son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n now_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o temptation_n we_o must_v still_o hold_v fast_o this_o promise_n and_o venture_v our_o soul_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o this_o be_v abraham_n practice_n for_o in_o this_o temptation_n god_n meaning_n be_v to_o try_v abraham_n and_o to_o see_v what_o he_o will_v do_v now_o abraham_n he_o hold_v fast_o the_o promise_n and_o yet_o obey_v god_n though_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o earth_n can_v tell_v how_o that_o promise_n and_o that_o commandment_n can_v stand_v together_o but_o this_o be_v abraham_n faith_n though_o i_o know_v not_o nor_o reason_n know_v not_o yet_o god_n know_v and_o therefore_o see_v i_o have_v his_o commandment_n i_o will_v obey_v it_o and_o see_v i_o have_v his_o word_n and_o promise_n i_o will_v believe_v that_o also_o and_o never_o forsake_v it_o and_o even_o thus_o must_v we_o strive_v to_o do_v in_o all_o temptation_n whatsoever_o yea_o even_o in_o those_o that_o come_v from_o satan_n which_o be_v full_a of_o malice_n and_o all_o violence_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n we_o must_v still_o hold_v and_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v ever_o the_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o satan_n to_o hold_v that_o god_n promise_n shall_v be_v perform_v though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o but_o rather_o see_v the_o contrary_n and_o though_o in_o humane_a reason_n it_o be_v a_o note_n of_o ignorance_n and_o want_v of_o skill_n to_o stick_v always_o to_o the_o conclusion_n and_o question_n yet_o in_o spiritual_a temptation_n and_o trial_n this_o be_v sound_a divinity_n always_o to_o hold_v god_n promise_n and_o to_o stick_v fast_o to_o that_o conclusion_n and_o not_o to_o follow_v satan_n in_o his_o argument_n neither_o suffer_v he_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o drive_v we_o from_o it_o further_o in_o that_o this_o fact_n of_o offer_v up_o isaac_n be_v only_a abraham_n trial_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v he_o just_a before_o god_n but_o only_o serve_v to_o prove_v his_o faith_n and_o to_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v iust._n and_o therefore_o whereas_o saint_n james_n say_v jam._n 2.21_o that_o abraham_n be_v justify_v through_o work_n when_o he_o offer_v his_o son_n isaac_n upon_o the_o altar_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o abraham_n do_v manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v just_a before_o god_n by_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n and_o not_o that_o by_o this_o fact_n abraham_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v make_v just_a or_o of_o a_o righteous_a man_n be_v make_v more_o just_a for_o indeed_o good_a work_n do_v not_o make_v a_o man_n just_a but_o only_o do_v prove_v and_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v just_a three_o god_n give_v abraham_n this_o commandment_n abraham_n kill_v thy_o son_n but_o yet_o he_o conceal_v from_o he_o what_o be_v his_o purpose_n and_o intent_n herein_o for_o god_n mean_v not_o that_o abraham_n shall_v kill_v his_o son_n indeed_o but_o only_o to_o try_v what_o he_o will_v do_v whether_o he_o will_v still_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o or_o not_o where_o we_o see_v that_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o reveal_v to_o abraham_n his_o will_n but_o not_o his_o whole_a will_n whence_o arise_v this_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o man_n according_a to_o this_o example_n of_o god_n when_o he_o tell_v a_o thing_n to_o another_o to_o conceal_v his_o meaning_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n for_o answer_v hereunto_o we_o must_v know_v there_o be_v two_o extremity_n both_o which_o must_v be_v avoid_v in_o this_o case_n 1_o that_o a_o man_n must_v always_o express_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o mind_n 2_o that_o in_o some_o case_n a_o man_n may_v speak_v one_o thing_n and_o think_v another_o speak_v contrary_a to_o his_o meaning_n but_o this_o late_a be_v no_o way_n lawful_a and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o always_o necessary_a we_o therefore_o must_v hold_v a_o mean_a between_o both_o to_o wit_n that_o in_o some_o case_n a_o man_n may_v conceal_v his_o whole_a meaning_n say_v nothing_o though_o they_o be_v examine_v namely_o when_o the_o conceal_n thereof_o do_v direct_o stand_v with_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o brother_n thus_o godly_a martyr_n have_v do_v for_o be_v examine_v before_o tyrant_n where_o and_o with_o who_o they_o worship_v god_n they_o have_v choose_v rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o disclose_v their_o brethren_n and_o this_o conceal_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v lawful_a because_o it_o touch_v immediate_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n second_o a_o man_n may_v conceal_v part_n of_o his_o mind_n but_o that_o must_v be_v also_o with_o these_o two_o caveat_n first_o that_o it_o serve_v for_o god_n glory_n second_o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o gods_n church_n thus_o do_v jonas_n conceal_v the_o condition_n of_o mercy_n from_o the_o ninivites_fw-la when_o he_o preach_v destruction_n unto_o they_o say_v within_o forty_o day_n and_o niniveh_n shall_v be_v destroy_v though_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o event_n that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v they_o shall_v be_v spare_v if_o they_o do_v repent_v but_o that_o condition_n god_n will_v have_v conceal_v because_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o ninivites_fw-la to_o have_v know_v it_o since_o the_o conceal_n of_o it_o cause_v they_o more_o speedy_o and_o earnest_o to_o repent_v but_o out_o of_o these_o case_n a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o speak_v must_v declare_v the_o whole_a truth_n or_o else_o he_o sin_n great_o against_o god_n commandment_n forsake_v the_o property_n of_o the_o godly_a psal._n 15.2_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o impediment_n of_o abraham_n faith_n the_o second_o impediment_n to_o abraham_n faith_n be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n offer_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n we_o know_v that_o the_o love_n of_o parent_n descend_v to_o every_o child_n natural_o but_o especial_o to_o the_o only_o beget_v upon_o who_o be_v but_o one_o all_o that_o be_v bestow_v which_o when_o there_o be_v many_o be_v divide_v among_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n this_o may_v great_o hinder_v abraham_n obedience_n that_o god_n shall_v command_v he_o to_o offer_v his_o son_n yea_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n but_o yet_o by_o faith_n he_o overcom_v this_o temptation_n break_v through_o this_o impediment_n and_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a son_n where_o we_o note_v that_o true_a faith_n will_v make_v a_o man_n overcome_v his_o own_o nature_n love_n be_v the_o strong_a affection_n in_o the_o heart_n especial_o from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n even_o his_o only_a child_n and_o a_o man_n will_v think_v it_o impossible_a to_o overcome_v this_o love_n in_o the_o parent_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o death_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o child_n but_o yet_o behold_v abraham_n by_o faith_n subdue_v this_o special_a love_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o his_o only_a child_n god_n himself_o testify_v of_o abraham_n that_o his_o love_n to_o isaac_n be_v great_a gen._n 22.2_o and_o yet_o by_o faith_n he_o overcom_v this_o his_o love_n this_o point_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v mark_v as_o declare_v the_o great_a power_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n for_o if_o faith_n can_v overcome_v create_v and_o sanctify_a nature_n then_o undoubted_o the_o power_n thereof_o will_v enable_v man_n to_o overcome_v the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o overcome_v our_o nature_n which_o we_o have_v by_o creation_n than_o to_o subdue_v the_o corruption_n thereof_o which_o come_v in_o by_o transgression_n and_o hence_o such_o excellent_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o faith_n it_o be_v call_v the_o victory_n that_o overcom_v the_o world_n 1._o john_n 5.4_o and_o god_n be_v say_v by_o faith_n to_o purify_v the_o heart_n faith_n strengthen_v the_o heart_n act_v 15.9_o and_o through_o faith_n we_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n 1._o pet._n 1.5_o be_v this_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v nature_n and_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o then_o howsoever_o religion_n be_v receive_v and_o faith_n profess_v general_o among_o we_o yet_o undoubted_o there_o be_v little_a true_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n for_o even_o among_o the_o professor_n thereof_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o subdue_v the_o sin_n of_o their_o life_n and_o suppress_v the_o work_n of_o their_o wicked_a nature_n sure_o very_o few_o now_o where_o corruption_n bear_v sway_v and_o sin_n reign_v there_o sound_a faith_n can_v be_v for_o if_o faith_n be_v sound_a in_o man_n it_o will_v purify_v
the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o faith_n alone_o and_o no_o other_o virtue_n nor_o spiritual_a power_n in_o man_n soul_n be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o and_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o compare_v it_o with_o all_o the_o principal_a virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o among_o all_o there_o be_v none_o that_o may_v come_v into_o comparison_n with_o faith_n but_o hope_v and_o love_n both_o which_o especial_o love_n have_v their_o several_a and_o special_a excellency_n yet_o have_v neither_o of_o they_o nor_o both_o of_o they_o this_o virtue_n to_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v christ_n righteousness_n the_o property_n of_o love_n be_v to_o extend_v itself_o and_o with_o itself_o to_o carry_v many_o passion_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o place_v they_o upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v love_v yet_o can_v love_n be_v say_v proper_o to_o apprehend_v christ_n for_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v apprehend_v before_o he_o can_v be_v love_v and_o the_o proper_a action_n of_o hope_n be_v to_o wait_v and_o expect_v for_o a_o blessing_n to_o come_v so_o hope_n wait_v for_o salvation_n but_o proper_o apprehend_v it_o not_o for_o salvation_n must_v first_o be_v believe_v and_o then_o hope_v or_o expect_v so_o say_v jeremie_n lament_n 3.26_o it_o be_v good_a both_o to_o trust_v and_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o trust_v that_o be_v to_o believe_v assure_o it_o will_v come_v there_o be_v the_o action_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o wait_v till_o it_o do_v come_v that_o be_v the_o action_n of_o hope_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o several_a nature_n and_o action_n of_o these_o two_o worthy_a virtue_n but_o the_o proper_a action_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o apprehend_v and_o lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n and_o that_o be_v do_v then_o come_v love_n and_o hope_n &_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o so_o though_o love_n last_v long_o than_o faith_n do_v yet_o faith_n be_v afore_o love_n and_o make_v the_o way_n for_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o second_o point_n faith_n be_v a_o hand_n to_o take_v hold_n on_o christ_n &_o his_o benefit_n love_n be_v a_o hand_n to_o give_v out_o token_n of_o faith_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n for_o 1._o cor._n 13.5_o love_n seek_v not_o her_o own_o but_o other_o good_a namely_o the_o good_a of_o they_o that_o be_v love_v hope_n be_v a_o eye_n look_v out_o and_o wait_v for_o the_o good_a thing_n promise_v so_o that_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o love_n be_v the_o hand_n and_o hope_n be_v the_o eye_n of_o faith_n love_v the_o hand_n whereby_o it_o work_v and_o hope_v the_o eye_n whereby_o it_o wait_v and_o look_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o faith_n have_v apprehend_v and_o believe_v if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n think_v this_o any_o wrong_n to_o this_o holy_a virtue_n of_o love_n to_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o faith_n let_v they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o we_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o say_v faith_n work_v by_o love_n if_o faith_n work_n by_o it_o then_o sure_o love_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o faith_n thus_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n wait_v by_o hope_n but_o believe_v by_o itself_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o righteousness_n that_o make_v we_o righteous_a before_o god_n be_v rather_o call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n then_o of_o any_o other_o christian_a virtue_n or_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o for_o the_o same_o cause_n be_v it_o that_o so_o often_o in_o s._n paul_n epistle_n it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o name_n as_o philipp_n 3.9_o the_o three_o and_o last_o point_n concern_v noah_n faith_n be_v that_o noah_n be_v make_v heir_n of_o this_o righteousness_n a_o special_a commendation_n of_o his_o faith_n it_o make_v he_o heir_n of_o true_a and_o save_a righteousness_n that_o be_v it_o give_v he_o a_o true_a title_n unto_o it_o &_o make_v he_o heir_n apparent_a of_o that_o glory_n which_o it_o assure_v every_o one_o that_o apprehend_v it_o by_o this_o true_a faith_n and_o so_o he_o be_v make_v as_o certain_o and_o as_o true_o partaker_n of_o it_o as_o the_o young_a prince_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n at_o his_o time_n or_o the_o heir_n of_o his_o father_n land_n here_o two_o most_o worthy_a doctrine_n do_v offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o view_n 1._o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n estate_n the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n appear_v thus_o it_o make_v a_o holy_a man_n assure_v &_o certain_a of_o his_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v it_o be_v presumption_n in_o any_o man_n to_o think_v so_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n but_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v true_a faith_n that_o be_v able_a to_o assure_v he_o of_o salvation_n for_o faith_n make_v he_o a_o heir_n of_o true_a righteousness_n and_o of_o salvation_n thereby_o now_o we_o know_v the_o heir_n be_v most_o sure_a and_o certain_a of_o his_o inheritance_n whatever_o he_o get_v or_o lose_v he_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o but_o this_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n by_o it_o be_v his_o inheritance_n therefore_o he_o may_v be_v and_o be_v by_o faith_n assure_v of_o it_o the_o papist_n therefore_o do_v wrong_a unto_o this_o doctrine_n and_o derogate_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o true_a faith_n but_o this_o be_v their_o custom_n they_o will_v extol_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o much_o extoll_v namely_o true_a faith_n for_o if_o they_o know_v what_o it_o be_v true_o to_o know_v christ_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o by_o that_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n they_o will_v then_o know_v that_o faith_n make_v a_o man_n heir_n of_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o most_o assure_v of_o it_o second_o here_o we_o may_v see_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n estate_n he_o be_v not_o naked_a nor_o destitute_a of_o comfort_n but_o be_v heir_n of_o a_o glorious_a inheritance_n by_o mean_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o a_o christian_a man_n inheritance_n be_v christ_n righteousness_n out_o of_o which_o we_o learn_v first_o that_o no_o man_n by_o any_o good_a work_n do_v by_o or_o in_o himself_o can_v merit_v true_a and_o justify_v righteousness_n the_o pharisaical_a papist_n teach_v so_o but_o their_o conceit_n be_v here_o overthrow_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o save_v righteousness_n be_v his_o inheritance_n which_o we_o know_v be_v always_o get_v by_o the_o father_n and_o descends_z from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n as_o a_o free_a token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o it_o be_v scornful_a and_o absurd_a to_o see_v a_o son_n offer_v to_o buy_v his_o inheritance_n of_o his_o father_n it_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o inheritance_n to_o come_v any_o other_o way_n but_o by_o free_a gift_n from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n therefore_o our_o righteousness_n that_o must_v save_v we_o be_v as_o we_o see_v here_o our_o inheritance_n let_v we_o resolve_v of_o it_o we_o can_v buy_v nor_o merit_v it_o again_o here_o be_v sure_a and_o solid_a comfort_n against_o all_o the_o grieâ—â—s_n and_o cross_n and_o loss_n of_o this_o world_n god_n child_n must_v needs_o have_v their_o portion_n of_o affliction_n in_o this_o life_n but_o here_o be_v their_o comfort_n they_o may_v lose_v their_o good_n live_n possession_n their_o good_a name_n their_o health_n their_o life_n but_o their_o inheritance_n stand_v sure_a and_o firm_a and_o can_v be_v lose_v let_v they_o therefore_o here_o learn_v not_o to_o grieve_v out_o of_o measure_n for_o a_o holy_a man_n may_v say_v thus_o to_o himself_o and_o that_o most_o true_o my_o father_n may_v frown_v on_o i_o for_o my_o fault_n and_o chastise_v i_o for_o my_o sin_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o will_v not_o disenherite_v i_o for_o i_o be_o heir_n by_o faith_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o i_o may_v lose_v many_o thing_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o lose_v that_o three_o and_o last_o here_o must_v god_n child_n learn_v their_o duty_n they_o be_v heir_n to_o a_o godly_a and_o glorious_a inheritance_n and_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v their_o inheritance_n therefore_o they_o must_v learn_v to_o set_v and_o settle_v all_o their_o affection_n on_o this_o inheritance_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n more_o worthy_a to_o be_v affect_v than_o a_o fair_a inheritance_n we_o must_v therefore_o first_o labour_n above_o all_o worldly_a thing_n for_o this_o inheritance_n namely_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o righteousness_n this_o be_v that_o pearl_n which_o we_o have_v find_v must_v sell_v all_o we_o have_v to_o
word_n and_o promise_n god_n speak_v plain_o and_o deceive_v not_o abraham_n and_o after_o at_o the_o time_n perform_v it_o so_o must_v we_o deal_v plain_o and_o simple_o in_o our_o word_n and_o bargain_n and_o think_v that_o to_o deceive_v and_o overreach_v by_o crafty_a word_n and_o double_a meaning_n and_o equivocal_a phrase_n be_v not_o beseem_v christianity_n and_o we_o must_v make_v conscience_n of_o a_o lie_n else_o we_o be_v like_o the_o devil_n and_o not_o god_n also_o a_o christian_a man_n must_v take_v heed_n what_o how_o and_o to_o who_o he_o promise_v but_o have_v promise_v he_o must_v perform_v though_o it_o be_v loss_n or_o harm_n to_o himself_o if_o it_o be_v not_o wrong_v to_o god_n or_o to_o the_o church_n or_o state_n wrong_v to_o himself_o must_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o performance_n christian_n man_n word_n must_v not_o be_v vain_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o good_a as_o bond_n though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v lawful_a and_o very_o convenient_a in_o regard_n of_o mortality_n to_o take_v such_o kind_n of_o assurance_n last_o abraham_n have_v the_o promise_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v so_o gen._n 15.8_o and_o here_o we_o see_v it_o be_v so_o but_o he_o himself_o see_v it_o not_o so_o that_o abraham_n have_v the_o promise_n and_o we_o the_o performance_n so_o adam_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o we_o see_v it_o perform_v the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o we_o see_v it_o perform_v see_v here_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n above_o the_o old_a this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v so_o much_o better_a than_o they_o as_o god_n be_v better_a to_o we_o than_o he_o be_v to_o they_o and_o to_o excel_v they_o in_o faith_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n of_o holiness_n or_o else_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o holy_a obedience_n shall_v turn_v to_o our_o great_a condemnation_n which_o have_v have_v so_o far_o great_a cause_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v god_n and_o so_o far_o better_a mean_n than_o they_o which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o alas_o what_o will_v become_v of_o they_o who_o come_v behind_o they_o nay_o have_v no_o care_n to_o follow_v they_o in_o their_o faith_n nor_o holiness_n nor_o any_o duty_n of_o holy_a obedience_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o example_n of_o this_o holy_a woman_n faith_n and_o of_o the_o commendation_n thereof_o now_o before_o he_o come_v to_o any_o more_o particular_a example_n of_o faith_n the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v a_o general_a commendation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o those_o joint_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o already_o verse_n 13._o all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o believe_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o thankful_o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n hitherto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v particular_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o diverse_a holy_a believer_n now_o from_o this_o verse_n to_o the_o 17._o he_o do_v general_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n together_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o their_o faith_n as_o the_o durance_n and_o constancy_n of_o their_o faith_n particular_o the_o point_n be_v two_o 1._o be_v lay_v down_o their_o constancy_n and_o continuance_n all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n 2._o that_o constancy_n be_v set_v four_o by_o four_o effect_n 1._o they_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o 2._o they_o believe_v they_o 3._o receive_v they_o thankful_o 4._o profess_a themselves_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o first_o point_n touch_v these_o believer_n be_v that_o as_o they_o begin_v so_o they_o hold_v on_o as_o they_o live_v so_o they_o die_v in_o faith_n all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o word_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o all_o afore_o go_v save_v enoch_n who_o die_v not_o yet_o he_o continue_v also_o constant_a in_o his_o faith_n and_o in_o that_o faith_n be_v take_v up_o but_o as_o for_o abel_n and_o noah_n they_o die_v in_o faith_n yet_o i_o take_v it_o that_o principal_o and_o direct_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v no_o more_o than_o these_o four_o i_o name_v and_o my_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o particular_a effect_n in_o this_o verse_n and_o the_o point_n whereby_o this_o their_o constancy_n be_v amplify_v in_o the_o three_o verse_n follow_v ado_n all_o agree_v especial_o with_o these_o four_o and_o not_o so_o proper_o with_o abel_n or_o noah_n so_o that_o i_o take_v he_o mean_v by_o all_o these_o all_o these_o man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o second_o world_n since_o the_o flood_n all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o assurance_n that_o the_o promise_n make_v unto_o they_o shall_v be_v perform_v in_o god_n good_a time_n these_o promise_n be_v principal_o these_o two_o 1._o salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n 2._o the_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n in_o this_o faith_n they_o die_v that_o be_v they_o hold_v it_o through_o all_o assault_n and_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a even_o to_o the_o last_o gasp_n and_o die_v therein_o in_o this_o their_o practice_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o a_o most_o worthy_a lesson_n of_o christianity_n namely_o that_o we_o must_v so_o live_v that_o we_o may_v die_v in_o faith_n many_o say_v they_o live_v in_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o do_v so_o but_o the_o main_a point_n be_v to_o die_v in_o faith_n there_o be_v none_o so_o ill_a but_o howsoever_o he_o live_v yet_o he_o will_v die_v well_o if_o he_o will_v die_v well_o he_o must_v die_v in_o faith_n for_o miserable_a be_v the_o death_n that_o be_v without_o faith_n and_o herein_o faith_n and_o hope_n differ_v from_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n love_n joy_n zeal_n holiness_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v imperfect_a here_o and_o be_v perfect_v in_o heaven_n but_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v perfect_v at_o our_o death_n they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o other_o world_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o then_o to_o be_v believe_v nor_o hope_v for_o see_v we_o then_o do_v enjoy_v all_o thing_n but_o as_o they_o be_v begin_v in_o our_o life_n at_o our_o regeneration_n so_o they_o be_v make_v perfect_a when_o we_o die_v and_o they_o shine_v most_o glorious_o in_o the_o last_o and_o great_a combat_n of_o all_o which_o be_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n so_o that_o the_o death_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v the_o gate_n to_o glory_n be_v to_o die_v in_o faith_n beside_o as_o life_n leave_v we_o death_n find_v we_o and_o as_o death_n leave_v we_o the_o last_o judgement_n find_v we_o and_o as_o it_o leave_v we_o so_o we_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o without_o recovery_n or_o alteration_n now_o to_o die_v in_o faith_n be_v to_o die_v in_o a_o assure_a estate_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n which_o be_v that_o that_o every_o man_n desire_v therefore_o as_o we_o all_o desire_v it_o so_o let_v we_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o we_o shall_v attain_v unto_o it_o saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o 1._o corinth_n 15.55_o death_n be_v a_o terrible_a serpent_n for_o he_o have_v a_o poison_a sting_n now_o when_o we_o die_v we_o be_v to_o encounter_v with_o this_o hideous_a and_o fearful_a serpent_n he_o be_v fearful_a every_o way_n but_o especial_o for_o his_o sting_n that_o sting_n be_v our_o sin_n and_o this_o sting_n be_v not_o take_v away_o nor_o the_o force_n of_o it_o quench_v but_o by_o true_a faith_n which_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n ephes._n 6._o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v be_v able_a to_o encounter_v with_o this_o great_a enemy_n in_o the_o conquer_a of_o who_o who_o stand_v our_o happiness_n and_o by_o who_o to_o be_v conquer_v be_v our_o eternal_a misery_n we_o must_v then_o so_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v die_v in_o faith_n for_o he_o that_o die_v in_o faith_n that_o faith_n of_o he_o kill_v his_o sin_n and_o conquer_v death_n but_o he_o that_o die_v without_o faith_n death_n and_o sin_n seize_v on_o he_o and_o his_o sin_n live_v for_o ever_o and_o his_o misery_n by_o they_o now_o if_o we_o will_v die_v in_o faith_n we_o must_v live_v in_o faith_n else_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v for_o so_o these_o holy_a patriarch_n live_v long_o in_o this_o faith_n wherein_o they_o die_v for_o their_o holy_a life_n show_v plain_o that_o they_o live_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v do_v purify_v our_o heart_n act._n 15.9_o now_o if_o we_o will_v live_v in_o true_a faith_n the_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o set_v down_o by_o god_n word_n be_v these_o first_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o get_v knowledge_n of_o
this_o beside_o the_o instance_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n appear_v plain_o in_o christ_n apostle_n they_o be_v call_v by_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o plant_v his_o church_n universal_o and_o thereupon_o howsoever_o they_o be_v simple_a man_n before_o be_v furnish_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n zeal_n &_o knowledge_n and_o with_o this_o excellent_a grace_n of_o save_v faith_n which_o do_v sanctify_v their_o other_o gift_n for_o howsoever_o judas_n be_v number_v among_o they_o have_v be_v a_o disciple_n yet_o he_o never_o come_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o apostleship_n but_o go_v astray_o from_o that_o ministration_n act_v 1.25_o and_o in_o these_o late_a day_n when_o god_n restore_v his_o gospel_n to_o light_v out_o of_o the_o dark_a mist_n of_o popery_n he_o raise_v up_o extraordinary_a man_n who_o he_o endue_v with_o wisdom_n zeal_n and_o judgement_n which_o gift_n also_o he_o seal_v up_o in_o they_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n which_o they_o testify_v by_o their_o piety_n and_o godliness_n in_o life_n &_o conversation_n and_o this_o course_n he_o observe_v usual_o in_o all_o those_o who_o he_o raise_v up_o extraordinary_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n this_o we_o must_v observe_v to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o a_o special_a difference_n between_o those_o who_o god_n raise_v up_o extraordinary_o for_o special_a good_a and_o all_o arch_a heretic_n and_o traitor_n that_o set_v up_o themselves_o unsent_a of_o god_n for_o many_o such_o wretch_n have_v excel_v in_o wisdom_n in_o worldly_a policy_n in_o zeal_n and_o authority_n whereupon_o they_o have_v pretend_v and_o persuade_v many_o that_o they_o be_v call_v of_o god_n but_o hereby_o especial_o they_o be_v to_o be_v discover_v that_o they_o be_v void_a of_o this_o rare_a gift_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n for_o look_v at_o their_o life_n and_o ordinary_o for_o impiety_n they_o have_v be_v and_o be_v arch-divel_n so_o that_o though_o they_o want_v not_o authority_n or_o outward_a zeal_n and_o wisdom_n yet_o they_o want_v faith_n which_o shall_v purify_v their_o heart_n or_o else_o they_o will_v never_o have_v live_v in_o such_o notorious_a sin_n as_o they_o be_v discover_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o trial_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n direct_v we_o unto_o saying_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n math._n 7.16_o let_v they_o therefore_o pretend_v what_o knowledge_n what_o zeal_n or_o authority_n soever_o they_o will_v if_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n appear_v not_o in_o their_o life_n by_o obedience_n they_o be_v not_o call_v of_o god_n for_o the_o special_a good_a of_o his_o church_n thus_o much_o of_o these_o man_n in_o general_a now_o we_o come_v to_o entreat_v of_o they_o several_o as_o they_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o text._n the_o first_o person_n here_o commend_v unto_o we_o be_v gedeon_n the_o history_n of_o who_o act_n be_v lay_v down_o at_o large_a judge_n chap._n 6._o in_o his_o example_n note_v one_o point_n especial_o to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o manner_n which_o god_n use_v in_o beget_v and_o increase_a true_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n if_o we_o read_v the_o story_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o angel_n call_v gedeon_n once_o twice_o 6.12.14.16_o yea_o thrice_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n to_o his_o people_n but_o gedeon_n great_o doubt_v of_o his_o call_n &_o therefore_o desire_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o god_n give_v he_o for_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v be_v burn_v up_o with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n yet_o still_o he_o doubt_v and_o be_v in_o a_o great_a fear_n than_o before_o even_o of_o death_n itself_o but_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o angel_n and_o set_v a-work_o he_o break_v down_o the_o altar_n of_o baal_n and_o build_v one_o to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o thereon_o offer_v sacrifice_n as_o god_n command_v though_o with_o some_o fear_n and_o when_o the_o midianite_n and_o amalekite_n come_v arm_v against_o israel_n he_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o their_o defence_n but_o yet_o still_o he_o doubt_v of_o his_o call_n and_o therefore_o again_o ask_v a_o sign_n at_o god_n hand_n and_o have_v it_o and_o after_o that_o ask_v another_o which_o god_n also_o grant_v now_o have_v all_o these_o one_o in_o the_o neck_n of_o another_o at_o length_n he_o know_v his_o call_n and_o so_o go_v in_o faith_n and_o defend_v israel_n so_o that_o he_o get_v the_o assurance_n of_o his_o call_n by_o sundry_a particular_a sign_n and_o confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o though_o he_o doubt_v great_o at_o the_o first_o yet_o after_o he_o believe_v not_o only_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o judge_n and_o deliverer_n of_o god_n people_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n but_o this_o principal_o that_o god_n be_v his_o god_n and_o will_v give_v unto_o he_o everlasting_a life_n here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a precedent_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n work_v true_a and_o sound_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n they_o receive_v not_o this_o grace_n at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n god_n work_v it_o in_o they_o by_o little_a and_o little_a when_o a_o man_n be_v first_o call_v of_o god_n he_o have_v much_o doubt_v and_o fear_n but_o then_o god_n send_v sundry_a help_n to_o weaken_v this_o fear_n and_o doubt_v and_o as_o they_o decrease_v so_o be_v faith_n increase_v no_o man_n believe_v sound_o at_o the_o first_o but_o weak_o even_o as_o he_o grow_v in_o year_n so_o he_o must_v grow_v in_o faith_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v by_o continuance_n in_o the_o mean_n and_o by_o experience_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n and_o indeed_o the_o more_o faith_n increase_v the_o more_o we_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o grow_v therein_o and_o the_o more_o we_o delight_v in_o the_o mean_n and_o at_o length_n after_o long_a experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n we_o shall_v have_v wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n this_o gift_n of_o true_a &_o lively_a faith_n which_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o all_o fear_n and_o doubt_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o person_n of_o gedeon_n the_o second_o person_n commend_v unto_o we_o be_v barac_n of_o who_o we_o may_v read_v judge_n 4._o his_o story_n be_v large_a and_o plain_a enough_o and_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o stand_v upon_o it_o the_o three_o person_n be_v samson_n of_o who_o we_o may_v also_o read_v judge_n 13.14_o etc._n etc._n now_o touch_v samson_n this_o question_n may_v well_o be_v ask_v how_o he_o can_v be_v just_o commend_v for_o his_o faith_n see_v it_o may_v seem_v he_o kill_v himself_o answer_n samson_n do_v not_o kill_v himself_o for_o he_o be_v call_v extraordinary_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n over_o israel_n for_o their_o defence_n and_o delivery_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o philistimes_fw-la now_o when_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o philistimes_fw-la be_v gather_v together_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n he_o cast_v the_o house_n down_o upon_o their_o head_n to_o kill_v they_o therein_o because_o be_v blind_a he_o can_v not_o pursue_v they_o in_o battle_n and_o therefore_o have_v they_o by_o god_n providence_n in_o his_o hand_n he_o destroy_v they_o as_o his_o call_n be_v albeit_o he_o lose_v his_o own_o life_n in_o the_o same_o action_n again_o samson_n in_o pull_v down_o the_o house_n purpose_v not_o direct_o and_o wilful_o to_o kill_v himself_o but_o to_o adventure_v his_o own_o life_n by_o take_v just_a revenge_n upon_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o god_n servant_n he_o pray_v first_o unto_o god_n and_o so_o do_v no_o more_o than_o the_o soldier_n in_o the_o field_n ought_v to_o do_v who_o bear_v a_o love_a mind_n towards_o his_o country_n be_v content_a to_o adventure_v his_o own_o life_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o country_n and_o be_v resolve_v that_o if_o he_o die_v in_o that_o defence_n he_o die_v in_o his_o lawful_a place_n and_o calling_n and_o die_v god_n servant_n yea_o god_n champion_n this_o do_v samson_n and_o therefore_o may_v just_o be_v commend_v for_o his_o faith_n neither_o be_v this_o fact_n of_o his_o any_o disgrace_n but_o rather_o a_o notable_a commendation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o a_o evidence_n of_o great_a zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o of_o singular_a love_n to_o his_o people_n the_o four_o person_n commend_v here_o be_v jephte_n of_o who_o we_o may_v read_v judge_n 11._o jephte_n be_v the_o base_a son_n of_o gilead_n bear_v of_o a_o harlot_n to_o be_v base_a bear_v be_v note_v in_o scripture_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o reproach_n and_o
five_o foolish_a virgin_n do_v but_o get_v the_o oil_n of_o grace_n into_o the_o vessel_n of_o our_o heart_n knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n be_v a_o commendable_a thing_n but_o not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o stand_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n we_o therefore_o must_v labour_v for_o true_a save_a grace_n especial_o for_o this_o to_o have_v our_o heart_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v our_o father_n in_o christ_n and_o jesus_n christ_n our_o redeemer_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o comforter_n and_o sanctifier_n this_o assurance_n of_o faith_n will_v establish_v our_o heart_n in_o all_o estate_n come_v life_n come_v death_n we_o need_v not_o fear_v for_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o this_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o coherence_n of_o this_o verse_n with_o the_o former_a now_o to_o the_o word_n other_o also_o be_v rack_v etc._n etc._n here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v to_o propound_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n for_o which_o this_o last_o rank_n of_o believer_n be_v commend_v unto_o us._n and_o they_o be_v not_o such_o famous_a exploit_n as_o the_o former_a but_o nine_o several_a kind_n of_o suffering_n unto_o all_o which_o we_o must_v remember_v to_o apply_v this_o clause_n by_o faith_n from_o the_o 33_o verse_n as_o thus_o through_o faith_n they_o endure_v rack_a mock_a and_o so_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n out_o of_o these_o effect_n in_o general_n we_o may_v learn_v two_o thing_n first_o a_o singular_a fruit_n of_o faith_n for_o which_o it_o be_v here_o so_o high_o commend_v in_o this_o last_o rank_n of_o example_n to_o wit_n that_o by_o it_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v enable_v to_o bear_v whatsoever_o the_o lord_n shall_v lay_v upon_o he_o the_o torment_n wherewith_o man_n body_n may_v be_v afflict_v be_v many_o and_o terrible_a and_o yet_o be_v they_o never_o so_o many_o nor_o so_o terrible_a true_a save_a faith_n will_v make_v the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v they_o all_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ._n the_o effect_n of_o faith_n before_o set_v down_o be_v many_o and_o singular_a but_o undoubted_o this_o strength_n of_o patience_n which_o it_o give_v under_o the_o great_a torment_n for_o christ_n sake_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a this_o paul_n do_v notable_o testify_v in_o this_o profession_n roman_n chapter_n 8._o verse_n 38_o 39_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n oh_o singular_a power_n of_o faith_n which_o so_o firm_o unite_v the_o believer_n unto_o christ_n that_o no_o torment_n in_o the_o world_n no_o not_o all_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o angel_n can_v separate_v they_o asunder_o question_n how_o do_v faith_n work_v this_o indissoluble_a power_n in_o cleave_v unto_o christ_n answer_n after_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o faith_n to_o persuade_v the_o conscience_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n in_o christ_n and_o upon_o this_o persuasion_n the_o heart_n begin_v to_o love_n god_n again_o now_o by_o this_o love_n do_v faith_n work_n and_o make_v a_o man_n able_a to_o bear_v all_o torment_n that_o can_v be_v inflict_v for_o religion_n sake_n for_o love_n suffer_v all_o thing_n 1._o cor._n 13.7_o even_o that_o love_n wherewith_o one_o man_n love_v another_o how_o much_o more_o than_o shall_v this_o love_n wherewith_o we_o love_v god_n in_o christ_n make_v we_o to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o love_n be_v say_v to_o be_v strong_a as_o death_n and_o the_o coal_n thereof_o be_v fiery_a coal_n and_o a_o vehement_a flame_n 8.6_o yea_o much_o water_n can_v quench_v love_n neither_o can_v the_o flood_n drown_v it_o that_o be_v grievous_a persecution_n and_o torment_n can_v extinguish_v the_o same_o nay_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o love_n to_o god_n when_o it_o be_v fervent_a that_o it_o make_v a_o man_n so_o zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o glorify_v god_n than_o by_o suffering_n the_o child_n of_o god_n will_v rather_o yield_v himself_o to_o endure_v the_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a than_o suffer_v god_n to_o lose_v his_o glory_n this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o paul_n rom._n 9.3_o i_o will_v wish_v myself_o say_v he_o to_o be_v separate_a from_o christ_n for_o my_o brethren_n that_o be_v my_o kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v the_o israelite_n meaning_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n in_o their_o call_n and_o salvation_n such_o zeal_n likewise_o we_o may_v see_v in_o moses_n for_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v lose_v his_o glory_n if_o the_o israelite_n be_v destroy_v he_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o pardon_v their_o sin_n but_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o then_o say_v he_o raze_v i_o out_o of_o the_o book_n which_o thou_o have_v write_v 32.32_o this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n to_o make_v a_o man_n able_a and_o willing_a to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o christ_n sake_n we_o must_v hereby_o be_v move_v to_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n for_o tribulation_n may_v come_v nay_o some_o affliction_n will_v come_v on_o every_o child_n of_o god_n more_o or_o less_o now_o without_o faith_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o glorify_v god_n under_o the_o cross_n the_o just_a must_v live_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o estate_n heb._n 10.38_o as_o here_o they_o endure_v rack_a burn_a hew_v asunder_o etc._n etc._n and_o all_o by_o faith_n second_o out_o of_o all_o these_o suffering_n here_o endure_v by_o faith_n note_v the_o mind_n and_o disposition_n of_o ungodly_a man_n towards_o god_n church_n and_o people_n they_o be_v most_o bitter_o &_o bloody_o bend_v against_o they_o for_o here_o they_o put_v in_o execution_n upon_o god_n child_n whatsoever_o cruelty_n the_o devil_n can_v suggest_v into_o their_o heart_n and_o this_o have_v be_v their_o disposition_n and_o behaviour_n not_o only_o before_o christ_n incarnation_n but_o also_o ever_o since_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o manifold_a strange_a torture_n devise_v against_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o both_o then_o and_o since_o inflict_v upon_o they_o behold_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n especial_o in_o their_o late_a inquisition_n whereby_o beside_o the_o cruel_a rack_a of_o the_o conscience_n by_o unjust_a inquiry_n they_o put_v the_o protestant_n to_o most_o cruel_a torment_n the_o consideration_n of_o this_o cruel_a disposition_n in_o the_o wicked_a against_o the_o godly_a be_v of_o special_a use_n first_o it_o prove_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o religion_n which_o by_o god_n mercy_n we_o profess_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v no_o politic_a device_n of_o man_n but_o the_o sacred_a ordinance_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n it_o will_v so_o fit_v their_o humour_n and_o accord_n with_o their_o nature_n that_o general_o it_o will_v be_v love_v and_o embrace_v and_o not_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o will_v mislike_v it_o but_o we_o see_v it_o be_v general_o detest_v this_o sect_n be_v every_o where_o speak_v against_o act_v 28.22_o natural_a man_n reject_v it_o and_o persecute_v it_o and_o the_o professor_n of_o â—t_z unto_o the_o death_n this_o they_o do_v because_o true_a religion_n be_v contrary_a to_o their_o nature_n as_o light_n be_v to_o darkness_n and_o condemn_v those_o way_n and_o course_n which_o they_o best_o like_v of_o this_o reason_n shall_v justify_v true_a religion_n to_o be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n even_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o worldly_a atheist_n his_o devilish_a malice_n against_o it_o prove_v god_n divine_a truth_n to_o be_v in_o it_o second_o do_v the_o wicked_a hate_n the_o godly_a because_o of_o their_o religion_n and_o profession_n then_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v learn_v to_o love_v religion_n because_o it_o be_v religion_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o for_o their_o profession_n sake_n this_o be_v christ_n instruction_n to_o love_v a_o disciple_n because_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n mat._n 10._o indeed_o we_o must_v love_v all_o man_n but_o especial_o those_o that_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n for_o all_o such_o be_v brethren_n have_v one_o father_n which_o be_v god_n and_o brethren_n ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o but_o alas_o this_o lesson_n be_v not_o learned_a for_o the_o world_n general_o be_v give_v to_o mock_v and_o scoff_v
company_n at_o abraham_n request_n have_v there_o be_v but_o 10._o righteous_a man_n in_o sodom_n all_o have_v be_v spare_v for_o their_o sake_n gen._n 18.32_o when_o joseph_n dwell_v in_o egypt_n all_o putiphars_n house_n and_o all_o in_o it_o though_o he_o be_v a_o heathen_a man_n be_v bless_v for_o josephs_n sake_n gen._n 39.5_o when_o lot_n be_v deliver_v out_o of_o sodomes_n destruction_n the_o angel_n ask_v he_o have_v thou_o any_o son_n in_o law_n that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v save_v for_o his_o sake_n gen._n 19.12_o when_o paul_n and_o 276._o soul_n with_o he_o suffer_v shipwreck_n and_o be_v all_o in_o present_a danger_n of_o drown_v god_n save_v paul_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n all_o the_o rest_n god_n give_v he_o the_o life_n of_o all_o that_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o ship_n act_n 27.24_o and_o so_o here_o noah_n child_n and_o their_o wife_n be_v spare_v for_o noah_n sake_n let_v this_o encourage_v all_o man_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n see_v thereby_o they_o shall_v not_o make_v themselves_o alone_o bless_v but_o bring_v down_o god_n blessing_n even_o on_o their_o house_n child_n and_o posterity_n yea_o the_o very_a place_n where_o and_o the_o people_n with_o who_o they_o dwell_v shall_v fare_v the_o better_a for_o they_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o cause_n &_o reason_n why_o not_o noah_n alone_o but_o even_o his_o household_n be_v also_o save_v in_o the_o four_o place_n let_v we_o observe_v how_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o noah_n build_v the_o ark_n not_o for_o the_o save_n of_o himself_o but_o of_o his_o household_n and_o it_o be_v so_o say_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o show_v that_o noah_n though_o he_o be_v the_o head_n &_o governor_n yet_o be_v one_o of_o the_o household_n for_o in_o the_o word_n household_n himself_o be_v comprehend_v master_n and_o father_n though_o they_o be_v governor_n yet_o must_v think_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o household_n so_o will_v they_o have_v more_o care_n thereof_o when_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a second_o to_o teach_v we_o what_o care_n noah_n have_v for_o his_o family_n even_o so_o great_a as_o he_o prepare_v the_o ark_n to_o save_v they_o withal_o here_o be_v a_o example_n of_o a_o worthy_a master_n of_o a_o household_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v but_o for_o a_o temporal_a deliverance_n now_o if_o he_o be_v so_o careful_a for_o their_o bodily_a safety_n how_o much_o more_o be_v he_o to_o save_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o damnation_n which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o eternal_a destruction_n of_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n therefore_o doubtless_o as_o he_o be_v a_o diligent_a preacher_n of_o righteousness_n to_o that_o sinful_a world_n so_o principal_o a_o diligent_a preacher_n and_o prayer_n and_o catechiser_n of_o his_o own_o family_n that_o so_o he_o may_v make_v they_o god_n servant_n and_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o eternal_a fire_n of_o hell_n noah_n example_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o parent_n and_o father_n of_o family_n to_o teach_v they_o care_n not_o only_o for_o the_o body_n &_o bodily_a welfare_n of_o their_o family_n but_o especial_o for_o their_o soul_n and_o spiritual_a welfare_n and_o if_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o all_o bond_n of_o nature_n and_o religion_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o body_n of_o their_o child_n let_v reason_n judge_v how_o much_o more_o straight_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o look_v to_o their_o soul_n but_o s._n paul_n say_v he_o that_o provide_v not_o temporal_a thing_n necessary_a for_o his_o family_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n 1._o timon_n 5.8_o then_o what_o be_v he_o who_o provide_v nothing_o for_o their_o soul_n sure_o his_o case_n be_v extreme_o fearful_a therefore_o when_o thou_o have_v provide_v meat_n apparel_n a_o calling_n and_o marriage_n house_n &_o live_v for_o thy_o child_n think_v not_o thou_o have_v do_v and_o so_o may_v turn_v they_o off_o the_o world_n may_v take_v they_o thus_o but_o god_n will_v not_o take_v they_o so_o at_o thy_o hand_n no_o the_o great_a duty_n remain_v behind_o thou_o must_v provide_v for_o their_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v know_v god_n &_o fear_v his_o name_n thou_o must_v with_o abraham_n gen._n 18.19_o teach_v thy_o family_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n i_o know_v abraham_n say_v god_n that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o and_o sure_o god_n will_v know_v all_o such_o as_o do_v so_o by_o do_v thus_o man_n shall_v make_v their_o house_n church_n of_o god_n as_o here_o noah_n be_v &_o it_o will_v be_v far_o better_o with_o our_o church_n &_o state_n if_o man_n do_v so_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n &_o justice_n in_o the_o country_n shall_v have_v much_o less_o to_o do_v if_o master_n of_o family_n will_v do_v their_o duty_n but_o to_o go_v further_o let_v we_o see_v more_o particular_o what_o this_o household_n be_v that_o be_v thus_o save_v by_o the_o ark_n first_o it_o be_v a_o family_n of_o four_o man_n &_o four_o woman_n not_o man_n or_o woman_n alone_a but_o both_o and_o consist_v of_o as_o many_o woman_n as_o man_n thus_o god_n will_v have_v one_o sex_n to_o love_v another_o and_o one_o to_o think_v themselves_o beholden_a to_o the_o other_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o first_o world_n be_v by_o one_o man_n &_o one_o woman_n of_o the_o second_o by_o four_o man_n and_o four_o woman_n but_o always_o equal_a and_o here_o also_o god_n will_v teach_v man_n not_o to_o contemn_v the_o other_o though_o the_o weak_a sex_n for_o god_n save_v as_o many_o of_o they_o from_o the_o universal_a flood_n as_o he_o do_v man_n second_o how_o many_o be_v they_o in_o all_o but_o eight_o person_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n no_o more_o be_v save_v a_o miserable_a spectacle_n see_v what_o sin_n can_v do_v it_o can_v bring_v many_o million_o to_o eight_o person_n in_o a_o short_a time_n see_v what_o it_o be_v to_o offend_v god_n let_v we_o not_o then_o glory_n in_o our_o multitude_n but_o glory_n in_o this_o that_o we_o know_v and_o serve_v god_n for_o otherwise_o if_o our_o sin_n cry_v out_o to_o he_o against_o we_o he_o can_v easy_o make_v we_o few_o enough_o three_o what_o be_v these_o eight_o person_n not_o one_o servant_n among_o they_o all_o there_o be_v none_o but_o noah_n and_o his_o wife_n his_o three_o son_n and_o their_o wife_n it_o be_v marvellous_a that_o here_o be_v none_o of_o noah_n servant_n some_o think_v he_o have_v none_o and_o that_o the_o simplicity_n of_o those_o day_n require_v no_o attendance_n but_o that_o each_o one_o be_v servant_n to_o himself_o and_o they_o seem_v to_o gather_v it_o out_o of_o gen_n 7.1_o where_o god_n bid_v noah_n enter_v thou_o &_o all_o thy_o house_n into_o the_o ark_n and_o when_o they_o enter_v they_o be_v recount_v in_o the_o seven_o verse_n to_o be_v none_o but_o himself_o his_o wife_n and_o his_o child_n therefore_o say_v they_o in_o noah_n house_n there_o be_v no_o servant_n but_o why_o may_v not_o noah_n have_v servant_n as_o well_o as_o abraham_n and_o lot_n have_v doubtless_o he_o have_v but_o behold_v a_o wonderful_a matter_n noah_n own_a servant_n will_v not_o believe_v his_o preach_n but_o choose_v rather_o to_o live_v loose_o with_o the_o world_n &_o perish_v with_o it_o then_o to_o live_v godly_a with_o their_o master_n and_o be_v save_v with_o he_o this_o be_v and_o will_v be_v true_a in_o all_o age_n that_o in_o a_o wicked_a age_n or_o in_o a_o wicked_a town_n a_o master_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o govern_v his_o own_o servant_n but_o the_o stream_n of_o common_a wickedness_n and_o ill_a example_n of_o other_o man_n do_v draw_v they_o from_o the_o obedience_n of_o their_o master_n they_o can_v ready_o allege_v for_o themselves_o we_o will_v not_o be_v use_v more_o hardly_o then_o other_o man_n be_v we_o will_v not_o be_v tie_v to_o our_o hour_n &_o bind_v to_o so_o many_o exercise_n we_o will_v do_v as_o other_o do_v thus_o will_v noah_n servant_n do_v and_o perish_v with_o the_o world_n so_o hard_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o a_o good_a man_n to_o have_v good_a servant_n in_o such_o time_n or_o place_n where_o wickedness_n reign_v and_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v in_o some_o sort_n how_o the_o ark_n save_v noah_n and_o his_o household_n and_o what_o this_o household_n of_o his_o be_v now_o beside_o this_o end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o ark_n we_o be_v further_a to_o know_v that_o whereas_o this_o save_n of_o they_o be_v but_o a_o corporal_a deliverance_n from_o a_o temporal_a death_n this_o ark_n have_v also_o a_o spiritual_a use_n which_o we_o may_v not_o omit_v for_o as_o many_o of_o noah_n family_n as_o be_v true_a believer_n
it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o save_v they_o another_o way_n even_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n for_o it_o teach_v they_o many_o thing_n first_o it_o be_v a_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n unto_o their_o soul_n for_o if_o he_o be_v so_o careful_a to_o save_v their_o body_n from_o the_o flood_n they_o thereby_o assure_v themselves_o he_o will_v be_v as_o good_a unto_o their_o soul_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v far_o more_o precious_a and_o excellent_a second_o it_o show_v they_o how_o to_o be_v save_v for_o as_o they_o see_v no_o safety_n nothing_o but_o present_a death_n out_o of_o the_o ark_n so_o it_o teach_v they_o that_o out_o of_o god_n church_n and_o out_o of_o god_n favour_n no_o salvation_n can_v be_v expect_v and_o so_o it_o teach_v they_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n and_o member_n of_o his_o true_a church_n three_o they_o see_v they_o be_v save_v from_o the_o flood_n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o first_o noah_n believe_v god_n word_n that_o the_o flood_n shall_v come_v then_o he_o obey_v god_n commandment_n and_o make_v the_o ark_n as_o he_o be_v command_v and_o thus_o he_o and_o he_o by_o believe_v &_o obey_v be_v save_v through_o the_o ark_n and_o without_o these_o the_o ark_n can_v not_o have_v save_v they_o this_o teach_v they_o more_o particular_o how_o to_o be_v save_v namely_o by_o believe_v god_n and_o obey_v god_n and_o else_o no_o salvation_n for_o when_o they_o see_v their_o body_n can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o they_o it_o assure_v they_o much_o less_o can_v their_o soul_n be_v save_v without_o faith_n and_o obedience_n last_o this_o deliverance_n by_o the_o ark_n be_v a_o pawn_n unto_o they_o from_o god_n assure_v they_o of_o salvation_n if_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n for_o see_v god_n so_o full_o perform_v his_o promise_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o bodily_a deliverance_n upon_o their_o believe_v they_o thereby_o may_v assure_v themselves_o he_o will_v perform_v his_o promise_n of_o salvation_n unto_o they_o upon_o their_o faith_n and_o true_a obedience_n moreover_o it_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n for_o when_o ever_o after_o any_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o they_o or_o any_o word_n of_o god_n come_v unto_o they_o they_o then_o remember_v god_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n unto_o they_o in_o their_o deliverance_n by_o the_o ark_n and_o therefore_o believe_v unto_o these_o and_o many_o other_o spiritual_a use_n do_v the_o ark_n serve_v unto_o noah_n and_o to_o his_o household_n as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o be_v believer_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o indeed_o the_o ark_n serve_v they_o for_o a_o temporal_a deliverance_n it_o save_v their_o life_n therefore_o they_o also_o have_v reason_n to_o make_v spiritual_a use_n of_o it_o but_o it_o save_v not_o we_o it_o serve_v we_o to_o no_o use_n corporal_a therefore_o how_o can_v we_o make_v any_o spiritual_a use_n of_o it_o i_o answer_v though_o we_o have_v no_o corporal_a use_n of_o the_o ark_n yet_o there_o arise_v a_o excellent_a spiritual_a use_n out_o of_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n and_o our_o baptism_n be_v figure_n correspondent_a one_o to_o the_o other_o that_o that_o noah_n ark_n be_v to_o they_o baptism_n be_v to_o us._n thus_o teach_v s._n peter_n 1.3.20.21_o to_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n the_o figure_n which_o now_o save_v we_o even_o baptism_n agree_v the_o same_o that_o s._n paul_n here_o ascribe_v to_o the_o ark_n s._n peter_n ascribe_v to_o baptism_n the_o ark_n save_v they_o baptism_n save_v us._n now_o the_o resemblance_n betwixt_o these_o two_o figure_n have_v two_o branch_n first_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v in_o the_o flood_n to_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n and_o out_o of_o the_o ark_n no_o possibility_n to_o escape_v so_o be_v it_o for_o they_o that_o will_v have_v their_o soul_n save_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n they_o must_v be_v mystical_a member_n of_o christ_n and_o visible_a member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o out_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n no_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n that_o this_o be_v true_a for_o christ_n s._n peter_n prove_v apparent_o act_v 4.12_o among_o man_n there_o be_v no_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o to_o be_v save_v but_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o and_o that_o this_o be_v true_a for_o the_o church_n he_o prove_v act_n 2.47_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v see_v how_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v save_v must_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n when_o they_o see_v where_o it_o be_v and_o all_o this_o be_v signify_v &_o teach_v in_o baptism_n for_o the_o outward_a use_n of_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n &_o the_o inward_a &_o powerful_a use_n of_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o use_n and_o consideration_n hereof_o shall_v make_v we_o all_o more_o careful_a to_o be_v true_a member_n of_o christ_n &_o of_o his_o church_n by_o make_v not_o only_o a_o bare_a profession_n of_o religion_n but_o by_o seek_v to_o be_v incorporate_a into_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n for_o this_o must_v save_v we_o when_o nothing_o else_o can_v as_o they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n no_o gold_n nor_o silver_n can_v buy_v out_o their_o safety_n no_o land_n nor_o live_n no_o house_n nor_o building_n no_o hill_n nor_o mountain_n nothing_o in_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o whole_a world_n itself_o can_v save_v they_o but_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n they_o perish_v so_o if_o a_o man_n be_v out_o of_o christ_n &_o out_o of_o his_o church_n no_o gold_n nor_o silver_n no_o honour_n nor_o glory_n no_o wit_n nor_o policy_n no_o estimation_n nor_o authority_n no_o friend_n nor_o favour_n no_o wisdom_n nor_o learning_n no_o hill_n of_o happiness_n nor_o mountain_n of_o gold_n can_v save_v his_o soul_n but_o he_o must_v perish_v in_o the_o flood_n of_o god_n eternal_a wrath_n for_o as_o it_o prove_v folly_n in_o they_o that_o trust_v to_o their_o high_a house_n or_o catch_v hold_v on_o the_o hill_n if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n so_o will_v it_o prove_v much_o great_a folly_n to_o they_o that_o shall_v trust_v to_o any_o mean_n of_o salvation_n if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o christ._n and_o contrariwise_o as_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v save_v do_v the_o water_n wind_n and_o weather_n storm_n and_o tempest_n all_o they_o can_v so_o that_o still_o the_o more_o the_o water_n rise_v the_o ark_n rise_v also_o and_o be_v ever_o high_o than_o they_o and_o the_o high_a it_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o water_n the_o safe_a it_o be_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o hill_n and_o rock_n and_o so_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o danger_n they_o be_v out_o of_o danger_n and_o be_v save_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n so_o he_o that_o be_v once_o true_o in_o christ_n be_v sure_a of_o salvation_n nothing_o can_v hinder_v it_o flood_n of_o calamity_n may_v assault_v he_o and_o humble_v he_o but_o they_o hurt_v not_o his_o salvation_n he_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n he_o be_v in_o christ_n nay_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o overthrow_v he_o but_o through_o all_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n &_o through_o all_o tempest_n of_o temptation_n the_o bless_a ark_n of_o christ_n love_n and_o merit_n shall_v carry_v he_o up_o and_o at_o last_o convey_v he_o to_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o bless_a assurance_n of_o all_o they_o that_o be_v true_o baptize_v into_o christ._n but_o as_o for_o such_o as_o out_o of_o their_o profaneness_n either_o care_v not_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o contemn_v baptism_n let_v they_o assure_v themselves_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n &_o they_o perish_v certain_o this_o be_v the_o 1._o part_n of_o the_o resemblance_n the_o second_o be_v this_o noah_n body_n go_v into_o the_o ark_n he_o seem_v therein_o a_o dead_a man_n go_v into_o a_o grave_n or_o a_o tomb_n to_o be_v bury_v for_o he_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o ark_n &_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o water_n &_o he_o deprive_v of_o the_o fresh_a airâ—_n &_o gladsome_a light_n yet_o by_o god_n appointment_n it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o save_v noah_n which_o in_o all_o reason_n seem_v to_o be_v his_o grave_n &_o if_o noah_n will_v be_v save_v he_o must_v go_v into_o this_o grave_n so_o they_o that_o will_v escape_v hell_n and_o damnation_n by_o christ_n the_o true_a ark_n of_o holiness_n must_v be_v bury_v and_o mortify_v in_o their_o flesh_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o come_v
or_o abrogater_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o fulfiller_n of_o it_o as_o the_o abrogater_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a so_o the_o fulfiller_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n if_o he_o fulfil_v the_o law_n for_o who_o be_v it_o not_o for_o himself_o for_o as_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o slay_v for_o himself_o dan._n 9.26_o so_o he_o obey_v not_o the_o law_n for_o himself_o for_o who_o then_o for_o all_o that_o believe_v therefore_o christ_n do_v it_o for_o they_o they_o fulfil_v the_o law_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o christ_n by_o do_v and_o they_o by_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o do_v it_o do_v fulfil_v the_o law_n now_o if_o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o say_v we_o do_v in_o christ_n fulfil_v the_o law_n no_o more_o be_v it_o to_o say_v we_o be_v make_v righteous_a by_o christ_n righteousness_n though_o it_o be_v he_o and_o not_o we_o but_o only_o by_o faith_n let_v we_o then_o see_v in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n object_n against_o it_o they_o first_o object_v thus_o as_o a_o man_n can_v be_v wise_a by_o another_o man_n wisdom_n nor_o rich_a by_o another_o man_n riches_n nor_o strong_a by_o another_o man_n strength_n so_o can_v he_o not_o be_v righteous_a by_o another_o man_n righteousness_n i_o answer_v the_o comparison_n be_v not_o alike_o for_o one_o man_n have_v no_o propriety_n in_o another_o man_n wisdom_n strength_n or_o riches_n but_o we_o have_v a_o right_n and_o propriety_n in_o christ_n righteousness_n again_o the_o wisdom_n of_o one_o man_n can_v be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o another_o because_o they_o be_v two_o person_n full_o and_o equal_o distinct_a but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o betwixt_o christ_n and_o a_o sinner_n for_o every_o believer_n be_v spiritual_o and_o yet_o true_o and_o real_o conjoin_v to_o christ_n and_o they_o make_v one_o mystical_a body_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o body_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o be_v his_o righteousness_n may_v be_v also_o true_o we_o he_o because_o it_o be_v in_o he_o and_o we_o because_o we_o be_v knit_v to_o he_o for_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o mystical_a union_n betwixt_o he_o and_o we_o all_o blessing_n of_o salvation_n in_o he_o as_o in_o the_o head_n be_v diffuse_v into_o we_o as_o his_o member_n or_o branch_n &_o yet_o be_v as_o proper_o still_o in_o he_o as_o be_v the_o brain_n in_o the_o head_n of_o a_o man_n and_o thus_o though_o in_o sense_n and_o reason_n this_o can_v be_v yet_o by_o faith_n and_o god_n spirit_n the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v we_o second_o they_o object_n if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o god_n justify_v wicked_a man_n but_o god_n will_v not_o do_v so_o it_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o justice._n and_o again_o he_o that_o justify_v the_o wicked_a be_v abominable_a to_o god_n prou._n 17.15_o therefore_o god_n will_v not_o do_v so_o himself_o we_o answer_v the_o ground_n be_v good_a but_o the_o collection_n be_v untrue_a god_n will_v not_o justify_v a_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v true_a but_o that_o therefore_o a_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v by_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v false_a for_o god_n do_v not_o justify_v he_o that_o lie_v rot_v in_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o welter_v in_o his_o old_a corruption_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o that_o man_n in_o his_o faith_n be_v justify_v and_o in_o his_o repentance_n sanctify_v and_o so_o he_o be_v make_v a_o new_a man_n yea_o as_o s._n paul_n say_v he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n 2._o corinth_n 5.17_o for_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o conversion_n god_n turn_v nor_o save_v no_o man_n against_o his_o will_n but_o first_o make_v he_o willing_a by_o his_o own_o work_n alone_o and_o then_o convert_v and_o save_v he_o with_o his_o own_o free_a will_n work_v together_o with_o god_n grace_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o work_n of_o justification_n god_n justify_v no_o wicked_a man_n but_o make_v he_o first_o just_a and_o righteous_a in_o and_o by_o christ_n and_o then_o account_v he_o so_o but_o then_o will_n some_o say_v the_o sinner_n have_v no_o righteousness_n but_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o not_o in_o himself_o therefore_o he_o have_v none_o in_o his_o own_o person_n how_o then_o can_v he_o be_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o wicked_a man_n still_o i_o answer_v that_o be_v not_o true_a that_o be_v first_o affirm_v the_o believe_a sinner_n have_v more_o righteousness_n then_o that_o that_o be_v in_o christ._n that_o which_o justify_v he_o be_v in_o christ_n person_n but_o the_o sinner_n when_o he_o be_v justify_v be_v also_o sanctify_a by_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o so_o he_o be_v make_v a_o holy_a man_n and_o do_v good_a and_o holy_a work_n because_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n though_o his_o sanctification_n be_v imperfect_a to_o this_o end_n say_v s._n peter_n act_n 15.9_o faith_n purify_v a_o man_n heart_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v believe_v and_o so_o be_v justify_v but_o he_o must_v also_o be_v sanctify_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n thus_o a_o sinner_n be_v justify_v by_o christ_n righteousness_n inherent_a in_o christ_n himself_o and_o sanctify_v by_o christ_n righteousness_n diffuse_v from_o christ_n into_o the_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o his_o justification_n be_v perfect_a because_o that_o that_o justify_v he_o be_v still_o in_o christ_n but_o his_o sanctification_n imperfect_a because_o that_o that_o sanctify_v we_o be_v in_o ourselves_o the_o one_o impute_v to_o we_o the_o other_o infuse_v and_o inherent_a again_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o we_o take_v it_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n justify_v a_o wicked_a man_n for_o s._n paul_n say_v rom._n 4._o to_o he_o that_o work_v not_o but_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a his_o faith_n be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n see_v god_n justify_v the_o ungodly_a but_o how_o even_o as_o we_o hear_v before_o not_o he_o that_o be_v ungodly_a after_o but_o afore_o he_o be_v justify_v he_o that_o by_o nature_n and_o in_o himself_o be_v ungodly_a god_n justify_v by_o work_v in_o he_o faith_n and_o repentance_n by_o which_o of_o a_o ungodly_a man_n he_o be_v make_v a_o man_n justify_v and_o sanctify_v their_o last_o objection_n be_v if_o a_o sinner_n be_v righteous_a by_o christ_n righteousness_n than_o christ_n be_v a_o sinner_n by_o his_o sin_n for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o both_o but_o christ_n be_v no_o sinner_n but_o the_o holy_a of_o holy_a and_o s._n paul_n say_v he_o know_v no_o sin_n 1._o cor._n 5._o and_o himself_z for_o himself_o challenge_v his_o enemy_n which_o of_o you_o can_v reprove_v i_o of_o sin_n if_o then_o our_o sin_n can_v make_v he_o a_o sinner_n no_o more_o can_v his_o righteousness_n make_v we_o righteous_a i_o answer_v here_o we_o grant_v all_o if_o they_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o christ_n be_v a_o true_a and_o repute_a sinner_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n justice_n as_o he_o that_o become_v surety_n for_o another_o be_v a_o debtor_n in_o his_o room_n or_o as_o he_o that_o undertake_v for_o a_o man_n body_n for_o body_n must_v answer_v for_o he_o his_o own_o body_n for_o he_o so_o in_o all_o reason_n and_o justice_n christ_n though_o he_o have_v no_o sin_n of_o his_o own_o yet_o be_v our_o surety_n and_o undertake_v for_o we_o and_o stand_v in_o our_o stead_n our_o sin_n be_v just_o account_v his_o and_o as_o for_o these_o place_n &_o many_o more_o like_a they_o be_v all_o understand_v of_o personal_a sin_n from_o all_o which_o and_o the_o least_o contagion_n thereof_o he_o be_v perfect_o free_a and_o therefore_o the_o same_o place_n that_o say_v he_o know_v no_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o &_o for_o his_o own_o person_n know_v not_o what_o sin_n be_v say_v also_o that_o for_o we_o &_o in_o our_o stead_n he_o be_v make_v even_o sin_n itself_o that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o thus_o christ_n in_o himself_o more_o righteous_a than_o all_o man_n &_o angel_n in_o our_o stead_n be_v a_o repute_a sinner_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o most_o unrighteous_a in_o ourselves_o be_v clothe_v with_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o thereby_o be_v repute_v righteous_a and_o as_o christ_n though_o no_o sinner_n in_o himself_o by_o be_v a_o sinner_n in_o our_o stead_n and_o have_v our_o sin_n impute_v unto_o he_o become_v subject_a to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o bear_v it_o even_o to_o death_n itself_o so_o we_o though_o not_o
righteous_a of_o ourselves_o yet_o have_v christ_n righteousness_n impute_v to_o we_o be_v make_v thereby_o partaker_n of_o god_n love_n and_o for_o the_o worthiness_n of_o that_o righteousness_n of_o he_o so_o make_v we_o shall_v be_v glorify_v in_o heaven_n and_o thus_o now_o at_o last_o we_o have_v find_v that_o true_a and_o that_o only_a righteousness_n which_o can_v make_v a_o man_n as_o it_o do_v noah_n righteous_a in_o god_n sight_n now_o it_o remain_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o first_o here_o we_o learn_v how_o foul_o our_o nature_n be_v defile_v with_o sin_n and_o stain_a with_o corruption_n the_o stain_n whereof_o can_v be_v wash_v away_o with_o all_o the_o water_n in_o the_o world_n no_o nor_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o creature_n no_o not_o cover_v with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o all_o man_n and_o angel_n but_o only_o with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o that_o son_n of_o god_n also_o if_o he_o will_v apply_v that_o righteousness_n unto_o we_o and_o make_v it_o effectual_a must_v become_v man_n and_o live_v and_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o for_o us._n a_o marvellous_a thing_n be_v it_o and_o â—orthy_a of_o our_o often_o consideration_n that_o all_o the_o angel_n and_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v make_v one_o sinner_n righteous_a but_o that_o god_n son_n must_v needs_o do_v it_o and_o that_o our_o sin_n be_v so_o hideous_a as_o nothing_o can_v hide_v the_o filthiness_n thereof_o from_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n justice_n but_o only_o the_o glorious_a mercy_n seat_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n this_o may_v therefore_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o esteem_v of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o nature_n furthermore_n see_v here_o the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n god_n put_v perfect_a legal_a righteousness_n in_o adam_n heart_n in_o his_o creation_n he_o receive_v it_o for_o himself_o and_o we_o and_o lose_v it_o for_o himself_o and_o us._n god_n in_o mercy_n purpose_v to_o restore_v man_n thus_o by_o himself_o lose_v and_o cast_v away_o give_v he_o another_o and_o a_o better_a righteousness_n than_o before_o but_o because_o he_o see_v man_n be_v so_o ill_a a_o keeper_n of_o his_o own_o jewel_n he_o trust_v not_o he_o with_o it_o but_o set_v that_o righteousness_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o commit_v it_o to_o he_o to_o keep_v who_o as_o he_o true_o know_v the_o full_a value_n and_o excellency_n thereof_o and_o as_o he_o dear_o love_v we_o so_o he_o will_v most_o safe_o keep_v it_o for_o we_o and_o clothe_v we_o with_o it_o in_o his_o father_n presence_n at_o the_o last_o day_n a_o point_n of_o unspeakable_a comfort_n to_o god_n child_n to_o consider_v that_o their_o salvation_n be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o keep_n where_o it_o may_v again_o be_v lose_v but_o in_o a_o safe_a hand_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v and_o have_v it_o when_o they_o have_v most_o need_n of_o it_o and_o to_o remember_v that_o their_o righteousness_n be_v in_o christ_n they_o can_v lose_v it_o for_o though_o they_o sin_n and_o so_o lose_v often_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o a_o time_n yet_o they_o then_o lose_v not_o their_o righteousness_n which_o be_v then_o in_o christ_n and_o to_o consider_v that_o when_o in_o this_o world_n they_o sustain_v loss_n or_o injury_n or_o lose_v all_o they_o have_v upon_o the_o earth_n that_o yet_o their_o righteousness_n the_o riches_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v then_o in_o heaven_n full_a safe_a in_o christ_n keep_n and_o shall_v never_o be_v lose_v this_o shall_v make_v we_o learn_v to_o know_v christ_n more_o and_o more_o and_o to_o give_v he_o the_o love_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o very_a heart_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o bless_a paul_n 2._o timoth._n 1.12_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v unto_o he_o against_o that_o day_n last_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o communion_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o a_o believer_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v make_v he_o and_o his_o righteousness_n make_v we_o this_o may_v teach_v we_o patience_n and_o minister_v we_o comfort_v in_o all_o outward_a affliction_n or_o inward_a temptation_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a all_o our_o suffering_n be_v he_o and_o he_o be_v touch_v with_o all_o the_o wrong_n do_v to_o us._n when_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o call_v to_o saul_n act_v 9.4_o saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o and_o at_o the_o last_o day_n math._n 25.45_o whatsoever_o either_o good_a or_o evil_n be_v do_v to_o any_o of_o his_o child_n he_o say_v be_v do_v to_o himself_o and_o according_o it_o shall_v be_v reward_v as_o do_v to_o he_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v teach_v that_o true_a righteousness_n which_o justify_v a_o sinner_n and_o make_v noah_n righteous_a and_o we_o see_v the_o use_n of_o that_o worthy_a doctrine_n and_o in_o this_o first_o point_n we_o have_v the_o long_o insist_v because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n hitherto_o of_o the_o first_o point_n namely_o what_o that_o righteousness_n be_v which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o the_o 2._o point_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o these_o word_n be_v that_o this_o righteousness_n be_v that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v so_o call_v because_o faith_n be_v the_o proper_a instrument_n create_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o apprehend_v that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v any_o way_n else_o either_o apprehend_v or_o apply_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v worthy_o call_v that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v which_o by_o faith_n be_v make_v a_o man_n own_o or_o whereunto_o a_o man_n have_v title_n by_o his_o faith_n here_o therefore_o two_o point_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o observation_n 1._o that_o true_a faith_n apprehend_v proper_o this_o true_a righteousness_n 2._o that_o only_a faith_n can_v do_v it_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o apparent_a evidence_n of_o scripure_a s._n paul_n tell_v the_o galatian_n 3.14_o they_o receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o faith_n and_o s._n john_n say_v that_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v christ_n to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v think_v that_o to_o receive_v christ_n be_v not_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n he_o add_v even_o to_o as_o many_o as_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n john_n 1.12_o and_o therefore_o faith_n be_v fit_o compare_v to_o a_o hand_n that_o take_v hold_v on_o a_o garment_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o body_n be_v naked_a or_o to_o a_o beggar_n hand_n that_o take_v or_o receive_v a_o king_n alm_n so_o faith_n in_o a_o man_n soul_n take_v hold_v on_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o merciful_a and_o liberal_a alm_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o naked_a soul_n of_o the_o believer_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v how_o can_v faith_n apply_v christ_n to_o the_o believer_n i_o answer_v as_o a_o man_n be_v in_o his_o corrupt_a nature_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o christ_n so_o contrariwise_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v wrought_v faith_n in_o his_o heart_n by_o a_o supernatural_a operation_n then_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o proper_a instrument_n to_o apprehend_v christ_n so_o be_v christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n the_o proper_a object_n for_o faith_n to_o work_v upon_o for_o though_o it_o apprehend_v &_o apply_v all_o other_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o our_o soul_n or_o body_n yet_o most_o proper_o and_o principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o apprehend_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ._n now_o for_o the_o particular_a manner_n how_o faith_n do_v thus_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o though_o it_o be_v spiritual_a &_o invisible_a and_o so_o not_o easy_o express_v to_o sense_n yet_o be_v it_o do_v as_o proper_o by_o faith_n as_o a_o garment_n be_v by_o the_o hand_n take_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o body_n or_o a_o plaster_n to_o a_o sore_n if_o any_o ask_v further_o but_o when_o may_v a_o man_n know_v whether_o his_o faith_n have_v apprehend_v and_o apply_v christ_n righteousness_n to_o his_o soul_n or_o no_o i_o answer_v when_o he_o believe_v particular_o that_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v his_o righteousness_n and_o have_v reconcile_v he_o to_o god_n and_o shall_v justify_v he_o in_o god_n presence_n then_o do_v faith_n work_v his_o true_a and_o proper_a work_n for_o this_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o faith_n and_o where_o faith_n be_v this_o must_v needs_o be_v do_v