though_o he_o receive_v it_o with_o a_o hand_n shake_v with_o the_o palsy_n so_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o our_o faith_n though_o disease_v with_o infirmity_n and_o bestow_v grace_n on_o a_o believe_a soul_n though_o shake_v with_o many_o temptation_n in_o a_o word_n god_n accept_v soundness_n of_o faith_n though_o it_o be_v but_o small_a and_o more_o look_n at_o in_o his_o mercy_n a_o man_n little_a faith_n than_o his_o many_o fault_n he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n isaiah_n 42_o 3_o when_o a_o man_n be_v break_v in_o heart_n and_o deject_a in_o soul_n in_o fight_n of_o his_o many_o sin_n and_o little_a grace_n god_n will_v not_o break_v this_o bruise_a reed_n but_o will_n comfort_n and_o strengthen_v he_o and_o when_o any_o life_n of_o grace_n appear_v in_o a_o man_n as_o flax_n that_o smoke_v but_o will_v not_o burn_v out_o god_n will_v not_o quench_v it_o but_o will_v rather_o kindle_v it_o and_o give_v life_n unto_o it_o let_v this_o teach_v we_o to_o take_v in_o good_a part_n the_o holy_a and_o honest_a endeavour_n of_o our_o brethren_n though_o they_o can_v do_v so_o well_o as_o they_o will_v or_o shall_v let_v we_o not_o exact_v too_o much_o and_o too_o hasty_o upon_o they_o but_o expect_v in_o meekness_n the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n think_v well_o of_o sarahs_n faith_n though_o it_o be_v with_o laugh_v second_o here_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o god_n rather_o observe_v and_o regard_v good_a thing_n in_o his_o child_n than_o their_o fault_n and_o imperfection_n he_o write_v up_o sarahs_n faith_n he_o name_v not_o her_o laugh_n this_o be_v from_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v goodness_n itself_o and_o therefore_o most_o easy_o apprehend_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o least_o goodness_n wherever_o he_o find_v it_o thus_o shall_v we_o deal_v one_o with_o another_o what_o good_a thing_n we_o see_v in_o any_o man_n we_o shall_v observe_v &_o commend_v it_o his_o fault_n we_o shall_v not_o see_v but_o cover_v and_o omit_v they_o but_o the_o course_n be_v contrary_a the_o common_a table_n talk_v of_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o but_o of_o man_n fault_n and_o to_o rip_v up_o their_o imperfection_n but_o if_o they_o have_v never_o so_o many_o good_a property_n we_o can_v bury_v they_o all_o or_o pass_v they_o over_o in_o silence_n this_o argue_v the_o malice_n and_o the_o naughtiness_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o be_v evil_a do_v delight_n in_o nothing_o but_o evil_a and_o be_v corrupt_a feed_v as_o do_v the_o filthy_a horseflie_a on_o nothing_o but_o corruption_n but_o let_v we_o remember_v the_o practice_n of_o god_n and_o learn_v to_o conceal_v fault_n and_o use_v our_o tongue_n to_o talk_v of_o the_o good_a thing_n and_o virtue_n in_o our_o brethren_n so_o shall_v we_o resemble_v the_o lord_n who_o though_o sarah_n laugh_v not_o in_o a_o holy_a admiration_n but_o in_o unbelief_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o afterward_o she_o believe_v god_n have_v match_v she_o with_o the_o notable_a believer_n and_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n the_o person_n and_o her_o action_n she_o believe_v now_o the_o second_o be_v what_o she_o believe_v include_v and_o necessary_o imply_v in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o verse_n she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v the_o thing_n she_o believe_v be_v the_o word_n or_o promise_n of_o god_n particular_o his_o promise_n that_o she_o shall_v bear_v isaac_n in_o her_o old_a age_n of_o which_o promise_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o we_o may_v read_v gen._n 18.13_o etc._n etc._n here_o the_o only_a question_n be_v by_o what_o faith_n she_o believe_v this_o and_o the_o answer_n be_v by_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o it_o be_v prove_v thus_o abraham_n believe_v this_o promise_n by_o the_o faith_n that_o justify_v he_o rom._n 4.10.11_o but_o abraham_n and_o sarah_n believe_v it_o both_o by_o one_o faith_n therefore_o sarah_n believe_v that_o promise_n by_o the_o faith_n that_o also_o justify_v she_o where_o we_o learn_v that_o save_v faith_n apprehend_v not_o only_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o redemption_n by_o christ_n but_o all_o other_o inferior_a promise_n that_o depend_v upon_o it_o for_o here_o we_o see_v abraham_n and_o sarah_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o temporal_a blessing_n by_o the_o same_o faith_n whereby_o former_o they_o have_v lay_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n so_o that_o the_o object_n of_o true_a faith_n be_v 1._o principal_a the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ._n 2._o secondary_a all_o inferior_a promise_n annex_v thereunto_o the_o main_a promise_n be_v so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n to_o the_o end_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 3.16_o now_o true_a faith_n first_o of_o all_o direct_o and_o plain_o fasten_v itself_o on_o this_o but_o after_o and_o with_o this_o on_o all_o other_o promise_n that_o concern_v soul_n or_o body_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o pray_v for_o temporal_a blessing_n health_n peace_n competency_n of_o wealth_n &_o all_o other_o under_o the_o name_n of_o daily_a bread_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o if_o we_o ask_v in_o faith_n neither_o be_v this_o faith_n constrain_v but_o free_a and_o voluntary_a and_o on_o a_o good_a foundation_n for_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n accept_v we_o in_o christ_n for_o salvation_n we_o can_v but_o withal_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o all_o thing_n else_o needful_a for_o us._n this_o we_o here_o note_v again_o because_o we_o be_v wrongful_o charge_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o hold_v that_o faith_n apprehend_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n alone_o but_o we_o pass_v it_o over_o for_o that_o we_o have_v already_o speak_v something_o of_o it_o now_o follow_v the_o three_o point_n namely_o the_o impediment_n of_o her_o faith_n in_o these_o word_n when_o she_o be_v past_o age_n the_o promise_n be_v to_o have_v a_o child_n she_o believe_v it_o now_o against_o childbearing_n there_o be_v two_o impediment_n 1._o barrenness_n 2._o age._n if_o one_o be_v age_v or_o past_o the_o ordinary_a time_n it_o be_v hard_a and_o unlikely_a but_o if_o one_o be_v very_o age_a and_o far_o past_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a she_o shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o child_n thus_o it_o stand_v in_o reason_n beside_o though_o one_o be_v not_o past_a age_n yet_o if_o she_o be_v barren_a as_o some_o by_o secret_a reason_n in_o nature_n be_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v she_o shall_v conceive_v now_o both_o these_o lay_n in_o sarahs_n way_n for_o here_o it_o be_v say_v she_o be_v past_o age_n and_o another_o place_n namely_o gen._n 16.1.2_o say_v she_o be_v barren_a but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v against_o sarahs_n age_n that_o in_o the_o old_a time_n they_o have_v child_n till_o they_o be_v of_o great_a age_n eva_n have_v her_o son_n sheth_o at_o 130._o year_n old_a gen._n 5.3_o for_o adam_n and_o eve_n must_v needs_o be_v both_o of_o one_o age_n and_o after_o that_o eve_n bear_v many_o son_n and_o daughter_n therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o sarah_n be_v not_o past_a age_n at_o 90._o year_n old_a but_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o they_o who_o begin_v to_o bear_v at_o that_o age_n live_v eight_o or_o nine_o hundred_o year_n but_o sarah_n live_v after_o the_o flood_n when_o age_n be_v bring_v down_o to_o 200._o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o 100_o year_n abraham_n live_v but_o 175._o year_n and_o sarah_n but_o 127._o she_o therefore_o who_o live_v 127._o year_n and_o die_v a_o old_a woman_n must_v needs_o be_v past_a age_n of_o childbearing_n at_o 90._o year_n old_a and_o beside_o her_o age_n she_o be_v also_o barren_a by_o her_o natural_a constitution_n as_o many_o be_v and_o have_v be_v and_o bring_v abraham_n no_o child_n yet_o unto_o this_o woman_n come_v a_o word_n from_o god_n sarah_n shall_v bear_v a_o son_n and_o behold_v this_o age_a and_o barren_a woman_n do_v not_o object_n desperate_o these_o her_o two_o hindrance_n the_o one_o whereof_o in_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a against_o child-bearing_a but_o beyond_o all_o impediment_n and_o above_o reason_n believe_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o rest_v and_o rely_v only_o and_o whole_o on_o god_n word_n for_o it_o the_o use_n of_o which_o notable_a and_o faithful_a practice_n so_o wonderful_a in_o a_o woman_n must_v teach_v we_o to_o rest_v on_o god_n word_n &_o promise_n though_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n so_o to_o do_v for_o example_n when_o we_o see_v our_o
it_o may_v be_v ask_v who_o they_o be_v that_o here_o pass_v through_o by_o faith_n the_o answer_n be_v the_o israelite_n 12._o but_o some_o will_v say_v we_o read_v in_o the_o history_n that_o when_o the_o people_n come_v to_o the_o red_a sea_n they_o be_v wonderful_o afraid_a and_o murmur_v against_o moses_n say_v that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o have_v live_v in_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n then_o to_o come_v into_o the_o desert_n and_o there_o die_v now_o how_o can_v they_o murmur_v impatient_o and_o fearful_o and_o yet_o pass_v through_o by_o faith_n answer_n at_o the_o first_o indeed_o they_o murmur_v when_o they_o see_v the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o have_v the_o huge_a army_n of_o pharaoh_n follow_v they_o and_o the_o red_a sea_n before_o they_o and_o hill_n and_o mountain_n on_o each_o side_n but_o howsoever_o they_o murmur_v at_o the_o first_o yet_o when_o moses_n speak_v word_n of_o comfort_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n bid_v they_o not_o to_o be_v afraid_a &c_n &c_n and_o when_o he_o hold_v up_o his_o rod_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o red_a sea_n before_o they_o than_o they_o follow_v he_o by_o faith_n and_o hereupon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v unto_o they_o the_o title_n of_o true_a believer_n here_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o true_a faith_n in_o god_n child_n be_v mingle_v with_o unbelief_n the_o israelite_n faith_n be_v true_a faith_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o weak_a for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v perfect_a &_o sound_a faith_n they_o will_v never_o have_v murmur_v nor_o have_v be_v impatient_a and_o fearful_a but_o look_v as_o it_o be_v in_o nature_n so_o it_o be_v in_o grace_n in_o nature_n we_o can_v pass_v from_o one_o contrary_a to_o another_o but_o by_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o contrary_n as_o in_o light_n and_o darkness_n the_o one_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o other_o immediate_o but_o first_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o they_o both_o in_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n and_o close_v of_o the_o night_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o other_o contrary_n even_o in_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o soul_n unbelief_n be_v a_o sin_n faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n and_o grace_n contrary_a to_o it_o now_o unbelief_n can_v be_v expel_v by_o faith_n before_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o they_o both_o and_o so_o when_o faith_n prevail_v unbelief_n decay_v neither_o can_v faith_n be_v ever_o perfect_a because_o it_o be_v ever_o mingle_v more_o or_o less_o with_o unbelief_n this_o plain_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o say_v that_o after_o a_o man_n be_v regenerate_v and_o believe_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o that_o god_n can_v hate_v for_o they_o imagine_v that_o he_o be_v so_o thorough_o sanctify_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o which_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o sin_n but_o here_o we_o see_v their_o doctrine_n be_v false_a see_v faith_n &_o unbelief_n be_v always_o mingle_v together_o second_o as_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n grace_n look_v as_o faith_n be_v not_o perfect_a but_o mix_v with_o unbelief_n so_o be_v all_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v not_o perfect_a in_o a_o man_n nor_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o his_o judgement_n and_o hereby_o many_o be_v deceive_v for_o when_o they_o fear_v god_n for_o his_o punishment_n they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v most_o miserable_a and_o void_a of_o grace_n but_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n upon_o the_o earth_n that_o fear_v god_n only_o for_o his_o mercy_n and_o do_v not_o fear_n god_n also_o for_o his_o punishment_n in_o part_n for_o god_n grace_n in_o this_o life_n be_v ever_o mingle_v with_o their_o contrary_n and_o therefore_o to_o imagine_v that_o a_o man_n may_v fear_v god_n for_o his_o mercy_n only_o and_o not_o for_o judgement_n also_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o such_o a_o man_n as_o none_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o best_a fear_n that_o be_v in_o any_o man_n live_v be_v a_o mix_a fear_n further_o when_o moses_n have_v speak_v word_n of_o comfort_n unto_o they_o the_o unbelieved_n and_o fearful_a israelite_n do_v stir_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o believe_v so_o we_o according_o must_v labour_n and_o strive_v against_o that_o inbred_a unbelief_n which_o be_v in_o we_o for_o every_o man_n have_v innumerable_a sin_n in_o he_o that_o resist_v faith_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o check_v and_o suppress_v they_o will_v master_v his_o faith_n but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v faith_n to_o continue_v and_o last_v must_v strive_v against_o natural_a unbelief_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o this_o place_n and_o as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n mark_n 9.24_o when_o he_o say_v to_o christ_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n know_v that_o his_o unbelief_n do_v suppress_v his_o faith_n and_o so_o do_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n when_o they_o pray_v lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n luk._n 17.5_o and_o david_n be_v oppress_v with_o deadness_n of_o heart_n stir_v up_o his_o faith_n say_v why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o my_o soul_n etc._n etc._n wait_v on_o god_n psalm_n 42._o v._n 11._o for_o he_o that_o have_v faith_n be_v trouble_v with_o unbelief_n and_o the_o more_o it_o trouble_v he_o the_o less_o he_o believe_v unless_o he_o strive_v against_o it_o manful_o 2._o quest._n but_o how_o many_o of_o the_o israelite_n believe_v and_o go_v over_o by_o faith_n ans._n not_o all_o for_o paul_n say_v with_o many_o of_o they_o god_n be_v not_o well_o please_v for_o they_o be_v overthrow_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 1._o cor._n 10.5_o which_o show_v that_o all_o that_o pass_v over_o have_v not_o true_a faith_n for_o some_o believe_v and_o by_o the_o force_n of_o their_o faith_n all_o go_v over_o safe_o hence_o we_o note_v this_o which_o have_v be_v often_o teach_v we_o that_o a_o ungodly_a man_n receive_v many_o temporal_a benefit_n by_o the_o society_n of_o god_n people_n which_o believe_v as_o here_o the_o unbelieve_a israelite_n have_v this_o benefit_n to_o go_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n safe_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o in_o the_o former_a example_n the_o brute_n beast_n be_v free_v from_o kill_v by_o the_o angel_n because_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o host_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n now_o shall_v a_o brute_n beast_n have_v benefit_n by_o be_v with_o gods_n people_n and_o shall_v not_o a_o man_n much_o more_o yes_o undoubted_o for_o so_o we_o may_v read_v that_o for_o paul_n sake_n all_o the_o mariner_n and_o soldier_n that_o be_v in_o the_o ship_n be_v save_v from_o drown_v act._n 27.24_o this_o point_n must_v persuade_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o godly_a for_o our_o society_n and_o company_n with_o who_o we_o live_v and_o converse_v for_o by_o they_o we_o reap_v many_o benefit_n and_o freedom_n also_o from_o many_o heavy_a judgement_n the_o three_o point_n be_v this_o when_o do_v the_o israelite_n believe_v this_o circumstance_n be_v worth_a the_o mark_v they_o believe_v when_o they_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o they_o believe_v not_o only_o in_o general_n that_o god_n be_v their_o god_n as_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o their_o father_n but_o they_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v be_v with_o they_o and_o give_v they_o life_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n a_o notable_a point_n they_o believe_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o their_o grave_n for_o so_o may_v the_o red_a sea_n be_v well_o call_v that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o life_n everlasting_a and_o preserve_v they_o safe_o through_o the_o sea_n and_o from_o their_o enemy_n in_o their_o example_n we_o be_v teach_v the_o same_o duty_n to_o do_v as_o they_o here_o do_v the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n have_v innumerable_a cause_n of_o desperation_n and_o sometime_o his_o own_o conscience_n will_v take_v part_n with_o satan_n in_o charge_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v in_o state_n of_o damnation_n in_o this_o heavy_a case_n what_o must_v be_v do_v sure_o at_o this_o time_n when_o a_o man_n be_v a_o castaway_n in_o himself_o he_o must_v even_o then_o believe_v be_v in_o hell_n as_o it_o be_v he_o must_v believe_v that_o god_n will_v bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n it_o be_v nothing_o for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v in_o prosperity_n and_o peace_n but_o in_o time_n of_o desperation_n to_o believe_v that_o be_v a_o most_o worthy_a faith_n and_o indeed_o then_o
keep_n of_o it_o be_v a_o double_n of_o the_o sin_n david_n in_o his_o anger_n have_v swear_v to_o slay_v nabal_n and_o all_o the_o man_n in_o his_o family_n for_o deny_v relief_n unto_o his_o servant_n 1._o sam._n 25.22_o this_o be_v a_o rash_a oath_n and_o therefore_o afterward_o when_o he_o be_v prevent_v by_o abigail_n good_a counsel_n he_o bless_v god_n for_o it_o and_o break_v his_o oath_n which_o he_o have_v make_v vers_fw-la 32._o quest._n 2._o what_o if_o a_o man_n take_v a_o oath_n and_o yet_o afterward_o in_o conscience_n doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v swear_v to_o do_v what_o must_v be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n ans._n so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v he_o must_v defer_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o do_v a_o thing_n doubt_o condemn_v himself_o in_o the_o thing_n he_o do_v because_o he_o do_v it_o not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o quest._n 3._o what_o if_o a_o man_n be_v urge_v by_o fear_n to_o take_v a_o oath_n must_v he_o afterward_o keep_v it_o as_o for_o example_n a_o man_n be_v take_v of_o thief_n now_o want_v money_n they_o charge_v he_o on_o pain_n of_o death_n to_o fetch_v they_o money_n and_o they_o bind_v he_o hereto_o by_o a_o oath_n what_o must_v be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n consider_v there_o must_v such_o great_a care_n be_v have_v in_o keep_v of_o a_o oath_n answ._n so_o long_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o oath_n to_o do_v respect_v his_o private_a damage_n only_o he_o must_v keep_v his_o oath_n yet_o so_o as_o he_o declare_v his_o case_n to_o the_o magistrate_n because_o their_o course_n be_v against_o the_o common_a good_a now_o the_o magistrate_n hear_v of_o it_o be_v according_a to_o equity_n to_o provide_v for_o his_o defence_n &_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o good_n a_o second_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o rahabs_n preservation_n be_v this_o rahab_n escape_v a_o common_a danger_n but_o not_o without_o all_o mean_n only_o stay_v herself_o on_o the_o bare_a promise_n of_o the_o spy_n but_o as_o she_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n so_o she_o use_v mean_n whereby_o she_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o her_o preservation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o she_o bind_v the_o spy_n by_o a_o oath_n to_o save_v her_o life_n and_o to_o spare_v her_o household_n 21._o also_o she_o keep_v within_o and_o tie_v the_o cord_n of_o red_a thread_n in_o her_o window_n according_a to_o their_o mutual_a covenant_n thus_o she_o use_v mean_n for_o her_o temporal_a safety_n and_o so_o have_v other_o of_o gods_n child_n do_v in_o like_a case_n when_o king_n hezekiah_n 2._o king_n 20.6_o be_v sick_a he_o be_v certify_v by_o the_o prophet_n from_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v live_v fifteen_o year_n long_o yet_o he_o neglect_v not_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v heal_v and_o live_v for_o he_o apply_v dry_a fig_n to_o his_o boil_v and_o use_v food_n and_o raiment_n for_o his_o bodily_a life_n during_o the_o whole_a space_n of_o those_o fifteen_o year_n so_o the_o apostle_n s_o paul_n in_o his_o voyage_n by_o sea_n to_o rome_n be_v assure_v by_o a_o vision_n that_o none_o of_o they_o that_o be_v with_o he_o shall_v perish_v but_o all_o come_v safe_a to_o land_n and_o yet_o when_o the_o mariner_n will_v have_v go_v out_o he_o tell_v the_o centurion_n that_o unless_o those_o stay_v in_o the_o ship_n that_o so_o they_o may_v use_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n they_o can_v not_o be_v safe_a now_o as_o it_o fare_v temporal_o for_o the_o save_n of_o the_o body_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o spiritual_a case_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n man_n must_v use_v mean_n to_o come_v by_o grace_n &_o so_o to_o salvation_n but_o many_o in_o this_o regard_n be_v great_a enemy_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n they_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a and_o christ_n be_v a_o saviour_n &_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v save_v i_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o salvation_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v they_o with_o our_o inward_a faith_n we_o must_v join_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o outward_a ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o god_n use_v to_o save_v man_n soul_n as_o namely_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n call_v upon_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o thereby_o our_o sinful_a life_n may_v be_v amend_v and_o our_o faith_n strengthen_v this_o must_v be_v remember_v of_o we_o for_o they_o that_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v the_o mean_n despise_v the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n offer_v therein_o and_o therefore_o paul_n say_v of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o put_v the_o gospel_n from_o they_o that_o they_o do_v judge_v themselves_o unworthy_a eternal_a life_n act._n 13.46_o it_o follow_v with_o they_o that_o disobey_v that_o be_v with_o the_o people_n of_o jericho_n quest._n how_o do_v they_o disobey_v ans._n thus_o when_o josuah_n and_o the_o people_n come_v unto_o they_o and_o offer_v they_o peace_n if_o so_o be_v they_o will_v become_v their_o tributary_n and_o servant_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o jericho_n will_v not_o yield_v unto_o they_o but_o set_v themselves_o against_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o so_o against_o god_n in_o that_o they_o will_v not_o undertake_v that_o estate_n which_o god_n offer_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v here_o esteem_v disobedient_a hence_o we_o learn_v that_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n at_o any_o time_n to_o put_v we_o out_o of_o these_o temporary_a benefit_n which_o we_o enjoy_v in_o good_n and_o possession_n we_o must_v be_v content_v with_o god_n will_v and_o providence_n and_o seek_v to_o obey_v god_n therein_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jericho_n pay_v dear_o for_o their_o disobedience_n in_o this_o case_n god_n set_v the_o israelite_n as_o lord_n over_o they_o and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o become_v their_o servant_n they_o die_v for_o it_o david_n practice_n be_v commendable_a in_o this_o case_n for_o when_o he_o be_v put_v out_o of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n by_o his_o own_o son_n he_o murmur_v not_o but_o say_v thus_o if_o i_o shall_v find_v favour_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v bring_v i_o again_o but_o if_o he_o say_v thus_o i_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o thou_o behold_v here_o i_o be_o let_v he_o do_v to_o i_o as_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o eye_n 2._o sam._n 15.25_o 26._o in_o other_o country_n we_o see_v city_n and_o town_n spoil_v and_o sack_v what_o must_v the_o people_n do_v answ._n they_o must_v submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n pleasure_n know_v that_o he_o permit_v it_o who_o may_v do_v what_o he_o will_n and_o so_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o bring_v we_o into_o the_o like_a case_n as_o to_o suffer_v our_o enemy_n to_o have_v dominion_n over_o we_o and_o to_o dispossess_v we_o of_o our_o place_n we_o must_v submit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n when_o we_o see_v no_o help_n by_o lawful_a mean_n we_o must_v not_o murmur_v or_o rebel_n for_o that_o be_v but_o to_o disobey_v as_o the_o people_n of_o jericho_n do_v and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v destroy_v as_o they_o be_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o point_n the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o example_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o her_o faith_n in_o receive_v the_o spy_n peaceable_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a work_n of_o faith_n as_o saint_n james_n note_v jam._n 2.25_o and_o the_o more_o commendable_a because_o she_o receive_v they_o into_o her_o house_n and_o entertain_v they_o yea_o she_o preserve_v they_o in_o danger_n of_o her_o own_o life_n for_o she_o do_v it_o contrary_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o state_n under_o which_o she_o live_v but_o against_o this_o may_v be_v object_v first_o that_o she_o lie_v in_o this_o fact_n for_o when_o the_o king_n of_o iericho_n messenger_n come_v to_o search_v for_o the_o spy_n who_o she_o have_v hide_v in_o the_o top_n of_o her_o house_n she_o say_v to_o the_o messenger_n they_o be_v go_v another_o way_n now_o how_o can_v it_o be_v a_o good_a work_n which_o be_v do_v with_o lie_v especial_o to_o our_o superior_a who_o have_v power_n to_o ask_v we_o and_o to_o who_o we_o be_v double_o bind_v to_o speak_v the_o truth_n answ._n we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o work_n be_v good_a which_o she_o do_v and_o a_o work_n of_o mercy_n to_o preserve_v god_n people_n although_o she_o fail_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o she_o receive_v they_o by_o faith_n though_o she_o show_v distrust_v in_o lie_v for_o their_o safety_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a work_n of_o rebecca_n gen._n 27._o to_o cause_n her_o son_n jacob_n to_o
many_o parent_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o whereas_o they_o shall_v first_o seek_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o come_v to_o his_o prophet_n they_o either_o run_v first_o to_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o physic_n or_o be_v worse_o dispose_v seek_v help_n of_o wizard_n &_o blesser_n by_o their_o charm_n and_o sorcery_n forsake_v god_n and_o run_v to_o the_o devil_n indeed_o the_o use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n be_v not_o to_o be_v discommend_v simple_o but_o this_o preposterous_a course_n be_v blame-worthy_a and_o deprive_v many_o of_o god_n blessing_n in_o the_o mean_n that_o they_o seek_v help_v of_o physic_n before_o they_o have_v seek_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o holy_a practice_n of_o faith_n quest._n but_o how_o can_v the_o parent_n faith_n benefit_n the_o child_n answ._n it_o can_v procure_v unto_o it_o eternal_a life_n for_o every_o one_o must_v be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o yet_o the_o child_n receive_v many_o a_o good_a blessing_n at_o god_n hand_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o parent_n faith_n as_o namely_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o seal_v thereof_o beside_o the_o fruition_n of_o many_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o life_n itself_o in_o this_o place_n the_o consideration_n hereof_o must_v move_v all_o parent_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n for_o by_o the_o practice_n hereof_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o bring_v the_o great_a blessing_n upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n and_o upon_o the_o lawful_a mean_n which_o they_o shall_v use_v for_o their_o good_a say_v the_o lord_n shall_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o child_n and_o servant_n in_o a_o family_n what_o must_v parent_n and_o master_n do_v sure_o the_o best_a way_n for_o help_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o faith_n in_o true_a humiliation_n for_o sin_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o mercy_n and_o for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o mean_n which_o they_o shall_v use_v in_o all_o society_n this_o be_v true_a that_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o governor_n many_o curse_n be_v remove_v and_o many_o blessing_n procure_v god_n send_v his_o judgement_n among_o we_o daily_o and_o we_o know_v not_o when_o other_o more_o shall_v befall_v we_o but_o for_o the_o removeall_n and_o prevent_v of_o they_o we_o must_v give_v ourselves_o to_o true_a humiliation_n and_o prayer_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o lord_n mercy_n towards_o we_o as_o these_o two_o woman_n do_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o ten_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o they_o all_o several_o now_o from_o they_o all_o joint_o together_o observe_v this_o special_a point_n that_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o do_v bring_v down_o from_o heaven_n upon_o every_o believer_n all_o god_n blessing_n that_o be_v needful_a for_o he_o who_o be_v he_o that_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o gods_n blessing_n needful_a for_o he_o both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n well_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n hereto_o be_v to_o get_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n and_o to_o put_v the_o same_o in_o practice_n in_o all_o such_o duty_n as_o god_n shall_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n the_o worthy_a man_n before_o name_v obtain_v all_o the_o former_a most_o wonderful_a blessing_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o it_o they_o escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n they_o quench_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o fire_n wax_v mighty_a in_o battle_n etc._n etc._n as_o we_o have_v hear_v now_o if_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o notable_a grace_n of_o god_n then_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n let_v we_o labour_v for_o it_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o lip-faith_n and_o so_o presume_v upon_o god_n mercy_n but_o we_o must_v labour_v for_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n which_o may_v purify_v our_o heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o our_o life_n here_o be_v strong_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o hereunto_o for_o what_o do_v we_o desire_v riches_n honour_n or_o favour_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o world_n will_v we_o have_v health_n and_o strength_n nay_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o in_o all_o then_o look_v to_o get_v true_a faith_n for_o in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o thou_o shall_v obtain_v of_o god_n all_o needful_a blessing_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a many_o toil_n themselves_o exceed_o by_o worldly_a mean_n to_o get_v temporal_a blessing_n as_o health_n wealth_n honour_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o never_o attain_v thereto_o because_o they_o seek_v they_o not_o by_o faith_n i_o confess_v natural_a man_n get_v many_o good_a thing_n but_o to_o they_o they_o be_v no_o blessing_n because_o they_o want_v faith_n both_o in_o get_v and_o keep_v of_o they_o for_o they_o lay_v all_o religion_n aside_o and_o toil_v themselves_o whole_o in_o worldly_a mean_n this_o course_n the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v beware_v of_o say_v that_o a_o prince_n bid_v one_o of_o his_o servant_n go_v to_o his_o treasury_n and_o there_o enrich_v himself_o with_o jewel_n with_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o with_o whatsoever_o he_o lack_v what_o will_v this_o man_n do_v sure_o first_o he_o will_v call_v for_o the_o key_n whereby_o he_o may_v unlock_v the_o door_n and_o chest_n for_o else_o he_o can_v get_v nothing_o behold_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n god_n show_v we_o his_o full_a treasury_n wherein_o we_o may_v enrich_v ourselves_o with_o all_o his_o blessing_n now_o we_o must_v not_o with_o the_o fool_n run_v without_o the_o key_n but_o labour_n first_o for_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v that_o key_n whereby_o god_n heavenly_a treasure_n be_v open_v unto_o we_o and_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v a_o sound_a key_n that_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a faith_n which_o may_v strong_o turn_v about_o the_o lock_n of_o god_n treasury_n for_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a he_o that_o do_v unfeigned_o believe_v shall_v never_o want_v any_o thing_n either_o in_o body_n or_o soul_n that_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o have_v every_o one_o will_v say_v he_o believe_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v rare_a for_o man_n heart_n be_v not_o purify_v nor_o their_o life_n change_v but_o they_o remain_v as_o sinful_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v which_o cause_v god_n judgement_n to_o be_v rife_o among_o us._n wherefore_o as_o we_o desire_v our_o own_o good_a both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o let_v we_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o our_o life_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o these_o judge_n and_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n believer_n under_o the_o maccabee_n verse_n 35._o other_o also_o be_v rack_v and_o will_v not_o be_v deliver_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v a_o better_a resurrection_n in_o these_o word_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n proceed_v to_o the_o four_o order_n of_o example_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o this_o chapter_n wherein_o as_o in_o the_o former_a last_o handle_v he_o proceed_v brief_o heap_v up_o in_o few_o word_n many_o worthy_a example_n of_o faith_n conceal_v the_o name_n of_o the_o party_n &_o only_o set_v down_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o us._n and_o this_o four_o and_o last_o order_n of_o example_n comprehend_v such_o believer_n as_o live_v under_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o maccabee_n and_o afterward_o to_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o of_o believer_n in_o former_a time_n it_o can_v be_v understand_v because_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a distinction_n put_v between_o these_o believer_n and_o the_o former_a judge_n king_n and_o prophet_n in_o these_o word_n other_o also_o whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o here_o he_o propound_v example_n of_o believer_n different_a from_o those_o which_o he_o mention_v before_o and_o it_o be_v also_o plain_a that_o these_o believer_n live_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o howsoever_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v rack_v scourge_v and_o torment_v after_o this_o sort_n yet_o of_o they_o this_o place_n can_v be_v understand_v because_o they_o enjoy_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o these_o here_o mention_v enjoy_v not_o that_o promise_n in_o their_o day_n but_o wait_v for_o it_o by_o faith_n and_o therein_o die_v verse_n 39_o and_o indeed_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v wonderful_o persecute_v by_o antiochus_n about_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n as_o we_o may_v see_v 2._o maccabee_n 4._o and_o 6._o chapter_n question_n where_o have_v the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n this_o large_a narration_n of_o these_o strange_a persecution_n see_v they_o be_v not_o register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n answer_n we_o may_v judge_v that_o he_o
own_o strength_n but_o when_o we_o be_v assault_v by_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o our_o own_o flesh_n then_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o to_o resist_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n than_o we_o dream_v of_o for_o as_o possible_a as_o it_o be_v for_o water_n to_o burn_v or_o fire_n to_o put_v out_o itself_o so_o possible_a be_v it_o for_o we_o of_o ourselves_o to_o resist_v sin_n insomuch_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o that_o at_o every_o assault_n our_o nature_n yield_v now_o if_o it_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o rule_v over_o one_o sin_n how_o shall_v we_o do_v against_o that_o sea_n of_o temptation_n that_o overwhelm_v a_o christian_a life_n this_o doctrine_n teach_v thou_o how_o namely_o to_o stick_v to_o thy_o faith_n and_o it_o will_v do_v it_o for_o thou_o for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n thou_o hope_v for_o which_o yet_o never_o be_v much_o more_o will_v it_o yield_v unto_o thou_o spiritual_a strength_n &_o substance_n to_o make_v thou_o stand_v in_o all_o temptation_n when_o thou_o be_v tempt_v then_o call_v to_o mind_n god_n promise_n believe_v they_o that_o be_v apply_v they_o to_o thyself_o and_o be_v resolve_v that_o they_o be_v make_v &_o shall_v be_v perform_v even_o to_o thou_o they_o though_o thou_o have_v no_o more_o power_n of_o thyself_o than_o fire_n have_v to_o cease_v to_o burn_v yet_o whilst_o thou_o do_v thus_o thou_o shall_v feel_v thy_o soul_n spiritual_o strengthen_v against_o all_o temptation_n &_o feel_v the_o experience_n of_o this_o deny_v they_o thy_o own_o strength_n &_o magnify_v the_o power_n that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o true_a faith_n again_o though_o now_o we_o be_v most_o of_o we_o quiet_a under_o our_o own_o vine_n and_o figtree_n yet_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v upon_o any_o of_o we_o in_o poverty_n sickness_n imprisonment_n banishment_n loss_n famine_n or_o how_o it_o please_v he_o how_o shall_v a_o poor_a christian_a stand_n and_o buckle_v himself_o to_o bear_v these_o i_o answer_v true_a save_a faith_n rest_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o believe_v the_o promise_n not_o formal_o but_o true_o will_v put_v such_o substantial_a spiritual_a strength_n into_o he_o as_o that_o at_o first_o though_o he_o bow_v under_o it_o yet_o shall_v he_o be_v able_a to_o recover_v himself_o again_o &_o buckle_v himself_o to_o go_v forward_o in_o his_o profession_n &_o shall_v follow_v christ_n manful_o with_o this_o his_o cross_n this_o wonderful_a power_n have_v god_n give_v to_o save_v faith_n both_o to_o resist_v temptation_n and_o to_o undergo_v all_o cross_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o action_n or_o effect_n of_o faith_n the_o second_o follow_v verse_n 2._o for_o by_o it_o our_o elder_n be_v well_o report_v of_o this_o verse_n contain_v the_o second_o effect_n of_o save_v faith_n which_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o mean_n whereby_o a_o believer_n be_v approve_v of_o god_n this_o verse_n have_v special_a relation_n to_o the_o five_o verse_n for_o that_o that_o be_v say_v here_o of_o all_o the_o elder_n in_o general_a be_v there_o affirm_v special_o of_o enoch_n namely_o that_o he_o be_v report_v of_o to_o have_v please_v god_n let_v we_o first_o search_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n elder_n that_o be_v all_o such_o man_n as_o live_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n believe_v in_o christ_n among_o which_o though_o all_o be_v understand_v yet_o some_o be_v more_o excellent_a in_o faith_n &_o obedience_n than_o other_o &_o so_o more_o honourable_a and_o of_o high_a estimation_n with_o god_n and_o man_n and_o of_o they_o it_o be_v special_o understand_v now_o concern_v these_o elder_n it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o they_o be_v well_o report_v of_o hereby_o be_v mean_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n approve_v and_o allow_v of_o they_o 2._o that_o god_n do_v approve_v of_o they_o because_o of_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n 3._o that_o god_n give_v a_o testimony_n and_o declare_v that_o he_o approve_v of_o they_o for_o the_o 1._o it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o be_v they_o approve_v of_o god_n ans._n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v he_o in_o who_o the_o father_n be_v well_o please_v 3.17_o now_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n their_o sin_n be_v lay_v on_o he_o and_o make_v he_o by_o imputation_n and_o contrariwise_o his_o holiness_n obedience_n and_o satisfaction_n be_v impute_v to_o they_o and_o by_o the_o same_o imputation_n make_v they_o now_o that_o be_v they_o god_n be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o christ_n can_v not_o but_o also_o for_o christ_n sake_n approve_v of_o they_o if_o this_o seem_v hard_a unto_o any_o i_o make_v it_o plain_a by_o this_o comparison_n look_v as_o jacob_n a_o young_a brother_n put_v on_o esau_n garment_n the_o elder_a brother_n &_o in_o it_o be_v take_v for_o esau_n &_o obtain_v his_o father_n blessing_n &_o patrimony_n which_o by_o himself_o he_o can_v not_o have_v get_v even_o so_o we_o be_v as_o young_a brethren_n christ_n be_v our_o elder_a brother_n we_o have_v no_o right_a nor_o title_n to_o our_o father_n blessing_n nor_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o must_v put_v on_o the_o robe_n of_o perfect_a righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o garment_n of_o christ_n our_o elder_a brother_n we_o stand_v clothe_v with_o 〈◊〉_d purchase_v our_o father_n favour_n and_o with_o his_o favour_n his_o bleâ—â—â—ng_n and_o his_o blessing_n be_v the_o right_a and_o title_n to_o everlasting_a life_n and_o thus_o by_o christ_n they_o be_v approve_v second_o for_o what_o be_v they_o approve_v the_o text_n say_v by_o faith_n not_o because_o faith_n be_v a_o action_n of_o a_o sanctify_a mind_n and_o a_o good_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o so_o be_v humility_n love_n fear_v of_o god_n all_o which_o be_v grace_n of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n as_o faith_n be_v but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o worthy_a instrument_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o believer_n which_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o he_o be_v justify_v thus_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n and_o instrument_n of_o their_o justification_n by_o it_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v approve_v 3._o the_o text_n add_v that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v of_o they_o but_o that_o he_o testify_v and_o make_v it_o manifest_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o he_o do_v so_o and_o this_o testimony_n god_n give_v of_o they_o 1._o in_o his_o word_n 2._o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o first_o be_v manifest_a in_o that_o not_o only_o in_o this_o chapter_n but_o often_o also_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n have_v mâ—de_v such_o honourable_a mention_n and_o give_v such_o honourable_a title_n unto_o many_o of_o these_o elder_n call_v abraham_n the_o friend_n of_o god_n 2._o chron._n 20.7_o and_o david_n a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n â—_o sam._n 13.14_o and_o they_o all_o his_o anoint_a and_o dear_a choose_a child_n psalm_n 105.15_o thus_o god_n have_v testify_v of_o they_o in_o his_o word_n 2._o god_n testify_v it_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o that_o he_o give_v they_o his_o spirit_n inward_o to_o assure_v their_o conscience_n that_o he_o do_v accept_v they_o in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v and_o thus_o these_o elder_n receive_v a_o testimony_n both_o outward_a to_o all_o the_o world_n &_o inward_a to_o their_o conscience_n that_o god_n in_o christ_n approve_v and_o love_v they_o so_o the_o sense_n be_v plain_a the_o use_n hereof_o manifold_a 1._o in_o that_o it_o be_v say_v these_o elder_n be_v approve_v by_o faith_n here_o we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o old_a and_o ancient_a way_n the_o right_a and_o straight_o way_n that_o have_v no_o byway_n to_o life_n everlasting_a namely_o this_o only_a to_o rely_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o way_n wherein_o all_o the_o ancient_a elder_n walk_v to_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v open_v &_o make_v unto_o his_o court_n it_o be_v the_o king_n high_a way_n the_o beat_a way_n common_a to_o every_o one_o that_o know_v how_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o &_o deceive_v none_o that_o ever_o go_v in_o it_o &_o beside_o which_o there_o be_v no_o other_o see_v then_o god_n have_v consecrate_v it_o &_o our_o elder_n have_v tread_v this_o way_n before_o we_o let_v we_o follow_v they_o that_o so_o we_o may_v attain_v that_o kingdom_n whereto_o it_o have_v bring_v they_o if_o any_o yet_o doubt_v whether_o this_o be_v the_o way_n or_o no_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n isaiah_n 30.21_o first_o affirm_v peremptory_o this_o be_v the_o way_n second_o bid_v we_o therefore_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o this_o be_v
the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o our_o elder_n obey_v this_o commandment_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n find_v the_o end_n of_o it_o everlasting_a life_n if_o we_o will_v attain_v the_o same_o end_n of_o the_o journey_n we_o must_v walk_v the_o same_o way_n but_o the_o world_n will_v say_v this_o be_v a_o needless_a exhortation_n for_o we_o walk_v this_o way_n we_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o look_v to_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n only_o by_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o can_v a_o man_n walk_v in_o a_o way_n and_o not_o leave_v mark_n &_o step_n behind_o he_o even_o so_o he_o that_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n follow_v he_o &_o you_o shall_v see_v step_n of_o his_o continual_a die_v unto_o sin_n &_o live_v unto_o holiness_n insomuch_o that_o a_o man_n that_o follow_v he_o &_o mark_v the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n in_o this_o way_n may_v evident_o say_v see_v where_o he_o have_v cast_v off_o &_o leave_v behind_o he_o this_o &_o that_o sin_n see_v where_o he_o have_v take_v up_o &_o carry_v with_o he_o these_o &_o those_o virtue_n &_o grace_n of_o god_n mark_v here_o be_v a_o print_n of_o his_o faith_n here_o be_v a_o print_n of_o his_o hope_n here_o be_v print_n of_o his_o love_n and_o thus_o may_v a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v follow_v &_o trace_v all_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n even_o until_o he_o come_v to_o his_o death_n which_o be_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n how_o mighty_o they_o be_v they_o deceive_v which_o think_v they_o have_v walk_v all_o their_o life_n in_o this_o way_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o one_o step_n to_o be_v see_v for_o assure_o this_o way_n be_v so_o beatâ—n_a and_o tread_v that_o no_o man_n ever_o tread_v in_o it_o since_o the_o world_n begin_v but_o he_o leave_v behind_o he_o manifest_a &_o visible_a step_n that_o all_o man_n that_o will_v look_v at_o he_o may_v see_v he_o have_v go_v that_o way_n as_o therefore_o we_o all_o desire_n to_o come_v to_o heaven_n &_o as_o we_o profess_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n thither_o so_o let_v we_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o leave_v behind_o we_o our_o step_n namely_o token_n &_o print_n of_o our_o faith_n our_o hope_n and_o love_n which_o if_o we_o do_v then_o mark_v the_o excellent_a use_n of_o those_o step_n 1._o they_o testify_v unto_o all_o that_o see_v they_o that_o we_o walk_v the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o second_o they_o will_v serve_v for_o mark_n &_o direction_n for_o they_o that_o shall_v walk_v in_o the_o same_o way_n after_o us._n by_o the_o 1._o we_o shall_v leave_v a_o honourable_a testimony_n of_o ourselves_o behind_o we_o by_o the_o 2._o we_o shall_v move_v other_o to_o magnify_v god_n name_n to_o who_o our_o step_n have_v be_v mark_n &_o direction_n help_n &_o furtherance_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n second_o for_o what_o be_v these_o elder_n approve_v for_o their_o faith_n for_o nothing_o else_o among_o these_o elder_n samson_n be_v wonderful_a in_o strength_n solomon_n in_o wisdom_n joshua_n in_o courage_n moses_n in_o learning_n many_o of_o they_o in_o the_o honour_n and_o pomp_n of_o the_o world_n in_o beauty_n riches_n and_o other_o external_a gift_n and_o the_o most_o of_o they_o all_o in_o long_a life_n yet_o not_o for_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o be_v any_o of_o they_o say_v to_o be_v regard_v of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v plain_o say_v that_o for_o their_o faith_n god_n do_v approve_v they_o here_o then_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o thing_n among_o all_o thing_n that_o must_v make_v we_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n even_o this_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o rest_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n this_o will_v do_v it_o &_o nothing_o else_o have_v thou_o strength_n so_o have_v goliath_n as_o well_o as_o samson_n have_v thou_o beauty_n so_o have_v absalon_n as_o well_o or_o more_o they_o david_n have_v thou_o wisdom_n so_o have_v achitophel_n though_o not_o like_o solomon_n yet_o above_o ordinary_a man_n have_v thou_o riches_n esau_n be_v rich_a them_z jacob_n have_v thou_o live_v long_o so_o do_v cain_n &_o ishmael_n as_o well_o as_o isaak_n have_v thou_o many_o child_n so_o have_v ahab_n as_o well_o as_o gedeon_n have_v thou_o learning_n the_o glory_n of_o nature_n so_o have_v the_o egyptian_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n for_o there_o moses_n learn_v it_o all_o these_o thou_o may_v have_v &_o yet_o be_v a_o vile_a person_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n so_o far_o from_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v unless_o it_o be_v in_o his_o anger_n once_o to_o regard_n or_o look_v at_o thou_o have_v thou_o therefore_o any_o of_o those_o outward_a gift_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v contemn_v it_o have_v his_o use_n thank_v god_n for_o it_o and_o and_o use_v it_o well_o and_o use_v it_o so_o as_o by_o it_o thou_o may_v be_v approve_v among_o man_n but_o stand_v not_o to_o it_o before_o god_n for_o though_o it_o be_v wisdom_n or_o learning_n or_o never_o so_o excellent_a a_o gift_n it_o can_v purchase_v the_o favour_n &_o acceptation_n of_o god_n but_o true_a faith_n be_v able_a to_o please_v god_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o especial_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n this_o doctrine_n first_o confute_v the_o error_n of_o some_o gross_a papist_n who_o hold_v and_o write_v that_o many_o philosopher_n for_o their_o good_a use_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o their_o deepness_n of_o learning_n and_o for_o their_o civil_a life_n be_v now_o saint_n in_o heaven_n a_o most_o manifest_a and_o shameful_a untruth_n and_o here_o as_o manifest_o confute_v for_o be_v solomon_n not_o accept_v for_o all_o his_o wisdom_n and_o shall_v socrates_n be_v moses_n not_o accept_v for_o all_o his_o learning_n how_o then_o shall_v aristotle_n if_o faith_n make_v all_o of_o they_o accept_v and_o nothing_o but_o faith_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v be_v accept_v which_o never_o hear_v of_o faith_n nay_o i_o say_v more_o if_o many_o a_o man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n as_o deep_o it_o may_v be_v in_o humane_a learning_n as_o they_o and_o of_o great_a knowledge_n also_o in_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o never_o know_v and_o yet_o can_v not_o nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n only_o for_o want_v of_o this_o save_a faith_n how_o absurd_a be_v it_o 〈◊〉_d imagine_v salvation_n for_o they_o which_o neither_o have_v spark_n of_o faith_n nor_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o they_o hold_v that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o name_n whereby_o to_o be_v save_v but_o only_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n so_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v save_v by_o that_o christ_n 4.12_o but_o only_a faith_n even_o that_o faith_n for_o which_o these_o elder_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n second_o this_o excellency_n of_o faith_n above_o all_o other_o gift_n show_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n so_o careful_a &_o earnest_a in_o seek_v honour_n riches_n credit_n wisdom_n learning_n all_o which_o can_v but_o make_v they_o esteem_v and_o approve_v to_o the_o world_n and_o so_o careless_a and_o negligent_a in_o get_v true_a faith_n which_o will_v both_o approve_v a_o man_n unto_o the_o world_n and_o make_v he_o honourable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n three_o by_o this_o doctrine_n the_o popish_a doctrine_n be_v just_o condemn_v which_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o his_o work_n and_o that_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o god_n grace_n here_o we_o be_v teach_v other_o divinity_n for_o that_o for_o which_o a_o man_n be_v accept_v by_o that_o he_o be_v justify_v but_o for_o their_o faith_n only_o be_v they_o accept_v therefore_o justification_n be_v only_o by_o faith_n again_o that_o which_o make_v a_o man_n accept_v of_o god_n that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n of_o all_o for_o god_n which_o be_v goodness_n itself_o regard_v that_o that_o be_v the_o best_a but_o god_n esteem_v they_o only_o for_o their_o faith_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o make_v a_o man_n accept_v of_o god_n four_o here_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o god_n child_n how_o to_o bestow_v &_o measure_v out_o their_o love_n &_o estimation_n in_o the_o world_n god_n love_v solomon_n more_o for_o his_o faith_n then_o for_o all_o his_o glory_n and_o wisdom_n and_o esteem_v more_o of_o moses_n for_o his_o faith_n they_o for_o all_o his_o learning_n so_o deal_v thou_o with_o thy_o wife_n thy_o child_n thy_o servant_n thy_o friend_n &_o with_o all_o man_n have_v thou_o a_o wife_n never_o so_o beautiful_a love_a honest_a &_o thrifty_a never_o so_o towards_o
sin_n from_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a and_o common_a encouragement_n that_o man_n take_v to_o live_v in_o a_o sin_n if_o they_o think_v it_o likely_a to_o be_v conceal_v but_o here_o they_o see_v how_o false_a a_o ground_n that_o be_v for_o if_o they_o can_v conceal_v it_o from_o man_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o from_o god_n and_o if_o god_n know_v it_o then_o can_v he_o reveal_v it_o to_o the_o world_n when_o it_o please_v he_o again_o whereas_o abel_n blood_n cry_v when_o he_o be_v dead_a it_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n have_v a_o care_n of_o abel_n both_o live_n and_o dead_a for_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o say_v his_o blood_n cry_v if_o god_n hear_v not_o that_o cry_n but_o it_o be_v apparent_a he_o hear_v it_o for_o he_o revenge_v it_o and_o punish_v cain_n when_o abel_n be_v dead_a and_o can_v not_o revenge_v it_o himself_o and_o this_o care_n god_n have_v not_o over_o abel_n alone_o but_o over_o all_o his_o child_n and_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o death_n of_o his_o saint_n 116.115_o that_o which_o be_v vile_a and_o of_o no_o regard_n in_o the_o world_n be_v precious_a with_o god_n tyrant_n make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kill_v they_o up_o by_o heap_n but_o god_n record_v up_o every_o one_o and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o revenge_v it_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a for_o if_o god_n have_v bottle_n for_o the_o tear_n of_o his_o servant_n sure_o much_o more_o have_v he_o bottle_n for_o their_o blood_n the_o use_n whereof_o be_v to_o teach_v we_o in_o all_o extremity_n of_o danger_n or_o distress_n to_o learn_v patience_n yea_o though_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o die_v yet_o as_o christ_n say_v to_o possess_v our_o soul_n with_o patience_n for_o we_o have_v one_o 21.19_o will_v hear_v the_o cause_n and_o revenge_v our_o quarrel_n when_o we_o be_v go_v so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v patient_a we_o lose_v nothing_o but_o if_o we_o be_v impatient_a we_o get_v nothing_o let_v we_o therefore_o hold_v our_o tongue_n for_o the_o wrong_n do_v to_o we_o cry_v loud_o enough_o to_o god_n for_o revenge_n who_o will_v hear_v it_o as_o assure_o as_o he_o do_v abel_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o abel_n speak_v then_o even_o after_o he_o be_v dead_a the_o second_o point_n be_v he_o speak_v also_o yet_o and_o that_o three_o way_n first_o his_o faith_n yet_o speak_v because_o it_o admonish_v all_o man_n every_o where_o who_o either_o hear_v or_o read_v this_o story_n to_o become_v such_o as_o abel_n be_v namely_o true_a worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n for_o in_o abel_n example_n it_o provoke_v all_o man_n to_o be_v like_o he_o because_o it_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o same_o regard_n and_o reward_n with_o god_n that_o abel_n have_v and_o so_o abel_n faith_n be_v a_o never_o die_a preacher_n to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n here_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o holy_a example_n of_o god_n child_n be_v real_a teach_n and_o loud_o preach_v to_o other_o man_n for_o there_o be_v a_o double_a teach_n namely_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n it_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n to_o teach_v in_o word_n and_o to_o all_o man_n to_o teach_v by_o their_o deed_n and_o good_a example_n and_o if_o the_o minister_n teach_v not_o thus_o also_o it_o be_v the_o worse_a both_o for_o he_o and_o his_o hearer_n it_o suffice_v not_o for_o he_o to_o teach_v by_o vocal_a sermon_n that_o be_v by_o good_a doctrine_n but_o withal_o by_o real_a sermon_n that_o be_v by_o good_a life_n his_o faith_n his_o zeal_n his_o patience_n his_o mercy_n and_o all_o other_o his_o virtue_n must_v speak_v and_o cry_v &_o call_v to_o other_o man_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o which_o if_o he_o practise_v careful_o in_o his_o life_n as_o abel_n do_v then_o shall_v his_o virtue_n speak_v for_o he_o to_o all_o posterity_n when_o he_o be_v dead_a again_o abel_n though_o dead_a may_v be_v say_v to_o speak_v because_o howsoever_o his_o body_n be_v dead_a yet_o in_o soul_n and_o spirit_n he_o live_v with_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o thus_o the_o word_n speak_v may_v be_v understand_v because_o it_o be_v here_o oppose_v to_o death_n by_o which_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v that_o be_v be_v dead_a in_o body_n yet_o live_v in_o soul_n which_o life_n with_o god_n be_v obtain_v unto_o by_o his_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n three_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o speak_v yet_o as_o all_o other_o god_n martyr_n be_v say_v to_o cry_v in_o the_o revelation_n 6.10_o from_o under_o the_o altar_n how_o long_a lord_n holy_a and_o true_a do_v thou_o not_o avenge_v our_o blood_n on_o they_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n as_o this_o be_v true_a of_o all_o martyr_n so_o special_o of_o abel_n the_o first_o martyr_n of_o all_o which_o word_n be_v not_o speak_v neither_o by_o he_o nor_o they_o vocal_o with_o uttrance_n of_o voice_n but_o it_o be_v so_o say_v to_o signify_v what_o fervent_a desire_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v in_o heaven_n of_o the_o full_a manifestation_n of_o god_n glory_n in_o their_o body_n and_o of_o a_o utter_a abolishment_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o their_o desire_n they_o doubtless_o utter_v to_o god_n in_o a_o more_o excellent_a manner_n then_o in_o this_o world_n we_o can_v utter_v any_o thing_n with_o our_o voice_n and_o thus_o abel_n speak_v yet_o and_o shall_v speak_v till_o the_o world_n end_n hitherto_o of_o the_o first_o example_n the_o example_n of_o abel_n the_o second_o be_v of_o henoch_n in_o these_o word_n henoch_n by_o faith_n henoch_n be_v translate_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n 5._o neither_o be_v he_o find_v for_o god_n take_v he_o away_o for_o before_o he_o be_v translate_v he_o be_v report_v of_o that_o he_o have_v please_v god_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o example_n of_o faith_n be_v take_v also_o out_o of_o the_o old_a world_n before_o the_o flood_n and_o it_o be_v of_o henoch_n the_o seven_o from_o adam_n to_o who_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a thing_n befall_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n let_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v first_o examine_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o his_o confidence_n in_o the_o messiah_n or_o his_o save_a faith_n he_o be_v take_v away_o take_v away_o that_o be_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n not_o by_o a_o ordinary_a work_n but_o miraculous_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o next_o word_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n that_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o feel_v death_n nor_o any_o dissolution_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o his_o take_v away_o be_v miraculous_a for_o to_o be_v take_v away_o by_o death_n be_v a_o ordinary_a work_n but_o to_o be_v take_v away_o and_o yet_o not_o die_v that_o be_v miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o such_o be_v henoch_n so_o then_o the_o substance_n of_o these_o word_n be_v thus_o much_o henoch_n have_v this_o grace_n from_o god_n to_o believe_v steadfast_o in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v be_v likewise_o honour_v with_o this_o high_a prerogative_n to_o be_v take_v into_o heaven_n without_o taste_v of_o death_n &_o further_a be_v take_v away_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v not_o die_v thus_o we_o have_v the_o meaning_n now_o concern_v this_o translation_n of_o henoch_n there_o be_v two_o opinion_n some_o think_v he_o be_v translate_v in_o soul_n only_o and_o not_o in_o body_n and_o they_o say_v he_o die_v in_o the_o translation_n so_o as_o his_o soul_n only_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o his_o body_n sleep_v in_o the_o earth_n though_o this_o appear_v false_a at_o the_o first_o sight_n yet_o let_v we_o see_v their_o reason_n and_o what_o they_o can_v say_v for_o themselves_o their_o first_o reason_n be_v this_o no_o mortal_a body_n unglorify_v can_v enter_v into_o heaven_n but_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o his_o glorification_n therefore_o his_o body_n can_v not_o come_v in_o heaven_n answer_n it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v glorify_v ere_o it_o come_v in_o heaven_n if_o they_o reply_v it_o be_v not_o mention_v i_o answer_v it_o follow_v not_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o for_o every_o circumstance_n of_o every_o action_n be_v not_o mention_v for_o many_o circumstance_n of_o action_n must_v necessary_o be_v suppose_v &_o such_o a_o one_o be_v this_o again_o the_o glorification_n of_o his_o body_n be_v here_o plain_o enough_o imply_v where_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v translate_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n now_o if_o his_o body_n see_v not_o death_n it_o be_v make_v immortal_a which_o be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o glorification_n their_o second_o reason_n christ_n be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o enter_v into_o heaven_n both_o in_o
therefore_o go_v to_o god_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o give_v we_o his_o spirit_n to_o work_v true_a faith_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o make_v we_o of_o a_o true_a belief_n and_o second_o see_v man_n may_v be_v christian_n in_o profession_n and_o atheist_n in_o practice_n let_v we_o all_o look_n narrow_o to_o ourselves_o and_o join_v with_o our_o profession_n conscience_n and_o obedience_n for_o else_o the_o more_o we_o know_v god_n the_o worse_o we_o be_v it_o may_v please_v god_n after_o to_o give_v we_o better_a mind_n but_o as_o yet_o we_o be_v no_o better_a than_o denier_v of_o god_n and_o though_o we_o come_v near_o god_n in_o profession_n and_o in_o his_o outward_a service_n yet_o indeed_o we_o be_v far_o from_o he_o because_o we_o want_v that_o true_a faith_n which_o must_v profess_v god_n not_o in_o judgement_n alone_o but_o in_o practice_n and_o that_o will_v bring_v we_o near_o unto_o god_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o he_o that_o will_v come_v to_o god_n and_o please_v he_o the_o second_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a sentence_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o comfortable_a in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o contain_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o part_n be_v natural_o two_o 1._o how_o a_o man_n do_v seek_v god_n 2._o how_o god_n reward_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o for_o the_o first_o a_o man_n true_o seek_v god_n by_o do_v four_o action_n first_o a_o man_n must_v forsake_v himself_o go_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o as_o it_o be_v loose_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o judgement_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o seek_v god_n if_o any_o ask_v how_o that_o may_v be_v i_o answer_v thus_o a_o man_n must_v labour_v to_o see_v his_o sin_n full_o and_o distinct_o and_o in_o sight_n thereof_o be_v cast_v down_o in_o himself_o as_o a_o man_n be_v when_o he_o see_v his_o debt_n then_o let_v he_o look_v into_o himself_o and_o see_v if_o he_o can_v find_v in_o himself_o any_o ability_n to_o pay_v those_o debt_n or_o any_o mean_n in_o the_o world_n to_o satisfy_v god_n â—ustice_n and_o purchase_v pardon_n and_o if_o upon_o due_a examination_n he_o find_v none_o at_o all_o no_o not_o the_o least_o nor_o any_o thing_n in_o himself_o but_o a_o accuse_v and_o rage_a conscience_n let_v he_o then_o fall_v out_o of_o all_o love_n with_o himself_o nay_o hate_v and_o abhor_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o baseness_n and_o last_o let_v he_o despair_v of_o his_o own_o salvation_n in_o or_o from_o himself_o and_o thus_o do_v he_o forsake_v himself_o deny_v himself_o and_o even_o lose_v himself_o and_o thus_o necessary_o must_v he_o do_v to_o himself_o that_o will_v set_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n for_o god_n will_v be_v find_v of_o none_o that_o hope_v to_o find_v help_n at_o any_o hand_n but_o he_o they_o therefore_o that_o seek_v god_n but_o will_v seek_v themselves_o too_o do_v just_o loose_v both_o god_n and_o themselves_o second_o he_o that_o will_v seek_v god_n aright_o when_o he_o have_v lose_v himself_o must_v hunger_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n not_o after_o wealth_n and_o honour_n ease_n or_o pleasure_n but_o after_o the_o favour_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o one_o drop_n of_o christ_n blood_n to_o wash_v away_o the_o guilt_n and_o stain_n of_o his_o defile_a and_o sinful_a soul_n must_v be_v dear_a to_o he_o then_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o glory_n of_o ten_o world_n look_v how_o a_o hungry_a soul_n hunger_n after_o meat_n and_o a_o fainty_a soul_n thirst_v after_o drink_n so_o must_v his_o soul_n hunger_n after_o god_n mercy_n and_o thirst_n for_o christ_n blood_n and_o these_o be_v necessary_a for_o as_o a_o man_n that_o undertake_v a_o long_a journey_n must_v be_v provide_v of_o meat_n and_o drink_v so_o he_o that_o undertake_v the_o journey_n to_o go_v seek_v the_o lord_n must_v have_v this_o provision_n for_o the_o diet_n of_o his_o poor_a soul_n god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n and_o he_o that_o seek_v without_o a_o soul_n hunger_a after_o these_o may_v seek_v long_o and_o find_v nothing_o three_o if_o he_o will_v true_o seek_v god_n he_o must_v not_o go_v in_o every_o path_n but_o take_v the_o true_a &_o live_a way_n which_o christ_n have_v consecrate_v by_o his_o blood_n nor_o take_v any_o guide_n but_o trust_v to_o christ_n spirit_n alone_o to_o be_v his_o guide_n nor_o make_v many_o mediator_n or_o messenger_n to_o god_n but_o make_v christ_n alone_o to_o god_n the_o father_n we_o must_v therefore_o go_v to_o he_o and_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o to_o be_v teach_v and_o guide_v by_o he_o &_o leave_v our_o suit_n to_o be_v prefer_v by_o he_o we_o must_v not_o look_v to_o come_v to_o god_n by_o run_v on_o pilgrimage_n to_o this_o or_o that_o saint_n picture_n or_o bone_n or_o to_o our_o lady_n of_o loreto_n many_o have_v seek_v god_n in_o these_o but_o who_o ever_o find_v he_o nay_o alas_o thou_o may_v lodge_v in_o her_o forge_a tabernacle_n at_o loreto_n all_o thy_o life_n and_o lie_v in_o hell_n for_o all_o that_o when_o thou_o be_v dead_a and_o may_v kiss_v all_o the_o saint_n picture_n and_o bone_n and_o hair_n and_o all_o their_o relic_n in_o spain_n and_o italy_n and_o all_o can_v get_v thou_o one_o sight_n of_o god_n favourable_a countenance_n nor_o again_o must_v we_o look_v to_o come_v to_o god_n by_o our_o good_a work_n though_o we_o be_v to_o do_v they_o they_o be_v good_a mark_n in_o the_o way_n and_o good_a evidence_n of_o a_o right_a way_n but_o they_o can_v open_v heaven_n and_o let_v thou_o in_o and_o therefore_o when_o thou_o have_v do_v all_o thou_o can_v thou_o must_v forsake_v they_o all_o in_o matter_n of_o justification_n and_o come_n to_o god_n only_o thou_o must_v go_v to_o god_n by_o christ_n and_o cleave_v to_o he_o alone_o he_o be_v the_o door_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n the_o life_n and_o certain_o never_o man_v find_v god_n that_o seek_v he_o not_o in_o christ_n alone_o and_o when_o popish_a device_n and_o distinction_n have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v man_n will_v be_v find_v liar_n and_o christ_n to_o speak_v truth_n say_v no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o last_o when_o all_o these_o be_v do_v then_o must_v thou_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v become_v thy_o merciful_a father_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o thou_o in_o he_o for_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n but_o if_o thou_o seek_v god_n in_o christ_n thou_o shall_v find_v he_o and_o when_o thou_o have_v do_v the_o three_o former_a thing_n thou_o may_v safe_o and_o assure_o believe_v that_o thou_o have_v true_o seek_v god_n and_o after_o all_o these_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o firm_a and_o lively_a faith_n thou_o do_v not_o seek_v god_n for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o faith_n to_o please_v god_n so_o be_v it_o impossible_a without_o faith_n to_o find_v god_n thus_o if_o a_o man_n lose_v himself_o long_o after_o god_n mercy_n take_v christ_n alone_o for_o his_o guide_n and_o mediator_n and_o steadfast_o believe_v his_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n by_o christ_n than_o he_o seek_v god_n aright_o and_o to_o this_o seek_v belong_v a_o reward_n and_o blessing_n now_o than_o if_o this_o be_v to_o seek_v god_n here_o be_v some_o light_n give_v to_o a_o great_a question_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o their_o doctrine_n true_o catholic_a or_o erroneous_a and_o fail_v in_o fundamental_a point_n for_o answer_v can_v that_o be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o do_v not_o bring_v her_o child_n to_o seek_v god_n or_o that_o catholic_a doctrine_n which_o teach_v not_o her_o child_n to_o seek_v god_n the_o right_a way_n but_o send_v they_o into_o 1000_o byway_n sure_o if_o this_o be_v to_o seek_v god_n then_o search_v all_o the_o popish_a doctor_n and_o almost_o all_o their_o writer_n and_o see_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v not_o teach_v to_o seek_v god_n quite_o in_o another_o walk_n which_o way_n of_o they_o whether_o be_v ordinary_o bring_v the_o seeker_n to_o god_n or_o no_o we_o leave_v to_o god_n merciful_a judgement_n but_o for_o ourselves_o as_o we_o see_v we_o have_v the_o true_a &_o live_a way_n the_o sure_a and_o infallible_a way_n by_o christ_n to_o god_n by_o the_o son_n to_o the_o father_n let_v we_o rejoice_v in_o the_o comfort_n of_o so_o rich_a a_o mercy_n and_o be_v thankful_a to_o the_o lord_n for_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o we_o and_o open_v unto_o we_o the_o true_a way_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o
come_v for_o they_o be_v not_o perform_v for_o many_o year_n after_o as_o shall_v appear_v in_o the_o particular_n particular_o they_o be_v these_o three_o first_o the_o great_a and_o just_a wrath_n which_o god_n have_v conceive_v against_o the_o sinful_a world_n for_o the_o universal_a corruption_n and_o general_a sinfulness_n thereof_o noah_n be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n to_o that_o wicked_a age_n and_o as_o s._n peter_n say_v 1._o epistle_n 3.11_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o christ_n preach_v in_o he_o but_o they_o contemn_v both_o he_o and_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o he_o and_o all_o his_o holy_a admonition_n and_o solace_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o sinful_a pleasure_n without_o fear_n or_o respect_n of_o god_n or_o man_n please_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o defile_a way_n &_o promise_v to_o themselves_o safety_n and_o security_n but_o behold_v this_o noah_n who_o they_o esteem_v a_o base_a and_o contemptible_a man_n unworthy_a of_o their_o company_n to_o he_o be_v reveal_v how_o short_a their_o time_n be_v and_o that_o they_o must_v be_v cut_v off_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o jollity_n god_n child_n who_o wicked_a man_n do_v think_v and_o speak_v of_o with_o great_a contempt_n do_v know_v full_a well_o the_o miserable_a state_n of_o such_o man_n and_o the_o fearful_a danger_n hang_v over_o they_o when_o the_o wicked_a man_n themselves_o be_v far_o from_o think_v of_o any_o such_o matter_n the_o second_o thing_n which_o god_n reveal_v to_o noah_n be_v that_o he_o will_v save_v he_o and_o his_o family_n from_o perish_v by_o the_o water_n which_o he_o will_v bring_v upon_o the_o world_n his_o faith_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a god_n reward_v it_o with_o a_o singular_a preservation_n thus_o deal_v he_o always_o with_o his_o child_n deliver_v lot_n out_o of_o sodom_n gen._n 19_o rahab_n out_o of_o hierico_n joshua_n 6.22_o the_o kenit_v from_o the_o amalekit_n 1._o sam._n 15._o and_o here_o noah_n out_o of_o that_o general_a destruction_n and_o this_o god_n aforehand_o reveal_v unto_o he_o for_o his_o great_a comfort_n and_o security_n that_o when_o sign_n and_o strange_a token_n do_v foretell_v and_o show_v that_o still_o the_o destruction_n be_v near_a and_o near_o still_o noah_n may_v comfort_v himself_o in_o the_o assurance_n of_o that_o merciful_a promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v he_o of_o his_o deliverance_n and_o of_o his_o family_n also_o for_o his_o sake_n the_o three_o thing_n reveal_v to_o he_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v from_o the_o universal_a flood_n namely_o by_o a_o ark_n which_o for_o his_o more_o assurance_n he_o be_v bid_v to_o make_v himself_o that_o so_o at_o every_o stroke_n he_o give_v he_o may_v remember_v this_o merciful_a promise_n of_o his_o god_n unto_o he_o for_o as_o every_o stroke_n in_o the_o make_n of_o the_o ark_n be_v a_o loud_a sound_a sermon_n unto_o that_o sinful_a generation_n to_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n so_o be_v it_o also_o a_o assurance_n unto_o noah_n of_o his_o deliverance_n of_o which_o ark_n &_o of_o noah_n obedience_n in_o make_v it_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o speak_v at_o large_a and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o ground_n of_o noah_n faith_n which_o be_v a_o warning_n or_o revelation_n from_o god_n now_o follow_v a_o second_o point_n namely_o the_o commendation_n of_o his_o faith_n or_o a_o description_n of_o the_o excellency_n thereof_o by_o diverse_a and_o singular_a effect_n move_v with_o reverence_n the_o first_o effect_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v it_o move_v in_o he_o a_o reverence_n or_o a_o reverend_a fear_n of_o that_o god_n that_o speak_v to_o he_o and_o of_o his_o justice_n towards_o sin_n and_o sinner_n and_o of_o his_o mercy_n towards_o he_o in_o this_o effect_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v two_o point_n 1._o the_o ground_n of_o this_o reverence_n 2._o the_o occasion_n or_o motive_n of_o it_o the_o ground_n whence_o this_o reverence_n spring_v be_v his_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n first_o tell_v we_o of_o noah_n faith_n &_o afterward_o of_o this_o reverend_a fear_n he_o have_v of_o god_n and_o his_o great_a work_n where_o we_o learn_v that_o whosoever_o be_v endue_v with_o save_v faith_n be_v also_o touch_v with_o fear_n and_o reverence_n at_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n and_o his_o glorious_a work_n whether_o they_o be_v work_n of_o his_o power_n his_o wisdom_n his_o mercy_n or_o his_o justice_n or_o of_o all_o together_o for_o the_o first_o david_n can_v not_o see_v the_o work_n of_o god_n power_n in_o the_o creation_n psalm_n 8._o but_o when_o he_o look_v up_o and_o behold_v the_o heaven_n the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v he_o forthwith_o fall_v into_o a_o reverence_n and_o admiration_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o man_n for_o who_o and_o who_o use_n he_o make_v they_o all_o for_o the_o second_o the_o same_o david_n can_v not_o enter_v into_o consideration_n of_o god_n wisdom_n in_o the_o admirable_a frame_n of_o man_n body_n psal._n 139.13_o etc._n etc._n but_o he_o present_o fall_v into_o a_o reverence_n and_o admiration_n thereof_o in_o most_o excellent_a and_o passionate_a word_n thou_o possesse_v my_o reins_n thou_o cover_v i_o in_o my_o mother_n womb_n i_o will_v praise_v thou_o for_o i_o be_o fearful_o and_o wonderful_o make_v marvellous_a be_v thy_o work_n and_o that_o my_o soul_n know_v right_a well_o my_o bone_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o though_o i_o be_v make_v in_o a_o secret_a place_n yet_o thy_o eye_n do_v see_v my_o substance_n when_o i_o be_v without_o form_n and_o in_o thy_o book_n be_v all_o my_o member_n write_v which_o in_o continuance_n be_v fashion_v though_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o before_o how_o dear_a therefore_o be_v thy_o counsel_n to_o i_o o_o god_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o this_o holy_a king_n can_v content_v himself_o with_o any_o term_n to_o express_v his_o religious_a and_o reverend_a conceit_n of_o god_n majesty_n for_o the_o three_o god_n merciful_a work_n to_o his_o church_n and_o child_n have_v always_o be_v considered-of_a by_o good_a man_n with_o great_a reverence_n and_o what_o shall_v i_o give_v unto_o the_o lord_n say_v david_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n pour_v on_o i_o psalm_n 116.12_o but_o especial_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n have_v be_v always_o entertain_v of_o god_n child_n with_o much_o reverence_n and_o admiration_n bless_a david_n say_v my_o flesh_n tremble_v for_o fear_n of_o thou_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a of_o thy_o judgement_n psal._n 119.120_o how_o will_v this_o noble_a king_n have_v tremble_v and_o be_v afraid_a if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o private_a man_n and_o how_o glorious_a be_v god_n and_o his_o work_n of_o judgement_n whereat_o even_o king_n themselves_o do_v tremble_v and_o the_o prophet_n habbacuk_n say_v that_o when_o he_o but_o heaâ—d_v of_o god_n judgement_n to_o come_v his_o belly_n tremble_v his_o lip_n shake_v rottenness_n enter_v into_o his_o bone_n habba_n 3.16_o and_o thus_o noah_n here_o hear_v of_o god_n just_a wrath_n against_o the_o sinful_a world_n and_o of_o his_o purpose_n to_o overthrow_v all_o live_a flesh_n by_o water_n be_v move_v with_o great_a fear_n and_o reverence_n at_o this_o mighty_a work_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o view_n of_o this_o his_o great_a and_o just_a judgement_n his_o faith_n make_v he_o arise_v to_o a_o more_o earnest_a consideration_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v more_o than_o apparent_a that_o true_a faith_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v work_v a_o holy_a fear_n and_o reverend_a estimation_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o work_n and_o of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o his_o work_n whereby_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n it_o follow_v that_o therefore_o to_o think_v base_o or_o ordinary_o of_o god_n to_o think_v scornful_o of_o his_o work_n or_o to_o deny_v his_o power_n and_o his_o hand_n in_o the_o great_a work_n either_o of_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n do_v in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o profane_a heart_n and_o want_v true_a faith_n the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n discover_v the_o profaneness_n and_o the_o great_a want_n of_o faith_n that_o ordinary_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o appear_v by_o two_o evidence_n the_o first_o be_v to_o man_n own_o conscience_n the_o other_o be_v to_o the_o view_n and_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o world_n first_o man_n may_v see_v in_o themselves_o a_o profane_a heart_n and_o void_a of_o faith_n by_o this_o evidence_n for_o do_v a_o man_n in_o his_o heart_n think_v base_o of_o god_n his_o power_n his_o justice_n or_o his_o mercy_n do_v he_o either_o doubt_n of_o they_o or_o grant_v they_o do_v he_o think_v of_o they_o without_o fear_n and_o amazement_n
be_v afar_o off_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o true_a faith_n this_o be_v in_o noah_n &_o wrought_v in_o he_o a_o reverence_n and_o so_o will_v it_o in_o we_o if_o it_o be_v in_o us._n when_o man_n cry_v fire_n fire_n we_o stir_v we_o run_v we_o tremble_v but_o god_n cry_v in_o his_o word_n the_o fire_n of_o hell_n the_o fire_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o we_o care_v not_o we_o stir_v not_o we_o leave_v not_o our_o sin_n we_o be_v not_o move_v with_o reverence_n as_o noah_n be_v therefore_o it_o be_v more_o than_o manifest_a that_o holy_a faith_n be_v want_v in_o the_o world_n which_o noah_n have_v the_o second_o motive_n stir_v up_o this_o reverence_n in_o he_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n wonderful_a mercy_n to_o he_o and_o his_o family_n in_o save_v they_o this_o mercy_n seem_v so_o wonderful_a to_o he_o both_o for_o that_o he_o know_v it_o be_v undeserued_a know_v himself_o a_o sinful_a man_n and_o therefore_o not_o able_a to_o merit_v god_n favour_n and_o be_v privy_a to_o himself_o of_o his_o own_o manifold_a imperfection_n and_o also_o unexpected_a for_o he_o never_o think_v to_o have_v be_v spare_v alone_o in_o a_o universal_a destruction_n therefore_o he_o wonder_v with_o reverence_n at_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n thus_o god_n mercy_n do_v not_o only_o win_v a_o man_n heart_n to_o love_n god_n but_o even_o to_o fear_v he_o with_o much_o reverence_n this_o david_n prove_v psalm_n 130.4_o there_o be_v mercy_n with_o thou_o o_o lord_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v thy_o great_a mercy_n to_o thy_o child_n o_o lord_n do_v make_v they_o conceive_v a_o reverend_a estimation_n of_o thou_o this_o make_v david_n cry_v out_o in_o a_o holy_a passion_n how_o excellent_a be_v thy_o mercy_n o_o lord_n psal._n and_o as_o god_n child_n wonder_v at_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n mercy_n unto_o they_o so_o also_o at_o their_o own_o baseness_n and_o unworthiness_n thus_o do_v holy_a david_n 2._o sam._n 7.18_o who_o as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o much_o faith_n so_o be_v he_o full_a of_o excellent_a meditation_n and_o reverend_a speech_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a effect_n of_o faith_n when_o god_n have_v set_v he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n he_o say_v who_o be_o i_o o_o lord_n and_o what_o be_v my_o house_n that_o thou_o have_v bring_v i_o hither_o and_o 1._o chron._n 29.14_o but_o who_o be_o i_o say_v he_o and_o what_o be_v my_o people_n that_o we_o shall_v offer_v thus_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o doubtless_o even_o so_o say_v noah_n bless_a soul_n often_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o itself_o who_o be_o i_o o_o lord_n and_o what_o be_v my_o family_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v choose_v out_o of_o so_o many_o thousand_o and_o be_v save_v when_o all_o the_o world_n perish_v let_v we_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o church_n and_o state_n if_o any_o nation_n have_v cause_n to_o say_v thus_o it_o be_v england_n god_n have_v deliver_v we_o out_o of_o the_o thraldom_n of_o spiritual_a egypt_n and_o lead_v we_o out_o not_o by_o a_o moses_n but_o first_o by_o a_o child_n then_o by_o a_o woman_n and_o give_v we_o his_o gospel_n more_o full_o and_o free_o and_o quiet_o than_o any_o kingdom_n so_o great_a in_o the_o world_n and_o still_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o curse_a plot_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o tyrannous_a invasion_n of_o the_o spaniard_n who_o think_v to_o have_v mark_v we_o in_o the_o forehead_n with_o the_o brand_n of_o infamy_n and_o to_o have_v do_v to_o we_o as_o they_o have_v do_v to_o other_o nation_n who_o they_o have_v conquer_v but_o god_n from_o heaven_n fight_v for_o we_o and_o overthrow_v they_o in_o their_o own_o device_n yea_o the_o lord_n put_v his_o hook_n in_o his_o nostril_n and_o his_o bridle_n in_o his_o lip_n and_o carry_v he_o back_o again_o with_o shame_n and_o reproach_n we_o be_v unworthy_a of_o such_o a_o mercy_n if_o our_o soul_n do_v not_o often_o say_v unto_o god_n o_o lord_n what_o be_v we_o and_o what_o be_v our_o people_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v so_o wonderful_a in_o thy_o mercy_n unto_o we_o and_o particular_o this_o must_v teach_v every_o christian_n to_o be_v a_o careful_a observer_n of_o the_o favour_n &_o mercy_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o his_o soul_n or_o body_n to_o he_o or_o he_o and_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o must_v make_v he_o daily_o be_v move_v with_o reverence_n and_o reverend_a thought_n of_o god_n majesty_n &_o still_o as_o the_o lord_n be_v more_o and_o more_o merciful_a unto_o he_o to_o bear_v still_o the_o more_o fear_n and_o reverence_n unto_o he_o for_o the_o same_o the_o last_o motive_n of_o this_o reverence_n in_o noah_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n power_n and_o wisdom_n both_o in_o the_o judgement_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o mercy_n upon_o he_o for_o first_o in_o the_o judgement_n it_o be_v wonderful_a that_o god_n will_v choose_v so_o weak_a a_o element_n as_o water_n to_o destroy_v &_o vanquish_v the_o huge_a giant_n of_o those_o day_n but_o therein_o appear_v first_o god_n power_n that_o by_o so_o weak_a mean_n can_v cast_v down_o his_o enemy_n and_o again_o his_o wisdom_n that_o as_o a_o universal_a wickedness_n have_v pollute_v the_o whole_a world_n so_o a_o flood_n of_o water_n shall_v wash_v the_o whole_a world_n second_o the_o mercy_n be_v also_o wonderful_a that_o god_n shall_v choose_v to_o save_v noah_n by_o so_o strange_a a_o mean_a as_o a_o ark_n which_o shall_v swim_v on_o the_o water_n for_o noah_n think_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v save_v i_o he_o will_v either_o take_v i_o up_o into_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v henoch_n a_o little_a before_o or_o else_o make_v i_o build_v a_o house_n upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o high_a mountain_n but_o the_o lord_n will_v save_v he_o by_o no_o such_o mean_n but_o by_o a_o ark_n wherein_o appear_v first_o god_n power_n that_o will_v save_v he_o by_o so_o weak_a a_o mean_n as_o may_v seem_v rather_o to_o destroy_v he_o for_o noah_n must_v lie_v and_o swim_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n and_o yet_o be_v save_v from_o the_o water_n and_o the_o ark_n mâ—st_v save_v he_o which_o in_o all_o reason_n if_o the_o tempest_n have_v cast_v it_o against_o the_o hard_a rock_n and_o mountain_n or_o upon_o the_o strong_a castle_n and_o house_n of_o the_o mighty_a giant_n will_v have_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o so_o it_o have_v but_o that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o master_n and_o pilot_n in_o that_o voyage_n and_o second_o god_n wisdom_n shine_v clear_o in_o this_o mean_n because_o god_n will_v have_v he_o save_v not_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o world_n may_v not_o see_v it_o as_o it_o will_v have_v be_v if_o he_o have_v be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n or_o into_o the_o air_n but_o will_v have_v he_o save_v in_o a_o ark_n that_o so_o alâ—_n the_o wicked_a man_n as_o they_o â—ere_z a_o die_a in_o the_o water_n or_o expect_v death_n upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o hill_n may_v see_v he_o live_v and_o be_v save_v to_o their_o more_o torment_n and_o to_o their_o great_a shame_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n word_n as_o he_o do_v for_o as_o the_o wicked_a in_o hell_n be_v more_o torment_v to_o see_v the_o godly_a in_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n so_o doubtless_o be_v the_o wicked_a of_o that_o age_n to_o see_v noah_n save_v before_o their_o eye_n the_o view_n of_o this_o power_n &_o wisdom_n of_o god_n herein_o make_v noah_n give_v great_a reverence_n to_o god_n majesty_n and_o no_o lesâ—e_n ought_v it_o to_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o true_a hearâ—ed_a english_a man_n and_o faithful_a christian_n for_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n restore_v &_o establish_v the_o gospel_n to_o our_o nation_n by_o a_o child_n and_o by_o a_o woman_n and_o in_o her_o time_n when_o all_o other_o prince_n be_v against_o she_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o policy_n and_o do_v not_o god_n in_o our_o late_a deliverance_n overthrow_n our_o enemy_n not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o power_n of_o man_n as_o by_o his_o own_o hand_n do_v not_o he_o fight_v from_o heaven_n do_v not_o the_o star_n and_o the_o wind_n in_o their_o course_n sight_n against_o that_o sisera_n of_o spain_n let_v we_o therefore_o with_o bless_a noah_n stand_v amaze_v to_o see_v god_n mercy_n &_o with_o reverence_n &_o fear_n magnify_v his_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v the_o three_o motive_n that_o move_v in_o noah_n this_o reverence_n of_o god_n the_o consideration_n first_o of_o his_o great_a judgement_n on_o the_o sinful_a world_n 2._o of_o his_o great_a mercy_n in_o save_v he_o 3._o of_o his_o admirable_a power_n and_o wisdom_n show_v both_o
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
any_o thing_n to_o be_v resolve_v of_o god_n power_n and_o will_v to_o hear_v and_o help_v us._n he_o be_v our_o father_n therefore_o careful_a and_o willing_a he_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o able_a to_o hear_v we_o and_o to_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n math._n 6.9_o and_o the_o same_o commendation_n here_o give_v to_o sarah_n be_v also_o give_v to_o abraham_n rom._n 4_o 21._o he_o doubt_v not_o but_o believe_v above_o hope_n etc._n etc._n be_v full_o assure_v that_o he_o which_o have_v promise_v be_v also_o able_a to_o do_v it_o the_o use_n hereof_o unto_o we_o be_v double_a first_o to_o advise_v and_o guide_v we_o for_o our_o promise_n not_o to_o be_v too_o reckless_a as_o some_o be_v what_o we_o promise_v but_o to_o consider_v aforehand_o and_o if_o it_o be_v beyond_o our_o power_n not_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n for_o christian_a man_n word_n must_v not_o be_v vain_a and_o if_o we_o have_v promise_v any_o thing_n lawful_a and_o in_o our_o power_n to_o be_v careful_a to_o perform_v it_o thus_o to_o do_v be_v to_o be_v a_o faithful_a man_n and_o be_v a_o good_a sign_n of_o a_o holy_a man_n and_o god_n child_n provide_v this_o be_v so_o first_o of_o all_o towards_o god_n that_o we_o make_v conscience_n of_o perform_v the_o great_a vow_n we_o make_v in_o our_o baptism_n and_o all_o other_o serious_a &_o holy_a purpose_n of_o our_o heart_n make_v to_o god_n for_o otherwise_o he_o that_o break_v his_o vow_n to_o god_n careless_o by_o live_v profane_o he_o may_v in_o worldly_a policy_n keep_v â—is_n word_n but_o he_o can_v do_v it_o in_o conscience_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v foul_o faulty_a in_o this_o point_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o break_v promise_n and_o faith_n with_o we_o or_o any_o of_o our_o religion_n their_o nakedness_n herein_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o face_n of_o all_o christendom_n let_v they_o that_o be_v wiâ—e_o be_v warn_v of_o it_o they_o make_v great_a ostentation_n of_o their_o vow_n and_o of_o their_o care_n to_o perform_v they_o above_o any_o other_o religion_n but_o it_o appear_v hereby_o to_o be_v vile_a hypocrisy_n for_o if_o they_o be_v conscionable_o and_o not_o politic_o and_o formal_o careful_a of_o their_o vow_n of_o chastity_n poverty_n &_o other_o make_v to_o god_n they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v likewise_o careful_a of_o their_o promise_n make_v to_o man_n for_o the_o one_o of_o these_o be_v the_o fountain_n aâ—d_v root_v of_o the_o other_o but_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o one_o show_v the_o formality_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o the_o other_o let_v all_o that_o fear_n god_n learn_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o both_o these_o in_o their_o religion_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o in_o all_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o so_o the_o world_n may_v judge_v we_o faithful_a man_n when_o we_o have_v promise_v second_o let_v we_o here_o learn_v how_o to_o help_v and_o strengthen_v our_o weak_a faith_n in_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o god_n we_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o salvation_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v life_n everlasting_a of_o our_o resurrection_n dan._n 12._o they_o thaâ—_n sleep_n iâ—_n the_o dust_n shall_v rise_v again_o of_o our_o glorification_n philip._n 3.21_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v change_v our_o vile_a body_n and_o make_v they_o like_v to_o his_o own_o glorious_a body_n of_o a_o new_a world_n 2._o pet_n 3.13_o we_o look_v for_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n these_o be_v as_o s._n peter_n call_v they_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n 2._o pet._n 1.4_o and_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a &_o precious_a faith_n that_o can_v constant_o believe_v these_o no_o better_a help_n of_o our_o faith_n can_v there_o be_v than_o often_o and_o serious_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o mercy_n and_o power_n of_o he_o that_o make_v they_o if_o he_o be_v willing_a and_o able_a what_o can_v let_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o let_v we_o therefore_o often_o say_v with_o holy_a paul_n faithful_n be_v he_o which_o have_v promise_v who_o will_v also_o do_v it_o 1._o thess._n 5_o and_o with_o sarah_n here_o we_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v now_o follow_v the_o last_o effect_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n and_o therefore_o spring_v there_o of_o one_o even_o of_o one_o which_o be_v as_o dead_a as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n of_o the_o sky_n in_o multitude_n and_o as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o seashore_n which_o be_v innumerable_a the_o three_o and_o last_o effect_n of_o sarahs_n effect_n be_v that_o by_o this_o son_n isaac_n who_o she_o conceive_v &_o bring_v forth_o by_o faith_n she_o have_v a_o wonderful_a great_a issue_n and_o a_o posterity_n almost_o without_o number_n this_o effect_n consist_v not_o of_o itself_o but_o depend_v upon_o the_o former_a her_o faith_n give_v her_o strength_n to_o conceive_v isaac_n though_o she_o be_v barren_a and_o to_o bring_v he_o forth_o though_o she_o be_v old_a and_o weak_a and_o so_o her_o faith_n bring_v he_o out_o by_o who_o she_o be_v make_v the_o mother_n of_o many_o million_o of_o man_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o three_o effect_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o man_n that_o come_v of_o abraham_n and_o sarah_n by_o isaac_n this_o posterity_n or_o multitude_n be_v describe_v by_o two_o argument_n 1._o by_o the_o beginning_n or_o root_n of_o it_o one_o that_o be_v as_o dead_a 2._o the_o quantity_n or_o greatness_n lay_v down_o 1._o general_o to_o be_v a_o multitude_n and_o innumerable_a 2._o particular_o by_o two_o comparison_n 1._o as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n in_o the_o sky_n 2._o as_o the_o sand_n by_o the_o seashore_n the_o first_o point_n be_v the_o root_n and_o beginning_n of_o this_o multitude_n in_o these_o word_n and_o therefore_o spring_v there_o of_o one_o even_o one_o that_o be_v as_o dead_a one_o that_o be_v one_o woman_n sarah_n or_o at_o the_o most_o one_o couple_n abraham_n and_o sarah_n and_o this_o one_o be_v no_o better_a than_o dead_a not_o dead_a proper_o and_o full_o for_o none_o be_v so_o dead_a who_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v not_o separate_v but_o as_o dead_a that_o be_v as_o good_a as_o dead_a or_o half_a dead_a meaning_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a for_o generation_n of_o child_n the_o strength_n of_o nature_n be_v decay_v in_o they_o abraham_n be_v 100_o and_o sarah_n 90._o year_n old_a and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a of_o abraham_n who_o be_v past_o age_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o of_o sarah_n who_o be_v both_o past_a age_n and_o be_v also_o barren_a in_o her_o best_a age_n here_o we_o be_v to_o note_v and_o learn_v many_o thing_n first_o multitude_n come_v of_o one_o see_v here_o the_o powerful_a and_o yet_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o god_n to_o rear_v up_o goodly_a &_o huge_a building_n upon_o small_a and_o weak_a foundation_n so_o do_v he_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o ever_o since_o indeed_o he_o make_v at_o the_o first_o thousand_o of_o star_n because_o they_o must_v be_v no_o more_o then_o at_o the_o first_o they_o be_v and_o million_o of_o angel_n intend_v they_o shall_v not_o multiply_v he_o can_v also_o have_v make_v million_o of_o man_n in_o a_o moment_n he_o will_v not_o but_o only_o one_o couple_n adam_n and_o eue._n and_o of_o they_o come_v the_o infinite_a race_n of_o mankind_n when_o sin_n have_v make_v a_o end_n of_o that_o world_n he_o found_v not_o the_o second_o that_o yet_o continue_v upon_o a_o thousand_o couple_n but_o by_o three_o man_n and_o their_o wife_n he_o multiply_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n which_o since_o have_v grow_v from_o three_o to_o million_o of_o million_o and_o so_o here_o of_o one_o old_a man_n and_o a_o barren_a old_a woman_n spring_v innumerable_a multitude_n this_o god_n do_v to_o magnify_v his_o own_o power_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o so_o he_o do_v also_o in_o matter_n heavenly_a the_o number_n of_o christian_n since_o christ_n that_o have_v grow_v to_o million_o begin_v in_o a_o poor_a number_n at_o the_o first_o for_o when_o christ_n himself_o be_v ascend_v the_o number_n of_o know_v believer_n be_v but_o 120._o act_n 1.15_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o shall_v teach_v we_o all_o these_o duty_n first_o not_o to_o measure_n god_n by_o our_o lengthe_n nor_o to_o tie_v he_o to_o our_o rule_n but_o to_o esteem_v of_o his_o power_n and_o might_n as_o we_o see_v it_o deserve_v and_o to_o entertain_v high_a and_o honourable_a thought_n of_o he_o &_o his_o majesty_n who_o can_v rear_v up_o so_o great_a work_n upon_o so_o poor_a foundation_n second_o not_o to_o despair_v of_o ourselves_o or_o our_o estate_n though_o we_o think_v ourselves_o never_o so_o weak_a so_o poor_a so_o sick_a
the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o second_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n and_o believe_v they_o where_o by_o believe_v we_o must_v understand_v not_o so_o much_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o be_v note_v before_o as_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o the_o word_n import_v a_o confirmation_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o a_o resolution_n in_o assurance_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v not_o unusual_a in_o scripture_n for_o paul_n pray_v for_o the_o church_n who_o have_v true_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o love_n that_o they_o may_v increase_v and_o abound_v therein_o more_o and_o more_o ephesian_n 3.16.17_o philippian_n 1.9.11_o colossian_n 1.9.11_o here_o than_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o example_n of_o these_o patriarch_n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o property_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n to_o go_v forward_o and_o increase_v in_o faith_n till_o he_o come_v to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n in_o god_n promise_n all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o faith_n be_v the_o lord_n talent_n and_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v the_o lord_n servant_n call_v to_o occupy_v therewith_o now_o god_n have_v put_v his_o talon_n into_o any_o man_n hand_n do_v require_v the_o increase_n thereof_o as_o the_o parable_n show_v luke_n 19.13_o and_o this_o paul_n teach_v for_o pray_v for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o and_o be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n ephesian_n 3.16_o he_o signify_v that_o he_o that_o do_v true_o believe_v in_o christ_n must_v go_v on_o from_o grace_n to_o grace_n till_o he_o be_v a_o tall_a man_n in_o christ_n as_o a_o child_n grow_v from_o year_n to_o year_n till_o he_o come_v to_o be_v a_o strong_a man_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v like_a unto_o fire_n which_o will_v not_o go_v out_o so_o long_o as_o wood_n or_o other_o fuel_n be_v put_v unto_o it_o but_o will_v take_v hold_v thereof_o and_o grow_v unto_o a_o great_a flame_n and_o so_o will_v faith_n grow_v up_o to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n in_o all_o those_o that_o conscionablie_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o worde_n and_o prayer_n but_o go_v the_o case_n thus_o with_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n nay_o very_o general_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o many_o among_o we_o have_v no_o regard_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o think_v they_o may_v live_v as_o they_o lust_n their_o good_a meaning_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n other_o and_o those_o not_o a_o few_o be_v so_o far_o from_o go_v forward_o in_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v every_o day_n worse_o and_o worse_o and_o still_o go_v backward_o more_o and_o more_o a_o three_o sort_n we_o have_v that_o will_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o yet_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v very_o slender_a they_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n and_o profit_v little_a now_o howsoever_o it_o may_v be_v think_v but_o a_o small_a fault_n not_o to_o profit_v in_o religion_n yet_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n when_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n in_o any_o congregation_n be_v daily_o teach_v and_o do_v not_o profit_v thereby_o and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n note_v those_o woman_n to_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n which_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2._o timoth._n 3.7_o if_o a_o child_n late_o bear_v like_v not_o well_o nor_o grow_v when_o it_o have_v good_a keep_n the_o common_a say_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o changeling_n so_o if_o a_o man_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n we_o may_v most_o true_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o spiritual_a changeling_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n we_o must_v first_o labour_n for_o faith_n &_o have_v faith_n increase_v therein_o and_o in_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n till_o we_o come_v to_o be_v strong_a man_n in_o christ._n it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o those_o patriarch_n increase_v in_o faith_n but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o do_v attain_v hereto_o answer_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n we_o may_v find_v three_o way_n whereby_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o do_v grow_v up_o in_o grace_n the_o first_o mean_n be_v from_o god_n himself_o for_o when_o he_o have_v make_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n merciful_o renew_v the_o same_o during_o his_o life_n as_o occasion_n serve_v sundry_a time_n he_o stay_v not_o there_o suffer_v it_o to_o die_v with_o abraham_n but_o when_o abraham_n be_v dead_a god_n renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o isaac_n and_o rebecka_n and_o with_o jacob_n also_o after_o they_o now_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n can_v utter_v what_o a_o wonderful_a furtherance_n it_o be_v unto_o their_o faith_n to_o have_v the_o lord_n himself_o to_o renew_v his_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o they_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o increase_a their_o faith_n be_v their_o holy_a converse_v one_o with_o another_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o to_o nurture_n they_o up_o in_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o do_v not_o only_o implant_v god_n promise_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o child_n but_o be_v themselves_o confirm_v in_o the_o same_o for_o he_o that_o teach_v another_o from_o a_o feel_a heart_n great_o strengthen_v his_o own_o soul_n now_o god_n himself_o do_v testify_v this_o thing_n of_o abraham_n 18.19_o say_v i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o son_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v righteousness_n and_o judgement_n now_o look_v what_o abraham_n herein_o do_v to_o isaac_n that_o no_o doubt_n do_v isaac_n unto_o jacob_n the_o three_o mean_n to_o increase_v their_o faith_n be_v from_o each_o one_o to_o himself_o for_o they_o give_v themselves_o often_o time_n in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o muse_n &_o meditate_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n 24.63_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o isaac_n that_o he_o go_v out_o to_o pray_v or_o to_o meditate_v in_o the_o field_n towards_o evening_n and_o we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o it_o be_v concern_v this_o and_o other_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o and_o we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o abraham_n and_o jaacob_n do_v the_o like_a these_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o these_o godly_a patriarch_n be_v strengthen_v in_o their_o faith_n all_o which_o must_v be_v mark_v of_o we_o diligent_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n for_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n often_o and_o yet_o profit_v little_a by_o it_o be_v chief_o this_o because_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o man_n shall_v grow_v up_o in_o faith_n be_v so_o slender_o use_v among_o us._n for_o the_o first_o mean_n which_o be_v on_o god_n behalf_n to_o man_n be_v through_o his_o great_a and_o unspeakable_a mercy_n plentiful_o afford_v in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o land_n in_o the_o holy_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o god_n gracious_a promise_n of_o mercy_n be_v open_v and_o apply_v to_o man_n heart_n and_o his_o judgement_n against_o sin_n be_v sharp_o denounce_v to_o drive_v man_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ._n but_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o second_o mean_n which_o be_v mutual_a instruction_n of_o father_n to_o child_n of_o master_n to_o servant_n and_o of_o one_o neighbour_n to_o another_o together_o with_o mutual_a conference_n about_o that_o we_o be_v teach_v or_o else_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o three_o mean_n which_o be_v private_a meditation_n upon_o god_n word_n and_o promise_n teach_v unto_o we_o which_o meditation_n be_v to_o a_o christian_a soul_n like_o the_o chew_v of_o the_o cud_n unto_o a_o beast_n for_o as_o chew_v the_o cud_n turn_v that_o which_o be_v eat_v into_o true_a feed_n so_o do_v holy_a meditation_n make_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n spiritual_a refresh_n by_o digest_v they_o in_o the_o heart_n if_o i_o say_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o these_o two_o latter_a we_o shall_v find_v they_o seldom_o use_v of_o very_a many_o or_o not_o at_o all_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o use_v these_o mean_n with_o care_n and_o reverence_n but_o alas_o these_o some_o be_v very_o few_o and_o because_o this_o duty_n be_v so_o slack_o perform_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o though_o the_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v oft_o repeat_v yet_o man_n reap_v little_a profit_n by_o it_o so_o that_o we_o
steward_n over_o they_o for_o the_o good_a dispose_n of_o they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n always_o remember_v this_o rule_n of_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal._n 62.10_o if_o riches_n increase_v set_v not_o thy_o heart_n on_o they_o he_o say_v not_o if_o riches_n increase_v refuse_v they_o but_o set_v not_o thy_o heart_n on_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o these_o question_n now_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v as_o necessary_a for_o we_o in_o these_o day_n as_o ever_o it_o be_v for_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o profit_v little_a after_o much_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n be_v this_o we_o have_v not_o behave_v ourselves_o like_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o this_o world_n but_o the_o care_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n have_v choke_v it_o up_o math._n 13_o 2d_o that_o it_o can_v take_v no_o ground_n nor_o root_n in_o our_o heart_n when_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n we_o remember_v it_o not_o because_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o affection_n thereof_o be_v set_v on_o the_o pleasure_n and_o commodity_n of_o the_o world_n we_o therefore_o must_v shake_v off_o this_o filthy_a sin_n and_o learn_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o like_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n not_o entangle_v ourselves_o with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o use_v they_o as_o though_o we_o use_v they_o not_o so_o as_o they_o be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o the_o growth_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o us._n for_o they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n declare_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n be_v set_v down_o the_o constancy_n of_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o faith_n now_o in_o the_o 14.15_o and_o 16._o verse_n the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v to_o amplify_v and_o enlarge_v the_o commendation_n of_o their_o perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o scope_n of_o all_o these_o verse_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o all_o these_o particular_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n unto_o the_o end_n the_o proof_n be_v make_v by_o one_o substantial_a reason_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n seek_v for_o their_o country_n which_o be_v heaven_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o true_a faith_n but_o some_o may_v think_v that_o this_o reason_n be_v not_o substantial_a for_o man_n may_v seek_v for_o heaven_n that_o never_o have_v true_a save_v faith_n as_o balaam_n desire_v that_o his_o end_n may_v be_v like_o the_o end_n of_o the_o righteous_a numb_a 23.10_o wherewith_o no_o doubt_n he_o desire_v the_o state_n of_o the_o righteous_a after_o this_o life_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o desire_n of_o balaams_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o any_o constant_a persuasion_n nor_o settle_a resolution_n but_o upon_o some_o sudden_a motion_n second_o though_o he_o desire_v to_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a yet_o he_o will_v not_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o righteous_a he_o have_v no_o delight_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o 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jacob_n pen_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n and_o in_o read_v have_v observe_v that_o which_o they_o particular_o confess_v of_o themselves_o in_o many_o place_n of_o that_o book_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n yea_o also_o he_o gather_v from_o their_o confession_n this_o most_o heavenly_a meditation_n that_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o country_n but_o seek_v another_o these_o three_o thing_n then_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n use_v about_o the_o holy_a scripture_n read_v meditation_n and_o observation_n whence_o we_o learn_v that_o all_o god_n minister_n and_o those_o which_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v diligent_o to_o read_v and_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o meditate_v therein_o no_o doubt_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v a_o apostle_n and_o have_v most_o notable_a gift_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o call_n and_o yet_o he_o bestow_v pain_n in_o view_v the_o particular_a word_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n record_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n daniel_n also_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a prophet_n yet_o as_o we_o may_v read_v daniel_n 9.2_o he_o study_v with_o admirable_a diligence_n the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremie_n and_o ezekiel_n and_o timothy_n though_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n act_n 16.1_o and_o well_o learned_a yet_o paul_n charge_v he_o to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v to_o exhortation_n and_o to_o doctrine_n 1._o timothy_n 4.13_o and_o ezekiel_n be_v command_v to_o eat_v the_o role_n and_o to_o fill_v his_o belly_n with_o it_o ezekiel_n 3.3_o and_o saint_n john_n likewise_o be_v command_v to_o eat_v up_o the_o little_a book_n revelation_n 10.9.10_o which_o thing_n he_o do_v all_o which_o strong_o enforce_v the_o former_a duty_n show_v that_o god_n servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n must_v as_o it_o be_v eat_v up_o god_n book_n that_o in_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n he_o may_v digest_v as_o far_o 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god_n will_v not_o be_v call_v in_o special_a manner_n the_o god_n of_o unfaithful_a man_n but_o rather_o will_v bestow_v such_o a_o special_a favour_n upon_o believer_n but_o that_o favour_n do_v god_n vouchsafe_v to_o these_o three_o patriarch_n therefore_o doubtless_o they_o live_v and_o die_v in_o that_o holy_a faith_n in_o that_o it_o be_v say_v god_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n here_o first_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v his_o mercy_n equal_o to_o all_o man_n but_o some_o man_n have_v more_o prerogagative_n in_o his_o favour_n and_o mercy_n than_o other_o king_n make_v choice_n among_o all_o their_o subject_n of_o some_o man_n who_o they_o will_v prefer_v to_o be_v of_o their_o counsel_n or_o guard_n &_o to_o who_o they_o will_v give_v special_a countenance_n and_o dispense_v their_o favour_n more_o liberal_o then_o to_o all_o even_o so_o god_n among_o all_o abrabrahams_n kindred_n make_v choice_n of_o these_o three_o person_n abraham_n 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&_o ungodliness_n &_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n through_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n this_o do_v god_n take_v to_o be_v a_o honour_n unto_o his_o high_a majesty_n and_o when_o a_o man_n do_v this_o unfeigned_o than_o god_n will_v honour_v he_o even_o among_o man_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o shall_v be_v for_o his_o good_a for_o god_n have_v all_o man_n heart_n in_o his_o hand_n &_o will_v make_v they_o to_o honour_v those_o that_o honour_v he_o so_o s._n paul_n say_v if_o any_o man_n therefore_o purge_v himself_o from_o these_o 2d_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o vessel_n unto_o honour_n not_o only_o in_o glory_n eternal_a after_o death_n but_o also_o in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n church_n this_o confute_v the_o opinion_n and_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o many_o who_o will_v fain_o have_v good_a report_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v speak_v well_o of_o by_o all_o man_n but_o what_o course_n i_o pray_v you_o take_v they_o to_o come_v by_o this_o good_a name_n they_o do_v not_o begin_v with_o god_n and_o lay_v their_o foundation_n by_o honour_v he_o but_o they_o strive_v to_o please_v man_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o they_o care_v not_o their_o only_a care_n be_v to_o please_v all_o for_o that_o be_v their_o rule_n and_o resolution_n all_o must_v be_v please_v and_o because_o most_o man_n be_v ill_a they_o rather_o choose_v oftentimes_o to_o do_v ill_a than_o they_o will_v not_o please_v the_o great_a sort_n but_o he_o that_o begin_v to_o get_v honour_n by_o please_a man_n begin_v at_o a_o wrong_a end_n for_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o place_n the_o way_n to_o get_v sound_a approbation_n before_o man_n be_v first_o to_o begin_v with_o god_n and_o to_o honour_v he_o three_o if_o god_n will_v honour_v they_o that_o honour_n he_o then_o by_o the_o contrary_a consider_v what_o a_o miserable_a case_n many_o a_o man_n be_v in_o for_o those_o that_o dishonour_n god_n god_n will_v 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they_o otherwhile_o his_o holy_a angel_n bring_v they_o message_n from_o god_n and_o sometime_o they_o have_v his_o will_n reveal_v unto_o they_o by_o dream_n and_o vision_n all_o which_o be_v notable_a help_n and_o mean_n both_o to_o begin_v and_o to_o increase_v faith_n in_o they_o but_o joseph_n want_v all_o these_o mean_n or_o at_o least_o many_o of_o they_o for_o read_v his_o whole_a history_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o find_v that_o either_o angel_n appear_v unto_o he_o or_o else_o that_o god_n by_o dream_n and_o vision_n speak_v unto_o he_o and_o no_o marvel_n for_o he_o live_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n where_o gods_n presence_n be_v in_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a egypt_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o be_v here_o match_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o three_o worthy_a patriarch_n it_o be_v then_o a_o good_a question_n how_o joseph_n shall_v come_v by_o this_o faith_n answer_n we_o must_v know_v this_o that_o though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o like_a extraordinary_a mean_n with_o the_o patriarch_n yet_o he_o want_v not_o all_o mean_n for_o in_o his_o young_a day_n he_o be_v train_v up_o in_o his_o father_n jacob_n family_n and_o by_o he_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o his_o late_a day_n also_o he_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o father_n company_n and_o instruction_n in_o egypt_n now_o jacob_n be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a father_n but_o a_o notable_a patriarch_n and_o a_o holy_a prophet_n in_o who_o family_n god_n have_v place_v his_o visible_a church_n in_o those_o day_n wherein_o jacob_n be_v the_o lord_n prophet_n and_o minister_n now_o joseph_n both_o in_o his_o young_a age_n and_o also_o after_o his_o father_n come_v to_o egypt_n do_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o he_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n come_v to_o this_o excellent_a faith_n for_o which_o he_o be_v so_o commend_v here_o and_o match_v with_o his_o father_n the_o holy_a patriarch_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o preach_n of_o god_n word_n by_o his_o minister_n though_o extraordinary_a mean_n as_o revelation_n and_o vision_n be_v want_v be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o faith_n yea_o to_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o the_o three_o patriarch_n have_v indeed_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n he_o which_o speak_v unto_o we_o be_v but_o a_o man_n as_o other_o be_v but_o yet_o the_o word_n which_o he_o deliver_v be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o the_o mighty_a word_n of_o god_n and_o look_v what_o be_v true_o pronounce_v by_o he_o unto_o we_o out_o of_o god_n word_n the_o same_o be_v as_o certain_o seal_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n as_o if_o god_n himself_o from_o heaven_n shall_v extraordinary_o reveal_v the_o same_o and_o howsoever_o in_o former_a time_n man_n have_v vision_n and_o dream_n and_o angel_n from_o god_n himself_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o they_o yet_o this_o ministry_n of_o god_n word_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v as_o sufficient_a a_o mean_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o increase_n of_o true_a faith_n as_o that_o be_v then_o this_o plain_o confute_v all_o those_o that_o neglect_n or_o contemn_v the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n &_o look_v for_o extraordinary_a revelation_n and_o for_o vision_n &_o dream_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v notable_o check_v all_o such_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n by_o the_o word_n of_o abraham_n to_o dives_fw-la 16._o saying_n of_o dives_fw-la brethren_n that_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o neither_o will_v they_o believe_v though_o one_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o dead_a again_o verse_n 31_o insinuate_v that_o if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n will_v make_v he_o to_o believe_v neither_o revelation_n nor_o vision_n no_o not_o the_o word_n of_o they_o that_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a second_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n ordinance_n in_o the_o holy_a ministry_n to_o beget_v and_o to_o increase_v true_a faith_n must_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n not_o only_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v unto_o we_o but_o to_o profit_v by_o it_o both_o in_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v handle_v be_v the_o commendation_n of_o josephs_n faith_n by_o two_o action_n thereof_o to_o wit_n 1._o his_o mention_n of_o the_o departure_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n 2._o his_o commandment_n concern_v his_o bone_n of_o both_o which_o we_o will_v speak_v brief_o because_o the_o special_a point_n herein_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n for_o the_o first_o joseph_n when_o he_o die_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o depart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v out_o of_o egypt_n into_o canaan_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v a_o most_o notable_a work_n of_o faith_n it_o make_v a_o man_n to_o keep_v in_o memory_n the_o merciful_a promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v unto_o he_o this_o be_v it_o which_o commend_v josephs_n faith_n for_o a_o lively_a faith_n that_o be_v about_o to_o die_v he_o remember_v this_o merciful_a promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o his_o forefather_n touch_v their_o posterity_n to_o wit_n that_o after_o they_o have_v continue_v as_o servant_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n 400._o year_n they_o shall_v then_o have_v a_o good_a issue_n and_o a_o happy_a deliverance_n and_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n gen._n 15.13_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a work_n of_o faith_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o two_o notable_a effect_n hereof_o in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o first_o by_o this_o remembrance_n of_o god_n merciful_a promise_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o distress_n and_o extremity_n do_v find_v comfort_n unto_o his_o soul_n this_o bring_v to_o his_o memory_n the_o wonderful_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o be_v comfort_v when_o david_n be_v in_o a_o most_o desperate_a case_n so_o as_o he_o cry_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o affliction_n and_o temptation_n will_v the_o lord_n absent_v himself_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o show_v no_o more_o favour_n be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v do_v his_o mercy_n fail_v for_o evermore_o psal._n 77_o with_o such_o like_o most_o fearful_a speech_n how_o do_v he_o then_o comfort_v himself_o in_o this_o distress_n answ._n sure_o by_o remember_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o wonder_n of_o old_a and_o by_o meditate_v in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o gracious_a act_n which_o he_o have_v do_v for_o he_o so_o likewise_o in_o another_o place_n in_o great_a anguish_n of_o spirit_n he_o say_v to_o his_o soul_n why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o psalm_n 43.5_o yet_o in_o the_o next_o word_n he_o thus_o stay_v himself_o wait_v on_o god_n for_o i_o will_v yet_o give_v thanks_n unto_o he_o he_o be_v my_o present_a help_n and_o my_o god_n how_o come_v david_n to_o say_v so_o in_o this_o distress_n answer_n by_o mean_n of_o faith_n which_o do_v revive_v and_o refresh_v the_o dead_a heart_n of_o man_n by_o bring_v to_o his_o remembrance_n the_o merciful_a promise_n of_o god_n saint_n paul_n press_v with_o corruption_n cry_v out_o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n rom._n 7.24_o yet_o in_o the_o next_o word_n he_o say_v i_o thank_v my_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n then_o i_o myself_o in_o my_o mind_n serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n how_o come_v the_o latter_a word_n to_o follow_v on_o the_o former_a answer_n in_o the_o first_o word_n indeed_o he_o be_v cast_v down_o with_o the_o view_n and_o sight_n of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n which_o draw_v he_o headlong_o into_o sin_n but_o yet_o the_o late_a word_n be_v a_o remembrance_n of_o the_o merciful_a deliverance_n from_o sin_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o he_o by_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o break_v out_o to_o this_o say_n i_o thank_v my_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n second_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n promise_n serve_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o sin_n for_o man_n nature_n be_v as_o ready_a and_o prone_a to_o sin_n as_o fire_n be_v to_o burn_v when_o fuel_n be_v put_v to_o it_o but_o when_o by_o faith_n he_o call_v to_o mind_n god_n merciful_a promise_n especial_o those_o which_o be_v
action_n 1_o the_o hide_v of_o moses_n their_o child_n when_o he_o be_v bear_v 2_o their_o courage_n and_o boldness_n in_o that_o action_n in_o not_o fear_v the_o king_n commandment_n of_o their_o hide_v of_o he_o we_o will_v first_o entreat_v general_o and_o then_o come_v to_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o in_o general_n their_o hide_v of_o the_o child_n be_v this_o they_o keep_v he_o close_o and_o unknowen_a to_o the_o egyptian_n for_o three_o month_n space_n because_o the_o king_n have_v give_v commandment_n and_o charge_n to_o all_o his_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v drown_v every_o man-child_n bear_v among_o the_o hebrew_n exod._n 1.22_o in_o this_o action_n of_o their_o faith_n we_o may_v observe_v some_o special_a point_n first_o moses_n be_v to_o be_v a_o worthy_a prophet_n and_o captain_n or_o guide_v unto_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o therefore_o howsoever_o other_o man-child_n be_v drown_v upon_o the_o cruel_a command_n of_o pharaoh_n yet_o the_o lord_n provide_v for_o he_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v bear_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v hide_v and_o so_o preserve_v from_o the_o tyranny_n and_o rage_n of_o pharaoh_n whence_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o persecution_n do_v evermore_o preserve_v the_o seed_n of_o his_o church_n there_o be_v two_o estate_n of_o god_n church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o first_o be_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a when_o the_o gospel_n be_v public_o profess_v teach_v and_o receive_v without_o hostile_a opposition_n as_o by_o god_n great_a mercy_n it_o be_v in_o our_o church_n at_o this_o day_n the_o second_o be_v a_o hide_a estate_n when_o as_o it_o can_v show_v itself_o visible_a but_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v suppress_v by_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o enemy_n the_o devil_n and_o by_o wicked_a &_o cruel_a man_n that_o be_v his_o instrument_n thus_o god_n suffer_v his_o church_n sometime_o to_o be_v shadow_v and_o in_o these_o time_n many_o of_o his_o dear_a child_n to_o be_v slay_v &_o put_v to_o death_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o church_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o always_o he_o preserve_v the_o seed_n of_o his_o church_n when_o isaiah_n have_v show_v the_o jew_n the_o fearful_a desolation_n of_o their_o land_n that_o the_o city_n shall_v be_v waste_v without_o inhabitant_n &_o their_o house_n without_o man_n 6.11_o yet_o than_o he_o say_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o ten_o in_o it_o and_o the_o holy_a seed_n shall_v be_v the_o substance_n or_o underprop_v thereof_o verse_n 13._o god_n do_v not_o deal_v with_o his_o church_n as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o he_o but_o loppe_v off_o the_o branch_n in_o his_o church_n when_o as_o he_o stock_n up_o the_o root_n of_o the_o enemy_n isaiah_n chapter_n 27._o verse_n 7_o 8._o when_o he_o visit_v sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n he_o destroy_v they_o utter_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n but_o the_o lord_n do_v ever_o keep_v fast_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o church_n that_o when_o the_o storm_n of_o persecution_n be_v blow_v over_o his_o church_n may_v spring_v and_o flourish_v afterward_o here_o some_o may_v say_v see_v god_n purpose_v to_o make_v moses_n such_o a_o worthy_a man_n over_o his_o people_n why_o do_v he_o not_o by_o some_o wonderful_a powerful_a and_o mighty_a manner_n preserve_v he_o against_o the_o rage_n of_o pharaoh_n answer_n god_n indeed_o be_v able_a to_o have_v send_v a_o legion_n of_o angel_n for_o his_o preservation_n or_o to_o have_v do_v it_o after_o some_o strange_a visible_a manner_n but_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o for_o we_o must_v know_v and_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v god_n pleasure_n to_o show_v his_o power_n in_o weak_a mean_n he_o can_v preserve_v every_o servant_n of_o he_o from_o all_o kind_n of_o injury_n but_o he_o will_v not_o always_o do_v so_o when_o christ_n himself_o our_o saviour_n be_v in_o his_o infancy_n persecute_v by_o herod_n god_n his_o father_n be_v then_o able_a to_o have_v preserve_v he_o in_o judea_n and_o to_o have_v overthrow_v his_o persecutor_n by_o many_o legion_n of_o angel_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o but_o only_o use_v the_o poor_a help_n of_o joseph_n and_o marie_n with_o the_o ordinary_a weak_a mean_n of_o flight_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o servant_n for_o when_o all_o mean_n fail_v then_o do_v he_o magnify_v his_o power_n and_o providence_n in_o preserve_v those_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o action_n in_o general_n the_o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o hide_v of_o moses_n be_v four_o 1._o the_o time_n when_o he_o be_v hide_v the_o text_n say_v when_o he_o be_v bear_v moses_n as_o we_o say_v must_v be_v afterward_o a_o notable_a servant_n and_o a_o worthy_a instrument_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o will_v work_v the_o deliverance_n of_o his_o people_n out_o of_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v he_o be_v fain_o to_o be_v hide_v so_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v bear_v hence_o we_o learn_v that_o those_o that_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o be_v in_o special_a favour_n with_o he_o must_v look_v for_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n in_o this_o life_n from_o the_o cradle_n to_o the_o grave_n from_o the_o day_n of_o their_o birth_n to_o the_o hour_n of_o their_o death_n moses_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o his_o life_n by_o pharaoh_n so_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o so_o be_v our_o saviour_n christ_n by_o herod_n when_o he_o be_v but_o a_o babe_n whereupon_o his_o parent_n flee_v with_o he_o into_o egypt_n for_o his_o safety_n and_o answerable_a to_o their_o infancy_n be_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o life_n full_a of_o danger_n full_a of_o trouble_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o they_o so_o be_v it_o with_o other_o 2._o timothy_n chapter_n 3._o verse_n 12_o he_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a must_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o he_o that_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n must_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n every_o day_n and_o follow_v he_o luke_n 9.23_o this_o be_v a_o point_n which_o all_o of_o we_o must_v mark_v we_o must_v not_o look_v to_o have_v ease_n and_o joy_n in_o earth_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o enjoy_v that_o after_o this_o life_n if_o christ_n himself_o carry_v his_o cross_n out_o of_o the_o gate_n we_o then_o with_o his_o disciple_n must_v take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o every_o day_n the_o 2._o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v this_o how_o long_o be_v moses_n hide_v namely_o three_o month_n question_n why_o be_v he_o hide_v no_o long_o answer_n because_o they_o can_v not_o for_o it_o be_v likely_a there_o be_v search_v for_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o make_v a_o basket_n of_o reed_n 2.3_o and_o daub_v it_o with_o slime_n and_o pitch_n and_o lay_v the_o child_n therein_o and_o put_v it_o among_o the_o bul-rush_n by_o the_o river_n brink_n thus_o do_v the_o parent_n adventure_v the_o child_n life_n for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o own_o wherein_o we_o may_v see_v a_o great_a want_n and_o weakness_n in_o their_o faith_n for_o they_o keep_v their_o child_n a_o while_n by_o faith_n but_o afterward_o commit_v he_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o water_n of_o wild_a beast_n and_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a their_o faith_n be_v weak_a and_o mingle_v with_o fear_n and_o with_o some_o doubt_n for_o in_o keep_v the_o child_n three_o month_n they_o show_v forth_o lively_a faith_n but_o when_o as_o they_o expose_v he_o to_o danger_n for_o their_o own_o safety_n herein_o they_o bewray_v some_o want_n of_o love_n and_o weakness_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v they_o be_v here_o commend_v for_o their_o faith_n which_o show_v plain_o that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v true_a and_o sound_a faith_n though_o it_o be_v but_o weak_a yet_o god_n in_o mercy_n will_v take_v knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o commend_v it_o pass_v by_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o yea_o and_o unto_o that_o faith_n will_v give_v the_o promise_n of_o life_n everlasting_a make_v in_o christ_n the_o three_o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v this_o who_o it_o be_v that_o keep_v moses_n three_o month_n in_o exodus_fw-la it_o be_v say_v that_o his_o mother_n keep_v he_o 2.3_o but_o here_o it_o be_v say_v his_o parent_n keep_v he_o where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n include_v his_o father_n also_o how_o can_v both_o these_o be_v true_a answ._n we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o mother_n be_v the_o chief_a doer_n in_o this_o work_n and_o the_o father_n though_o he_o be_v not_o a_o doer_n yet_o he_o give_v his_o consent_n now_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o consent_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o do_v whether_o it_o be_v in_o good_a thing_n or_o in_o evil_n for_o when_o saul_n do_v but_o
of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n which_o be_v a_o notable_a rite_n &_o ceremony_n use_v in_o this_o first_o passove_a after_o this_o manner_n the_o blood_n of_o every_o lamb_n be_v put_v into_o a_o basin_n &_o sprinkle_v with_o a_o bunch_n of_o hyssop_n upon_o the_o door_n post_v of_o every_o man_n house_n among_o the_o jew_n now_o this_o rite_n do_v not_o continue_v always_o but_o be_v peculiar_a &_o proper_a to_o this_o first_o passove_a keep_v in_o egypt_n at_o the_o institution_n thereof_o be_v then_o practise_v but_o not_o after_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o special_a deliverance_n then_o at_o hand_n whereof_o it_o be_v a_o assurance_n for_o it_o signify_v unto_o they_o that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v of_o egypt_n &_o see_v that_o blood_n so_o sprink_v shall_v pass_v over_o their_o house_n and_o touch_v none_o of_o their_o first_o bear_v of_o man_n nor_o beast_n this_o end_n of_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o this_o blood_n be_v here_o likewise_o set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n lest_o he_o that_o destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v shall_v touch_v they_o he_o that_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v send_v to_o destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v throughout_o all_o egypt_n both_o of_o man_n and_o beast_n save_v only_o of_o those_o who_o have_v their_o door_n post_v sprinkle_v with_o blood_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n first_o observe_v what_o the_o h._n ghost_n say_v of_o this_o fact_n of_o moses_n in_o ordain_v the_o passove_a namely_o that_o he_o do_v it_o by_o faith_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v celebrate_v in_o faith_n for_o herein_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o moses_n be_v the_o l._n supper_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n succeed_v the_o passove_a in_o the_o old_a for_o that_o be_v a_o sign_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o immaculate_a lamb_n of_o god_n shall_v afterward_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v to_o we_o a_o sign_n of_o christ_n already_o sacrifice_v now_o look_v as_o that_o be_v ordain_v &_o receive_v under_o the_o law_n so_o must_v this_o be_v administer_v &_o receive_v under_o the_o gospel_n but_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n moses_n celebrate_v the_o passove_a through_o faith_n &_o enjoine_v the_o israelite_n so_o to_o do_v therefore_o according_o must_v we_o by_o faith_n celebrate_v and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n under_o the_o gospel_n cain_n sacrifice_n be_v fruitless_a to_o he_o and_o odious_a to_o god_n because_o he_o offer_v not_o in_o faith_n &_o no_o less_o be_v all_o other_o faithless_a sacrifice_n even_o so_o every_o sacrament_n and_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n receive_v or_o offer_v in_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v unprofitable_a to_o man_n and_o unacceptable_a unto_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v in_o faith_n in_o every_o sacrament_n we_o receive_v some_o thing_n from_o god_n as_o in_o every_o sacrifice_n we_o give_v some_o thing_n to_o god_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o the_o minister_n give_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o receiver_n so_o the_o lord_n god_n give_v his_o son_n unto_o their_o heart_n now_o if_o faith_n be_v want_v christ_n crucify_v be_v not_o receive_v for_o faith_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o soul_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o receive_n of_o christ_n &_o his_o benefit_n but_o contrariwise_o a_o heavy_a and_o fearful_a sin_n heap_v up_o god_n wrath_n against_o us._n hereby_o we_o learn_v how_o sundry_a sort_n of_o people_n sin_n most_o grievous_o against_o god_n for_o many_o come_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n who_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a in_o the_o nature_n &_o use_n thereof_o not_o know_v what_o the_o sacrament_n mean_v &_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n they_o will_v receive_v at_o least_o once_o a_o year_n though_o they_o know_v nothing_o therein_o as_o they_o ought_v now_o such_o person_n must_v know_v they_o ought_v to_o come_v in_o faith_n which_o they_o can_v do_v because_o they_o want_v knowledge_n and_o therefore_o in_o receive_v it_o so_o they_o commit_v a_o grievous_a sin_n &_o so_o endanger_v their_o own_o soul_n because_o they_o receive_v it_o unworthy_o and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o young_a one_o only_o but_o of_o many_o who_o year_n may_v shame_v they_o for_o their_o ignorance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o pass_v all_o feel_n of_o spiritual_a want_n a_o second_o sort_n there_o be_v who_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n &_o say_v they_o will_v do_v so_o because_o they_o have_v faith_n but_o these_o be_v like_o the_o former_a for_o their_o faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o honest_a deal_n among_o man_n think_v that_o if_o they_o bring_v that_o to_o the_o l._n supper_n though_o they_o have_v no_o more_o yet_o all_o be_v well_o the_o great_a sort_n be_v of_o this_o mind_n take_v fidelity_n for_o true_a faith_n &_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a point_n of_o popery_n so_o common_a as_o almost_o in_o every_o place_n man_n do_v embrace_v it_o but_o these_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o another_o kind_n of_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o those_o that_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n worthy_o namely_o such_o a_o faith_n whereby_o we_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n in_o christ_n blood_n but_o also_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o bread_n &_o wine_n receive_v worthy_o be_v sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o same_o blessing_n exhibit_v unto_o we_o by_o christ._n he_o that_o come_v only_o in_o a_o good_a meaning_n deceive_v himself_o &_o receive_v to_o his_o condemnation_n and_o yet_o alas_o many_o even_a of_o the_o ancient_a sort_n have_v no_o other_o faith_n but_o their_o good_a meaning_n a_o three_o sort_n there_o be_v who_o yet_o go_v further_o and_o know_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o opinion_n that_o a_o man_n fidelity_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o man_n shall_v be_v his_o faith_n to_o commend_v he_o unto_o god_n they_o hold_v &_o know_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v to_o believe_v their_o own_o salvation_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o former_a but_o herein_o they_o fail_v that_o come_v to_o receive_v they_o bring_v not_o with_o they_o a_o lively_a faith_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o require_v in_o a_o communicant_a that_o he_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n aright_o but_o a_o worthy_a receiver_n must_v look_v to_o his_o own_o heart_n that_o his_o faith_n therein_o be_v a_o live_a faith_n such_o as_o work_v by_o love_n and_o show_v itself_o by_o obedience_n now_o herein_o many_o that_o have_v good_a knowledge_n do_v grievous_o offend_v that_o howsoever_o they_o make_v a_o show_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o orderly_a and_o religious_a carriage_n of_o themselves_o on_o the_o communion_n day_n yet_o when_o that_o time_n be_v a_o little_a past_a they_o return_v to_o their_o former_a sin_n again_o never_o else_o have_v any_o care_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v any_o show_n of_o lay_v away_o their_o sin_n save_v only_o at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o thus_o do_v too_o many_o of_o those_o who_o make_v a_o fair_a profession_n these_o man_n bring_v faith_n in_o profession_n but_o yet_o their_o faith_n be_v dead_a for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o lively_a faith_n it_o will_v purify_v their_o heart_n &_o cause_v a_o change_n in_o they_o from_o evil_a to_o good_a and_o from_o good_a to_o better_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n by_o who_o mercy_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v some_o in_o his_o church_n who_o come_v with_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o thereby_o communicate_v acceptable_o to_o god_n and_o fruitful_o to_o themselves_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n but_o as_o for_o all_o the_o other_o three_o sort_n of_o people_n they_o sin_v grievous_o because_o they_o bring_v not_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o receive_v those_o thing_n which_o their_o god_n offer_v unto_o they_o we_o therefore_o in_o this_o example_n be_v admonish_v to_o celebrate_v &_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o moses_n do_v namely_o in_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o idle_a or_o dead_a but_o in_o a_o lively_a faith_n which_o may_v both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n to_o the_o reform_v of_o our_o life_n in_o continual_a obedience_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o our_o own_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n in_o christ._n 2_o observe_v further_o moses_n ordain_v and_o make_v the_o passove_a we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o moses_n kill_v all_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v
be_v the_o right_a time_n for_o a_o man_n to_o show_v his_o faith_n when_o there_o be_v in_o himself_o no_o cause_n of_o believe_v object_n but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v believe_v answ._n indeed_o to_o believe_v then_o be_v a_o wonderful_a hard_a thing_n and_o a_o miracle_n of_o miracle_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o property_n of_o true_a faith_n so_o to_o do_v and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o dram_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o despair_n howsoever_o it_o may_v for_o a_o time_n lie_v hide_v as_o dead_a yet_o at_o the_o length_n it_o will_v make_v he_o to_o hope_n and_o wait_v for_o mercy_n and_o life_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o almighty_a god._n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n at_o any_o time_n to_o lay_v a_o torment_n upon_o our_o conscience_n so_o as_o we_o shall_v strive_v with_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n think_v that_o he_o have_v cast_v we_o away_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o than_o we_o must_v believe_v gods_n promise_n and_o set_v before_o we_o his_o mercy_n and_o therewith_o refresh_v us._n and_o if_o this_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n many_o sundry_a time_n be_v in_o a_o most_o miserable_a case_n the_o lord_n therefore_o have_v most_o merciful_o provide_v to_o help_v he_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n when_o a_o man_n be_v pass_v all_o hope_n of_o life_n he_o must_v then_o believe_v and_o hope_v for_o life_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o preservation_n and_o undoubted_o this_o be_v a_o comfortable_a sign_n of_o grace_n if_o a_o man_n in_o the_o horror_n of_o conscience_n can_v show_v forth_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o true_a faith_n four_o note_v the_o effect_n and_o issue_n of_o this_o faith_n they_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n we_o say_v usual_o that_o water_n &_o fire_n be_v unmerciful_a creature_n and_o therefore_o the_o natural_a man_n fear_v they_o both_o but_o the_o israelite_n faith_n make_v they_o not_o to_o fear_v the_o water_n but_o it_o make_v they_o bold_a even_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o sea_n the_o like_a we_o may_v see_v for_o fire_n in_o the_o 3._o child_n dan._n 3.16.23_o who_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o the_o hot_a burn_a oven_n but_o be_v as_o bold_a in_o it_o as_o out_o of_o it_o ravenous_a &_o wild_a beast_n be_v terrible_a unto_o man_n but_o faith_n make_v a_o man_n not_o to_o fear_v they_o and_o therefore_o daniel_n fear_v not_o the_o lion_n though_o he_o be_v throw_v into_o their_o den_n to_o be_v devour_v dan._n 6.22_o great_a be_v the_o fruit_n and_o force_n of_o faith_n it_o take_v from_o a_o man_n the_o fear_n of_o those_o creature_n which_o by_o nature_n be_v most_o terrible_a and_o here_o we_o see_v a_o cause_n why_o the_o holy_a martyr_n of_o god_n die_v most_o cheerful_o a_o man_n will_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o one_o shall_v go_v into_o the_o fire_n rejoice_v as_o many_o of_o they_o do_v but_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o have_v faith_n in_o their_o heart_n which_o take_v away_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o most_o fearful_a creature_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o may_z some_z say_v that_o the_o israelite_n by_o faith_n go_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n not_o fear_v the_o water_n why_o may_v not_o we_o that_o believe_v now_o do_v the_o same_o for_o we_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n that_o they_o have_v answ._n we_o have_v indeed_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v pass_v through_o water_n as_o they_o do_v for_o their_o faith_n rest_v on_o two_o promise_n first_o on_o this_o make_v to_o abraham_n i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n second_o on_o a_o particular_a promise_n make_v to_o moses_n for_o when_o he_o command_v he_o to_o go_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n withal_o he_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v they_o and_o this_o they_o believe_v and_o so_o go_v through_o now_o howsoever_o we_o have_v justify_v faith_n have_v the_o same_o general_a promise_n yet_o we_o have_v not_o the_o like_a particular_a promise_n that_o if_o we_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n god_n will_v be_v with_o we_o and_o save_v us._n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v adventure_v to_o do_v so_o let_v he_o look_v for_o nothing_o but_o death_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o action_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o presumption_n and_o therefore_o peter_n sink_v when_o he_o will_v needs_o walk_v unto_o christ_n upon_o the_o sea_n have_v no_o such_o hold_n upon_o god_n special_a promise_n as_o here_o they_o have_v and_o the_o egyptian_n follow_v presumptuous_o be_v drown_v wherefore_o let_v we_o here_o be_v warn_v not_o to_o attempt_v to_o do_v extraordinary_a work_n without_o god_n special_a warrant_n for_o a_o particular_a faith_n require_v a_o particular_a promise_n beside_o the_o general_a promise_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n further_o let_v we_o here_o observe_v a_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o power_n when_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v into_o extremity_n of_o danger_n so_o as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o desperate_a case_n for_o their_o temporal_a life_n yet_o than_o the_o lord_n find_v a_o way_n of_o deliverance_n and_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n consider_v aright_o of_o it_o he_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o israelite_n be_v in_o a_o pitiful_a case_n for_o they_o have_v the_o red_a sea_n before_o they_o and_o mountain_n on_o each_o side_n and_o themselves_o hinder_v from_o flight_n by_o their_o bag_n and_o baggage_n and_o with_o their_o child_n and_o the_o huge_a host_n of_o pharaoh_n behind_o they_o so_o as_o to_o man_n reason_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o present_a death_n to_o be_v look_v for_o yet_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n to_o save_v they_o make_v a_o way_n where_o there_o be_v no_o way_n and_o open_v they_o a_o gap_n to_o life_n when_o natural_a reason_n can_v lay_v before_o they_o nothing_o but_o violent_a death_n which_o show_v the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o his_o own_o people_n and_o servant_n and_o the_o like_a thing_n we_o may_v read_v of_o in_o david_n when_o he_o abide_v in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o maon_n for_o there_o saul_n follow_v he_o and_o he_o and_o his_o man_n compass_v david_n and_o his_o man_n round_o about_o 1._o sam._n 23.26_o 27._o now_o what_o hope_v of_o deliverance_n be_v there_o for_o david_n ans._n sure_o this_o only_a david_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n &_o the_o lord_n preserve_v he_o that_o he_o may_v rule_v his_o people_n after_o saul_n death_n and_o therefore_o he_o escape_v though_o wonderful_o for_o a_o messenger_n come_v to_o saul_n and_o bid_v he_o haste_n for_o the_o philistines_n invade_v the_o land_n and_o so_o saul_n return_v from_o pursue_v david_n and_o go_v against_o the_o philistines_n hence_o we_o learn_v this_o general_a rule_n that_o in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o danger_n god_n have_v mean_n to_o preserve_v and_o save_v his_o own_o child_n and_o people_n which_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o commend_v our_o case_n to_o god_n and_o to_o rest_v on_o he_o in_o all_o danger_n for_o when_o our_o case_n be_v desperate_a in_o our_o sight_n then_o be_v we_o fit_a for_o god_n help_v let_v we_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n learn_v to_o practise_v our_o faith_n and_o then_o especial_o to_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o god._n this_o jehosaphat_n do_v most_o notable_o for_o be_v assault_v with_o the_o huge_a army_n of_o the_o moabite_n ammonite_n etc._n etc._n he_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n most_o fervent_o say_v 2._o chron._n 20.12_o lord_n there_o be_v no_o strength_n in_o we_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v but_o our_o eye_n be_v towards_o thou_o and_o thus_o do_v be_v preserve_v for_o god_n will_v in_o no_o extremity_n forsake_v they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o the_o red_a sea_n in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v call_v the_o sea_n of_o rush_n psal._n 106.7_o 9_o or_o the_o sea_n of_o sedge_n jer._n 49.21_o it_o be_v a_o corner_n of_o the_o arabian_a sea_n that_o part_v egypt_n and_o arabia_n those_o which_o have_v see_v it_o in_o travel_n say_v it_o have_v no_o other_o colour_n than_o all_o other_o sea_n have_v why_o then_o be_v it_o call_v the_o red_a sea_n answ._n to_o omit_v many_o suppose_a cause_n hereof_o there_o be_v two_o especial_o for_o which_o it_o be_v so_o call_v 1_o because_o of_o the_o red_a sand_n for_o both_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o shore_n be_v full_a of_o red_a sand_n than_o ordinary_o be_v elsewhere_o 2_o some_o think_v it_o be_v call_v the_o red_a sea_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o sedge_n and_o bul-rush_n which_o grow_v much_o at_o the_o sea_n side_n and_o be_v of_o a_o red_a colour_n which_o by_o reflection_n may_v
be_v so_o than_o he_o call_v all_o man_n effectual_o answer_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o apostle_n according_a to_o his_o meaning_n for_o roman_n 11.15_o he_o expound_v himself_o &_o show_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o world_n say_v that_o the_o fall_v away_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o reconcile_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o man_n in_o all_o the_o age_n but_o in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n after_o christ_n ascension_n wherein_o god_n offer_v to_o all_o the_o world_n life_n everlasting_a by_o christ._n further_o rahab_n be_v here_o note_v by_o a_o notorious_a vice_n she_o be_v call_v a_o harlot_n whereby_o she_o be_v infamous_a among_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n certain_a of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o new_a testament_n say_v that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o s._n james_n do_v great_a wrong_n unto_o rahab_n for_o call_v she_o a_o harlot_n for_o say_v they_o in_o josuah_n she_o be_v call_v but_o a_o 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forgive_v isaiah_n 55.7_o yea_o with_o the_o lord_n be_v plentiful_a redemption_n psal._n 130.7_o this_o appear_v by_o vouchsafe_v mercy_n to_o rahab_n a_o notable_a harlot_n and_o as_o he_o deal_v with_o rahab_n here_o so_o have_v he_o show_v like_o mercy_n to_o other_o notorious_a sinner_n king_n manasses_n have_v sell_v himself_o to_o idolatry_n and_o witchcraft_n and_o have_v shed_v innocent_a blood_n exceed_v much_o and_o cause_v judah_n to_o sin_n 2._o king_n 21_o 6_o 16_o for_o which_o he_o be_v lead_v captive_a yet_o when_o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o pray_v god_n be_v entreat_v of_o he_o 2._o chron._n 33.13_o and_o paul_n say_v of_o himself_o when_o he_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o persecuter_n and_o a_o oppresser_n he_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n though_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o sinner_n that_o christ_n might_n first_o show_v on_o he_o all_o long_a suffering_n unto_o the_o example_n of_o they_o which_o shall_v in_o time_n to_o come_v believe_v in_o he_o unto_o everlasting_a life_n 1._o tim._n 1_o 13_o 16._o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o exceed_a mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n be_v of_o great_a use_n first_o it_o arm_v a_o poor_a soul_n against_o despair_n whereinto_o the_o devil_n will_v draw_v it_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o sin_n for_o many_o reason_n thus_o my_o sin_n be_v so_o heinous_a so_o many_o and_o so_o vile_a that_o i_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o god_n neither_o can_v i_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o but_o behold_v here_o the_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o forgive_a sin_n to_o they_o that_o repent_v though_o they_o be_v like_o crimson_a and_o scarlet_a and_o never_o so_o many_o this_o must_v comfort_v the_o wound_a soul_n and_o encourage_v all_o touch_v heart_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o sue_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n second_o it_o must_v move_v every_o one_o of_o we_o now_o to_o begin_v to_o repent_v if_o we_o have_v not_o repent_v heretofore_o and_o if_o we_o have_v begin_v to_o do_v it_o more_o earnest_o for_o god_n be_v most_o merciful_a and_o with_o he_o be_v plentiful_a redemption_n yet_o we_o must_v beware_v that_o we_o take_v not_o occasion_n hereby_o to_o live_v in_o sin_n because_o god_n be_v merciful_a for_o this_o be_v to_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n which_o saint_n jude_n make_v a_o brand_n of_o the_o ungodly_a 4._o and_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o reprobate_n who_o as_o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v be_v appoint_v to_o condemnation_n yea_o this_o be_v a_o despise_n of_o the_o bountifulness_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o hereby_o they_o heap_v up_o unto_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n roman_n chapter_n 2_o verses_z 4_o 5._o let_v we_o therefore_o remember_v this_o counsel_n of_o paul_n shall_v we_o sin_v that_o grace_n may_v abound_v god_n forbid_v we_o must_v all_o but_o especial_o young_a man_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o course_n for_o if_o we_o bless_v ourselves_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o say_v we_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o we_o live_v in_o sin_n god_n will_v not_o be_v merciful_a unto_o we_o but_o his_o wrath_n shall_v smoke_v against_o us._n 20._o further_o note_v that_o howsoever_o she_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o a_o most_o infamous_a harlot_n yet_o when_o she_o repent_v god_n do_v honour_n and_o grace_v she_o with_o the_o title_n of_o a_o believer_n and_o that_o among_o those_o most_o renown_a believer_n that_o ever_o live_v before_o christ_n even_o to_o be_v one_o of_o that_o cloud_n of_o witness_n 1._o in_o who_o faith_n be_v commend_v to_o the_o church_n for_o ever_o hence_o also_o it_o be_v 1.5_o that_o saint_n matthew_n reckon_v she_o in_o the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v one_o of_o his_o predecessor_n when_o as_o amasia_n achas_n and_o such_o like_a who_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v do_v never_o repent_v be_v not_o once_o name_v herein_o we_o may_v see_v god_n wonderful_a mercy_n in_o honour_v sinner_n if_o they_o do_v repent_v the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v move_v we_o not_o only_o to_o learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n and_o to_o have_v it_o in_o our_o mouth_n but_o to_o labour_v that_o it_o may_v be_v settle_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v show_v forth_o the_o power_n thereof_o in_o our_o life_n all_o of_o we_o desire_v honour_n and_o reputation_n among_o mâ—n_z well_o if_o we_o will_v be_v honour_v indeed_o we_o must_v repent_v and_o then_o god_n himself_o will_v honour_v we_o neither_o have_v our_o sin_n make_v we_o so_o infamous_a as_o by_o our_o repentance_n god_n shall_v make_v we_o honourable_a further_o concern_v the_o party_n how_o can_v rahab_n come_v by_o faith_n see_v she_o live_v out_o of_o the_o church_n where_o the_o word_n be_v never_o preach_v unto_o she_o answer_n if_o we_o read_v the_o story_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o she_o come_v to_o believe_v by_o a_o report_n of_o god_n marvellous_a act_n 2.20_o for_o when_o the_o lord_n deliver_v the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o drown_v pharaoh_n therein_o with_o all_o his_o â—oast_n as_o they_o go_v further_o he_o deliver_v the_o king_n of_o the_o nation_n into_o their_o hand_n as_o og_n the_o king_n of_o baashan_n with_o the_o king_n of_o the_o amorites_n and_o amalekite_n now_o the_o report_n hereof_o come_v to_o the_o people_n of_o jericho_n whereupon_o they_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o wonderful_a great_a fear_n and_o howsoever_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n make_v no_o other_o use_n of_o it_o but_o to_o arm_v and_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o resist_v and_o beat_v back_o the_o israelite_n yet_o this_o report_n wrought_v further_o with_o rahab_n and_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
and_o lip-faith_n and_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o true_a save_v faith_n whereby_o we_o may_v profitable_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o enjoy_v god_n most_o excellent_a promise_n in_o christ._n man_n may_v lie_v and_o be_v deceive_v but_o god_n be_v truth_n itself_o and_o can_v lie_v and_o therefore_o as_o he_o have_v make_v his_o promise_n of_o life_n to_o believer_n and_o to_o no_o other_o so_o will_n he_o sure_o accomplish_v the_o same_o to_o they_o and_o to_o no_o other_o wherefore_o if_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n and_o desire_v life_n let_v we_o get_v into_o our_o heart_n the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o three_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o four_o and_o five_o effect_n which_o i_o will_v handle_v together_o be_v these_o stopped_n the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n quench_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o fire_n for_o the_o four_o whereas_o some_o of_o these_o person_n be_v say_v to_o have_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o daniel_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 6._o chapter_n of_o that_o book_n for_o daniel_n through_o the_o malice_n of_o other_o that_o incense_v the_o king_n wrath_n against_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o den_n of_o hunger-bit_n lion_n but_o daniel_n even_o then_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o put_v all_o his_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o lord_n by_o his_o angel_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lion_n and_o as_o it_o be_v seal_v up_o their_o paw_n that_o they_o can_v not_o hurt_v he_o the_o five_o effect_n in_o quench_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o fire_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n the_o companion_n of_o daniel_n which_o three_o as_o we_o may_v read_v dan._n 3_o refuse_v to_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o nabuchadnezzar_n have_v set_v up_o for_o which_o cause_n they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o hot_a burn_a oven_n but_o they_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o he_o in_o obedience_n even_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o life_n whereupon_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o omnipotent_a power_n do_v most_o miraculous_o preserve_v they_o by_o stay_v the_o rage_n of_o the_o fire_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n thereof_o that_o it_o have_v no_o power_n over_o their_o body_n nay_o it_o do_v not_o burn_v the_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n nor_o cause_v their_o garment_n to_o smell_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v quench_v the_o violence_n of_o it_o because_o it_o have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o though_o it_o burn_v most_o fierce_o but_o be_v to_o they_o as_o though_o it_o have_v be_v quite_o put_v out_o and_o quench_v now_o join_v these_o two_o effect_n together_o &_o they_o afford_v we_o good_a instruction_n first_o here_o we_o learn_v how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n and_o at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n even_o as_o these_o four_o man_n do_v so_o must_v we_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n forsake_v ourselves_o and_o put_v all_o our_o trust_n in_o christ._n this_o do_v daniel_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o lion_n den_n and_o this_o do_v the_o 3._o child_n in_o the_o hot_a fiery_a furnace_n and_o this_o have_v be_v always_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o god_n child_n in_o all_o age_n at_o the_o very_a point_n of_o death_n and_o in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o danger_n they_o rest_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o the_o merciful_a promise_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o time_n will_v come_v upon_o we_o all_o wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o we_o must_v all_o pass_v the_o door_n of_o death_n &_o once_o lie_v in_o the_o pang_n thereof_o now_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v when_o we_o lie_v half_o dead_a gasp_v &_o pant_v for_o breath_n able_a to_o speak_v to_o no_o man_n nor_o to_o hear_v any_o speak_n to_o we_o when_o all_o comfort_n of_o the_o world_n fail_v we_o sure_o we_o must_v then_o at_o that_o very_a instant_n labour_v to_o leave_v ourselves_o and_o this_o world_n and_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o by_o faith_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o christ_n passion_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o he_o will_v sure_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o danger_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o satan_n that_o roar_a lion_n &_o quench_v the_o fire_n of_o hell_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o touch_v us._n but_o some_o will_v say_v if_o this_o be_v all_o we_o must_v do_v than_o all_o be_v well_o for_o this_o i_o can_v soon_o do_v when_o time_n serve_v and_o therefore_o i_o will_v take_v no_o care_n till_o then_o answer_n beware_v of_o spiritual_a guile_n for_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o most_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n to_o rely_v and_o cast_v himself_o whole_o upon_o christ_n in_o the_o hour_n and_o pang_n of_o death_n for_o then_o above_o all_o time_n be_v the_o devil_n busy_a against_o we_o then_o will_v the_o conscience_n stir_v if_o ever_o and_o the_o body_n be_v torment_v the_o soul_n must_v needs_o be_v wonderful_a heavy_a this_o we_o may_v see_v by_o the_o state_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o his_o agony_n and_o passion_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o reckon_v so_o light_o of_o this_o duty_n question_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o hard_a a_o thing_n how_o can_v daniel_n and_o the_o three_o child_n do_v it_o answer_n they_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o for_o they_o rest_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o so_o be_v enable_v to_o rely_v upon_o he_o in_o time_n of_o peril_n even_o so_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v in_o god_n when_o we_o die_v &_o then_o show_v forth_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v while_o we_o live_v put_v our_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o show_v it_o by_o obedience_n for_o rare_a it_o be_v to_o find_v a_o man_n that_o live_v in_o unbelief_n to_o show_v forth_o faith_n at_o his_o end_n and_o therefore_o while_o we_o have_v health_n strength_n and_o peace_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o believe_v and_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o in_o time_n of_o peril_n and_o of_o death_n second_o from_o these_o two_o effect_n of_o faith_n we_o observe_v further_o that_o god_n divine_a providence_n do_v firm_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o whole_a world_n ordinary_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n by_o secundarie_n cause_n set_v one_o creature_n over_o another_o and_o ordain_v one_o to_o do_v this_o thing_n and_o another_o that_o and_o according_o they_o work_v but_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n but_o be_v most_o free_a to_o use_v they_o or_o not_o to_o use_v they_o ordinary_o he_o execute_v this_o or_o that_o punishment_n by_o this_o or_o that_o creature_n and_o so_o by_o mean_n convey_v his_o blessing_n but_o yet_o he_o can_v work_v without_o they_o as_o here_o we_o see_v for_o he_o preserve_v his_o creature_n against_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n as_o daniel_n from_o the_o lion_n who_o nature_n be_v to_o devour_v and_o against_o the_o nature_n of_o fire_n he_o save_v the_o three_o child_n in_o the_o fire_n so_o that_o god_n work_v by_o mean_n but_o yet_o free_o because_o he_o can_v work_v at_o his_o pleasure_n either_o without_o or_o against_o mean_n and_o his_o powerful_a hand_n save_v against_o mean_n show_v his_o roll_a and_o dispose_v providence_n over_o all_o thing_n three_o by_o these_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n we_o learn_v that_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n towards_o believer_n be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o unspeakable_a than_o ever_o he_o promise_v or_o they_o can_v expect_v this_o point_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o we_o all_o for_o it_o be_v of_o singular_a &_o extraordinary_a use_n especial_o in_o time_n of_o peril_n and_o trouble_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v it_o be_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o paul_n give_v thanks_o and_o praise_n unto_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o we_o exceed_o abundant_o above_o all_o that_o we_o ask_v or_o think_v 3.20_o daniel_n put_v his_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o lion_n den_n and_o what_o do_v he_o obtain_v for_o his_o labour_n the_o lord_n never_o promise_v to_o stop_v the_o lion_n mouth_n neither_o do_v daniel_n ever_o presume_v upon_o that_o deliverance_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n save_v he_o and_o so_o the_o three_o child_n though_o they_o make_v no_o account_n of_o their_o life_n because_o god_n have_v not_o promise_v to_o keep_v they_o from_o burn_v yet_o they_o come_v out_o in_o safety_n for_o god_n in_o mercy_n so_o quench_v the_o heat_n of_o the_o fire_n unto_o they_o that_o though_o it_o burn_v to_o death_n those_o that_o cast_v they_o in_o yet_o
christ_n and_o thereupon_o rest_v our_o soul_n thus_o do_v these_o believer_n in_o this_o place_n and_o this_o faith_n do_v job_n notable_o testify_v when_o god_n have_v take_v from_o he_o child_n good_n health_n yea_o and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v yet_o than_o he_o say_v job_n 13.15_o though_o he_o kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o so_o must_v we_o endeavour_n to_o do_v if_o that_o case_n befall_v we_o for_o when_o all_o worldly_a help_n and_o comfort_n fail_v we_o this_o promise_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n will_v be_v a_o sweet_a and_o safe_a refuge_n for_o our_o soul_n be_v destitute_a afflict_a and_o torment_v here_o the_o apostle_n amplifi_v their_o misery_n in_o their_o wander_a estate_n by_o three_o degree_n of_o cross_n which_o do_v accompany_v the_o same_o first_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n second_o they_o be_v afflict_v both_o in_o body_n and_o mind_n three_o torment_v that_o be_v evil_o entreat_v these_o be_v add_v for_o a_o special_a cause_n to_o show_v that_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v lade_v with_o affliction_n they_o be_v banish_v &_o drive_v to_o extreme_a poverty_n they_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o their_o good_n and_o of_o all_o society_n of_o man_n they_o be_v afflict_v in_o body_n and_o in_o mind_n and_o evil_o entreat_v of_o all_o man_n no_o man_n will_v do_v they_o good_a but_o all_o man_n do_v they_o wrong_n whereby_o we_o see_v that_o even_a wave_n of_o misery_n overwhelm_v they_o on_o every_o side_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n servant_n may_v be_v overwhelm_v with_o manifold_a calamity_n at_o the_o same_o instant_n be_v press_v down_o with_o cross_n in_o good_n in_o body_n mind_n friend_n and_o every_o way_n this_o be_v job_n case_n a_o most_o worthy_a servant_n of_o god_n he_o be_v afflict_v in_o body_n in_o friend_n good_n &_o child_n &_o which_o be_v great_a of_o all_o he_o wrestle_v in_o conscience_n with_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n job_n 13.16_o thou_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o i_o and_o make_v i_o to_o possess_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o youth_n and_o the_o like_a have_v be_v the_o state_n of_o many_o of_o god_n child_n psal._n 88.3.7_o my_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o evil_n thou_o have_v vex_v i_o with_o all_o thy_o wave_n etc._n etc._n question_n how_o can_v this_o stand_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n wherein_o be_v promise_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o blessing_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a to_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o deut._n 28._o 1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n all_o these_o blessing_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o and_o overtake_v thou_o bless_a in_o the_o city_n and_o in_o the_o field_n in_o the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o body_n and_o of_o thy_o ground_n and_o cattle_n psal._n 34.10_o they_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n shall_v lack_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a for_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v 1._o tim._n 4.8_o and_o therefore_o david_n compare_v the_o godly_a man_n to_o the_o tree_n that_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o water_n side_n which_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n and_o be_v green_a and_o well_o like_n psalm_n 1.3_o how_o then_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v that_o god_n own_o servant_n shall_v be_v thus_o oppress_v and_o lade_v not_o with_o one_o calamity_n or_o two_o but_o with_o sundry_a and_o grievous_a affliction_n at_o the_o same_o time_n answer_n true_a it_o be_v the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o gracious_a promise_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n unto_o god_n child_n but_o they_o be_v conditional_a and_o must_v be_v understand_v with_o a_o exception_n to_o this_o effect_n god_n child_n shall_v have_v such_o and_o such_o blessing_n unless_o it_o please_v god_n by_o affliction_n to_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o they_o or_o to_o chastise_v they_o for_o some_o sin_n so_o that_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o grace_n or_o chastisement_n for_o sin_n must_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o promise_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o most_o worthy_a &_o renown_a servant_n of_o god_n for_o their_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v afflict_v and_o in_o misery_n for_o his_o promise_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a all_o thing_n be_v they_o as_o paul_n say_v 1._o cor._n 3.21_o and_o they_o shall_v have_v honour_n wealth_n favour_n etc._n etc._n unless_o it_o please_v god_n to_o prove_v their_o faith_n or_o to_o chastise_v their_o sin_n by_o cross_n and_o affliction_n question_n how_o can_v god_n servant_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v so_o many_o and_o grievous_a cross_n at_o once_o see_v it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o man_n to_o bear_v one_o cross_n patient_o the_o answer_n be_v here_o lay_v down_o to_o wit_n by_o faith_n for_o many_o and_o grievous_a be_v the_o misery_n that_o lay_v on_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o by_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o life_n in_o the_o messiah_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o bear_v they_o all_o this_o be_v a_o sovereign_a remedy_n against_o immoderate_a grief_n in_o the_o great_a distress_n and_o undoubted_o the_o flood_n of_o affliction_n shall_v never_o overwhelm_v he_o that_o have_v his_o heart_n assure_v by_o faith_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o by_o jesus_n christ._n this_o make_v david_n say_v he_o will_v not_o fear_v evil_a though_o he_o shall_v walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n psal._n 23.4_o and_o paul_n speak_v of_o tribulation_n anguish_n famine_n persecution_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o sai_z in_o all_o these_o we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o have_v love_v rom._n 8.37_o and_o from_o this_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o endure_v all_o estate_n to_o be_v hungry_a to_o want_v etc._n etc._n phil._n 4.12_o 13._o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o god_n child_n may_v be_v afflict_v with_o manifold_a calamity_n at_o once_o then_o the_o opinion_n of_o natural_a and_o ungodly_a man_n be_v false_a who_o judge_v he_o to_o be_v wicked_a and_o ungodly_a who_o god_n lade_v with_o manifold_a calamity_n this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o job_n three_o friend_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o their_o disputation_n against_o he_o that_o because_o god_n have_v lay_v so_o great_a and_o so_o many_o cross_n upon_o he_o therefore_o he_o be_v but_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rash_a judgement_n of_o natural_a man_n in_o our_o day_n especial_o upon_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n when_o god_n hand_n of_o trial_n or_o correction_n lie_v upon_o they_o they_o present_o censure_v they_o for_o hypocrite_n but_o this_o be_v a_o wretched_a opinion_n for_o god_n dear_a child_n may_v be_v press_v down_o with_o manifold_a calamity_n second_o see_v faith_n in_o christ_n will_v support_v the_o soul_n under_o manifold_a cross_n be_v they_o never_o so_o grievous_a we_o must_v labour_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o have_v our_o heart_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o this_o faith_n and_o when_o affliction_n come_v we_o must_v strive_v to_o show_v forth_o the_o fruit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o by_o bear_v they_o patient_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o affliction_n in_o this_o last_o example_n of_o believer_n verse_n 38._o who_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o they_o wander_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o mountain_n and_o den_n and_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o these_o word_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v answer_v to_o a_o secret_a objection_n or_o surmise_n which_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v conceive_v against_o the_o believer_n speak_v of_o before_o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o some_o man_n may_v think_v thus_o no_o marvel_n though_o they_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o for_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n this_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v flat_o deny_v and_o avouch_v the_o clean_a contrary_n of_o they_o to_o wit_n that_o they_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o by_o faith_n and_o the_o lord_n cause_v they_o so_o to_o do_v because_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o they_o they_o be_v too_o good_a to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n in_o this_o answer_n to_o this_o surmise_n we_o may_v observe_v what_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o natural_a man_n concern_v the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o earth_n whereon_o they_o tread_v be_v too_o good_a for_o they_o this_o have_v be_v be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o world_n estimation_n of_o god_n child_n matthew_n chapter_n 24._o verse_n 9_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o