any_o nation_n may_v be_v admit_v to_o this_o estate_n and_o the_o lord_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n will_v bless_v they_o with_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o people_n as_o the_o prophet_n excellent_o show_v isaiah_n 2.19_o and_o 19.24_o 25._o the_o gentile_n have_v come_v to_o rejoice_v among_o his_o people_n rom._n 15.9_o 10_o 11._o they_o be_v hard_a time_n when_o the_o lord_n dominion_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n confine_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n 2._o because_o it_o be_v so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o work_n on_o god_n part_n to_o make_v we_o his_o people_n for_o he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v plant_v the_o heaven_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o he_o may_v say_v unto_o zion_n thou_o be_v my_o people_n isaiah_n 51._o verse_n 16._o 3._o because_o in_o the_o hard_a time_n that_o can_v befall_v the_o godly_a the_o lord_n will_v have_v they_o plead_v this_o privilege_n and_o they_o may_v go_v to_o god_n and_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o in_o all_o their_o distress_n and_o sanctify_v their_o affliction_n and_o deliver_v they_o at_o the_o voice_n of_o their_o cry_n isaiah_n 64_o 9_o zach._n 13.19_o 4._o because_o they_o shall_v yet_o enjoy_v a_o far_o more_o excellent_a estate_n in_o another_o world_n than_o now_o they_o have_v reu._n 21._o they_o be_v now_o but_o as_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o goshen_n or_o in_o the_o wilderness_n use_v 2._o second_o diverse_a thing_n may_v be_v hence_o observe_v for_o instruction_n as_o 1._o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o the_o mark_n of_o god_n people_n on_o they_o shall_v awake_v and_o look_v about_o they_o and_o labour_n to_o get_v into_o the_o number_n of_o god_n people_n these_o fool_n among_o the_o people_n as_o the_o prophet_n david_n call_v they_o shall_v understand_v and_o these_o evil_a neighbour_n unto_o israel_n shall_v be_v persuade_v to_o learn_v the_o way_n of_o god_n people_n and_o so_o they_o may_v be_v build_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o israel_n jer._n 12.16_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v their_o daily_a prayer_n unto_o god_n to_o grant_v they_o this_o one_o request_n namely_o to_o bless_v they_o with_o the_o favour_n of_o his_o people_n psal._n 106.3_o 4._o 2._o the_o penitent_a sinner_n that_o feel_v his_o heart_n call_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n shall_v hence_o be_v move_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o speedy_o to_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o subjection_n &_o allegiance_n bind_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o his_o divine_a service_n deu_fw-mi 29.10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o jer._n 50.5_o 3._o such_o as_o have_v take_v the_o oath_n and_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o true_a subject_n shall_v for_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o time_n study_v how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o as_o become_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o so_o in_o general_n they_o shall_v remember_v two_o thing_n 1._o to_o give_v ear_n to_o god_n law_n and_o hearken_v what_o the_o lord_n will_v say_v unto_o they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n psal._n 78.1_o isaiah_n 51.4_o 2._o to_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n for_o therefore_o have_v god_n sever_v they_o from_o all_o nation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v holy_a to_o he_o levit._n 20.26_o all_o god_n people_n be_v righteous_a isaiah_n 59.21_o and_o 62.12_o and_o christ_n have_v redeem_v they_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o he_o zealous_a of_o good_a work_n tit._n 2.14_o they_o must_v therefore_o be_v no_o more_o pollute_v with_o their_o transgression_n nor_o be_v fashion_v to_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o former_a ignorance_n ezech._n 14.11_o and_o 36.25_o etc._n etc._n in_o particular_a they_o shall_v 1._o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o ever_o for_o bless_v they_o with_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o people_n psal._n 79._o ult._n 2._o they_o shall_v humble_v themselves_o to_o walk_v with_o their_o god_n god_n mic._n 6.8_o be_v humble_v at_o his_o foot_n to_o receive_v his_o law_n deut._n 33.3_o bow_v down_o with_o all_o reverence_n to_o worship_v he_o psa._n 95.7_o for_o god_n be_v a_o great_a god_n above_o all_o god_n and_o a_o great_a king_n above_o all_o king_n 3._o they_o must_v avoid_v needless_a society_n with_o the_o wicked_a 2._o cor._n 6.16_o and_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o learn_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o other_o nation_n levit_n 20.24_o 4._o the_o law_n of_o god_n must_v be_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o wise_a and_o understand_a people_n above_o all_o man_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o god_n people_n isaiah_n 51.7_o deut._n 4.6_o and_o it_o be_v god_n covenant_n to_o write_v his_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n jer._n 31.33_o 5._o they_o must_v avoid_v idol_n and_o keep_v god_n sabbath_n this_o god_n require_v perpetual_o levit._n 26.1_o 2_o 3_o 11_o 12._o and_o gracious_o accept_v when_o he_o find_v this_o care_n isaiah_n 56._o with_o protestation_n against_o those_o that_o will_v not_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n jer._n 17_o etc._n etc._n 6._o they_o must_v walk_v confident_o in_o the_o trust_n upon_o god_n goodness_n and_o covenant_n with_o they_o as_o the_o godly_a resolve_v mic._n 4.5_o all_o people_n walk_v in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v walk_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o resolve_v to_o cleave_v to_o god_n in_o a_o perpetual_a covenant_n jer._n 50.4_o 5._o 7._o they_o shall_v approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v god_n people_n by_o their_o language_n their_o language_n shall_v be_v a_o pure_a language_n not_o speak_v lie_v a_o deceitful_a tongue_n shall_v not_o be_v find_v in_o their_o mouth_n and_o their_o word_n shall_v be_v gracious_a such_o as_o may_v minister_v grace_n to_o the_o hearer_n zeph._n 3.9_o 13._o eph._n 4._o col._n 4._o 8._o they_o shall_v be_v patient_a in_o all_o adversity_n as_o be_v of_o moses_n mind_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o god_n people_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n heb._n 11_o 25._o 9_o they_o shall_v obey_v according_a to_o all_o that_o god_n command_v they_o show_v a_o respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n see_v they_o serve_v god_n and_o not_o man_n and_o that_o all_o dissimulation_n will_v be_v open_a before_o his_o eye_n jeremie_n 11._o verse_n 4._o and_o thus_o of_o the_o second_o way_n of_o comparison_n in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o verse_n their_o estate_n be_v consider_v in_o relation_n from_o god_n to_o they_o and_o so_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n they_o be_v not_o under_o mercy_n but_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n they_o be_v now_o under_o mercy_n not_o under_o mercy_n doct._n all_o the_o time_n that_o man_n live_v without_o repentance_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n they_o live_v without_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o under_o mercy_n god_n love_v they_o not_o nor_o regard_v they_o they_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n eph._n 2.3_o and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o they_o joh._n 3.36_o yea_o though_o the_o lord_n be_v exceed_o merciful_a in_o himself_o and_o to_o the_o faithful_a yet_o by_o no_o mean_n will_v he_o clear_v the_o guilty_a exod._n 34.6_o num._n 14.18_o now_o this_o not_o be_v under_o mercy_n import_v diverse_a thing_n first_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v not_o forgive_v or_o pardon_v second_o that_o their_o soul_n be_v not_o heal_v of_o their_o original_a disease_n but_o they_o live_v still_o in_o their_o blood_n three_o that_o they_o be_v liable_a unto_o all_o sort_n of_o judgement_n and_o those_o which_o be_v upon_o they_o come_v from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o hate_v they_o etc._n etc._n four_o that_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o eternal_a condemnation_n in_o general_a that_o they_o live_v and_o lie_v under_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o have_v no_o part_n in_o christ_n or_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n use_v the_o use_n shall_v be_v therefore_o to_o teach_v wicked_a man_n to_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o presume_v of_o god_n mercy_n they_o may_v deceive_v themselves_o but_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v gal._n 6.7_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n eph._n 5.5_o they_o that_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n shall_v die_v rom._n 8.13_o for_o the_o more_o distinct_a understanding_n of_o this_o point_n four_o thing_n will_v be_v consider_v of_o first_o that_o wicked_a man_n be_v exceed_o apt_a to_o plead_v god_n mercy_n though_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o and_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v deal_v so_o with_o they_o as_o they_o be_v threaten_v second_o that_o god_n direct_o
psal._n 48.9_o and_o so_o far_o as_o this_o promise_n reach_v to_o temporal_a thing_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v with_o that_o common_a limitation_n isaiah_n 54.4_o viz._n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v good_a for_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v keep_v from_o shame_n as_o for_o poverty_n or_o sickness_n or_o the_o like_a that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v good_a for_o they_o but_o yet_o if_o this_o temporal_a shame_n do_v fall_v upon_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n repentance_n will_v remove_v it_o as_o be_v promise_v joel_n 2.13.26_o last_o the_o lord_n will_v give_v his_o people_n double_a for_o all_o their_o confusion_n isaiah_n 61.7_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v as_o a_o cross_n for_o which_o they_o have_v so_o much_o recompense_v make_v they_o use_v the_o use_n of_o all_o this_o remain_v then_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o which_o concern_v first_o the_o godly_a second_o the_o wicked_a the_o godly_a shall_v here_o learn_v first_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o privilege_n above_o other_o man_n in_o this_o respect_n etc._n etc._n second_o to_o sue_v out_o this_o promise_n upon_o all_o occasion_n for_o since_o they_o have_v a_o grant_n of_o freedom_n in_o this_o kind_n they_o shall_v seek_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o as_o they_o shall_v find_v need_n when_o either_o their_o cross_n press_v they_o or_o their_o heart_n fail_v they_o so_o do_v david_n in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o psalm_n as_o psal._n 31.1_o 17._o and_o 119.116_o and_o in_o diverse_a other_o place_n three_o but_o they_o must_v ever_o look_v to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v answer_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o promise_n express_v in_o this_o or_o in_o other_o scripture_n as_o confound_v 1._o they_o must_v preserve_v a_o constant_a respect_n unto_o god_n commandment_n and_o in_o all_o their_o way_n be_v sound_a in_o god_n statute_n else_o wilful_a sin_n and_o shame_n will_v be_v companion_n psalm_n 119.6_o 80._o 2._o they_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o god_n truth_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o witness_v a_o good_a profession_n before_o all_o man_n psalm_n 119.46_o 3._o they_o must_v not_o be_v too_o tender_a in_o matter_n of_o reproach_n from_o the_o world_n but_o learn_v of_o christ_n to_o despise_v the_o shame_n and_o scorn_n of_o man_n heb._n 12.2_o isaiah_n 51.6_o 7._o 4._o in_o this_o text_n they_o must_v hold_v fast_o their_o faith_n and_o live_v by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o promise_n to_o the_o godly_a as_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n and_o will_v rely_v upon_o god_n mercy_n in_o jesus_n christ_n we_o must_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n the_o wicked_a may_v hence_o gather_v a_o argument_n of_o of_o singular_a terror_n for_o this_o text_n import_v that_o such_o as_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n and_o have_v not_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v certain_o be_v confound_v and_o this_o will_v more_o particular_o touch_v such_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o be_v distinct_o design_v out_o to_o shame_n and_o confusion_n quest._n now_o if_o any_o ask_v who_o be_v they_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a and_o confound_v ans._n i_o answer_v out_o of_o several_a scripture_n they_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a and_o confound_v confusion_n first_o that_o worship_v grave_v image_n and_o trust_v upon_o they_o psalm_n 97.7_o isaiah_n 42.17_o second_o that_o wish_v evil_a and_o hate_v the_o godly_a and_o rejoice_v at_o their_o misery_n and_o seek_v to_o do_v they_o mischief_n psalm_n 44.7_o psalm_n 129.5_o isaiah_n 26.11_o and_o 41.11_o three_o that_o be_v proud_a and_o deal_v perverse_o for_o pride_n be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o shame_n pro._n four_o that_o call_v not_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o use_v not_o prayer_n psalm_n 53.5_o five_o that_o use_v customary_a lie_v they_o shall_v be_v loathsome_a and_o come_v to_o shame_n pro._n 13.5_o six_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o man_n and_o not_o in_o the_o lord_n isaiah_n 20.5_o seven_o that_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o world_n mark_v 8.38_o last_o that_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n rom._n 10.4_o verse_n 7.8_o 7._o unto_o you_o therefore_o which_o believe_v it_o be_v precious_a but_o unto_o they_o which_o be_v disobedient_a the_o stone_n which_o the_o builder_n disallow_v the_o same_o be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n 8._o and_o a_o stone_n to_o stumble_v at_o and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n even_o to_o they_o which_o stumble_v at_o the_o word_n be_v disobedient_a unto_o the_o which_o thing_n they_o be_v even_o ordain_v in_o these_o word_n the_o apostle_n expound_v or_o apply_v the_o former_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o urge_v both_o for_o the_o believer_n and_o against_o the_o unbeliever_n the_o believer_n he_o call_v upon_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o felicity_n assure_v they_o that_o that_o scripture_n do_v avouch_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o incomparable_a treasure_n to_o they_o concern_v the_o unbeliever_n he_o speak_v terrible_a thing_n who_o he_o describe_v both_o by_o their_o sin_n and_o by_o their_o judgement_n the_o sin_n be_v disobedience_n their_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o it_o be_v denounce_v first_o against_o their_o leader_n who_o he_o call_v builder_n and_o then_o against_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o unbeliever_n the_o plague_n upon_o the_o builder_n be_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v advance_v in_o spite_n of_o their_o heart_n they_o shall_v perish_v and_o be_v confound_v but_o christ_n shall_v reign_v and_o flourish_v the_o plague_n upon_o the_o body_n of_o unbeliever_n be_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v to_o they_o a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n which_o be_v amplify_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o cause_n partly_o in_o themselves_o which_o be_v their_o stumble_n at_o the_o word_n and_o disobedience_n and_o partly_o in_o god_n who_o in_o his_o justice_n have_v appoint_v they_o thereunto_o thus_o of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o word_n now_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o full_a open_n of_o each_o particular_a in_o these_o two_o verse_n i_o may_v observe_v diverse_a thing_n from_o the_o coherence_n and_o general_a consideration_n of_o all_o these_o word_n first_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o rest_v satisfy_v to_o allege_v the_o text_n but_o do_v withal_o apply_v it_o it_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o application_n we_o can_v profit_v by_o the_o word_n if_o it_o be_v not_o lay_v particular_o to_o our_o heart_n as_o food_n do_v not_o nourish_v if_o it_o be_v not_o eat_v nor_o a_o medicine_n cure_v the_o distaste_n if_o it_o be_v not_o take_v nor_o a_o plaster_n heal_v the_o sore_n if_o it_o be_v not_o lay_v to_o it_o nor_o be_v our_o want_n supply_v by_o come_v to_o the_o market_n if_o we_o do_v not_o buy_v and_o carry_v home_o which_o shall_v work_v in_o we_o a_o sound_a care_n of_o application_n of_o the_o word_n we_o hear_v or_o read_v and_o withal_o it_o shall_v waken_v we_o to_o a_o care_n of_o observe_v all_o the_o rule_n that_o may_v further_o we_o in_o apply_v which_o be_v these_o and_o such_o like_a first_o aright_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o understand_v right_o the_o scripture_n we_o will_v apply_v this_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o application_n that_o be_v profitable_a 2._o pet._n 3._o else_o we_o may_v grow_v perverse_a and_o wrong_v both_o the_o word_n and_o our_o own_o self_n ob._n but_o some_o private_a man_n may_v say_v this_o be_v hard_a how_o can_v we_o learn_v to_o know_v the_o clear_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n sol._n for_o answer_v hereunto_o thou_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v diverse_a rule_n that_o may_v help_v thou_o to_o understand_v or_o at_o least_o keep_v thou_o from_o wrong_n and_o dangerous_a mis-application_n first_o thou_o must_v be_v wise_a to_o sobriety_n and_o not_o presume_v to_o know_v above_o what_o be_v meet_v nor_o to_o meddle_v with_o such_o secret_n as_o shall_v lead_v thou_o into_o knowledge_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o thy_o call_n or_o be_v not_o evident_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n second_o thou_o must_v have_v respect_n unto_o other_o scripture_n to_o take_v no_o sense_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o other_o apparent_a scripture_n three_o thou_o must_v have_v respect_n to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n to_o avoid_v all_o sense_n which_o oppose_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o thy_o faith_n rom._n 12.3_o four_o thou_o must_v avoid_v all_o doubtful_a disputation_n and_o unprofitable_a question_n and_o vain_a jangling_n that_o tend_v not_o to_o edification_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o account_v it_o as_o a_o happiness_n to_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v thyself_o free_a from_o entanglement_n therein_o and_o therefore_o stand_v at_o the_o
judge_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v not_o condemn_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o attendance_n upon_o this_o point_n make_v all_o safe_a whereas_o the_o long_a neglect_n of_o our_o daily_a sin_n without_o any_o humiliation_n for_o they_o may_v turn_v in_o the_o end_n to_o the_o pang_n of_o some_o miserable_a despair_n use_v 4._o four_o hence_o the_o godly_a may_v comfort_v themselves_o because_o christ_n be_v to_o they_o a_o rock_n to_o build_v on_o mat._n 16._o a_o rock_n for_o refuge_n and_o safety_n psal._n 18.2_o a_o rock_n for_o shadow_n isaiah_n 32.2_o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n sing_v isaiah_n 42.11_o and_o withal_o if_o they_o consider_v how_o god_n show_v they_o they_o shall_v account_v their_o other_o affliction_n but_o light_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o fall_v upon_o wicked_a man_n ob._n but_o we_o read_v that_o godly_a man_n have_v be_v in_o despair_n as_o david_n job_n and_o other_o sol._n it_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v ever_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o despair_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o wicked_a which_o i_o will_v brief_o note_v first_o wicked_a they_o differ_v in_o the_o cause_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o wicked_a proceed_v from_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n whereas_o the_o sorrow_n of_o the_o godly_a proceed_v from_o his_o mercy_n second_o they_o differ_v sometime_o in_o the_o obâ—iect_n for_o godly_a man_n despair_v of_o themselves_o wicked_a man_n despair_v of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o grace_n usual_a in_o repentance_n to_o despair_v of_o all_o happiness_n from_o ourselves_o but_o now_o wicked_a man_n be_v out_o of_o all_o hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o help_v three_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o effect_n for_o cain_n blaspheme_v god_n in_o his_o despair_n and_o say_v his_o punishment_n be_v great_a than_o he_o can_v bear_v or_o his_o sin_n great_a than_o can_v be_v forgive_v but_o the_o godly_a give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o account_v he_o always_o just_a and_o good_a again_o wicked_a man_n rage_n and_o repent_v not_o but_o godly_a man_n bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o cry_v mighty_o to_o god_n reu._n 16.9_o 10._o jer._n 18.12_o wicked_a man_n be_v in_o travel_n but_o they_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o wind_n they_o be_v never_o the_o better_a when_o they_o come_v out_o of_o their_o affliction_n no_o though_o they_o pour_v out_o a_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o distress_n isaiah_n 26.16_o 17_o 18._o three_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o wicked_a man_n be_v sweep_v down_o as_o the_o house_n of_o a_o spider_n they_o have_v no_o hope_n at_o all_o job_n 8.13_o and_o 11._o ult._n whereas_o godly_a man_n at_o the_o worst_a be_v support_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o hope_n or_o persuasion_n of_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o usual_o they_o rather_o ask_v whether_o god_n mercy_n be_v clean_o go_v than_o say_v it_o be_v so_o psalm_n 77._o and_o they_o rather_o complain_v that_o god_n hide_v himself_o from_o they_o than_o that_o god_n hate_v they_o psalm_n 88.15_o four_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o measure_n too_o for_o god_n always_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o child_n to_o lay_v no_o more_o upon_o they_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v whereas_o he_o respect_v the_o sin_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o regard_v it_o not_o though_o they_o cry_v out_o with_o cain_n they_o can_v bear_v it_o five_o god_n give_v issue_n out_o of_o the_o trial_n and_o return_n from_o his_o displeasure_n in_o a_o moment_n when_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o godly_a isaiah_n 54._o whereas_o wicked_a man_n can_v have_v no_o such_o hope_n last_o see_v despair_n be_v such_o a_o curse_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o lead_v man_n to_o christ_n that_o it_o make_v they_o suffer_v shipwreck_n upon_o christ_n minister_n &_o all_o other_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o drive_v the_o people_n upon_o any_o pretence_n into_o this_o kind_n of_o desperation_n let_v man_n be_v teach_v to_o despair_v of_o themselves_o but_o never_o to_o despair_v of_o god_n hitherto_o of_o the_o kind_n of_o punishment_n the_o cause_n follow_v first_o in_o themselves_o second_o in_o god_n in_o themselves_o it_o be_v their_o stumble_n at_o the_o word_n and_o their_o disobedience_n to_o they_o which_o stumble_v at_o the_o word_n there_o be_v a_o diverse_a read_n the_o old_a read_n be_v thus_o to_o they_o that_o offend_v in_o the_o word_n note_v either_o in_o general_n that_o god_n word_n or_o christ_n do_v not_o profit_v these_o man_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o evil_n speak_v and_o the_o gross_a abuse_n of_o the_o tongue_n or_o in_o particular_a it_o shall_v note_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o stubborn_a jew_n who_o offend_v in_o word_n when_o they_o blaspheme_v christ_n and_o deny_v he_o but_o i_o rather_o take_v it_o as_o here_o it_o be_v translate_v and_o so_o it_o note_v the_o cause_n why_o many_o man_n fall_v into_o scandal_n and_o from_o thence_o into_o despair_n viz._n because_o they_o bring_v ill_a heart_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o have_v mind_n that_o be_v rebellious_a and_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o gospel_n but_o entertain_v it_o with_o disease_a &_o cavil_v mind_n those_o person_n be_v likely_a not_o to_o receive_v any_o good_a by_o christ_n that_o quarrel_n at_o the_o word_n of_o christ._n now_o that_o this_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v or_o neglect_v i_o will_v show_v first_o what_o it_o be_v not_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o word_n lest_o some_o weak_a one_o shall_v be_v dismay_v then_o second_o how_o many_o way_n wicked_a man_n stumble_v at_o the_o word_n for_o the_o first_o word_n to_o be_v grieve_v in_o heart_n for_o the_o reproof_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o a_o offence_n but_o a_o grace_n so_o we_o be_v trouble_v not_o with_o dislike_n of_o the_o word_n but_o of_o our_o own_o sin_n second_o to_o inquire_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v and_o to_o try_v the_o doctrine_n by_o turn_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o berean_o do_v this_o be_v not_o condemn_v here_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o stumble_n at_o the_o word_n to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o teach_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n second_o but_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o word_n when_o their_o heart_n rise_v against_o it_o or_o they_o ensnare_v themselves_o through_o their_o own_o corruption_n by_o occasion_n of_o the_o word_n to_o speak_v distinct_o wicked_a man_n be_v offend_v at_o the_o word_n with_o a_o threefold_a offence_n first_o with_o the_o offence_n of_o anger_n when_o they_o rage_n and_o fret_v at_o the_o word_n or_o the_o teacher_n thereof_o because_o their_o sin_n be_v reprove_v or_o their_o misery_n foretell_v and_o this_o offence_n they_o show_v either_o when_o they_o envy_v the_o success_n of_o the_o word_n acts._n 4.2_o or_o rail_v and_o revile_v god_n saint_n as_o ahab_n do_v michaiah_n for_o tell_v he_o the_o truth_n or_o when_o they_o mock_v at_o the_o word_n as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v luke_n 16.14_o second_o with_o the_o offence_n of_o scandal_n when_o they_o take_v occasion_n from_o the_o doctrine_n they_o hear_v to_o fall_v off_o from_o hear_v or_o from_o the_o true_a religion_n or_o from_o the_o company_n of_o the_o godly_a thus_o they_o stumble_v at_o those_o hard_a say_n of_o christ_n that_o depart_v from_o he_o for_o that_o cause_n or_o reason_n joh._n 6._o three_o with_o the_o offence_n diabolical_a when_o man_n pervert_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n to_o inflame_v themselves_o the_o more_o greedy_o to_o sin_n make_v it_o a_o doctrine_n of_o liberty_n or_o take_v occasion_n to_o commit_v sin_n from_o the_o law_n that_o rebuke_n sin_n use_v the_o use_n may_v be_v first_o for_o information_n and_o so_o two_o way_n for_o first_o we_o may_v hence_o see_v the_o reason_n why_o many_o hearer_n profit_v not_o by_o the_o word_n it_o be_v not_o because_o the_o word_n want_v power_n but_o because_o they_o stumble_v at_o it_o they_o nourish_v cavil_n and_o objection_n against_o it_o they_o oppose_v reason_n to_o faith_n second_o we_o may_v hence_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o a_o regenerate_a and_o unregenerate_a heart_n to_o the_o one_o the_o word_n be_v a_o savour_n of_o life_n to_o the_o other_o it_o be_v a_o deadly_a savour_n and_o full_a of_o offence_n to_o they_o and_o withal_o this_o may_v humble_v wicked_a man_n for_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a truth_n that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o word_n so_o long_o they_o have_v no_o part_n in_o christ_n and_o withal_o it_o may_v comfort_v all_o those_o that_o love_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v it_o with_o joy_n constant_o for_o that_o be_v a_o mean_n and_o sign_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o christ._n be_v disobedient_a these_o word_n contain_v another_o
the_o lord_n for_o lamentation_n we_o may_v take_v up_o all_o the_o old_a complaint_n of_o the_o prophet_n our_o time_n have_v reach_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o iniquity_n then_o reprove_v time_n or_o rather_o man_n now_o overpasse_v the_o deed_n of_o those_o wicked_a man_n wickedness_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o deceit_n and_o guile_n depart_v not_o from_o our_o street_n psal._n 55.11_o treasure_n of_o wickedness_n be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o wicked_a wicked_a balance_n the_o bag_n of_o deceitful_a weight_n and_o scant_a measure_n which_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o which_o he_o threaten_v vengeance_n every_o where_o to_o be_v find_v mich._n 6.10.11_o man_n lay_v wait_v as_o they_o that_o set_v snare_n they_o set_v trap_n to_o catch_v not_o beast_n or_o foul_a but_o man_n as_o a_o cage_n be_v full_a of_o bird_n so_o be_v man_n house_n full_a of_o deceit_n and_o deceiver_n it_o be_v now_o the_o usual_a course_n for_o man_n to_o wax_v great_a and_o rich_a withal_o jer_n 5.26_o 27_o yea_o this_o sin_n so_o spread_v that_o we_o may_v true_o say_v from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o they_o be_v give_v to_o deceit_n and_o will_v deal_v false_o jer._n 6.13_o every_o brother_n will_v supplant_v and_o every_o neighbour_n will_v walk_v with_o lie_n and_o slander_n they_o will_v deceive_v one_o another_o and_o not_o speak_v the_o truth_n a_o man_n can_v dwell_v no_o where_o but_o his_o habitation_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o deceit_n and_o therefore_o certain_o god_n have_v a_o resolution_n to_o stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n still_o by_o public_a judgement_n how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o god_n must_v visit_v and_o be_v avenge_v for_o these_o great_a abomination_n what_o shall_v he_o else_o do_v but_o melt_v his_o people_n in_o the_o common_a furnace_n of_o great_a judgement_n for_o such_o common_a sin_n jer._n 9.3_o to_o 10._o and_o as_o it_o shall_v teach_v we_o lamentation_n so_o it_o shall_v teach_v we_o supplication_n too_o even_o to_o go_v to_o god_n and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n first_o to_o implore_v his_o help_n and_o mercy_n for_o the_o church_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o spare_v his_o people_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o infection_n of_o these_o vile_a sin_n and_o if_o it_o may_v stand_v with_o his_o good_a pleasure_n to_o work_v a_o repentance_n in_o man_n heart_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o crime_n and_o withal_o to_o beseech_v he_o for_o ourselves_o to_o keep_v we_o that_o we_o fall_v not_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o deceiver_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o deceive_v so_o be_v it_o a_o misery_n to_o be_v deceive_v psa._n 12.1.2_o etc._n etc._n and_o to_o give_v we_o wisdom_n to_o beware_v of_o man_n jer._n 9.4_o mat._n 10.17_o and_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o man_n of_o deceit_n psal._n 43.1_o three_o it_o shall_v teach_v we_o see_v the_o world_n be_v so_o full_a of_o guile_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o hateful_a a_o sin_n therefore_o to_o honour_n and_o esteem_v such_o as_o we_o find_v to_o be_v true_a heart_a plain_a man_n with_o jacob_n without_o trick_n and_o subtlety_n and_o true_a israelite_n with_o nathaniel_n in_o who_o heart_n and_o mouth_n be_v no_o guile_n we_o shall_v i_o say_v love_v they_o delight_n in_o they_o and_o stick_v to_o they_o never_o to_o forsake_v they_o but_o to_o account_v they_o the_o very_a ornament_n of_o the_o world_n and_o great_a light_n in_o this_o great_a and_o general_a darkness_n and_o to_o account_v ourselves_o wonderful_a rich_a and_o happy_a in_o their_o fellowship_n and_o friendship_n 3_o three_o this_o prohibition_n of_o guile_n may_v inform_v we_o equivocation_n and_o by_o intimation_n show_v we_o the_o hatefulness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o point_n of_o aequivocation_n contrary_a to_o the_o express_a scripture_n that_o forbid_v all_o lie_a and_o deceive_v of_o other_o and_o command_v we_o to_o speak_v truth_n and_o that_o every_o one_o priest_n and_o people_n and_o that_o to_o his_o neighbour_n how_o much_o more_o to_o the_o magistrate_n ephes._n 4.25_o and_o job_n show_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o talk_v deceitful_o no_o not_o for_o god_n to_o speak_v for_o he_o what_o be_v not_o right_a job._n 13.7_o 4._o last_o this_o may_v be_v implicit_o a_o singular_a and_o secret_a consolation_n to_o honest_a and_o upright_o heart_a man_n that_o hate_v this_o hateful_a sin_n of_o guile_n that_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o word_n i_o mean_v those_o true_a nathanael_n of_o who_o christ_n speak_v and_o for_o the_o better_a imprint_n of_o this_o use_n i_o will_v show_v you_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o sign_n and_o mark_n of_o a_o man_n without_o guile_n even_o of_o a_o true_a israelite_n second_o the_o encouragement_n and_o comfort_n that_o belong_v to_o such_o man_n etc._n etc._n guile_n for_o the_o first_o a_o true_a nathanael_n have_v these_o praise_n and_o especial_a mark_n 1._o he_o shun_v guile_n in_o his_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o in_o his_o word_n or_o work_n psal._n 32.2_o what_o he_o account_v vile_a to_o speak_v he_o account_v vile_a to_o think_v 2._o his_o praise_n be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n rom._n 2.26_o he_o more_o strive_v to_o do_v good_a then_o to_o get_v credit_n and_o applause_n and_o if_o god_n accept_v he_o he_o care_v not_o though_o all_o the_o world_n deride_v he_o 3._o when_o he_o confess_v his_o fault_n to_o god_n he_o will_v not_o hide_v his_o sin_n but_o confess_v all_o his_o sin_n that_o be_v all_o sort_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o sin_n without_o extenuation_n or_o excuse_v psal._n 32.2.5_o 4._o if_o he_o offend_v it_o be_v of_o ignorance_n and_o he_o will_v not_o receive_v doctrine_n of_o trust_n and_o if_o he_o be_v show_v the_o truth_n he_o quiet_o yield_v and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n joh._n 1.46_o 47_o 48._o 5._o he_o be_v a_o plain_a man_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o his_o heart_n what_o he_o say_v he_o say_v without_o fraud_n or_o dissemble_n he_o say_v it_o from_o his_o heart_n his_o heart_n and_o his_o word_n agree_v he_o hate_v lie_v and_o all_o deceit_n psal._n 15.2_o zeph._n 3.13_o though_o he_o may_v gain_v never_o so_o much_o yet_o will_v he_o practice_v no_o untruth_n 6._o he_o be_v a_o constant_a man_n just_a of_o his_o word_n he_o will_v perform_v his_o promise_n though_o it_o be_v to_o his_o own_o hindrance_n psalm_n 15.4_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o truth_n though_o it_o be_v to_o his_o extreme_a danger_n such_o man_n as_o these_o man_n have_v many_o encouragement_n to_o hold_v on_o their_o course_n it_o be_v a_o chief_a praise_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v without_o guile_n 1._o pet._n 2.7_o and_o so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o martyr_n and_o saint_n revel_v 14.15_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sign_n and_o mark_n of_o god_n household_n servant_n psal._n 15.2_o of_o a_o true_a convert_v zeph._n 3.13_o these_o man_n be_v faithful_a with_o the_o saint_n and_o rule_v with_o god_n hosh._n 11.12_o such_o as_o these_o will_v abide_v the_o balance_n to_o be_v weigh_v and_o god_n will_v acknowledge_v their_o integrity_n job._n 31.5_o the_o wealth_n of_o these_o man_n get_v by_o labour_n and_o just_a deal_n shall_v increase_v when_o riches_n get_v by_o vanity_n shall_v diminish_v prou._n 13.11_o and_o those_o lip_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v establish_v for_o ever_o when_o lie_a tongue_n shall_v be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n prou_z 12.19_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o guile_n guile_n only_o before_o i_o pass_v further_o it_o be_v worthy_a the_o note_n that_o he_o say_v of_o these_o two_o first_o sin_n that_o all_o malice_n and_o all_o guile_n must_v be_v lay_v aside_o which_o import_v that_o howsoever_o some_o other_o infirmity_n be_v in_o the_o godly_a yet_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v far_o from_o all_o malice_n and_o guile_n not_o a_o jot_n of_o either_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o they_o malice_n must_v be_v in_o they_o in_o no_o kind_n nor_o in_o no_o measure_n neither_o secret_a nor_o open_a malice_n neither_o grudge_n nor_o desire_n of_o revenge_n neither_o at_o home_n nor_o abroad_o neither_o in_o civil_a thing_n nor_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n neither_o in_o any_o of_o the_o aggravation_n nor_o in_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o it_o and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o guile_n it_o be_v a_o shameful_a thing_n that_o any_o kind_n of_o guile_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o a_o christian_a in_o any_o of_o his_o deal_n at_o any_o time_n with_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n or_o in_o any_o measure_n for_o if_o but_o a_o drop_n of_o malice_n or_o guile_n be_v leave_v in_o we_o it_o may_v break_v out_o again_o and_o our_o heart_n
devote_v ourselves_o unto_o godliness_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v prove_v what_o this_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n be_v let_v we_o try_v god_n acceptation_n and_o we_o shall_v certain_o find_v it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o the_o just_a rom._n 12.1_o 2._o yea_o we_o shall_v from_o hence_o gather_v much_o encouragement_n to_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o piety_n and_o mercy_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o god_n accept_v of_o us._n quest._n but_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v that_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a our_o sacrifice_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v when_o god_n do_v accept_v our_o service_n in_o any_o holy_a duty_n ans._n that_o a_o man_n conscience_n may_v be_v sound_o establish_v in_o this_o point_n of_o god_n acceptation_n we_o must_v look_v to_o three_o thing_n first_o god_n that_o the_o person_n be_v sanctify_v none_o but_o priest_n must_v approach_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o god_n they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n can_v please_v god_n rom._n 8.8_o the_o son_n of_o levi_n must_v be_v purify_v and_o refine_a as_o the_o silver_n be_v refine_v before_o their_o offering_n will_v be_v please_v mal._n 3.3_o 4._o when_o the_o lord_n reject_v with_o so_o much_o disdain_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o show_v what_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v to_o please_v he_o they_o shall_v have_v wash_v themselves_o by_o true_a repentance_n and_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o work_n isaiah_n 1.11_o 16._o only_o the_o work_n of_o the_o penitent_a can_v be_v accept_v if_o the_o person_n be_v not_o in_o favour_n the_o work_n be_v hate_v for_o they_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 15.16_o second_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v our_o service_n be_v right_a there_o be_v diverse_a thing_n in_o the_o manner_n be_v hateful_a and_o diverse_a thing_n please_v the_o thing_n special_o hateful_a be_v first_o belove_a sin_n second_o hypocrisy_n three_o malice_n and_o four_a lukewarmnesse_n the_o sacrifice_n be_v loathsome_a if_o it_o be_v blind_a or_o lame_a or_o blemish_v that_o be_v if_o man_n bring_v to_o god_n service_n the_o love_n of_o any_o foul_a sin_n the_o service_n be_v loathsome_a malach._n 1_o so_o if_o man_n heart_n be_v carry_v away_o with_o continual_a distraction_n that_o service_n be_v lose_v this_o be_v to_o come_v near_o to_o god_n with_o our_o lip_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o hypocrisy_n be_v leaven_n as_o belove_a sin_n be_v honey_n both_o forbid_a again_o when_o a_o man_n come_v to_o god_n work_n and_o have_v not_o forgive_v his_o brother_n he_o keep_v the_o feast_n with_o some_o leaven_n his_o passeover_n be_v defile_v nor_o can_v his_o own_o sin_n be_v forgive_v because_o he_o forgive_v not_o mat._n 6._o 1._o cor._n 5.8_o final_o lukewarmnesse_n be_v like_o a_o vomit_n to_o god_n when_o we_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a they_o be_v loathe_v like_o the_o laodicean_n revel_v 3._o there_o be_v other_o thing_n wonderful_a please_v to_o god_n as_o first_o when_o a_o man_n do_v whatsoever_o he_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o altar_n that_o sanctify_v the_o gift_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v here_o acceptable_a through_o jesus_n christ_n heb._n 13.15_o col._n 3.17_o second_o when_o our_o work_n be_v sound_o powder_v with_o salt_n that_o be_v when_o we_o sound_o confess_v our_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o give_v all_o glory_n to_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ._n three_o when_o we_o love_v mercy_n and_o piety_n account_v it_o our_o delight_n to_o do_v god_n will_n and_o think_v ourselves_o great_o honour_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o do_v this_o service_n mic._n 6.8_o 2._o cor._n 8.5_o four_o when_o we_o can_v bring_v faith_n that_o be_v a_o heart_n well_o persuade_v of_o god_n so_o as_o we_o can_v believe_v all_o good_a of_o he_o and_o his_o mercy_n without_o faith_n no_o man_n can_v please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o and_o god_n take_v no_o delight_n in_o he_o that_o withdraw_v himself_o through_o unbelief_n heb._n 10.36_o 37._o five_o when_o it_o be_v our_o every-day_n work_v sacrifice_n will_v please_v god_n if_o it_o be_v continual_a hebrew_n 13.15_o thus_o of_o the_o second_o thing_n three_o we_o may_v know_v that_o our_o sacrifice_n be_v accept_v if_o the_o lord_n burn_v it_o to_o ash_n with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n thus_o god_n do_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o cain_n and_o abel_n by_o some_o visible_a sign_n and_o though_o we_o may_v not_o limit_v god_n and_o expect_v he_o shall_v answer_v we_o by_o visible_a sign_n yet_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o without_o testimony_n of_o his_o favour_n for_o by_o his_o word_n of_o promise_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n to_o our_o spirit_n have_v he_o manifest_v even_o from_o heaven_n his_o acceptation_n and_o in_o particular_a when_o the_o believer_n stand_v before_o the_o lord_n with_o his_o sacrifice_n due_o offer_v when_o the_o lord_n do_v sudden_o fill_v his_o heart_n with_o the_o cloud_n of_o his_o presence_n or_o warm_v his_o soul_n with_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o be_v this_o but_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o acceptation_n question_n what_o if_o we_o be_v accept_v in_o our_o service_n of_o god_n what_o great_a thing_n be_v that_o to_o we_o answ._n when_o god_n accept_v thy_o offering_n thou_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o all_o thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o god_n have_v purge_v away_o thy_o iniquity_n he_o have_v receive_v a_o atonement_n in_o jesus_n christ_n psal_n 65.2_o 3._o second_o god_n be_v exceed_o delight_v in_o they_o thy_o sacrifice_n be_v a_o sweet_a smell_n unto_o god_n he_o rejoice_v over_o thou_o with_o joy_n phil._n 4.18_o three_o it_o be_v a_o pledge_n unto_o thou_o that_o god_n will_v supply_v all_o thy_o necessity_n out_o of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n phil._n 4.19_o verse_n 6._o wherefore_o also_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n behold_v i_o put_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a cornerstone_n elect_v and_o precious_a and_o he_o that_o believe_v therein_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a hitherto_o of_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o exhortation_n the_o confirmation_n follow_v where_o the_o apostle_n give_v reason_n why_o we_o shall_v make_v our_o recourse_n to_o christ_n to_o seek_v holiness_n of_o life_n from_o he_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n verses_z 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o other_o be_v take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o excellent_a privilege_n of_o christian_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v by_o christ_n verse_n 9_o 10._o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n be_v both_o cite_v verse_n 6._o and_o expound_v verses_z 7_o 8._o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n observe_v first_o where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v viz._n in_o scripture_n second_o how_o it_o be_v there_o it_o be_v contain_v there_o three_o what_o be_v testify_v now_o the_o matter_n testify_v concern_v either_o the_o give_v of_o christ_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o by_o faith_n receive_v christ._n the_o give_v of_o christ_n be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n behold_v i_o lay_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a corner_n stone_n elect_v precious_a the_o safety_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o receive_v christ_n in_o these_o word_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v first_o of_o the_o place_n where_o this_o testimony_n be_v find_v viz._n in_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o scripture_n call_v be_v usual_o mean_v all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n write_v after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n by_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o here_o he_o mean_v it_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o yet_o so_o as_o the_o word_n do_v agree_v to_o all_o the_o book_n of_o both_o testament_n now_o this_o very_a word_n give_v we_o occasion_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o book_n and_o of_o their_o use_n and_o of_o their_o excellency_n and_o of_o their_o harmony_n these_o book_n be_v call_v scripture_n because_o they_o contain_v in_o writing_n the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o we_o they_o be_v the_o treasure_n of_o all_o truth_n the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v before_o deliver_v by_o tradition_n for_o 2000_o year_n be_v afterward_o write_v down_o and_o explain_v in_o these_o book_n so_o as_o nothing_o needful_a be_v leave_v out_o or_o omit_v second_o this_o word_n import_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o bible_n above_o all_o other_o book_n because_o it_o be_v call_v scripture_n as_o if_o no_o other_o write_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v mention_v in_o comparison_n of_o these_o the_o scripture_n exceed_v
declare_v himself_o that_o he_o will_v not_o show_v mercy_n or_o pity_n towards_o diverse_a sort_n of_o offender_n three_o that_o the_o thing_n man_n usual_o object_n will_v not_o be_v available_a to_o deliver_v they_o from_o god_n wrath_n four_o what_o sort_v of_o man_n in_o particular_a god_n will_v not_o be_v merciful_a unto_o for_o the_o first_o that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o plead_v god_n mercy_n when_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o be_v apparent_a through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o scripture_n to_o have_v ever_o be_v in_o the_o disposition_n of_o most_o wicked_a man_n they_o bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o heart_n when_o their_o iniquity_n be_v find_v worthy_a to_o be_v hate_v psal._n 36.2_o they_o live_v at_o ease_n and_o put_v far_o away_o the_o evil_a day_n from_o they_o amos_n 6.1_o 3._o they_o cry_v peace_n peace_n when_o sudden_a destruction_n be_v make_v to_o come_v upon_o they_o 1._o thes._n 5.3_o for_o the_o second_o that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v merciful_a to_o many_o a_o man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v manifest_v by_o many_o scripture_n as_o deut._n 29.19_o jer._n 16.5_o ezech._n 5.11_o and_o 7.4_o 9_o and_o 8.18_o hosh._n 1.6_o and_o 2.4_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n for_o the_o three_o their_o excuse_n and_o pretence_n be_v all_o vain_a for_o 1._o if_o they_o stand_v upon_o their_o greatness_n in_o the_o world_n refute_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o riches_n will_v not_o avail_v in_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n job_n 36.18_o 19_o etc._n etc._n 2._o nor_o will_v it_o help_v they_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o godly_a ancestor_n for_o rather_o than_o god_n will_v be_v tie_v to_o the_o wicked_a seed_n of_o abraham_n he_o will_v raise_v up_o child_n of_o the_o stone_n to_o abraham_n mat._n 3._o 3._o nor_o can_v multitude_n privilege_v they_o for_o though_o hand_n join_v in_o hand_n yet_o sin_n shall_v not_o go_v unpunished_a and_o god_n turn_v nation_n of_o man_n into_o hell_n psalm_n 9.17_o 4._o nor_o will_v their_o outward_a serve_v of_o god_n serve_v their_o turn_n it_o be_v bootless_a to_o cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o man_n redress_v not_o their_o way_n jer._n 7.4_o 8_o 9_o 10._o 5._o nor_o will_v it_o help_v they_o that_o some_o minister_n speak_v comfortable_o to_o they_o and_o by_o their_o preach_n they_o may_v expect_v mercy_n for_o god_n will_v judge_v those_o prophet_n that_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a the_o stubborn_a people_n be_v never_o a_o whit_n the_o safe_a when_o the_o prophet_n tell_v they_o they_o shall_v have_v peace_n and_o no_o evil_a shall_v come_v unto_o they_o but_o the_o lord_n protest_v that_o the_o whirlwind_n of_o his_o fury_n shall_v fall_v grievous_o upon_o the_o head_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o all_o that_o jer._n 23.15_o 19_o 20._o that_o at_o length_n they_o shall_v consider_v it_o perfect_o and_o the_o lord_n threaten_v that_o he_o will_v rend_v the_o wall_n of_o security_n which_o the_o prophet_n have_v build_v with_o untempered_a mortar_n that_o he_o will_v rend_v it_o even_o with_o the_o fierce_a wind_n of_o his_o fury_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o overflow_a shower_n in_o his_o anger_n to_o consume_v it_o ezech._n 13.10_o to_o 15._o 6._o neither_o may_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n prove_v that_o he_o mean_v to_o show_v expect_v mercy_n for_o though_o a_o sinner_n prolong_v his_o day_n a_o hundred_o time_n yet_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v well_o with_o the_o wicked_a nor_o ought_v he_o to_o settle_v his_o heart_n the_o more_o free_o on_o his_o sin_n because_o sometime_o it_o be_v not_o speedy_o execute_v for_o god_n will_v find_v a_o time_n to_o set_v his_o sin_n in_o order_n before_o he_o and_o then_o he_o may_v tear_v he_o in_o piece_n and_o none_o can_v deliver_v he_o eccles._n 8.11_o 12_o 13._o psal._n 50.19_o 7._o neither_o will_v it_o ease_v they_o that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o promise_n of_o mercy_n in_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v limit_v and_o beside_o in_o diverse_a place_n where_o mercy_n be_v promise_v the_o lord_n explain_v himself_o by_o show_v that_o he_o will_v not_o cheer_v the_o wicked_a ex._n 34.7_o as_o be_v allege_v before_o so_o nahum_n 1.3_o and_o v_o 7._o compare_v with_o the_o 6._o 8._o neither_o will_v their_o baptism_n help_v they_o for_o neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_a avail_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n gal._n 6._o ob._n if_o any_o say_v but_o though_o they_o be_v not_o now_o under_o mercy_n yet_o hereafter_o they_o may_v be_v upon_o repentance_n ans._n i_o answer_v that_o in_o this_o they_o say_v true_o but_o yet_o not_o safe_o for_o many_o man_n that_o have_v promise_v themselves_o the_o late_a repentance_n and_o mercy_n have_v die_v in_o their_o sin_n before_o they_o can_v ever_o repent_v and_o thy_o time_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n thou_o know_v not_o when_o nor_o how_o thou_o shall_v die_v and_o therefore_o the_o sure_a way_n be_v now_o to_o turn_v to_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n as_o they_o be_v counsel_v more_o at_o large_a joel_n 2.12_o 13._o now_o for_o the_o four_o it_o may_v awake_v some_o sort_n of_o offender_n the_o more_o effectual_o that_o beside_o the_o general_a threaten_n against_o wicked_a man_n they_o in_o particular_a be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v not_o under_o mercy_n as_o first_o such_o as_o show_v no_o mercy_n to_o man_n jam._n 2.13_o and_o such_o as_o transgress_v of_o malicious_a wickedness_n psal._n 59.6_o and_o such_o as_o be_v people_n of_o no_o understanding_n isaiah_n 7.11_o and_o such_o as_o walk_v after_o the_o imagination_n of_o their_o own_o wicked_a heart_n and_o will_v not_o harken_v unto_o god_n jerem._n 16.5_o 10_o 12._o and_o such_o as_o bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o hear_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n deut._n 29.19_o and_o such_o as_o steal_v murder_n commit_v adultery_n and_o swear_v false_o jer._n 7.9_o and_o many_o other_o particular_n catalogue_n may_v be_v instance_a in_o all_o the_o several_a scripture_n the_o prophet_n malachy_n put_v in_o such_o as_o deal_v corrupt_o in_o tthe_v and_o offer_v malach._n 1.8_o 9_o to_o conclude_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n be_v excellent_a in_o this_o case_n who_o most_o effectual_o speak_v thus_o hear_v you_o give_v ear_n be_v not_o proud_a for_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v give_v glory_n to_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n before_o he_o cause_v darkness_n and_o before_o your_o foot_n stumble_v upon_o the_o dark_a mountain_n and_o while_o you_o look_v for_o light_n he_o turn_v it_o into_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o make_v it_o gross_a darkness_n but_o if_o you_o will_v not_o hear_v my_o soul_n shall_v weep_v in_o secret_a for_o your_o pride_n and_o my_o eye_n run_v down_o with_o tear_n jerem._n 13.15_o 16._o use_v 2._o second_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o doctrine_n may_v justify_v the_o practice_n of_o godly_a minister_n that_o denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o hearer_n that_o live_v in_o sin_n without_o repentance_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o show_v they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o under_o mercy_n they_o be_v require_v to_o cry_v aloud_o and_o to_o show_v god_n people_n their_o sin_n isaiah_n 58.1_o and_o the_o prophet_n that_o cry_v peace_n peace_n be_v extreme_o threaten_v of_o god_n so_o as_o for_o not_o warn_v the_o people_n the_o blood_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o the_o prophet_n ezech._n 33._o verse_n 2._o to_o 10._o use_v 3_o the_o three_o use_n may_v be_v therefore_o for_o the_o singular_a humiliation_n of_o wicked_a man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n though_o they_o have_v obtain_v a_o place_n in_o god_n church_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o obtain_v mercy_n but_o live_v under_o the_o fearful_a displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o terrible_a if_o they_o consider_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o multitude_n of_o man_n in_o the_o church_n but_o a_o remnant_n be_v under_o mercy_n which_o will_v appear_v more_o distinct_o if_o you_o draw_v out_o of_o our_o assembly_n such_o as_o in_o scripture_n be_v express_o say_v not_o to_o be_v under_o mercy_n as_o 1._o take_v all_o such_o as_o yet_o live_v in_o their_o natural_a atheism_n mercy_n that_o mind_n not_o god_n nor_o religion_n that_o only_o care_v for_o earthly_a thing_n and_o show_v it_o by_o a_o constant_a either_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n among_o we_o these_o can_v obtain_v mercy_n because_o they_o refuse_v to_o hear_v god_n voice_n and_o to_o seek_v to_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o mercy_n isaiah_n 50.1_o 2._o heb._n 3.7_o 2._o draw_v out_o then_o secret_a offender_n such_o as_o sin_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o say_v who_o see_v we_o
show_v before_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o alm_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o this_o right_a end_n be_v not_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n only_o or_o to_o merit_v thereby_o but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n chief_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n four_o the_o work_v wust_z be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ._n we_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o that_o which_o can_v cause_v our_o work_n to_o be_v please_v to_o god_n col._n 3.17_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v we_o do_v in_o word_n or_o in_o deed_n all_o must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n or_o it_o be_v do_v in_o vain_a without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o now_o our_o work_n be_v do_v in_o faith_n first_o when_o we_o believe_v and_o know_v they_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n john_n 3.21_o second_o when_o we_o believe_v god_n promise_n concern_v the_o reward_n of_o welldoing_a heb._n 11.6_o three_o when_o we_o fly_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o cover_v the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o work_n from_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o so_o in_o that_o place_n col._n 3.17_o and_o four_a when_o our_o belief_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o we_o make_v we_o careful_a to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v five_o his_o work_n must_v be_v do_v with_o repentance_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o judge_a of_o himself_o for_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o best_a work_n by_o repentance_n i_o mean_v not_o the_o first_o work_n of_o a_o sincere_a turn_n to_o god_n for_o that_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o first_o rule_n but_o the_o preservation_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o uprightnes_n and_o the_o daily_o judge_v of_o himself_o for_o his_o frailty_n for_o if_o a_o godly_a man_n after_o his_o call_n fall_v into_o presumptuous_a sin_n his_o work_n do_v all_o the_o time_n he_o live_v in_o belove_a sin_n without_o the_o renew_n of_o his_o repentance_n be_v pollute_v isaiah_n 1_o six_o his_o work_n must_v be_v do_v willing_o not_o grudge_o or_o of_o constraint_n or_o only_o to_o avoid_v shame_n or_o punishment_n god_n love_v a_o cheerful_a giver_n that_o alm_n that_o be_v give_v with_o a_o ill_a will_n or_o force_v from_o man_n by_o the_o law_n or_o otherwise_o be_v not_o account_v a_o work_n of_o mercy_n in_o god_n sight_n to_o do_v mercy_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v it_o a_o good_a work_n please_v to_o god_n but_o to_o love_v mercy_n mich._n 6.8_o and_o to_o come_v into_o god_n presence_n to_o do_v his_o service_n be_v not_o please_v unless_o we_o humble_v ourselves_o to_o walk_v with_o our_o god_n seven_o his_o work_n must_v be_v finish_v to_o intend_v it_o or_o promise_v it_o or_o begin_v it_o will_v not_o serve_v turn_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o mercy_n to_o promise_v to_o contribute_v or_o to_o begin_v for_o a_o day_n or_o a_o week_n be_v not_o sufficient_a unless_o we_o perform_v it_o 2._o cor._n 8._o and_o 9_o so_o it_o be_v in_o repentance_n it_o be_v then_o a_o good_a work_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v not_o when_o a_o man_n have_v have_v some_o remorse_n or_o utter_v a_o word_n or_o two_o of_o confession_n or_o pray_v for_o a_o day_n or_o two_o but_o when_o a_o man_n have_v repent_v repent_v still_o till_o he_o have_v sound_o humble_v himself_o for_o his_o sin_n 20._o and_o reform_v his_o way_n so_o it_o be_v in_o general_a in_o any_o work_n god_n set_v we_o to_o do_v john_n 4.3_o 4._o eight_o his_o work_n must_v be_v his_o own_o fruit_n such_o as_o belong_v to_o he_o in_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n as_o in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n his_o good_a work_n be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n with_o all_o frequency_n and_o diligence_n and_o power_n etc._n etc._n so_o in_o the_o magistrate_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o justice_n so_o in_o other_o calling_n every_o man_n must_v look_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o own_o place_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o our_o general_a calling_n as_o christian_n we_o must_v do_v those_o which_o be_v meet_v for_o repentance_n which_o not_o only_o concern_v a_o penitent_a life_n but_o such_o as_o have_v a_o due_a respect_n unto_o the_o perform_a thing_n we_o be_v call_v to_o in_o our_o repentance_n luke_n 4.44_o act_n 26.20_o every_o tree_n must_v not_o only_o bear_v fruit_n but_o his_o own_o fruit_n proper_a to_o his_o kind_n as_o the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o rich_a man_n be_v mercy_n and_o if_o they_o have_v never_o so_o many_o praise_n otherwise_o that_o they_o be_v courteous_a wise_a just_a chaste_a etc._n etc._n yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o merciful_a their_o work_n be_v not_o good_a work_n nine_o his_o work_n must_v be_v full_a before_o god_n it_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n that_o her_o work_n be_v not_o perfect_a or_o full_a before_o god_n and_o therefore_o she_o be_v threaten_v if_o she_o repent_v not_o to_o feel_v the_o heavy_a hand_n of_o god_n revel_v 3.1.2_o now_o as_o i_o conceive_v a_o man_n work_n be_v not_o full_a when_o he_o be_v not_o careful_a of_o every_o good_a work_n which_o he_o know_v concern_v he_o as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n pray_v and_o yet_o be_v not_o careful_a of_o hear_v the_o word_n his_o prayer_n be_v abomination_n to_o god_n because_o his_o work_n be_v not_o full_a there_o be_v some_o duty_n which_o he_o make_v no_o conscience_n to_o obey_v in_o though_o he_o know_v they_o be_v require_v he_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n his_o prayer_n be_v abominable_a pro._n 28.9_o if_o a_o man_n will_v be_v never_o so_o careful_a about_o god_n service_n and_o yet_o make_v not_o conscience_n of_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n require_v of_o he_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v not_o accept_v hosea_n 6.6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n thus_o the_o long_a prayer_n of_o the_o pharisee_n will_v not_o be_v regard_v if_o they_o devour_v widow_n house_n matthew_n 23._o and_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o merciful_a a_o man_n if_o he_o be_v not_o also_o a_o religious_a man_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n service_n his_o work_n will_v not_o abide_v trial_n before_o god_n they_o be_v not_o good_a because_o they_o be_v not_o full_a and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o work_n of_o civil-hone_a man_n be_v not_o good_a such_o be_v paul_n work_n phil._n 3.6_o which_o he_o account_v but_o dross_n and_o dung_n in_o comparison_n 12.14_o verse_n 8._o of_o such_o as_o these_o thus_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a work_n the_o kind_n follow_v the_o vulgar_a common_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o good_a work_n think_v of_o nothing_o but_o alm_n and_o hospitality_n or_o other_o course_n of_o show_v mercy_n now_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o work_v of_o mercy_n be_v good_a work_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o good_a work_n whereas_o the_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o be_v ready_a to_o every_o good_a work_n 1_o tim._n 3.17_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v profitable_a to_o inform_v ourselves_o of_o the_o many_o way_n by_o which_o we_o may_v do_v good_a work_n for_o thereby_o such_o christian_n as_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v alm_n may_v see_v a_o way_n how_o to_o enrich_v themselves_o in_o welldoing_a other_o way_n these_o than_o be_v the_o sort_n of_o good_a work_n first_o work_n to_o believe_v be_v a_o good_a work_n yea_o it_o be_v instead_o of_o many_o good_a work_n yea_o in_o some_o sense_n it_o be_v to_o we_o instead_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n as_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o all_o the_o good_a work_n that_o ever_o christ_n jesus_n do_v to_o put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v a_o good_a work_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o so_o every_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o a_o man_n life_n be_v a_o good_a work_n for_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o believe_v as_o our_o saviour_n show_v when_o he_o give_v that_o for_o answer_v for_o such_o as_o ask_v what_o they_o must_v do_v to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n joh._n 6.28_o rom._n 13_o 12_o 13.14_o this_o be_v clear_o acknowledge_v in_o these_o other_o scripture_n 1._o thes._n 1.3_o 2._o thes._n 1.11_o second_o all_o work_n of_o piety_n be_v good_a work_n all_o work_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v such_o work_n by_o which_o a_o man_n do_v service_n to_o god_n be_v all_o in_o the_o number_n of_o good_a work_n and_o so_o to_o pray_v to_o fast_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n be_v good_a work_n 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 and_o therefore_o
mercy_n three_o he_o cause_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v preach_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n without_o exception_n and_o so_o grace_n be_v offer_v to_o they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o let_v but_o their_o refusal_n of_o grace_n offer_v four_o the_o example_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o sinner_n that_o have_v return_v as_o great_a sinner_n as_o they_o have_v be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n and_o they_o be_v set_v out_o as_o example_n to_o encourage_v other_o man_n to_o seek_v mercy_n as_o manasses_n mary_n magdalene_n david_n peter_n paul_n and_o other_o many_o among_o the_o corinthian_n have_v be_v notorious_a offender_n but_o be_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v the_o explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o return_v follow_v where_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v of_o etc._n etc._n first_o the_o motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o return_v second_o the_o person_n that_o need_v return_v three_o the_o time_n when_o man_n must_v return_v four_o the_o false_a way_n man_n must_v avoid_v in_o return_v five_o what_o a_o number_n of_o lose_a sheep_n do_v usual_o return_v six_o the_o aggravation_n against_o certain_a person_n for_o not_o return_v seven_o the_o mean_n of_o return_v eightth_o the_o manner_n how_o we_o must_v return_v or_o the_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o return_v nine_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o lose_a sheep_n return_v last_o the_o let_v of_o return_v for_o the_o first_o return_v i_o mean_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o all_o sort_n of_o motive_n but_o to_o follow_v the_o word_n return_v as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o scripture_n and_o take_v a_o few_o of_o the_o fit_a motive_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o this_o place_n and_o so_o diverse_a thing_n shall_v make_v a_o man_n to_o return_v as_o first_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n marvelous_a goodness_n and_o amiableness_n of_o nature_n to_o all_o such_o as_o turn_v unto_o he_o he_o be_v wonderful_a gracious_a to_o they_o and_o merciful_a and_o will_v repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil_a joel_n 2.12_o 13._o jer._n 31.19_o 20._o the_o parable_n of_o the_o lose_a sheep_n show_v this_o full_o second_o the_o great_a danger_n that_o man_n be_v in_o if_o they_o return_v not_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a every_o day_n psalm_n 7.12_o and_o his_o fury_n may_v break_v forth_o sudden_o upon_o they_o like_o fire_n jer._n 4.4_o for_o the_o word_n of_o his_o servant_n will_v certain_o take_v hold_n upon_o they_o zach._n 1.4_o 6._o and_o iniquity_n will_v be_v their_o ruin_n ezech._n 18._o verse_n 30._o except_o they_o repent_v they_o must_v perish_v luke_n 13.5_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o warn_v man_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o they_o will_v not_o return_v we_o be_v deliver_v and_o their_o blood_n will_v be_v upon_o themselves_o ezech._n 3.19_o three_o if_o a_o man_n consider_v but_o the_o happiness_n of_o such_o as_o do_v return_n god_n will_v forgive_v they_o all_o their_o sin_n he_o will_v abundant_o provide_v for_o they_o isaiah_n 55.7_o if_o they_o return_v they_o shall_v live_v and_o not_o die_v ezech._n 18.23_o and_o 33.11_o and_o everlasting_a joy_n shall_v be_v upon_o their_o head_n and_o sorrow_n and_o mourning_n shall_v flee_v away_o isaiah_n 51.11_o and_o in_o this_o verse_n the_o apostle_n show_v their_o happiness_n for_o they_o shall_v always_o live_v under_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o their_o soul_n for_o these_o and_o many_o other_o reason_n it_o be_v the_o only_a wise_a course_n to_o return_v luke_n 1.16_o and_o there_o be_v not_o one_o wise_a man_n among_o all_o they_o that_o return_v not_o job_n 17._o and_o thus_o of_o the_o motive_n return_v the_o second_o point_n be_v the_o person_n that_o need_v return_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o that_o live_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o in_o false_a church_n need_v return_v as_o pagan_n turk_n jew_n papist_n schismatic_n and_o all_o heretic_n yea_o juda_n and_o jerusalem_n need_v repentance_n jerem._n 4.4_o and_o 26.2_o 3._o man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o be_v baptize_v need_v to_o return_v or_o else_o they_o will_v perish_v luke_n 13.5_o john_n 3.3_o return_v the_o three_o point_n be_v the_o time_n of_o return_v and_o in_o short_a the_o best_a time_n to_o return_v be_v the_o present_a time_n while_o it_o be_v yet_o call_v to_o day_n while_o we_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o return_v when_o god_n call_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o servant_n especial_o when_o he_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o lay_v the_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n it_o be_v wonderful_a dangerous_a to_o defer_v repentance_n for_o even_o the_o long_o thou_o live_v in_o sin_n the_o more_o hard_a will_v thy_o heart_n be_v heb._n 3.13_o and_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n even_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n may_v be_v take_v away_o or_o god_n may_v cut_v thou_o down_o even_o by_o sudden_a death_n or_o may_v cast_v thou_o into_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n and_o give_v thou_o up_o to_o a_o heart_n that_o can_v repent_v rom._n 2.4_o 5._o the_o four_o point_n be_v return_v the_o false_a way_n to_o be_v avoidid_fw-la in_o return_v and_o these_o be_v first_o to_o return_v with_o despair_n or_o to_o go_v back_o without_o the_o guide_n faith_n in_o god_n mercy_n or_o to_o go_v the_o way_n that_o despair_n lead_v in_o this_o way_n cain_n and_o judas_n perish_v second_o to_o return_v fained_o and_o not_o with_o a_o man_n whole_a heart_n to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o return_v when_o man_n do_v not_o return_v indeed_o jerem._n 3.10_o three_o to_o return_v but_o part_n of_o the_o way_n and_o to_o repent_v by_o half_n as_o ahab_n and_o herod_n do_v four_o to_o return_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o even_o when_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v to_o repent_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o job_n 27.9_o the_o five_o point_n be_v not_o the_o aggravation_n that_o lie_v against_o diverse_a person_n about_o their_o not_o return_v for_o if_o it_o be_v evil_a in_o itself_o for_o any_o not_o to_o return_v then_o how_o fearful_a be_v their_o case_n first_o that_o be_v proud_a of_o their_o skill_n in_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o be_v wise_a to_o do_v evil_a jerem._n 4.22_o second_o that_o be_v deep_o revolt_v that_o be_v that_o be_v such_o as_o live_v in_o horrible_a and_o fearful_a sin_n isaiah_n 31.6_o three_o that_o will_v not_o return_v though_o their_o transgression_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o pine_v away_o in_o they_o ezech._n 33.10_o they_o will_v not_o give_v over_o though_o they_o have_v no_o peace_n and_o be_v daily_o buffet_v for_o their_o evil_n do_v and_o their_o conscience_n bear_v the_o shame_n and_o trouble_v of_o their_o offend_n four_o that_o will_v not_o return_v though_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n open_o testify_v against_o they_o neh._n 9.29_o 2._o king_n 17.13_o 14._o five_o that_o will_v not_o return_v though_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o they_o even_o to_o consume_v they_o jerem._n 5.3_o six_o that_o be_v turn_v back_o by_o a_o perpetual_a backslide_n jerem._n 8.4_o that_o hold_v fast_o their_o sin_n and_o refuse_v to_o return_v jerem._n 8.5_o return_v the_o six_o point_n may_v be_v this_o viz._n what_o number_n of_o lose_a sheep_n do_v usual_o return_v not_o all_o that_o go_v astray_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o parable_n of_o one_o lose_a sheep_n return_v and_o the_o prophet_n jeremie_n tell_v we_o of_o one_o of_o a_o tribe_n and_o two_o of_o a_o tribe_n jerem._n 3.14_o multitude_n of_o man_n perish_v and_o never_o return_v return_v the_o seven_o point_n be_v the_o mean_n or_o cause_n of_o our_o return_v and_o these_o be_v either_o principal_a or_o instrumental_a the_o principal_a cause_n be_v god_n and_o christ_n that_o good_a shepherd_n it_o be_v god_n that_o turn_v back_o the_o captivity_n of_o his_o people_n psal._n 14._o ult._n and_o three_o time_n in_o one_o psalm_n the_o people_n pray_v god_n to_o turn_v they_o again_o psalm_n 80.3_o 7_o 19_o this_o be_v ephraim_n suit_n turn_v thou_o i_o o_o lord_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v jerem_n 31.18_o so_o the_o church_n say_v lamen_n 5.21_o and_o christ_n be_v that_o good_a shepherd_n that_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v yea_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n john_n 10._o the_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o return_v be_v either_o external_a or_o internal_a the_o external_a mean_n of_o return_v be_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o so_o both_o the_o reproof_n of_o god_n servant_n testify_v against_o the_o wicked_a to_o make_v they_o turn_v from_o their_o sin_n nehem._n 9.26_o 29._o as_o also_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o the_o sinner_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o it_o be_v woo_v and_o entreat_v to_o return_v with_o assurance_n of_o
salvation_n the_o internal_a mean_n be_v faith_n for_o that_o be_v it_o which_o turn_v a_o man_n clean_o about_o and_o cause_v he_o to_o set_v his_o face_n upon_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o leave_v all_o his_o old_a course_n and_o byway_n act_n 15.9_o the_o eightth_v point_n be_v return_v the_o manner_n how_o we_o must_v return_v and_o so_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o scripture_n diverse_a thing_n urge_v upon_o us._n first_o that_o we_o in_o return_v make_v a_o thorough_a search_n &_o trial_n of_o our_o way_n to_o find_v out_o distinct_o in_o what_o particular_n we_o have_v go_v astray_o lamen_n 3.40_o they_o must_v remember_v and_o bethink_v themselves_o and_o turn_v psalm_n 23.28_o second_o we_o must_v with_o true_a sorrow_n bewail_v our_o former_a wander_n and_o judge_v ourselves_o for_o they_o go_v and_o rejoice_v we_o must_v go_v with_o our_o face_n towards_o zion_n jerem._n 51.4_o 5._o hosh._n 14.2_o 3._o 2._o chron._n 6.24_o 37._o jerem._n 3.13_o joel_n 2.12_o three_o we_o must_v order_v our_o way_n to_o a_o general_a reformation_n the_o prophet_n complain_v that_o they_o will_v not_o frame_v their_o do_n to_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n import_v there_o can_v be_v no_o return_v to_o god_n unless_o man_n cast_v their_o course_n into_o a_o frame_n of_o reformation_n hosh._n 5.4_o man_n must_v amend_v their_o do_n and_o their_o work_n jerem._n 35.15_o four_o we_o must_v return_v in_o sincerity_n and_o that_o have_v diverse_a thing_n considerable_a for_o 1._o we_o must_v return_v with_o our_o whole_a heart_n not_o fained_o jerem._n 3.7_o 2._o chro._n 6.38_o our_o very_a face_n must_v be_v turn_v from_o so_o much_o as_o look_v after_o our_o abomination_n ezech._n 14.6_o 2._o we_o must_v return_v from_o our_o own_o evil_a way_n every_o man_n from_o his_o way_n note_v it_o from_o his_o way_n that_o be_v from_o those_o course_n in_o which_o he_o have_v special_o offend_v james_n 3.8_o isaiah_n 55.7_o the_o wicked_a must_v forsake_v his_o way_n 3._o we_o must_v forsake_v not_o only_o outward_a sin_n but_o inward_a sin_n also_o we_o must_v reform_v the_o wander_a of_o our_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o our_o life_n the_o unrighteous_a must_v forsake_v his_o very_a thought_n isaiah_n 55.7_o and_o put_v down_o the_o very_a idol_n of_o his_o heart_n ezech._n 14.7_o 4._o we_o must_v turn_v from_o all_o our_o transgression_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o forsake_v sin_n as_o some_o outward_a or_o inward_a sin_n but_o we_o must_v forsake_v all_o sort_n of_o sin_n ezech._n 18.30_o 5._o we_o must_v return_v with_o resolution_n never_o to_o start_v back_o we_o must_v not_o be_v like_o a_o deceitful_a bow_n hos._n 7.16_o five_o we_o must_v so_o return_v as_o we_o must_v consecrate_v ourselves_o to_o god_n to_o wait_v upon_o he_o continual_o hos._n 12.6_o and_o to_o serve_v the_o true_a and_o live_a god_n 1._o thes._n 1.9_o and_o to_o do_v work_n meet_v for_o repentance_n act_v 26.20_o the_o nine_o point_n be_v the_o sign_n of_o return_v or_o how_o we_o may_v try_v whether_o we_o be_v effectual_o return_v and_o that_o may_v be_v partly_o gather_v by_o some_o of_o the_o point_n before_o and_o partly_o by_o some_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v add_v he_o that_o be_v true_o turn_v may_v know_v it_o first_o return_v by_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o return_v it_o be_v somewhat_o above_o his_o own_o power_n or_o disposition_n it_o be_v god_n that_o turn_v he_o by_o his_o word_n neither_o do_v he_o turn_v out_o of_o despair_n as_o judas_n do_v but_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o persuasion_n of_o god_n goodness_n in_o christ_n make_v he_o return_v he_o fear_v god_n and_o his_o goodness_n second_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o return_v for_o if_o he_o return_v in_o the_o manner_n before_o mention_v he_o need_v not_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o repentance_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v no_o hypocritical_a or_o carnal_a end_n of_o his_o reformation_n and_o that_o he_o do_v desire_v to_o return_v from_o all_o his_o transgression_n make_v conscience_n of_o the_o least_o commandment_n of_o god_n aswell_o as_o the_o great_a and_o of_o secret_a sin_n as_o well_o as_o open_v and_o of_o the_o evil_a that_o cleave_v to_o his_o best_a work_n isaiah_n 1.16_o three_o by_o the_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n or_o return_v and_o so_o he_o may_v comfort_v himself_o 1._o if_o he_o esteem_v christ_n pasture_n above_o all_o worldly_a thing_n find_v the_o sweet_a savour_n in_o the_o word_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o life_n psal._n 19_o and_o 119._o 2._o cor._n 2._o 2._o if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o know_v god_n that_o he_o find_v that_o out_o of_o habitual_a disposition_n he_o have_v a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o be_v know_v of_o he_o 6.3_o jer._n 24.7_o he_o will_v follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n 3._o if_o he_o do_v distinguish_v between_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a jerem._n 15.19_o and_o discern_v between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a between_o he_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o he_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o mal._n 3.18_o esteem_v godly_a man_n to_o be_v the_o only_a wise_a man_n luke_n 1.17_o 4._o if_o he_o be_v careful_a to_o put_v iniquity_n far_o from_o his_o tabernacle_n if_o he_o be_v careful_a to_o reform_v his_o house_n and_o can_v abide_v to_o dwell_v where_o sin_n dwell_v unreform_v job_n 22.23_o 5_o if_o he_o become_v as_o a_o little_a child_n for_o humility_n and_o trust_v upon_o god_n for_o all_o thing_n necessary_a as_o the_o little_a child_n trust_v upon_o his_o father_n for_o diet_n clothes_n inheritance_n preferment_n etc._n etc._n without_o any_o doubt_n or_o cark_n care_n 6._o if_o he_o be_v earnest_n with_o god_n to_o heal_v his_o nature_n and_o to_o perfect_v his_o work_n isaiah_n 19.22_o jerem._n 31.18_o 19_o he_o pray_v and_o that_o earnest_o for_o the_o mend_n of_o his_o disposition_n to_o wander_v 7._o if_o he_o be_v profitable_a according_a to_o his_o bigness_n and_o pasture_n if_o he_o be_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n if_o he_o be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n these_o be_v thing_n meet_v for_o repentance_n that_o be_v thing_n that_o be_v of_o equal_a weight_n with_o it_o in_o the_o scale_n they_o each_o of_o they_o weigh_v just_a as_o much_o as_o repentance_n the_o last_o point_n be_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o man_n have_v so_o little_a mind_n to_o return_v they_o will_v not_o be_v drive_v home_o again_o though_o they_o know_v that_o they_o live_v sinful_o and_o hear_v of_o god_n wrath_n and_o discern_v vanity_n in_o all_o their_o pleasure_n and_o that_o sin_n have_v usual_o prove_v itself_o to_o be_v a_o lie_n and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o strange_a punishment_n and_o of_o eternal_a torment_n quest._n what_o i_o say_v shall_v be_v the_o let_v of_o return_v or_o rather_o the_o cause_n that_o they_o mind_v not_o to_o return_v answer_n the_o cause_n be_v first_o return_v the_o devil_n be_v the_o cause_n he_o have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o work_v effectual_o in_o they_o and_o lead_v they_o wander_v and_o captive_a at_o his_o will_n 2._o cor._n 4.3_o eph._n 2.2_o 2._o tim._n 2.26_o second_o impotency_n of_o consideration_n be_v the_o cause_n they_o neither_o can_v nor_o do_v think_v of_o the_o argument_n shall_v make_v they_o to_o return_v or_o move_v they_o they_o can_v spend_v a_o hour_n in_o the_o consultation_n upon_o it_o whether_o they_o do_v well_o not_o to_o return_v three_o ignorance_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n col._n 1.26_o there_o be_v a_o veil_n upon_o their_o heart_n 2._o cor._n 3._o four_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v a_o dishonour_n and_o shame_n to_o return_v this_o make_v diverse_a continue_v in_o erroneous_a and_o humorous_a conceit_n or_o in_o fantastical_a conformity_n to_o the_o wicked_a yea_o in_o the_o very_a excuse_n of_o sin_v because_o they_o fear_v they_o shall_v be_v vilify_v laugh_v at_o and_o censure_v for_o it_o five_o expectation_n to_o have_v their_o particular_a course_n to_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v sin_n thus_o do_v almost_o all_o man_n in_o their_o time_n persist_v in_o their_o sin_n under_o the_o coverture_n of_o this_o question_n who_o can_v prove_v they_o to_o be_v sinner_n thus_o escape_v usury_n excess_n &_o vanity_n of_o apparel_n excess_n likewise_o in_o drink_v of_o health_n till_o the_o wine_n inflame_v they_o swear_v profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n etc._n etc._n be_v willing_o ignorant_a of_o this_o that_o god_n have_v condemn_v sin_n in_o the_o general_a in_o scripture_n and_o lay_v it_o to_o man_n to_o look_v unto_o it_o that_o they_o fall_v not_o into_o his_o hand_n for_o transgress_v and_o if_o they_o doubt_v they_o must_v be_v rule_v by_o their_o