to_o a_o fact_n every_o man_n be_v a_o debtor_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v bind_v as_o a_o man_n to_o bear_v testimony_n christ_n tell_v pilate_n john_n 18.37_o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n but_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o testimony_n that_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v i_o understand_v it_o not_o thus_o large_o for_o though_o it_o be_v that_o every_o good_a man_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o testify_v the_o truth_n in_o any_o cause_n yet_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v under_o a_o more_o special_a obligation_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o some_o truth_n and_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n that_o relate_v to_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v that_o the_o text_n call_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n 1._o either_o for_o that_o testimony_n which_o our_o lord_n bare_a of_o himself_o 2._o or_o the_o testimony_n which_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n bear_v a_o testimony_n of_o himself_o he_o testify_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o zion_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n but_o i_o understand_v it_o yet_o large_a every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o relate_v to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n there_o be_v a_o testimony_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o bear_v to_o those_o proposition_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o gospel_n contain_v and_o relate_v concern_v jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v considerable_a in_o a_o testimony_n be_v the_o way_n of_o give_v it_o the_o proper_a give_v a_o testimony_n be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o our_o mouth_n either_o with_o a_o oath_n or_o without_o a_o oath_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v a_o proposition_n and_o another_o thing_n for_o he_o to_o give_v testimony_n to_o a_o proposition_n he_o believe_v a_o proposition_n that_o hear_v it_o do_v in_o heart_n consent_n and_o agree_v to_o it_o that_o the_o predicate_v be_v well_o fit_v to_o the_o subject_a whether_o he_o speak_v a_o word_n yea_o or_o no_o but_o he_o testify_v that_o with_o his_o word_n ow_v and_o declare_v his_o faith_n rom._n 10.10_o for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o christian_a secret_o in_o his_o heart_n to_o agree_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o testimony_n if_o thou_o shall_v therefore_o confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v you_o may_v observe_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n make_v necessary_a to_o to_o salvation_n 1._o a_o heart_n believe_v the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o a_o external_a confession_n or_o profession_n there_o be_v a_o double_a confession_n a_o christian_n duty_n 1._o a_o confession_n of_o sin_n 2._o a_o confession_n of_o truth_n either_o confession_n be_v a_o open_a acknowledgement_n with_o our_o lip_n thus_o you_o read_v in_o scripture_n frequent_o of_o confess_v of_o christ_n only_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o testimony_n and_o confession_n any_o open_a assert_v vindicate_a and_o defend_v christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n be_v give_v a_o testimony_n but_o when_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o face_n of_o enemy_n in_o despite_n of_o opposition_n this_o be_v confession_n matth._n 10.32_o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n luke_n 12.8_o whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n thus_o john_n 12.42_o many_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o because_o of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o so_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n signify_v that_o open_a acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n relate_v to_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a christian_n qu._n 2._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o original_a do_v something_o differ_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d suffer_v thou_o evil_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o person_n by_o a_o figure_n a_o person_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o evil_n timothy_n be_v exhort_v to_o suffer_v evil_a with_o the_o gospel_n this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o consideration_n what_o those_o affliction_n be_v what_o those_o evil_n be_v to_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v subject_v there_o be_v several_a evil_n to_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v subject_v or_o rather_o evil_n from_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o from_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o it_o such_o as_o own_o christ_n in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n 2._o from_o the_o false_a and_o seem_a professor_n of_o it_o 3._o from_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o it_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o affliction_n which_o man_n be_v subject_v to_o from_o their_o own_n and_o profess_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o i_o say_v be_v from_o 3_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o from_o such_o as_o be_v the_o true_a and_o sincere_a professor_n of_o it_o they_o may_v bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o and_o be_v thorn_n and_o goad_n in_o one_o another_o side_n these_o common_o be_v so_o from_o one_o of_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o from_o a_o overheat_v zeal_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n 2._o from_o such_o corruption_n as_o do_v attend_v god_n people_n consider_v as_o man_n make_v up_o of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n 1._o from_o a_o immoderate_a zeal_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n truth_n be_v a_o uniform_a thing_n and_o be_v but_o one_o two_o contradictory_n proposition_n can_v be_v true_a but_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n none_o have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n concern_v truth_n it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o guide_v we_o and_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n but_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o promise_n must_v not_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o that_o because_o all_o christian_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v guide_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v misapprehension_n in_o a_o proposition_n of_o truth_n they_o shall_v be_v guide_v into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n they_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v in_o any_o apprehension_n of_o truth_n upon_o which_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n depend_v but_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v as_o to_o a_o multitude_n of_o particular_a proposition_n one_o may_v judge_v one_o thing_n and_o another_o another_o thing_n yet_o they_o all_o hold_v the_o foundation_n the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o may_v have_v very_o different_a apprehension_n as_o to_o some_o particular_a truth_n now_o through_o a_o overweening_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o apprehension_n there_o be_v very_o great_a difference_n and_o also_o hard_a censuring_n and_o condemning_n of_o one_o another_o and_o these_o be_v great_a affliction_n but_o such_o as_o have_v attend_v the_o gospel_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n they_o be_v such_o different_a apprehension_n that_o cause_v the_o first_o christian_a synod_n act_n 15.1_o some_o come_v and_o teach_v the_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n such_o difference_n there_o be_v rom._n 14.2_o for_o one_o believe_v he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n another_o who_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n hence_o they_o judge_v despise_v condemn_a and_o censure_v one_o another_o and_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v to_o a_o friendly_a carriage_n one_o towards_o another_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n one_o of_o another_o in_o these_o different_a apprehension_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n of_o a_o light_a nature_n mens_fw-la immoderate_a zeal_n for_o their_o own_o opinion_n have_v in_o all_o time_n beget_v great_a heat_n and_o have_v cause_v great_a affliction_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o have_v be_v a_o great_a root_n of_o bitterness_n among_o god_n own_o people_n we_o have_v see_v enough_o of_o it_o in_o the_o age_n
when_o israel_n must_v die_v do_v our_o prophet_n live_v for_o ever_o and_o it_o please_v god_n to_o give_v some_o of_o his_o people_n notice_n of_o this_o time_n paul_n time_n be_v now_o come_v he_o tell_v timothy_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n i_o be_o now_o ready_a to_o be_v offer_v the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a be_v i_o be_o now_o already_o offer_v paul_n be_v ready_a as_o that_o term_n in_o our_o language_n signify_v prepare_v but_o the_o greek_a word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o rather_o signify_v already_o than_o prepare_v into_o which_o sense_n it_o can_v be_v interpret_v the_o next_o word_n interpret_v it_o the_o time_n of_o my_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n nor_o certain_o do_v the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o mere_o upon_o the_o prospect_n that_o all_o christian_a prisoner_n especial_o teacher_n among_o they_o may_v reasonable_o have_v of_o their_o fate_n under_o such_o a_o pagan_a tyrant_n and_o butcher_n as_o nero_n under_o who_o government_n and_o power_n he_o be_v at_o this_o time_n be_v but_o upon_o some_o more_o special_a and_o particular_a notice_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o that_o his_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n he_o speak_v of_o it_o without_o tremble_a and_o faith_n not_o to_o death_n though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v violent_a have_v thou_o find_v i_o o_o my_o enemy_n but_o with_o confidence_n &_o cheerfulness_n he_o entertain_v the_o thought_n and_o prospect_n of_o it_o this_o text_n tell_v you_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o cheerfulness_n 1._o his_o work_n be_v do_v 2._o he_o have_v wage_n to_o take_v the_o first_o he_o open_v by_o 3_o phrase_n 1._o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o excellent_a fight_n as_o beza_n well_o translate_v it_o 2._o i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n 3._o i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n 2._o he_o have_v wage_n to_o take_v which_o he_o can_v not_o receive_v upon_o earth_n and_o now_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v only_o turn_v the_o text_n into_o a_o proposition_n conclude_v from_o paul_n work_n and_o confidence_n the_o duty_n of_o all_o prop._n those_o who_o will_v at_o death_n have_v the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o and_o which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v one_o day_n give_v out_o unto_o some_o person_n must_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n finish_v their_o course_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o love_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o those_o who_o do_v these_o thing_n may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n lay_v up_o for_o they_o which_o the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v give_v out_o to_o they_o here_o be_v two_o proposition_n put_v together_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o and_o will_v one_o day_n give_v out_o as_o a_o righteous_a judge_n to_o some_o among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 2._o that_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v out_o to_o such_o and_o such_o only_a as_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n finish_v their_o course_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o love_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v discourse_v they_o several_o then_o apply_v they_o together_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o and_o god_n as_o a_o righteous_a judge_n will_v one_o day_n give_v out_o to_o some_o among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 1._o that_o this_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n be_v out_o of_o doubt_n the_o bless_a state_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n be_v set_v out_o in_o scripture_n unto_o we_o under_o a_o variety_n of_o metaphor_n import_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n there_o and_o all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o it_o it_o be_v sometime_o set_v out_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o feast_n 5.4_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o a_o banquet_n sometime_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o see_v god_n 1.12_o 〈◊〉_d 1.12_o sometime_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o inheritance_n immortal_a incorruptible_a etc._n etc._n sometime_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o kingdom_n a_o crown_n sometime_o under_o notion_n of_o profit_n the_o riches_n of_o glory_n sometime_o under_o notion_n of_o pleasure_n here_o it_o be_v call_v a_o crown_n so_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o it_o be_v call_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n jam._n 1.12_o but_o 1._o why_o a_o crown_n 2._o why_o be_v it_o call_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n 3._o how_o be_v it_o lay_v up_o 4._o how_o do_v or_o shall_v god_n show_v himself_o a_o righteous_a judge_n in_o give_v it_o out_o 1._o possible_o it_o be_v call_v a_o crown_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o combatant_n in_o the_o roman_a game_n in_o which_o the_o victor_n have_v not_o only_a prize_n for_o which_o they_o run_v but_o also_o crown_n of_o bay_n or_o laurel_n or_o some_o green_a thing_n if_o a_o man_n strive_v for_o mastery_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 2.5_o he_o be_v not_o crown_v except_o he_o strive_v lawful_o as_o the_o conqueror_n be_v enrich_v with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o prize_n for_o which_o they_o run_v or_o wrestle_v or_o fight_v so_o they_o be_v honour_v with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o crown_n which_o be_v set_v on_o their_o head_n and_o thus_o it_o let_v we_o know_v 1._o that_o heaven_n will_v be_v a_o place_n of_o great_a honour_n and_o dignity_n 2._o that_o those_o who_o obtain_v it_o must_v strive_v fight_n wrestle_z and_o that_o lawful_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v yea_o and_o they_o must_v conquer_v none_o but_o the_o conqueror_n in_o those_o game_n be_v crown_v the_o consideration_n of_o heaven_n as_o a_o crown_n aught_o to_o mind_v we_o of_o our_o duty_n to_o strive_v and_o fight_v it_o be_v not_o compare_v to_o a_o ordinary_a king_n crown_n which_o it_o may_v be_v come_v to_o he_o by_o election_n or_o inheritance_n but_o a_o combatant_n crown_n which_o be_v never_o put_v on_o his_o head_n till_o he_o be_v declare_v victor_n 2._o second_o this_o notion_n be_v expressive_a of_o the_o high_a reward_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n a_o crown_n be_v the_o high_a dignity_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v also_o a_o kingdom_n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o thus_o the_o metaphor_n be_v use_v i_o be_o 5.16_o the_o crown_n be_v fall_v from_o our_o head_n that_o be_v we_o have_v lose_v our_o great_a honour_n and_o dignity_n such_o shall_v be_v the_o honour_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v only_o a_o penny_n a_o reward_n of_o their_o labour_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o crown_n the_o high_a and_o great_a reward_n such_o a_o one_o as_o no_o eye_n have_v see_v no_o ear_n have_v hear_v neither_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v we_o can_v fancy_v no_o high_a honour_n and_o dignity_n than_o that_o of_o a_o crown_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v express_v by_o that_o but_o it_o will_v be_v no_o ordinary_a crown_n but_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n 3._o possible_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o express_v to_o signify_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o saint_n happiness_n in_o heaven_n the_o figure_n of_o a_o crown_n let_v you_o know_v that_o it_o incompass_v the_o whole_a head_n not_o a_o part_n of_o it_o only_o 16.11_o psa_fw-la 16.11_o at_o thy_o right_a hand_n say_v the_o psalmist_n there_o be_v pleasure_n and_o a_o fullness_n of_o pleasure_n and_o that_o for_o evermore_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n shall_v encompass_v they_o as_o a_o crown_n do_v the_o head_n god_n in_o this_o life_n incompass_v his_o people_n with_o favour_n as_o a_o shield_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v he_o will_v encompass_v they_o with_o glory_n as_o with_o a_o crown_n in_o this_o life_n we_o have_v our_o good_a thing_n but_o in_o part_n nemo_fw-la est_fw-la ex_fw-la omni_fw-la parte_fw-la beatus_fw-la there_o be_v scarce_o any_o to_o be_v find_v who_o be_v every_o way_n happy_a one_o have_v a_o head_n at_o ease_n but_o a_o ache_a heart_n another_o have_v a_o heart_n at_o ease_n but_o a_o ache_a head_n but_o in_o heaven_n the_o saint_n shall_v be_v crown_v perfect_o happy_a on_o all_o side_n bless_v 2._o qu._n but_o why_o be_v this_o call_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n not_o only_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n but_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n 1._o i_o answer_v not_o because_o it_o be_v the_o merit_n of_o our_o righteousness_n our_o righteousness_n be_v all_o a_o rag_n a_o filthy_a rag._n the_o next_o word_n be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o
this_o promise_n be_v to_o those_o that_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n that_o finish_v their_o course_n that_o keep_v the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n ah_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o fight_n indeed_o but_o be_v it_o the_o good_a fight_n they_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n opposer_n of_o his_o interest_n they_o will_v if_o possible_a root_v the_o very_a name_n of_o of_o god_n and_o profession_n of_o godliness_n out_o of_o the_o world_n they_o have_v such_o a_o antipathy_n to_o piety_n that_o as_o they_o say_v of_o the_o basilisk_n it_o have_v such_o a_o enmity_n to_o man_n that_o it_o will_v fly_v upon_o his_o picture_n so_o they_o have_v such_o a_o enmity_n to_o christ_n and_o holiness_n that_o they_o fly_v upon_o any_o person_n or_o thing_n who_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o christ_n image_n and_o superscription_n upon_o they_o other_o be_v fighter_n great_a disturber_n of_o humane_a society_n with_o their_o quarrel_n but_o now_o for_o the_o good_a fight_n which_o be_v to_o be_v manage_v against_o our_o passion_n &_o exorbitant_a affection_n and_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n how_o few_o of_o those_o be_v to_o be_v find_v that_o fight_n this_o fight_n how_o few_o be_v those_o that_o will_v manage_v a_o opposition_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o can_v glory_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v finish_v either_o their_o more_o general_a course_n as_o christian_n or_o more_o particular_a course_n as_o christian_n under_o such_o or_o such_o circumstance_n how_o full_a be_v the_o world_n of_o those_o who_o have_v yet_o their_o first_o step_n to_o take_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n their_o life_n be_v a_o mere_a walk_n in_o the_o counsel_n and_o imagination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n a_o mere_a gratification_n of_o their_o sensitive_a appetite_n not_o only_o as_o move_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o the_o very_a law_n of_o reason_n live_v beneath_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o heathen_n how_o many_o more_o who_o only_a business_n be_v to_o heap_v up_o gold_n as_o dust_n and_o silver_n as_o thick_a clay_n but_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o holiness_n they_o have_v not_o know_v how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o mind_n the_o duty_n of_o their_o particular_a relation_n but_o as_o they_o use_v their_o own_o soul_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o mere_a condiment_n of_o their_o body_n so_o they_o behave_v themselves_o to_o their_o wife_n husband_n and_o child_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o trust_n of_o their_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o how_o many_o that_o have_v lose_v the_o faith_n first_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o be_v fall_v into_o pernicious_a and_o damnable_a heresy_n make_v shipwreck_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n can_v these_o man_n possible_o love_v the_o appearance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o leave_v other_o let_v we_o take_v the_o advantage_n use_v 3_o of_o this_o discourse_n to_o enter_v into_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o commune_v with_o our_o own_o heart_n inquire_v whether_o we_o be_v such_o person_n as_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o die_v &_o shall_v by_o any_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v make_v apprehensive_a that_o the_o time_n of_o our_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o we_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v in_o that_o day_n give_v out_o to_o all_o such_o as_o love_v the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o satisfy_v we_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v hear_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o text_n that_o we_o have_v several_a thing_n to_o inquire_v upon_o they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o six_o or_o seven_o head_n 1._o what_o opposition_n we_o have_v make_v to_o the_o carnal_a desire_n and_o motion_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n you_o shall_v observe_v that_o a_o sinful_a walk_n in_o holy_a writ_n be_v very_o ordinary_o express_v by_o a_o walk_a according_a to_o the_o counsel_n and_o imagination_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n so_o contrary_a be_v the_o natural_a desire_n counsel_n and_o imagination_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o sure_a sign_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n then_o for_o he_o to_o walk_v after_o his_o own_o imagination_n or_o for_o he_o to_o use_v job_n expression_n to_o suffer_v his_o heart_n to_o walk_v after_o his_o eye_n hence_o self-denial_n be_v by_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o condition_n and_o character_n of_o be_v one_o of_o his_o disciple_n and_o we_o be_v often_o in_o scripture_n command_v to_o mortify_v our_o member_n and_o the_o deed_n of_o our_o body_n this_o kind_n of_o conversation_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o gratify_n of_o our_o sensitive_a appetite_n be_v the_o broad_a way_n in_o which_o many_o walk_n but_o it_o be_v the_o high_a way_n to_o eternal_a destruction_n 2._o what_o opposition_n we_o have_v make_v to_o the_o world_n either_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o attemp_v either_o to_o frown_v or_o flatter_v we_o out_o of_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o god_n he_o who_o be_v at_o the_o world_n beck_n can_v be_v at_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n we_o can_v be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n please_v not_o himself_o so_o neither_o do_v he_o please_v the_o man_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o he_o live_v in_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n love_v no_o child_n of_o god_n as_o such_o they_o be_v two_o different_a seed_n betwixt_o which_o there_o ever_o be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v a_o enmity_n if_o they_o take_v we_o by_o the_o chin_n and_o kiss_v we_o it_o be_v but_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o better_a opportunity_n to_o smite_v we_o under_o the_o five_o rib_n the_o truth_n be_v their_o open_a war_n be_v better_a than_o their_o dissemble_a amity_n but_o that_o also_o require_v in_o we_o wisdom_n when_o to_o oppose_v so_o as_o not_o to_o suffer_v as_o evil_a doer_n and_o courage_n and_o resolution_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v 3._o how_o we_o walk_v as_o to_o our_o more_o general_a conversation_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o true_a say_n grande_fw-fr est_fw-la christianum_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la dici_fw-la it_o be_v a_o great_a thing_n not_o to_o be_v call_v but_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o in_o christianity_n tantum_n es_fw-la quantum_fw-la agis_fw-la a_o man_n be_v just_a so_o much_o as_o he_o act_v in_o a_o uniform_a obedience_n have_v a_o regard_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n he_o that_o wilful_o break_v any_o of_o god_n commadment_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reverence_n due_a to_o god_n as_o to_o one_o precept_n as_o unto_o another_o we_o have_v also_o further_o to_o inquire_v 4._o how_o we_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a relation_n not_o only_a how_o we_o run_v that_o race_n which_o we_o have_v to_o run_v in_o common_a with_o other_o but_o that_o particular_a course_n which_o god_n have_v set_v we_o how_o we_o have_v manage_v our_o duty_n as_o parent_n child_n husband_n wife_n master_n servant_n magistrate_n or_o subject_n minister_n or_o people_n etc._n etc._n 5._o what_o steadiness_n we_o keep_v as_o to_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n it_o be_v true_a every_o warp_a in_o opinion_n from_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o damnable_a but_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o warp_a in_o such_o point_n as_o a_o warp_a in_o be_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n i_o will_v not_o undertake_v punctual_o to_o determine_v what_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o or_o close_o with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o a_o ill_a condition_n and_o from_o thence_o it_o follow_v that_o such_o opinion_n drink_v in_o as_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n or_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v pernicious_a unto_o soul_n 6._o what_o particular_a faith_n and_o dependence_n we_o keep_v up_o in_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o scripture_n be_v so_o full_a of_o text_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o i_o need_v not_o instance_n in_o many_o see_v john_n 3.18_o 36._o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v
ambitious_a of_o the_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v miranda_fw-la to_o be_v admire_v not_o imitanda_fw-la to_o be_v imitate_v no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o put_v his_o self_n upon_o suffer_v affliction_n no_o not_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n we_o ought_v to_o see_v our_o call_n clear_a to_o suffer_v as_o well_o as_o do_v in_o that_o sense_n therefore_o this_o precept_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v but_o 2._o it_o speak_v unto_o every_o christian_a to_o expect_v that_o his_o own_n and_o profess_v of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v meet_v with_o affliction_n and_o to_o be_v content_a to_o take_v a_o share_n in_o they_o be_v thou_o partaker_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n look_v that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v afflict_v and_o be_v content_v to_o take_v thy_o share_n with_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o affliction_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o no_o prince_n go_v out_o to_o war_n with_o another_o but_o he_o first_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v whether_o he_o with_o 10000_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o meet_v with_o his_o enemy_n with_o 20000._o christian_n before_o man_n undertake_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o ought_v to_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v what_o the_o gospel_n will_v cost_v they_o for_o the_o temper_n of_o our_o spirit_n under_o divine_a providence_n be_v much_o according_a to_o our_o expectation_n if_o we_o expect_v nothing_o but_o good_a and_o meet_v with_o nothing_o but_o evil_a the_o evil_n sink_v we_o we_o do_v not_o look_v for_o it_o mala_fw-la inopinata_fw-la graviora_fw-la but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o to_o be_v content_a to_o take_v our_o part_n in_o affliction_n with_o the_o gospel_n if_o god_n call_v we_o to_o suffer_v for_o own_v and_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o think_v it_o strange_a we_o shall_v not_o murmur_v and_o repine_v against_o it_o or_o take_v any_o unlawful_a course_n to_o decline_v but_o to_o cast_v our_o lot_n with_o professor_n and_o to_o take_v our_o share_n with_o they_o and_o to_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v evil_a with_o they_o who_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n or_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o any_o of_o his_o truth_n nay_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v something_o more_o our_o duty_n than_o this_o and_o that_o be_v to_o rejoice_v that_o we_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n act_v 5.41_o sing_v in_o the_o prison_n into_o which_o we_o be_v throw_v as_o paul_n and_o silas_n do_v take_v the_o spoil_n of_o our_o good_n with_o joy_n 3._o nay_o there_o be_v something_o more_o in_o this_o phrase_n viz._n a_o suffering_n together_o with_o other_o that_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n though_o we_o do_v not_o suffer_v at_o all_o and_o indeed_o this_o be_v proper_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o sympathy_n with_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n urge_v and_o thus_o it_o answer_v that_o text_n rom._n 12.15_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o do_v rejoice_v and_o weep_v with_o they_o that_o weep_v both_o these_o be_v put_v together_o in_o that_o phrase_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n heb._n 10.34_o for_o you_o have_v compassion_n of_o i_o in_o my_o bond_n and_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o your_o good_n both_o these_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o good_a christian_n to_o suffer_v with_o they_o that_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v themselves_o if_o god_n call_v they_o to_o it_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v upon_o he_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11.28_o 29._o so_o he_o have_v upon_o he_o the_o sorrow_n and_o affliction_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n in_o that_o chap._n shall_fw-mi 23._o tell_v we_o what_o stripe_n what_o imprisonment_n what_o death_n he_o be_v in_o and_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o do_v not_o thus_o only_o suffer_v with_o and_o for_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o he_o be_v afflict_v and_o he_o burn_v with_o other_o and_o this_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a they_o ought_v to_o partake_v joyful_o and_o with_o satisfaction_n to_o take_v their_o share_n in_o those_o affliction_n to_o which_o the_o preach_n or_o own_v the_o gospel_n do_v expose_v they_o and_o also_o to_o bear_v the_o burden_n of_o other_o and_o to_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v with_o they_o to_o bear_v some_o share_n in_o their_o sorrow_n in_o their_o trial_n and_o affliction_n i_o come_v to_o the_o next_o question_n qu._n 4._o whence_o arise_v this_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n and_o why_o be_v they_o thus_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n this_o question_n have_v two_o branch_n qu._n 1._o whence_o arise_v this_o obligation_n upon_o they_o not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o give_v this_o testimony_n nor_o of_o it_o when_o give_v qu._n 2._o whence_o arise_v this_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o whence_o this_o obligation_n do_v arise_v upon_o christian_n not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n i_o shall_v open_v it_o to_o you_o in_o seven_o or_o eight_o particular_n 1._o from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a foundation_n of_o all_o duty_n the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_n be_v correlate_n nothing_o can_v be_v our_o duty_n towards_o god_n but_o what_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o but_o it_o must_v become_v our_o duty_n this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n neither_o ourselves_o to_o give_v testimony_n unto_o christ_n nor_o his_o gospel_n nor_o yet_o of_o they_o who_o do_v give_v such_o testimony_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v some_o more_o eminent_o than_o other_o but_o concern_v all_o christian_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v speak_v concern_v all_o rom._n 10.9_o that_o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v mat._n 10.32_o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o thessalonian_o 1_o thes_n 3.3_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v move_v by_o these_o affliction_n for_o yourselves_o know_v that_o we_o be_v appoint_v thereunto_o col._n 4.12_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v pray_v that_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o they_o shall_v give_v their_o testimony_n and_o not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n 2_o tim._n 4.5_o watch_z thou_o in_o all_o thing_n endure_v affliction_n 2_o tim._n 2.3_o thou_o therefore_o endure_v hardness_n as_o a_o good_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n minister_n and_o good_a christian_n be_v witness_n and_o they_o be_v soldier_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o endure_v hardness_n and_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v their_o testimony_n 2._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o relation_n that_o every_o good_a christian_n stand_v in_o to_o christ_n as_o his_o lord_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mark_v the_o word_n that_o thou_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n every_o subject_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v his_o testimony_n for_o the_o king_n because_o he_o be_v his_o sovereign_a lord_n every_o servant_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v his_o testimony_n for_o his_o master_n because_o he_o be_v his_o lord_n christ_n be_v our_o lord_n and_o therefore_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o give_v testimony_n for_o he_o will_v not_o your_o prince_n take_v it_o ill_o if_o you_o shall_v refuse_v be_v call_v to_o testify_v the_o truth_n for_o he_o &_o will_v not_o your_o master_n take_v it_o ill_o if_o you_o shall_v refuse_v to_o give_v your_o temony_n for_o he_o sure_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o lord_n must_v take_v it_o ill_o from_o we_o if_o we_o refuse_v a_o testimony_n to_o he_o if_o every_o man_n because_o that_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o the_o truth_n take_v himself_o oblige_v by_o the_o
but_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o equal_a import_n the_o nature_n of_o proposition_n do_v very_o much_o differ_v 1._o according_a to_o what_o do_v depend_v upon_o they_o 2._o according_a to_o the_o evidence_n that_o they_o have_v in_o scripture_n 1._o according_a to_o what_o depend_v upon_o they_o some_o proposition_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o foundation_n look_v as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o house_n take_v it_o away_o and_o the_o whole_a building_n tumble_v to_o the_o ground_n so_o there_o be_v some_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o gospel_n truth_n lie_v upon_o they_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o truth_n be_v build_v upon_o they_o here_o now_o the_o obligation_n of_o our_o testimony_n lie_v high_a and_o rise_v high_a and_o further_o but_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n that_o we_o be_v not_o debtor_n unto_o 2._o according_a to_o the_o evidence_n that_o they_o have_v in_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n concern_v truth_n for_o although_o the_o gospel_n have_v reveal_v all_o truth_n yet_o not_o all_o with_o the_o same_o evidence_n so_o that_o christian_n have_v differ_v concern_v truth_n and_o every_o man_n as_o he_o believe_v so_o he_o ought_v to_o speak_v so_o he_o ought_v to_o live_v but_o the_o apprehension_n that_o some_o man_n have_v have_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o every_o proposition_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v in_o heart_n embrace_v have_v beget_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o stir_n the_o apostle_n give_v another_o rule_n when_o he_o say_v have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n there_o be_v some_o proposition_n of_o which_o a_o christian_a may_v have_v a_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o of_o which_o he_o may_v be_v very_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o a_o testimony_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o a_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o regulate_v his_o testimony_n according_o qu._n 2._o what_o kind_n of_o testimony_n be_v that_o which_o a_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v unto_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v open_v this_o to_o you_o in_o seven_o or_o eight_o particular_n 1._o he_o ought_v to_o give_v a_o know_v believe_a testimony_n there_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o testimony_n of_o faction_n that_o man_n give_v a_o testimony_n of_o faith_n that_o do_v in_o his_o heart_n believe_v what_o he_o with_o his_o mouth_n confess_v and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v as_o he_o believe_v so_o he_o speak_v so_o in_o this_o case_n a_o christian_a must_v speak_v as_o he_o believe_v and_o when_o he_o speak_v and_o ow_v and_o defend_v a_o truth_n because_o he_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o eternal_a truth_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o faith_n but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o faction_n when_o a_o man_n run_v with_o a_o multitude_n to_o attest_v a_o truth_n and_o cry_v for_o it_o but_o understand_v not_o and_o believe_v not_o what_o he_o profess_v i_o will_v have_v every_o christian_a not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n but_o i_o will_v have_v he_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o give_v not_o a_o testimony_n of_o faction_n for_o a_o man_n to_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v in_o faction_n it_o be_v abomination_n to_o god_n whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n the_o word_n not_o mingle_v with_o faith_n profit_v not_o and_o a_o testimony_n not_o give_v in_o faith_n signify_v nothing_o oh_o christian_n beware_v of_o this_o that_o none_o of_o you_o in_o this_o day_n be_v factious_a professor_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o your_o lord_n but_o first_o see_v that_o you_o understand_v it_o see_v that_o yourselves_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o good_a testimony_n a_o man_n or_o woman_n will_v have_v very_o little_a peace_n or_o comfort_n in_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o that_o which_o either_o he_o know_v not_o or_o in_o heart_n believe_v not_o when_o a_o man_n believe_v and_o therefore_o speak_v he_o speak_v that_o with_o his_o lip_n which_o his_o soul_n have_v first_o examine_v and_o he_o see_v bottom_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o heart_n agree_v and_o assent_v to_o this_o be_v his_o testimony_n take_v this_o note_n with_o you_o in_o every_o testimony_n let_v it_o be_v vocal_a or_o real_a let_v it_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o faith_n not_o a_o testimony_n of_o faction_n and_o a_o mere_a run_v along_o with_o a_o cry_n like_o the_o rout_n of_o ephesus_n when_o act_n 19.32_o some_o cry_v one_o thing_n some_o another_o for_o the_o assembly_n be_v confuse_v and_o the_o more_o part_n know_v not_o wherefore_o they_o be_v come_v together_o 2._o it_o must_v be_v a_o love_a testimony_n or_o it_o be_v not_o accept_v faith_n and_o love_n mâ—st_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o those_o action_n that_o do_v or_o can_v speak_v any_o obedience_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o a_o man_n receive_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o it_o be_v of_o no_o effect_n as_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n so_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v and_o not_o out_o of_o love_n be_v not_o accept_v of_o god_n love_n be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o sweet_a savour_n to_o all_o our_o do_n and_o to_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o god_n if_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o give_v all_o my_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v if_o i_o have_v not_o love_n it_o be_v all_o nothing_o let_v a_o man_n give_v never_o so_o great_a a_o testimony_n to_o christ_n if_o he_o do_v not_o this_o out_o of_o love_n it_o be_v out_o of_o some_o evil_a principle_n of_o contradiction_n or_o faction_n or_o some_o stubbornness_n of_o spirit_n and_o god_n accept_v it_o not_o it_o be_v not_o a_o christian_n say_v i_o be_o for_o the_o true_a doctrine_n i_o be_o for_o pure_a worship_n and_o i_o be_o for_o the_o kingly_a government_n of_o christ_n but_o his_o do_v this_o out_o of_o a_o true_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o these_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o true_a love_n to_o god_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v another_o thing_n that_o i_o fear_v in_o a_o crowd_n that_o give_v testimony_n in_o a_o evil_a time_n as_o that_o some_o testify_v they_o know_v not_o what_o so_o that_o other_o testify_v rather_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o contradiction_n or_o fullenness_n than_o out_o of_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o love_n to_o ordinance_n and_o truth_n hence_o you_o shall_v observe_v that_o as_o in_o a_o serene_a and_o fair_a time_n there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o professor_n that_o be_v like_o swallow_n that_o will_v stay_v with_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o summer_n time_n so_o you_o shall_v observe_v there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o other_o that_o in_o a_o time_n of_o opposition_n especial_o when_o the_o persecution_n reach_v not_o high_a busy_a to_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o truth_n which_o when_o they_o may_v embrace_v free_o they_o never_o regard_v and_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o you_o have_v a_o example_n of_o both_o these_o at_o home_n on_o the_o one_o side_n we_o have_v a_o company_n of_o professor_n that_o have_v now_o forsake_v we_o and_o flee_v and_o embrace_v this_o present_a world_n in_o a_o time_n of_o temptation_n they_o be_v go_v away_o and_o you_o shall_v observe_v a_o multitude_n of_o other_o that_o cry_v out_o late_o for_o sacrament_n and_o against_o rob_v christian_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n the_o great_a pledge_n of_o christ_n love_n now_o that_o none_o hinder_v their_o come_n to_o they_o they_o regard_v not_o the_o sacrament_n both_o these_o be_v sick_a of_o the_o same_o disease_n they_o give_v or_o think_v they_o give_v some_o testimony_n to_o their_o lord_n but_o their_o testimony_n be_v equal_o acceptable_a to_o god_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o be_v out_o of_o a_o love_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o truth_n and_o ordinance_n but_o mere_o out_o of_o faction_n and_o turbulence_n of_o spirit_n or_o for_o some_o base_a worldly_a end_n i_o will_v have_v you_o own_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n i_o will_v have_v you_o fear_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o as_o you_o will_v fear_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o you_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n i_o will_v have_v you_o confess_v he_o as_o you_o will_v have_v he_o to_o confess_v you_o as_o you_o will_v expect_v he_o shall_v confess_v you_o but_o be_v sure_a you_o give_v your_o testimony_n out_o of_o love_n as_o what_o you_o know_v and_o in_o heart_n true_o believe_v
and_o agree_v to_o so_o out_o of_o a_o burn_a love_n and_o zeal_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 3._o our_o testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o judicious_a testimony_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o god_n require_v when_o we_o swear_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n swear_v be_v a_o attestation_n a_o solemn_a attestation_n of_o a_o truth_n the_o testimony_n which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v to_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o oath_n though_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o refuse_v if_o call_v to_o that_o but_o as_o it_o must_v be_v to_o the_o truth_n in_o righteousness_n so_o it_o must_v be_v in_o judgement_n the_o judgement_n that_o i_o will_v have_v attend_v the_o testimony_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v be_v not_o a_o judgement_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a the_o truth_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o will_v bear_v the_o weight_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n too_o as_o it_o must_v bear_v if_o it_o bear_v any_o for_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o though_o truth_n all_o truth_n be_v a_o very_a sacred_a pin_n yet_o every_o such_o pin_n have_v not_o a_o equal_a degree_n of_o strength_n and_o will_v not_o bear_v a_o like_a weight_n i_o be_o afraid_a we_o have_v too_o loud_a a_o testimony_n to_o some_o truth_n which_o though_o they_o may_v have_v speak_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o love_n yet_o have_v not_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n of_o christian_n such_o testimony_n be_v those_o the_o christian_n give_v rom._n 14._o for_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o yet_o christian_n on_o either_o side_n be_v too_o warm_a any_o christian_a be_v thus_o far_o bind_v to_o give_v his_o testimony_n to_o every_o truth_n as_o not_o to_o deny_v it_o 2._o in_o his_o own_o particular_a practice_n to_o own_o it_o but_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v a_o party_n for_o every_o truth_n now_o this_o depend_v upon_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o own_o and_o be_v convince_v of_o to_o practise_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o to_o which_o god_n will_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v contentious_a for_o god_n have_v give_v his_o people_n a_o latitude_n in_o they_o without_o hazard_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v give_v our_o testimony_n to_o truth_n with_o prudence_n a_o prudential_a judge_v of_o the_o weight_n and_o value_n of_o a_o truth_n before_o we_o give_v a_o zealous_a testimony_n to_o it_o 4._o our_o testimony_n must_v be_v with_o prudence_n prov._n 8.12_o i_o wisdom_n dwell_v with_o prudence_n wisdom_n do_v often_o signify_v grace_n and_o true_o all_o true_a grace_n in_o a_o soul_n shall_v dwell_v with_o prudence_n we_o be_v command_v to_o be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n and_o to_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n 10.16_o matth._n 10.16_o but_o as_o wise_a there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o prudence_n to_o be_v use_v in_o give_v our_o testimony_n to_o our_o lord_n our_o lord_n himself_o if_o you_o observe_v he_o do_v it_o with_o prudence_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o let_v our_o wisdom_n dwell_v with_o prudence_n this_o prudence_n must_v not_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o deny_v any_o necessary_a truth_n or_o to_o dissemble_v so_o as_o to_o declare_v ourselves_o against_o it_o or_o not_o to_o own_v it_o for_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o prudencâ—_n as_o be_v oppose_v to_o impiety_n if_o there_o be_v a_o failure_n in_o piety_n there_o can_v be_v no_o prudence_n prudence_n do_v not_o so_o much_o respect_v the_o do_v or_o the_o not_o do_v of_o the_o thing_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o do_v of_o it_o in_o general_n we_o then_o give_v our_o testimony_n with_o prudence_n when_o we_o give_v it_o without_o any_o just_a offence_n to_o jew_n gentile_n or_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n may_v be_v spoil_v by_o the_o height_n of_o our_o spirit_n through_o pride_n show_v in_o judge_v contemn_v and_o despise_v of_o other_o or_o through_o the_o boisterousness_n and_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o spirit_n or_o by_o our_o noise_n and_o clamour_n so_o that_o to_o the_o prudence_n of_o a_o testimony_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n require_v 1._o humility_n in_o opposition_n to_o pride_n pride_n be_v a_o coloquintida_n that_o make_v all_o our_o mess_n of_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o god_n bitter_a god_n abhor_v the_o proud_a he_o abhor_v a_o haughty_a and_o contentious_a spirit_n he_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o he_o accept_v his_o testimony_n paul_n say_v act_v 20.19_o he_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o humility_n of_o mind_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o put_v on_o humility_n of_o mind_n col._n 3.12_o and_o 1_o pet._n 5.5_o to_o be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n humility_n be_v our_o garment_n a_o christian_a must_v do_v nothing_o but_o in_o humility_n in_o what_o he_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o vein_n of_o humility_n and_o in_o that_o part_n of_o our_o service_n to_o god_n where_o humility_n be_v want_v in_o that_o part_n a_o christian_a always_o walk_v naked_a and_o man_n see_v his_o shame_n a_o fastidious_a scornful_a contemn_v sufferer_n be_v no_o christian_a sufferer_n â—_o another_o thing_n be_v meekness_n with_o respect_n to_o passion_n this_o be_v often_o call_v for_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o put_v it_o on_o col._n 3.12_o and_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o instruct_v in_o meekness_n those_o that_o be_v without_o the_o apostle_n beseech_v you_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o christ_n meekness_n be_v oppose_v to_o frowardness_n and_o passion_n a_o passionate_a testimony_n to_o a_o truth_n be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o imprudent_a and_o indiscreet_a testimony_n the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n 3._o a_o three_o thing_n that_o commend_v a_o testimony_n be_v courtesy_n in_o opposition_n to_o morosity_n and_o soureness_n when_o festus_n tell_v paul_n that_o much_o learning_n have_v make_v he_o mad_a he_o answer_v i_o be_o not_o mad_a most_o noble_a festus_n observe_v with_o how_o much_o compliment_n paul_n speak_v to_o festus_n and_o other_o while_o he_o be_v bear_v testimony_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o soureness_n and_o morosity_n of_o a_o christian_n behaviour_n in_o bear_v his_o testimony_n make_v his_o testimony_n more_o unlovely_a and_o not_o so_o prudent_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v 4._o a_o four_o thing_n be_v peaceableness_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n must_v not_o strive_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o asperse_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o than_o the_o imprudence_n of_o a_o professor_n of_o it_o in_o the_o managery_n of_o his_o business_n 5._o your_o testimony_n unto_o god_n must_v be_v uniform_a and_o sincere_a it_o can_v be_v uniform_a if_o it_o be_v not_o sincere_a the_o testimony_n of_o the_o life_n must_v agree_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lip_n you_o know_v a_o witness_n that_o contradict_v his_o testimony_n do_v by_o it_o make_v his_o testimony_n invalid_a he_o that_o live_v contrary_a to_o his_o profession_n give_v himself_o the_o lie_n he_o testify_v with_o his_o lip_n but_o he_o deni_v in_o his_o life_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o some_o titus_n 1.16_o they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a and_o disobedient_a and_o to_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a you_o shall_v observe_v therefore_o that_o when_o the_o devil_n at_o any_o time_n give_v a_o testimony_n to_o a_o truth_n concern_v christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n they_o constant_o refuse_v and_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o speak_v the_o testimony_n of_o one_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v rather_o a_o dishonour_n and_o weaken_n of_o the_o truth_n than_o any_o strengthen_n and_o credit_n and_o confirmation_n a_o man_n that_o be_v holy_a in_o his_o life_n bear_v testimony_n with_o his_o lip_n be_v a_o great_a servant_n of_o god_n he_o by_o his_o mouth_n declare_v what_o he_o believe_v and_o by_o his_o life_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o do_v indeed_o not_o mock_v and_o dissemble_v with_o the_o world_n but_o he_o believe_v what_o he_o profess_v to_o believe_v you_o shall_v see_v in_o some_o case_n some_o foolish_a witness_n do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a so_o a_o christian_a may_v do_v more_o mischief_n than_o good_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o own_n of_o it_o and_o profess_v to_o it_o 6._o let_v it_o be_v a_o bold_a and_o undaunted_a testimony_n he_o be_v a_o good_a witness_n in_o a_o cause_n who_o speak_v modest_o and_o with_o all_o