zarephath_n and_o the_o shunamite_n the_o widow_n of_o zarephath_n give_v entertainment_n 17._o o_o eliiah_n in_o the_o great_a famine_n have_v this_o blessing_n vouchsafe_v unto_o she_o for_o her_o faith_n that_o her_o dead_a son_n be_v restore_v to_o life_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o shunamite_n that_o provide_v lodging_n for_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n 4._o have_v her_o only_a son_n restore_v to_o life_n from_o death_n by_o the_o prophet_n through_o faith_n now_o here_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o these_o two_o woman_n do_v not_o only_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n but_o more_o particular_o that_o god_n will_v use_v these_o his_o servant_n as_o mean_n to_o restore_v to_o life_n their_o two_o child_n that_o be_v dead_a as_o appear_v by_o this_o that_o both_o of_o they_o make_v mean_n to_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o reviue_n of_o their_o child_n which_o they_o do_v by_o faith_n but_o some_o will_v say_v this_o last_o effect_n of_o faith_n may_v seem_v to_o cross_v the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o which_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_n 15.20_o how_o then_o can_v these_o that_o be_v before_o christ_n incarnation_n be_v restore_v from_o death_n to_o life_n answer_n saint_n paul_n meaning_n be_v this_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o those_o that_o rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n to_o die_v no_o more_o but_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o so_o indeed_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_n for_o he_o rise_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o as_o for_o these_o two_o and_o some_o other_o mention_v both_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a that_o be_v raise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n they_o rise_v not_o from_o the_o sleep_n of_o death_n to_o live_v for_o ever_o but_o to_o die_v again_o in_o this_o ten_o fruit_n of_o faith_n all_o parent_n may_v learn_v their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n in_o the_o case_n of_o sickness_n or_o such_o like_a they_o must_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o these_o two_o godly_a woman_n and_o labour_v especial_o to_o show_v forth_o their_o faith_n in_o such_o duty_n as_o god_n require_v in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o wit_n they_o must_v humble_v themselves_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o child_n and_o family_n pray_v earnest_o to_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o for_o god_n may_v visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o parent_n upon_o the_o child_n in_o bodily_a judgement_n and_o entreat_v the_o lord_n to_o restore_v they_o to_o health_n and_o liberty_n and_o withal_o they_o must_v use_v the_o ordinary_a lawful_a mean_n of_o recovery_n in_o physic_n and_o such_o like_a pray_v to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n thereupon_o this_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o alas_o the_o manner_n and_o practice_n of_o
do_v it_o not_o so_o much_o as_o burn_v their_o garment_n or_o the_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n to_o cause_v the_o same_o to_o smell_v and_o the_o like_a be_v his_o goodness_n towards_o all_o his_o servant_n david_n say_v 21.3_o the_o lord_n prevent_v he_o with_o liberal_a blessing_n that_o be_v when_o david_n never_o ask_v such_o blessing_n at_o god_n hand_n even_o than_o do_v the_o lord_n bestow_v his_o liberal_a blessing_n upon_o he_o as_o namely_o this_o when_o david_n be_v follow_v his_o father_n sheep_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o call_n he_o never_o dream_v of_o any_o kingdom_n yet_o thence_o the_o lord_n take_v he_o to_o be_v king_n over_o his_o people_n israel_n so_o the_o israelite_n have_v be_v 70._o year_n in_o captivity_n never_o think_v of_o return_n and_o yet_o then_o be_v they_o deliver_v and_o their_o deliverance_n be_v so_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a that_o they_o be_v like_o they_o that_o dream_n psal._n 126.1_o when_o peter_n be_v cast_v into_o prison_n by_o herod_n and_o commit_v to_o four_o quaternion_n of_o soldier_n to_o be_v keep_v 12.4_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v and_o awake_v he_o as_o he_o sleep_v and_o lead_v he_o out_o of_o prison_n past_o the_o watch_n and_o through_o the_o iron_n gate_n and_o then_o leave_v he_o now_o this_o deliverance_n be_v so_o strange_a unto_o he_o that_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a but_o think_v he_o have_v see_v a_o vision_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v make_v this_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o answer_v before_o they_o call_v and_o to_o hear_v while_o they_o speak_v isaiah_n 65.24_o so_o endless_a be_v his_o mercy_n and_o his_o goodness_n so_o unspeakable_a towards_o his_o servant_n that_o if_o they_o cleave_v unto_o he_o unfeigned_o they_o shall_v find_v his_o bounty_n far_o surpass_v all_o that_o they_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v the_o consideration_n hereof_o serve_v to_o stir_v up_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o our_o place_n to_o cleave_v unfeigned_o unto_o the_o true_a god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n in_o due_a reverence_n and_o obedience_n if_o a_o servant_n be_v to_o choose_v his_o master_n and_o among_o a_o hundred_o shall_v hear_v of_o one_o that_o beside_o his_o wage_n will_v give_v unto_o his_o servant_n gift_n which_o they_o will_v not_o think_v of_o this_o servant_n will_v forsake_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o come_v unto_o this_o one_o behold_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v this_o bountiful_a master_n who_o do_v not_o only_o keep_v covenant_n with_o his_o servant_n in_o a_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o be_v exceed_o gracious_a prevent_v they_o with_o liberal_a blessing_n above_o all_o that_o they_o can_v wish_v for_o themselves_o wherefore_o let_v we_o forsake_v all_o our_o bad_a master_n the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o resign_v ourselves_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o serve_v this_o our_o good_a god_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v that_o can_v have_v such_o cause_n of_o true_a joy_n in_o heart_n as_o god_n servant_n have_v for_o god_n show_v more_o kindness_n unto_o they_o than_o they_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v of_o and_o take_v this_o for_o truth_n also_o there_o be_v none_o that_o thus_o give_v themselves_o to_o serve_v god_n faithful_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n but_o before_o they_o die_v they_o shall_v find_v this_o to_o be_v true_a that_o god_n be_v a_o most_o merciful_a god_n and_o his_o goodness_n endless_a towards_o they_o above_o their_o desert_n second_o this_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n must_v move_v we_o all_o to_o repent_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o be_v they_o never_o so_o many_o or_o heinous_a for_o they_o can_v never_o reach_v to_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o mercy_n though_o they_o be_v in_o number_n like_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n they_o must_v not_o dismay_v we_o from_o come_v to_o he_o but_o consider_v that_o his_o goodness_n be_v endless_a and_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n we_o must_v come_v unto_o he_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n for_o god_n be_v merciful_a to_o perform_v his_o promise_n yea_o and_o beyond_o his_o promise_n to_o do_v for_o we_o more_o than_o we_o can_v think_v of_o many_o indeed_o abuse_v this_o mercy_n of_o god_n by_o presume_v thereon_o to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n but_o such_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v merciful_a unto_o they_o deut._n 29.20_o it_o be_v the_o penitent_a person_n that_o shall_v find_v mercy_n the_o six_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v in_o these_o word_n escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n be_v thus_o escape_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o sword_n which_o be_v the_o hebrew_n phrase_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o here_o follow_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o before_o where_o he_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o two_o mouth_a sword_n heb._n 4.12_o hereby_o meaning_n as_o it_o be_v translate_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n this_o effect_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o two_o worthy_a prophet_n elias_n and_o elizeus_fw-la for_o elias_n we_o may_v read_v that_o when_o he_o have_v slay_v baal_n priest_n 1._o king_n 19.1_o jezabel_n the_o queen_n threaten_v to_o kill_v he_o which_o he_o hear_v flee_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o thence_o be_v lead_v to_o mount_n horeb_n and_o there_o escape_v by_o mean_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o for_o elizeus_fw-la we_o may_v read_v that_o when_o he_o disclose_v the_o king_n of_o syriah_n his_o counsel_n to_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n 2._o king_n 6._o he_o be_v compass_v about_o in_o dothan_n the_o city_n where_o he_o lay_v with_o a_o huge_a host_n of_o assyrian_n but_o pray_v to_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n smite_v the_o host_n with_o blindness_n and_o so_o the_o prophet_n lead_v they_o in_o safety_n to_o samaria_n so_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o effect_n be_v that_o when_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v in_o distress_n &_o danger_n of_o death_n they_o deny_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o help_n &_o by_o faith_n rely_v upon_o god_n unfeigned_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n &_o so_o find_v deliverance_n with_o god_n from_o the_o peril_n of_o death_n first_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n provide_v for_o the_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o extremity_n of_o peril_n and_o danger_n when_o both_o might_n and_o multitude_n be_v against_o they_o this_o point_n we_o have_v touch_v in_o diverse_a example_n before_o and_o therefore_o do_v here_o only_a name_n it_o second_o in_o that_o these_o man_n in_o the_o extremity_n of_o danger_n believe_v and_o so_o escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n we_o learn_v that_o when_o we_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n so_o as_o we_o see_v no_o way_n to_o escape_v even_o than_o we_o must_v put_v our_o trust_n in_o the_o true_a god_n and_o he_o will_v save_v us._n this_o we_o must_v do_v not_o only_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o body_n but_o more_o especial_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n put_v the_o case_n a_o man_n be_v in_o despair_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o that_o he_o see_v legion_n of_o devil_n compass_v he_o about_o to_o take_v he_o away_o what_o must_v this_o man_n do_v in_o this_o case_n answ._n look_v what_o elias_n and_o elizeus_fw-la do_v the_o same_o thing_n must_v he_o do_v he_o must_v not_o lie_v dead_a in_o desperation_n yield_v thereto_o but_o at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n when_o such_o terror_n oppress_v he_o he_o must_v by_o faith_n lift_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o put_v all_o his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o through_o christ._n and_o if_o he_o can_v this_o do_v he_o may_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v as_o certain_o escape_v these_o fearful_a terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n as_o elias_n &_o elizeus_fw-la do_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n for_o let_v a_o man_n put_v his_o whole_a trust_n in_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o his_o trouble_n be_v god_n will_v deliver_v he_o great_a be_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o lord_n deliver_v he_o out_o of_o they_o all_o psal._n 34.19_o indeed_o we_o must_v not_o limit_v god_n for_o time_n or_o manner_n of_o deliverance_n but_o wait_v on_o god_n by_o faith_n account_v his_o grace_n sufficient_a till_o deliverance_n come_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o six_o effect_n the_o seven_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v this_o of_o weak_a be_v make_v strong_a or_o thus_o of_o weak_a be_v restore_v to_o health_n this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o hezekias_n a_o worthy_a king_n of_o
whereof_o we_o must_v all_o labour_n diligent_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o get_v true_a faith_n in_o christ_n that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v approbation_n at_o god_n hand_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o second_o here_o also_o learn_v the_o right_a way_n to_o get_v testimony_n approbation_n and_o credit_n with_o man_n a_o thing_n whereof_o many_o be_v exceed_v glad_a and_o which_o the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v not_o contemn_v now_o the_o way_n be_v this_o he_o must_v first_o labour_n to_o get_v approbation_n at_o gods_n hand_n which_o indeed_o he_o can_v do_v any_o other_o way_n save_v only_o by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v before_o now_o the_o lord_n god_n approve_v of_o he_o he_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n in_o his_o hand_n incline_v they_o whither_o he_o will_v and_o if_o it_o do_v stand_v with_o his_o glory_n he_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o like_v and_o to_o speak_v well_o of_o he_o that_o do_v believe_v many_o indeed_o get_v great_a applause_n in_o the_o world_n which_o little_a regard_n true_a faith_n but_o in_o the_o end_n this_o their_o glory_n and_o applause_n will_v be_v their_o shame_n for_o they_o that_o honour_v i_o will_v i_o honour_v say_v the_o lord_n but_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o shall_v be_v despise_v 1._o sam._n 2.30_o last_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o all_o these_o worthy_a man_n obtain_v testimony_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n we_o be_v hereby_o teach_v that_o we_o which_o now_o live_v in_o the_o church_n be_v much_o more_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o believe_v than_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n they_o receive_v it_o not_o and_o yet_o believe_v wherefore_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n let_v we_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n but_o some_o will_v say_v what_o shall_v we_o hear_v so_o much_o of_o faith_n we_o do_v all_o believe_v answ._n indeed_o we_o say_v so_o much_o with_o our_o mouth_n but_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n to_o find_v true_a and_o sound_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n for_o gros●e_n and_o palpable_a ignorance_n abound_v every_o where_o and_o yet_o man_n will_v needs_o be_v good_a believer_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o how_o shall_v faith_n be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o as_o man_n be_v ignorant_a so_o they_o have_v no_o care_n to_o learn_v nor_o to_o get_v knowledge_n that_o so_o they_o may_v come_v by_o true_a faith_n their_o heart_n be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o world_n for_o matter_n of_o profit_n and_o delight_n that_o they_o can_v spare_v no_o time_n to_o seek_v for_o this_o precious_a gift_n of_o faith_n again_o many_o have_v knowledge_n with_o who_o true_a faith_n be_v rare_a for_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v join_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o show_v itself_o by_o obedience_n through_o love_n now_o to_o leave_v the_o heart_n to_o god_n where_o almost_o be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v answerable_a to_o his_o knowledge_n may_v we_o not_o true_o say_v of_o many_o that_o as_o the_o word_n come_v in_o at_o the_o one_o ear_n it_o go_v out_o at_o the_o other_o and_o among_o those_o which_o learn_v and_o bear_v away_o something_o there_o be_v little_a care_n to_o practise_v it_o in_o life_n but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v approve_v of_o god_n we_o must_v believe_v now_o so_o long_o as_o we_o remain_v ignorant_a or_o else_o have_v knowledge_n do_v not_o join_v practice_n therewith_o in_o obedience_n from_o a_o good_a conscience_n undoubted_o we_o have_v no_o spark_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o us._n we_o may_v make_v a_o show_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n we_o believe_v but_o certain_o this_o will_v prove_v a_o very_a dead_a faith_n and_o in_o the_o end_n and_o finish_v of_o all_o appear_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o bare_a lip-faith_n and_o mere_a presumption_n now_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n we_o must_v know_v that_o unless_o we_o get_v true_a faith_n as_o these_o believer_n have_v which_o we_o must_v show_v by_o good_a fruit_n as_o they_o do_v even_o they_o shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o to_o condemn_v we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o they_o believe_v though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n so_o lay_v before_o they_o as_o we_o have_v wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o want_v knowledge_n labour_n for_o it_o and_o they_o which_o have_v it_o let_v they_o join_v obedience_n with_o their_o knowledge_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o life_n for_o true_a faith_n can_v be_v hide_v but_o will_v break_v out_o in_o good_a work_n verse_n 40._o god_n provide_v a_o better_a thing_n for_o we_o that_o they_o without_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v make_v perfect_a because_o some_o man_n may_v much_o marvel_v that_o such_o man_n as_o receive_a testimony_n of_o god_n for_o their_o faith_n shall_v not_o yet_o receive_v the_o promise_n therefore_o here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n render_v a_o reason_n thereof_o to_o wit_n the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n appoint_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v incarnate_a at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o perfect_a consummation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n consist_v of_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n for_o though_o these_o ancient_a believer_n be_v in_o time_n long_o before_o we_o yet_o god_n provide_v christ_n incarnation_n so_o fit_o for_o we_o that_o they_o without_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v perfect_a consummation_n in_o glory_n the_o exposition_n god_n provide_v a_o better_a thing_n for_o us._n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n translate_v provide_v signify_v proper_o foreseeing_a wherein_o be_v likewise_o include_v god_n decree_n and_o ordination_n now_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a prerogative_n belong_v to_o the_o true_a god_n alone_o to_o be_v able_a to_o foresee_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o that_o many_o thousand_o year_n before_o no_o creature_n of_o himself_o can_v do_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o property_n to_o foresee_v be_v ascribe_v unto_o god_n not_o proper_o but_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o capacity_n for_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n proper_o god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o foresee_v any_o thing_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v present_a to_o he_o whether_o past_a or_o to_o come_v this_o prescience_n or_o foreknowledge_n in_o god_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o all_o false_a god_n yea_o between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o all_o creature_n for_o the_o true_a god_n foresee_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v so_o can_v no_o creature_n do_v indeed_o some_o creature_n foresee_v and_o foretell_v some_o thing_n yet_o herein_o they_o come_v short_a of_o the_o divine_a property_n for_o god_n foresee_v all_o thing_n by_o himself_o without_o sign_n or_o cause_n or_o outward_a mean_n but_o creature_n only_o foresee_v some_o thing_n not_o of_o themselves_o but_o by_o mean_n of_o sign_n and_o outward_a cause_n or_o by_o revelation_n from_o god_n otherwise_o can_v no_o creature_n foresee_v thing_n to_o come_v now_o as_o we_o say_v before_o this_o foresight_n in_o god_n include_v his_o decree_n and_o ordination_n for_o therefore_o do_v these_o thing_n so_o come_v to_o pass_v because_o god_n ordain_v they_o whereby_o we_o see_v that_o god_n prescience_n of_o foreknowledge_n be_v not_o idle_a but_o operative_a and_o join_v with_o his_o will_n for_o math._n 10.29_o 30_o a_o hair_n can_v fall_v from_o our_o head_n nor_o a_o sparrow_n light_n upon_o the_o ground_n without_o his_o will_n as_o all_o thing_n in_o time_n come_v to_o pass_v so_o god_n before_o all_o world_n will_v that_o be_v decree_v and_o appoint_v they_o and_o under_o this_o large_a extent_n of_o god_n will_v or_o decree_n we_o must_v include_v the_o sinful_a action_n of_o man_n for_o god_n do_v not_o bare_o foresee_v they_o but_o decree_v the_o be_v of_o they_o and_o so_o will_v they_o after_o a_o sort_n though_o not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o himself_o yet_o by_o other_o when_o judas_n betray_v christ_n and_o pilate_n with_o the_o wicked_a jew_n condemn_v and_o revile_v he_o they_o sin_v grievous_o &_o yet_o herein_o they_o do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o god_n hand_n and_o counsel_n have_v determine_v before_o to_o be_v do_v this_o point_n well_o consider_v confute_v their_o opinion_n who_o indeed_o enlarge_v god_n prescience_n or_o before_o knowledge_n over_o all_o thing_n both_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o yet_o exclude_v sin_n from_o without_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o decree_n and_o ordination_n but_o here_o we_o see_v god_n foresight_n include_v his_o decree_n and_o nothing_o
a_o cloud_n of_o faithful_a witness_n lead_v to_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n or_o a_o commentary_n upon_o the_o 11._o chapter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n preach_v in_o cambridge_n by_o that_o godly_a and_o judicious_a divine_a m._n william_n perkins_n long_o expect_v and_o desire_v and_o therefore_o publish_v at_o the_o request_n of_o his_o executour_n by_o will._n crashawe_n and_o tho._n pierson_n preacher_n of_o god_n word_n who_o hear_v he_o preach_v it_o and_o write_v it_o from_o his_o mouth_n phil._n 3.17_o look_v on_o they_o that_o so_o walk_v as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o example_n heb._n 13.8_o who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v what_o have_v be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n at_o london_n print_v by_o humphrey_n lownes_n for_o leo._n greene._n 1607._o to_o the_o noble_a and_o virtuous_a gentleman_n sir_n john_n sheaffield_n knight_n and_o m._n oliver_n s._n john_n son_n and_o heir_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a edmond_n lord_n sheaffield_n lord_n precedent_n of_o the_o north_n and_o oliver_n lord_n s_o john_n baron_n of_o bletsho_n grace_n and_o peace_n the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o god_n honourable_a and_o most_o worthy_a gentleman_n make_v to_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n touch_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v singular_a comfort_n to_o the_o believe_a israelite_n in_o their_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n and_o the_o renew_v of_o the_o same_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n who_o word_n god_n confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n must_v needs_o augment_v their_o joy_n abundant_o although_o their_o bond_n at_o that_o time_n increase_v but_o the_o pledge_n of_o god_n presence_n in_o the_o cloudy_a pillar_n whereby_o he_o lead_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n both_o night_n and_o day_n do_v so_o far_o exceed_v all_o his_o promise_n for_o matter_n of_o consolation_n that_o even_o moses_n himself_o desire_v rather_o to_o be_v detain_v from_o the_o promise_a land_n than_o deprive_v of_o the_o comfort_n of_o that_o his_o presence_n in_o the_o way_n 10.6_o if_o thy_o presence_n say_v he_o go_v not_o before_o we_o bid_v we_o not_o depart_v hence_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v ensample_n unto_o we_o and_o evident_a type_n of_o our_o estate_n who_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n show_v apparent_o that_o howsoever_o believer_n be_v great_o cheer_v in_o their_o spiritual_a travel_n by_o the_o gracious_a promise_n which_o god_n in_o christ_n have_v make_v unto_o they_o yet_o this_o their_o joy_n be_v much_o increase_v by_o the_o view_n of_o those_o that_o have_v go_v before_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n who_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n or_o a_o cloudy_a pillar_n for_o howsoever_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o sound_a consolation_n yet_o because_o we_o be_v akin_a to_o thomas_n and_o will_v not_o believe_v unless_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v therefore_o it_o be_v that_o by_o the_o example_n of_o believer_n wherein_o be_v some_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n truth_n we_o be_v far_o more_o cheer_v than_o by_o the_o promise_n itself_o alone_o here_o then_o behold_v what_o great_a cause_n we_o have_v to_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o this_o cloud_n of_o witness_n which_o the_o ho-ghost_n have_v erect_v as_o a_o pledge_n of_o his_o presence_n &_o a_o direction_n to_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v follow_v their_o step_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n till_o the_o world_n end_n shall_v moses_n affect_v that_o cloud_n so_o much_o which_o lead_v they_o only_o the_o way_n to_o a_o temporal_a inheritance_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o much_o more_o be_v ravish_v with_o delight_n in_o this_o cloud_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 5.7_o in_o all_o estate_n the_o justice_n must_v live_v by_o faith_n for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n and_o what_o be_v the_o hope_n &_o happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n but_o to_o receive_v at_o last_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n 1.9_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o period_n of_o this_o walk_n but_o any_o faith_n will_v not_o support_v we_o herein_o some_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n 3.3_o who_o end_n in_o the_o flesh_n go_v out_o with_o paul_n for_o a_o while_n but_o at_o length_n return_v with_o demas_n to_o the_o world_n 4.10_o neither_o can_v they_o do_v otherwise_o for_o apostasy_n be_v the_o catastrophe_n of_o hypocrisy_n he_o that_o will_v deceive_v in_o his_o profession_n be_v usual_o deceive_v of_o his_o salvation_n wherefore_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o see_v to_o our_o soul_n that_o our_o faith_n as_o the_o belove_a apostle_n say_v of_o love_n be_v not_o in_o word_n and_o tongue_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n ●●_o and_o for_o our_o better_a direction_n in_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v here_o many_o notable_a precedent_n in_o this_o cloud_n of_o witness_n consist_v of_o most_o worthy_a believer_n in_o all_o age_n before_o christ_n incarnation_n all_o which_o show_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n by_o their_o work_n and_o we_o in_o they_o may_v see_v how_o to_o put_v our_o faith_n in_o practice_n now_o the_o rather_o must_v we_o attend_v hereunto_o because_o in_o all_o estate_n we_o must_v practise_v faith_n for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o what_o estate_n of_o life_n can_v possible_o befall_v we_o 6._o wherein_o we_o have_v not_o a_o lively_a pattern_n and_o forerunner_n lead_v we_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o cloud_n be_v thou_o a_o king_n or_o magistrate_n behold_v david_n hezechias_n and_o the_o judge_n be_v thou_o a_o courtier_n look_v on_o moses_n be_v thou_o a_o martiall-man_n behold_v samson_n david_n josvah_n here_o be_v enoch_n no_o and_o the_o prophet_n for_o minister_n the_o patriarch_n for_o father_n sara_n and_o the_o shunamite_n for_o mother_n isaac_n and_o joseph_n for_o child_n here_o be_v abel_n for_o shepherd_n and_o rahab_n for_o victualler_n here_o be_v some_o that_o live_v in_o honour_n in_o peace_n and_o plenty_n some_o in_o want_n &_o some_o in_o sickness_n but_o most_o of_o all_o in_o persecution_n because_o therein_o be_v the_o great_a trial_n of_o faith_n 1.7_o so_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o turn_v we_o if_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v here_o some_o faithful_a witness_n to_o go_v before_o us._n and_o to_o clear_v their_o step_n the_o better_a to_o our_o sight_n that_o so_o we_o may_v follow_v hard_a towards_o the_o mark_n without_o wander_v 5.14_o we_o have_v here_o a_o notable_a light_n in_o this_o learned_a commentary_n which_o we_o must_v confess_v be_v much_o obscure_v for_o lack_v of_o the_o refine_n hand_n of_o the_o godly_a author_n himself_o but_o now_o see_v that_o shine_a light_n be_v quench_v use_v this_o our_o lamp_n it_o be_v feed_v with_o such_o oil_n as_o we_o receive_v in_o the_o lord_n sanctuary_n from_o that_o olive_n tree_n whence_o many_o a_o one_o do_v fill_v his_o vessel_n and_o be_v importune_v to_o expose_v the_o same_o for_o the_o common_a good_a we_o have_v presume_v to_o place_v it_o under_o the_o shelter_n of_o your_o honourable_a name_n beseech_v god_n it_o may_v help_v to_o guide_v your_o foot_n in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n 1.79_o the_o religious_a precedent_n of_o your_o honourable_a parent_n right_o noble_a and_o hopeful_a gentleman_n must_v persuade_v you_o much_o to_o be_v sound_n and_o constant_a in_o the_o faith_n for_o decline_v in_o religion_n bring_v end_n stain_n of_o honour_n and_o decay_v 11.11_o even_o of_o temporal_a portion_n but_o labour_v you_o to_o increase_v in_o grace_n and_o trust_v the_o lord_n with_o your_o outward_a greatness_n honour_v he_o and_o he_o will_v honour_v you_o delight_n in_o he_o 37.4_o and_o he_o will_v give_v you_o your_o holy_a heart_n desire_v his_o faithfulness_n will_v be_v your_o shield_n to_o the_o grief_n of_o those_o that_o envy_v your_o happiness_n but_o beware_v of_o bad_a example_n and_o evil_a counsel_n which_o be_v the_o bane_n and_o poison_n of_o young_a year_n walk_v with_o god_n like_o enoch_n use_v the_o world_n as_o abraham_n do_v 11.5_o and_o follow_v moses_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o delight_n 10._o forsake_v they_o when_o they_o become_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n etc._n so_o shall_v you_o obtain_v good_a report_n 12.39_o and_o your_o memory_n shall_v be_v bless_v with_o your_o posterity_n like_o these_o faithful_a witness_n november_n 10._o 1607._o you_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v command_v william_n crashaw_n tho._n pierson_n a_o commentary_n upon_o the_o 11._o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n verse_n 1._o now_o faith_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v concern_v faith_n 2._o point_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o every_o christian_a the_o
own_o strength_n but_o when_o we_o be_v assault_v by_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o our_o own_o flesh_n then_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o to_o resist_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n than_o we_o dream_v of_o for_o as_o possible_a as_o it_o be_v for_o water_n to_o burn_v or_o fire_n to_o put_v out_o itself_o so_o possible_a be_v it_o for_o we_o of_o ourselves_o to_o resist_v sin_n insomuch_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o that_o at_o every_o assault_n our_o nature_n yield_v now_o if_o it_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o rule_v over_o one_o sin_n how_o shall_v we_o do_v against_o that_o sea_n of_o temptation_n that_o overwhelm_v a_o christian_a life_n this_o doctrine_n teach_v thou_o how_o namely_o to_o stick_v to_o thy_o faith_n and_o it_o will_v do_v it_o for_o thou_o for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n thou_o hope_v for_o which_o yet_o never_o be_v much_o more_o will_v it_o yield_v unto_o thou_o spiritual_a strength_n &_o substance_n to_o make_v thou_o stand_v in_o all_o temptation_n when_o thou_o be_v tempt_v then_o call_v to_o mind_n god_n promise_n believe_v they_o that_o be_v apply_v they_o to_o thyself_o and_o be_v resolve_v that_o they_o be_v make_v &_o shall_v be_v perform_v even_o to_o thou_o they_o though_o thou_o have_v no_o more_o power_n of_o thyself_o than_o fire_n have_v to_o cease_v to_o burn_v yet_o whilst_o thou_o do_v thus_o thou_o shall_v feel_v thy_o soul_n spiritual_o strengthen_v against_o all_o temptation_n &_o feel_v the_o experience_n of_o this_o deny_v they_o thy_o own_o strength_n &_o magnify_v the_o power_n that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o true_a faith_n again_o though_o now_o we_o be_v most_o of_o we_o quiet_a under_o our_o own_o vine_n and_o figtree_n yet_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v upon_o any_o of_o we_o in_o poverty_n sickness_n imprisonment_n banishment_n loss_n famine_n or_o how_o it_o please_v he_o how_o shall_v a_o poor_a christian_a stand_n and_o buckle_v himself_o to_o bear_v these_o i_o answer_v true_a save_a faith_n rest_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o believe_v the_o promise_n not_o formal_o but_o true_o will_v put_v such_o substantial_a spiritual_a strength_n into_o he_o as_o that_o at_o first_o though_o he_o bow_v under_o it_o yet_o shall_v he_o be_v able_a to_o recover_v himself_o again_o &_o buckle_v himself_o to_o go_v forward_o in_o his_o profession_n &_o shall_v follow_v christ_n manful_o with_o this_o his_o cross_n this_o wonderful_a power_n have_v god_n give_v to_o save_v faith_n both_o to_o resist_v temptation_n and_o to_o undergo_v all_o cross_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o action_n or_o effect_n of_o faith_n the_o second_o follow_v verse_n 2._o for_o by_o it_o our_o elder_n be_v well_o report_v of_o this_o verse_n contain_v the_o second_o effect_n of_o save_v faith_n which_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o mean_n whereby_o a_o believer_n be_v approve_v of_o god_n this_o verse_n have_v special_a relation_n to_o the_o five_o verse_n for_o that_o that_o be_v say_v here_o of_o all_o the_o elder_n in_o general_a be_v there_o affirm_v special_o of_o enoch_n namely_o that_o he_o be_v report_v of_o to_o have_v please_v god_n let_v we_o first_o search_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n elder_n that_o be_v all_o such_o man_n as_o live_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n believe_v in_o christ_n among_o which_o though_o all_o be_v understand_v yet_o some_o be_v more_o excellent_a in_o faith_n &_o obedience_n than_o other_o &_o so_o more_o honourable_a and_o of_o high_a estimation_n with_o god_n and_o man_n and_o of_o they_o it_o be_v special_o understand_v now_o concern_v these_o elder_n it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o they_o be_v well_o report_v of_o hereby_o be_v mean_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n approve_v and_o allow_v of_o they_o 2._o that_o god_n do_v approve_v of_o they_o because_o of_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n 3._o that_o god_n give_v a_o testimony_n and_o declare_v that_o he_o approve_v of_o they_o for_o the_o 1._o it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o be_v they_o approve_v of_o god_n ans._n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v he_o in_o who_o the_o father_n be_v well_o please_v 3.17_o now_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n their_o sin_n be_v lay_v on_o he_o and_o make_v he_o by_o imputation_n and_o contrariwise_o his_o holiness_n obedience_n and_o satisfaction_n be_v impute_v to_o they_o and_o by_o the_o same_o imputation_n make_v they_o now_o that_o be_v they_o god_n be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o christ_n can_v not_o but_o also_o for_o christ_n sake_n approve_v of_o they_o if_o this_o seem_v hard_a unto_o any_o i_o make_v it_o plain_a by_o this_o comparison_n look_v as_o jacob_n a_o young_a brother_n put_v on_o esau_n garment_n the_o elder_a brother_n &_o in_o it_o be_v take_v for_o esau_n &_o obtain_v his_o father_n blessing_n &_o patrimony_n which_o by_o himself_o he_o can_v not_o have_v get_v even_o so_o we_o be_v as_o young_a brethren_n christ_n be_v our_o elder_a brother_n we_o have_v no_o right_a nor_o title_n to_o our_o father_n blessing_n nor_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o must_v put_v on_o the_o robe_n of_o perfect_a righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o garment_n of_o christ_n our_o elder_a brother_n we_o stand_v clothe_v with_o 〈◊〉_d purchase_v our_o father_n favour_n and_o with_o his_o favour_n his_o ble●●●ng_n and_o his_o blessing_n be_v the_o right_a and_o title_n to_o everlasting_a life_n and_o thus_o by_o christ_n they_o be_v approve_v second_o for_o what_o be_v they_o approve_v the_o text_n say_v by_o faith_n not_o because_o faith_n be_v a_o action_n of_o a_o sanctify_a mind_n and_o a_o good_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o so_o be_v humility_n love_n fear_v of_o god_n all_o which_o be_v grace_n of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n as_o faith_n be_v but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o worthy_a instrument_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o believer_n which_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o he_o be_v justify_v thus_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n and_o instrument_n of_o their_o justification_n by_o it_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v approve_v 3._o the_o text_n add_v that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v of_o they_o but_o that_o he_o testify_v and_o make_v it_o manifest_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o he_o do_v so_o and_o this_o testimony_n god_n give_v of_o they_o 1._o in_o his_o word_n 2._o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o first_o be_v manifest_a in_o that_o not_o only_o in_o this_o chapter_n but_o often_o also_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n have_v m●de_v such_o honourable_a mention_n and_o give_v such_o honourable_a title_n unto_o many_o of_o these_o elder_n call_v abraham_n the_o friend_n of_o god_n 2._o chron._n 20.7_o and_o david_n a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n ●_o sam._n 13.14_o and_o they_o all_o his_o anoint_a and_o dear_a choose_a child_n psalm_n 105.15_o thus_o god_n have_v testify_v of_o they_o in_o his_o word_n 2._o god_n testify_v it_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o that_o he_o give_v they_o his_o spirit_n inward_o to_o assure_v their_o conscience_n that_o he_o do_v accept_v they_o in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v and_o thus_o these_o elder_n receive_v a_o testimony_n both_o outward_a to_o all_o the_o world_n &_o inward_a to_o their_o conscience_n that_o god_n in_o christ_n approve_v and_o love_v they_o so_o the_o sense_n be_v plain_a the_o use_n hereof_o manifold_a 1._o in_o that_o it_o be_v say_v these_o elder_n be_v approve_v by_o faith_n here_o we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o old_a and_o ancient_a way_n the_o right_a and_o straight_o way_n that_o have_v no_o byway_n to_o life_n everlasting_a namely_o this_o only_a to_o rely_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o way_n wherein_o all_o the_o ancient_a elder_n walk_v to_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v open_v &_o make_v unto_o his_o court_n it_o be_v the_o king_n high_a way_n the_o beat_a way_n common_a to_o every_o one_o that_o know_v how_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o &_o deceive_v none_o that_o ever_o go_v in_o it_o &_o beside_o which_o there_o be_v no_o other_o see_v then_o god_n have_v consecrate_v it_o &_o our_o elder_n have_v tread_v this_o way_n before_o we_o let_v we_o follow_v they_o that_o so_o we_o may_v attain_v that_o kingdom_n whereto_o it_o have_v bring_v they_o if_o any_o yet_o doubt_v whether_o this_o be_v the_o way_n or_o no_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n isaiah_n 30.21_o first_o affirm_v peremptory_o this_o be_v the_o way_n second_o bid_v we_o therefore_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o this_o be_v
it_o be_v needless_a for_o the_o man_n be_v good_a already_o else_o the_o work_n can_v not_o have_v be_v good_a we_o may_v therefore_o say_v work_n be_v rather_o justify_v by_o the_o person_n of_o a_o man_n than_o his_o person_n by_o the_o work_n and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o vain_a thing_n to_o look_v for_o justification_n from_o that_o which_o thou_o thyself_o must_v first_o justify_v afore_o it_o be_v just_a if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n against_o justification_n by_o work_n but_o this_o this_o be_v sufficient_a second_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o till_o a_o man_n be_v call_v and_o his_o person_n justify_v and_o sanctify_v all_o that_o ever_o he_o do_v be_v sin_n 1._o his_o common_a action_n his_o eat_n drink_v sleep_a walk_a talk_a be_v all_o sin_n yea_o 2._o the_o work_n of_o his_o call_n &_o his_o labour_n in_o the_o same_o though_o never_o so_o just_a equal_a and_o upright_o 3._o further_o his_o civil_a action_n namely_o the_o practice_n of_o civil_a virtue_n his_o outward_a gravity_n meekness_n sobriety_n temperance_n quietness_n uprightness_n and_o all_o outward_a conformity_n be_v all_o sin_n yea_o more_o than_o all_o this_o his_o best_a action_n namely_o his_o practise_v of_o the_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o his_o deed_n of_o charity_n his_o prayer_n his_o hear_v the_o word_n his_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n his_o give_v of_o alm_n they_o be_v all_o sin_n unto_o he_o if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o believe_a and_o penitent_a heart_n yea_o such_o sin_n as_o shall_v condemn_v h●m_n if_o he_o have_v no_o other_o object_n this_o shall_v seem_v strange_a divinity_n that_o the_o most_o holy_a action_n as_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v damnable_a sin_n i_o answer_v they_o be_v in_o themselves_o holy_a and_o good_a and_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o god_n have_v command_v they_o yet_o in_o the_o doer_n they_o be_v sin_n because_o he_o do_v they_o from_o a_o foul_a &_o unholy_a heart_n for_o the_o same_o action_n may_v be_v holy_a in_o itself_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o a_o sin_n in_o he_o that_o be_v the_o doer_n of_o it_o as_o clear_a water_n pure_a in_o the_o fountain_n be_v corrupt_v or_o poison_v by_o run_v through_o a_o filthy_a and_o pollute_a channel_n so_o be_v even_o the_o best_a action_n sin_n as_o even_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n to_o a_o minister_n who_o heart_n be_v not_o cleanse_v by_o faith_n and_o his_o person_n accept_v of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o he_o and_o if_o he_o repent_v not_o shall_v be_v his_o condemnation_n cain_n sin_v not_o only_o in_o hate_v and_o murder_v his_o brother_n in_o lie_v and_o dissemble_v with_o god_n but_o cain_n sin_v also_o even_o in_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o abel_n sacrifice_n have_v be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n but_o that_o his_o person_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o in_o the_o work_n be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o action_n acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o only_o the_o acceptation_n of_o the_o person_n by_o christ._n this_o be_v so_o it_o stand_v we_o every_o one_o in_o hand_n to_o look_v to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o labour_v above_o all_o thing_n for_o faith_n and_o repentance_n that_o so_o our_o person_n may_v be_v accept_v righteous_a before_o god_n and_o thereby_o our_o action_n accept_v also_o if_o it_o be_v a_o miserable_a thing_n that_o all_o thy_o action_n even_o holy_a action_n shall_v be_v sin_n then_o labour_v to_o be_v justify_v for_o that_o only_o can_v make_v thy_o work_n accept_v if_o not_o then_o though_o thou_o labour_v never_o so_o much_o to_o be_v approve_v in_o the_o world_n &_o set_v never_o so_o glorious_a a_o show_n upon_o thy_o work_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n they_o be_v all_o abominable_a sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n they_o shall_v go_v for_o no_o better_a prithee_o and_o teach_v all_o thy_o life_n long_o nay_o give_v thy_o life_n to_o die_v for_o religion_n give_v all_o thy_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a deprive_v thy_o flesh_n of_o all_o delight_n build_v church_n college_n bridge_n highway_n etc._n etc._n and_o there_o may_v come_v a_o poor_a shepherd_n and_o for_o his_o keep_n of_o his_o sheep_n be_v accept_v when_o thou_o with_o all_o this_o pomp_n of_o outward_a holiness_n may_v be_v reject_v and_o why_o this_o only_o because_o he_o have_v faith_n &_o thou_o have_v none_o his_o person_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o thou_o be_v not_o therefore_o let_v this_o be_v my_o counsel_n from_o abel_n labour_v not_o so_o much_o to_o work_v glorious_a work_n as_o that_o which_o thou_o do_v do_v it_o in_o faith_n faith_n make_v the_o mean_a work_n accept_v and_o want_v of_o faith_n make_v the_o most_o glorious_a work_v reject_v for_o so_o faith_n the_o text._n abel_n must_v be_v accept_v else_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v not_o thus_o we_o see_v abel_n be_v just_a and_o god_n so_o account_v he_o the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o god_n give_v testimony_n he_o be_v so_o in_o these_o word_n god_n give_v testimony_n what_o testimony_n it_o be_v that_o god_n give_v of_o abel_n and_o his_o gift_n it_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o word_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a but_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o when_o he_o &_o cain_n offer_v god_n in_o special_a mercy_n send_v fire_n from_o heaven_n and_o burn_v up_o abel_n sacrifice_n but_o not_o cain_n for_o so_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n often_o afterward_o when_o he_o will_v show_v that_o he_o accept_v any_o man_n or_o his_o work_n he_o answer_v they_o by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n so_o he_o burn_v up_o the_o first_o sacrifice_n that_o aaron_n offer_v levit._n 9.24_o so_o he_o answer_v solomon_n 2._o chron._n 7.1_o and_o so_o elias_n 2._o king_n 18.28_o and_o so_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o he_o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o he_o accept_v abel_n and_o his_o offering_n this_o be_v a_o great_a prerogative_n that_o abel_n and_o the_o father_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v we_o have_v not_o this_o but_o we_o have_v a_o great_a for_o we_o have_v that_o that_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o truth_n and_o body_n of_o this_o for_o we_o have_v also_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n that_o be_v his_o spirit_n come_v down_o into_o our_o heart_n every_o day_n not_o visible_o but_o spiritual_o and_o burn_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o believer_n his_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o light_v the_o light_n of_o true_a faith_n that_o shall_v never_o be_v put_v out_o the_o use_n hereof_o be_v this_o as_o no_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o old_a law_n please_v god_n but_o such_o as_o be_v burn_v by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n send_v down_o either_o then_o or_o afore_o so_o our_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v our_o invocation_n of_o god_n name_n our_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n our_o duty_n of_o religion_n our_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o love_n never_o please_v god_n unless_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o heart_n purge_v by_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o be_v from_o a_o believe_v and_o repentant_a heart_n both_o which_o be_v kindle_v and_o light_v and_o daily_o continue_v by_o that_o fire_n of_o god_n spirit_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o paul_n say_v 1._o tim._n 1.4_o that_o love_n must_v come_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o work_n of_o love_n come_v from_o this_o purge_a heart_n ascend_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o a_o smoke_n of_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n and_o be_v as_o a_o sweet_a perfume_n in_o the_o nostril_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o of_o what_o do_v god_n thus_o testify_v of_o his_o gift_n it_o may_v here_o be_v ask_v at_o the_o first_o how_o can_v abel_n give_v a_o gift_n to_o god_n have_v the_o lord_n need_v of_o any_o thing_n and_o be_v not_o all_o thing_n his_o i_o answer_v god_n be_v sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o creature_n yet_o have_v he_o so_o give_v his_o creature_n unto_o man_n to_o use_v as_o that_o they_o become_v man_n own_o and_o so_o he_o may_v esteem_v &_o use_v they_o and_o be_v man_n a_o man_n may_v in_o token_n of_o his_o thankfulness_n return_v they_o again_o to_o god_n especial_o see_v god_n accept_v they_o be_v so_o offer_v as_o most_o free_a gift_n this_o show_v we_o first_o the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n that_o whereas_o we_o can_v offer_v he_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o accept_v a_o gift_n offer_v of_o his_o own_o even_o as_o though_o we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o to_o offer_v 2._o see_v here_o a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o old_a and_o
he_o will_v take_v heed_n what_o he_o do_v and_o that_o god_n hear_v he_o he_o will_v temper_v his_o tongue_n and_o that_o god_n behold_v all_o his_o deal_n in_o the_o world_n he_o will_v take_v heed_n how_o he_o borrow_v dare_v buy_v or_o sell_v and_o what_o he_o do_v in_o all_o his_o action_n and_o the_o very_a cause_n of_o all_o carelessness_n in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n in_o the_o world_n be_v because_o man_n be_v persuade_v god_n see_v they_o not_o to_o urge_v we_o therefore_o to_o this_o excellent_a duty_n we_o have_v first_o god_n commandment_n walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v upright_o say_v god_n to_o abraham_n 17.1_o and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o his_o faith_n again_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o god_n child_n who_o be_v renown_v for_o the_o obedience_n of_o this_o commandment_n henoch_n here_o after_o he_o abraham_n and_o after_o he_o david_n who_o testify_v of_o himself_o i_o will_v walk_v before_o god_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n 116.9_o three_o as_o it_o be_v both_o command_v by_o precept_n and_o practise_v by_o exsample_n so_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v most_o comfortable_a to_o all_o that_o practice_n it_o for_o it_o will_v make_v they_o prosper_v in_o all_o they_o go_v about_o for_o as_o he_o that_o be_v always_o in_o the_o king_n presence_n and_o company_n can_v but_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o therefore_o can_v but_o succeed_v well_o in_o all_o his_o affair_n so_o he_o that_o walk_v with_o god_n can_v but_o prosper_v in_o whatsoever_o he_o set_v his_o heart_n and_o hand_n unto_o bless_a abraham_n find_v this_o most_o true_a when_o he_o assure_v his_o servant_n who_o he_o send_v to_o provide_v isaac_n a_o wife_n in_o a_o long_a and_o doubtful_a and_o dangerous_a journey_n the_o lord_n before_o who_o i_o walk_v will_v send_v his_o angel_n with_o thou_o and_o prosper_v thy_o journey_n 24.40_o and_o even_o so_o may_v every_o child_n of_o god_n say_v with_o confidence_n the_o lord_n before_o who_o i_o walk_v will_v send_v his_o angel_n with_o i_o and_o prosper_v i_o in_o my_o proceed_n four_o this_o walk_n with_o god_n be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o make_v a_o man_n bear_v the_o cross_n with_o patience_n for_o if_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n see_v how_o wrongful_o he_o be_v persecute_v or_o oppress_v and_o that_o god_n providence_n be_v always_o present_a so_o as_o no_o affliction_n can_v come_v unto_o he_o but_o by_o his_o appointment_n and_o again_o that_o his_o providence_n dispose_v of_o all_o thing_n to_o his_o good_a how_o can_v he_o but_o receive_v with_o patience_n that_o portion_n of_o affliction_n which_o god_n shall_v lay_v upon_o he_o for_o as_o he_o that_o walk_v with_o the_o king_n who_o dare_v offer_v he_o wrong_v so_o he_o that_o walk_v with_o god_n what_o evil_o can_v touch_v he_o this_o be_v josephs_n argument_n to_o his_o brethren_n when_o they_o be_v discomfort_a and_o fear_v he_o will_v punish_v they_o after_o their_o father_n death_n fear_v not_o say_v he_o for_o be_o not_o i_o under_o god_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v do_v not_o i_o walk_v in_o god_n presence_n 50.20_o and_o acknowledge_v myself_o under_o his_o power_n and_o that_o god_n when_o you_o think_v evil_a against_o i_o dispose_v it_o to_o good_a where_o the_o ground_n of_o josephs_n reason_n be_v that_o he_o walk_v with_o god_n his_o affliction_n turn_v to_o his_o good_a last_o this_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n and_o in_o all_o his_o deal_n when_o he_o persuade_v himself_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n when_o joseph_n be_v allure_v to_o sin_n by_o his_o mistress_n his_o answer_n be_v how_o shall_v i_o commit_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o so_o sin_n against_o god_n the_o bridle_n that_o restrain_v he_o 39.9_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o that_o god_n in_o who_o presence_n he_o walk_v and_o because_o he_o walk_v with_o god_n he_o will_v not_o walk_v with_o she_o in_o her_o wicked_a way_n and_o because_o he_o keep_v a_o holy_a company_n with_o god_n therefore_o he_o will_v not_o keep_v her_o company_n nor_o be_v allure_v by_o her_o temptation_n so_o then_o see_v this_o way_n of_o walk_v with_o god_n be_v every_o way_n so_o excellent_a and_o so_o profitable_a let_v we_o learn_v it_o not_o in_o judgement_n and_o knowledge_n only_o to_o be_v able_a to_o talk_v of_o it_o which_o be_v soon_o learned_a but_o in_o conscience_n and_o practice_n as_o dutiful_a child_n do_v before_o their_o parent_n so_o let_v we_o in_o a_o heavenly_a awe_n &_o a_o childlike_a reverence_n walk_v before_o god_n labour_v for_o a_o true_a persuasion_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o providence_n to_o be_v always_o over_o we_o and_o our_o whole_a life_n the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o if_o we_o do_v thus_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o so_o please_v he_o as_o henoch_n here_o do_v then_o shall_v we_o be_v sure_a though_o not_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o henoch_n be_v yet_o in_o soul_n first_o and_o afterward_o in_o soul_n &_o body_n both_o to_o be_v translate_v into_o eternal_a life_n but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o walk_v this_o way_n with_o henoch_n in_o this_o life_n let_v we_o never_o look_v to_o live_v in_o heaven_n with_o he_o but_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o as_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v the_o way_n to_o glory_n so_o the_o way_n of_o wickedness_n be_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a perdition_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o second_o degree_n but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o three_o degree_n or_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o this_o degree_n consist_v of_o a_o general_a maxim_n or_o canon_n of_o divinity_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n first_o lay_v it_o down_o and_o then_o because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o weighty_a principle_n in_o religion_n he_o prove_v it_o substantial_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v in_o the_o canon_n itself_o let_v we_o first_o examine_v the_o meaning_n and_o then_o unfold_v the_o manifold_a use_n of_o it_o without_o faith_n by_o faith_n be_v mean_v here_o the_o same_o faith_n as_o afore_o namely_o true_a save_a faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n and_o without_o this_o save_a faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n impossible_a how_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o absolute_a infinite_a and_o indeterminable_a power_n of_o god_n which_o have_v no_o limit_n but_o his_o own_o will_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o order_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n set_v down_o by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n which_o be_v this_o 1._o man_n by_o sin_n have_v displease_v god_n 2._o god_n must_v be_v please_v again_o else_o a_o man_n can_v be_v save_v 3._o he_o that_o will_v please_v god_n must_v please_v he_o in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n else_o he_o can_v therefore_o he_o that_o will_v please_v god_n and_o be_v save_v must_v needs_o believe_v in_o christ._n and_o thus_o by_o this_o order_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o deny_v not_o but_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n absolute_a power_n he_o can_v save_v a_o man_n without_o faith_n as_o he_o can_v lighten_v the_o world_n without_o the_o sun_n but_o as_o if_o he_o keep_v that_o order_n of_o nature_n which_o his_o own_o wisdom_n have_v appoint_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v light_n to_o the_o world_n without_o the_o sun_n so_o if_o he_o keep_v that_o order_n for_o salvation_n which_o his_o own_o justice_n have_v appoint_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n without_o faith_n in_o christ._n so_o then_o the_o meaning_n be_v lay_v down_o and_o now_o appear_v the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n argument_n he_o that_o will_v be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o heaven_n must_v first_o please_v god_n but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n therefore_o without_o faith_n no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v nor_o come_v in_o heaven_n and_o by_o consequent_a therefore_o henoch_n be_v take_v into_o heaven_n must_v needs_o be_v take_v away_o by_o faith_n now_o the_o use_n of_o this_o canon_n right_o understand_v be_v manifold_a and_o of_o great_a profit_n first_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o faith_n be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o most_o necessary_a of_o all_o other_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o and_o though_o many_o be_v require_v yet_o among_o all_o holy_a grace_n this_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o more_o necessary_a in_o some_o respect_n than_o any_o other_o for_o howsoever_o hope_v and_o love_n and_o zeal_n and_o many_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v require_v to_o make_v the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a complete_a and_o
though_o they_o all_o have_v their_o several_a commendation_n in_o the_o word_n yet_o of_o none_o of_o they_o all_o be_v it_o say_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v here_o say_v of_o faith_n that_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o it_o be_v the_o root_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o give_v they_o their_o life_n and_o be_v for_o therefore_o do_v a_o man_n fear_v god_n therefore_o do_v he_o love_n god_n therefore_o be_v he_o zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n love_v he_o in_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n now_o than_o if_o faith_n be_v thus_o necessary_a than_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o that_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o so_o have_v no_o sound_a faith_n but_o a_o foolish_a presumption_n be_v in_o a_o miserable_a case_n for_o however_o they_o may_v flatter_v themselves_o with_o conceit_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o good_a meaning_n and_o good_a intent_n it_o be_v faith_n with_o which_o they_o must_v please_v god_n and_o nothing_o can_v without_o it_o it_o stand_v they_o therefore_o in_o hand_n to_o lay-off_a ignorance_n and_o presumption_n and_o labour_n for_o a_o sound_n and_o save_a faith_n and_o that_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o again_o as_o for_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v grace_n to_o believe_v see_v faith_n be_v of_o such_o necessity_n and_o that_o they_o have_v faith_n must_v needs_o have_v knowledge_n they_o therefore_o must_v look_v and_o examine_v by_o their_o knowledge_n whether_o their_o faith_n be_v a_o sound_a faith_n or_o no_o for_o herein_o many_o that_o have_v knowledge_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o think_v they_o have_v true_a faith_n when_o they_o have_v not_o now_o if_o any_o man_n will_v know_v whether_o his_o faith_n be_v sound_n and_o save_v or_o no_o it_o be_v know_v by_o this_o if_o it_o purify_v the_o heart_n for_o so_o say_v s._n peter_n that_o god_n by_o faith_n do_v purify_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o profane_a and_o filthy_a gentile_n 15.9_o if_o then_o thy_o faith_n do_v not_o purify_v thy_o heart_n and_o cleanse_v thy_o life_n and_o cause_v thou_o to_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n it_o be_v no_o sound_n nor_o save_v faith_n it_o be_v but_o a_o general_a faith_n it_o be_v but_o a_o historical_a knowledge_n and_o can_v save_v the_o soul_n he_o therefore_o that_o upon_o examination_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n find_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v such_o let_v he_o not_o content_v himself_o but_o turn_v his_o general_a faith_n into_o a_o save_a faith_n which_o in_o this_o world_n will_v purify_v his_o heart_n and_o at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v save_v his_o soul_n and_o this_o must_v every_o man_n the_o rather_o do_v because_o what_o knowledge_n or_o what_o other_o gift_n of_o god_n soever_o any_o many_o have_v without_o faith_n in_o christ_n all_o be_v nothing_o for_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o season_v they_o all_o and_o make_v both_o they_o and_o the_o person_n himself_o to_o please_v god_n second_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o faith_n to_o please_v god_n then_o here_o we_o see_v the_o fond_a and_o foolish_a hypocrisy_n of_o the_o world_n who_o will_v please_v god_n by_o other_o mean_n some_o think_v if_o they_o be_v glorious_a in_o the_o world_n either_o for_o their_o wealth_n or_o their_o wit_n or_o their_o honour_n or_o their_o authority_n or_o their_o learning_n they_o present_o bring_v themselves_o into_o a_o fool_n paradise_n and_o because_o the_o world_n make_v account_n of_o they_o and_o they_o please_v themselves_o therefore_o they_o think_v it_o certain_a they_o must_v needs_o please_v god_n but_o alas_o though_o all_o the_o world_n admire_v they_o and_o they_o be_v never_o so_o far_o in_o love_n with_o themselves_o he_o that_o sit_v in_o heaven_n laugh_v they_o to_o scorn_v for_o 2._o not_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o glory_n nor_o all_o the_o million_o and_o mountain_n of_o gold_n in_o the_o world_n can_v please_v the_o lord_n for_o one_o of_o the_o least_o of_o their_o many_o thousand_o sin_n wherewith_o they_o have_v provoke_v he_o let_v these_o man_n ask_v nabuchadnezzer_n if_o his_o pompous_a pride_n or_o achitophel_n if_o his_o active_a head_n and_o crafty_a wit_n or_o absalon_n if_o his_o golden_a lock_n or_o jezabell_n if_o her_o paint_a face_n and_o courtly_a attire_n or_o naball_n if_o his_o flock_n of_o sheep_n or_o the_o philosopher_n if_o their_o natural_a learning_n if_o all_o of_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o do_v ever_o please_v god_n nay_o alas_o they_o all_o have_v find_v and_o feel_v that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n three_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n not_o of_o the_o turk_n alone_o in_o his_o koran_n but_o of_o many_o other_o as_o ill_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o religion_n if_o he_o be_v devout_a therein_o be_v he_o turk_n jew_n or_o christian_a papist_n or_o protestant_n but_o this_o be_v a_o ground_n and_o rule_v of_o atheism_n and_o appear_v here_o to_o be_v most_o false_a for_o no_o salvation_n without_o please_v of_o god_n and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n therefore_o no_o religion_n can_v save_v a_o man_n but_o that_o which_o teach_v a_o man_n right_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o consequent_o to_o please_v god_n but_o every_o religion_n teach_v not_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n some_o not_o at_o all_o and_o some_o not_o aright_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o such_o a_o religion_n to_o save_v a_o man_n again_o be_v a_o man_n what_o he_o can_v be_v unless_o he_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o can_v be_v save_v but_o he_o can_v be_v within_o the_o covenant_n but_o by_o faith_n therefore_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v by_o any_o mean_n but_o by_o true_a faith_n nor_o in_o any_o religion_n but_o that_o which_o teach_v true_a faith_n here_o therefore_o not_o only_a turk_n and_o jew_n be_v exclude_v but_o this_o also_o show_v many_o papist_n and_o many_o carnal_a gospeler_n in_o our_o church_n how_o short_a they_o come_v of_o that_o religion_n which_o must_v save_v their_o soul_n for_o this_o be_v the_o conceit_n of_o the_o most_o man_n that_o if_o they_o do_v some_o good_a work_n which_o carry_v a_o fair_a show_n to_o the_o world_n as_o liberality_n to_o learning_n or_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a straight_o they_o think_v they_o have_v leave_v to_o live_v as_o they_o list_v and_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o forgive_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o give_v they_o heaven_n and_o this_o they_o imagine_v though_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o to_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n one_o of_o this_o religion_n come_v to_o the_o prophet_n micha_n in_o his_o day_n and_o ask_v he_o this_o question_n utter_v that_o plain_o which_o all_o such_o man_n think_v in_o their_o heart_n wherewithal_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n 6.7.8_o and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n he_o make_v the_o question_n and_o will_v fain_o make_v answer_v himself_o nay_o he_o go_v further_o and_o offer_v more_o shall_v i_o give_v my_o first_o bear_v for_o my_o transgression_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n but_o the_o prophet_n answer_v he_o show_v he_o his_o folly_n and_o how_o little_a god_n regard_v such_o work_n without_o a_o contrite_a heart_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o sure_o to_o do_v just_o to_o love_v mercy_n to_o humble_v thyself_o and_o walk_v with_o thy_o god_n mark_v how_o that_o answer_n fit_v this_o example_n of_o henoch_n he_o please_v god_n he_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o be_v take_v away_o so_o answer_v the_o prophet_n if_o thou_o will_v please_v thy_o god_n and_o come_v to_o heaven_n by_o his_o favour_n never_o stand_v upon_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o river_n of_o oil_n upon_o thy_o gay_a and_o glorious_a work_n but_o humble_a thyself_o and_o walk_n with_o thy_o god_n no_o walk_a with_o god_n say_v micha_n no_o please_v of_o god_n what_o be_v it_o but_o all_o one_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n here_o then_o be_v no_o disallowance_n of_o good_a work_n but_o of_o work_n without_o faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n which_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o fair_a and_o flourish_a yet_o be_v it_o impossible_a that_o without_o faith_n they_o shall_v please_v god_n hereby_o it_o be_v also_o manifest_a that_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o the_o work_n of_o such_o man_n as_o either_o know_v
glory_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n how_o we_o must_v seek_v god_n the_o second_o be_v how_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o i_o answer_v god_n reward_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o first_o by_o offer_v himself_o gracious_o to_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o for_o he_o never_o hide_v himself_o nor_o turn_v away_o from_o the_o soul_n that_o seek_v he_o but_o rather_o turn_v to_o he_o and_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v to_o he_o he_o be_v that_o good_a father_n which_o see_v the_o prodigal_a son_n afar_o off_o and_o meet_v he_o and_o receive_v he_o luke_n 16._o yea_o rather_o be_v it_o true_a that_o he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o then_o ever_o seek_v by_o any_o that_o find_v he_o not_o and_o hereby_o god_n much_o magnify_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o mankind_n in_o be_v so_o assure_o find_v when_o man_n seek_v he_o for_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v not_o so_o all_o man_n seek_v the_o face_n of_o the_o prince_n say_v solomon_n true_a but_o all_o man_n find_v it_o not_o no._n access_n to_o great_a man_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a they_o and_o their_o favour_n be_v so_o enclose_v that_o man_n may_v long_o seek_v afore_o they_o find_v either_o they_o or_o it_o but_o god_n here_o be_v not_o so_o enclose_v as_o he_o will_v not_o be_v see_v nor_o speak_v to_o he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o as_o hereby_o he_o honour_v himself_o so_o he_o high_o reward_v his_o servant_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a contentment_n to_o a_o subject_n then_o to_o perceive_v his_o service_n please_v his_o prince_n nor_o great_a joy_n then_o to_o find_v his_o gracious_a favour_n when_o they_o seek_v it_o let_v then_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n first_o of_o all_o teach_v the_o great_a one_o of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v find_v when_o they_o be_v seek_v unto_o thereby_o shall_v they_o honour_v themselves_o and_o cheer_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o people_n who_o seek_v unto_o they_o and_o again_o it_o may_v be_v a_o rich_a comfort_n to_o the_o poor_a one_o of_o this_o earth_n who_o when_o they_o see_v they_o must_v long_o look_v and_o wait_v and_o pray_v and_o pay_v and_o seek_v the_o face_n and_o favour_n of_o great_a man_n and_o can_v find_v may_v then_o remember_v yet_o they_o have_v a_o god_n who_o will_v not_o shut_v the_o door_n upon_o they_o will_v not_o turn_v away_o will_v not_o keep_v secret_a will_v not_o fear_v they_o away_o with_o a_o rough_a answer_n or_o a_o sour_a look_n but_o have_v this_o honourable_a and_o princely_a grace_n he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o second_o he_o reward_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o by_o bestow_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n on_o they_o not_o only_o he_o but_o his_o favour_n shall_v be_v find_v of_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o it_o be_v god_n favour_n that_o god_n child_n seek_v and_o his_o favour_n they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v this_o be_v no_o small_a reward_n unto_o they_o for_o in_o this_o world_n a_o man_n think_v he_o have_v enough_o if_o he_o have_v the_o prince_n favour_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o common_a phrase_n in_o old_a time_n let_v i_o find_v grace_n or_o favour_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o my_o lord_n the_o king_n so_o speak_v god_n child_n unto_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o wealth_n nor_o honour_n we_o seeke-for_a at_o god_n hand_n but_o let_v we_o find_v favour_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o so_o they_o do_v whatever_o they_o find_v in_o this_o world_n three_o he_o reward_v they_o not_o with_o his_o naked_a favour_n but_o with_o the_o most_o gracious_a testimony_n thereof_o that_o can_v be_v which_o be_v two_o forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n with_o himself_o this_o be_v all_o a_o prince_n can_v do_v to_o his_o subject_n who_o have_v offend_v he_o to_o forgive_v he_o the_o fault_n and_o remit_v the_o punishment_n and_o to_o advance_v he_o to_o honour_n this_o do_v the_o lord_n to_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o he_o forgive_v they_o the_o debt_n they_o owe_v he_o whereby_o life_n and_o soul_n and_o all_o be_v forfeit_v to_o he_o and_o give_v they_o also_o life_n everlasting_a so_o plentiful_a a_o reward_n be_v give_v they_o from_o that_o god_n under_o who_o wing_n they_o be_v come_v to_o trust_v four_o he_o reward_v they_o with_o the_o beginning_n of_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comfort_n whereof_o be_v more_o even_o in_o the_o bitter_a affliction_n than_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o contentment_n in_o the_o world_n last_o with_o the_o appurtenance_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o eternal_a life_n namely_o the_o good_a blessing_n of_o this_o life_n a_o competent_a portion_n whereof_o god_n give_v his_o child_n in_o this_o world_n as_o token_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o as_o reward_n of_o their_o service_n and_o seek_v he_o now_o as_o this_o place_n do_v aim_n at_o all_o these_o reward_n so_o principal_o and_o direct_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mean_v eternal_a life_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v steadfast_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v able_a and_o most_o willing_a to_o reward_v all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o with_o a_o better_a reward_n than_o this_o world_n can_v yield_v even_o with_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n for_o his_o son_n sake_n but_o then_o will_v some_o object_n god_n reward_v we_o therefore_o we_o merit_v therefore_o good_a work_n deserve_v i_o answer_v this_o place_n indeed_o be_v gross_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n for_o that_o purpose_n but_o we_o be_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o god_n reward_v man_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o for_o his_o promise_n sake_n and_o that_o be_v for_o his_o own_o sake_n for_o it_o be_v his_o own_o goodness_n that_o make_v he_o promise_n and_o no_o former_a debt_n he_o owe_v to_o man_n again_o he_o reward_v our_o good_a work_n not_o for_o our_o merit_n for_o they_o be_v nothing_o but_o of_o death_n and_o curse_n but_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_n for_o their_o worthiness_n be_v our_o good_a work_n reward_v so_o then_o here_o be_v two_o cause_n of_o god_n reward_v and_o yet_o man_n merit_n be_v neither_o of_o both_o and_o so_o the_o argument_n be_v nought_o that_o god_n reward_v therefore_o we_o merit_v for_o god_n do_v it_o for_o other_o cause_n thus_o these_o spider_n gather_v poison_v out_o of_o this_o flower_n but_o let_v we_o suck_v the_o honey_n for_o this_o notable_a sentence_n have_v excellent_a use_n first_o if_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o than_o not_o of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o who_o seek_v not_o god_n wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n seek_v he_o not_o but_o rather_o seek_v to_o avoid_v he_o and_o his_o service_n this_o sentence_n therefore_o be_v heavy_a against_o they_o for_o when_o they_o hear_v it_o their_o conscience_n answer_v but_o we_o seek_v not_o god_n therefore_o we_o can_v look_v for_o no_o reward_n from_o he_o do_v thou_o seek_v the_o world_n then_o must_v the_o world_n be_v thy_o rewarder_n do_v thou_o seek_v to_o please_v thyself_o then_o must_v thou_o reward_v thyself_o and_o if_o thou_o will_v please_v the_o devil_n by_o live_v in_o sin_n then_o must_v he_o be_v thy_o paymaster_n alas_o pitiful_a and_o fearful_a will_v these_o reward_n be_v again_o if_o god_n reward_v none_o but_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o here_o appear_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o papist_n die_v in_o our_o religion_n and_o with_o we_o cleave_v to_o christ_n merit_n alone_o when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v because_o their_o conscience_n then_o tell_v they_o that_o by_o their_o pilgrimage_n relic_n will-worship_n and_o many_o more_o of_o their_o course_n ordinary_a in_o popery_n they_o do_v never_o seek_v god_n but_o themselves_o &_o their_o own_o honour_n gain_n and_o credit_n and_o full_a well_o know_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reward_n due_a for_o such_o service_n and_o therefore_o by_o their_o practice_n they_o make_v it_o a_o true_a say_n that_o it_o be_v good_a live_v a_o papist_n but_o die_v a_o protestant_n second_o if_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o then_o we_o see_v it_o be_v most_o true_a which_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n 1._o cor._n 15.58_o for_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v and_o serve_v he_o therefore_o the_o atheist_n and_o profane_a man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o say_v 3.14_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o what_o profit_n
for_o he_o be_v a_o righteous_a man_n in_o that_o wicked_a age_n wherein_o all_o the_o world_n welter_v in_o wickedness_n and_o walk_v before_o god_n in_o great_a holiness_n when_o no_o man_n care_v for_o religion_n he_o have_v this_o special_a favour_n from_o god_n that_o when_o he_o purpose_v to_o destroy_v the_o world_n for_o their_o sin_n he_o first_o of_o all_o reveal_v to_o righteous_a noah_n that_o purpose_n of_o he_o so_o that_o these_o word_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o revelation_n which_o noah_n have_v from_o god_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o genesis_n for_o this_o message_n come_v not_o from_o god_n by_o any_o prophet_n for_o we_o know_v none_o in_o those_o evil_a day_n except_o noah_n himself_o but_o either_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n or_o else_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o this_o favour_n he_o receive_v from_o god_n not_o for_o any_o cause_n in_o the_o world_n but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a man_n from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v diverse_a excellent_a instruction_n first_o whereas_o god_n make_v choice_n of_o noah_n to_o reveal_v unto_o he_o his_o counsel_n and_o his_o judgement_n to_o come_v we_o learn_v that_o this_o be_v a_o prerogative_n which_o god_n bestow_v on_o such_o as_o fear_v he_o he_o reveal_v his_o counsel_n to_o they_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n whether_o they_o be_v purpose_n of_o judgement_n upon_o his_o enemy_n or_o of_o mercy_n unto_o his_o church_n thus_o deal_v he_o with_o abraham_n gen._n 18.19_o shall_v i_o say_v god_n hide_v from_o abraham_n the_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v do_v which_o thing_n be_v the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o her_o sister_n and_o so_o when_o the_o sodomite_n live_v in_o wanton_a carelessness_n and_o put_v far_o from_o they_o the_o evil_a day_n than_o abraham_n know_v from_o god_n their_o destruction_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o as_o in_o that_o for_o be_v it_o general_o true_a in_o all_o his_o great_a work_n that_o the_o lord_n god_n will_v do_v nothing_o but_o he_o reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n amos_n 3.7_o now_o this_o be_v not_o a_o prerogative_n of_o prophet_n alone_o or_o of_o such_o as_o be_v extraordinary_a man_n as_o abraham_n be_v but_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v among_o such_o as_o fear_v he_o psalm_n 25.14_o all_o that_o fear_v the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n be_v god_n friend_n and_o of_o his_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o not_o abraham_n only_o be_v call_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n james_n 2.23_o but_o of_o all_o true_a believer_n say_v christ_n john_n 15.14.15_o you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v what_o i_o command_v you_o henceforth_o i_o call_v you_o not_o servant_n but_o friend_n for_o the_o servant_n know_v not_o what_o his_o master_n do_v but_o all_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o my_o father_n have_v i_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v communicate_v and_o impart_v my_o secret_n unto_o you_o as_o one_o friend_n do_v unto_o another_o as_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v fit_a for_o you_o to_o know_v and_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o corinth_n 2.15_o a_o faithful_a and_o a_o holy_a man_n discern_v into_o the_o deep_a counsel_n of_o god_n which_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v their_o salvation_n and_o sometime_o more_o as_o here_o unto_o noah_n who_o be_v forewarn_v of_o god_n of_o thing_n then_o not_o see_v this_o prerogative_n of_o god_n child_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o some_o caution_n first_o that_o this_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o prophet_n and_o holy_a minister_n of_o god_n then_o to_o ordinary_a christian_n second_o that_o it_o be_v more_o ordinary_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n than_o now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o any_o object_n then_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n afore_o christ_n be_v better_a than_o it_o be_v now_o under_o christ_n i_o answer_v not_o so_o for_o first_o we_o be_v recompense_v by_o have_v the_o scripture_n perfect_a and_o complete_a which_o they_o have_v not_o and_o by_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o their_o shadow_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o promise_n in_o which_o respect_v our_o state_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o they_o and_o second_o for_o this_o particular_a i_o answer_v they_o indeed_o have_v more_o ordinary_a revelation_n of_o matter_n personal_a and_o private_a and_o not_o direct_o touch_v salvation_n but_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v general_a and_o do_v necessary_o concern_v salvation_n we_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v more_o evident_a demonstration_n and_o more_o full_a revelation_n than_o they_o have_v afore_o christ._n for_o exsample_n particular_a mercy_n to_o some_o faithful_a man_n or_o particular_a judgement_n on_o god_n enemy_n whether_o particular_a man_n or_o whole_a kingdom_n be_v after_o reveal_v to_o godly_a man_n in_o those_o day_n as_o here_o to_o noah_n but_o salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o messiah_n shall_v save_v his_o church_n be_v more_o full_o and_o plain_o reveal_v now_o then_o in_o those_o day_n out_o of_o which_o consideration_n arise_v the_o three_o caution_n which_o be_v that_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v to_o be_v expect_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v ordinary_o nothing_o else_o but_o these_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n &_o a_o discern_a of_o true_a scripture_n from_o forge_a of_o true_a sacrament_n from_o suppose_a of_o true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a of_o true_a pastor_n from_o false_a prophet_n these_o &_o such_o like_a as_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n all_o true_a and_o faithful_a believer_n which_o out_o of_o a_o humble_a heart_n by_o devoute_a prayer_n do_v seek_v it_o at_o god_n hand_n be_v sure_a to_o have_v reveal_v unto_o they_o from_o god_n but_o as_o for_o other_o purpose_n of_o god_n of_o personal_a and_o particular_a matter_n or_o what_o shall_v be_v his_o blessing_n or_o what_o his_o judgement_n to_o these_o and_o these_o man_n family_n city_n or_o kingdom_n or_o when_o or_o how_o he_o will_v change_v state_n or_o translate_v kingdom_n or_o by_o what_o extraordinary_a mean_n he_o will_v have_v his_o gospel_n propagate_v or_o a_o decline_a church_n or_o state_n uphold_v these_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v nor_o easy_o to_o believe_v any_o that_o shall_v say_v such_o thing_n be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o tie_v not_o the_o lord_n in_o such_o straight_a bond_n but_o that_o he_o may_v sometime_o extraordinary_o reveal_v his_o purpose_n therein_o to_o some_o his_o select_a servant_n yet_o provide_v that_o that_o revelation_n be_v examine_v and_o allow_v of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v immediate_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n god_n spirit_n do_v most_o comfortable_o reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n in_o his_o word_n and_o in_o his_o sacrament_n of_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n be_v among_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v double_a for_o instruction_n and_o for_o exhortation_n for_o our_o instruction_n here_o we_o learn_v how_o to_o answer_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o ask_v we_o how_o do_v we_o know_v true_a religion_n from_o erroneous_a or_o true_a scripture_n or_o sacrament_n from_o forge_a we_o answer_v first_o by_o itself_o by_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o excellency_n thereof_o as_o we_o know_v gold_n from_o brass_n or_o silver_n from_o lead_n but_o what_o if_o the_o brass_n or_o tin_n be_v gild_v over_o i_o then_o answer_v second_o we_o can_v know_v gold_n from_o brass_n and_o silver_n from_o tin_n by_o the_o sound_n and_o smell_v and_o hardness_n to_o endure_v and_o by_o the_o operation_n so_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a sound_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o christian_a a_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o taste_v in_o true_a religion_n a_o spiritual_a operation_n in_o holy_a man_n heart_n of_o the_o true_a sacrament_n but_o what_o if_o false_a prophet_n come_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o by_o lie_a wonder_n seem_v to_o give_v the_o same_o sound_n taste_n smell_v virtue_n and_o operation_n unto_o their_o forgery_n or_o at_o least_o challenge_v it_o and_o say_v that_o they_o be_v true_a i_o answer_v last_o then_o we_o know_v true_a religion_n true_a scripture_n true_a sacrament_n true_a prophet_n true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a by_o a_o holy_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n from_o god_n spirit_n which_o by_o evident_a and_o powerful_a demonstration_n assure_v we_o what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v false_a for_o the_o substance_n of_o salvation_n and_o this_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o all_o that_o in_o true_a humility_n do_v seek_v it_o in_o holy_a prayer_n and_o in_o a_o
the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o faith_n alone_o and_o no_o other_o virtue_n nor_o spiritual_a power_n in_o man_n soul_n be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o and_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o compare_v it_o with_o all_o the_o principal_a virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o among_o all_o there_o be_v none_o that_o may_v come_v into_o comparison_n with_o faith_n but_o hope_v and_o love_n both_o which_o especial_o love_n have_v their_o several_a and_o special_a excellency_n yet_o have_v neither_o of_o they_o nor_o both_o of_o they_o this_o virtue_n to_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v christ_n righteousness_n the_o property_n of_o love_n be_v to_o extend_v itself_o and_o with_o itself_o to_o carry_v many_o passion_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o place_v they_o upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v love_v yet_o can_v love_n be_v say_v proper_o to_o apprehend_v christ_n for_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v apprehend_v before_o he_o can_v be_v love_v and_o the_o proper_a action_n of_o hope_n be_v to_o wait_v and_o expect_v for_o a_o blessing_n to_o come_v so_o hope_n wait_v for_o salvation_n but_o proper_o apprehend_v it_o not_o for_o salvation_n must_v first_o be_v believe_v and_o then_o hope_v or_o expect_v so_o say_v jeremie_n lament_n 3.26_o it_o be_v good_a both_o to_o trust_v and_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o trust_v that_o be_v to_o believe_v assure_o it_o will_v come_v there_o be_v the_o action_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o wait_v till_o it_o do_v come_v that_o be_v the_o action_n of_o hope_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o several_a nature_n and_o action_n of_o these_o two_o worthy_a virtue_n but_o the_o proper_a action_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o apprehend_v and_o lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n and_o that_o be_v do_v then_o come_v love_n and_o hope_n &_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o so_o though_o love_n last_v long_o than_o faith_n do_v yet_o faith_n be_v afore_o love_n and_o make_v the_o way_n for_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o second_o point_n faith_n be_v a_o hand_n to_o take_v hold_n on_o christ_n &_o his_o benefit_n love_n be_v a_o hand_n to_o give_v out_o token_n of_o faith_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n for_o 1._o cor._n 13.5_o love_n seek_v not_o her_o own_o but_o other_o good_a namely_o the_o good_a of_o they_o that_o be_v love_v hope_n be_v a_o eye_n look_v out_o and_o wait_v for_o the_o good_a thing_n promise_v so_o that_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o love_n be_v the_o hand_n and_o hope_n be_v the_o eye_n of_o faith_n love_v the_o hand_n whereby_o it_o work_v and_o hope_v the_o eye_n whereby_o it_o wait_v and_o look_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o faith_n have_v apprehend_v and_o believe_v if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n think_v this_o any_o wrong_n to_o this_o holy_a virtue_n of_o love_n to_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o faith_n let_v they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o we_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o say_v faith_n work_v by_o love_n if_o faith_n work_n by_o it_o then_o sure_o love_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o faith_n thus_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n wait_v by_o hope_n but_o believe_v by_o itself_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o righteousness_n that_o make_v we_o righteous_a before_o god_n be_v rather_o call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n then_o of_o any_o other_o christian_a virtue_n or_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o for_o the_o same_o cause_n be_v it_o that_o so_o often_o in_o s._n paul_n epistle_n it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o name_n as_o philipp_n 3.9_o the_o three_o and_o last_o point_n concern_v noah_n faith_n be_v that_o noah_n be_v make_v heir_n of_o this_o righteousness_n a_o special_a commendation_n of_o his_o faith_n it_o make_v he_o heir_n of_o true_a and_o save_a righteousness_n that_o be_v it_o give_v he_o a_o true_a title_n unto_o it_o &_o make_v he_o heir_n apparent_a of_o that_o glory_n which_o it_o assure_v every_o one_o that_o apprehend_v it_o by_o this_o true_a faith_n and_o so_o he_o be_v make_v as_o certain_o and_o as_o true_o partaker_n of_o it_o as_o the_o young_a prince_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n at_o his_o time_n or_o the_o heir_n of_o his_o father_n land_n here_o two_o most_o worthy_a doctrine_n do_v offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o view_n 1._o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n estate_n the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n appear_v thus_o it_o make_v a_o holy_a man_n assure_v &_o certain_a of_o his_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v it_o be_v presumption_n in_o any_o man_n to_o think_v so_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n but_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v true_a faith_n that_o be_v able_a to_o assure_v he_o of_o salvation_n for_o faith_n make_v he_o a_o heir_n of_o true_a righteousness_n and_o of_o salvation_n thereby_o now_o we_o know_v the_o heir_n be_v most_o sure_a and_o certain_a of_o his_o inheritance_n whatever_o he_o get_v or_o lose_v he_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o but_o this_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n by_o it_o be_v his_o inheritance_n therefore_o he_o may_v be_v and_o be_v by_o faith_n assure_v of_o it_o the_o papist_n therefore_o do_v wrong_a unto_o this_o doctrine_n and_o derogate_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o true_a faith_n but_o this_o be_v their_o custom_n they_o will_v extol_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o much_o extoll_v namely_o true_a faith_n for_o if_o they_o know_v what_o it_o be_v true_o to_o know_v christ_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o by_o that_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n they_o will_v then_o know_v that_o faith_n make_v a_o man_n heir_n of_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o most_o assure_v of_o it_o second_o here_o we_o may_v see_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n estate_n he_o be_v not_o naked_a nor_o destitute_a of_o comfort_n but_o be_v heir_n of_o a_o glorious_a inheritance_n by_o mean_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o a_o christian_a man_n inheritance_n be_v christ_n righteousness_n out_o of_o which_o we_o learn_v first_o that_o no_o man_n by_o any_o good_a work_n do_v by_o or_o in_o himself_o can_v merit_v true_a and_o justify_v righteousness_n the_o pharisaical_a papist_n teach_v so_o but_o their_o conceit_n be_v here_o overthrow_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o save_v righteousness_n be_v his_o inheritance_n which_o we_o know_v be_v always_o get_v by_o the_o father_n and_o descends_z from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n as_o a_o free_a token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o it_o be_v scornful_a and_o absurd_a to_o see_v a_o son_n offer_v to_o buy_v his_o inheritance_n of_o his_o father_n it_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o inheritance_n to_o come_v any_o other_o way_n but_o by_o free_a gift_n from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n therefore_o our_o righteousness_n that_o must_v save_v we_o be_v as_o we_o see_v here_o our_o inheritance_n let_v we_o resolve_v of_o it_o we_o can_v buy_v nor_o merit_v it_o again_o here_o be_v sure_a and_o solid_a comfort_n against_o all_o the_o grie●●s_n and_o cross_n and_o loss_n of_o this_o world_n god_n child_n must_v needs_o have_v their_o portion_n of_o affliction_n in_o this_o life_n but_o here_o be_v their_o comfort_n they_o may_v lose_v their_o good_n live_n possession_n their_o good_a name_n their_o health_n their_o life_n but_o their_o inheritance_n stand_v sure_a and_o firm_a and_o can_v be_v lose_v let_v they_o therefore_o here_o learn_v not_o to_o grieve_v out_o of_o measure_n for_o a_o holy_a man_n may_v say_v thus_o to_o himself_o and_o that_o most_o true_o my_o father_n may_v frown_v on_o i_o for_o my_o fault_n and_o chastise_v i_o for_o my_o sin_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o will_v not_o disenherite_v i_o for_o i_o be_o heir_n by_o faith_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o i_o may_v lose_v many_o thing_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o lose_v that_o three_o and_o last_o here_o must_v god_n child_n learn_v their_o duty_n they_o be_v heir_n to_o a_o godly_a and_o glorious_a inheritance_n and_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v their_o inheritance_n therefore_o they_o must_v learn_v to_o set_v and_o settle_v all_o their_o affection_n on_o this_o inheritance_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n more_o worthy_a to_o be_v affect_v than_o a_o fair_a inheritance_n we_o must_v therefore_o first_o labour_n above_o all_o worldly_a thing_n for_o this_o inheritance_n namely_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o righteousness_n this_o be_v that_o pearl_n which_o we_o have_v find_v must_v sell_v all_o we_o have_v to_o
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
every_o sin_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a repentance_n and_o so_o make_v ourselves_o fit_a pilgrim_n for_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n three_o we_o must_v learn_v contentation_n of_o heart_n in_o every_o estate_n of_o life_n which_o god_n shall_v send_v upon_o we_o we_o must_v be_v content_v as_o well_o in_o sickness_n as_o in_o health_n in_o poverty_n as_o in_o plenty_n in_o trouble_n as_o in_o peace_n and_o in_o good_a report_n and_o ill_a report_n and_o in_o all_o estate_n of_o life_n and_o death_n a_o pilgrim_n in_o his_o way_n take_v all_o thing_n patient_o that_o befall_v he_o and_o if_o he_o be_v injury_v any_o way_n he_o put_v it_o up_o quiet_o without_o seek_v revenge_n or_o make_v complaint_n till_o he_o come_v home_o where_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v have_v audience_n and_o redress_v even_o so_o must_v we_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o this_o our_o pilgrimage_n to_o heaven_n in_o hope_n of_o that_o redress_n and_o rest_n we_o shall_v have_v we_o must_v bear_v all_o thing_n patient_o that_o befall_v we_o in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o way_n and_o do_v these_o three_o thing_n we_o shall_v become_v good_a pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o this_o world_n here_o two_o question_n offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v consider_v first_o if_o every_o man_n both_o in_o profession_n and_o practice_n must_v show_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o this_o world_n whether_o then_o be_v it_o not_o a_o good_a estate_n of_o life_n for_o a_o man_n to_o contemn_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o and_o to_o betake_v himself_o to_o perpetual_a beggary_n and_o voluntary_a poverty_n answ._n the_o world_n in_o scripture_n be_v take_v diverse_a way_n first_o for_o the_o corruption_n and_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n and_o these_o must_v be_v contemn_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a yea_o that_o be_v the_o best_a religion_n which_o teach_v best_a how_o to_o contemn_v these_o and_o he_o the_o best_a man_n who_o most_o forsake_v they_o in_o what_o call_v soever_o he_o live_v second_o for_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o money_n land_n wealth_n sustenance_n and_o such_o like_a outward_a thing_n as_o concern_v the_o necessary_a or_o convenient_a maintenance_n of_o this_o natural_a life_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v contemn_v for_o in_o themselves_o these_o earthly_a thing_n be_v the_o good_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o no_o man_n can_v simple_o contemn_v without_o injury_n to_o god_n dispose_v hand_n and_o providence_n who_o have_v ordain_v they_o for_o natural_a life_n the_o papist_n esteem_v it_o a_o angelical_a state_n of_o perfection_n approach_v near_o to_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n when_o a_o man_n forsake_v all_o and_o betake_v himself_o to_o voluntary_a poverty_n as_o beg_v friar_n do_v but_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a device_n of_o man_n brain_n and_o have_v no_o warrant_n in_o god_n word_n which_o decree_v thus_o that_o he_o that_o will_v not_o labour_v in_o some_o lawful_a calling_n shall_v not_o eat_v object_n but_o here_o they_o will_v say_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n speak_v to_o the_o young_a rich_a man_n bid_v he_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o he_o shall_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n mar._n 10._o answ._n that_o commandment_n be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o special_a belong_v to_o that_o young_a man_n it_o be_v a_o commandment_n of_o trial_n give_v to_o he_o only_o as_o this_o be_v to_o abraham_n when_o god_n say_v abraham_n kill_v thy_o son_n gen._n 22.2_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o commandment_n be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o namely_o to_o show_v he_o his_o corruption_n and_o to_o discover_v his_o hypocrisy_n again_o howsoever_o the_o young_a man_n be_v command_v to_o sell_v all_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o command_v to_o give_v all_o but_o only_o thus_o sell_v all_o &_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a 2._o object_n again_o they_o object_n that_o christ_n himself_o be_v a_o beggar_n and_o his_o disciple_n also_o and_o have_v nothing_o of_o their_o own_o but_o go_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n as_o beggar_n and_o live_v of_o that_o which_o other_o minister_v unto_o they_o answ._n this_o be_v a_o mere_a forgery_n and_o can_v be_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o bag_n which_o judas_n carry_v do_v prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o steward_n in_o christ_n family_n who_o look_v to_o their_o provision_n and_o to_o their_o contribution_n to_o the_o poor_a as_o may_v be_v see_v joh._n 13.27_o 28_o 29._o yea_o christ_n disciple_n though_o they_o leave_v the_o present_a use_n of_o their_o house_n and_o place_n yet_o they_o give_v not_o over_o their_o title_n and_o possession_n in_o they_o for_o christ_n go_v to_o peter_n house_n where_o he_o heal_v his_o wife_n mother_n math._n 8.14_o and_o after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n passion_n peter_n and_o the_o other_o disciple_n return_v to_o their_o ship_n again_o and_o become_v fisher_n for_o a_o time_n for_o christ_n john_n 21._o after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v fish_v 2._o quest._n whether_o may_v a_o man_n lawful_o seek_v to_o be_v rich_a see_v we_o must_v profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o this_o life_n ans._n riches_n be_v take_v two_o way_n 1._o for_o thing_n sufficient_a 2._o for_o abundance_n for_o the_o first_o by_o thing_n sufficient_a i_o mean_v thing_n necessary_a and_o meet_a for_o a_o man_n estate_n to_o maintain_v he_o and_o his_o family_n and_o thus_o a_o man_n may_v seek_v to_o be_v rich_a for_o so_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o four_o petition_n give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n that_o be_v thing_n meet_v and_o needful_a for_o the_o day_n from_o whence_o i_o reason_n thus_o that_o which_o we_o may_v lawful_o ask_v at_o god_n hand_n we_o may_v lawful_o seek_v for_o but_o we_o may_v lawful_o ask_v of_o god_n all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o this_o life_n therefore_o we_o may_v lawful_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o attain_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o 30.8_o agurs_n prayer_n show_v also_o give_v i_o not_o poverty_n nor_o riches_n feed_v i_o with_o food_n convenient_a for_o i_o where_o we_o see_v it_o be_v requisite_a a_o man_n shall_v labour_v for_o thing_n necessary_a to_o this_o life_n now_o because_o man_n corrupt_a nature_n be_v so_o gripple_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v content_v with_o the_o whole_a world_n though_o it_o be_v all_o he_o therefore_o we_o must_v learn_v this_o rule_n of_o contentation_n for_o worldly_a thing_n namely_o to_o follow_v the_o counsel_n and_o example_n of_o wise_a and_o godly_a man_n who_o be_v neither_o covetous_a nor_o riotous_a but_o rest_v content_v with_o that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a as_o for_o the_o wear_n of_o apparel_n we_o have_v no_o special_a rule_n nor_o precept_n in_o god_n word_n and_o therefore_o our_o direction_n must_v be_v the_o example_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o most_o grave_a and_o godly_a in_o that_o call_n whereof_o we_o be_v who_o precedent_n must_v be_v our_o direction_n in_o all_o case_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o precept_n nor_o rule_n in_o god_n word_n but_o if_o riches_n be_v take_v in_o the_o second_o sense_n for_o abundance_n above_o that_o which_o be_v competent_a and_o sufficient_a than_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o seek_v to_o be_v rich_a for_o proof_n hereof_o we_o have_v the_o plain_a testimony_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n paul_n say_v 1._o tim._n 6.8_o 9_o when_o we_o have_v food_n and_o raiment_n we_o must_v therewith_o be_v content_v for_o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o tentation_n and_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o noisome_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o perdition_n and_o destruction_n where_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o simple_o condemn_v a_o rich_a estate_n but_o rather_o the_o desire_n to_o be_v rich_a that_o be_v a_o desire_n to_o have_v more_o than_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o a_o man_n estate_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o the_o world_n man_n be_v so_o covetous_a that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v content_v with_o that_o which_o be_v enough_o but_o still_o toil_n and_o moil_n for_o more_o till_o they_o have_v get_v so_o much_o under_o their_o hand_n as_o will_v honest_o and_o sufficient_o maintain_v ten_o man_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o calling_n but_o all_o such_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o place_n afore_o name_v quest._n what_o if_o god_n give_v abundance_n to_o a_o man_n by_o lawful_a mean_n what_o must_v such_o a_o man_n do_v answ._n when_o god_n send_v riches_n in_o abundance_n to_o any_o man_n he_o must_v think_v himself_o to_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n as_o a_o
remember_v his_o sin_n but_o with_o dislike_n and_o detestation_n be_v grieve_v with_o they_o and_o angry_a with_o himself_o for_o they_o or_o else_o to_o teach_v other_o how_o to_o avoid_v they_o and_o as_o this_o kind_n of_o forgetfulness_n be_v a_o good_a virtue_n so_o there_o be_v also_o a_o virtuous_a and_o good_a remembrance_n namely_o to_o be_v mindful_a of_o that_o which_o may_v please_v god_n as_o of_o god_n judgement_n to_o be_v humble_v thereby_o and_o of_o his_o mercy_n to_o be_v thankful_a unto_o almighty_a god_n for_o they_o and_o of_o his_o commandment_n to_o become_v obedient_a to_o his_o will_n these_o thing_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o imprint_v by_o diligence_n in_o our_o memory_n second_o here_o observe_v god_n call_v they_o out_o of_o their_o own_o country_n and_o bid_v they_o live_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n as_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n and_o so_o they_o do_v abide_v there_o without_o any_o purpose_n to_o return_v nay_o they_o be_v not_o mindful_a of_o their_o former_a home_n hence_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o be_v constant_a in_o that_o call_n whereunto_o god_n have_v call_v us._n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a sin_n for_o a_o man_n to_o go_v back_o from_o that_o call_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v he_o when_o the_o israelite_n abide_v not_o patient_o and_o constant_o with_o god_n in_o the_o wilderness_n but_o desire_v to_o shake_v off_o the_o call_n of_o god_n &_o to_o return_v to_o egypt_n there_o to_o sit_v by_o the_o fleshpot_n again_o they_o have_v god_n hand_n upon_o they_o grievous_o as_o we_o may_v read_v at_o large_a psalm_n 78._o lot_n wife_n for_o look_v back_o when_o she_o be_v command_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v fearful_o and_o strange_o punish_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o pillar_n of_o salt_n gen._n 19.26_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v luk._n 9.62_o no_o man_n that_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o lord_n plough_v and_o look_v back_o again_o be_v apt_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v he_o that_o start_v from_o the_o plough_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o field_n no_o more_o be_v he_o that_o shift_v from_o his_o call_n fit_a for_o god_n service_n to_o apply_v this_o to_o ourselves_o god_n have_v call_v we_o to_o profess_v christian_a religion_n whence_o we_o be_v call_v protestant_n we_o therefore_o must_v profess_v the_o same_o constant_o and_o hold_v it_o fast_o without_o waver_v or_o doubt_v even_o without_o be_v mindful_a of_o that_o spiritual_a egypt_n of_o darkness_n and_o superstition_n whence_o we_o be_v deliver_v much_o more_o without_o turn_v to_o any_o other_o this_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v ground_v on_o god_n word_n again_o in_o this_o our_o call_n of_o christianity_n we_o have_v vow_v unto_o god_n for_o ourselves_o to_o renounce_v the_o flesh_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n now_o this_o be_v our_o call_n as_o we_o have_v promise_v and_o undertake_v it_o so_o we_o must_v obey_v it_o in_o our_o life_n fight_v manful_o every_o day_n against_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n for_o if_o we_o profess_v religion_n in_o word_n and_o do_v not_o obey_v it_o in_o deed_n we_o make_v ourselves_o unfit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o alas_o man_n be_v like_a to_o the_o swine_n that_o return_v to_o the_o puddle_n though_o he_o be_v wash_v never_o so_o clean_o and_o to_o the_o dog_n that_o return_v to_o his_o vomit_n for_o most_o man_n do_v but_o serve_v the_o flesh_n &_o the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n thereof_o therein_o be_v their_o joy_n and_o their_o heart_n ease_v take_v away_o these_o thing_n from_o they_o and_o take_v away_o their_o life_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o these_o patriarch_n do_v thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n which_o be_v this_o but_o they_o seek_v not_o a_o place_n in_o earth_n and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n follow_v that_o they_o desire_v a_o country_n which_o be_v heaven_n in_o these_o word_n but_o now_o they_o desire_v a_o better_a but_o some_o will_v say_v the_o patriarch_n be_v dead_a many_o hundred_o year_n before_o this_o be_v write_v how_o then_o can_v they_o be_v now_o say_v to_o desire_v a_o country_n answ._n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n here_o observe_v and_o follow_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o that_o write_v history_n who_o speak_v of_o thing_n past_o long_a ago_o as_o though_o they_o be_v now_o present_a now_o it_o be_v say_v they_o desire_v a_o better_a country_n these_o patriarch_n have_v lay_v before_o they_o two_o country_n the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o these_o two_o they_o may_v choose_v whether_o they_o will_v to_o be_v their_o portion_n and_o inheritance_n upon_o which_o they_o will_v bestow_v their_o heart_n now_o they_o esteem_v heaven_n though_o it_o be_v to_o come_v better_o than_o canaan_n though_o present_a and_o therefore_o make_v choice_n of_o heaven_n and_o long_v for_o it_o where_o we_o learn_v that_o as_o we_o must_v be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o all_o his_o blessing_n so_o among_o they_o all_o we_o shall_v choose_v the_o best_a this_o david_n do_v for_o be_v put_v to_o choose_v whether_o he_o have_v rather_o live_v in_o safeguard_n and_o in_o solace_n with_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a than_o in_o base_a estate_n and_o in_o great_a danger_n near_o to_o god_n sanctuary_n he_o say_v psal._n 84.10_o he_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o his_o god_n than_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o wickedness_n and_o solomon_n be_v high_o commend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1._o king_n 3.10.11_o for_o choose_v a_o wise_a and_o understand_a heart_n before_o riches_n and_o honour_n moses_n also_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o have_v his_o choice_n whether_o he_o will_v live_v glorious_o &_o at_o ease_n in_o pharoh_n court_n or_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o adversity_n now_o moses_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o discern_v refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v adversity_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n which_o holy_a example_n do_v all_o teach_v we_o that_o when_o god_n set_v before_o we_o diverse_a sort_n of_o his_o blessing_n we_o in_o spiritual_a wisdom_n must_v make_v choice_n of_o the_o best_a on_o the_o contrary_a esau_n have_v this_o choice_n set_v before_o he_o his_o brother_n red_a broth_n and_o his_o birthright_n but_o he_o choose_v the_o worse_o &_o therefore_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o holy_a ghost_n note_v he_o with_o this_o mark_n to_o be_v profane_a esau_n for_o his_o labour_n and_o the_o gaderens_n also_o be_v brand_v with_o a_o note_n of_o infamy_n to_o all_o age_n for_o choose_v their_o hog_n before_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n and_o the_o like_a choice_n be_v set_v before_o we_o every_o day_n for_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n in_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n for_o his_o part_n do_v set_v forth_o unto_o we_o christ_n jesus_n crucify_v and_o in_o he_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n come_v the_o devil_n and_o set_v before_o we_o all_o sort_n of_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n show_v to_o every_o man_n those_o sin_n to_o which_o he_o be_v give_v and_o with_o they_o all_o the_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n that_o usual_o accompany_v such_o sin_n now_o most_o man_n have_v this_o choice_n set_v before_o they_o do_v leave_v the_o true_a and_o substantial_a blessing_n of_o god_n and_o come_v to_o satan_n paint_a pageant_n and_o there_o make_v choice_n of_o sin_n with_o those_o base_a companion_n that_o do_v attend_v she_o this_o be_v too_o apparent_a to_o be_v deny_v for_o howsoever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v unto_o we_o and_o we_o do_v hear_v the_o same_o yet_o we_o prefer_v the_o vanity_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o sinful_a world_n before_o christ_n crucify_v make_v no_o account_n of_o he_o nor_o of_o our_o own_o salvation_n by_o he_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o present_a profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n but_o we_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n to_o give_v we_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o discern_v that_o now_o when_o god_n set_v before_o we_o thing_n so_o far_o differ_v we_o may_v have_v grace_n to_o discern_v between_o they_o and_o withal_o to_o prefer_v and_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o best_a and_o to_o refuse_v the_o worst_a but_o as_o for_o they_o that_o be_v so_o mad_a in_o their_o choice_n that_o they_o now_o prefer_v sin_n before_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n they_o shall_v see_v the_o day_n when_o they_o will_v
wish_v themselves_o to_o be_v dog_n toad_n or_o serpent_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o yet_o though_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a of_o that_o exchange_n of_o state_n they_o shall_v never_o compass_v it_o but_o shall_v remain_v woeful_a man_n and_o woman_n for_o evermore_o because_o that_o once_o they_o make_v so_o profane_a a_o choice_n when_o the_o path_n of_o life_n be_v set_v before_o they_o they_o choose_v the_o way_n of_o death_n rather_o than_o of_o life_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o will_v desire_v death_n they_o shall_v not_o have_v it_o but_o shall_v live_v a_o life_n more_o bitter_a for_o ever_o then_o any_o death_n in_o the_o great_a pang_n thus_o we_o see_v in_o general_a their_o choice_n be_v of_o the_o better_a particular_o the_o text_n add_v that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a in_o which_o word_n be_v lay_v down_o the_o last_o and_o chief_a point_n in_o this_o reason_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o patriarch_n desire_v a_o better_a country_n than_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a country_n even_o heaven_n itself_o the_o proof_n whereof_o be_v principal_o intend_v in_o this_o place_n now_o whereas_o the_o patriarch_n be_v our_o forefather_n in_o faith_n and_o pattern_n who_o we_o must_v follow_v do_v desire_v heaven_n by_o their_o example_n every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v teach_v the_o same_o duty_n to_o aim_v at_o another_o and_o a_o better_a country_n then_o that_o in_o which_o we_o live_v even_o at_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o not_o to_o think_v that_o this_o world_n be_v the_o country_n we_o be_v bear_v for_o this_o better_a country_n we_o must_v all_o seek_v for_o whatsoever_o we_o be_v high_a and_o low_o young_a and_o old_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a if_o we_o will_v follow_v these_o godly_a patriarch_n and_o this_o we_o must_v do_v not_o at_o death_n only_o seek_v this_o world_n all_o our_o life_n long_o for_o that_o be_v to_o despise_v heaven_n but_o even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o youth_n &_o strength_n of_o our_o day_n must_v we_o set_v our_o heart_n on_o heaven_n endeavour_v so_o to_o use_v this_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o that_o when_o we_o die_v we_o may_v come_v to_o heaven_n that_o bless_a country_n which_o we_o desire_v and_o seek_v for_o in_o our_o life_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o hereunto_o consider_v the_o reason_n follow_v first_o worldly_a wisdom_n teach_v this_o if_o a_o man_n dwell_v on_o his_o own_o land_n and_o in_o his_o own_o house_n he_o be_v careless_a but_o if_o in_o another_o man_n house_n whereof_o he_o have_v no_o lease_n but_o contrariwise_o be_v certain_a to_o be_v put_v out_o he_o know_v not_o when_o this_o man_n will_v in_o time_n provide_v himself_o of_o another_o that_o so_o he_o may_v remove_v into_o it_o and_o not_o be_v destitute_a and_o if_o it_o be_v within_o his_o power_n he_o will_v provide_v a_o better_a that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o remove_v for_o the_o worse_o behold_v while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n our_o body_n be_v tent_n and_o tabernacle_n wherein_o our_o soul_n do_v dwell_v for_o a_o time_n and_o beside_o this_o time_n be_v uncertain_a for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o can_v say_v certain_o he_o shall_v live_v to_o the_o next_o hour_n therefore_o we_o must_v every_o one_o of_o we_o provide_v for_o himself_o a_o dwell_a place_n in_o heaven_n where_o we_o may_v abide_v for_o ever_o in_o all_o blessedness_n again_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o sin_n atheism_n and_o profaneness_n abound_v every_o where_o the_o blaspheme_n of_o god_n holy_a name_n and_o the_o break_n of_o his_o sabbath_n beside_o daily_a sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n now_o all_o these_o cry_n continual_o for_o vengeance_n and_o for_o god_n judgement_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o we_o for_o own_o sin_n whether_o he_o will_v take_v from_o we_o our_o good_n and_o good_a name_n our_o health_n friend_n or_o life_n itself_o and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o hand_n to_o provide_v for_o ourselves_o a_o rest_a place_n wherein_o we_o may_v abide_v for_o ever_o after_o this_o frail_a life_n full_a of_o misery_n be_v end_v three_o if_o we_o shall_v not_o do_v this_o mark_v what_o follow_v this_o and_o no_o other_o be_v our_o estate_n by_o nature_n we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o by_o our_o manifold_a sin_n we_o have_v make_v our_o ease_n far_o worse_o now_o what_o be_v due_a unto_o we_o for_o this_o corruption_n and_o for_o these_o transgression_n sure_o not_o heaven_n but_o another_o place_n even_o the_o contrary_a the_o place_n of_o eternal_a woe_n and_o destruction_n the_o bottomless_a pit_n of_o hell_n now_o if_o this_o be_v our_o due_n by_o nature_n then_o let_v not_o sin_n nor_o satan_n deceive_v we_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o heaven_n and_o still_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n but_o let_v we_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o eschew_v this_o place_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o we_o by_o nature_n that_o through_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o heavenly_a city_n which_o these_o godly_a patriarch_n so_o serious_o soght_v for_o but_o if_o we_o remain_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o so_o die_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o go_v to_o the_o place_n of_o destruction_n and_o there_o to_o remain_v in_o woe_n and_o torment_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n for_o evermore_o so_o that_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o hand_n to_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o come_v to_o heaven_n or_o else_o our_o case_n will_v be_v the_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o creature_n for_o perdition_n and_o destruction_n will_v be_v our_o portion_n world_n without_o end_n this_o must_v awake_v and_o stir_v up_o our_o dead_a and_o drowsy_a heart_n that_o be_v so_o besot_v with_o sin_n that_o though_o we_o hear_v yet_o we_o neither_o learn_v nor_o practice_n in_o worldly_a thing_n we_o can_v take_v care_n and_o pain_n but_o if_o we_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o our_o own_o everlasting_a good_a let_v we_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o heaven_n for_o if_o we_o miss_v of_o that_o city_n it_o have_v be_v good_a for_o we_o we_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v or_o that_o we_o have_v be_v the_o vile_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o man_n for_o when_o the_o unreasonable_a creature_n die_v there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o their_o misery_n but_o if_o we_o die_v and_o be_v not_o prepare_v for_o that_o place_n our_o death_n will_v be_v unto_o we_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o woe_n and_o misery_n wherefore_o god_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o they_o to_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d their_o god_n for_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o a_o city_n in_o these_o word_n be_v lay_v down_o a_o second_o reason_n whereby_o be_v prove_v that_o these_o patriarch_n die_v in_o the_o faith_n seek_v their_o country_n in_o heaven_n the_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o record_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o book_n of_o exodus_fw-la where_o god_n say_v he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n exodus_fw-la 3.16_o the_o exposition_n wherefore_o that_o be_v that_o this_o may_v appear_v and_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o patriarch_n die_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o seek_v this_o country_n of_o heaven_n god_n be_v content_a to_o vouchsafe_v &_o grant_v unto_o they_o this_o favour_n to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v or_o not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o one_o proper_o belong_v to_o man_n and_o it_o can_v be_v affirm_v proper_o of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v ashamed_a or_o blush_v as_o the_o word_n signify_v but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o god_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o this_o favour_n and_o show_v they_o this_o honour_n and_o dignity_n quest._n what_o be_v this_o honour_n and_o dignity_n which_o he_o show_v unto_o they_o answer_n to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v thus_o much_o that_o god_n accept_v they_o in_o his_o mercy_n to_o be_v such_o with_o who_o he_o will_v make_v his_o covenant_n of_o salvation_n and_o not_o with_o they_o alone_o but_o with_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o second_o that_o he_o choose_v they_o to_o make_v the_o covenant_n in_o their_o name_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n three_o he_o vouchsafe_v they_o a_o special_a and_o extraordinary_a favour_n even_o that_o himself_o will_v bear_v their_o name_n &_o they_o shall_v bear_v he_o make_v his_o glorious_a name_n renown_v to_o the_o world_n end_n by_o this_o title_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n &_o jacob_n hereupon_o the_o reason_n be_v frame_v thus_o
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
parent_n prolong_v their_o child_n day_n by_o blessing_n they_o that_o be_v by_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o religion_n and_o by_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o they_o that_o he_o will_v bless_v they_o second_o there_o be_v a_o public_a kind_n of_o blessing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o after_o this_o sort_n melchisedech_n bless_a abraham_n as_o he_o return_v from_o the_o slaughter_n of_o the_o king_n heb._n 7.1_o and_o without_o all_o contradiction_n say_v the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n the_o less_o be_v bless_v of_o the_o great_a verse_n 7_o further_o these_o public_a kind_n of_o blessing_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a a_o ordinary_a kind_n of_o public_a blessing_n be_v that_o which_o be_v pronounce_v and_o utter_v out_o of_o god_n word_n by_o a_o ordinary_a minister_n upon_o the_o people_n example_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o the_o ordinary_a priest_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o duty_n be_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o bless_v the_o people_n before_o their_o depart_n and_o the_o form_n of_o blessing_n which_o they_o shall_v use_v be_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o by_o moses_n after_o this_o manner_n from_o the_o lord_n thus_o shall_v you_o bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n 6.23_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o the_o lord_n bless_v thou_o and_o keep_v thou_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v upon_o thou_o and_o be_v merciful_a unto_o thou_o the_o lord_n lift_v up_o his_o countenance_n upon_o thou_o and_o give_v thou_o peace_n where_o we_o see_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o bless_v the_o people_n not_o in_o his_o own_o name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n over_o the_o head_n of_o the_o people_n this_o kind_n of_o blessing_n be_v then_o ordinary_a and_o yet_o some_o way_n figurative_a signify_v unto_o they_o the_o blessing_n which_o christ_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n god_n and_o man_n shall_v not_o only_o pronounce_v but_o even_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o our_o saviour_n according_o perform_v to_o his_o disciple_n at_o his_o ascension_n for_o the_o scory_n say_v when_o he_o be_v rise_v again_o he_o lead_v they_o to_o bethania_n where_o he_o ascend_v and_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n and_o bless_a they_o and_o s._n paul_n declare_v this_o blessing_n of_o christ_n more_o at_o large_a 24.50_o say_v ephes._n 4.8.11.12_o christ_n ascend_v on_o high_a &_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n some_o to_o be_v apostle_n some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n where_o we_o see_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v not_o only_o pronounce_v a_o blessing_n upon_o his_o church_n but_o be_v also_o the_o author_n thereof_o from_o god_n his_o father_n and_o as_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v a_o ordinary_a kind_n of_o blessing_n the_o people_n so_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o have_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n for_o the_o minister_n may_v bless_v their_o people_n two_o way_n first_o by_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o they_o second_o by_o pronounce_v a_o blessing_n upon_o they_o according_a to_o gods_n holy_a word_n a_o form_n of_o this_o blessing_n we_o have_v from_o the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n who_o bless_v the_o corinthian_n after_o this_o sort_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n or_o fellowship_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v with_o you_o all_o 2._o corinthian_n 13.13_o second_o a_o extraordinary_a kind_n of_o blessing_n be_v when_o a_o extraordinary_a prophet_n or_o servant_n of_o god_n do_v set_v down_o and_o pronounce_v a_o blessing_n unto_o any_o and_o foretell_v their_o estate_n from_o god._n thus_o do_v no_o bless_v his_o two_o son_n shem_n and_o japhet_n gen._n 9.25_o 26_o 27._o and_o pronounce_v a_o curse_n upon_o wicked_a canaan_n this_o he_o do_v not_o as_o a_o ordinary_a father_n but_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a prophet_n not_o only_o pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o his_o two_o son_n but_o also_o foretell_v they_o what_o shall_v be_v their_o condition_n or_o estate_n afterward_o so_o in_o this_o place_n whereas_o isaac_n bless_v jaacob_n and_o esau_n it_o be_v no_o private_a blessing_n but_o a_o public_a and_o yet_o indeed_o not_o a_o ordinary_a public_a blessing_n but_o extraordinary_a by_o tell_v unto_o jaacob_n and_o esau_n before_o hand_n what_o shall_v be_v their_o particular_a estate_n and_o condition_n and_o what_o blessing_n they_o shall_v have_v from_o god_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o we_o must_v not_o here_o conceive_v of_o isaac_n as_o a_o ordinary_a father_n but_o as_o a_o holy_a patriarch_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o a_o extraordinary_a man_n foresee_v &_o foretell_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n the_o particular_a estate_n of_o his_o two_o son_n and_o also_o what_o particular_a blessing_n they_o and_o their_o posterity_n shall_v receive_v from_o god_n the_o meaning_n then_o of_o these_o word_n isaac_n bless_a jaacob_n &_o esau_n be_v this_o that_o isaac_n be_v a_o prophet_n a_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o a_o famous_a patriarch_n do_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n foresee_v and_o set_v down_o and_o tell_v before_o hand_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o particular_a estate_n of_o his_o two_o son_n jaacob_n and_o esau_n and_o as_o he_o do_v foretell_v it_o so_o likewise_o he_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o the_o same_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v as_o it_o do_v afterward_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o meaning_n now_o though_o this_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a kind_n of_o blessing_n which_o isaac_n use_v yet_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v all_o of_o we_o learn_v a_o ordinary_a duty_n for_o look_v as_o isaac_n bless_v his_o two_o son_n so_o we_o by_o his_o example_n must_v learn_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o wicked_a speech_n as_o curse_v and_o ban_v and_o exercise_v our_o tongue_n in_o blessing_n not_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o sin_n to_o curse_v and_o revile_v as_o many_o do_v for_o vengeance_n be_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n he_o must_v curse_v that_o have_v absolute_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o inflict_v the_o same_o when_o he_o will_n but_o we_o be_v not_o absolute_a lord_n over_o any_o man_n or_o any_o creature_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v remember_v saint_n peter_n lesson_n 1._o pet._n 3.9_o we_o must_v not_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n nor_o rebuke_v for_o rebuke_n but_o contrariwise_o bless_v and_o he_o render_v a_o reason_n know_v that_o we_o be_v thereunto_o call_v to_o be_v heir_n of_o blessing_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o therefore_o to_o open_v our_o mouth_n to_o curse_v either_o man_n or_o any_o of_o god_n creature_n and_o indeed_o vile_a and_o abominable_a be_v the_o practice_n of_o many_o who_o exercise_n their_o tongue_n in_o curse_v and_o ban_v not_o only_o man_n but_o also_o other_o creature_n of_o god_n but_o let_v such_o as_o fear_n god_n both_o learn_v and_o practise_v the_o contrary_n the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o blessing_n to_o wit_n isaac_n faith_n by_o faith_n isaac_n bless_v jaacob_n and_o esau._n here_o first_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o isaac_n faith_n bless_v jaacob_n and_o esau_n sure_o thus_o he_o do_v most_o notable_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o two_o child_n which_o be_v special_o three_o first_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n 2._o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n shall_v possess_v the_o promise_a land_n of_o canaan_n 3._o that_o his_o two_o child_n shall_v be_v two_o mighty_a nation_n and_o that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a now_o isaac_n do_v not_o consider_v these_o blessing_n apart_o one_o from_o another_o but_o have_v they_o all_o in_o memory_n and_o on_o they_o all_o receive_v they_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n he_o build_v his_o blessing_n for_o by_o faith_n in_o these_o promise_n he_o do_v certain_o foresee_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o future_a estate_n of_o his_o two_o son_n and_o according_o do_v he_o pronounce_v particular_a blessing_n upon_o they_o both_o but_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o isaac_n do_v not_o bless_v his_o son_n by_o faith_n for_o if_o we_o read_v the_o history_n in_o genesis_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o he_o bless_v they_o by_o error_n and_o be_v deceive_v therein_o for_o he_o be_v purpose_v to_o have_v bless_v esau_n only_o
quite_o degenerate_a from_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v when_o they_o be_v babe_n in_o knowledge_n void_a of_o spiritual_a wisdom_n indeed_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o our_o age_a person_n be_v worldly_a wise_n &_o he_o must_v have_v a_o cunning_a head_n and_o as_o we_o say_v rise_v early_o that_o herein_o go_v beyond_o they_o but_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o action_n that_o they_o be_v do_v in_o faith_n herein_o they_o be_v mere_a babe_n and_o ignorant_a neither_o can_v they_o tell_v what_o it_o be_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n in_o faith_n so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n herein_o many_o that_o be_v young_a in_o year_n do_v quite_o outstrip_v they_o what_o will_v we_o think_v or_o say_v of_o a_o child_n that_o be_v set_v to_o a_o good_a school_n shall_v still_o be_v in_o the_o low_a form_n though_o he_o have_v long_o continue_v at_o it_o sure_o we_o will_v judge_v he_o either_o exceed_a negligent_a or_o destitute_a of_o ordinary_a capacity_n behold_v the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o school_n of_o christ_n &_o if_o a_o man_n have_v live_v long_o therein_o as_o twenty_o or_o forty_o year_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o wise_a in_o religion_n than_o a_o young_a child_n be_v it_o not_o a_o shame_n unto_o he_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o condemn_v he_o of_o great_a negligence_n wherefore_o let_v all_o age_a person_n here_o learn_v their_o duty_n which_o be_v to_o grow_v to_o ripeness_n in_o spiritual_a wisdom_n that_o so_o their_o age_n may_v be_v to_o they_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n prou._n 16.31_o verse_n 25._o and_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v adversity_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o moses_n cast_v with_o himself_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v yield_v to_o become_v heir_n to_o pharaoh_n daughter_n he_o must_v live_v with_o she_o and_o please_v she_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o altogether_o leave_v god_n church_n and_o people_n and_o god_n holy_a religion_n which_o thing_n to_o do_v he_o abhor_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o withal_o he_o must_v leave_v and_o lose_v the_o eternal_a blessedness_n of_o god_n child_n for_o the_o honour_n &_o sinful_a pleasure_n of_o the_o court_n which_o be_v but_o momentany_a these_o thing_n consider_v he_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v in_o affliction_n and_o misery_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o upon_o these_o condition_n to_o live_v in_o pharaoh_n court_n &_o to_o become_v his_o daughter_n son_n and_o heir_n and_o because_o this_o may_v seem_v a_o strange_a choice_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v afterward_o render_v a_o reason_n hereof_o which_o be_v this_o because_o moses_n like_v rather_o to_o enjoy_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n church_n though_o it_o be_v in_o misery_n than_o to_o enjoy_v any_o honour_n in_o a_o wicked_a court_n such_o as_o indeed_o pharaoh_n be_v in_o this_o verse_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o note_v a_o second_o fruit_n of_o moses_n faith_n to_o wit_n that_o he_o prefer_v the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o god_n saint_n before_o all_o other_o society_n in_o the_o world_n the_o same_o also_o be_v david_n practice_n psal._n 16.3_o all_o my_o delight_n say_v he_o be_v in_o the_o saint_n that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n this_o fruit_n of_o moses_n faith_n do_v discover_v unto_o we_o a_o grievous_a fault_n which_o reign_v in_o this_o age_n to_o wit_n the_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o communion_n and_o society_n of_o saint_n there_o be_v a_o society_n and_o fellowship_n that_o be_v love_v and_o magnify_v among_o we_o but_o what_o manner_n of_o society_n be_v that_o sure_o of_o such_o as_o give_v themselves_o to_o drink_v jest_a scoff_a riot_n mirth_n and_o game_n this_o be_v the_o common_a and_o general_a good_a fellowship_n through_o which_o god_n be_v great_o dishonour_v for_o most_o man_n set_v their_o delight_n therein_o and_o be_v never_o merry_a but_o in_o such_o company_n wherein_o indeed_o they_o delight_v themselves_o in_o their_o sensuality_n true_a it_o be_v man_n plead_v that_o this_o good_a fellowship_n be_v a_o virtue_n but_o than_o be_v moses_n far_o overseen_a for_o in_o pharaoh_n court_n he_o may_v have_v have_v all_o kind_n of_o such_o good_a fellowship_n and_o company_n yet_o he_o like_v it_o not_o but_o rather_o choose_v affliction_n and_o misery_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n then_o to_o enjoy_v such_o fellowship_n in_o pharaoh_n court_n and_o as_o for_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v neither_o so_o esteem_v nor_o call_v by_o any_o but_o by_o they_o that_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a we_o see_v moses_n a_o man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n act_v 7.23_o no_o child_n but_o a_o man_n of_o xl_o year_n old_a hate_v and_o abhor_v this_o good_a fellowship_n as_o the_o worst_a estate_n in_o the_o world_n rather_o choose_v the_o society_n of_o a_o miserable_a and_o persecute_a church_n than_o the_o best_a of_o that_o fellowship_n which_o a_o king_n court_n can_v yield_v let_v we_o therefore_o learn_v more_o wisdom_n out_o of_o his_o practice_n some_o say_v this_o good_a fellowship_n be_v harmless_a and_o such_o man_n who_o thus_o merry_o pass_v their_o time_n do_v no_o such_o hurt_n as_o many_o other_o do_v but_o i_o answer_v man_n be_v bear_v to_o do_v good_a again_o to_o misspend_v time_n wealth_n and_o wit_n be_v not_o these_o evil_a &_o harmful_a both_o in_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o example_n and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o it_o be_v no_o fellowship_n with_o god_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n but_o rather_o a_o fellowship_n with_o satan_n therefore_o let_v all_o that_o will_v like_o true_a christian_n have_v true_a comfort_n in_o that_o article_n of_o their_o creed_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n esteem_v the_o fellowship_n of_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n above_o all_o other_o for_o by_o this_o communion_n with_o god_n saint_n a_o man_n reap_v great_a profit_n when_o as_o the_o other_o bring_v to_o a_o man_n the_o ruin_n both_o of_o his_o body_n and_o soul_n by_o the_o society_n of_o the_o godly_a we_o be_v first_o make_v partaker_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o holy_a grace_n and_o second_o of_o their_o prayer_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o which_o thing_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o may_v move_v we_o to_o embrace_v this_o bless_a society_n before_o all_o other_o and_o yet_o further_o by_o be_v of_o this_o society_n a_o man_n avoid_v many_o of_o god_n judgment_n if_o there_o have_v be_v ten_o righteous_a man_n in_o sodom_n they_o have_v all_o be_v spare_v from_o destruction_n wherein_o we_o may_v see_v 3●_n that_o they_o that_o cleave_v to_o such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n indeed_o never_o receive_v harm_n by_o they_o but_o rather_o much_o good_a for_o for_o the_o elect_v sake_n it_o be_v that_o the_o world_n yet_o stand_v and_o if_o they_o be_v gather_v heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v go_v together_o but_o for_o the_o call_n of_o the_o elect_n the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o stay_v why_o then_o shall_v not_o moses_n example_n be_v our_o rule_n above_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o society_n of_o god_n saint_n thus_o much_o in_o general_a now_o in_o the_o particular_a word_n be_v many_o notable_a point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o we_o will_v touch_v in_o their_o order_n and_o choose_v rather_o etc._n etc._n mark_v here_o a_o rare_a and_o strange_a choice_n as_o ever_o we_o shall_v read_v of_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n propound_v to_o moses_n the_o first_o be_v honour_n and_o preferment_n in_o pharaoh_n court_n to_o be_v son_n and_o heir_n to_o pharahs_n daughter_n wherewith_o he_o may_v have_v enjoy_v all_o earthly_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n the_o second_o be_v the_o miserable_a afflict_a condition_n of_o gods_n church_n and_o people_n and_o of_o these_o two_o moses_n must_v needs_o choose_v the_o one_o well_o what_o choose_v he_o sure_o he_o refuse_v the_o prerogative_n and_o dignity_n that_o he_o may_v have_v have_v in_o pharaoh_n court_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o gods_n people_n in_o adversity_n that_o so_o he_o may_v enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o gods_n church_n a_o wonderful_a choice_n for_o which_o his_o faith_n be_v here_o commend_v and_o he_o renown_v to_o all_o posterity_n the_o same_o choice_n have_v god_n set_v before_o man_n in_o all_o age_n in_o former_a time_n god_n set_v before_o esau_n two_o thing_n a_o mess_n of_o red_a broth_n and_o his_o birthright_n but_o profane_a esau_n choose_v the_o worse_a he_o forego_v his_o birthright_n so_o he_o may_v have_v the_o broth_n but_o far_o worse_a
of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n which_o be_v a_o notable_a rite_n &_o ceremony_n use_v in_o this_o first_o passove_a after_o this_o manner_n the_o blood_n of_o every_o lamb_n be_v put_v into_o a_o basin_n &_o sprinkle_v with_o a_o bunch_n of_o hyssop_n upon_o the_o door_n post_v of_o every_o man_n house_n among_o the_o jew_n now_o this_o rite_n do_v not_o continue_v always_o but_o be_v peculiar_a &_o proper_a to_o this_o first_o passove_a keep_v in_o egypt_n at_o the_o institution_n thereof_o be_v then_o practise_v but_o not_o after_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o special_a deliverance_n then_o at_o hand_n whereof_o it_o be_v a_o assurance_n for_o it_o signify_v unto_o they_o that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v of_o egypt_n &_o see_v that_o blood_n so_o sprink_v shall_v pass_v over_o their_o house_n and_o touch_v none_o of_o their_o first_o bear_v of_o man_n nor_o beast_n this_o end_n of_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o this_o blood_n be_v here_o likewise_o set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n lest_o he_o that_o destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v shall_v touch_v they_o he_o that_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v send_v to_o destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v throughout_o all_o egypt_n both_o of_o man_n and_o beast_n save_v only_o of_o those_o who_o have_v their_o door_n post_v sprinkle_v with_o blood_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n first_o observe_v what_o the_o h._n ghost_n say_v of_o this_o fact_n of_o moses_n in_o ordain_v the_o passove_a namely_o that_o he_o do_v it_o by_o faith_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v celebrate_v in_o faith_n for_o herein_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o moses_n be_v the_o l._n supper_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n succeed_v the_o passove_a in_o the_o old_a for_o that_o be_v a_o sign_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o immaculate_a lamb_n of_o god_n shall_v afterward_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v to_o we_o a_o sign_n of_o christ_n already_o sacrifice_v now_o look_v as_o that_o be_v ordain_v &_o receive_v under_o the_o law_n so_o must_v this_o be_v administer_v &_o receive_v under_o the_o gospel_n but_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n moses_n celebrate_v the_o passove_a through_o faith_n &_o enjoine_v the_o israelite_n so_o to_o do_v therefore_o according_o must_v we_o by_o faith_n celebrate_v and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n under_o the_o gospel_n cain_n sacrifice_n be_v fruitless_a to_o he_o and_o odious_a to_o god_n because_o he_o offer_v not_o in_o faith_n &_o no_o less_o be_v all_o other_o faithless_a sacrifice_n even_o so_o every_o sacrament_n and_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n receive_v or_o offer_v in_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v unprofitable_a to_o man_n and_o unacceptable_a unto_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v in_o faith_n in_o every_o sacrament_n we_o receive_v some_o thing_n from_o god_n as_o in_o every_o sacrifice_n we_o give_v some_o thing_n to_o god_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o the_o minister_n give_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o receiver_n so_o the_o lord_n god_n give_v his_o son_n unto_o their_o heart_n now_o if_o faith_n be_v want_v christ_n crucify_v be_v not_o receive_v for_o faith_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o soul_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o receive_n of_o christ_n &_o his_o benefit_n but_o contrariwise_o a_o heavy_a and_o fearful_a sin_n heap_v up_o god_n wrath_n against_o us._n hereby_o we_o learn_v how_o sundry_a sort_n of_o people_n sin_n most_o grievous_o against_o god_n for_o many_o come_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n who_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a in_o the_o nature_n &_o use_n thereof_o not_o know_v what_o the_o sacrament_n mean_v &_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n they_o will_v receive_v at_o least_o once_o a_o year_n though_o they_o know_v nothing_o therein_o as_o they_o ought_v now_o such_o person_n must_v know_v they_o ought_v to_o come_v in_o faith_n which_o they_o can_v do_v because_o they_o want_v knowledge_n and_o therefore_o in_o receive_v it_o so_o they_o commit_v a_o grievous_a sin_n &_o so_o endanger_v their_o own_o soul_n because_o they_o receive_v it_o unworthy_o and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o young_a one_o only_o but_o of_o many_o who_o year_n may_v shame_v they_o for_o their_o ignorance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o pass_v all_o feel_n of_o spiritual_a want_n a_o second_o sort_n there_o be_v who_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n &_o say_v they_o will_v do_v so_o because_o they_o have_v faith_n but_o these_o be_v like_o the_o former_a for_o their_o faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o honest_a deal_n among_o man_n think_v that_o if_o they_o bring_v that_o to_o the_o l._n supper_n though_o they_o have_v no_o more_o yet_o all_o be_v well_o the_o great_a sort_n be_v of_o this_o mind_n take_v fidelity_n for_o true_a faith_n &_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a point_n of_o popery_n so_o common_a as_o almost_o in_o every_o place_n man_n do_v embrace_v it_o but_o these_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o another_o kind_n of_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o those_o that_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n worthy_o namely_o such_o a_o faith_n whereby_o we_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n in_o christ_n blood_n but_o also_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o bread_n &_o wine_n receive_v worthy_o be_v sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o same_o blessing_n exhibit_v unto_o we_o by_o christ._n he_o that_o come_v only_o in_o a_o good_a meaning_n deceive_v himself_o &_o receive_v to_o his_o condemnation_n and_o yet_o alas_o many_o even_a of_o the_o ancient_a sort_n have_v no_o other_o faith_n but_o their_o good_a meaning_n a_o three_o sort_n there_o be_v who_o yet_o go_v further_o and_o know_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o opinion_n that_o a_o man_n fidelity_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o man_n shall_v be_v his_o faith_n to_o commend_v he_o unto_o god_n they_o hold_v &_o know_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v to_o believe_v their_o own_o salvation_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o former_a but_o herein_o they_o fail_v that_o come_v to_o receive_v they_o bring_v not_o with_o they_o a_o lively_a faith_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o require_v in_o a_o communicant_a that_o he_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n aright_o but_o a_o worthy_a receiver_n must_v look_v to_o his_o own_o heart_n that_o his_o faith_n therein_o be_v a_o live_a faith_n such_o as_o work_v by_o love_n and_o show_v itself_o by_o obedience_n now_o herein_o many_o that_o have_v good_a knowledge_n do_v grievous_o offend_v that_o howsoever_o they_o make_v a_o show_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o orderly_a and_o religious_a carriage_n of_o themselves_o on_o the_o communion_n day_n yet_o when_o that_o time_n be_v a_o little_a past_a they_o return_v to_o their_o former_a sin_n again_o never_o else_o have_v any_o care_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v any_o show_n of_o lay_v away_o their_o sin_n save_v only_o at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o thus_o do_v too_o many_o of_o those_o who_o make_v a_o fair_a profession_n these_o man_n bring_v faith_n in_o profession_n but_o yet_o their_o faith_n be_v dead_a for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o lively_a faith_n it_o will_v purify_v their_o heart_n &_o cause_v a_o change_n in_o they_o from_o evil_a to_o good_a and_o from_o good_a to_o better_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n by_o who_o mercy_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v some_o in_o his_o church_n who_o come_v with_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o thereby_o communicate_v acceptable_o to_o god_n and_o fruitful_o to_o themselves_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n but_o as_o for_o all_o the_o other_o three_o sort_n of_o people_n they_o sin_v grievous_o because_o they_o bring_v not_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o receive_v those_o thing_n which_o their_o god_n offer_v unto_o they_o we_o therefore_o in_o this_o example_n be_v admonish_v to_o celebrate_v &_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o moses_n do_v namely_o in_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o idle_a or_o dead_a but_o in_o a_o lively_a faith_n which_o may_v both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n to_o the_o reform_v of_o our_o life_n in_o continual_a obedience_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o our_o own_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n in_o christ._n 2_o observe_v further_o moses_n ordain_v and_o make_v the_o passove_a we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o moses_n kill_v all_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v
saul_n persecute_v david_n but_o his_o end_n be_v to_o kill_v himself_o with_o his_o own_o sword_n 1._o samuel_n 30.4_o and_o jesabell_n she_o persecute_v the_o prophet_n &_o child_n of_o god_n but_o her_o end_n be_v this_o 9.35.36_o the_o dog_n do_v eat_v her_o flesh_n the_o whole_a stock_n of_o the_o herod_n be_v great_a enemy_n to_o christ_n but_o their_o name_n be_v soon_o root_v out_o and_o herod_n call_v agrippa_n that_o slay_v james_n 12.23_o and_o persecute_v peter_n be_v eat_v up_o of_o worm_n many_o great_a emperor_n in_o the_o primative_a church_n be_v persecuter_n but_o they_o die_v desperate_o and_o julian_n for_o one_o once_o a_o christian_n die_v blaspheme_v christ_n &_o cast_v his_o blood_n up_o towards_o heaven_n cry_v thou_o have_v overcome_v o_o galilean_a thou_o have_v overcome_v and_o to_o come_v near_o these_o time_n what_o reward_n from_o god_n the_o persecuter_n of_o the_o church_n have_v have_v we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n &_o monument_n which_o be_v pen_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o to_o come_v to_o these_o our_o day_n the_o whole_a band_n of_o those_o that_o call_v themselves_o leaguer_n in_o france_n italy_n spain_n etc._n etc._n like_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o edom_n and_o the_o ismaelite_n moab_n and_o the_o agarim_n etc._n etc._n psal._n 83.5_o 6_o they_o vow_v the_o destruction_n &_o persecution_n of_o god_n church_n but_o yet_o god_n church_n stand_v &_o he_o so_o contrive_v the_o matter_n that_o they_o draw_v sword_n against_o themselves_o &_o slay_v &_o poison_v one_o another_o herein_o do_v god_n gracious_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o his_o church_n that_o the_o weapon_n make_v against_o she_o shall_v not_o prosper_v 54.17_o and_o zachary_n 12.3_o there_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o lord_n say_v he_o will_v make_v jerusalem_n that_o be_v his_o church_n a_o heavy_a stone_n for_o all_o people_n that_o lift_v it_o up_o shall_v be_v tear_v though_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v gather_v against_o it_o where_o the_o prophet_n set_v down_o notable_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o that_o persecute_v god_n church_n the_o more_o they_o persecute_v she_o the_o more_o they_o shall_v have_v god_n hand_n against_o they_o to_o confound_v they_o dan._n 2.34_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o a_o stone_n hew_v out_o of_o a_o rock_n without_o hand_n which_o smite_v the_o image_n upon_o the_o foot_n which_o be_v of_o iron_n &_o clay_n &_o break_v they_o to_o piece_n by_o that_o stone_n be_v mean_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o shall_v dash_v in_o piece_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o set_v themselves_o against_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n for_o christ_n must_v reign_v till_o he_o have_v put_v all_o his_o enemy_n under_o his_o foot_n so_o that_o destruction_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n church_n for_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v know_v among_o his_o servant_n and_o his_o indignation_n against_o his_o enemy_n isaiah_n 66.14_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o 2._o circumstance_n now_o in_o this_o whole_a fact_n of_o the_o israelite_n pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n towards_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n there_o be_v a_o notable_a thing_n signify_v namely_o baptism_n so_o paul_n say_v the_o israelite_n be_v baptize_v unto_o moses_n in_o the_o sea_n 1._o cor._n 10.2_o yet_o we_o must_v remember_v it_o be_v not_o ordinary_a baptism_n but_o extraordinary_a never_o administer_v before_o and_o never_o shall_v be_v so_o again_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o minister_n of_o this_o baptism_n be_v moses_n a_o extraordinary_a minister_n as_o the_o baptism_n be_v extraordinary_a the_o outward_a sign_n be_v the_o red_a sea_n or_o rather_o the_o water_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n the_o depart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n signify_v the_o depart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o the_o drown_n of_o pharaoh_n with_o all_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n signify_v the_o subdue_a of_o the_o power_n of_o all_o spiritual_a enemy_n with_o the_o pardon_n and_o death_n of_o sin_n which_o stand_v partly_o in_o the_o abolish_n of_o sin_n and_o partly_o in_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o to_o this_o allude_v the_o prophet_n micah_n say_v he_o will_v subdue_v our_o iniquity_n and_o cast_v all_o their_o sin_n into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n micah_n 7.19_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v look_v as_o god_n subdue_v pharaoh_n and_o all_o his_o host_n in_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n so_o will_v he_o cast_v and_o put_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n from_o this_o we_o learn_v two_o point_n 1_o that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n have_v warrant_v in_o god_n word_n howsoever_o some_o man_n be_v of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n for_o here_o we_o see_v all_o the_o israelite_n be_v baptize_v in_o the_o sea_n and_o among_o they_o no_o doubt_n be_v many_o child_n if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o baptism_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o we_o answ._n true_a it_o be_v extraordinary_a for_o the_o manner_n but_o yet_o herein_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n and_o the_o thing_n signify_v be_v ordinary_a and_o the_o end_n all_o one_o with_o we_o and_o therefore_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n be_v some_o warrant_n for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n in_o the_o church_n now_o adays_o second_o here_o we_o may_v learn_v another_o instruction_n as_o the_o israelite_n go_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n as_o through_o a_o grave_n to_o the_o promise_a land_n of_o canaan_n so_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o way_n to_o the_o spiritual_a canaan_n even_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v by_o die_v unto_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o special_a point_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v christian_n we_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o outward_a badge_n of_o christian_n and_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o of_o life_n everlasting_a after_o death_n well_o if_o we_o will_v have_v that_o to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o journey_n than_o we_o must_v take_v the_o lord_n plain_a way_n in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v to_o die_v unto_o all_o our_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v say_v they_o which_o be_v christ_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o where_o this_o duty_n be_v enjoin_v to_o every_o christian_a he_o must_v crucify_v the_o lust_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o not_o live_v in_o sin_n for_o a_o man_n can_v walk_v in_o sin_n and_o so_o run_v the_o broad_a way_n to_o hell_n and_o yet_o wait_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n these_o two_o will_v not_o stand_v together_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v walk_v worthy_a the_o call_n of_o christianity_n we_o must_v have_v care_n that_o all_o our_o sin_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o heart_n or_o life_n little_a or_o great_a new_a or_o old_a may_v be_v mortify_v and_o abolish_v many_o will_v for_o a_o time_n become_v civil_a and_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a especial_o when_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n but_o when_o that_o time_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v past_a than_o they_o return_v to_o their_o old_a custom_n in_o sin_v again_o whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o change_n be_v but_o in_o show_n to_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o do_v we_o not_o each_o sabbaoth_n profess_v ourselves_o good_a christian_n and_o seem_v to_o glory_n in_o it_o by_o keep_v this_o day_n with_o such_o solemnity_n but_o alas_o as_o soon_o as_o that_o day_n be_v past_a many_o &_o some_o even_o this_o day_n run_v into_o all_o riot_n this_o be_v not_o christianity_n this_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o if_o ever_o we_o think_v to_o come_v to_o canaan_n we_o must_v kill_v and_o bury_v our_o sin_n we_o must_v die_v unto_o they_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o christianity_n namely_o eternal_a life_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o circumstance_n and_o also_o of_o the_o example_n itself_o josuahs_n faith_n verse_n 30._o by_o faith_n the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o after_o they_o be_v compass_v about_o seven_o day_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n to_o this_o 30._o verse_n we_o have_v hear_v two_o sort_n of_o example_n of_o faith_n the_o first_o of_o believer_n from_o the_o beginnning_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o flood_n the_o second_o of_o such_o as_o be_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o flood_n to_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n in_o mount_n sina_n and_o of_o both_o these_o we_o have_v
hitherto_o entreat_v now_o here_o and_o s●_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
private_a revenge_n and_o so_o it_o make_v nothing_o against_o lawful_a war_n for_o what_o though_o a_o private_a man_n may_v not_o revenge_v himself_o nor_o make_v war_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o a_o magistrate_n who_o bear_v the_o sword_n may_v lawful_o use_v it_o again_o it_o be_v frivolous_a to_o imagine_v that_o resist_v be_v only_o by_o a_o weapon_n for_o the_o chief_a resistance_n that_o god_n respect_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n and_o a_o private_a man_n may_v resist_v that_o be_v break_v this_o commandment_n by_o unlawful_a resistance_n though_o he_o carry_v no_o weapon_n and_o the_o public_a person_n break_v it_o not_o though_o he_o make_v war_n object_n 2._o second_o they_o object_n the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n say_v that_o then_o they_o shall_v turn_v their_o sword_n into_o scithe_n and_o their_o spear_n into_o mattock_n therefore_o say_v they_o there_o must_v be_v no_o war_n under_o the_o gospel_n ans._n that_o prophecy_n signify_v that_o in_o christ_n kingdom_n there_o must_v be_v great_a love_n and_o peace_n &_o wonderful_a concord_n among_o all_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n but_o here_o they_o take_v advantage_n &_o say_v if_o this_o be_v so_o what_o then_o need_v any_o war_n ans._n we_o must_v know_v that_o as_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o kingdom_n a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n and_o a_o politic_a so_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o peace_n spiritual_a and_o politic_a spiritual_a peace_n be_v inward_a in_o the_o church_n and_o politic_a peace_n be_v outward_a in_o the_o common_a wealth_n spiritual_a peace_n i●_n begin_v and_o preserve_v by_o spiritual_a mean_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n but_o war_n be_v a_o ordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o establish_n and_o preserve_v of_o politic_a peace_n second_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n people_n may_v make_v war_n not_o only_o by_o way_n of_o defence_n but_o also_o in_o assault_n upon_o their_o enemy_n &_o that_o according_a to_o god_n word_n for_o here_o it_o be_v say_v that_o gedeon_n samson_n david_n &_o the_o rest_n by_o faith_n subdue_v kingdom_n make_v war_n against_o they_o by_o way_n of_o assault_n and_o not_o in_o defence_n only_o indeed_o special_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v that_o offensive_a war_n in_o assault_v a_o enemy_n be_v make_v upon_o just_a &_o good_a ground_n one_o special_a ground_n or_o cause_n be_v here_o imply_v in_o this_o work_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n the_o recovery_n of_o just_a right_n in_o matter_n of_o importance_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o canaan_n be_v give_v to_o the_o israelite_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o they_o they_o make_v war_n by_o way_n of_o assault_n so_o when_o lot_n be_v take_v captive_n by_o kederlaom_a &_o the_o king_n of_o the_o nation_n 14._o abraham_n lot_n kinsman_n gather_v his_o servant_n together_o and_o pursue_v the_o king_n and_o overtake_v they_o destroy_v they_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o lot_n and_o his_o good_n other_o respect_n there_o be_v for_o which_o offensive_a war_n in_o assault_n may_v be_v make_v but_o because_o they_o be_v not_o here_o mention_v i_o will_v not_o propound_v they_o the_o second_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v this_o they_o wrought_v righteousness_n that_o be_v some_o of_o these_o man_n in_o their_o place_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v they_o give_v to_o every_o man_n his_o own_o this_o work_n of_o righteousness_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o give_v reward_n to_o such_o as_o deserve_v they_o second_o in_o inflict_v due_a punishment_n according_a to_o man_n desert_n in_o both_o these_o the_o man_n before_o name_v do_v all_o excellent_a but_o especial_o two_o of_o they_o david_n and_o samuel_n for_o david_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o see_v how_o righteous_a he_o be_v for_o when_o he_o be_v anoint_v king_n in_o saul_n steed_n and_o saul_n reject_v how_o do_v he_o behave_v himself_o towards_o saul_n do_v he_o seek_v saul_n blood_n no_o but_o when_o saul_n hunt_v he_o as_o the_o hunter_n do_v the_o partridge_n david_n even_o then_o give_v himself_o to_o study_v and_o practice_n righteousness_n yea_o when_o saul_n be_v fall_v into_o his_o hand_n both_o in_o the_o cave_n and_o asleep_a in_o the_o camp_n 1._o samuel_n chapter_n 24._o verse_n 5_o 6._o etc._n etc._n and_o chapter_n 26._o verse_n 7_o 8_o he_o will_v not_o touch_v he_o nor_o suffer_v other_o to_o do_v he_o hurt_v because_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n anoint_v yea_o so_o righteous_a be_v david_n towards_o saul_n that_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o for_o cut_v off_o but_o the_o lap_n of_o his_o coat_n therefore_o david_n be_v here_o commend_v especial_o for_o this_o effect_n of_o faith_n the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n to_o apply_v this_o unto_o our_o time_n if_o this_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n thus_o to_o work_v righteousness_n then_o what_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o the_o popish_a sort_n among_o we_o they_o pretend_v the_o ancient_a faith_n and_o none_o must_v be_v so_o good_a believer_n and_o catholic_n as_o they_o but_o how_o do_v they_o show_v this_o their_o faith_n be_v it_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o righteousness_n do_v they_o give_v to_o every_o one_o his_o due_n nay_o very_o but_o they_o set_v themselves_o to_o work_v the_o ruin_n of_o kingdom_n that_o join_v not_o with_o they_o in_o religion_n this_o witness_v their_o manifold_a &_o devilish_a plot_n against_o our_o state_n from_o time_n to_o time_n this_o do_v not_o david_n no_o not_o against_o saul_n though_o he_o be_v reject_v of_o god_n and_o also_o most_o unjust_o seek_v his_o death_n but_o they_o have_v many_o time_n seek_v the_o death_n of_o the_o lord_n anoint_v over_o we_o whereby_o they_o declare_v their_o state_n to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v no_o spark_n of_o true_a faith_n at_o all_o for_o true_a faith_n will_v make_v a_o man_n practice_n righteousness_n and_o innocence_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o they_o and_o all_o their_o adherent_n that_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n to_o allow_v such_o practice_n that_o they_o have_v none_o other_o but_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n which_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v true_a this_o the_o devil_n do_v with_o tremble_v and_o as_o their_o faith_n be_v devilish_a so_o be_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o namely_o treachery_n and_o falsehood_n such_o as_o the_o devil_n most_o approve_v but_o we_o must_v learn_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v especial_o commend_v by_o these_o fruit_n the_o study_n and_o practice_n of_o innocency_n and_o the_o maintain_n of_o peace_n in_o christian_a estate_n for_o true_a faith_n and_o treachery_n and_o contention_n will_v no_o more_o stand_v together_o than_o light_n and_o darkness_n second_o samuel_n also_o wrought_v righteousness_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o protestatio_fw-la before_o all_o israel_n when_o he_o give_v up_o his_o office_n of_o government_n over_o they_o unto_o saul_n 1._o sam._n 12.3_o behold_v say_v he_o here_o be_o i_o bear_v record_n of_o i_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o before_o his_o anointed_n who_o ox_n have_v i_o take_v or_o who_o ass_n have_v i_o take_v or_o who_o have_v i_o do_v wrong_n to_o or_o who_o have_v i_o hurt_v or_o of_o who_o hand_n have_v i_o receive_v any_o bribe_n to_o blind_v my_o eye_n therewith_o and_o i_o will_v restore_v it_o now_o as_o these_o two_o samuel_n and_o david_n be_v famous_a for_o this_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o work_a righteousness_n so_o likewise_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o prophet_n before_o name_v in_o their_o place_n careful_a of_o this_o virtue_n and_o do_v practise_v the_o same_o partly_o in_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o partly_o in_o punish_v the_o wicked_a but_o some_o will_v say_v to_o work_v righteousness_n can_v be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o very_a heathen_a which_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v do_v justice_n and_o be_v high_o commend_v by_o heathen_a writer_n for_o the_o same_o now_o that_o which_o the_o heathen_a can_v do_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o thus_o to_o be_v extol_v as_o a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n answer_n true_a it_o be_v the_o heathen_a have_v do_v many_o work_n of_o justice_n but_o we_o must_v wise_o consider_v that_o every_o just_a work_n be_v not_o a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n unless_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o righteous_a person_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o for_o his_o glory_n but_o in_o all_o these_o the_o heathen_a fail_v in_o their_o work_n for_o though_o the_o thing_n they_o do_v be_v good_a in_o themselves_o yet_o see_v the_o heathen_a be_v corrupt_a tree_n remain_v in_o the_o sinful_a state_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n their_o work_n
many_o parent_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o whereas_o they_o shall_v first_o seek_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o come_v to_o his_o prophet_n they_o either_o run_v first_o to_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o physic_n or_o be_v worse_o dispose_v seek_v help_n of_o wizard_n &_o blesser_n by_o their_o charm_n and_o sorcery_n forsake_v god_n and_o run_v to_o the_o devil_n indeed_o the_o use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n be_v not_o to_o be_v discommend_v simple_o but_o this_o preposterous_a course_n be_v blame-worthy_a and_o deprive_v many_o of_o god_n blessing_n in_o the_o mean_n that_o they_o seek_v help_v of_o physic_n before_o they_o have_v seek_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o holy_a practice_n of_o faith_n quest._n but_o how_o can_v the_o parent_n faith_n benefit_n the_o child_n answ._n it_o can_v procure_v unto_o it_o eternal_a life_n for_o every_o one_o must_v be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o yet_o the_o child_n receive_v many_o a_o good_a blessing_n at_o god_n hand_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o parent_n faith_n as_o namely_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o seal_v thereof_o beside_o the_o fruition_n of_o many_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o life_n itself_o in_o this_o place_n the_o consideration_n hereof_o must_v move_v all_o parent_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n for_o by_o the_o practice_n hereof_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o bring_v the_o great_a blessing_n upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n and_o upon_o the_o lawful_a mean_n which_o they_o shall_v use_v for_o their_o good_a say_v the_o lord_n shall_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o child_n and_o servant_n in_o a_o family_n what_o must_v parent_n and_o master_n do_v sure_o the_o best_a way_n for_o help_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o faith_n in_o true_a humiliation_n for_o sin_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o mercy_n and_o for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o mean_n which_o they_o shall_v use_v in_o all_o society_n this_o be_v true_a that_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o governor_n many_o curse_n be_v remove_v and_o many_o blessing_n procure_v god_n send_v his_o judgement_n among_o we_o daily_o and_o we_o know_v not_o when_o other_o more_o shall_v befall_v we_o but_o for_o the_o removeall_n and_o prevent_v of_o they_o we_o must_v give_v ourselves_o to_o true_a humiliation_n and_o prayer_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o lord_n mercy_n towards_o we_o as_o these_o two_o woman_n do_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o ten_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o they_o all_o several_o now_o from_o they_o all_o joint_o together_o observe_v this_o special_a point_n that_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o do_v bring_v down_o from_o heaven_n upon_o every_o believer_n all_o god_n blessing_n that_o be_v needful_a for_o he_o who_o be_v he_o that_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o gods_n blessing_n needful_a for_o he_o both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n well_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n hereto_o be_v to_o get_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n and_o to_o put_v the_o same_o in_o practice_n in_o all_o such_o duty_n as_o god_n shall_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n the_o worthy_a man_n before_o name_v obtain_v all_o the_o former_a most_o wonderful_a blessing_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o it_o they_o escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n they_o quench_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o fire_n wax_v mighty_a in_o battle_n etc._n etc._n as_o we_o have_v hear_v now_o if_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o notable_a grace_n of_o god_n then_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n let_v we_o labour_v for_o it_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o lip-faith_n and_o so_o presume_v upon_o god_n mercy_n but_o we_o must_v labour_v for_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n which_o may_v purify_v our_o heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o our_o life_n here_o be_v strong_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o hereunto_o for_o what_o do_v we_o desire_v riches_n honour_n or_o favour_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o world_n will_v we_o have_v health_n and_o strength_n nay_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o in_o all_o then_o look_v to_o get_v true_a faith_n for_o in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o thou_o shall_v obtain_v of_o god_n all_o needful_a blessing_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a many_o toil_n themselves_o exceed_o by_o worldly_a mean_n to_o get_v temporal_a blessing_n as_o health_n wealth_n honour_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o never_o attain_v thereto_o because_o they_o seek_v they_o not_o by_o faith_n i_o confess_v natural_a man_n get_v many_o good_a thing_n but_o to_o they_o they_o be_v no_o blessing_n because_o they_o want_v faith_n both_o in_o get_v and_o keep_v of_o they_o for_o they_o lay_v all_o religion_n aside_o and_o toil_v themselves_o whole_o in_o worldly_a mean_n this_o course_n the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v beware_v of_o say_v that_o a_o prince_n bid_v one_o of_o his_o servant_n go_v to_o his_o treasury_n and_o there_o enrich_v himself_o with_o jewel_n with_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o with_o whatsoever_o he_o lack_v what_o will_v this_o man_n do_v sure_o first_o he_o will_v call_v for_o the_o key_n whereby_o he_o may_v unlock_v the_o door_n and_o chest_n for_o else_o he_o can_v get_v nothing_o behold_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n god_n show_v we_o his_o full_a treasury_n wherein_o we_o may_v enrich_v ourselves_o with_o all_o his_o blessing_n now_o we_o must_v not_o with_o the_o fool_n run_v without_o the_o key_n but_o labour_n first_o for_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v that_o key_n whereby_o god_n heavenly_a treasure_n be_v open_v unto_o we_o and_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v a_o sound_a key_n that_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a faith_n which_o may_v strong_o turn_v about_o the_o lock_n of_o god_n treasury_n for_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a he_o that_o do_v unfeigned_o believe_v shall_v never_o want_v any_o thing_n either_o in_o body_n or_o soul_n that_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o have_v every_o one_o will_v say_v he_o believe_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v rare_a for_o man_n heart_n be_v not_o purify_v nor_o their_o life_n change_v but_o they_o remain_v as_o sinful_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v which_o cause_v god_n judgement_n to_o be_v rife_o among_o us._n wherefore_o as_o we_o desire_v our_o own_o good_a both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o let_v we_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o our_o life_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o these_o judge_n and_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n believer_n under_o the_o maccabee_n verse_n 35._o other_o also_o be_v rack_v and_o will_v not_o be_v deliver_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v a_o better_a resurrection_n in_o these_o word_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n proceed_v to_o the_o four_o order_n of_o example_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o this_o chapter_n wherein_o as_o in_o the_o former_a last_o handle_v he_o proceed_v brief_o heap_v up_o in_o few_o word_n many_o worthy_a example_n of_o faith_n conceal_v the_o name_n of_o the_o party_n &_o only_o set_v down_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o us._n and_o this_o four_o and_o last_o order_n of_o example_n comprehend_v such_o believer_n as_o live_v under_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o maccabee_n and_o afterward_o to_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o of_o believer_n in_o former_a time_n it_o can_v be_v understand_v because_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a distinction_n put_v between_o these_o believer_n and_o the_o former_a judge_n king_n and_o prophet_n in_o these_o word_n other_o also_o whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o here_o he_o propound_v example_n of_o believer_n different_a from_o those_o which_o he_o mention_v before_o and_o it_o be_v also_o plain_a that_o these_o believer_n live_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o howsoever_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v rack_v scourge_v and_o torment_v after_o this_o sort_n yet_o of_o they_o this_o place_n can_v be_v understand_v because_o they_o enjoy_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o these_o here_o mention_v enjoy_v not_o that_o promise_n in_o their_o day_n but_o wait_v for_o it_o by_o faith_n and_o therein_o die_v verse_n 39_o and_o indeed_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v wonderful_o persecute_v by_o antiochus_n about_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n as_o we_o may_v see_v 2._o maccabee_n 4._o and_o 6._o chapter_n question_n where_o have_v the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n this_o large_a narration_n of_o these_o strange_a persecution_n see_v they_o be_v not_o register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n answer_n we_o may_v judge_v that_o he_o
scourge_v the_o four_o be_v bond_n and_o imprisonment_n the_o five_o be_v ston_a verse_n 37_o they_o be_v stone_v the_o six_o be_v this_o they_o be_v hew_v asunder_o these_o be_v all_o worthy_a fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v endure_v for_o religion_n sake_n but_o the_o particular_a point_n may_v here_o be_v observe_v have_v be_v handle_v before_o and_o therefore_o i_o pas●e_n they_o over_o the_o seven_o kind_n of_o suffer_v be_v this_o they_o be_v tempt_v these_o word_n by_o the_o change_n of_o a_o letter_n in_o the_o original_n may_v be_v read_v thus_o they_o be_v burn_v and_o some_o do_v so_o translate_v it_o think_v that_o they_o that_o write_v or_o copy_v out_o this_o epistle_n at_o the_o first_o do_v put_v one_o letter_n for_o another_o their_o reason_n be_v because_o example_n of_o grievous_a punishment_n be_v mention_v both_o before_o and_o after_o this_o and_o therefore_o they_o think_v this_o shall_v be_v burn_v which_o be_v a_o sore_a and_o grievous_a death_n but_o we_o may_v safe_o and_o true_o read_v the_o word_n thus_o they_o be_v tempt_v conceive_v hereby_o that_o they_o be_v entice_v and_o allure_v by_o fair_a promise_n of_o life_n to_o forsake_v their_o religion_n so_o the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v by_o saint_n james_n say_v every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o by_o his_o own_o concupiscence_n and_o be_v enti●ed_v james_n 1.14_o if_o any_o ask_v why_o this_o kind_n of_o trial_n in_o tempt_v shall_v be_v place_v among_o such_o cruel_a torment_n i_o answer_v because_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o trial_n as_o any_o can_v be_v for_o it_o be_v as_o dangerous_a a_o temptation_n to_o overthrow_v religion_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o any_o punishment_n in_o the_o world_n this_o appear_v plain_o in_o christ_n temptation_n by_o the_o devil_n for_o in_o those_o three_o satan_n bewray_v his_o malice_n and_o craft_n against_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n most_o notable_o now_o satan_n not_o prevail_a with_o the_o two_o first_o make_v his_o three_o and_o last_o assault_n from_o the_o glory_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o world_n for_o show_v unto_o christ_n all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o he_o say_v all_o these_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o math._n 4.9_o indeed_o christ_n holy_a heart_n will_v not_o yield_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a temptation_n appear_v by_o christ_n answer_n for_o in_o the_o former_a temptation_n he_o only_o dispute_v with_o satan_n out_o of_o scripture_n but_o when_o this_o temptation_n come_v christ_n bid_v he_o as_o it_o be_v in_o passion_n avoid_z satan_n signify_v thereby_o not_o only_o his_o abhor_v of_o that_o sin_n but_o also_o the_o danger_n of_o that_o assault_n by_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o these_o temptation_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n as_o we_o may_v call_v they_o will_v most_o dangerous_o creep_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o cause_n shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n all_o david_n trouble_n and_o persecution_n can_v not_o bring_v he_o to_o so_o grievous_a sin_n as_o do_v a_o little_a ease_n &_o rest_n a_o huge_a great_a army_n can_v so_o soon_o give_v entrance_n to_o a_o enemy_n into_o a_o city_n as_o riches_n and_o fair_a promise_n neither_o can_v bodily_a torment_n so_o soon_o prevail_v against_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o will_v worldly_a pleasure_n and_o fair_a promise_n in_o regard_v whereof_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v by_o the_o world_n for_o the_o view_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o pomp_n thereof_o will_v soon_o steal_v from_o a_o man_n both_o religion_n and_o good_a conscience_n than_o any_o persecution_n possible_o can_v do_v and_o indeed_o who_o do_v so_o oft_o change_v their_o religion_n when_o trial_n come_v as_o they_o that_o have_v the_o world_n at_o will_n the_o eight_o example_n of_o suffering_n be_v this_o they_o be_v slay_v with_o the_o sword_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o say_v of_o this_o which_o have_v not_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a example_n and_o therefore_o i_o omit_v it_o the_o nine_o and_o last_o example_n of_o suffering_n be_v this_o they_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o in_o sheep_n skin_n and_o goat_n skin_n be_v destitute_a afflict_a and_o torment_v that_o be_v be_v either_o banish_v or_o constrain_v by_o flight_n to_o save_v their_o life_n they_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o in_o base_a attire_n and_o be_v destitute_a of_o ordinary_a food_n and_o comfort_n and_o so_o in_o great_a affliction_n and_o torment_n here_o we_o see_v these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v drive_v from_o their_o own_o country_n friend_n and_o family_n by_o persecution_n whence_o we_o observe_v that_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n a_o christian_a man_n may_v lawful_o fly_v for_o his_o safety_n if_o he_o be_v not_o hinder_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o private_a or_o public_a call_n for_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n here_o commend_v for_o their_o faith_n do_v fly_v when_o they_o be_v persecute_v and_o that_o by_o faith_n therefore_o the_o action_n be_v lawful_a as_o i_o may_v prove_v at_o large_a but_o that_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o heretofore_o when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n know_v that_o the_o pharisy_n hear_v of_o the_o multitude_n of_o disciple_n which_o he_o make_v joh._n 4.1.3_o he_o leave_v judea_n where_o they_o have_v great_a jurisdiction_n and_o come_v into_o galilee_n for_o his_o safety_n the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v fly_v as_o elias_n from_o jezabel_n 1._o king_n 19.3_o and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a and_o that_o by_o christ_n direction_n math._n 10.23_o object_n 1_o but_o some_o will_v say_v persecution_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n &_o therefore_o no_o man_n may_v fly_v from_o it_o for_o so_o he_o shall_v seem_v to_o fly_v from_o god_n himself_o ans._n we_o must_v consider_v persecution_n two_o way_n first_o as_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n seconcond_o as_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o wicked_a enemy_n of_o god_n church_n for_o they_o god_n use_v sometime_o a●_n instrument_n in_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o his_o church_n either_o for_o chastisement_n or_o for_o trial_n now_o a_o christian_a be_v persecute_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v liberty_n to_o fly_v can_v be_v say_v to_o fly_v from_o god_n hand_n unless_o he_o go_v away_o contrary_a to_o god_n command_n as_o jonas_n do_v be_v send_v to_o ninive_n and_o beside_o he_o know_v that_o be_v impossible_a but_o his_o intent_n be_v to_o fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n of_o his_o enemy_n to_o save_v his_o life_n for_o the_o further_a good_a of_o god_n church_n again_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a to_o say_v persecution_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n therefore_o a_o man_n may_v not_o fly_v from_o it_o for_o so_o may_v a_o man_n conclude_v that_o non●_n ought_v to_o fly_v from_o sickness_n or_o from_o war_n both_o which_o a_o man_n may_v do_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n not_o be_v hinder_v by_o some_o special_a call_n object_n 2_o but_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o testify_v his_o faith_n &_o religion_n before_o his_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o fly_v in_o persecution_n answ._n true_a indeed_o a_o christian_a man_n must_v so_o testify_v his_o faith_n if_o he_o be_v call_v thereto_o of_o god_n but_o if_o god_n give_v he_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n to_o fly_v than_o he_o will_v not_o have_v he_o at_o that_o time_n to_o justify_v his_o religion_n by_o that_o mean_n object_n 3_o but_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o fly_v how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o some_o of_o god_n child_n when_o they_o may_v have_v flee_v will_v not_o but_o have_v stand_v to_o justify_v their_o profession_n unto_o death_n ans._n we_o must_v judge_v reverent_o of_o they_o &_o think_v they_o do_v it_o by_o some_o special_a instinct_n &_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o patience_n &_o constancy_n in_o their_o great_a torment_n example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o our_o english_a act_n and_o monument_n in_o man_n worthy_a of_o notable_a commendation_n for_o their_o constancy_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n quest._n if_o flight_n in_o persecution_n may_v be_v a_o action_n of_o faith_n whether_o may_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n fly_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n answ._n there_o be_v some_o case_n wherein_o the_o minister_n may_v lawful_o fly_v 1_o when_o that_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n over_o which_o he_o be_v place_v be_v disperse_v by_o the_o enemy_n so_o as_o he_o have_v no_o hope_n to_o gather_v and_o call_v they_o back_o again_o then_o no_o doubt_n he_o may_v fly_v till_o his_o congregation_n be_v gather_v again_o 2_o if_o the_o persecutor_n do_v special_o
sin_n and_o the_o infusion_n of_o inward_a righteousness_n stand_v in_o hope_n and_o charity_n especial_o and_o the_o second_o whereby_o of_o a_o good_a man_n one_o be_v make_v better_o and_o more_o just_a and_o this_o they_o say_v may_v proceed_v from_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o man_n own_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o hereby_o they_o hold_v a_o man_n stand_v righteous_a before_o god_n but_o look_v how_o it_o stand_v with_o grace_n in_o we_o in_o this_o life_n so_o likewise_o shall_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o same_o grace_n at_o the_o last_o day_n if_o they_o be_v imperfect_a now_o and_o so_o not_o able_a to_o justify_v we_o before_o god_n they_o shall_v also_o be_v find_v imperfect_a then_o to_o that_o purpose_n and_o effect_n but_o now_o they_o be_v imperfect_a as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o therefore_o can_v then_o stand_v for_o our_o righteousness_n unless_o we_o will_v imagine_v that_o god_n will_v then_o accept_v of_o a_o imperfect_a justice._n wherefore_o their_o doctrine_n be_v erroneous_a &_o a_o doctrine_n of_o all_o terror_n and_o desperation_n for_o who_o dare_v adventure_v the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n upon_o his_o own_o righteousness_n we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o god_n accept_v of_o our_o sanctification_n yet_o not_o as_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o justification_n unto_o life_n that_o only_o be_v the_o obedience_n and_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n accept_v of_o god_n for_o we_o and_o make_v we_o by_o faith_n for_o that_o alone_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n three_o this_o also_o show_v the_o error_n of_o those_o who_o hold_v that_o concupiscence_n or_o original_a sin_n be_v not_o a_o quality_n but_o a_o essence_n or_o substance_n live_v and_o subsist_v by_o itself_o for_o here_o we_o see_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o a_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n and_o original_a sin_n that_o compass_v they_o else_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v not_o bid_v we_o to_o cast_v off_o this_o sin_n for_o that_o which_o be_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o man_n can_v by_o man_n be_v cast_v off_o and_o to_o make_v this_o more_o plain_a we_o must_v know_v that_o in_o man_n descend_v from_o adam_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n 1._o the_o substance_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o body_n 2._o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n in_o they_o both_o 3._o the_o corruption_n or_o bad_a disposition_n in_o those_o power_n and_o faculty_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v unconformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o prone_a to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o this_o three_o thing_n be_v it_o which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o different_z from_o man_n substance_n and_o faculty_n and_o so_o be_v not_o a_o substance_n in_o man_n or_o man_n nature_n corrupt_v but_o a_o ill_a disposition_n therein_o four_o hence_o also_o we_o learn_v what_o a_o regenerate_a man_n do_v most_o feel_v in_o himself_o namely_o original_a sin_n the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o that_o hang_v on_o fast_o and_o hinder_v he_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o good_a duty_n this_o paul_n know_v well_o and_o therefore_o confess_v that_o he_o see_v another_o law_n in_o his_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o lead_v he_o captive_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o his_o member_n rom._n 7.23_o this_o cause_v he_o to_o leave_v undo_v the_o good_a which_o he_o will_v have_v do_v and_o to_o do_v the_o evil_a which_o he_o will_v not_o do_v verse_n 19_o and_o david_n feel_v the_o same_o thing_n when_o he_o say_v i_o will_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n when_o thou_o shall_v enlarge_v my_o heart_n why_o do_v david_n speak_v of_o the_o enlarge_n of_o his_o heart_n sure_o he_o feel_v in_o himself_o this_o original_a sin_n which_o do_v streicten_v his_o good_a affection_n so_o as_o he_o can_v not_o put_v they_o forth_o so_o much_o as_o he_o will_v towards_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o when_o he_o say_v psal._n 51.12_o establish_v i_o oh_o lord_n by_o thy_o free_a spirit_n he_o will_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o by_o original_a corruption_n he_o be_v restrain_v of_o his_o christian_a liberty_n and_o hinder_v in_o all_o good_a affection_n holy_a action_n and_o heavenly_a meditation_n which_o cause_v he_o to_o pray_v for_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n by_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o servant_n of_o god_n feel_v this_o corruption_n clog_a and_o hinder_v he_o from_o all_o good_a duty_n 1._o this_o serve_v to_o admonish_v all_o secure_a person_n which_o never_o feel_v sin_n to_o be_v a_o clog_n or_o burden_n unto_o they_o of_o their_o fearful_a and_o dangerous_a estate_n for_o to_o every_o child_n of_o god_n original_a corruption_n be_v a_o grievous_a burden_n now_o confer_v with_o a_o natural_a man_n and_o ask_v he_o what_o imperfection_n and_o want_n he_o feel_v in_o himself_o his_o answer_n be_v he_o never_o be_v hinder_v by_o any_o corruption_n in_o all_o his_o life_n he_o never_o feel_v doubt_v or_o want_n of_o love_n either_o to_o god_n or_o to_o his_o brethren_n he_o feel_v no_o pride_n of_o heart_n no_o guile_n or_o hypocrisy_n nor_o vainglory_n etc._n etc._n if_o we_o take_v these_o man_n upon_o their_o word_n they_o be_v angel_n among_o man_n but_o indeed_o they_o be_v blind_a and_o ignorant_a and_o wonderful_o deceive_v by_o satan_n for_o all_o god_n servant_n in_o this_o life_n do_v continual_o bewail_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n cry_v out_o against_o original_a sin_n that_o it_o hinder_v they_o in_o do_v the_o good_a thing_n which_o they_o will_v do_v and_o cause_v they_o to_o do_v that_o evil_n which_o they_o will_v not_o these_o man_n therefore_o that_o be_v never_o trouble_v with_o corruption_n but_o to_o their_o own_o think_v have_v grace_n at_o will_n be_v in_o a_o fearful_a case_n their_o mind_n be_v still_o blind_v and_o their_o heart_n harden_v they_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n abide_v in_o darkness_n unto_o this_o hour_n and_o if_o they_o go_v thus_o on_o to_o death_n they_o shall_v find_v that_o sin_n will_v unvizor_n himself_o and_o then_o they_o shall_v know_v what_o sin_n mean_v and_o find_v the_o terror_n and_o feel_v the_o burden_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o like_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n that_o know_v what_o the_o want_n of_o oil_n mean_v when_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v second_o this_o show_n unto_o we_o what_o be_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n he_o be_v not_o here_o a_o saint_n feel_v no_o corruption_n perfect_o sanctify_v &_o free_v from_o all_o sin_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o feel_v the_o burden_n of_o corruption_n hinder_v he_o in_o his_o christian_a course_n under_o which_o he_o sigh_v and_o groan_n labour_v by_o all_o good_a mean_n to_o be_v disburden_v and_o to_o cast_v it_o off_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a comfort_n for_o a_o man_n to_o feel_v god_n grace_n in_o himself_o as_o faith_n love_n repentance_n sanctification_n and_o such_o like_a but_o no_o child_n of_o god_n can_v always_o or_o alone_o feel_v the_o comfort_n of_o grace_n most_o common_o he_o shall_v be_v trouble_v with_o sin_n if_o he_o be_v god_n child_n now_o if_o feel_v it_o he_o dislike_v himself_o and_o strive_v to_o be_v ease_v of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a argument_n of_o his_o happy_a estate_n five_o this_o commandment_n to_o cast_v away_o sin_n that_o press_v down_o teach_v every_o child_n of_o god_n to_o labour_v earnest_o for_o the_o government_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o we_o have_v within_o we_o original_a corruption_n that_o like_o a_o arm_a man_n beset_v we_o about_o and_o hinder_v we_o in_o every_o good_a thing_n we_o take_v in_o hand_n we_o must_v therefore_o pray_v unto_o god_n daily_o that_o he_o will_v guide_v we_o by_o his_o good_a spirit_n for_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n we_o shall_v utter_o fail_v unless_o god_n spirit_n govern_v we_o both_o in_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o mouth_n and_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n this_o david_n know_v well_o and_o therefore_o pray_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o good_a spirit_n to_o lead_v he_o into_o the_o land_n of_o righteousness_n psal._n 143.10_o last_o see_v we_o have_v this_o corruption_n of_o nature_n in_o we_o we_o must_v keep_v our_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n and_o set_v watch_n and_o ward_n about_o they_o so_o solomon_n say_v counterguard_v thy_o heart_n my_o son_n proverb_n 4.23_o why_o do_v solomon_n give_v this_o commandment_n sure_o for_o special_a cause_n for_o every_o man_n while_o he_o live_v on_o earth_n be_v compass_v about_o with_o his_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o like_o a_o
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
he_o alone_o three_o whole_a day_n in_o great_a perplexity_n and_o abraham_n go_v forward_o according_a to_o god_n command_n even_o to_o lay_v his_o knife_n to_o his_o son_n throat_n here_o than_o we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o lord_n deal_v with_o his_o servant_n he_o let_v they_o alone_o for_o a_o long_a season_n in_o temptation_n and_o pitiful_a distress_n and_o at_o the_o length_n when_o it_o come_v even_o to_o the_o extremity_n and_o when_o the_o knife_n be_v as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o throat_n then_o he_o show_v himself_o and_o bring_v comfort_n unto_o they_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o a_o true_a christian_a soul_n whether_o you_o will_v for_o it_o be_v true_a both_o in_o the_o general_a and_o particular_a cant._n 3.2.3_o she_o seek_v christ_n every_o where_o in_o the_o street_n and_o open_a place_n but_o she_o find_v he_o not_o then_o she_o go_v to_o the_o watchman_n which_o be_v god_n minister_n and_o there_o inquire_v after_o he_o who_o her_o soul_n love_v and_o they_o can_v tell_v she_o where_o she_o may_v find_v he_o so_o that_o now_o all_o hope_n of_o find_v he_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v pass_v but_o when_o she_o be_v a_o little_a from_o they_o than_o she_o find_v he_o and_o christ_n come_v to_o she_o when_o she_o be_v most_o in_o fear_v not_o to_o have_v find_v he_o at_o all_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v many_o year_n in_o bondage_n in_o egypt_n and_o when_o the_o time_n come_v that_o moses_n be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o fetch_v they_o thence_o and_o to_o be_v their_o guide_n and_o deliverer_n when_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o out_o and_o carry_v they_o to_o the_o red_a sea_n than_o come_v pharaoh_n with_o a_o huge_a army_n after_o they_o to_o destroy_v they_o exod._n 14.25_o before_o they_o have_v be_v in_o great_a affliction_n and_o bondage_n but_o now_o they_o be_v quite_o past_a all_o hope_n of_o recovery_n for_o they_o have_v before_o they_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o on_o each_o side_n of_o they_o great_a hill_n and_o mountain_n and_o behind_o they_o the_o huge_a host_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o therefore_o they_o cry_v out_o unto_o moses_n who_o then_o by_o gods_n commandment_n do_v divide_v the_o red_a sea_n and_o make_v it_o dry_a land_n and_o deliver_v they_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n but_o as_o for_o their_o enemy_n pharaoh_n and_o all_o his_o host_n the_o lord_n drown_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o so_o for_o ourselves_o when_o god_n shall_v exercise_v any_o of_o we_o in_o case_n of_o extremity_n we_o must_v look_v to_o be_v so_o deal_v withal_o at_o god_n hand_n he_o will_v let_v we_o alone_o for_o a_o time_n and_o never_o help_v we_o till_o the_o last_o pinch_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v wait_v for_o his_o good_a pleasure_n with_o patience_n for_o this_o he_o will_v do_v to_o try_v we_o to_o the_o full_a and_o to_o make_v manifest_a the_o grace_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o us._n the_o three_o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v this_o in_o what_o manner_n do_v abraham_n receive_v his_o son_n from_o the_o dead_a this_o we_o may_v read_v of_o gen._n 22.13_o he_o must_v take_v a_o ram_n that_o be_v catch_v behind_o he_o in_o a_o bush_n and_o offer_v he_o in_o stead_n of_o isaac_n so_o isaac_n be_v save_v and_o the_o ram_n be_v sacrifice_v and_o slay_v now_o whereas_o abraham_n offer_v isaac_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o yet_o isaac_n live_v and_o the_o ram_n be_v slay_v in_o his_o stead_n hence_o some_o gather_v this_o use_n and_o we_o may_v profitable_o consider_v of_o the_o same_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o we_o offer_v unto_o god_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v live_a sacrifice_n for_o isaac_n he_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n &_o yet_o he_o live_v and_o die_v not_o but_o the_o ram_n be_v slay_v for_o he_o so_o must_v we_o offer_v ourselves_o in_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n not_o dead_a in_o sin_n but_o live_v unto_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o thus_o shall_v we_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o living_n sacrifice_n unto_o god_n when_o as_o we_o consecrate_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n service_n and_o obey_v he_o in_o our_o life_n and_o calling_n and_o look_v as_o under_o the_o law_n the_o burn_a offering_n be_v burn_v all_o to_o smoke_n and_o ash_n so_o must_v we_o in_o our_o life_n whole_o and_o altogether_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n and_o renounce_v ourselves_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o world_n but_o whole_o dedicate_v to_o god_n neither_o must_v we_o come_v unto_o he_o in_o our_o sin_n for_o sin_n make_v our_o sacrifice_n dead_a lame_a halt_v and_o blind_a which_o god_n do_v abhor_v but_o we_o must_v bring_v ourselves_o living_n sacrifice_n unto_o god_n as_o paul_n say_v ro._n 12.1_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n that_o you_o give_v up_o your_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a &_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v your_o reasonable_a serve_v of_o god_n hence_o also_o some_o gather_v that_o this_o sacrifice_v of_o isaac_n be_v a_o sign_n and_o type_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o as_o isaac_n be_v sacrifice_v and_o live_v so_o do_v christ_n though_o he_o die_v yet_o rise_v again_o and_o now_o live_v for_o ever_o but_o because_o it_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o this_o place_n though_o it_o be_v true_a which_o be_v say_v of_o both_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o urge_v the_o same_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o three_o reason_n whereby_o abraham_n faith_n be_v commend_v with_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a abraham_n faith_n isaac_n faith_n verse_n 20._o by_o faith_n isaac_n bless_v jacob_n and_o esau_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v in_o the_o three_o former_a verse_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v particular_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n now_o in_o this_o verse_n he_o proceed_v to_o set_v down_o unto_o we_o the_o faith_n of_o isaac_n particular_o also_o wherein_o we_o be_v to_o mark_v these_o four_o point_n first_o a_o blessing_n wherewith_o isaac_n bless_v jacob_n and_o esau_n second_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o blessing_n that_o be_v his_o faith_n three_o the_o party_n bless_v which_o be_v jacob_n and_o esau_n four_o the_o nature_n and_o matter_n of_o this_o blessing_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v of_o these_o in_o order_n first_o for_o the_o blessing_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o it_o we_o must_v search_v out_o the_o kind_n of_o blessing_n how_o many_o they_o be_v in_o god_n word_n we_o find_v three_o kind_n of_o blessing_n 1._o whereby_o god_n bless_v man_n now_o god_n bless_v man_n by_o give_v unto_o he_o gift_n and_o benefit_n either_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a and_o so_o he_o bless_v all_o his_o creature_n in_o the_o beginning_n but_o especial_o man_n the_o 2._o kind_n of_o blessing_n be_v that_o whereby_o man_n bless_v god_n and_o this_o man_n do_v by_o praise_v god_n and_o give_v thanks_n unto_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o blessing_n so_o paul_n say_v bless_a be_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o christ_n ephes._n 1.3_o begin_v his_o epistle_n with_o this_o kind_n of_o blessing_n that_o be_v by_o praise_v god_n and_o so_o zachary_n after_o the_o birth_n of_o his_o son_n and_o the_o receive_n of_o his_o sight_n he_o sing_v unto_o god_n this_o song_n of_o praise_n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n luk_n 1.68_o that_o be_v praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v unto_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n the_o three_o kind_n of_o blessing_n be_v that_o whereby_o one_o man_n do_v bless_v another_o and_o under_o this_o kind_n we_o must_v understand_v isaac_n blessing_n in_o this_o place_n now_o further_o this_o kind_n of_o blessing_n whereby_o one_o man_n bless_v another_o be_v either_o private_a or_o public_a a_o private_a blessing_n be_v that_o whereby_o one_o private_a man_n whatsoever_o he_o be_v in_o his_o place_n pray_v to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o another_o and_o this_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n for_o every_o man_n may_v bless_v another_o that_o be_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o another_o but_o especial_o it_o belong_v to_o parent_n thus_o to_o bless_v their_o child_n by_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o commandment_n go_v thus_o honour_v thy_o fa-thy_a father_n and_o thy_o mother_n that_o they_o may_v prolong_v thy_o day_n in_o the_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n give_v thou_o exod._n 20.12_o now_o
set_v down_o unto_o we_o example_n of_o faith_n more_o at_o large_a but_o from_o this_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o heap_n up_o brief_o together_o many_o example_n of_o faith_n one_o upon_o another_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v first_o because_o the_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v very_o great_a and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o here_o stand_v to_o set_v they_o down_o in_o order_n one_o by_o one_o second_o by_o handle_v all_o the_o example_n at_o large_a which_o the_o author_n propound_v in_o this_o short_a epistle_n he_o shall_v have_v seem_v to_o have_v restrain_v the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o faith_n to_o a_o very_a few_o for_o all_o that_o be_v here_o name_v and_o commend_v for_o their_o faith_n be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o all_o that_o true_o believe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o he_o heap_n up_o the_o rest_n together_o to_o intimate_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v more_o than_o he_o can_v record_v and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o a_o rhetorical_a preterition_n or_o pass_v over_o call_v in_o school_n paralepsis_n whereby_o matter_n be_v brief_o dispatch_v and_o pass_v over_o with_o the_o very_o name_v only_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o that_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o have_v propound_v diverse_a worthy_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v also_o many_o more_o but_o the_o time_n of_o write_v a_o epistle_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o handle_v they_o all_o at_o large_a first_o in_o this_o particular_a quick_a dispatch_n of_o believer_n by_o our_o apostle_n we_o may_v observe_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o infinite_a understanding_n of_o god_n and_o the_o create_a understanding_n that_o be_v in_o man_n mind_n man_n indeed_o understand_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v to_o he_o of_o god_n but_o yet_o in_o a_o manner_n and_o order_n far_o different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v in_o god_n for_o man_n can_v conceive_v in_o his_o mind_n all_o the_o thing_n he_o know_v at_o once_o by_o one_o act_n of_o his_o understanding_n but_o must_v have_v distinct_a time_n to_o conceive_v of_o they_o one_o by_o one_o distinct_o for_o look_v as_o he_o utter_v they_o distinct_o one_o by_o one_o as_o we_o see_v in_o this_o place_n so_o likewise_o do_v he_o apprehend_v they_o in_o conceit_n and_o understanding_n but_o with_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o god_n at_o once_o by_o one_o act_n of_o understanding_n without_o distinction_n of_o time_n do_v conceive_v of_o all_o thing_n at_o once_o both_o past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v and_o so_o can_v utter_v and_o express_v they_o if_o any_o creature_n be_v able_a in_o conceit_n so_o to_o comprehend_v they_o second_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v the_o time_n will_v be_v too_o short_a etc._n etc._n he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v very_o great_a and_o that_o a_o long_a time_n will_v not_o serve_v to_o repeat_v they_o or_o to_o write_v of_o they_o this_o direct_v we_o unto_o a_o good_a answer_n to_o a_o question_n which_o much_o trouble_v our_o common_a people_n to_o wit_n how_o great_a be_v the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v whether_o be_v it_o great_a than_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v damn_v ans._n we_o must_v consider_v the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_v 2._o way_n 1._o in_o comparison_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v condemn_v second_o in_o themselves_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o elect_a with_o the_o reprobate_n the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n for_o in_o most_o age_n the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v be_v but_o a_o handful_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n this_o likewise_o be_v true_a many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o that_o be_v call_v but_o yet_o consider_v the_o elect_a as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o they_o be_v a_o huge_a great_a number_n yea_o innumerable_a as_o saint_n john_n say_v speak_v of_o the_o elect_a among_o the_o gentile_n beside_o the_o choose_a jew_n for_o all_o that_o do_v true_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v now_o believer_n be_v innumerable_a this_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n will_v insinuate_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o phrase_n of_o speech_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o etc._n etc._n in_o handle_v these_o example_n we_o must_v observe_v the_o order_n here_o use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o in_o this_o 32._o verse_n he_o set_v down_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n that_o believe_v all_o joint_o together_o rehearse_v they_o one_o by_o one_o and_o in_o the_o 33_o 34_o 45_o verse_n he_o lay_v down_o brief_o the_o fruit_n of_o all_o their_o faith_n in_o number_n ten_o most_o notable_a action_n serve_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o most_o worthy_o to_o commend_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o they_o we_o will_v follow_v the_o order_n observe_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o first_o speak_v of_o the_o person_n then_o of_o their_o action_n the_o four_o first_o be_v these_o gedeon_n barac_n samson_n and_o jephte_n these_o four_o be_v judge_n in_o israel_n the_o five_o be_v david_n who_o be_v both_o a_o prophet_n and_o a_o king_n the_o six_o be_v samuel_n both_o a_o judge_n and_o a_o prophet_n last_o the_o prophet_n general_o by_o who_o we_o must_v understand_v especial_o these_o three_o elias_n eliseus_n and_o daniel_n in_o speak_v of_o these_o person_n here_o commend_v unto_o we_o first_o we_o will_v entreat_v of_o they_o general_o and_o then_o in_o particular_a in_o general_n let_v we_o first_o observe_v the_o order_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o use_v in_o name_v they_o gedeon_n for_o time_n be_v after_o barac_n and_o yet_o here_o he_o be_v first_o name_v so_o samson_n be_v after_o jephte_n and_o yet_o here_o he_o be_v put_v before_o he_o this_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v never_o do_v without_o some_o special_a cause_n we_o therefore_o must_v know_v that_o the_o scripture_n use_v a_o twofold_a order_n in_o reckon_v up_o of_o person_n to_o wit_n the_o order_n of_o time_n when_o as_o he_o that_o live_v first_o be_v first_o name_v and_o the_o order_n of_o dignity_n when_o the_o most_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a be_v name_v first_o though_o he_o be_v late_a in_o time_n now_o the_o scripture_n account_v best_a of_o they_o that_o do_v excel_v in_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o so_o in_o this_o place_n whereas_o gedeon_n be_v set_v before_o barac_n &_o samson_n before_o jephte_n the_o holy_a ghost_n observe_v not_o the_o order_n of_o time_n but_o the_o order_n of_o dignity_n according_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o faith_n name_v they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o be_v most_o famous_a for_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o do_v exceed_v the_o other_o in_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o here_o we_o learn_v this_o special_a point_n that_o the_o more_o man_n excel_v in_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o more_o god_n will_v honour_v they_o for_o look_v who_o most_o honour_n god_n shall_v be_v most_o honour_v of_o he_o but_o the_o more_o a_o man_n excel_v in_o grace_n the_o more_o he_o honour_v god_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v gedeon_n prefer_v before_o barac_n and_o samson_n before_o jephte_n because_o they_o be_v more_o plentiful_a in_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n this_o must_v move_v we_o not_o only_o to_o seek_v to_o have_v faith_n but_o to_o labour_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n for_o the_o more_o a_o man_n abound_v in_o grace_n before_o god_n the_o more_o will_v god_n honour_v he_o both_o here_o and_o in_o heaven_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o order_n wherein_o they_o be_v propound_v second_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n these_o be_v gedeon_n barac_n and_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v extraordinary_a man_n in_o their_o time_n raise_v up_o by_o god_n for_o the_o special_a good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o may_v help_v and_o defend_v they_o in_o distress_n and_o therefore_o as_o their_o call_n be_v extraordinary_a so_o god_n endue_v they_o with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n strength_n zeal_n and_o authority_n for_o which_o they_o be_v here_o renown_v in_o this_o catalogue_n of_o most_o worthy_a believer_n in_o their_o example_n we_o may_v observe_v this_o point_n that_o who_o god_n do_v raise_v up_o extraordinary_o for_o some_o special_a good_a in_o his_o church_n they_o he_o endue_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n to_o discharge_v that_o call_n and_o withal_o he_o give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n with_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n
this_o beside_o the_o instance_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n appear_v plain_o in_o christ_n apostle_n they_o be_v call_v by_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o plant_v his_o church_n universal_o and_o thereupon_o howsoever_o they_o be_v simple_a man_n before_o be_v furnish_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n zeal_n &_o knowledge_n and_o with_o this_o excellent_a grace_n of_o save_v faith_n which_o do_v sanctify_v their_o other_o gift_n for_o howsoever_o judas_n be_v number_v among_o they_o have_v be_v a_o disciple_n yet_o he_o never_o come_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o apostleship_n but_o go_v astray_o from_o that_o ministration_n act_v 1.25_o and_o in_o these_o late_a day_n when_o god_n restore_v his_o gospel_n to_o light_v out_o of_o the_o dark_a mist_n of_o popery_n he_o raise_v up_o extraordinary_a man_n who_o he_o endue_v with_o wisdom_n zeal_n and_o judgement_n which_o gift_n also_o he_o seal_v up_o in_o they_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n which_o they_o testify_v by_o their_o piety_n and_o godliness_n in_o life_n &_o conversation_n and_o this_o course_n he_o observe_v usual_o in_o all_o those_o who_o he_o raise_v up_o extraordinary_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n this_o we_o must_v observe_v to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o a_o special_a difference_n between_o those_o who_o god_n raise_v up_o extraordinary_o for_o special_a good_a and_o all_o arch_a heretic_n and_o traitor_n that_o set_v up_o themselves_o unsent_a of_o god_n for_o many_o such_o wretch_n have_v excel_v in_o wisdom_n in_o worldly_a policy_n in_o zeal_n and_o authority_n whereupon_o they_o have_v pretend_v and_o persuade_v many_o that_o they_o be_v call_v of_o god_n but_o hereby_o especial_o they_o be_v to_o be_v discover_v that_o they_o be_v void_a of_o this_o rare_a gift_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n for_o look_v at_o their_o life_n and_o ordinary_o for_o impiety_n they_o have_v be_v and_o be_v arch-divel_n so_o that_o though_o they_o want_v not_o authority_n or_o outward_a zeal_n and_o wisdom_n yet_o they_o want_v faith_n which_o shall_v purify_v their_o heart_n or_o else_o they_o will_v never_o have_v live_v in_o such_o notorious_a sin_n as_o they_o be_v discover_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o trial_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n direct_v we_o unto_o saying_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n math._n 7.16_o let_v they_o therefore_o pretend_v what_o knowledge_n what_o zeal_n or_o authority_n soever_o they_o will_v if_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n appear_v not_o in_o their_o life_n by_o obedience_n they_o be_v not_o call_v of_o god_n for_o the_o special_a good_a of_o his_o church_n thus_o much_o of_o these_o man_n in_o general_a now_o we_o come_v to_o entreat_v of_o they_o several_o as_o they_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o text._n the_o first_o person_n here_o commend_v unto_o we_o be_v gedeon_n the_o history_n of_o who_o act_n be_v lay_v down_o at_o large_a judge_n chap._n 6._o in_o his_o example_n note_v one_o point_n especial_o to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o manner_n which_o god_n use_v in_o beget_v and_o increase_a true_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n if_o we_o read_v the_o story_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o angel_n call_v gedeon_n once_o twice_o 6.12.14.16_o yea_o thrice_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n to_o his_o people_n but_o gedeon_n great_o doubt_v of_o his_o call_n &_o therefore_o desire_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o god_n give_v he_o for_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v be_v burn_v up_o with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n yet_o still_o he_o doubt_v and_o be_v in_o a_o great_a fear_n than_o before_o even_o of_o death_n itself_o but_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o angel_n and_o set_v a-work_o he_o break_v down_o the_o altar_n of_o baal_n and_o build_v one_o to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o thereon_o offer_v sacrifice_n as_o god_n command_v though_o with_o some_o fear_n and_o when_o the_o midianite_n and_o amalekite_n come_v arm_v against_o israel_n he_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o their_o defence_n but_o yet_o still_o he_o doubt_v of_o his_o call_n and_o therefore_o again_o ask_v a_o sign_n at_o god_n hand_n and_o have_v it_o and_o after_o that_o ask_v another_o which_o god_n also_o grant_v now_o have_v all_o these_o one_o in_o the_o neck_n of_o another_o at_o length_n he_o know_v his_o call_n and_o so_o go_v in_o faith_n and_o defend_v israel_n so_o that_o he_o get_v the_o assurance_n of_o his_o call_n by_o sundry_a particular_a sign_n and_o confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o though_o he_o doubt_v great_o at_o the_o first_o yet_o after_o he_o believe_v not_o only_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o judge_n and_o deliverer_n of_o god_n people_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n but_o this_o principal_o that_o god_n be_v his_o god_n and_o will_v give_v unto_o he_o everlasting_a life_n here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a precedent_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n work_v true_a and_o sound_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n they_o receive_v not_o this_o grace_n at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n god_n work_v it_o in_o they_o by_o little_a and_o little_a when_o a_o man_n be_v first_o call_v of_o god_n he_o have_v much_o doubt_v and_o fear_n but_o then_o god_n send_v sundry_a help_n to_o weaken_v this_o fear_n and_o doubt_v and_o as_o they_o decrease_v so_o be_v faith_n increase_v no_o man_n believe_v sound_o at_o the_o first_o but_o weak_o even_o as_o he_o grow_v in_o year_n so_o he_o must_v grow_v in_o faith_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v by_o continuance_n in_o the_o mean_n and_o by_o experience_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n and_o indeed_o the_o more_o faith_n increase_v the_o more_o we_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o grow_v therein_o and_o the_o more_o we_o delight_v in_o the_o mean_n and_o at_o length_n after_o long_a experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n we_o shall_v have_v wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n this_o gift_n of_o true_a &_o lively_a faith_n which_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o all_o fear_n and_o doubt_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o person_n of_o gedeon_n the_o second_o person_n commend_v unto_o we_o be_v barac_n of_o who_o we_o may_v read_v judge_n 4._o his_o story_n be_v large_a and_o plain_a enough_o and_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o stand_v upon_o it_o the_o three_o person_n be_v samson_n of_o who_o we_o may_v also_o read_v judge_n 13.14_o etc._n etc._n now_o touch_v samson_n this_o question_n may_v well_o be_v ask_v how_o he_o can_v be_v just_o commend_v for_o his_o faith_n see_v it_o may_v seem_v he_o kill_v himself_o answer_n samson_n do_v not_o kill_v himself_o for_o he_o be_v call_v extraordinary_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n over_o israel_n for_o their_o defence_n and_o delivery_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o philistimes_fw-la now_o when_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o philistimes_fw-la be_v gather_v together_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n he_o cast_v the_o house_n down_o upon_o their_o head_n to_o kill_v they_o therein_o because_o be_v blind_a he_o can_v not_o pursue_v they_o in_o battle_n and_o therefore_o have_v they_o by_o god_n providence_n in_o his_o hand_n he_o destroy_v they_o as_o his_o call_n be_v albeit_o he_o lose_v his_o own_o life_n in_o the_o same_o action_n again_o samson_n in_o pull_v down_o the_o house_n purpose_v not_o direct_o and_o wilful_o to_o kill_v himself_o but_o to_o adventure_v his_o own_o life_n by_o take_v just_a revenge_n upon_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o god_n servant_n he_o pray_v first_o unto_o god_n and_o so_o do_v no_o more_o than_o the_o soldier_n in_o the_o field_n ought_v to_o do_v who_o bear_v a_o love_a mind_n towards_o his_o country_n be_v content_a to_o adventure_v his_o own_o life_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o country_n and_o be_v resolve_v that_o if_o he_o die_v in_o that_o defence_n he_o die_v in_o his_o lawful_a place_n and_o calling_n and_o die_v god_n servant_n yea_o god_n champion_n this_o do_v samson_n and_o therefore_o may_v just_o be_v commend_v for_o his_o faith_n neither_o be_v this_o fact_n of_o his_o any_o disgrace_n but_o rather_o a_o notable_a commendation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o a_o evidence_n of_o great_a zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o of_o singular_a love_n to_o his_o people_n the_o four_o person_n commend_v here_o be_v jephte_n of_o who_o we_o may_v read_v judge_n 11._o jephte_n be_v the_o base_a son_n of_o gilead_n bear_v of_o a_o harlot_n to_o be_v base_a bear_v be_v note_v in_o scripture_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o reproach_n and_o