private_a benefit_n to_o who_o in_o all_o equity_n &_o conscience_n it_o do_v principal_o appertain_v and_o desire_v all_o who_o have_v any_o perfect_a copy_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o my_o own_o hand_n that_o they_o will_v either_o help_v i_o with_o they_o or_o rather_o take_v i_o to_o help_v they_o that_o by_o our_o joint_a power_n and_o our_o force_n lay_v together_o the_o wall_n of_o this_o worthy_a building_n may_v go_v up_o the_o fair_a and_o the_o fast_o and_o so_o i_o commend_v they_o all_o to_o god_n blessing_n who_o endeavour_n to_o commend_v themselves_o and_o their_o labour_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o church_n your_o brother_n in_o the_o lord._n w._n c._n the_o duty_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o ministry_n job._n 33.23.24_o if_o there_o be_v with_o he_o a_o messenger_n a_o interpreter_n one_o of_o a_o thousand_o to_o declare_v unto_o man_n his_o righteousness_n then_o will_v be_v have_v mercy_n on_o he_o and_o will_v say_v deliver_v he_o that_o he_o go_v not_o down_o into_o the_o pit_n for_o i_o have_v receive_v a_o reconciliation_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o the_o former_a eliâ—â—_n a_o holy_a learned_a and_o wise_a young_a man_n have_v conference_n with_o job_n in_o matter_n of_o high_a and_o excellent_a divinity_n the_o point_n of_o his_o conference_n be_v these_o from_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chap_n to_o the_o 7._o verse_n be_v a_o preface_n to_o his_o speech_n from_o thence_o to_o the_o 13._o he_o repeat_v certain_a proposition_n of_o job_n and_o reprove_v they_o from_o thence_o to_o these_o word_n he_o instruct_v job_n in_o certain_a point_n touch_v god_n deal_v with_o sinner_n and_o those_o be_v two_o 1_o howe_n god_n preserve_v a_o sinner_n from_o fall_v 2_o how_o god_n restore_v a_o sinner_n be_v fall_v 1_o the_o mean_n whereby_o god_n preserve_v a_o sinner_n be_v set_v down_o to_o be_v two_o principal_a 1_o by_o admonition_n in_o dream_n and_o vision_n 2_o by_o scourge_n and_o chastisement_n when_o the_o first_o will_v not_o prevail_v and_o these_o be_v lay_v down_o from_o the_o 13_o verse_n unto_o these_o word_n 2_o then_o follow_v the_o 2._o point_n namely_o the_o restore_n of_o a_o sinner_n when_o both_o the_o mean_n former_o speak_v of_o have_v not_o prevail_v with_o he_o but_o that_o through_o his_o corruption_n he_o be_v fall_v and_o concern_v this_o point_n he_o handle_v these_o particular_n 1_o the_o remedy_n and_o mean_n of_o his_o restore_n 2_o the_o effect_n that_o follow_v thereupon_o â—_o the_o remedy_n be_v lay_v down_o in_o these_o word_n now_o red_a unto_o we_o then_o follow_v the_o effect_n which_o be_v that_o when_o a_o sinner_n be_v restore_v by_o repentance_n than_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v plentiful_o pour_v upon_o he_o both_o for_o soul_n and_o body_n from_o these_o word_n to_o he_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o intent_n then_o of_o this_o scripture_n be_v that_o god_n use_v mean_n in_o his_o mercy_n to_o preserve_v sinnre_n from_o fall_v into_o sin_n but_o if_o they_o do_v they_o he_o in_o much_o great_a mercy_n afford_v they_o mean_n and_o help_v to_o rise_v again_o and_o this_o be_v the_o soul_n &_o substance_n of_o the_o word_n now_o that_o mean_n and_o remedy_n be_v the_o matter_n i_o purpose_v to_o speak_v of_o out_o of_o these_o word_n the_o mean_n then_o to_o restore_v a_o sinner_n after_o a_o fall_n be_v to_o raise_v he_o by_o repentance_n into_o a_o better_a estate_n than_o he_o be_v in_o before_o and_o that_o be_v inclusive_o and_o by_o implication_n teach_v in_o this_o text_n but_o the_o instrument_n by_o who_o that_o great_a work_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v be_v here_o in_o plain_a term_n lay_v down_o to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o god_n lawful_o call_v and_o send_v by_o god_n and_o appoint_v by_o his_o church_n to_o that_o great_a duty_n so_o that_o these_o word_n contain_v a_o worthy_a description_n of_o a_o true_a minister_n and_o he_o be_v here_o describe_v 1_o by_o his_o title_n which_o be_v two_o a_o angel_n a_o interpreter_n 2_o by_o his_o rareness_n one_o of_o a_o thousand_o 3_o by_o his_o office_n which_o be_v to_o declare_v unto_o man_n his_o righteousness_n 4_o by_o the_o blessing_n that_o god_n give_v upon_o the_o labour_n of_o this_o true_a minister_n which_o be_v thâ—â—_n god_n will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o the_o sinner_n 5_o by_o his_o commission_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o last_o word_n god_n will_v say_v deliver_v he_o that_o he_o go_v not_o down_o into_o the_o pit_n for_o i_o have_v receive_v a_o reconciliation_n let_v we_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o order_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o text_n and_o first_o of_o his_o title_n 1_o the_o first_o title_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o god_n be_v he_o be_v call_v a_o messenger_n angel_n or_o a_o angel_n and_o not_o here_o alone_o but_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o scripture_n malachy_n 2_o 7_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o in_o the_o revelation_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o 7._o church_n be_v call_v the_o angel_n of_o those_o church_n chapter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_a a_o true_a minister_n be_v a_o angel_n of_o god_n in_o 〈◊〉_d place_n &_o in_o the_o other_o place_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v a_o angel_n or_o messenger_n send_v from_o god_n to_o his_o church_n this_o consideration_n afford_v matter_n of_o much_o use_n minister_n the_o most_o of_o we_o in_o this_o place_n university_n be_v either_o prophet_n or_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n if_o thou_o â—e_v a_o prophet_n thou_o 〈◊〉_d god_n angel_n if_o a_o son_n of_o the_o 〈…〉_z to_o be_v then_o mark_v thy_o duty_n prophet_n and_o minister_n be_v angel_n in_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o their_o call_n therefore_o thou_o must_v preach_v god_n word_n as_o god_n word_n and_o deliver_v it_o as_o thou_o receive_v it_o for_o angel_n ambassador_n &_o messenger_n carry_v not_o their_o own_o message_n but_o the_o message_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o send_v they_o but_o minister_n carry_v the_o message_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n therefore_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o deliver_v it_o as_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o their_o own_o in_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o peter_n 4_o 11_o we_o be_v bid_v if_o any_o man_n speak_v let_v he_o speak_v not_o only_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n god_n word_n must_v be_v speak_v and_o as_o god_n word_n then_o show_v thy_o faith_n fullness_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o discharge_v thy_o hand_n sincere_o of_o that_o message_n which_o he_o have_v honour_v theâ—_n to_o carry_v god_n word_n be_v pure_a therefore_o pure_o to_o be_v think_v upon_o and_o to_o be_v deliver_v then_o let_v all_o that_o be_v godâ—_n angel_n and_o will_v be_v honour_v at_o his_o angel_n and_o ambassador_n think_v it_o no_o less_o reason_n to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n angel_n lest_o as_o many_o man_n 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a tale_n in_o the_o â—â—ling_n so_o theâ—_n take_v away_o the_o power_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n word_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o deliver_v it_o minister_n the_o second_o use_n concern_v the_o minister_n also_o be_v they_o god_n angel_n therefore_o they_o must_v preach_v god_n word_n in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o he_o that_o be_v god_n angel_n the_o spirit_n of_o that_o god_n must_v speak_v in_o he_o now_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v to_o speak_v in_o such_o a_o plain_n &_o yet_o such_o a_o powerfulness_n as_o that_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o simple_a may_v perceive_v not_o man_n but_o god_n teach_v they_o in_o that_o plainness_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o mighty_a may_v feel_v not_o man_n but_o god_n reprove_v they_o in_o that_o powerfulnesse_n that_o this_o be_v so_o appear_v by_o saint_n paul_n if_o a_o man_n prophecy_n aright_o 25._o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o unlearned_a or_o unbelieve_a man_n â—omâ—_n in_o he_o think_v his_o secret_a fault_n be_v disclose_v and_o lay_v open_a he_o think_v all_o man_n see_v his_o nakedness_n and_o do_v reprove_v he_o for_o it_o he_o therefore_o fall_v down_o and_o say_v sure_o god_n speak_v in_o this_o man_n in_o which_o word_n observe_v a_o admirable_a plainness_n and_o a_o admirable_a powerfulnesse_n which_o a_o man_n will_v think_v can_v not_o so_o well_o stand_v together_o first_o plainness_n for_o whereas_o the_o unlearned_a man_n perceive_v his_o fault_n discover_v it_o follow_v necessary_o he_o must_v needs_o understand_v and_o if_o a_o unlearned_a man_n understand_v it_o then_o consequent_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v plain_a second_o powerfulness_n in_o that_o his_o conscience_n be_v so_o convince_v his_o secret_a fault_n so_o disclose_v &_o his_o very_a hart_n so_o rip_v up_o that_o
behold_v how_o thou_o be_v behold_v to_o a_o godly_a minister_n who_o when_o adam_n have_v lose_v both_o himself_o and_o thou_o that_o jewel_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v and_o be_v the_o whole_a wealth_n of_o thy_o soul_n can_v true_o tell_v thou_o where_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v again_o and_o who_o when_o the_o devil_n hail_v thou_o to_o the_o bar_n of_o god_n justice_n to_o receive_v trial_n for_o thy_o sin_n can_v draw_v thou_o there_o such_o a_o declaration_n as_o the_o devil_n himself_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v and_o who_o when_o thy_o soul_n be_v sick_a to_o death_n &_o even_o to_o damnation_n can_v heal_v the_o deadly_a wound_n thereof_o a_o good_a minister_n therefore_o be_v worthy_a as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o double_a honour_n who_o duty_n we_o see_v be_v to_o declare_v unto_o man_n his_o righteousness_n and_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n also_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o height_n of_o this_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n may_v encourage_v father_n to_o dedicate_v their_o son_n to_o this_o holy_a call_n father_n for_o the_o physician_n care_v for_o the_o body_n or_o the_o lawyer_n for_o thy_o cause_n be_v both_o inferior_a duty_n to_o this_o of_o the_o minister_n a_o good_a lawyer_n may_v be_v one_o of_o teâ—â—e_n a_o good_a physician_n one_o of_o 20._o a_o good_a man_n one_o of_o 100_o but_o a_o good_a minister_n be_v one_o of_o a_o 1000_o a_o good_a lawyer_n may_v declare_v the_o true_a state_n of_o thy_o cause_n a_o good_a physician_n may_v declare_v the_o true_a state_n of_o thy_o body_n no_o call_n no_o man_n can_v declare_v unto_o thou_o thy_o righteousness_n but_o a_o true_a minister_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o office_n or_o function_n of_o a_o minister_n now_o follow_v the_o blessing_n then_o will_v he_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o the_o four_o general_a part_n of_o this_o description_n blessing_n be_v the_o blessing_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o labour_n and_o function_n of_o a_o true_a minister_n then_o that_o be_v when_o a_o man_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o law_n be_v bring_v to_o true_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n and_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n then_o will_v he_o that_o be_v god_n have_v mercy_n on_o he_o that_o be_v on_o the_o penitent_a and_o believe_a sinner_n behold_v here_o the_o admirable_a sympathy_n and_o the_o cooperation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o minister_n office_n man_n preach_v and_o god_n bless_v man_n work_v on_o the_o hart_n and_o god_n give_v grace_n a_o minister_n declare_v unto_o man_n his_o righteousness_n and_o god_n say_v so_o be_v it_o he_o shall_v be_v righteous_a a_o minister_n pronounce_v mercy_n to_o a_o penitent_a sinner_n and_o forthwith_o god_n have_v mercy_n on_o he_o here_o we_o see_v the_o great_a and_o glorious_a account_n which_o god_n make_v of_o the_o word_n of_o his_o minister_n by_o they_o true_o teach_v and_o right_o apply_v namely_o that_o he_o as_o it_o be_v tie_v his_o blessing_n unto_o it_o for_o ordinary_o till_o a_o man_n know_v his_o righteousness_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o interpreter_n god_n have_v not_o mercy_n on_o he_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o do_v know_v it_o then_o as_o we_o see_v here_o god_n will_v have_v mercy_n on_o he_o and_o will_v say_v deliver_v he_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v no_o small_a honour_n to_o minister_n &_o to_o their_o ministry_n that_o god_n himself_o give_v a_o blessing_n unto_o it_o and_o work_v when_o they_o work_v and_o as_o it_o be_v stay_v wait_v when_o they_o declare_v unto_o a_o man_n his_o righteousness_n and_o then_o have_v he_o mercy_n on_o he_o so_o powerful_a and_o so_o effectual_a be_v the_o word_n speak_v by_o a_o minister_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o which_o christ_n avouch_v 16._o whatsoever_o you_o bind_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n will_v you_o know_v the_o meaning_n hereof_o read_v saint_n john_n who_o sin_n soever_o you_o remit_v 23._o they_o be_v remit_v who_o you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v will_v they_o have_v the_o meaning_n of_o both_o read_v isaiah_n 26._o god_n destroy_v the_o token_n of_o souâ—â—_n sayer_n and_o make_v uâ—sards_n and_o astrologer_n fool_n â—â—â—neth_v worldly_a wiseman_n backward_o and_o make_v their_o knowledge_n foolishness_n but_o he_o confirm_v the_o word_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o perform_v the_o counsel_n of_o his_o messenger_n thus_o god_n bind_v and_o lose_v with_o they_o remit_v and_o retain_v with_o they_o by_o confirm_v their_o word_n and_o perform_v their_o counsel_n for_o example_n a_o true_a minister_n see_v a_o sinner_n harden_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o still_o rebel_a against_o the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o therefore_o declare_v unto_o he_o his_o unrighteousness_n &_o his_o sin_n &_o denounce_v unto_o he_o the_o misery_n &_o curse_n of_o god_n justice_n as_o due_a unto_o he_o for_o the_o same_o here_o he_o bind_v on_o earth_n here_o he_o retain_v on_o earth_n this_o man_n sin_n be_v likewise_o bind_v and_o retain_v in_o heaven_n on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o see_v a_o man_n penitent_a and_o believe_v he_o pronounce_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n &_o happiness_n unto_o he_o for_o the_o same_o he_o lose_v he_o from_o the_o band_n of_o his_o sin_n by_o declare_v unto_o he_o his_o righteousness_n this_o man_n sin_n be_v likewise_o loose_v &_o remit_v in_o heaven_n and_o god_n himself_o do_v pronounce_v he_o clear_v in_o heaven_n when_o the_o minister_n do_v on_o earth_n thus_o god_n confirm_v the_o word_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o perform_v the_o counsel_n of_o his_o messenger_n the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v first_o for_o ruler_n ruler_n and_o great_a man_n of_o this_o world_n this_o may_v teach_v they_o to_o be_v nurse_v father_n &_o nurse_v mother_n unto_o the_o church_n who_o authority_n they_o see_v be_v so_o great_a over_o they_o as_o that_o their_o decree_n stand_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n therefore_o though_o their_o place_n be_v great_a &_o they_o be_v god_n upon_o earth_n psalm_n yet_o must_v they_o withal_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o justify_v a_o sinner_n in_o interpretation_n in_o declare_v unto_o man_n his_o righteousness_n in_o bind_v &_o lose_v their_o power_n also_o be_v immediate_a from_o god_n &_o above_o they_o and_o they_o themselves_o as_o they_o be_v man_n must_v submit_v themselves_o to_o this_o powerful_a word_n of_o the_o minister_n to_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o and_o to_o be_v reconcile_v by_o mean_n of_o it_o and_o high_o must_v they_o receive_v it_o for_o though_o a_o man_n speak_v it_o yet_o be_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v to_o lick_v the_o dust_n of_o christ_n foot_n â—ay_n which_o the_o porphet_n speak_v of_o not_o as_o the_o pope_n will_v have_v it_o to_o hold_v the_o stirrup_n and_o lead_v the_o horse_n and_o hold_v the_o water_n to_o the_o pope_n to_o kiss_v his_o toe_n to_o hold_v their_o kingdom_n of_o he_o as_o tenant_n at_o will_n or_o by_o courtesy_n but_o reverent_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o ordinance_n to_o be_v god_n the_o function_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v high_a and_o excellent_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o power_n of_o their_o key_n &_o censure_n be_v right_o apply_v their_o promise_n &_o their_o threaten_n to_o be_v as_o from_o god_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o according_o second_o minister_n themselves_o here_o must_v learn_v minister_n when_o they_o take_v the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o mouth_n to_o call_v to_o mind_n who_o it_o be_v even_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o work_v with_o they_o &_o have_v the_o great_a hand_n in_o the_o work_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o must_v use_v it_o in_o holy_a manner_n with_o much_o fear_n &_o reverence_n it_o be_v not_o their_o own_o they_o may_v not_o use_v it_o as_o thâ—y_v list_n and_o last_o hearer_n be_v here_o teach_v first_o â—o_o see_v how_o mad_a such_o man_n be_v which_o careless_o â—nd_v fildome_o hear_v sermon_n hearer_n but_o upon_o any_o occasion_n fly_v to_o wizard_n and_o charmer_n which_o be_v â—he_v devil_n prophet_n for_o see_v the_o difference_n of_o â—hese_fw-mi two_o the_o wizard_n and_o charmer_n have_v society_n with_o the_o devil_n the_o preacher_n with_o god_n the_o â—harmer_n have_v his_o call_n from_o the_o devil_n the_o preacher_n his_o from_o god_n the_o charmer_n charm_v 〈◊〉_d the_o devil_n watchword_n when_o he_o charm_v the_o devil_n do_v the_o fear_n the_o preacher_n doctrine_n be_v god_n watchword_n when_o he_o true_o apply_v it_o god_n himself_o ratify_v and_o make_v it_o good_a wherefore_o let_v all_o man_n fear_v to_o have_v thus_o to_o do_v with_o the_o devil_n by_o seek_v to_o his_o slave_n &_o let_v they_o
of_o extraordinary_a grace_n yet_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o people_n so_o stubborn_a and_o disobedient_a as_o the_o jew_n be_v he_o be_v something_o touch_v with_o their_o pollution_n minister_n even_o the_o best_a be_v man_n and_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n as_o they_o be_v man_n the_o nature_n of_o which_o corruption_n be_v to_o apprehend_v any_o evil_n where_o ever_o it_o can_v be_v find_v and_o to_o partake_v with_o it_o regeneration_n qualifi_v and_o abate_v this_o corruption_n but_o take_v it_o not_o away_o perfect_o in_o this_o life_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o minister_n live_v among_o evil_a people_n can_v but_o be_v somewhat_o stain_v with_o their_o pollution_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o they_o be_v insomuch_o as_o it_o be_v often_o see_v that_o one_o know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o dispose_v of_o himself_o be_v find_v to_o be_v dispose_v to_o this_o or_o that_o evil_a by_o live_v among_o a_o people_n so_o dispose_v and_o again_o that_o a_o minister_n in_o such_o a_o place_n &_o among_o such_o people_n free_a from_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n remove_v to_o another_o place_n be_v there_o find_v more_o or_o less_o taint_v with_o they_o because_o they_o abound_v among_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o further_o that_o a_o minister_n know_v to_o be_v faithful_a painful_a and_o zealous_a and_o come_v to_o a_o disobedient_a stubborn_a froward_a or_o profane_a and_o dissolute_a people_n his_o faith_n be_v weaken_v his_o zeal_n and_o courage_n abate_v god_n grace_n in_o he_o dull_v &_o much_o decay_a godly_a minister_n do_v daily_o complain_v hereof_o and_o experience_n every_o where_o show_v it_o too_o true_a out_o of_o this_o we_o may_v learn_v something_o both_o for_o our_o instruction_n and_o for_o our_o conversation_n for_o our_o instruction_n it_o here_o appear_v how_o wicked_a and_o wretched_a the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v which_o can_v but_o receive_v some_o contagion_n from_o the_o pollution_n of_o those_o with_o who_o we_o live_v for_o this_o be_v so_o not_o only_o in_o they_o who_o carry_v a_o loose_a hand_n over_o themselves_o but_o even_o in_o such_o as_o look_v most_o narrow_o unto_o their_o step_n as_o we_o see_v here_o in_o this_o holy_a prophet_n who_o be_v a_o man_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a sanctification_n how_o little_a cause_n therefore_o have_v any_o man_n to_o extol_v nature_n and_o how_o much_o less_o cause_n the_o schoolman_n and_o some_o other_o papist_n to_o give_v the_o least_o commendation_n to_o our_o pure_a natural_n for_o if_o nature_n rectify_v by_o grace_n be_v so_o hardly_o keep_v within_o compass_n alas_o how_o outrageous_a and_o perverse_a be_v it_o when_o it_o reign_v without_o controlment_n and_o for_o our_o further_a instruction_n here_o we_o may_v see_v of_o what_o a_o creep_a and_o encroach_a nature_n sin_n be_v which_o like_o a_o secret_a venom_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n so_o it_o in_o the_o politic_a body_n rest_v not_o in_o the_o place_n or_o paâ—tie_a poison_a but_o close_o creep_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o into_o every_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a it_o creep_v from_o man_n to_o man_n yea_o from_o a_o evil_a man_n to_o a_o good_a from_o the_o worst_a man_n to_o the_o best_a from_o profane_a man_n to_o godly_a minister_n and_o as_o from_o public_a person_n as_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n it_o descend_v visible_o and_o the_o example_n of_o their_o evil_a life_n be_v palpable_o scandalous_a so_o from_o the_o people_n to_o the_o magistrate_n or_o minister_n it_o creep_v close_o and_o ascend_v in_o more_o secret_a and_o insensible_a manner_n yet_o in_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v too_o sensible_a for_o it_o be_v always_o see_v that_o they_o be_v something_o touch_v with_o their_o people_n pollution_n sin_n be_v not_o only_o as_o a_o poison_n spread_v from_o the_o heart_n to_o all_o part_n from_o the_o minister_n to_o the_o people_n but_o as_o a_o gangreve_v if_o it_o begin_v in_o the_o foot_n will_v without_o speedy_a prevention_n spread_v privy_o to_o the_o hart_n so_o sin_n show_v itself_o even_o from_o the_o people_n to_o the_o minister_n so_o great_a cause_n be_v there_o for_o all_o man_n to_o stop_v sin_n in_o the_o beginning_n to_o break_v it_o in_o the_o egg_n to_o give_v water_n no_o passage_n no_o not_o a_o little_a for_o let_v this_o gangreve_v begin_v at_o the_o foot_n it_o will_v not_o rest_v till_o it_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n for_o our_o confirmation_n we_o be_v here_o teach_v first_o if_o a_o minister_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o creep_a nature_n of_o sin_n be_v in_o such_o danger_n to_o be_v stain_v with_o the_o people_n pollution_n then_o let_v all_o minister_n desire_v and_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o dwell_v with_o a_o people_n as_o little_o pollute_v as_o may_v be_v otherwise_o let_v he_o assure_v himself_o to_o be_v pollute_v with_o they_o which_o be_v both_o a_o great_a discomfort_n to_o his_o own_o conscience_n as_o here_o it_o be_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o disgrace_n to_o his_o profession_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a professor_n of_o religion_n to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n 1.17_o then_o how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o the_o minister_n duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o how_o foul_a a_o stain_n be_v it_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o call_n to_o be_v pollute_v in_o the_o common_a pollution_n of_o his_o people_n it_o may_v be_v therefore_o good_a counsel_n to_o all_o godly_a minister_n in_o the_o place_n and_o dispose_n of_o themselves_o not_o to_o inquire_v only_o how_o good_a a_o live_n such_o and_o such_o a_o place_n be_v how_o well_o seat_v how_o healthful_a and_o beneficial_a it_o will_v be_v which_o be_v alas_o the_o common_a and_o almost_o the_o only_a question_n now_o adays_o but_o principal_o to_o regard_v what_o a_o people_n they_o be_v and_o how_o affect_v among_o who_o they_o be_v to_o live_v if_o godly_a and_o well_o dispose_v or_o at_o least_o tractable_a and_o gentle_a and_o willing_a to_o be_v teach_v then_o less_o to_o regard_v other_o incommodity_n but_o if_o wicked_a &_o profane_a or_o which_o be_v worse_o stubborn_a froward_a &_o untractable_a then_o less_o to_o regard_v the_o great_a commodity_n and_o certain_o if_o this_o point_n be_v well_o consider_v of_o and_o how_o bitter_a it_o have_v be_v in_o the_o end_n to_o many_o who_o have_v not_o regard_v it_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a encouragement_n or_o discouragement_n the_o great_a commodity_n or_o discommodity_n and_o the_o best_a reason_n either_o to_o win_v a_o man_n to_o a_o place_n or_o to_o draw_v he_o from_o it_o how_o good_a soever_o it_o be_v otherways_o they_o that_o neglect_v this_o duty_n and_o be_v lead_v or_o mislead_v rather_o with_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a respect_n how_o just_a be_v it_o upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v make_v to_o cry_v in_o the_o sorrow_n of_o their_o soul_n woe_n be_v i_o i_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o people_n of_o pollute_a lip_n and_o here_o such_o minister_n as_o have_v poor_a live_n but_o good_a people_n let_v they_o not_o faint_v nor_o be_v discourage_v they_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o bless_v god_n then_o to_o be_v grieve_v for_o doubtless_o they_o be_v far_o better_o than_o those_o who_o have_v great_a live_n and_o a_o evil_a people_n but_o as_o for_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v be_v so_o good_a as_o to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o competent_a live_n and_o a_o willing_a and_o well_o dispose_v people_n let_v they_o think_v themselves_o double_o bless_v of_o god_n and_o treble_v bind_v to_o honour_n god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a in_o his_o church_n and_o if_o such_o man_n go_v not_o before_o their_o brethren_n in_o all_o ministerial_a care_n and_o duty_n their_o fault_n be_v above_o all_o man_n and_o they_o make_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o so_o great_a mercy_n again_o if_o that_o a_o pollute_a people_n pollute_v their_o minister_n here_o be_v a_o good_a warning_n for_o all_o minister_n to_o be_v wary_a and_o choice_n of_o their_o company_n with_o who_o they_o will_v most_o private_o converse_v for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n they_o may_v not_o retire_v themselves_o into_o solitariness_n nor_o sequester_v themselves_o from_o all_o society_n with_o their_o people_n which_o be_v rather_o a_o cimical_a and_o fantastical_a than_o any_o way_n a_o religious_a practice_n so_o of_o all_o man_n be_v they_o to_o be_v most_o careful_a that_o they_o do_v not_o loose_o and_o lavish_o bestow_v themselves_o on_o all_o company_n as_o too_o many_o do_v in_o our_o church_n to_o the_o great_a scandell_n thereof_o who_o care_v not_o with_o who_o they_o converse_v but_o all_o company_n all_o place_n
they_o quite_o out_o of_o themselves_o find_v nothing_o in_o themselves_o but_o cause_n of_o fear_n and_o astonishment_n then_o power_v he_o the_o oil_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o sweet_a comfort_n into_o their_o heart_n and_o refresh_v their_o weary_a soul_n with_o the_o dew_n of_o his_o mercy_n this_o point_n need_v no_o further_a proof_n for_o look_v into_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v god_n never_o call_v any_o man_n to_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o to_o any_o notable_a work_n or_o function_n in_o his_o church_n but_o he_o first_o humble_v they_o and_o then_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o all_o conceit_n with_o themselves_o &_o then_o wrought_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o his_o wonderful_a work_n the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v first_o of_o all_o to_o teach_v all_o man_n 1_o to_o esteem_v aright_o of_o the_o affliction_n that_o god_n lay_v upon_o they_o in_o this_o world_n common_o man_n take_v they_o impatient_o &_o our_o nature_n grudge_v hagainst_a they_o but_o let_v a_o christian_a man_n consider_v with_o himself_o how_o god_n have_v always_o deal_v with_o his_o child_n and_o he_o have_v cause_n not_o to_o think_v so_o for_o do_v god_n lay_v some_o great_a affliction_n on_o thou_o it_o may_v be_v he_o have_v some_o mighty_a work_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o work_v in_o thou_o or_o some_o great_a work_n of_o mercy_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o thou_o in_o his_o church_n and_o hereby_o prepare_v thou_o for_o the_o same_o say_v therefore_o with_o the_o holy_a prophet_n 39.9_o i_o hold_v my_o tongue_n â—_o lord_n and_o speak_v nothing_o because_o it_o be_v thy_o do_v and_o what_o god_n may_v intend_v in_o his_o so_o do_v to_o thou_o thou_o can_v not_o tell_v conscience_n and_o therefore_o in_o silence_n and_o patience_n possess_v thy_o soul_n again_o here_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o all_o such_o as_o be_v distress_v in_o mind_n in_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o sight_n of_o god_n wrath_n their_o state_n be_v not_o miserable_a much_o less_o desperate_a for_o they_o be_v in_o the_o high_a way_n to_o grace_n and_o favour_n god_n justify_v not_o but_o he_o that_o repent_v god_n exalt_v not_o but_o he_o that_o be_v humble_v god_n comfort_v not_o but_o he_o that_o be_v distress_v god_n have_v mercy_n on_o none_o but_o such_o as_o both_o know_v and_o feel_v they_o want_v it_o and_o know_v also_o that_o they_o know_v not_o where_o to_o have_v it_o but_o at_o his_o hand_n happy_a therefore_o be_v that_o soul_n that_o feel_v the_o weight_n and_o burden_n of_o sin_n for_o to_o he_o will_v christ_n bring_v most_o ease_n and_o comfort_n god_n misnister_n therefore_o be_v hereby_o to_o comfort_v distress_a conscience_n to_o assure_v they_o that_o if_o with_o this_o prophet_n they_o be_v so_o deep_o touch_v with_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o god_n justice_n as_o that_o they_o cry_v woe_n be_v i_o i_o be_o undo_v then_o even_o then_o be_v they_o most_o capable_a of_o comfort_n and_o best_a prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o as_o here_o it_o fall_v out_o to_o the_o holy_a prophet_n three_o here_o be_v the_o way_n teach_v we_o how_o to_o attain_v to_o any_o excellent_a grace_n of_o god_n 3._o either_o for_o our_o own_o salvation_n or_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n namely_o to_o labour_v for_o a_o sensible_a feel_n of_o the_o want_n of_o they_o in_o ourselves_o for_o god_n use_v to_o bestow_v no_o gift_n on_o any_o man_n but_o such_o as_o do_v in_o humility_n &_o lowliness_n confess_v to_o god_n &_o acknowledge_v in_o themselves_o the_o want_n of_o they_o so_o the_o bless_a virgin_n sing_v â—_o god_n fall_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n but_o the_o rich_a he_o send_v empty_a away_o and_o so_o the_o psalmist_n god_n satisfy_v the_o hungry_a soul_n and_o fill_v the_o empty_a soul_n with_o goodness_n so_o than_o if_o thou_o be_v rich_a in_o thy_o conceit_n god_n have_v not_o for_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o be_v hungry_a he_o iâ—_n ready_a to_o fiâ—â—_n thou_o with_o good_a thing_n and_o do_v thou_o acknowledge_v thy_o soul_n empty_a then_o behold_v treasure_n of_o goodness_n to_o feed_v and_o fill_v thou_o and_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o with_o the_o prophet_n and_o be_v thy_o soul_n empty_a of_o hope_n and_o fraught_v with_o fear_n then_o behold_v even_o then_o god_n and_o his_o angel_n ready_a to_o raise_v thou_o up_o &_o to_o fill_v thou_o with_o consolation_n t_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o time_n of_o his_o consolation_n the_o minister_n by_o who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o seraphim_n the_o 2._o circumstance_n of_o his_o consolation_n be_v the_o minister_n by_o who_o it_o be_v do_v a_o angel_n one_o of_o the_o seraphim_n minister_n that_o be_v a_o angel_n of_o that_o order_n so_o call_v out_o of_o which_o we_o learn_v first_o that_o there_o be_v diverse_a degree_n &_o several_a order_n of_o angel_n though_o we_o know_v not_o the_o true_a distinction_n thereof_o nor_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o imagine_v they_o to_o be_v 9_o nor_o to_o set_v they_o down_o particular_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v who_o make_v many_o of_o their_o own_o device_n which_o they_o call_v tradition_n of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n second_o that_o these_o holy_a angel_n be_v the_o glorious_a guard_n of_o god_n and_o do_v continual_o stand_v about_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n &_o attend_v his_o holy_a will_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n three_o that_o they_o be_v also_o by_o the_o merciful_a appointment_n of_o god_n 1_o the_o guard_n of_o god_n child_n and_o minister_a spirit_n send_v out_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o commission_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o elect_a all_o these_o point_n because_o they_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o do_v less_o concern_v our_o general_a scope_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o ministry_n i_o pass_v they_o over_o four_o here_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o as_o the_o angel_n be_v send_v out_o for_o the_o help_n and_o service_n of_o the_o elect_a so_o special_o of_o god_n minister_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o this_o place_n where_o the_o prophet_n be_v affright_v a_o holy_a angel_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v he_o comfort_v and_o so_o over_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o at_o this_o day_n their_o protection_n and_o comfortable_a assistance_n be_v no_o less_o present_a to_o the_o godly_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o not_o in_o such_o sensible_a sign_n and_o such_o visible_a manner_n as_o in_o the_o old_a for_o if_o they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n send_v out_o for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o which_o shall_v be_v save_v how_o much_o more_o for_o their_o good_a which_o shall_v both_o be_v save_v themselves_o and_o save_v other_o also_o a_o doctrine_n of_o great_a comfort_n and_o much_o good_a use_n to_o all_o minister_n who_o first_o of_o all_o may_v here_o learn_v contentment_n in_o their_o call_n for_o howsoever_o no_o calling_n have_v more_o cross_n so_o none_o again_o have_v more_o comfort_n and_o howsoever_o none_o be_v more_o disgrace_v by_o evil_a man_n yet_o none_o be_v more_o honour_a by_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o howsoever_o in_o this_o world_n they_o above_o any_o call_n be_v servant_n to_o all_o man_n yet_o none_o have_v the_o service_n &_o attendance_n of_o angel_n so_o much_o as_o they_o for_o though_o we_o have_v they_o not_o to_o help_v we_o to_o do_v the_o outward_a action_n of_o our_o ministry_n with_o we_o or_o for_o we_o as_o some_o popish_a doctor_n teach_v that_o in_o their_o mass_n amen_o be_v not_o say_v to_o one_o collect_v because_o the_o angel_n say_v amen_n to_o it_o yet_o doubtless_o they_o be_v present_a always_o as_o at_o all_o holy_a exercise_n and_o lawful_a action_n so_o especial_o at_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n perform_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o beside_o that_o they_o be_v witness_n thereto_o and_o of_o the_o pain_n and_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o a_o good_a minister_n they_o also_o do_v minister_n unto_o they_o oftentimes_o bodily_a strength_n and_o assistance_n &_o many_o comfort_n in_o their_o troublesome_a travel_n which_o they_o know_v not_o how_o by_o any_o natural_a mane_n they_o come_v unto_o they_o and_o as_o this_o doctrine_n do_v thus_o yield_v they_o contentment_n against_o the_o contempt_n so_o also_o courage_n against_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o call_n for_o what_o though_o thou_o have_v mighty_a man_n of_o this_o world_n against_o thou_o when_o thou_o have_v angel_n for_o thou_o &_o what_o though_o thou_o fight_v against_o principality_n and_o power_n when_o thou_o have_v cherubin_n and_o seraphim_n on_o thy_o side_n godly_a minister_n have_v many_o enemy_n but_o if_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n they_o can_v see_v as_o well_o who_o be_v with_o they_o as_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n who_o
least_o allowance_n to_o anabaptisticall_a fancy_n and_o revelation_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o either_o dream_n of_o their_o own_o or_o illusion_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o they_o contemn_v both_o humane_a learning_n and_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o trust_v whole_o to_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o god_n spirit_n work_v not_o but_o upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o word_n only_o i_o teach_v this_o that_o a_o minister_n must_v be_v a_o divine_a interpreter_n a_o interpreter_n of_o god_n meaning_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v not_o only_o read_v the_o book_n but_o eat_v it_o that_o be_v not_o only_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n flow_v in_o his_o brain_n but_o engrave_v in_o his_o hart_n and_o print_v in_o his_o soul_n by_o the_o spiritual_a finger_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o for_o this_o end_n after_o all_o his_o own_o study_n meditation_n conference_n commentary_n &_o after_o all_o hâ—â—mane_a help_n he_o must_v pray_v with_o david_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n 18_o that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wonder_n of_o thy_o law_n the_o discern_a of_o those_o wonder_n require_v a_o spiritual_a illumination_n and_o the_o open_n of_o they_o require_v the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a therefore_o after_o all_o the_o study_n which_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o humane_a reason_n can_v yield_v pray_v with_o the_o prophet_n lord_n give_v i_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a that_o i_o may_v be_v a_o right_a interpreter_n of_o thy_o holy_a will_n use_n furthermore_o inasmuch_o as_o minister_n be_v interpreter_n 13._o they_o must_v labour_v for_o sanctity_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n in_o isaiah_n the_o king_n of_o assiria_n be_v say_v to_o be_v sanctify_v or_o set_v apart_o to_o destroy_v god_n enemy_n if_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o sanctification_n necessary_a for_o the_o work_n of_o destruction_n then_o how_o much_o more_o be_v true_a sanctification_n necessary_a for_o this_o great_a &_o glorious_a work_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o god_n church_n a_o minister_n be_v to_o declare_v the_o reconciliation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n and_o be_v he_o himself_o not_o reconcile_v dare_v he_o present_v another_o man_n to_o god_n mercy_n for_o pardon_n and_o never_o yet_o present_v himself_o can_v he_o commend_v the_o state_n of_o grace_n to_o another_o &_o never_o feel_v the_o sweetness_n thereof_o in_o his_o own_o soul_n dare_v he_o come_v to_o preach_v sanctification_n with_o pollute_a lip_n and_o out_o of_o a_o unsanctified_a hart_n moses_n may_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o mount_n in_o god_n presence_n till_o he_o have_v put_v off_o his_o shoe_n from_o of_o his_o foot_n exod._n 3._o and_o dare_v any_o man_n presume_v to_o come_v into_o this_o most_o high_a &_o holy_a presence_n of_o the_o lord_n until_o he_o have_v mortify_v his_o corruption_n and_o cast_v off_o the_o unrulines_n of_o his_o affection_n in_o exodus_fw-la 3_o the_o priest_n be_v bid_v to_o sanctify_v the_o people_n and_o in_o leviticus_fw-la it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o all_o that_o come_v near_o he_o but_o who_o come_v so_o near_o unto_o god_n as_o the_o minister_n do_v so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_a minister_n do_v sanctify_v the_o people_n and_o in_o some_o construction_n god_n himself_o now_o shall_v they_o one_o way_n be_v sanctifier_n of_o the_o people_n another_o way_n of_o god_n himself_o &_o no_o way_n of_o themselves_o sure_o if_o it_o be_v so_o they_o be_v but_o lame_a interpreter_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n doubtless_o why_o unsanctified_a minister_n and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o loose_a conversation_n bestow_v such_o fruitless_a labour_n in_o the_o church_n many_o want_v no_o learning_n no_o ability_n to_o interpret_v &_o yet_o how_o few_o soul_n do_v they_o bring_v to_o god_n some_o it_o may_v be_v be_v convert_v by_o their_o ministry_n that_o god_n may_v show_v the_o efficacy_n be_v not_o in_o the_o person_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o few_o doubtless_o for_o aught_o that_o we_o can_v see_v do_v teach_v we_o how_o god_n hate_v he_o which_o will_v take_v in_o hand_n to_o reconcile_v other_o himself_o be_v unreconciled_a to_o god_n see_v then_o minister_n be_v god_n interpreter_n to_o the_o people_n to_o declare_v &_o publish_v their_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n &_o that_o they_o can_v be_v reconcile_v unless_o they_o be_v sanctify_v and_o can_v so_o hardly_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o unsanctified_a man_n let_v therefore_o all_o true_a minister_n of_o god_n first_o be_v god_n interpreter_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n interpreter_n to_o god_n then_o shall_v they_o know_v more_o perfect_o how_o to_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o true_a interpreter_n betwixt_o god_n &_o his_o people_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v the_o two_o title_n of_o a_o true_a minister_n now_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o text_n one_o of_o a_o thousand_o here_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o dâ—scription_n which_o be_v by_o the_o rareness_n or_o scarcenesse_n of_o good_a minister_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o a_o very_a strange_a phrase_n namely_o that_o a_o true_a minister_n one_o that_o be_v a_o right_a angel_n &_o a_o true_a interpreter_n be_v no_o common_a or_o ordinary_a man_n but_o thin_a swoon_n one_o of_o many_o nay_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o the_o meaning_n hereof_o be_v to_o be_v conceive_v either_o proper_o or_o figurative_o in_o the_o figurative_a sense_n it_o be_v speak_v in_o relation_n to_o minister_n themselves_o in_o the_o proper_a senee_n it_o have_v a_o comparison_n with_o all_o man_n the_o figurative_a and_o hyperbolical_a sense_n be_v that_o of_o all_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o world_n not_o one_o of_o many_o be_v a_o right_a angel_n and_o a_o true_a interpreter_n the_o plain_a &_o proper_a sense_n be_v that_o among_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o which_o prove_v a_o true_a minister_n for_o this_o point_n let_v we_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o the_o use_n of_o it_o the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n hereof_o wherein_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o observe_v how_o few_o man_n of_o any_o sort_n especial_o of_o the_o better_a sort_n after_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n and_o which_o be_v more_o strange_a how_o few_o of_o those_o that_o be_v minister_n in_o name_n and_o title_n do_v deserve_v these_o honourable_a name_n of_o a_o angel_n &_o a_o interpreter_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v too_o manifest_a in_o common_a practice_n to_o insist_v much_o upon_o it_o rather_o therefore_o let_v we_o see_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o hereof_o and_o they_o be_v these_o principal_n first_o the_o contempt_n that_o lie_v on_o that_o call_n it_o be_v always_o hate_v by_o wicked_a and_o profane_a man_n because_o it_o discover_v their_o filthynes_n and_o unmaske_v their_o hypocrisy_n it_o and_o their_o doctrine_n ofttimes_o be_v a_o fret_a corrasive_n to_o their_o conscience_n that_o they_o can_v welter_v and_o wallow_v so_o quiet_o and_o secret_o in_o their_o sin_n as_o otherwise_o they_o will_v therefore_o be_v it_o that_o they_o spurn_v both_o against_o the_o call_n and_o the_o man_n and_o watch_v they_o narrow_o &_o take_v hold_v of_o their_o least_o infirmity_n thereby_o to_o disgrace_v they_o judge_v that_o to_o cast_v contempt_n on_o that_o call_n be_v to_o remove_v shame_n from_o their_o own_o shameful_a course_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v thus_o hate_v this_o call_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o hate_v so_o deadly_a both_o that_o law_n and_o embassage_n which_o they_o bring_v and_o that_o god_n who_o embassader_n they_o be_v this_o hatred_n and_o disgrace_n in_o the_o wicked_a world_n be_v that_o that_o cause_v jeremie_n to_o cry_v 10._o wâ—e_o be_v i_o and_o make_v he_o in_o the_o seem_n of_o his_o natural_a reason_n curse_v the_o time_n that_o ever_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n for_o say_v he_o i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o contention_n every_o man_n be_v at_o strife_n and_o enemity_n with_o i_o difficulty_n the_o next_o reason_n be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_n to_o stand_v in_o god_n presence_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holy_a to_o go_v betwixt_o god_n and_o his_o people_n to_o be_v god_n mouth_n to_o the_o people_n and_o the_o people_n to_o god_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n of_o the_o new_a to_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n and_o to_o bear_v the_o office_n of_o christ_n himself_o to_o take_v the_o care_n and_o charge_n of_o soul_n these_o consideration_n be_v so_o many_o amazement_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o such_o man_n who_o do_v with_o reverence_n
beside_o declaration_n and_o testification_n he_o be_v to_o maintain_v this_o truth_n and_o this_o righteousness_n if_o the_o sinner_n conscience_n be_v yet_o not_o quiet_a against_o all_o gainsayer_n against_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o all_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n that_o this_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a righteousness_n to_o he_o that_o apprehend_v it_o as_o afore_o be_v lay_v down_o and_o this_o be_v so_o infallible_a to_o every_o soul_n that_o repent_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o minister_n may_v assure_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o sinner_n in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o may_v call_v to_o witness_v all_o god_n saint_n and_o all_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o may_v pawn_v unto_o he_o his_o own_o soul_n upon_o it_o that_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o this_o be_v true_a perfect_a and_o all-sufficient_a righteousness_n thus_o we_o see_v in_o some_o measure_n what_o it_o be_v to_o declare_v unto_o a_o man_n his_o righteousness_n and_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a office_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o height_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o office_n in_o the_o want_n of_o godly_a minister_n i_o confess_v that_o godly_a christian_a man_n may_v one_o help_v another_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o that_o with_o profit_n but_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a function_n of_o a_o godly_a minister_n to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o promise_n and_o blessing_n belong_v proper_o to_o he_o as_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o penitent_a sinner_n will_v testify_v in_o this_o case_n let_v david_n serve_v for_o many_o who_o when_o he_o be_v cast_v down_o even_o to_o the_o mouth_n of_o hell_n by_o that_o fearful_a discovery_n of_o his_o two_o hideous_a sin_n by_o nathan_n preach_v &_o when_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o soul_n begin_v to_o wrestle_v against_o hell_n and_o strive_v against_o despair_n and_o to_o apprehend_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n then_o i_o say_v can_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v give_v he_o that_o joy_n comfort_n and_o assurance_n that_o nathan_n do_v when_o he_o say_v in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o of_o a_o true_a minister_n god_n have_v take_v away_o thy_o sin_n thou_o shall_v not_o die_v what_o do_v nathan_n here_o but_o declare_v unto_o man_n his_o righteousness_n what_o do_v nathan_n here_o but_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o true_a minister_n if_o this_o be_v the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o minister_n minister_n and_o if_o such_o be_v the_o height_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o office_n let_v we_o see_v then_o what_o use_v we_o may_v make_v of_o it_o first_o concern_v the_o ministry_n ministry_n it_o first_o discover_v how_o naked_o weak_o and_o insufficient_o the_o popish_a church_n do_v declare_v unto_o man_n his_o righteousness_n who_o will_v let_v a_o man_n seek_v it_o in_o himself_o where_o alas_o it_o be_v not_o for_o paul_n himself_o testify_v that_o his_o desire_n be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v find_v out_o of_o himself_o &_o in_o christ_n &_o yet_o certain_o if_o ever_o man_n have_v righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o 9_o worth_a trust_v to_o paul_n have_v this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o of_o that_o religion_n find_v not_o that_o righteousness_n which_o will_v pacify_v and_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v and_o why_o so_o many_o of_o they_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o pinch_n do_v then_o go_v out_o of_o themselves_o and_o with_o we_o do_v seek_v for_o this_o righteousness_n in_o christ_n where_o both_o assure_o and_o sufficient_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v then_o for_o our_o own_o ministry_n here_o they_o be_v teach_v own_o first_o the_o true_a manner_n of_o teach_v and_o declare_v righteousness_n namely_o this_o not_o to_o preach_v the_o law_n alone_o or_o the_o gospel_n alone_o as_o some_o unaduised_o do_v but_o both_o without_o profit_n but_o both_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n to_o breed_v repentance_n the_o gospel_n to_o work_v faith_n but_o in_o order_n first_o the_o law_n to_o breed_v repentance_n and_o then_o the_o gospel_n to_o work_v faith_n and_o forgiveness_n but_o never_o before_o second_o they_o be_v teach_v to_o be_v holy_a to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o reconcile_v themselves_o for_o it_o be_v thy_o office_n to_o declare_v unto_o man_n his_o righteousness_n and_o not_o thy_o own_o to_o thy_o self_n and_o how_o can_v thou_o be_v a_o true_a witness_n to_o testify_v betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o sinner_n when_o thy_o own_o soul_n know_v not_o nor_o feel_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o certain_o such_o man_n aâ—e_v but_o lame_a witness_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o sinner_n soul_n david_n say_v to_o the_o sinner_n i_o will_v instruct_v thou_o in_o the_o way_n wherein_o thou_o shall_v go_v 32._o but_o he_o first_o of_o all_o in_o the_o same_o set_v down_o his_o own_o experience_n in_o a_o large_a story_n of_o his_o own_o repentance_n and_o of_o god_n mercy_n on_o himself_o and_o though_o god_n sometime_o do_v satisfy_v and_o save_v the_o poor_a distress_a soul_n of_o a_o sinner_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o such_o man_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o virtue_n be_v not_o in_o the_o man_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n covenant_n yet_o alas_o how_o few_o be_v they_o to_o teach_v we_o how_o please_v it_o be_v unto_o he_o when_o a_o minister_n be_v a_o declarer_fw-la of_o that_o righteous_a to_o other_o which_o he_o first_o have_v himself_o and_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o truth_n to_o other_o which_o he_o first_o know_v in_o his_o own_o experience_n three_o minister_n the_o consideration_n of_o this_o high_a excellency_n of_o their_o call_n must_v arm_v all_o true_a minister_n against_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n which_o by_o wicked_a man_n be_v cast_v like_o dust_n and_o mire_n into_o the_o face_n of_o minister_n let_v this_o suffice_v they_o they_o be_v the_o man_n that_o must_v declare_v unto_o man_n his_o righteousness_n even_o he_o that_o scorn_v and_o contemn_v the_o ministry_n he_o have_v no_o righteousness_n in_o he_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o poor_a minister_n then_o do_v thou_o thy_o duty_n and_o he_o that_o mock_n thou_o have_v cause_n to_o honour_v thou_o and_o let_v this_o encourage_v student_n to_o consecrate_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n student_n for_o what_o calling_n have_v so_o high_a a_o office_n as_o this_o to_o declare_v unto_o man_n his_o righteousness_n and_o assure_o how_o ever_o in_o this_o wicked_a world_n thou_o be_v little_o account_v of_o for_o if_o it_o do_v not_o so_o it_o be_v not_o wicked_a yet_o thou_o be_v honour_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o god_n child_n and_o even_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o some_o who_o tongue_n do_v smite_v thou_o and_o the_o soul_n of_o thousand_o when_o they_o die_v shall_v bless_v thou_o who_o in_o their_o life_n care_v not_o for_o thou_o and_o the_o devil_n himself_o do_v envy_v &_o the_o holy_a angel_n themselves_o do_v wonder_n at_o the_o excellency_n of_o thy_o call_n in_o that_o thou_o have_v power_n to_o declare_v unto_o man_n his_o righteousness_n hearer_n in_o the_o next_o place_n hearer_n may_v here_o learn_v first_o if_o their_o righteousness_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v declare_v as_o afore_o then_o if_o they_o will_v have_v it_o they_o must_v seek_v it_o as_o it_o may_v be_v find_v namely_o both_o in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o in_o the_o gospel_n alone_o and_o first_o in_o the_o law_n then_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o he_o must_v never_o look_v to_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v not_o first_o swallow_v the_o better_a pill_n of_o the_o law_n if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v be_v declare_v righteous_a by_o the_o gospel_n be_v content_a first_o to_o be_v pronounce_v miserable_a by_o the_o law_n if_o thou_o will_v be_v declare_v righteous_a in_o christ_n then_o be_v content_a first_o to_o be_v pronounce_v sinful_a and_o unrighteous_a in_o thyself_o second_o all_o man_n may_v here_o learn_v how_o they_o be_v to_o esteem_v of_o god_n minister_n and_o what_o reverence_n and_o obedience_n be_v due_a to_o their_o person_n and_o their_o doctrine_n these_o be_v they_o which_o must_v declare_v unto_o thou_o thy_o righteousness_n if_o thou_o have_v any_o be_v thou_o behold_v to_o he_o who_o when_o thou_o have_v lose_v a_o jewel_n which_o be_v all_o thy_o wealth_n can_v tell_v thou_o where_o it_o be_v and_o help_v thou_o to_o it_o again_o or_o to_o he_o who_o when_o thy_o cause_n be_v in_o trial_n at_o the_o bar_n will_v plead_v it_o for_o thou_o or_o to_o he_o who_o when_o thy_o health_n be_v lose_v can_v tell_v thou_o how_o to_o get_v it_o again_o then_o
draw_v near_o to_o god_n by_o enter_v into_o fellowship_n with_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o godly_a minister_n and_o further_o if_o when_o they_o preach_v &_o thou_o believe_v than_o god_n have_v mercy_n on_o thou_o then_o learn_v what_o reverence_n they_o and_o their_o word_n be_v worthy_a of_o which_o be_v thus_o accompany_v with_o god_n mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o then_o learn_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o it_o be_v god_n word_n and_o not_o they_o &_o when_o a_o true_a minister_n say_v unto_o thou_o on_o a_o true_a ground_n i_o denounce_v thou_o a_o sinful_a man_n and_o under_o the_o curse_n or_o i_o declare_v thou_o to_o be_v righteous_a and_o a_o child_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o though_o god_n from_o heaven_n have_v say_v so_o unto_o thou_o if_o any_o man_n ask_v but_o be_v it_o not_o as_o good_a if_o another_o man_n pronounce_v forgiveness_n unto_o i_o upoâ—_n my_o repentance_n i_o answer_v yes_o undoubted_o if_o it_o be_v in_o extraordinary_a time_n or_o place_n whâ—â—_n there_o be_v no_o minister_n for_o otherwise_o certain_o this_o blessing_n be_v principal_o tie_v unto_o the_o minister_n call_v for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v of_o any_o private_a man_n calling_n any_o where_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v here_o say_v of_o the_o minister_n if_o a_o angel_n a_o interpreter_n come_v to_o a_o man_n and_o declare_v unto_o he_o his_o righteousness_n theâ—â—_n mark_v the_o conexion_n then_o will_v god_n haâ—â—_n mercy_n on_o he_o and_o will_v say_v deliver_v he_o etc._n etc._n whence_o come_v this_o blessing_n from_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n if_o then_o other_o calling_n will_v challenge_v ordinary_o the_o same_o blessing_n then_o must_v they_o have_v the_o same_o promise_n beside_o other_o christian_n be_v private_a man_n though_o they_o be_v sanctify_v &_o have_v a_o good_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o have_v they_o not_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o discern_v that_o godly_a minister_n have_v nor_o can_v so_o full_o and_o true_o judge_v when_o a_o man_n have_v repent_v when_o not_o and_o therefore_o can_v so_o true_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n or_o gospel_n nor_o have_v they_o ability_n ordinary_o by_o their_o good_a conference_n and_o christian_a counsel_n to_o conâ—â—rt_v a_o soul_n but_o to_o confirm_v one_o convert_v but_o that_o power_n ordinary_o belong_v to_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o ordinary_o they_o have_v not_o the_o power_n to_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o bind_v or_o lose_v upon_o any_o man_n i_o confess_v in_o time_n or_o place_n where_o no_o minister_n can_v be_v have_v god_n bless_v the_o labour_n of_o private_a man_n that_o have_v knowledge_n sometime_o even_o for_o the_o convert_n of_o a_o man_n to_o god_n &_o for_o comfort_v he_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o give_v a_o virtue_n and_o power_n to_o that_o sentence_n which_o they_o shall_v pronounce_v one_o upon_o another_o repentance_n but_o as_o this_o be_v extraordinary_a &_o in_o the_o want_n of_o ordinary_a minister_n so_o in_o that_o case_n a_o private_a man_n of_o knowledge_n &_o godliness_n be_v make_v a_o minister_n for_o that_o time_n to_o himself_o or_o to_o another_o even_o as_o a_o private_a man_n in_o case_n of_o extreme_a danger_n when_o no_o magistrate_n be_v present_a be_v make_v a_o magistrate_n himself_o to_o defend_v his_o own_o life_n so_o then_o as_o in_o want_n of_o a_o magistrate_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistracy_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o private_a man_n so_o in_o the_o want_n of_o minister_n the_o key_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v commit_v and_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o private_a man_n as_o in_o day_n of_o persecution_n that_o then_o they_o may_v with_o comfort_n admonish_v and_o advise_v and_o with_o power_n pronounce_v mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n one_o unto_o another_o upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n yet_o always_o remember_v that_o in_o so_o do_v a_o private_a man_n be_v as_o a_o minister_n for_o that_o time_n and_o in_o that_o case_n but_o ordinary_o and_o always_o in_o settle_a church_n this_o power_n pertain_v to_o the_o ministry_n &_o be_v they_o alone_o by_o ordination_n and_o to_o they_o belong_v the_o promise_n and_o the_o blessing_n that_o when_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o a_o man_n his_o righteousness_n than_o god_n will_v have_v mercy_n on_o he_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v also_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o conex_v thereunto_o by_o the_o merciful_a dispensation_n of_o god_n it_o follow_v and_o will_v say_v deliver_v he_o that_o he_o go_v not_o down_o into_o the_o pit_n for_o i_o have_v receâ—ued_v a_o reconciliation_n the_o five_o and_o last_o part_n of_o this_o description_n be_v commission_n the_o commission_n and_o authority_n give_v unto_o he_o which_o be_v so_o great_a as_o never_o be_v give_v to_o any_o creature_n and_o be_v thus_o when_o a_o minister_n of_o god_n have_v declare_v unto_o man_n his_o righteousness_n have_v bring_v he_o to_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o god_n in_o his_o favour_n have_v have_v mercy_n on_o he_o then_o god_n say_v to_o the_o minister_n deliver_v that_o soul_n from_o hell_n for_o i_o have_v pardon_v he_o in_o christ_n i_o be_o reconcile_v to_o he_o in_o which_o word_n authority_n be_v give_v to_o a_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o redeem_v a_o man_n penitent_a from_o hell_n &_o damnation_n not_o that_o he_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o work_v out_o this_o redemption_n for_o that_o whole_o and_o only_o be_v christ_n himself_o but_o he_o be_v god_n instrument_n and_o christ_n instrument_n first_o to_o apply_v those_o mean_n unto_o he_o second_o to_o pronounce_v his_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n when_o these_o mean_n be_v use_v here_o be_v the_o principal_a honour_n of_o all_o belong_v to_o that_o call_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v vouchsafe_v to_o any_o creature_n man_n 〈◊〉_d angel_n for_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a commission_n to_o go_v and_o deliver_v such_o a_o man_n from_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n &_o to_o redeem_v he_o into_o the_o state_n of_o god_n child_n and_o to_o make_v he_o heir_n of_o heaven_n angel_n neâ—er_v have_v this_o commission_n they_o be_v messenger_n send_v out_o for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o who_o minister_n have_v redeem_v ult._n and_o they_o have_v bring_v many_o comfortable_a message_n unto_o they_o but_o it_o be_v never_o say_v to_o any_o angel_n deliver_v that_o man_n that_o he_o go_v not_o down_o 〈◊〉_d the_o pit_n as_o it_o hâ—â—râ—_n be_v say_v unto_o a_o minister_n nor_o any_o man_n but_o minister_n have_v this_o commisâ—ion_n to_o some_o calling_n god_n say_v workâ—_n thou_o for_o man_n build_v he_o house_n provide_v he_o sustenance_n to_o the_o physician_n heal_v that_o man_n to_o the_o lawyer_n do_v that_o man_n justice_n to_o the_o soldier_n fight_v for_o he_o to_o the_o magistrate_n defend_v he_o to_o the_o king_n govern_v he_o and_o see_v that_o every_o one_o do_v his_o duty_n â—_o to_o none_o but_o to_o the_o minister_n do_v he_o say_v deliver_v he_o that_o he_o go_v not_o down_o into_o the_o pit_n if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o for_o the_o use_n first_o minister_n must_v learn_v here_o minister_n that_o if_o they_o will_v have_v the_o honour_n of_o redeemer_n then_o must_v they_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o redeemer_n they_o must_v pray_v earnest_o for_o the_o people_n for_o that_o be_v one_o mean_n whereby_o they_o redeem_v man_n they_o must_v say_v with_o samuel_n god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o 12._o they_o must_v mourn_v for_o the_o impenitent_a when_o they_o will_v not_o turn_v to_o god_n so_o do_v david_n his_o eye_n gush_v out_o with_o river_n of_o water_n 119_o because_o man_n keep_v not_o god_n law_n and_o jeremie_n who_o wâ—shed_v a_o fountain_n of_o water_n in_o his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v weep_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n they_o must_v private_o confer_v â—â—site_a admonish_v and_o rebuke_v and_o principal_o they_o must_v preach_v and_o that_o in_o such_o good_a manner_n and_o in_o so_o diligent_a measure_n as_o that_o they_o may_v redeem_v and_o win_v soul_n and_o the_o end_n that_o they_o must_v aim_v at_o must_v be_v to_o win_v soul_n some_o preach_v for_o fear_n of_o the_o law_n to_o avoid_v censure_n or_o punishment_n some_o for_o fashion_n sake_n that_o they_o may_v be_v like_a to_o other_o some_o for_o ostentation_n sake_n to_o win_v credit_n and_o praise_n some_o for_o ambition_n to_o rise_v in_o the_o world_n all_o these_o forget_v their_o commission_n which_o be_v deliver_v he_o from_o hell_n this_o shall_v be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o preach_n to_o deliver_v a_o soul_n from_o hell_n and_o what_o shall_v commissioner_n do_v