Selected quad for the lemma: judgement_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
judgement_n body_n sin_n soul_n 3,674 5 5.2011 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
a39328 The great mystery of godlinesse opened being an exposition upon the whole ninth chapter of the epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans / by the late pious faithful servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. Edward Elton. Elton, Edward, d. 1624. 1653 (1653) Wing E651; ESTC R40205 342,638 246

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33.21_o that_o can_v consider_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n and_o not_o tremble_v at_o it_o therefore_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n consider_v it_o and_o do_v not_o mock_v and_o scoff_n at_o it_o lest_o the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n break_v out_o upon_o thou_o to_o thy_o utter_a destruction_n what_o and_o if_o god_n will_v to_o show_v his_o wrath_n and_o to_o make_v his_o power_n know_v suffer_v with_o long_a patience_n the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n prepare_v to_o destruction_n come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o second_o end_n of_o god_n long_o suffer_v and_o patience_n to_o wicked_a man_n and_o that_o be_v not_o only_o to_o show_v his_o wrath_n know_v the_o second_o end_n to_o make_v his_o power_n know_v but_o to_o make_v his_o power_n know_v the_o lord_n be_v patient_a and_o long_a suffering_n to_o reprobate_n to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o abuse_v his_o patience_n be_v obstinate_a and_o not_o be_v better_v he_o may_v at_o the_o length_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o power_n world_n he_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o power_n able_a to_o pull_v down_o the_o stout_a sinner_n in_o the_o world_n how_o soever_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o wink_v at_o it_o able_a to_o beat_v down_o the_o most_o stubborn_a heart_a wretch_n that_o be_v live_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o able_a to_o bring_v upon_o they_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o power_n now_o then_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v easy_o gather_v this_o conclusion_n that_o god_n will_v one_o day_n show_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o punish_v of_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a person_n such_o as_o go_v on_o wilful_o in_o their_o know_a sin_n doctrine_n and_o continue_v obstinate_a in_o their_o evil_a course_n and_o will_v not_o be_v better_v by_o his_o patience_n and_o kindness_n towards_o they_o though_o the_o lord_n do_v suffer_v obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a sinner_n to_o go_v on_o a_o long_a time_n yet_o at_o the_o last_o he_o will_v rise_v up_o and_o then_o manifest_a his_o power_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o power_n in_o their_o just_a vengeance_n thus_o the_o lord_n speak_v in_o deuteronomie_n 32.22_o that_o when_o once_o he_o take_v hold_v of_o his_o sword_n of_o vengeance_n he_o will_v pay_v they_o home_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o i_o may_v suffer_v vile_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n to_o escape_v my_o power_n a_o long_a time_n yet_o at_o the_o length_n i_o will_v whet_v my_o glitter_a sword_n and_o take_v hold_v on_o judgement_n then_o will_v i_o show_v forth_o my_o power_n in_o execute_v vengeance_n upon_o the_o wicked_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n in_o the_o 50._o psalm_n the_o psalmist_n in_o the_o 16._o verse_n bring_v the_o lord_n reckon_v up_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o in_o the_o 21._o verse_n he_o shut_v up_o all_o in_o a_o word_n these_o thing_n have_v thou_o do_v and_o i_o do_v forbear_v thou_o and_o because_o i_o do_v forbear_v thou_o therefore_o thou_o do_v think_v that_o thy_o course_n of_o life_n be_v please_v unto_o i_o but_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o time_n will_v come_v that_o i_o will_v call_v thou_o to_o account_v and_o set_v thy_o sin_n in_o order_n and_o then_o mark_v that_o which_o my_o speech_n aim_v at_o in_o the_o 22._o verse_n there_o be_v add_v a_o very_a pithy_a and_o powerful_a speech_n by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n consider_v this_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n lest_o he_o will_v tear_v you_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o to_o deliver_v you_o which_o be_v very_o emphatical_a wherein_o we_o see_v the_o lord_n compare_v himself_o to_o a_o hungerie_n lion_n that_o have_v get_v his_o prey_n rend_v and_o tear_v it_o in_o piece_n and_o none_o can_v rescue_v or_o take_v it_o off_o from_o the_o paw_n of_o the_o lion_n so_o will_v the_o lord_n one_o day_n rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o those_o that_o be_v wicked_a obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a sinner_n and_o then_o he_o will_v show_v himself_o even_o as_o a_o angry_a lion_n that_o crush_v the_o bone_n of_o a_o poor_a sheep_n between_o his_o tooth_n so_o he_o will_v manifest_v his_o power_n in_o punish_v wicked_a sinner_n and_o none_o can_v be_v able_a to_o free_v they_o from_o his_o punish_a hand_n and_o in_o revelation_n 11.17_o we_o find_v that_o the_o saint_n give_v god_n thanks_o and_o praise_n in_o this_o manner_n we_o thank_v thou_o o_o lord_n god_n almighty_a that_o be_v from_o everlasting_a and_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o etc._n etc._n then_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o verse_n they_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o this_o their_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n in_o these_o word_n and_o term_n for_o thou_o have_v receive_v thy_o great_a might_n and_o thou_o have_v obtain_v thy_o kingdom_n why_o be_v god_n strong_a then_o than_o he_o be_v now_o no_o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o though_o god_n be_v a_o great_a god_n in_o respect_n of_o power_n and_o always_o retain_v fullness_n of_o power_n and_o may_v and_o shall_v not_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n receive_v any_o great_a power_n or_o may_v then_o now_o he_o have_v yet_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v exercise_v and_o show_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o deliverance_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v his_o mighty_a power_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o 24._o elder_n sing_v their_o song_n now_o be_v thy_o may_v and_o power_n come_v so_o that_o we_o see_v though_o god_n do_v for_o a_o long_a time_n suffer_v the_o wicked_a to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n yet_o he_o will_v show_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o punish_v of_o they_o and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o these_o reason_n reason_v 1_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v in_o divers_a place_n of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n threaten_v and_o denounce_v plague_n and_o fearful_a punishment_n and_o judgement_n against_o wicked_a and_o rebellious_a sinner_n and_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a what_o he_o have_v threaten_v he_o will_v not_o suffer_v his_o threat_n and_o denunciation_n always_o to_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o lie_v dead_a and_o never_o be_v bring_v to_o execution_n but_o in_o his_o due_a time_n appoint_v he_o will_v make_v they_o good_a upon_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o those_o that_o live_v and_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n reason_n 2_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v know_v as_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o power_n here_o he_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o patience_n but_o he_o will_v be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o power_n in_o execute_v judgement_n and_o vengeance_n upon_o the_o wicked_a psalm_n 9.16_o for_o this_o be_v one_o proof_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o he_o will_v execute_v his_o power_n in_o bring_v destruction_n upon_o the_o wicked_a rebellious_a sinner_n though_o the_o lord_n suffer_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n for_o a_o long_a time_n yet_o he_o will_v one_o day_n make_v it_o apparent_a that_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o power_n in_o their_o just_a punishment_n howsoever_o he_o seem_v to_o see_v as_o if_o he_o see_v it_o not_o yet_o he_o will_v one_o day_n make_v his_o all-seeing_a power_n know_v object_n but_o now_o if_o any_o do_v object_n against_o this_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o 2_o thessalonian_o 1.9_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o christ_n jesus_n at_o his_o come_n unto_o judgement_n shall_v come_v in_o flame_a fire_n and_o render_v vengeance_n to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a in_o everlasting_a perdition_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o power_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n say_v he_o will_v separate_v the_o wicked_a from_o his_o power_n they_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o how_o be_v this_o answer_v answ_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v the_o lord_n will_v execute_v vengeance_n upon_o the_o wicked_a and_o put_v they_o from_o his_o power_n what_o power_n not_o his_o destroy_a power_n but_o his_o save_a power_n power_n god_n have_v a_o save_a power_n and_o a_o destroy_a power_n his_o glorious_a power_n james_n 4.12_o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n even_o god_n who_o can_v save_v and_o destroy_v so_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o save_a power_n of_o god_n but_o not_o from_o the_o destroy_a power_n that_o shall_v fall_v upon_o they_o heavy_o and_o fearful_o use_v 1_o upon_o this_o ground_n of_o truth_n take_v we_o notice_n of_o the_o miserable_a and_o woeful_a estate_n and_o condition_n of_o all_o wilful_a and_o rebellious_a sinner_n that_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n with_o
from_o some_o among_o man_n and_o leave_v they_o unto_o themselves_o in_o their_o natural_a hardness_n let_v they_o go_v on_o in_o their_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n as_o a_o manifest_a sign_n of_o their_o reprobation_n from_o hence_o then_o i_o will_v note_v brief_o thus_o much_o that_o god_n act_n of_o harden_v of_o some_o be_v a_o free_a act_n doctrine_n as_o his_o show_v of_o mercy_n be_v most_o free_a so_o his_o harden_v it_o most_o free_a also_o he_o harden_v who_o he_o will_v the_o lord_n harden_v who_o he_o will_v he_o deni_v save_v grace_n and_o save_a mercy_n to_o some_o among_o man_n and_o with_o hold_v it_o from_o they_o mere_o out_o of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o out_o of_o his_o own_o free_a and_o absolute_a good_a pleasure_n for_o belove_a as_o god_n harden_v which_o be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n of_o reprobation_n be_v most_o free_a sure_o so_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v and_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o god_n reject_v and_o reprobate_v of_o some_o be_v as_o free_v and_o without_o respect_n have_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o man_n or_o foresee_v in_o they_o as_o a_o cause_n move_v he_o thereunto_o but_o mere_o out_o of_o his_o own_o free_a absolute_a good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n this_o point_n belove_v i_o often_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o note_v for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o chapter_n often_o offer_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o i_o still_o note_v it_o against_o the_o armenian_n and_o the_o anabaptist_n those_o pestilentious_a spirit_n who_o hold_v and_o affirm_v that_o god_n do_v then_o only_o actual_o reject_v man_n for_o they_o make_v a_o double_a rejection_n purpose_n and_o act_n and_o they_o say_v god_n do_v then_o actual_o reject_v man_n when_o man_n reject_v christ_n and_o refuse_v the_o gospel_n then_o say_v they_o god_n reject_v man_n yea_o say_v the_o anabaptist_n the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n bend_v his_o face_n against_o those_o jew_n that_o be_v zealous_a of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o reject_v christ_n that_o seek_v righteousness_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n than_o god_n reject_v they_o when_o they_o reject_v christ_n and_o seek_v salvation_n by_o the_o law_n against_o those_o say_v they_o the_o apostle_n bend_v his_o face_n and_o beat_v now_o this_o conceit_n of_o they_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o this_o whole_a chapter_n and_o especial_o with_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o verse_n the_o example_n of_o pharaoh_n make_v direct_o against_o they_o for_o consider_v it_o be_v pharaoh_n a_o a_o jew_n can_v pharaoh_n be_v so_o consider_v as_o one_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n can_v this_o possible_o be_v see_v how_o absurd_a and_o gross_a they_o be_v in_o their_o opinion_n they_o can_v observe_v and_o mark_v that_o the_o apostle_n bring_v not_o only_o the_o example_n of_o esaw_n a_o jew_n but_o the_o example_n of_o pharaoh_n a_o gentile_a thereby_o show_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v reject_v some_o among_o man_n as_o well_o jew_n as_o gentile_n so_o that_o you_o see_v the_o apostle_n mean_v that_o god_n free_o and_o out_o of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n without_o respect_n have_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o man_n have_v reject_v some_o among_o man_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n again_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n say_v god_n harden_v who_o he_o will_v here_o you_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v limit_v that_o act_n of_o god_n harden_v to_o some_o among_o man_n so_o that_o the_o observation_n be_v plain_a viz._n doctrine_n that_o god_n will_v be_v to_o harden_v some_o among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o deny_v his_o save_a grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o to_o with_o hold_v it_o from_o some_o among_o man_n the_o place_n before_o allege_a show_v that_o god_n out_o of_o his_o mere_a pleasure_n reach_v out_o his_o save_a mercy_n not_o unto_o all_o but_o only_o to_o some_o that_o very_a point_n do_v evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o point_n that_o god_n do_v with_o hold_n save_v grace_n and_o save_a mercy_n from_o some_o among_o man_n and_o do_v harden_v they_o but_o this_o may_v be_v further_o prove_v more_o particular_o we_o find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o exodus_fw-la it_o be_v often_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v harden_v the_o heart_n of_o pharaoh_n as_o in_o the_o 7._o chapter_n and_o 3._o verse_n say_v god_n i_o will_v harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n and_o in_o the_o 9_o chapter_n and_o 12_o verse_n and_o also_o in_o the_o 10._o chapter_n and_o the_o 20._o verse_n the_o lord_n harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n and_o so_o in_o divers_a place_n and_o also_o in_o deuteronomy_n 2.30_o moses_n tell_v the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n harden_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o king_n of_o moab_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o give_v passage_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n god_n make_v he_o a_o obstinate_a heart_n and_o in_o joshuah_n 11.20_o joshuah_n speak_v thus_o that_o it_o come_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o wicked_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o in_o psalm_n 81.12_o the_o psalmist_n say_v that_o the_o people_n yield_v not_o unto_o god_n for_o he_o harden_v their_o heart_n this_o may_v sufficient_o evidence_n unto_o we_o that_o god_n will_v be_v to_o harden_v some_o among_o man_n and_o he_o be_v please_v to_o deny_v his_o save_a mercy_n unto_o they_o heart_n how_o god_n harden_v the_o heart_n but_o happy_o here_o some_o not_o so_o well_o conceive_v this_o point_n how_o god_n be_v say_v to_o harden_v man_n it_o be_v difficult_a to_o their_o capacity_n may_v desire_v to_o be_v further_o inform_v touch_v this_o point_n and_o therefore_o for_o their_o satisfaction_n know_v belove_v that_o god_n be_v say_v to_o harden_v some_o man_n not_o by_o infuse_v or_o put_v of_o hardness_n in_o their_o heart_n or_o make_v some_o man_n heart_n hard_o that_o be_v soft_a as_o the_o papist_n false_o charge_v we_o to_o affirm_v no_o nor_o yet_o by_o a_o bare_a permission_n by_o a_o bare_a permit_v and_o suffer_v man_n so_o to_o be_v as_o if_o the_o lord_n be_v but_o a_o spectator_n and_o a_o looker_n on_o in_o the_o harden_v of_o their_o heart_n and_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o it_o this_o be_v the_o dream_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o papist_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o of_o these_o way_n neither_o by_o infuse_v hardness_n nor_o by_o a_o bare_a permission_n but_o sure_o god_n harden_v some_o among_o man_n two_o way_n first_o by_o a_o spiritual_a disertion_n by_o forsake_v of_o man_n and_o not_o vouchsafe_v his_o soften_a grace_n unto_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v true_o say_v indurit_fw-la quos_fw-la non_fw-la emollit_fw-la he_o harden_v who_o he_o soften_v not_o second_o by_o punish_v man_n for_o their_o former_a sin_n by_o great_a sin_n by_o punish_v their_o former_a hardness_n by_o a_o further_a hardness_n add_v one_o hardness_n to_o another_o for_o it_o be_v a_o just_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o inflict_v sin_n for_o sin_n and_o god_n do_v this_o either_o by_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o god_n executioner_n and_o tormenter_n or_o the_o lord_n leave_v they_o over_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o so_o the_o point_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o god_n will_v be_v to_o harden_v some_o among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o forsake_v of_o they_o and_o not_o vouchsafe_v his_o soften_a grace_n and_o that_o by_o spiritual_a disertion_n and_o as_o a_o just_a judge_n either_o give_v they_o over_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o he_o as_o god_n executioner_n or_o give_v they_o over_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n object_n i_o but_o may_v some_o say_v obduratenesse_n and_o hardness_n in_o man_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o evil_a thing_n how_o then_o can_v god_n be_v say_v to_o harden_v man_n answ_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o hardness_n in_o man_n be_v a_o evil_a and_o sin_n and_o a_o fearful_a sin_n but_o harden_v be_v not_o so_o hardness_n be_v a_o sin_n but_o to_o harden_v be_v not_o the_o one_o be_v a_o quality_n and_o the_o other_o a_o act_n hardness_n be_v a_o evil_a quality_n in_o man_n heart_n but_o harden_v be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n infflict_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n and_o no_o sin_n in_o he_o first_o of_o all_o this_o be_v due_o consider_v that_o god_n will_v be_v to_o harden_v use_v 1_o some_o among_o man_n this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n may_v keep_v we_o from_o wonder_v and_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o when_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n the_o mean_n that_o serve_v to_o
work_v grace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o mollify_v and_o soften_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v vouchsafe_v and_o yet_o all_o be_v not_o soften_v but_o some_o continue_v in_o their_o hardness_n live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o soften_a because_o the_o powerful_a mean_n of_o grace_n be_v uneffectual_a unless_o it_o please_v god_n to_o put_v life_n unto_o they_o and_o to_o give_v efficacy_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o grace_n now_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o withhold_v his_o save_n and_o soften_a grace_n from_o man_n and_o to_o inflict_v hardness_n upon_o they_o as_o a_o judgement_n and_o then_o no_o marvel_n it_o be_v that_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o hardness_n and_o sin_n and_o stiffe-neckednesse_a and_o belove_v upon_o this_o ground_n the_o preacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n may_v stay_v themselves_o when_o they_o see_v that_o after_o their_o labour_n and_o pain_n take_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n they_o see_v little_a or_o no_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n he_o see_v that_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o same_o word_n deliver_v by_o he_o to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o people_n be_v so_o divers_a and_o different_a that_o some_o be_v better_v by_o it_o and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o and_o do_v according_a to_o it_o and_o some_o do_v clean_a contrary_n unto_o it_o it_o be_v a_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o some_o and_o a_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o other_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o exod._n 9.20_o 21._o with_o the_o preach_n of_o moses_n those_o who_o god_n give_v grace_n unto_o yield_v other_o yield_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o withhold_v his_o soften_a grace_n from_o man_n and_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o belove_v the_o lord_n common_o deal_v thus_o with_o hypocrite_n and_o such_o as_o come_v unto_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n only_o out_o of_o form_n and_o of_o fashion_n and_o of_o custom_n and_o be_v asleep_a when_o they_o come_v unto_o it_o they_o come_v without_o any_o long_a desire_n to_o profit_n by_o the_o mean_n they_o have_v no_o more_o desire_n to_o profit_n by_o it_o than_o the_o seat_n they_o sit_v upon_o then_o when_o they_o so_o come_v without_o a_o desire_n to_o profit_n and_o only_o for_o form_n and_o fashion_n than_o the_o lord_n suffer_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o though_o they_o hear_v a_o hundred_o sermon_n yet_o they_o be_v dull_a and_o dead_a and_o have_v no_o more_o good_a by_o they_o than_o the_o seat_n in_o the_o church_n and_o hereby_o the_o minister_n may_v cheer_v up_o himself_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v harden_v their_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o profit_n by_o the_o mean_n but_o permit_v they_o to_o post_v on_o the_o way_n to_o hell_n be_v this_o so_o that_o god_n will_v be_v to_o harden_v some_o among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o use_v 2_o inflict_v harden_v upon_o their_o heart_n how_o be_v they_o then_o to_o magnify_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v soft_a and_o melt_a heart_n and_o such_o as_o be_v flexible_a pliable_a and_o yield_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o admonition_n and_o threaten_n of_o it_o yea_o such_o a_o heart_n as_o good_a josiah_n have_v in_o 2_o chr._n 24.27_o that_o when_o he_o hear_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n read_v his_o heart_n melt_v and_o dissolve_v with_o tear_n so_o do_v thou_o when_o thou_o hear_v the_o threaten_n and_o denunciation_n of_o the_o word_n against_o thou_o tremble_n and_o be_v thy_o heart_n humble_v when_o thou_o hear_v the_o sweet_a comfort_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n even_o as_o the_o matter_n be_v so_o be_v thy_o heart_n affect_v if_o matter_n of_o comfort_n thou_o rejoic_a if_o matter_n of_o threaten_a thou_o be_v humble_v yea_o though_o it_o be_v against_o a_o sin_n thou_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o when_o thou_o hear_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n thou_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o thou_o tremble_v consider_v he_o be_v a_o just_a god_n thy_o heart_n be_v flexible_a &_o pliable_a the_o text_n be_v clear_a in_o ezek._n 36.25_o 26._o here_o we_o find_v that_o those_o who_o the_o lord_n do_v please_v to_o justify_v and_o sanctify_v and_o to_o pour_v the_o clean_a water_n upon_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o cleanse_v they_o from_o the_o filthiness_n of_o their_o sin_n to_o they_o he_o give_v a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n this_o be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o such_o that_o god_n do_v cleanse_v &_o mollify_v even_o a_o flexible_a pliable_a and_o yield_a heart_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o salvation_n oh_o have_v thou_o such_o a_o heart_n bless_v god_n for_o it_o this_o be_v a_o special_a mercy_n of_o god_n for_o of_o all_o the_o plague_n that_o befall_v man_n in_o this_o world_n hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v the_o worst_a none_o worse_a than_o that_o that_o be_v the_o most_o dreadful_a so_o softness_n of_o heart_n assure_o be_v a_o special_a blessing_n of_o god_n and_o give_v to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o god_n love_v oh_o than_o labour_n to_o have_v this_o bow_n bend_a yield_a heart_n to_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n labour_v to_o cheer_v it_o up_o and_o to_o have_v a_o pliable_a heart_n yield_v not_o stubborn_a and_o to_o that_o end_n use_v these_o mean_n that_o may_v mollify_v thou_o more_o and_o more_o namely_o be_v frequent_a and_o often_o in_o hear_v and_o read_v of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v hear_v and_o read_v it_o second_v it_o by_o meditation_n oh_o what_o enemy_n be_v they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o do_v not_o respect_n to_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o they_o have_v hear_v but_o let_v it_o slip_v away_o and_o second_o be_v often_o and_o frequent_v in_o think_v upon_o the_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o will_v soften_v thy_o heart_n and_o keep_v it_o soft_a the_o heart_n of_o the_o prodigal_a when_o it_o begin_v to_o relent_v to_o yield_v and_o to_o be_v move_v and_o to_o come_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o consider_v the_o tenderness_n and_o love_n of_o his_o gracious_a father_n oh_o say_v he_o i_o be_o a_o poor_a wretch_n here_o and_o a_o outcast_n but_o i_o have_v a_o good_a father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o against_o thou_o luke_n 15.17_o 18._o he_o will_v entertain_v and_o receive_v i_o again_o so_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o consider_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v for_o thou_o have_v he_o not_o vouchsafe_v his_o mercy_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o last_o of_o all_o be_v thou_o earnest_a above_o all_o be_v earnest_a with_o god_n in_o prayer_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v unto_o thou_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o soften_a and_o continue_v in_o thy_o breast_n a_o soft_a heart_n oh_o lord_n never_o suffer_v i_o to_o be_v give_v over_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n lord_n keep_v this_o heart_n of_o my_o soft_a pliable_a and_o yield_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o we_o be_v to_o hear_v it_o and_o to_o read_v it_o and_o to_o meditate_v upon_o it_o and_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o keep_v the_o heart_n in_o we_o for_o it_o be_v the_o great_a blessing_n of_o god_n that_o can_v befall_v a_o man_n in_o this_o world_n as_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v a_o great_a curse_n so_o softness_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n therefore_o labour_n for_o to_o get_v and_o increase_v it_o verse_n 19_o thou_o will_v say_v then_o unto_o i_o why_o do_v he_o yet_o complain_v who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n our_o apostle_n have_v clear_v god_n from_o the_o imputation_n of_o inconstancy_n and_o of_o unfaithfulnesse_n in_o his_o promise_n notwithstanding_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o body_n of_o they_o from_o the_o six_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n to_o the_o 14._o verse_n and_o have_v prove_v from_o the_o 14_o verse_n to_o the_o 19_o verse_n that_o god_n be_v not_o unjust_a in_o that_o he_o have_v out_o of_o his_o own_o absolute_a good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n choose_v some_o to_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o have_v pass_v by_o and_o reject_v other_o and_o that_o without_o respect_n have_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o they_o or_o foresee_v in_o they_o have_v i_o say_v clear_v god_n from_o this_o slander_n he_o now_o in_o this_o 19_o verse_n fall_v upon_o a_o new_a and_o a_o further_o cavil_v and_o reason_v of_o the_o flesh_n namely_o such_o a_o cavil_v as_o do_v charge_n god_n with_o no_o less_o than_o cruelty_n and_o with_o tyrannical_a deal_n with_o some_o man_n and_o from_o this_o the_o apostle_n clear_v god_n also_o now_o
the_o mean_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o then_o thus_o conceive_v we_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v and_o in_o like_a sort_n that_o god_n may_v make_v it_o know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n both_o to_o man_n and_o angel_n his_o exceed_a great_a and_o abundant_a grace_n and_o mercy_n towards_o and_o upon_o his_o elect_n who_o be_v vessel_n as_o capable_a of_o mercy_n as_o any_o vessel_n to_o receive_v water_n the_o lord_n have_v from_o everlasting_a ordain_v and_o appoint_v they_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n now_o the_o word_n be_v thus_o understand_v i_o will_v only_o point_v at_o one_o thing_n brief_o we_o see_v here_o the_o apostle_n make_v it_o apparent_a and_o know_v that_o god_n show_v his_o justice_n and_o make_v his_o power_n know_v upon_o the_o reprobate_n thereby_o to_o amplify_v and_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o mercy_n towards_o his_o choose_a and_o make_v know_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n upon_o the_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o observation_n and_o the_o doctrine_n hence_o arise_v be_v this_o viz._n doctrine_n that_o god_n mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o his_o child_n in_o any_o kind_n whatsoever_o whether_o concern_v soul_n or_o body_n it_o appear_v the_o great_a and_o be_v feel_v the_o sweet_a by_o consider_v god_n wrath_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n inflict_v upon_o the_o wicked_a the_o riches_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n mercy_n towards_o any_o of_o his_o child_n be_v more_o evident_a more_o apparent_a and_o more_o conspicuous_a and_o the_o better_o discern_v by_o compare_v it_o with_o his_o just_a punish_a hand_n that_o he_o lay_v upon_o other_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o have_v many_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o save_v noah_n and_o his_o family_n in_o the_o ark_n when_o the_o flood_n be_v upon_o the_o earth_n be_v consider_v with_o the_o lord_n wrath_n and_o vengeance_n upon_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o it_o make_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o be_v more_o conspicuous_a and_o better_o discern_v of_o noah_n so_o the_o freedom_n that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n have_v in_o the_o land_n of_o goshen_n in_o egypt_n from_o the_o plague_n of_o egypt_n when_o the_o heavy_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o the_o egyptian_n be_v consider_v with_o those_o heavy_a plague_n do_v exceed_o set_v forth_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o his_o child_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o the_o other_o punish_v in_o the_o same_o land_n and_o in_o exod._n 14.30_o 31._o the_o text_n say_v of_o the_o israelite_n they_o see_v the_o egyptian_n dead_a upon_o the_o bank_n and_o see_v their_o final_a overthrow_n and_o no_o doubt_n that_o god_n justice_n in_o their_o overthrow_n make_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o their_o deliverance_n appear_v the_o better_a and_o thereupon_o they_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o praise_n god_n after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n for_o a_o extraordinary_a blessing_n in_o the_o 15._o chapter_n and_o to_o these_o place_n i_o may_v add_v many_o more_o all_o express_v that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o his_o child_n feel_v sweet_a and_o the_o more_o comfortable_a consider_v together_o with_o god_n wrath_n in_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o reprobate_a yea_o it_o do_v ravish_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o more_o comfortable_a the_o reason_n reason_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v from_o that_o logical_a rule_n contra_fw-la juxta_fw-la se_fw-la posita_fw-la etc._n etc._n contrary_n set_v in_o opposition_n make_v they_o the_o better_a to_o appear_v black_a and_o white_a set_v together_o it_o make_v white_a more_o resplendent_a and_o appear_v the_o clear_a so_o god_n mercy_n oppose_v to_o god_n justice_n make_v his_o mercy_n appear_v more_o conspicuous_a and_o for_o the_o application_n use_v let_v this_o teach_v we_o to_o consider_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o that_o be_v his_o child_n in_o comparison_n of_o his_o judgement_n to_o other_o as_o for_o example_n thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n consider_v god_n have_v give_v thou_o sanctification_n in_o thy_o heart_n and_o soul_n a_o feel_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o groan_v under_o it_o then_o consider_v this_o thy_o illumination_n and_o sanctification_n together_o with_o the_o ignorance_n and_o obdurancy_n of_o other_o and_o it_o will_v make_v thou_o to_o praise_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n mercy_n so_o again_o in_o outward_a mercy_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v thou_o abundance_n thou_o have_v strength_n and_o ability_n of_o body_n thou_o have_v liberty_n and_o freedom_n from_o imprisonment_n and_o thou_o see_v other_o that_o be_v blind_a sick_a lame_a and_o under_o the_o heavy_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o some_o affliction_n they_o be_v weak_a and_o poor_a and_o in_o this_o hard_a time_n that_o now_o be_v upon_o we_o thou_o see_v other_o want_v fire_v want_v lodging_n want_v mean_n to_o defend_v they_o from_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o weather_n sure_o the_o lord_n set_v these_o before_o thou_o not_o only_o that_o thou_o shall_v be_v pitiful_a unto_o they_o and_o help_v and_o relieve_v they_o but_o herein_o also_o to_o see_v the_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n mercy_n towards_o thou_o lay_v not_o out_o so_o much_o upon_o thy_o pride_n in_o excess_n of_o apparel_n but_o extend_v some_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o praise_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n that_o have_v make_v thou_o rich_a and_o healthful_a and_o other_o lie_v up_o and_o down_o ready_a to_o be_v famish_v oh_o consider_v this_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v for_o thy_o body_n and_o soul_n he_o have_v enlarge_v his_o hand_n to_o thou_o enlarge_v thou_o thy_o hand_n in_o give_v to_o other_o and_o enlarge_v thy_o heart_n in_o praise_v of_o god_n and_o let_v it_o stir_v thou_o up_o to_o great_a thankfulness_n unto_o god_n for_o this_o his_o mercy_n to_o thou_o and_o that_o he_o may_v make_v know_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n on_o the_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v before_o prepare_v unto_o glory_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o say_v not_o bare_o god_n will_v extend_v and_o reach_v out_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n towards_o his_o child_n or_o that_o he_o may_v show_v his_o mercy_n upon_o they_o abundant_o but_o mark_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o speech_n he_o put_v down_o his_o mind_n and_o meaning_n in_o these_o term_n that_o god_n may_v declare_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n upon_o his_o i_o will_v dren_n every_o word_n be_v very_o emphatical_a and_o full_a of_o weight_n and_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o god_n may_v make_v know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n to_o man_n and_o angel_n his_o exceed_a great_a and_o abundant_a grace_n and_o mercy_n upon_o his_o elect_n and_o towards_o his_o child_n hence_o than_o we_o may_v easy_o gather_v this_o conclusion_n doctrine_n that_o god_n will_v one_o day_n manifest_v his_o exceed_a great_a and_o abundant_a mercy_n towards_o his_o choose_a and_o he_o will_v one_o day_n make_v it_o appear_v to_o all_o the_o world_n to_o man_n and_o angel_n that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o wonderful_a and_o gracious_a god_n unto_o his_o choose_a indeed_o god_n be_v exceed_o gracious_a and_o abundant_o merciful_a unto_o his_o choose_a at_o all_o time_n especial_o after_o their_o effectual_a call_v and_o conversion_n and_o turn_v from_o sin_n unto_o he_o from_o the_o estate_n of_o nature_n unto_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n then_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o pardon_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n seal_v his_o love_n unto_o they_o in_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v in_o roman_n 10.5_o then_o give_v unto_o his_o child_n liberty_n to_o approach_v and_o come_v near_o unto_o his_o holy_a presence_n with_o comfort_n and_o thanksgiving_n then_o beautify_v their_o soul_n with_o many_o excellent_a gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o faith_n with_o zeal_n and_o with_o humility_n so_o that_o god_n be_v exceed_o great_a and_o abundant_o merciful_a unto_o his_o choose_a yet_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o his_o abundant_a grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o his_o elect_n be_v not_o so_o apparent_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n it_o lie_v hide_v and_o obscure_v either_o under_o that_o excellent_a grace_n of_o humility_n or_o under_o their_o affliction_n so_o as_o that_o the_o world_n see_v it_o not_o yet_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v that_o howsoever_o it_o be_v now_o darken_v it_o shall_v appear_v to_o man_n and_o angel_n yea_o man_n and_o angel_n shall_v admire_v at_o the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o his_o choose_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 2_o thessalonian_o 1.10_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o christ_n jesus_n at_o the_o day_n of_o
matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o believe_a soul_n and_o particular_o comfort_v those_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o comfort_n he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o believe_v in_o these_o promise_n shall_v certain_o be_v save_v for_o thus_o run_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o gospel_n whosoever_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v certain_o be_v save_v hereupon_o the_o minister_n stand_v in_o the_o room_n and_o place_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o ambassador_n do_v make_v this_o particular_a application_n and_o draw_v out_o this_o conclusion_n the_o text_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v the_o minister_n say_v believe_v thou_o richard_n thomas_n william_n or_o whatsoever_o thou_o be_v and_o thou_o shall_v sure_o be_v save_v and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o christ_n himself_o do_v preach_v by_o his_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n for_o why_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o we_o preacher_n the_o delivery_n of_o his_o word_n as_o appear_v 2_o cor._n 5.19_o 20._o and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o believe_v the_o general_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o such_o shall_v be_v save_v they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o a_o man_n find_v faith_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n which_o he_o may_v prove_v by_o the_o fruit_n and_o work_n of_o faith_n may_v thereupon_o assure_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o god_n choose_v and_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v and_o thereupon_o we_o may_v see_v it_o be_v but_o a_o cavil_n that_o these_o enemy_n of_o god_n affirm_v that_o the_o minister_n know_v not_o whether_o a_o man_n belong_v to_o god_n election_n or_o no_o when_o the_o minister_n assure_v he_o not_o upon_o that_o ground_n but_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o believe_v be_v this_o so_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n must_v not_o only_o make_v know_v use_v 2_o general_a doctrine_n but_o particular_o apply_v they_o sure_o then_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n must_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o general_a truth_n of_o the_o word_n make_v know_v unto_o they_o but_o they_o must_v also_o be_v content_a to_o have_v those_o truth_n apply_v unto_o they_o particular_o by_o way_n of_o instruction_n by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n and_o by_o way_n of_o just_a reproof_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o belove_v man_n must_v not_o start_v aside_o and_o fret_v and_o chafe_v and_o take_v on_o when_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n be_v bring_v home_o unto_o they_o and_o apply_v particular_o unto_o their_o soul_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o their_o particular_a sin_n as_o their_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o apparel_n or_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v no_o they_o must_v willing_o cheerful_o and_o ready_o yield_v and_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o it_o and_o not_o begin_v to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o preacher_n and_o say_v now_o he_o speak_v out_o of_o malice_n and_o spleen_n and_o distemper_n and_o now_o he_o speak_v against_o such_o a_o man_n as_o if_o the_o man_n and_o the_o sin_n be_v one_o substance_n the_o minister_n can_v speak_v against_o pride_n garishness_n of_o apparel_n long_o shag_v hair_n but_o he_o speak_v against_o the_o man_n as_o if_o the_o sin_n be_v the_o man_n and_o the_o man_n and_o the_o sin_n all_o one_o therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v in_o a_o chafe_n when_o thy_o sin_n be_v reprove_v and_o know_v that_o if_o thou_o thus_o do_v fret_v and_o chafe_v it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o argument_n that_o thou_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o a_o spiritual_a frenzy_n and_o madness_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o god_n heavy_a wrath_n and_o judgement_n ready_a to_o break_v out_o upon_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o man_n that_o so_o fret_v and_o chafe_v and_o take_v on_o in_o impatiency_n it_o be_v a_o immediate_a forerunner_n of_o god_n heavy_a wrath_n when_o man_n can_v abide_v to_o be_v touch_v or_o to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n apply_v particular_o they_o be_v impatient_a of_o reproof_n and_o must_v have_v the_o preacher_n to_o speak_v please_a thing_n and_o to_o daub_v they_o up_o with_o untempered_a mortar_n this_o bring_v upon_o they_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n unto_o remediless_a and_o easless_a destruction_n esay_n 30.13_o 14._o of_o say_v the_o prophet_n this_o be_v a_o foul_a sin_n when_o man_n teach_v their_o preacher_n what_o to_o say_v it_o be_v like_o the_o break_n of_o a_o high_a wall_n that_o be_v sudden_a or_o like_o a_o bump_n in_o a_o wall_n a_o swell_a knob_v that_o upon_o a_o sudden_a fall_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o be_v break_v all_o to_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n that_o be_v break_v in_o shiver_n and_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o leave_v as_o to_o hold_v fire_n or_o water_n so_o it_o be_v with_o those_o that_o repine_v at_o the_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o word_n their_o destruction_n be_v sudden_a again_o further_a consider_v we_o if_o so_o be_v we_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o comfort_n apply_v unto_o we_o though_o it_o belong_v not_o unto_o we_o and_o we_o can_v accumulate_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o put_v away_o from_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reproof_n we_o can_v endure_v that_o sure_o the_o lord_n will_v then_o punish_v we_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n he_o will_v deal_v with_o we_o proportionable_o and_o according_o he_o will_v make_v his_o word_n of_o comfort_n that_o we_o so_o eager_o take_v hold_v on_o a_o unprofitable_a word_n and_o a_o word_n that_o shall_v yield_v no_o comfort_n unto_o we_o when_o we_o lie_v on_o our_o sick_a bed_n and_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n because_o we_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o comfort_n that_o appertain_v not_o unto_o we_o and_o put_v away_o the_o word_n of_o reproof_n therefore_o he_o will_v make_v the_o word_n of_o comfort_n comfortless_a consider_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o example_n of_o herod_n mark_v 6.20_o herod_n hear_v and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o that_o john_n baptist_n teach_v and_o find_v much_o comfort_n in_o hear_v of_o he_o but_o when_o john_n come_v to_o touch_v he_o and_o to_o hit_v he_o on_o the_o bare_a his_o belove_a sore_n and_o please_a dalilah_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o he_o to_o have_v his_o brother_n wife_n then_o herod_n show_v what_o he_o be_v he_o carry_v then_o a_o splenative_a mind_n and_o a_o grudge_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o never_o leave_v till_o he_o have_v his_o head_n what_o touch_v my_o belove_a sin_n and_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o herod_n according_o for_o those_o comfort_n that_o he_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o from_o john_n preach_v be_v fruitless_a he_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n and_o perish_v fearful_o in_o his_o folly_n then_o learn_v we_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n not_o cunning_o for_o our_o instruction_n and_o comfort_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o exhortation_n and_o just_a reproof_n to_o be_v tax_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n meet_v with_o we_o in_o his_o word_n for_o our_o particular_a sin_n to_o say_v it_o be_v his_o mercy_n and_o his_o blessing_n and_o to_o thank_v god_n that_o we_o have_v minister_n which_o do_v not_o daub_v we_o with_o untempered_a mortar_n and_o to_o say_v as_o david_n say_v in_o psal_n 141.5_o let_v the_o righteous_a smite_v i_o it_o be_v a_o precious_a balm_n this_o be_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o godly_a but_o if_o we_o do_v accumulate_v to_o ourselves_o the_o comfort_n that_o be_v promulgate_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o cast_v away_o the_o reproof_n denounce_v against_o our_o sin_n god_n will_v then_o make_v his_o comfort_n comfortless_a and_o they_o shall_v do_v we_o no_o good_a so_o then_o it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v but_o of_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n have_v former_o handle_v the_o reference_n this_o verse_n have_v with_o precedent_a matter_n i_o now_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o verse_n itself_o and_o first_o of_o all_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o place_n do_v deny_v god_n eternal_a election_n of_o some_o to_o life_n and_o salvation_n to_o be_v in_o he_o that_o will_v good_a or_o work_v good_a and_o so_o the_o observation_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o nothing_o in_o man_n or_o do_v by_o man_n come_v from_o he_o doctrine_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o ground_n of_o man_n election_n or_o salvation_n neither_o any_o man_n willing_a of_o good_a or_o work_v of_o good_a no_o not_o the_o willing_a or_o work_v of_o good_a by_o a_o regenerate_a person_n by_o a_o person_n true_o sanctify_v and_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n not_o his_o willing_a or_o work_v of_o good_a that_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o ground_n of_o his_o election_n or_o salvation_n and_o so_o to_o prevent_v a_o
that_o can_v befall_v man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o yet_o they_o see_v it_o not_o oh_o here_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n already_o they_o be_v blind_a in_o their_o mind_n and_o hard_o in_o heart_n and_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o now_o in_o this_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n stand_v over_o man_n with_o his_o judgement_n and_o whip_n and_o his_o sword_n of_o vengeance_n in_o temporal_a plague_n and_o punishment_n but_o rather_o in_o spiritual_a plague_n and_o judgement_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o near_o the_o general_a day_n of_o judgement_n be_v at_o hand_n wherein_o the_o lord_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n the_o more_o the_o lord_n do_v surcease_v from_o temporal_a judgement_n and_o plague_n and_o let_v they_o go_v on_o fill_v the_o number_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o then_o he_o lay_v load_n upon_o they_o so_o that_o the_o near_a the_o day_n come_v the_o more_o the_o lord_n surcease_v temporal_a punishment_n and_o punish_v with_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o therefore_o let_v none_o think_v that_o they_o be_v well_o and_o in_o good_a case_n as_o many_o do_v because_o they_o be_v free_a from_o temporal_a plague_n and_o punishment_n nor_o sick_a nor_o molest_v with_o these_o and_o these_o trouble_n and_o yet_o in_o their_o soul_n they_o lie_v under_o the_o heavy_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o blindness_n and_o hardness_n in_o ignorance_n and_o obstinacy_n for_o herein_o god_n have_v begin_v to_o execute_v his_o judgement_n already_o god_n now_o sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o he_o his_o heavy_a hand_n of_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n be_v now_o over_o he_o and_o do_v now_o point_n and_o mark_v he_o out_o for_o a_o castaway_n and_o seal_v up_o unto_o he_o his_o own_o everlasting_a damnation_n the_o fearful_a and_o miserable_a estate_n and_o condition_n that_o can_v befall_v a_o man_n do_v god_n harden_v none_o but_o reprobate_n and_o such_o as_o be_v fit_v for_o reprobation_n use_v 2_o oh_o learn_v we_o then_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o that_o which_o provoke_v god_n to_o give_v we_o up_o to_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n the_o ten_o plaguess_n of_o egypt_n be_v not_o so_o great_a unto_o pharaoh_n as_o the_o harden_v of_o his_o heart_n and_o if_o we_o will_v know_v what_o that_o be_v it_o be_v this_o custom_n in_o sin_n continuance_n in_o know_a sin_n witting_o and_o willing_o and_o a_o go_v on_o in_o know_a sin_n after_o many_o instruction_n many_o admonition_n many_o exhortation_n use_v to_o the_o contrary_a when_o man_n be_v come_v to_o this_o pass_n and_o to_o this_o height_n of_o sin_n that_o they_o be_v obstinate_a and_o wilful_a and_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v nor_o reform_v from_o evil_a they_o will_v swear_v and_o swagger_v and_o be_v drink_v and_o run_v into_o every_o idle_a and_o new_a fangle_a fashion_n they_o will_v live_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o damnable_a sin_n of_o usury_n in_o the_o profanation_n of_o the_o holy_a sabbath_n of_o the_o lord_n whosoever_o speak_v against_o it_o sure_o when_o man_n come_v to_o this_o pass_n and_o be_v thus_o obstinate_a in_o sin_n than_o the_o lord_n come_v in_o justice_n against_o they_o and_o give_v they_o over_o to_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o a_o filthy_a life_n and_o so_o to_o pass_v on_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o to_o press_v it_o a_o little_a near_o take_v heed_n whosoever_o you_o be_v that_o dare_v justle_v with_o the_o threaten_a and_o denunciation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v apply_v to_o your_o particular_a sin_n as_o in_o particular_a that_o be_v apply_v against_o your_o pride_n and_o vanity_n in_o apparel_n you_o that_o be_v so_o shameless_a and_o so_o impudent_a that_o say_v we_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o speak_v against_o it_o no_o have_v we_o no_o warrant_v and_o if_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n we_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o deliver_v vision_n of_o our_o own_o brain_n oh_o it_o grieve_v my_o soul_n to_o think_v that_o you_o of_o who_o we_o shall_v have_v better_a hope_n do_v speak_v so_o wicked_o and_o so_o shameless_o have_v we_o no_o warrant_n for_o it_o take_v heed_n god_n be_v strong_a than_o you_o it_o will_v be_v to_o the_o confusion_n of_o your_o soul_n because_o you_o stand_v in_o defence_n of_o your_o pride_n i_o will_v not_o go_v so_o far_o with_o you_o as_o to_o say_v that_o you_o be_v already_o give_v over_o to_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n but_o take_v this_o with_o you_o you_o be_v at_o the_o very_a next_o door_n and_o near_o unto_o it_o to_o be_v give_v over_o of_o god_n and_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n to_o go_v on_o with_o a_o full_a swing_n and_o full_a wind_n and_o tide_n to_o hell_n i_o grant_v you_o the_o best_a of_o god_n child_n may_v sometime_o through_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o mind_n cast_v away_o wholesome_a admonition_n as_o david_n do_v 2_o sam._n 24._o yea_o though_o he_o be_v dutiful_o admonish_v by_o joab_n not_o to_o number_v the_o people_n yet_o david_n through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o heart_n will_v do_v it_o so_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n may_v refuse_v reject_v and_o cast_v off_o wholesome_a admonition_n and_o counsel_n but_o when_o man_n be_v come_v to_o that_o height_n that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o in_o zach._n 7.11_o 12._o that_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v but_o they_o will_v have_v brazen_a face_n and_o whore_n forehead_n and_o they_o dare_v stand_v to_o outface_v the_o preacher_n and_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v they_o be_v swearer_n swaggerer_n usurer_n sabbath-breaker_n and_o filthy_a person_n and_o they_o will_v be_v so_o they_o do_v then_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o give_v they_o over_o to_o reprobation_n yea_o to_o give_v it_o they_o under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o heaven_n thou_o be_v a_o reprobate_n which_o indeed_o be_v a_o condition_n fearful_a and_o miserable_a and_o to_o be_v consider_v with_o tremble_a use_v 3_o last_o of_o all_o be_v it_o so_o that_o god_n harden_v reprobate_n and_o none_o but_o reprobate_n be_v harden_v do_v not_o thou_o whosoever_o thou_o be_v imagine_v or_o once_o think_v that_o god_n will_v ever_o give_v thou_o up_o to_o blindness_n of_o mind_n or_o hardness_n of_o heart_n altogether_o that_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n i_o grant_v god_n do_v sometime_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o his_o dear_a child_n but_o in_o part_n and_o a_o child_n of_o god_n may_v sometime_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o in_o some_o degree_n be_v blind_v in_o his_o mind_n and_o harden_v in_o his_o heart_n yea_o a_o child_n of_o god_n may_v feel_v in_o he_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n wonderful_o decay_v but_o not_o utter_o extinct_a psal_n 51.10_o 11_o 12._o oh_o cast_v i_o not_o away_o from_o thy_o presence_n withhold_v not_o thy_o spirit_n from_o i_o etc._n etc._n what_o do_v these_o prayer_n argue_v but_o that_o he_o feel_v his_o heart_n rot_a and_o corrupt_a and_o yield_v unto_o lust_n and_o some_o of_o his_o light_n go_v but_o yet_o god_n never_o blind_v their_o mind_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n altogether_o for_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o reprobate_n and_o such_o as_o belong_v not_o to_o god_n it_o be_v the_o complaint_n of_o the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n sometime_o alas_o i_o feel_v such_o a_o deadness_n and_o dulness_n in_o my_o heart_n and_o soul_n that_o i_o doubt_v god_n have_v leave_v i_o forsake_v i_o and_o give_v i_o up_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n i_o can_v mourn_v and_o weep_v for_o other_o thing_n but_o i_o can_v mourn_v and_o weep_v for_o my_o sin_n that_o i_o fear_v i_o be_o give_v up_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n oh_o take_v comfort_n in_o it_o thou_o that_o fear_v the_o hardness_n of_o thy_o heart_n it_o may_v be_v a_o testimony_n thou_o be_v not_o altogether_o give_v to_o the_o hardness_n of_o heart_n because_o thou_o feel_v it_o where_o there_o be_v feel_n there_o be_v life_n corruption_n feel_v not_o corruption_n grace_n feel_v corruption_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o feel_n of_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o a_o groan_a and_o a_o sigh_v under_o it_o thou_o be_v not_o altogether_o give_v up_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o blindness_n of_o mind_n therefore_o comfort_n thyself_o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v unto_o pharaoh_n even_o for_o this_o very_a end_n have_v i_o stir_v thou_o up_o that_o i_o may_v show_v my_o power_n in_o thou_o and_o that_o my_o name_n may_v be_v declare_v throughout_o the_o earth_n and_o belove_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v by_o without_o note_v that_o the_o lord_n say_v his_o
the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n open_v be_v a_o exposition_n upon_o the_o whole_a nine_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o the_o romans_z by_o the_o late_a pious_a and_o faithful_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n mr._n edward_n elton_n bachelor_n in_o divinity_n and_o sometime_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o mary_n magdalen_n bermondsey_n near_o london_n jacob_n have_v i_o love_v but_o esau_n have_v i_o hate_v rom._n 9.13_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n rom._n 11.33_o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o receive_v up_o into_o glory_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o license_v enter_v print_v and_o publish_v according_a to_o order_n london_n print_a by_o j._n l._n for_o christopher_n meredith_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o crane_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1653._o to_o the_o courteous_a and_o christian_a reader_n good_a reader_n this_o book_n which_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n have_v put_v into_o thy_o hand_n to_o read_v be_v such_o of_o which_o thou_o may_v just_o say_v as_o jacob_n do_v of_o his_o pretend_a venison_n 20._o venison_n gen._n 27.19_o 20._o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v it_o to_o thy_o hand_n rise_v up_o therefore_o and_o eat_v of_o this_o savoury_a meat_n such_o as_o thy_o soul_n love_v or_o shall_v do_v at_o least_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o most_o pious_a and_o skilful_a scribe_n excellent_o instruct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 13.52_o god_n matth._n 13.52_o he_o be_v a_o burn_a and_o a_o shine_a light_n 5.35_o light_n joh._n 5.35_o burn_v with_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o shine_v as_o a_o light_n in_o that_o crooked_a generation_n wherein_o he_o live_v 2.15_o live_v phil._n 2.15_o but_o he_o be_v now_o triumph_v in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n either_o of_o thy_o prayer_n or_o my_o praise_n who_o be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v 11.4_o speak_v heb._n 11.4_o so_o that_o his_o own_o work_n may_v just_o praise_v he_o in_o the_o gate_n 31.31_o gate_n prov._n 31.31_o leave_v therefore_o the_o author_n who_o be_v now_o at_o rest_n with_o the_o lord_n i_o come_v to_o the_o book_n itself_o wherein_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o new_a truth_n yet_o thou_o shall_v find_v old_a truth_n confute_v old_a and_o new_a error_n sin_v sharp_o rebuke_v holy_a duty_n earnest_o and_o seasonable_o press_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n advance_v and_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n sweet_o open_v evidence_n of_o election_n clear_o discover_v here_o thou_o may_v know_v whether_o thy_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n 10.20_o heaven_n luk._n 10.20_o only_o let_v i_o advise_v thou_o to_o follow_v the_o author_n method_n who_o begin_v first_o with_o the_o complaint_n of_o a_o sinner_n combat_v and_o conflict_v then_o come_v to_o the_o christian_a triumph_v and_o so_o come_v to_o open_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n so_o do_v thou_o read_v the_o first_o treatise_n to_o learn_v to_o complain_v of_o thy_o corruption_n and_o then_o thou_o may_v be_v sure_a at_o last_o to_o triumph_v with_o the_o true_a christian_a and_o so_o be_v the_o fit_a to_o look_v into_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n for_o to_o such_o be_v the_o promise_n make_v by_o our_o saviour_n that_o to_o they_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 13.11_o heaven_n matth._n 13.11_o and_o again_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o doer_n of_o god_n will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n 7.17_o god_n joh._n 7.17_o so_o that_o he_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o be_v daily_o conversant_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v skilful_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o get_v thy_o heart_n therefore_o store_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n add_v to_o thy_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o thy_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o that_o patience_n and_o to_o that_o godliness_n and_o to_o that_o brotherly_a kindness_n etc._n etc._n for_o so_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v make_v unto_o thou_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 11._o christ_n 2_o pet._n 1_o 5●_n etc._n etc._n 11._o beside_o let_v i_o recommend_v unto_o thou_o a_o fit_a treasure_n for_o a_o christian_a to_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n where_o the_o rust_n and_o moth_n can_v corrupt_v nor_o thief_n break_v through_o nor_o steal_v 6.20_o steal_v matth._n 6.20_o in_o a_o word_n let_v i_o advise_v thou_o to_o store_v up_o in_o thy_o heart_n soundness_n of_o knowledge_n strength_n of_o faith_n purity_n of_o heart_n clearness_n of_o conscience_n holiness_n of_o life_n assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n many_o sanctify_a sabbath_n fervent_a prayer_n holy_a conference_n heavenly_a meditation_n day_n of_o humiliation_n sincere_a love_n of_o the_o saint_n righteous_a deal_n with_o the_o brethren_n a_o sincere_a love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 6.24_o christ_n ephes_n 6.24_o a_o universal_a hatred_n of_o every_o know_a sin_n and_o of_o all_o alse_a way_n 119.104_o way_n psal_n 119.104_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 3.5_o godliness_n 2_o tim._n 3.5_o this_o counsel_n observe_v and_o follow_v will_v enable_v thou_o to_o live_v christianly_o and_o to_o die_v comfortable_o with_o full_a assurance_n that_o when_o the_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v thou_o shall_v have_v a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n 5.17_o heaven_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o where_o you_o shall_v be_v ever_o with_o lord_n q_o who_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n where_o there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n that_o last_o for_o evermore_o ult_n evermore_o psai_n 16._o ult_n such_o as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n have_v hear_v nor_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o joy_n that_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o 29._o he_o 1_o cor._n 29._o let_v i_o earnest_o entreat_v thou_o and_o affectionate_o beseech_v thou_o good_a reader_n speedy_o to_o fall_v to_o work_v and_o first_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n 6.33_o righteousness_n matth._n 6.33_o for_o herein_o delay_n be_v most_o dangerous_a for_o the_o long_o thou_o stay_v thou_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n grow_v more_o angry_a satan_n more_o strong_a thyself_o more_o unable_a to_o repent_v sin_n more_o unconquerable_a thy_o conversion_n more_o difficult_a and_o thy_o salvation_n more_o impossible_a a_o ruinous_a house_n the_o long_o delay_v the_o more_o costly_a will_v the_o repair_n be_v the_o nail_n of_o sin_n the_o more_o stroke_n be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o frequent_a act_n the_o more_o difficult_a to_o get_v out_o of_o that_o precious_a soul_n of_o thou_o oh_o than_o begin_v speedy_o because_o delay_n be_v so_o dangerous_a and_o continue_v constant_o have_v once_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o make_v a_o end_n in_o the_o flesh_n lest_o you_o labour_n and_o suffer_v all_o in_o vain_a 4._o vain_a gal._n 3_o 3_o 4._o give_v i_o leave_v therefore_o to_o press_v thou_o effectual_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o have_v such_o glorious_a hope_n and_o so_o many_o precious_a promise_n 1.4_o promise_n 2_o cor._n 1.4_o endeavour_v to_o cleanse_v thyself_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 7.1_o god_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v assure_v thou_o that_o thy_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 15.58_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o only_o be_v sure_a to_o fight_v a_o good_a fight_n and_o keep_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n till_o thou_o finish_v thy_o course_n and_o i_o can_v assure_v thou_o of_o a_o immortal_a crown_n which_o jesus_n christ_n that_o righteous_a judge_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o set_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o all_o such_o as_o love_v his_o appear_v 9_o appear_v 2_o tim._n 47_o 8_o 9_o against_o who_o glorious_a come_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v the_o better_o prepare_v let_v i_o advise_v thou_o once_o more_o to_o a_o serious_a perusal_n of_o this_o and_o the_o two_o former_a treatise_n in_o the_o read_n whereof_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n shall_v be_v with_o and_o for_o thou_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o hereby_o thy_o judgement_n may_v be_v right_o inform_v
thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n thorough_o reform_v thy_o corruption_n mortify_v thy_o grace_n increase_v thy_o love_n and_o zeal_n inflame_v and_o thy_o soul_n at_o last_o eternal_o save_v let_v i_o beg_v thy_o prayer_n for_o myself_o in_o requital_n of_o my_o pain_n and_o thy_o best_a wish_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o stationer_n for_o his_o labour_n and_o his_o honest_a care_n and_o cost_v bestow_v herein_o and_o herein_o forget_v not_o to_o go_v to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o thy_o read_v this_o work_n and_o all_o our_o endeavour_n herein_o that_o all_o may_v tend_v to_o his_o glory_n in_o hope_v whereof_o i_o commend_v thou_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o book_n once_o more_o to_o thy_o serious_a read_n and_o practice_n hearty_o take_v leave_n i_o hasten_v to_o write_v myself_o albourn_n this_o present_a march_n 12_o h._n 1652._o thou_o in_o christ_n jesus_n william_n harrison_n there_o be_v late_o print_a god_n holy_a mind_n touch_v matter_n moral_a which_o himself_o utter_v in_o ten_o word_n or_o ten_o commandment_n also_o christ_n holy_a mind_n touch_v prayer_n which_o himself_n teach_v unto_o his_o disciple_n discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o holy_a writ_n and_o deliver_v by_o question_n and_o answer_n by_o the_o late_a learned_a and_o faithful_a preacher_n of_o god_n word_n mr_n edward_n elton_n b._n d._n and_o pastor_n of_o st._n mary_n magdalen_n bar_n monsey_n near_o london_n a_o true_a relation_n of_o the_o murder_n commit_v in_o the_o parish_n of_o clunne_n in_o the_o county_n of_o salop_n by_o enoch_n ap_fw-mi evan_n upon_o the_o body_n of_o his_o mother_n and_o brother_n with_o the_o cause_n move_v he_o thereunto_o by_o richard_n more_o esquire_n print_a by_o order_n of_o a_o committee_n of_o parliament_n the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n open_v or_o a_o exposition_n upon_o the_o nine_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o romans_z romans_z 9_o verse_n 1._o i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o the_o holy_a ghost_n verse_n 2._o that_o i_o have_v great_a heaviness_n and_o continual_a sorrow_n in_o my_o heart_n this_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n write_v by_o that_o famous_a apostle_n paul_n the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o gentile_n consist_v of_o these_o 3_o part_n in_o general_n 1._o a_o proemium_fw-la or_o introduction_n 2._o a_o institution_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n 3._o a_o percration_n or_o conclusion_n again_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o apostle_n proceed_v in_o this_o manner_n 1._o he_o handle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n in_o the_o 5_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n 2._o he_o insi_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o sanctification_n in_o the_o 6._o and_o 7_o the_o chapter_n 3._o matter_n of_o sweet_a consolation_n flow_v from_o the_o two_o former_a in_o chapter_n the_o 8_o the_o 4._o he_o propound_v and_o prosecute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n in_o the_o 9_o the_o 10_o the_o and_z 11_o the_o chapter_n 5._o he_o proceed_v to_o matter_n of_o christian_a exhortation_n to_o sundry_a duty_n general_a and_o special_a chapter_n 12.13_o etc._n etc._n now_o in_o this_o nine_o chapter_n he_o begin_v the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n and_o open_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n concern_v the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n and_o herein_o we_o have_v 3_o part_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o insinuation_n of_o the_o apostle_n dear_a and_o deep_a affection_n and_o a_o solemn_a and_o serious_a protestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o also_o a_o singular_a manifestation_n of_o his_o most_o admirable_a love_n to_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o the_o doctrine_n he_o be_v now_o about_o to_o deliver_v and_o this_o be_v amplify_v by_o sundry_a circumstance_n as_o 1._o by_o the_o particular_a passion_n or_o affection_n wherein_o he_o manifest_v his_o dear_a love_n to_o they_o and_o that_o be_v his_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n for_o their_o cast_v off_o 2._o the_o grief_n he_o here_o speak_v of_o be_v further_a amplify_v by_o two_o further_a circumstance_n or_o adjunct_n viz._n 1._o the_o constancy_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o 3._o this_o love_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o they_o be_v further_a illustrate_v by_o the_o great_a measure_n or_o extent_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o he_o can_v wish_v himself_o accurse_v and_o separate_v from_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o procure_v their_o salvation_n 4._o last_o by_o the_o affectionate_a and_o honourable_a mention_n that_o he_o make_v of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n describe_v both_o full_o and_o affectionate_o all_o their_o privilege_n and_o prerogative_n show_v what_o great_a cause_n he_o have_v to_o be_v so_o deep_o affect_v with_o their_o rejection_n and_o thus_o he_o do_v in_o the_o 5_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n be_v touch_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o stabilility_n and_o constancy_n of_o the_o lord_n promise_n though_o the_o jew_n be_v reject_v and_o the_o defend_n of_o that_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o the_o stability_n of_o it_o against_o all_o cavil_n and_o all_o err_a spirit_n and_o all_o humane_a reason_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o from_o the_o 6._o verse_n to_o the_o 24._o the_o three_o part_n be_v a_o declaration_n of_o that_o wonderful_a and_o deep_a mystery_n hold_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n foretell_v though_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v it_o before_o paul_n reveal_v it_o unto_o they_o which_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n so_o lay_v down_o from_o the_o 24._o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n so_o you_o have_v the_o chief_a material_n general_a in_o the_o chapter_n of_o these_o in_o order_n and_o first_o of_o the_o first_o the_o apostle_n be_v about_o to_o propound_v that_o which_o he_o know_v will_v be_v take_v very_o harsh_a and_o hard_o and_o marvellous_a displease_v and_o offensive_a to_o the_o jew_n to_o hear_v of_o he_o use_v a_o very_a pathetical_a insinuation_n of_o his_o love_n unto_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o love_n express_v that_o love_n by_o his_o inward_a and_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o their_o present_a estate_n and_o the_o care_n that_o he_o have_v for_o their_o good_a thereby_o to_o gain_v their_o good_a will_n and_o not_o exasperate_v they_o against_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o rejection_n use_v a_o preface_n unto_o it_o that_o the_o thing_n he_o speak_v be_v the_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o more_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o he_o put_v down_o the_o contrary_a and_o i_o lie_v not_o and_o he_o confirm_v it_o further_o by_o a_o oath_n he_o call_v christ_n to_o witness_v i_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o and_o second_o he_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o witness_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n his_o own_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n with_o he_o and_o this_o conscience_n renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n my_o own_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n with_o i_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o then_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n he_o deliver_v and_o put_v down_o his_o sorrow_n and_o his_o grief_n and_o his_o heaviness_n of_o heart_n and_o thus_o he_o set_v out_o by_o the_o continuance_n and_o greatness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sorrow_n and_o a_o continual_a sorrow_n and_o that_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o not_o a_o dissemble_a feign_a or_o outside_n sorrow_n but_o in_o his_o very_a heart_n and_o soul_n there_o he_o put_v down_o the_o desire_n of_o their_o good_a in_o the_o three_o verse_n and_o he_o do_v express_v that_o by_o a_o wonderful_a strange_a speech_n even_o by_o a_o wish_n to_o be_v separate_v from_o christ_n for_o their_o good_a their_o call_n and_o conversion_n thereby_o imply_v their_o rejection_n and_o not_o propound_v it_o for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o wish_n to_o be_v wish_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o christ_n for_o their_o sake_n if_o they_o be_v not_o reject_v and_o therefore_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v anathemate_v and_o accurse_a from_o christ_n for_o their_o good_a and_o then_o he_o set_v down_o reason_n why_o he_o so_o wish_v himself_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o christ_n first_o of_o all_o because_o they_o be_v his_o brethren_n and_o kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n second_o a_o more_o weighty_a reason_n than_o this_o because_o they_o be_v the_o israelite_n of_o god_n and_o god_n people_n and_o that_o he_o make_v further_o manifest_a and_o plain_a unto_o
god_n presence_n among_o they_o and_o be_v their_o glory_n who_o have_v also_o the_o moral_a law_n write_v in_o two_o table_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n himself_o call_v the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o judicial_a law_n metaphrase_n the_o metaphrase_n for_o the_o government_n of_o their_o common_a wealth_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a law_n have_v god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o full_a of_o equity_n and_o likewise_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n touch_v the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v also_o a_o excellent_a law_n distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o they_o have_v also_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n touch_v god_n favour_n and_o touch_v good_a thing_n temporal_a and_o spiritual_a and_o the_o promise_n legal_a and_o the_o promise_v evangelical_n many_o sweet_a gracious_a and_o comfortable_a promise_n now_o thus_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n come_v we_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v hence_o offer_v for_o our_o further_a instruction_n and_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o a_o further_a ground_n of_o his_o wish_n to_o be_v separate_v or_o accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n because_o they_o be_v the_o israelite_n the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n i_o may_v stand_v to_o show_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v respect_v and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o wish_v they_o good_a spiritual_a good_a even_o because_o they_o be_v the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n but_o of_o that_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o fit_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o next_o verse_n we_o see_v the_o jew_n be_v here_o set_v out_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o most_o honourable_a people_n endow_v with_o many_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a privilege_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o all_o their_o privilege_n do_v nothing_o avail_v they_o they_o do_v they_o no_o good_a at_o all_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n favour_n towards_o they_o and_o of_o god_n acceptance_n of_o they_o because_o they_o do_v not_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o believe_v in_o christ_n they_o reject_v christ_n and_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o their_o excellent_a privilege_n do_v nothing_o profit_v they_o to_o commend_v they_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v they_o please_v to_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n here_o wish_v himself_o to_o be_v separate_v or_o accurse_v from_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v convert_v and_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n notwithstanding_o their_o great_a privilege_n hence_o than_o we_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v thus_o much_o doctrine_n that_o no_o privilege_n whatsoever_o be_v it_o never_o so_o great_a or_o excellent_a be_v available_a to_o make_v a_o people_n or_o a_o person_n want_v faith_n and_o save_a grace_n accept_v of_o and_o please_v to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o the_o great_a privilege_n or_o excellency_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v of_o any_o force_n or_o worth_n to_o commend_v either_o people_n or_o person_n want_v faith_n in_o god_n sight_n to_o make_v they_o accept_v with_o god_n rom._n 2.25_o we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o great_a folly_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v breaker_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o hold_v themselves_o acceptable_a to_o god_n because_o they_o be_v circumcise_v they_o stand_v on_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o circumcision_n who_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o jew_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n thou_o be_v no_o more_o please_v to_o god_n than_o the_o gentile_a without_o question_n it_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n to_o be_v of_o christ_n his_o kindred_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v more_o than_o to_o be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal_a of_o the_o great_a monarch_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o mark_v what_o the_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o speak_v of_o it_o matth._n 12.48_o who_o be_v my_o mother_n and_o who_o be_v my_o brethren_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v of_o my_o kindred_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n be_v that_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v any_o one_o more_o please_v to_o god_n no_o no_o say_v he_o behold_v my_o mother_n and_o my_o brethren_n point_v to_o his_o disciple_n they_o be_v my_o mother_n and_o my_o brethren_n that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n alliance_n in_o faith_n be_v near_a and_o dear_a to_o i_o then_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n who_o ever_o have_v great_a honour_n than_o be_v vouchsafe_v to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n yet_o as_o one_o say_v well_o have_v not_o mary_n herself_o carry_v he_o in_o her_o heart_n by_o faith_n her_o conceive_n and_o carry_v he_o in_o her_o womb_n have_v nothing_o avail_v she_o nor_o make_v she_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o please_a in_o god_n sight_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o reason_n because_o the_o best_a good_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n without_o faith_n be_v but_o vanish_v and_o transitory_a thing_n thing_n common_a to_o the_o reprobate_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o elect_n and_o choose_v child_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o thing_n come_v from_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n nor_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n thing_n that_o be_v of_o esteem_n with_o god_n be_v spiritual_a and_o eternal_a even_a thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n use_v 1_o now_o then_o to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o truth_n first_o it_o meet_v with_o a_o error_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o hold_v and_o teach_v that_o some_o outward_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n be_v of_o force_n to_o commend_v man_n in_o god_n sight_n and_o to_o make_v they_o please_v to_o god_n as_o single_a life_n and_o voluntary_a poverty_n yea_o they_o say_v that_o virginity_n and_o single_a life_n be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n far_o excel_v marriage_n and_o of_o such_o worth_n in_o itself_o as_o it_o commend_v a_o person_n before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n and_o deserve_v god_n grace_n and_o life_n eternal_a a_o position_n blasphemous_a and_o full_a of_o contumely_n and_o derogatory_n from_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o this_o truth_n i_o leave_v it_o and_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n to_o ourselves_o use_v 2_o be_v it_o so_o that_o no_o privilege_n or_o excellency_n whatsoever_o be_v it_o never_o so_o great_a or_o excellent_a be_v available_a to_o make_v a_o people_n or_o person_n want_v faith_n acceptable_a and_o please_a to_o god_n oh_o then_o learn_v we_o not_o to_o bear_v ourselves_o on_o any_o excellency_n any_o good_a thing_n we_o enjoy_v whatsoever_o nor_o to_o trust_v to_o it_o as_o able_a to_o commend_v we_o in_o god_n sight_n and_o to_o make_v we_o accept_v with_o god_n we_o want_v faith_n no_o not_o on_o the_o word_n and_o gospel_n and_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n nor_o on_o our_o profession_n of_o religion_n nor_o on_o our_o good_a gift_n and_o qualification_n as_o wit_n memory_n learning_n and_o such_o like_a it_o be_v the_o conceit_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n that_o they_o be_v high_o in_o god_n favour_n because_o they_o have_v god_n temple_n and_o his_o outward_a worship_n among_o they_o jer._n 7.4_o they_o cry_v out_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o conceit_n of_o too_o many_o in_o our_o day_n do_v not_o many_o bless_v themselves_o and_o think_v that_o they_o be_v high_o in_o god_n favour_n only_o because_o they_o have_v be_v baptize_v and_o they_o live_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o enjoy_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o they_o have_v good_a preach_v among_o they_o and_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n they_o come_v to_o the_o church_n and_o they_o partake_v in_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n oh_o deceive_v not_o thyself_o whosoever_o thou_o be_v these_o thing_n be_v excellent_a privilege_n which_o thou_o enjoy_v and_o haply_o other_o want_v but_o alas_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o make_v thou_o please_v to_o god_n or_o near_o to_o heaven_n thou_o want_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o save_a grace_n in_o thy_o soul_n no_o thou_o may_v enjoy_v these_o privilege_n and_o yet_o perish_v and_o be_v damn_v yea_o they_o may_v be_v to_o thou_o seal_v of_o deep_a condemnation_n and_o indeed_o know_v it_o for_o a_o certain_a truth_n the_o better_a mean_n of_o salvation_n thou_o live_v under_o the_o heavy_a shall_v be_v thy_o judgement_n and_o the_o deep_a thy_o condemnation_n in_o hell_n thou_o not_o profit_v by_o they_o to_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n
and_o save_a grace_n in_o thy_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o the_o have_v of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o thy_o profession_n of_o christianity_n thy_o profession_n be_v sever_v from_o faith_n and_o godliness_n that_o will_v shelter_v thou_o from_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o make_v way_n for_o his_o wrath_n and_o cause_v his_o wrath_n to_o burst_v forth_o on_o thou_o more_o fierce_o and_o increase_v his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n against_o thou_o and_o therefore_o deceive_v not_o thyself_o think_v not_o that_o any_o privilege_n or_o good_a thing_n thou_o enjoy_v not_o the_o holy_a religion_n of_o god_n itself_o nor_o thy_o profession_n of_o it_o make_v thou_o please_v to_o god_n and_o acceptable_a with_o god_n thou_o want_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o save_a grace_n in_o thy_o own_o heart_n labour_v thou_o to_o get_v better_a assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n towards_o thou_o than_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o outward_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n even_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n and_o save_a grace_n in_o thy_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o will_v yield_v thou_o good_a assurance_n that_o thou_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n and_o accept_v of_o he_o in_o his_o belove_a christ_n jesus_n in_o the_o next_o place_n observe_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o free_o acknowledge_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o excellent_a privilege_n the_o lord_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o they_o though_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o apostle_n write_v this_o epistle_n and_o still_o be_v enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o gospel_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v mortal_a enemy_n to_o paul_n himself_o and_o do_v wicked_o oppose_v he_o and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v by_o he_o as_o he_o say_v 1_o thess_n 2.15_o they_o both_o kill_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o their_o own_o prophet_n and_o persecute_v he_o and_o the_o other_o apostle_n yet_o you_o see_v he_o conceal_v not_o their_o honour_n and_o their_o excellency_n but_o here_o free_o acknowledge_v that_o to_o they_o do_v belong_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n the_o point_n for_o our_o further_a instruction_n hence_o offer_v be_v this_o that_o the_o know_a excellency_n and_o eminency_n of_o other_o ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o respect_v whatsoever_o the_o person_n be_v on_o who_o it_o be_v bestow_v doctrine_n we_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o to_o respect_v that_o know_a excellency_n and_o dignity_n and_o preferment_n god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o other_o be_v it_o in_o place_n in_o gift_n or_o in_o the_o good_a success_n in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o gift_n whatsoever_o the_o person_n be_v that_o do_v enjoy_v it_o though_o they_o be_v wicked_a person_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v our_o mortal_a enemy_n we_o see_v the_o apostle_n do_v so_o in_o this_o place_n and_o thus_o also_o do_v david_n he_o acknowledge_v and_o respect_v the_o excellency_n and_o preferment_n which_o he_o know_v the_o lord_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o saul_n though_o saul_n be_v a_o wicked_a man_n and_o his_o mortal_a enemy_n and_o one_o that_o seek_v the_o life_n of_o david_n yet_o david_n acknowledge_v he_o the_o lord_n anoint_v and_o have_v respect_n to_o he_o as_o one_o advance_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o the_o place_n of_o government_n 1_o sam._n 24.6_o he_o say_v to_o his_o man_n the_o lord_n keep_v i_o from_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o my_o master_n the_o lord_n anoint_v to_o lay_v my_o hand_n upon_o he_o for_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n anoint_v he_o double_v his_o acknowledgement_n of_o it_o that_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n anoint_v and_o so_o again_o 1_o sam._n 26.11_o the_o lord_n keep_v i_o from_o lay_v my_o hand_n upon_o the_o lord_n anoint_v still_o david_n acknowledge_v wicked_a saul_n his_o utter_a enemy_n the_o lord_n anoint_v and_o thus_o do_v the_o apostle_n acknowledge_v and_o respect_v the_o eminency_n and_o preferment_n of_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n though_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a persecutor_n both_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o other_o christian_n yea_o paul_n enjoin_v the_o christian_n so_o far_o to_o respect_v wicked_a and_o cruel_a nero_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o eminency_n in_o place_n of_o government_n as_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 2._o for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o so_o for_o the_o cruel_a emperor_n nero._n as_o jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n enjoin_v the_o people_n to_o pray_v for_o wicked_a nabuchadnezzar_n by_o who_o they_o be_v carry_v away_o into_o captivity_n jer._n 29.7_o philip._n 1.18_o we_o find_v that_o paul_n acknowledge_v and_o that_o with_o rejoice_v the_o good_a gift_n of_o wicked_a preacher_n and_o their_o sound_n preach_v of_o christ_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o preach_n though_o corrupt_o for_o the_o manner_n they_o preach_v of_o envy_n or_o of_o vain_a glory_n what_o then_o say_v the_o apostle_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v that_o they_o preach_v of_o envy_n or_o strife_n what_o be_v that_o to_o i_o i_o acknowledge_v their_o good_a gift_n and_o their_o preach_v sound_o for_o the_o matter_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v preach_v all_o manner_n of_o way_n whether_o it_o be_v under_o a_o pretence_n or_o sincere_o i_o therein_o joy_n yea_o and_o will_v joy_v a_o plain_a evidence_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n that_o we_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o to_o respect_v the_o know_a excellency_n and_o dignity_n and_o preferment_n god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o other_o be_v it_o in_o place_n in_o gift_n or_o in_o good_a success_n in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o gift_n whatsoever_o the_o person_n be_v on_o who_o it_o be_v bestow_v though_o they_o be_v reject_v person_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v our_o mortal_a enemy_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o reason_n because_o indeed_o true_a excellency_n and_o dignity_n and_o preferment_n that_o any_o person_n do_v enjoy_v in_o place_n in_o gift_n or_o in_o good_a success_n in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o gift_n it_o come_v from_o heaven_n as_o john_n say_v joh._n 3.27_o a_o man_n can_v receive_v nothing_o except_o it_o be_v give_v he_o from_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v the_o stamp_n and_o image_n of_o god_n set_v on_o those_o person_n and_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a and_o can_v be_v stain_v or_o pollute_v by_o the_o vileness_n or_o sin_n of_o the_o person_n on_o who_o it_o be_v bestow_v and_o therefore_o doubtless_o it_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o respect_v in_o whosoever_o it_o be_v find_v though_o the_o person_n that_o do_v enjoy_v it_o be_v wicked_a and_o though_o they_o be_v our_o mortal_a enemy_n use_v 1_o now_o then_o to_o drive_v this_o to_o some_o profitable_a use_n i_o may_v bend_v the_o force_n of_o this_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o first_o place_n against_o our_o adversary_n the_o papist_n who_o deny_v acknowledgement_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o eminency_n of_o some_o that_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o lawful_a authority_n over_o they_o and_o their_o pope_n take_v on_o he_o to_o dispense_v with_o it_o and_o to_o free_v some_o subject_n from_o their_o allegiance_n to_o their_o lawful_a prince_n and_o from_o all_o dutiful_a respect_n to_o their_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n because_o forsooth_o they_o be_v heretic_n as_o they_o account_v of_o they_o but_o i_o pass_v by_o that_o the_o truth_n now_o deliver_v meet_v with_o a_o common_a corruption_n among_o many_o man_n it_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n with_o many_o man_n through_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o dislike_v yea_o sometime_o light_o to_o esteem_v of_o that_o excellency_n and_o that_o eminency_n and_o preferment_n that_o other_o do_v enjoy_v in_o place_n in_o gift_n or_o in_o good_a success_n in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o gift_n because_o the_o person_n that_o do_v enjoy_v they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o distaste_v and_o like_v not_o for_o some_o by-respect_n to_o instance_n do_v not_o the_o wife_n many_o time_n light_o esteem_v of_o her_o husband_n because_o haply_o he_o be_v a_o simple_a man_n or_o he_o be_v a_o poor_a and_o mean_a person_n in_o the_o world_n it_o may_v be_v the_o poor_a man_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v do_v not_o a_o servant_n usual_o cast_v off_o all_o due_a respect_n to_o his_o master_n because_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o mean_a place_n and_o of_o base_a condition_n yea_o be_v it_o not_o a_o common_a thing_n with_o many_o to_o deny_v acknowledgement_n and_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n because_o it_o may_v be_v they_o spy_v some_o infirmity_n in_o he_o or_o because_o of_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o person_n he_o
not_o be_v ashamed_a divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n aright_o and_o in_o titus_n 1.9_o he_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n must_v hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n and_o let_v none_o wring_v it_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o according_a to_o doctrine_n that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o instruct_v the_o people_n of_o god_n by_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o also_o reprove_v they_o that_o gainsay_v it_o and_o refute_v they_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v that_o gainsay_v it_o thus_o confident_a ought_v every_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v this_o show_v and_o discover_v unto_o we_o use_v that_o many_o be_v just_o to_o be_v blame_v and_o tax_v that_o deliver_v their_o doctrine_n careless_o and_o loose_o and_o also_o their_o application_n without_o any_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o god_n word_n that_o when_o any_o come_v to_o object_n against_o it_o they_o fly_v from_o it_o and_o say_v it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o this_o or_o that_o man_n of_o this_o or_o that_o father_n of_o this_o or_o that_o ancient_a doctor_n nay_o it_o may_v be_v of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o postiller_n or_o such_o a_o popish_a doctor_n oh_o this_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o power_n authority_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o deliver_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o such_o power_n as_o we_o may_v stand_v to_o it_o and_o not_o fly_v to_o father_n or_o doctor_n or_o postiller_n in_o the_o next_o place_n observe_v we_o our_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v this_o holy_a truth_n of_o god_n ground_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n touch_v jacob_n and_o esau_n he_o know_v that_o some_o out_o of_o their_o natural_a reason_n and_o understanding_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o cavil_v against_o it_o and_o to_o make_v a_o wrong_a conclusion_n of_o it_o he_o know_v that_o some_o will_v stagger_v at_o it_o and_o wrest_v and_o pervert_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o will_v draw_v from_o it_o this_o conclusion_n therefore_o god_n be_v unjust_a so_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v force_v to_o cry_v out_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o be_v god_n unjust_a hence_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o doctrine_n that_o the_o holy_a truth_n of_o god_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o misconstruction_n to_o be_v pervert_v and_o to_o be_v wrest_v and_o to_o have_v false_a inference_n and_o wrong_a conclusion_n and_o force_v opinion_n wrest_v from_o it_o man_n carnal_a and_o corrupt_a reason_n do_v common_o pervert_v the_o holy_a truth_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o piety_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v make_v know_v to_o be_v the_o holy_a truth_n of_o god_n yet_o man_n carnal_a reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v ready_a to_o pervert_v it_o and_o to_o force_v wrong_a conclusion_n from_o it_o and_o for_o the_o far_a manifestation_n of_o it_o read_v rom._n 3.8_o there_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v blame_v that_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o we_o may_v do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v thereby_o because_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o by_o our_o wicked_a life_n god_n be_v glorify_v so_o we_o read_v of_o the_o sadducee_n matth._n 22.23_o they_o labour_v to_o pervert_v the_o truth_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o to_o draw_v from_o it_o a_o gross_a absurdity_n that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o resurrection_n how_o shall_v a_o woman_n that_o have_v seven_o husband_n know_v who_o wife_n she_o be_v but_o christ_n tell_v they_o they_o be_v deceive_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n so_o in_o 2_o pet._n 3.16_o the_o apostle_n say_v some_o do_v pervert_v and_o wrong_v the_o gospel_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o in_o esay_n 52.6_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o the_o niggard_n the_o niggard_n will_v speak_v like_o the_o niggard_n and_o in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o verse_n he_o say_v that_o he_o will_v speak_v false_o against_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v labour_v to_o bring_v a_o untruth_n from_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v have_v some_o strength_n to_o his_o niggardliness_n that_o he_o may_v make_v hungry_a the_o weary_a soul_n and_o cause_v the_o weak_a to_o fall_v and_o not_o to_o add_v further_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n common_a experience_n do_v show_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o whence_o come_v error_n and_o heresy_n but_o out_o of_o this_o bitter_a root_n that_o man_n do_v abuse_v and_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n and_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o god_n speak_v that_o in_o his_o word_n which_o he_o speak_v not_o and_o make_v that_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v never_o his_o purpose_n as_o papist_n anabaptist_n and_o separatist_n and_o other_o err_a spirit_n do_v whence_o come_v it_o but_o that_o they_o fasten_v their_o error_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whence_o come_v it_o that_o man_n go_v on_o bold_o in_o their_o sin_n but_o that_o they_o draw_v false_a conclusion_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o tim._n 5.8_o they_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o their_o own_o be_v worse_o than_o infidel_n and_o therefore_o may_v they_o upon_o this_o ground_n practice_n the_o damnable_a sin_n of_o usury_n and_o extortion_n and_o of_o covetousness_n and_o of_o hoard_v up_o and_o also_o use_v fraud_n cozen_v and_o deceit_n and_o all_o unlawful_a mean_n to_o enrich_v themselves_o so_o again_o some_o out_o of_o exod._n 22.25_o where_o the_o lord_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o oppress_v thy_o brother_n with_o usury_n oh_o say_v they_o i_o may_v practice_v the_o sin_n of_o usury_n if_o i_o do_v not_o oppress_v i_o be_v not_o a_o bite_a but_o a_o toothless_a usury_n so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o wrong_a conclusion_n to_o embolden_v man_n in_o sin_n so_o some_o hear_n the_o speech_n of_o christ_n the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o man_n not_o man_n for_o the_o sabbath_n therefore_o say_v they_o we_o may_v upon_o the_o sabbath_n use_v our_o recreation_n and_o sport_n and_o pastime_n and_o we_o may_v walk_v to_o tavern_n and_o alehouse_n oh_o what_o a_o gross_a conclusion_n be_v this_o force_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n so_o i_o may_v instance_n in_o many_o more_o to_o show_v how_o man_n nature_n be_v ready_a to_o pervert_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n use_v 1_o first_o of_o all_o this_o holy_a truth_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o that_o be_v teacher_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o must_v teach_v we_o our_o lesson_n that_o we_o deliver_v the_o holy_a truth_n of_o god_n we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v it_o strange_a or_o to_o stand_v amaze_v and_o wonder_v at_o it_o that_o man_n shall_v pervert_v that_o truth_n and_o wrest_v wrong_a conclusion_n from_o it_o yea_o draw_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o thence_o to_o be_v draw_v and_o force_v such_o conclusion_n as_o we_o never_o think_v upon_o neither_o be_v we_o hereupon_o to_o shut_v our_o mouth_n and_o resolve_v with_o jeremiah_n i_o will_v speak_v no_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n my_o word_n be_v wrest_v and_o pervert_v but_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o holy_a truth_n of_o god_n be_v subject_a to_o be_v pervert_v yea_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o the_o truth_n we_o deliver_v be_v a_o sure_a truth_n of_o god_n because_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n rage_v so_o much_o against_o it_o and_o because_o carnal_a man_n and_o unsanctified_a heart_n and_o soul_n do_v wrangle_v against_o it_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o be_v drive_v away_o from_o deliver_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o we_o must_v be_v comfort_v in_o the_o truth_n again_o this_o be_v so_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v subject_a to_o be_v pervert_v use_v 2_o and_o to_o have_v wrong_a and_o false_a conclusion_n draw_v from_o it_o sure_o then_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o do_v either_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o do_v not_o dissuade_v any_o man_n from_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o read_v or_o hear_v it_o for_o the_o adulterer_n or_o the_o profane_a sabbath-breaker_n or_o any_o other_o can_v draw_v a_o conclusion_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o take_v heed_n what_o we_o conclude_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o know_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o that_o we_o be_v teach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n true_o and_o live_v under_o a_o good_a preacher_n a_o holy_a and_o faithful_a ministry_n as_o many_o do_v to_o increase_v their_o deep_a condemnation_n but_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o so_o great_a be_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o understanding_n our_o judgement_n be_v so_o pervert_v and_o so_o out_o of_o order_n that_o indeed_o unless_o they_o be_v sanctify_v and_o renew_a by_o grace_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o pervert_v the_o truth_n of_o
god_n and_o wrest_v wrong_a conclusion_n especial_o if_o that_o doctrine_n be_v apply_v home_o particular_o and_o bring_v home_o to_o our_o soul_n if_o we_o touch_v their_o careless_a band_n or_o the_o long_a shaggy_a hair_n of_o their_o head_n than_o they_o startle_v and_o fly_v and_o fume_v out_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n sure_o belove_v this_o concern_v we_o for_o if_o the_o word_n do_v not_o fly_v home_o to_o our_o heart_n to_o the_o particular_a sin_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o than_o they_o will_v lie_v still_o but_o because_o it_o do_v oh_o what_o a_o stir_n what_o a_o strive_v what_o a_o combustion_n there_o be_v about_o such_o a_o matter_n as_o the_o shaggy_a hair_n careless_a band_n and_o such_o like_a and_o therefore_o we_o must_v come_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n with_o holy_a and_o sanctify_a heart_n as_o god_n say_v luke_n 8.15_o the_o good_a ground_n that_o receive_v seed_n receive_v it_o with_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v have_v it_o indeed_o observe_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o labour_v to_o empty_v thyself_o of_o all_o pride_n 2._o direction_n how_v to_o hear_v profitable_o 1_o pet._n 2.1_o 2._o and_o self-conceit_n of_o thy_o own_o judgement_n of_o thy_o own_o will_n and_o come_v to_o the_o hear_n and_o read_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o humble_a heart_n with_o meekness_n of_o spirit_n lay_v aside_o pride_n and_o swell_a conceit_n and_o lift_v up_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o thou_o can_v understand_v it_o better_o than_o the_o preacher_n yea_o tremble_v at_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v esay_n 66.2_o to_o this_o man_n will_v i_o look_v to_o he_o that_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n not_o to_o he_o that_o sit_v as_o a_o judge_n and_o in_o psal_n 25.9_o and_o the_o 14_o verse_n the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v reveal_v to_o they_o that_o stand_v in_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o his_o holy_a majesty_n deus_fw-la sequitur_fw-la superbos_fw-la ulter_fw-la à_fw-la tergo_fw-la deus_fw-la and_o for_o the_o want_n of_o this_o fear_n and_o reverence_n and_o awe_n of_o this_o great_a majesty_n of_o god_n it_o be_v that_o man_n do_v dare_v to_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o draw_v such_o conclusion_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o then_o be_v man_n only_o fit_a to_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n aright_o when_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v bring_v down_o and_o the_o swell_a of_o their_o reason_n be_v bring_v down_o and_o humble_v when_o carnal_a reason_n and_o natural_a affection_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o bring_v under_o by_o some_o affliction_n a_o man_n that_o be_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o some_o affliction_n in_o some_o great_a distress_n than_o he_o be_v most_o tractable_a and_o then_o he_o will_v hear_v you_o when_o at_o another_o time_n he_o will_v kick_v and_o spurn_v against_o you_o in_o time_n of_o health_n and_o scorn_v the_o minister_n and_o the_o word_n but_o in_o time_n of_o sickness_n now_o send_v for_o the_o minister_n now_o call_v he_o than_o they_o be_v fit_v to_o receive_v his_o counsel_n therefore_o learn_v to_o lay_v aside_o all_o pride_n of_o heart_n second_o 2._o direct_v 2._o we_o must_v come_v to_o the_o hear_n and_o read_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o heart_n lift_v up_o unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n as_o we_o must_v come_v empty_a of_o pride_n so_o also_o lift_v up_o in_o prayer_n never_o touch_v the_o book_n of_o god_n but_o lift_v up_o thy_o heart_n unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n to_o give_v thou_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o his_o word_n not_o as_o many_o do_v rush_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o god_n careless_o and_o never_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o no_o man_n do_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n unless_o god_n give_v his_o spirit_n the_o book_n of_o god_n be_v a_o seal_a book_n and_o a_o book_n lock_v up_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o understand_v it_o unless_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n open_v it_o 1_o cor._n 2.11_o no_o man_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n so_o no_o man_n know_v god_n spiritual_a mind_n but_o his_o spirit_n a_o man_n may_v be_v diligent_a in_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o understand_v it_o gross_o because_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o guide_v he_o and_o because_o he_o pray_v not_o unto_o god_n to_o be_v guide_v and_o direct_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o remember_v to_o lift_v up_o thy_o heart_n unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n for_o want_v of_o which_o many_o hear_v &_o read_v from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o after_o much_o read_n and_o hear_v be_v never_o the_o better_a it_o may_v be_v thou_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o comparison_n of_o god_n wisdom_n in_o his_o word_n thou_o be_v a_o fool_n and_o must_v cast_v away_o all_o conceit_n of_o thy_o own_o righteousness_n and_o understanding_n and_o come_v tremble_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o read_v it_o as_o many_o do_v to_o jest_v and_o make_v themselves_o merry_a at_o it_o shall_v the_o lion_n roar_v and_o none_o of_o the_o beast_n tremble_v shall_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v read_v and_o we_o jest_v at_o it_o for_o our_o merriment_n oh_o rather_o labour_v to_o come_v with_o a_o humble_a heart_n and_o hearty_a prayer_n unto_o god_n and_o then_o thou_o shall_v be_v keep_v from_o pervert_v the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o be_v there_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n god_n forbid_v in_o these_o word_n our_o apostle_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o carnal_a reasoner_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o be_v there_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n be_v therefore_o god_n unequal_a and_o partial_a be_v god_n therefore_o unjust_a in_o his_o deal_n no_o say_v the_o apostle_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o you_o see_v then_o the_o apostle_n do_v utter_o disclaim_v that_o direful_a conclusion_n that_o because_o god_n hate_v esau_n and_o love_v jacob_n and_o that_o free_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o or_o any_o thing_n foresee_v in_o they_o therefore_o god_n be_v unjust_a and_o partial_a and_o unequal_a in_o his_o do_n with_o man_n this_o the_o apostle_n renounce_v and_o disclaim_v i_o will_v not_o here_o as_o some_o will_v do_v run_v out_o into_o the_o common_a place_n of_o god_n justice_n to_o a_o extravagant_a discourse_n and_o stand_v to_o avouch_v that_o god_n be_v just_a holy_a and_o righteous_a and_o we_o be_v so_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o but_o keep_v myself_o as_o near_o as_o possible_o i_o can_v to_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n and_o not_o to_o fly_v out_o to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o pertinent_a to_o the_o text_n and_o hence_o note_v we_o thus_o much_o doctrine_n that_o god_n be_v most_o just_a in_o his_o free_a and_o in_o his_o absolute_a and_o eternal_a decree_n both_o of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n the_o lord_n have_v from_o everlasting_a ere_o the_o world_n be_v free_o without_o respect_n have_v to_o any_o thing_n either_o good_a or_o evil_n purpose_a and_o decree_v some_o particular_a person_n among_o man_n out_o of_o his_o mere_a good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o as_o free_o reject_v other_o for_o ever_o he_o be_v therein_o most_o just_a and_o that_o free_a and_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n be_v also_o most_o just_a and_o holy_a and_o righteous_a for_o why_o we_o must_v consider_v god_n in_o this_o act_n in_o this_o business_n of_o his_o decree_n of_o salvation_n and_o rejection_n not_o as_o a_o judge_n but_o as_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n as_o have_v mere_a and_o absolute_a power_n over_o his_o creature_n to_o do_v with_o they_o what_o he_o will_v and_o as_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o any_o creature_n in_o any_o kind_n whatsoever_o not_o respect_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n or_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a whatsoever_o no_o he_o have_v absolute_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o choose_v some_o and_o reject_v other_o without_o any_o injustice_n or_o any_o wrong_n at_o all_o whatsoever_o flesh_n and_o blood_n or_o the_o carnal_a reason_n of_o man_n do_v imagine_v he_o have_v sovereign_a power_n over_o his_o creature_n and_o that_o he_o hold_v god_n be_v god_n alone_o and_o it_o be_v his_o prerogative_n royal_a and_o belong_v to_o no_o creature_n in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n to_o do_v with_o his_o own_o what_o he_o will_v matth._n 20.15_o be_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v what_o i_o will_v with_o my_o own_o this_o be_v god_n prerogative_n and_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o he_o so_o in_o the_o 15_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n the_o