therefore_o go_v to_o god_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o give_v we_o his_o spirit_n to_o work_v true_a faith_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o make_v we_o of_o a_o true_a belief_n and_o second_o see_v man_n may_v be_v christian_n in_o profession_n and_o atheist_n in_o practice_n let_v we_o all_o look_n narrow_o to_o ourselves_o and_o join_v with_o our_o profession_n conscience_n and_o obedience_n for_o else_o the_o more_o we_o know_v god_n the_o worse_o we_o be_v it_o may_v please_v god_n after_o to_o give_v we_o better_a mind_n but_o as_o yet_o we_o be_v no_o better_a than_o denier_v of_o god_n and_o though_o we_o come_v near_o god_n in_o profession_n and_o in_o his_o outward_a service_n yet_o indeed_o we_o be_v far_o from_o he_o because_o we_o want_v that_o true_a faith_n which_o must_v profess_v god_n not_o in_o judgement_n alone_o but_o in_o practice_n and_o that_o will_v bring_v we_o near_o unto_o god_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o 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and_o certain_o never_o man_v find_v god_n that_o seek_v he_o not_o in_o christ_n alone_o and_o when_o popish_a device_n and_o distinction_n have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v man_n will_v be_v find_v liar_n and_o christ_n to_o speak_v truth_n say_v no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o last_o when_o all_o these_o be_v do_v then_o must_v thou_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v become_v thy_o merciful_a father_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o thou_o in_o he_o for_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n but_o if_o thou_o seek_v god_n in_o christ_n thou_o shall_v find_v he_o and_o when_o thou_o have_v do_v the_o three_o former_a thing_n thou_o may_v safe_o and_o assure_o believe_v that_o thou_o have_v true_o seek_v god_n and_o after_o all_o these_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o firm_a and_o lively_a faith_n thou_o do_v not_o seek_v god_n for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o faith_n to_o please_v god_n so_o be_v it_o impossible_a without_o faith_n to_o find_v god_n thus_o if_o a_o man_n lose_v himself_o long_o after_o god_n mercy_n take_v christ_n alone_o for_o his_o guide_n and_o mediator_n and_o steadfast_o believe_v his_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n by_o christ_n than_o he_o seek_v god_n aright_o and_o to_o this_o seek_v belong_v a_o reward_n and_o blessing_n now_o than_o if_o this_o be_v to_o seek_v god_n here_o be_v some_o light_n give_v to_o a_o great_a question_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o their_o doctrine_n true_o catholic_a or_o erroneous_a and_o fail_v in_o fundamental_a point_n for_o answer_v can_v that_o be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o do_v not_o bring_v her_o child_n to_o seek_v god_n or_o that_o catholic_a doctrine_n which_o teach_v not_o her_o child_n to_o seek_v god_n the_o right_a way_n but_o send_v they_o into_o 1000_o byway_n sure_o if_o this_o be_v to_o seek_v god_n then_o search_v all_o the_o popish_a doctor_n and_o almost_o all_o their_o writer_n and_o see_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v not_o teach_v to_o seek_v god_n quite_o in_o another_o walk_n which_o way_n of_o they_o whether_o be_v ordinary_o bring_v the_o seeker_n to_o god_n or_o no_o we_o leave_v to_o god_n merciful_a judgement_n but_o for_o ourselves_o as_o we_o see_v we_o have_v the_o true_a &_o live_a way_n the_o sure_a and_o infallible_a way_n by_o christ_n to_o god_n by_o the_o son_n to_o the_o father_n let_v we_o rejoice_v in_o the_o comfort_n of_o so_o rich_a a_o mercy_n and_o be_v thankful_a to_o the_o lord_n for_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o we_o and_o open_v unto_o we_o the_o true_a way_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o
be_v there_o that_o we_o have_v keep_v his_o commandment_n be_v here_o convince_v to_o be_v liar_n against_o the_o truth_n then_o see_v it_o be_v so_o let_v this_o admonish_v we_o all_o to_o seek_v and_o serve_v god_n in_o all_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n know_v we_o serve_v he_o who_o will_v reward_v it_o nothing_o more_o encourage_v a_o man_n to_o serve_v his_o lord_n and_o king_n then_o to_o see_v that_o his_o pain_n be_v regard_v and_o his_o service_n reward_v nor_o more_o discourage_v a_o man_n then_o the_o contrary_n if_o therefore_o god_n do_v ever_o forget_v any_o that_o serve_v he_o let_v we_o bestow_v service_n elsewhere_o and_o think_v he_o unworthy_a to_o be_v seek_v to_o but_o if_o contrariwise_o he_o never_o forget_v nor_o deceive_v nor_o disappoint_v any_o that_o serve_v he_o then_o be_v he_o most_o worthy_a to_o have_v the_o service_n both_o of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n david_n indeed_o once_o say_v in_o vain_a have_v i_o cleanse_v my_o heart_n and_o wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocence_n &c_n but_o he_o be_v then_o in_o a_o strong_a temptation_n as_o himself_o there_o confess_v but_o afterward_o when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o god_n and_o search_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n 17._o he_o confess_v he_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o as_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n he_o have_v acknowledge_v 1._o that_o god_n be_v good_a to_o israel_n 28._o so_o in_o the_o last_o he_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n and_o so_o though_o the_o temptation_n be_v very_o vehement_a yet_o as_o faith_n appear_v in_o the_o beginning_n so_o it_o have_v victory_n in_o the_o end_n and_o testify_v that_o god_n be_v good_a to_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o another_o time_n also_o for_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o many_o sorrow_n and_o temptation_n be_v in_o some_o extreme_a distress_n his_o corruption_n so_o prevail_v 116.11_o that_o he_o say_v all_o man_n be_v liar_n whatsoever_o samuel_n or_o god_n or_o nathan_n and_o other_o prophet_n have_v tell_v i_o of_o god_n love_n and_o mercy_n and_o of_o his_o promise_n and_o providence_n and_o fatherly_a care_n i_o see_v it_o be_v all_o false_a and_o nothing_o so_o now_o sure_o if_o david_n or_o all_o the_o king_n in_o the_o world_n can_v prove_v this_o than_o god_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v seek_v after_o but_o great_a man_n think_v they_o may_v say_v any_o thing_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v move_v as_o david_n here_o be_v but_o when_o david_n enter_v into_o himself_o &_o consider_v the_o word_n he_o have_v so_o presumptuous_o utter_v upon_o better_a advice_n he_o confess_v and_o write_v it_o up_o for_o all_o posterity_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o his_o own_o shame_n that_o it_o be_v in_o passion_n i_o say_v in_o my_o fear_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n 11._o this_o he_o say_v in_o his_o haste_n or_o in_o his_o fear_n but_o upon_o advice_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o confess_v god_n benefit_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a to_o he_o 12._o as_o he_o can_v tell_v what_o to_o render_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o cry_v out_o in_o admiration_n 31.19_o o_o how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n which_o thou_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v thou_o and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o even_o before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n we_o see_v then_o that_o merciful_a promise_n of_o christ_n be_v ever_o make_v good_a seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v math._n 6._o none_o ever_o seek_v god_n but_o find_v we_o may_v seek_v our_o own_o pleasure_n and_o live_v loose_o and_o be_v deceive_v and_o hear_v that_o fearful_a question_n what_o profit_n have_v you_o now_o of_o these_o thing_n rom._n 6._o what_o reward_n but_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n but_o if_o we_o seek_v god_n aright_o we_o never_o loose_v our_o labour_n let_v we_o therefore_o seek_v god_n let_v the_o hand_n of_o our_o heart_n knock_v at_o god_n mercy_n gate_n in_o christ_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o go_v away_o without_o a_o reward_n the_o prodigal_a child_n flee_v from_o his_o father_n spend_v all_o and_o lose_v his_o favour_n but_o he_o no_o soon_o say_v i_o will_v return_v and_o humble_v myself_o to_o my_o father_n but_o he_o find_v he_o and_o win_v his_o father_n favour_n again_o 16._o so_o let_v we_o but_o offer_v ourselves_o to_o seek_v god_n god_n understand_v our_o thought_n long_o before_o he_o will_v meet_v we_o and_o receive_v we_o 139._o and_o give_v we_o a_o reward_n three_o as_o god_n reward_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o so_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o none_o miss_v he_o all_o find_v that_o seek_v great_a one_o have_v not_o access_n and_o the_o poor_a keep_v out_o but_o all_o receive_a as_o they_o come_v no_o difference_n but_o the_o more_o careful_o any_o seek_v the_o more_o welcome_a be_v they_o here_o let_v prince_n and_o great_a man_n learn_v their_o duty_n at_o god_n by_o who_o grace_n and_o permission_n they_o be_v what_o they_o be_v first_o let_v they_o think_v it_o unbeseeming_a their_o greatness_n to_o let_v any_o serve_v they_o without_o a_o reward_n and_o a_o stain_n to_o their_o honour_n not_o to_o let_v well_o deserve_v subject_n find_v their_o favour_n let_v they_o not_o daunt_v their_o heart_n by_o not_o regard_v they_o and_o their_o pain_n but_o let_v they_o encourage_v they_o to_o serve_v they_o by_o look_v at_o they_o by_o good_a countenance_n and_o good_a speech_n and_o by_o reward_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o worth_n all_o great_a man_n shall_v esteem_v this_o as_o one_o of_o the_o pearl_n of_o their_o crown_n to_o have_v it_o say_v of_o they_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o serve_v he_o again_o let_v they_o learn_v to_o dispense_v their_o favour_n according_a to_o reason_n and_o not_o affection_n only_o god_n be_v indifferent_a and_o equal_a to_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o so_o let_v prince_n be_v for_o that_o be_v true_a honour_n &_o justice_n to_o reward_v each_o one_o as_o he_o deserve_v and_o that_o he_o may_v find_v the_o best_a who_o do_v best_a this_o will_v make_v every_o one_o strive_v who_o shall_v be_v first_o and_o forward_a in_o all_o serviceable_a duty_n further_o this_o must_v teach_v they_o not_o to_o despise_v they_o that_o be_v under_o they_o in_o this_o world_n for_o howsoever_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n require_v that_o difference_n of_o person_n else_o it_o can_v stand_v it_o be_v nothing_o so_o with_o god_n nor_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o there_o the_o subject_n the_o servant_n the_o poor_a man_n may_v challenge_v his_o part_n in_o god_n favour_n as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a nay_o whosoever_o seek_v the_o most_o careful_o shall_v find_v the_o best_a reward_n moreover_o here_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o man_n who_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v underling_n in_o this_o world_n seek_v they_o favour_v here_o and_o find_v it_o not_o work_v they_o here_o and_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o be_v not_o reward_v let_v they_o learn_v to_o seek_v god_n who_o will_v assure_o both_o regard_n what_o they_o do_v and_o abundant_o reward_v it_o four_o see_v god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o here_o be_v a_o comfortable_a encouragement_n against_o two_o great_a impediment_n which_o hinder_v many_o a_o man_n from_o serve_v god_n first_o to_o seek_v god_n be_v but_o a_o matter_n of_o mockery_n to_o profane_a man_n for_o let_v a_o man_n set_v his_o face_n to_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v present_o samaritan_n which_o for_o that_o cause_n will_v hate_v and_o mock_v he_o let_v a_o man_n set_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v god_n by_o hear_v the_o word_n more_o careful_o pray_v to_o god_n instruct_v his_o family_n or_o keep_v the_o sabbaoth_n more_o careful_o than_o afore_o and_o forthwith_o he_o be_v the_o laugh_a stock_n and_o the_o byword_n to_o profane_a man_n but_o lo_o here_o be_v comfort_n the_o god_n who_o thou_o seek_v will_v reward_v thou_o and_o that_o so_o rich_o that_o thou_o will_v think_v thyself_o well_o recompense_v both_o for_o thy_o service_n and_o their_o mock_n in_o this_o world_n man_n care_v not_o who_o think_v or_o speak_v evil_a of_o they_o so_o the_o prince_n like_o they_o and_o shall_v it_o not_o encourage_v we_o to_o seek_v god_n though_o the_o world_n mock_v we_o see_v so_o do_v we_o please_v god_n and_o so_o far_o do_v please_v he_o as_o he_o will_v high_o reward_v we_o those_o therefore_o that_o fall_v from_o religion_n for_o those_o mocker_n it_o appear_v they_o seek_v not_o to_o please_v god_n but_o man_n second_o for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o magistrate_n or_o a_o minister_n to_o do_v his_o duty_n careful_o be_v the_o high_a
be_v afar_o off_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o true_a faith_n this_o be_v in_o noah_n &_o wrought_v in_o he_o a_o reverence_n and_o so_o will_v it_o in_o we_o if_o it_o be_v in_o us._n when_o man_n cry_v fire_n fire_n we_o stir_v we_o run_v we_o tremble_v but_o god_n cry_v in_o his_o word_n the_o fire_n of_o hell_n the_o fire_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o we_o care_v not_o we_o stir_v not_o we_o leave_v not_o our_o sin_n we_o be_v not_o move_v with_o reverence_n as_o noah_n be_v therefore_o it_o be_v more_o than_o manifest_a that_o holy_a faith_n be_v want_v in_o the_o world_n which_o noah_n have_v the_o second_o motive_n stir_v up_o this_o reverence_n in_o he_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n wonderful_a mercy_n to_o he_o and_o his_o family_n in_o save_v they_o this_o mercy_n seem_v so_o wonderful_a to_o he_o both_o for_o that_o he_o know_v it_o be_v undeserued_a know_v himself_o a_o sinful_a man_n and_o therefore_o not_o able_a to_o merit_v god_n favour_n and_o be_v privy_a to_o himself_o of_o his_o own_o manifold_a imperfection_n and_o also_o unexpected_a for_o he_o never_o think_v to_o have_v be_v spare_v alone_o in_o a_o universal_a destruction_n therefore_o he_o wonder_v with_o reverence_n at_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n thus_o god_n mercy_n do_v not_o only_o win_v a_o man_n heart_n to_o love_n god_n but_o even_o to_o fear_v he_o with_o much_o reverence_n this_o david_n prove_v psalm_n 130.4_o there_o be_v mercy_n with_o thou_o o_o lord_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v thy_o great_a mercy_n to_o thy_o child_n o_o lord_n do_v make_v they_o conceive_v a_o reverend_a estimation_n of_o thou_o this_o make_v david_n cry_v out_o in_o a_o holy_a passion_n how_o excellent_a be_v thy_o mercy_n o_o lord_n psal._n and_o as_o god_n child_n wonder_v at_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n mercy_n unto_o they_o so_o also_o at_o their_o own_o baseness_n and_o unworthiness_n thus_o do_v holy_a david_n 2._o sam._n 7.18_o who_o as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o much_o faith_n so_o be_v he_o full_a of_o excellent_a meditation_n and_o reverend_a speech_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a effect_n of_o faith_n when_o god_n have_v set_v he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n he_o say_v who_o be_o i_o o_o lord_n and_o what_o be_v my_o house_n that_o thou_o have_v bring_v i_o hither_o and_o 1._o chron._n 29.14_o but_o who_o be_o i_o say_v he_o and_o what_o be_v my_o people_n that_o we_o shall_v offer_v thus_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o doubtless_o even_o so_o say_v noah_n bless_a soul_n often_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o itself_o who_o be_o i_o o_o lord_n and_o what_o be_v my_o family_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v choose_v out_o of_o so_o many_o thousand_o and_o be_v save_v when_o all_o the_o world_n perish_v let_v we_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o church_n and_o state_n if_o any_o nation_n have_v cause_n to_o say_v thus_o it_o be_v england_n god_n have_v deliver_v we_o out_o of_o the_o thraldom_n of_o spiritual_a egypt_n and_o lead_v we_o out_o not_o by_o a_o moses_n but_o first_o by_o a_o child_n then_o by_o a_o woman_n and_o give_v we_o his_o gospel_n more_o full_o and_o free_o and_o quiet_o than_o any_o kingdom_n so_o great_a in_o the_o world_n and_o still_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o curse_a plot_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o tyrannous_a invasion_n of_o the_o spaniard_n who_o think_v to_o have_v mark_v we_o in_o the_o forehead_n with_o the_o brand_n of_o infamy_n and_o to_o have_v do_v to_o we_o as_o they_o have_v do_v to_o other_o nation_n who_o they_o have_v conquer_v but_o god_n from_o heaven_n fight_v for_o we_o and_o overthrow_v they_o in_o their_o own_o device_n yea_o the_o lord_n put_v his_o hook_n in_o his_o nostril_n and_o his_o bridle_n in_o his_o lip_n and_o carry_v he_o back_o again_o with_o shame_n and_o reproach_n we_o be_v unworthy_a of_o such_o a_o mercy_n if_o our_o soul_n do_v not_o often_o say_v unto_o god_n o_o lord_n what_o be_v we_o and_o what_o be_v our_o people_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v so_o wonderful_a in_o thy_o mercy_n unto_o we_o and_o particular_o this_o must_v teach_v every_o christian_n to_o be_v a_o careful_a observer_n of_o the_o favour_n &_o mercy_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o his_o soul_n or_o body_n to_o he_o or_o he_o and_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o must_v make_v he_o daily_o be_v move_v with_o reverence_n and_o reverend_a thought_n of_o god_n majesty_n &_o still_o as_o the_o lord_n be_v more_o and_o more_o merciful_a unto_o he_o to_o bear_v still_o the_o more_o fear_n and_o reverence_n unto_o he_o for_o the_o same_o the_o last_o motive_n of_o this_o reverence_n in_o noah_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n power_n and_o wisdom_n both_o in_o the_o judgement_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o mercy_n upon_o he_o for_o first_o in_o the_o judgement_n it_o be_v wonderful_a that_o god_n will_v choose_v so_o weak_a a_o element_n as_o water_n to_o destroy_v &_o vanquish_v the_o huge_a giant_n of_o those_o day_n but_o therein_o appear_v first_o god_n power_n that_o by_o so_o weak_a mean_n can_v cast_v down_o his_o enemy_n and_o again_o his_o wisdom_n that_o as_o a_o universal_a wickedness_n have_v pollute_v the_o whole_a world_n so_o a_o flood_n of_o water_n shall_v wash_v the_o whole_a world_n second_o the_o mercy_n be_v also_o wonderful_a that_o god_n shall_v choose_v to_o save_v noah_n by_o so_o strange_a a_o mean_a as_o a_o ark_n which_o shall_v swim_v on_o the_o water_n for_o noah_n think_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v save_v i_o he_o will_v either_o take_v i_o up_o into_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v henoch_n a_o little_a before_o or_o else_o make_v i_o build_v a_o house_n upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o high_a mountain_n but_o the_o lord_n will_v save_v he_o by_o no_o such_o mean_n but_o by_o a_o ark_n wherein_o appear_v first_o god_n power_n that_o will_v save_v he_o by_o so_o weak_a a_o mean_n as_o may_v seem_v rather_o to_o destroy_v he_o for_o noah_n must_v lie_v and_o swim_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n and_o yet_o be_v save_v from_o the_o water_n and_o the_o ark_n mâ—st_v save_v he_o which_o in_o all_o reason_n if_o the_o tempest_n have_v cast_v it_o against_o the_o hard_a rock_n and_o mountain_n or_o upon_o the_o strong_a castle_n and_o house_n of_o the_o mighty_a giant_n will_v have_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o so_o it_o have_v but_o that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o master_n and_o pilot_n in_o that_o voyage_n and_o second_o god_n wisdom_n shine_v clear_o in_o this_o mean_n because_o god_n will_v have_v he_o save_v not_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o world_n may_v not_o see_v it_o as_o it_o will_v have_v be_v if_o he_o have_v be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n or_o into_o the_o air_n but_o will_v have_v he_o save_v in_o a_o ark_n that_o so_o alâ—_n the_o wicked_a man_n as_o they_o â—ere_z a_o die_a in_o the_o water_n or_o expect_v death_n upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o hill_n may_v see_v he_o live_v and_o be_v save_v to_o their_o more_o torment_n and_o to_o their_o great_a shame_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n word_n as_o he_o do_v for_o as_o the_o wicked_a in_o hell_n be_v more_o torment_v to_o see_v the_o godly_a in_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n so_o doubtless_o be_v the_o wicked_a of_o that_o age_n to_o see_v noah_n save_v before_o their_o eye_n the_o view_n of_o this_o power_n &_o wisdom_n of_o god_n herein_o make_v noah_n give_v great_a reverence_n to_o god_n majesty_n and_o no_o lesâ—e_n ought_v it_o to_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o true_a hearâ—ed_a english_a man_n and_o faithful_a christian_n for_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n restore_v &_o establish_v the_o gospel_n to_o our_o nation_n by_o a_o child_n and_o by_o a_o woman_n and_o in_o her_o time_n when_o all_o other_o prince_n be_v against_o she_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o policy_n and_o do_v not_o god_n in_o our_o late_a deliverance_n overthrow_n our_o enemy_n not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o power_n of_o man_n as_o by_o his_o own_o hand_n do_v not_o he_o fight_v from_o heaven_n do_v not_o the_o star_n and_o the_o wind_n in_o their_o course_n sight_n against_o that_o sisera_n of_o spain_n let_v we_o therefore_o with_o bless_a noah_n stand_v amaze_v to_o see_v god_n mercy_n &_o with_o reverence_n &_o fear_n magnify_v his_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v the_o three_o motive_n that_o move_v in_o noah_n this_o reverence_n of_o god_n the_o consideration_n first_o of_o his_o great_a judgement_n on_o the_o sinful_a world_n 2._o of_o his_o great_a mercy_n in_o save_v he_o 3._o of_o his_o admirable_a power_n and_o wisdom_n show_v both_o
man_n to_o some_o particular_a estate_n and_o duty_n in_o family_n church_n or_o commonwealth_n as_o when_o a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o magistrate_n minister_n master_n of_o a_o family_n lawyer_n physician_n etc._n etc._n three_o god_n call_v some_o man_n to_o some_o private_a personal_a duty_n which_o he_o design_v not_o to_o other_o but_o to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o alone_o such_o a_o calling_n have_v he_o assign_v he_o matthew_n 19.21_o that_o will_v needs_o be_v perfect_a go_v sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v etc._n etc._n now_o the_o call_n of_o abraham_n in_o this_o place_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o this_o three_o kind_n for_o it_o be_v a_o private_a and_o personal_a call_n to_o leave_v his_o country_n his_o kindred_n his_o land_n his_o possession_n and_o to_o go_v seek_v another_o and_o to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o to_o receive_v the_o covenant_n and_o this_o duty_n belong_v to_o none_o but_o who_o shall_v personal_o &_o by_o name_n be_v call_v unto_o it_o yet_o all_o these_o three_o calling_n may_v concur_v in_o one_o as_o here_o in_o he_o for_o he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o the_o general_a and_o a_o governor_n of_o a_o great_a family_n for_o the_o particular_a calling_n but_o that_o that_o be_v in_o this_o place_n understand_v be_v this_o extraordinary_a and_o personal_a calling_n to_o leave_v his_o country_n and_o in_o it_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v three_o circumstance_n 1._o who_o be_v call_v 2._o when_o 3._o how_o he_o be_v call_v for_o the_o first_o abraham_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o terah_n but_o neither_o his_o father_n terah_n nor_o his_o brother_n nahor_n be_v call_v but_o abraham_n alone_o but_o it_o may_v worthy_o be_v demand_v why_o god_n shall_v not_o call_v his_o father_n and_o his_o kindred_n there_o can_v be_v no_o answer_n but_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n give_v rom._n 9.18_o god_n have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v and_o withhold_v it_o from_o who_o he_o will_n he_o call_v isaak_n and_o refuse_v ishmael_n love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n take_v abel_n and_o leave_v cain_n even_o because_o he_o will_v and_o for_o no_o cause_n that_o we_o know_v but_o why_o then_o call_v he_o abraham_n and_o not_o his_o kindred_n be_v not_o that_o partiality_n i_o answer_v he_o be_v tie_v to_o none_o he_o may_v refuse_v all_o therefore_o the_o marvel_n be_v that_o he_o call_v any_o but_o why_o some_o and_o not_o other_o why_o abraham_n and_o not_o his_o kindred_n no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v for_o god_n judgement_n be_v wonderful_a but_o as_o that_o that_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n math._n 19.26_o so_o that_o that_o be_v injustice_n or_o partiality_n with_o man_n be_v justice_n with_o god_n and_o it_o be_v extreme_a folly_n and_o intolerable_a presumption_n for_o we_o to_o weigh_v god_n action_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o our_o shallow_a reason_n for_o the_o second_o but_o when_o be_v abraham_n call_v for_o the_o time_n there_o be_v two_o circumstance_n worth_a the_o observation_n first_o abraham_n be_v call_v to_o this_o dignity_n when_o he_o live_v in_o idolatry_n with_o his_o father_n so_o say_v joshua_n 24.2_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n your_o father_n dwell_v beyond_o the_o flood_n in_o old_a time_n even_o terah_n the_o father_n of_o abraham_n and_o serve_v other_o god_n if_o abraham_n be_v call_v by_o god_n when_o he_o be_v a_o idolater_n than_o it_o be_v apparent_a he_o have_v not_o purchase_v god_n favour_n by_o his_o work_n where_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o a_o man_n salvation_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n mere_a mercy_n who_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o isaiah_n 65.1_o abraham_n never_o dream_v of_o the_o true_a god_n nor_o of_o any_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n when_o god_n call_v he_o and_o so_o when_o paul_n be_v go_v arm_v with_o bloody_a fury_n and_o his_o fury_n arm_v with_o commission_n and_o authority_n against_o the_o saint_n than_o god_n from_o heaven_n call_v he_o and_o of_o a_o persecuter_n make_v he_o the_o principal_a instrument_n of_o his_o glory_n act_v 9.2_o etc._n etc._n therefore_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o ourselves_o if_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v we_o the_o same_o grace_n and_o take_v we_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o salvation_n with_o we_o which_o in_o former_a time_n have_v be_v sinner_n of_o the_o gentile_n we_o must_v learn_v here_o to_o see_v whence_o this_o favour_n be_v and_o therefore_o to_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o ourselves_o but_o give_v all_o the_o glory_n unto_o god_n and_o particular_o for_o every_o one_o of_o we_o if_o god_n have_v be_v so_o merciful_a to_o any_o of_o we_o as_o when_o we_o be_v popish_a or_o superstitious_a with_o our_o parent_n or_o kindred_n to_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o bring_v we_o home_o to_o his_o holy_a truth_n or_o when_o we_o welter_v in_o wickedness_n and_o sensuality_n with_o the_o profane_a world_n to_o touch_v our_o heart_n and_o to_o call_v we_o to_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n let_v we_o often_o remember_v and_o free_o acknowledge_v this_o his_o undeserued_a mercy_n and_o say_v with_o the_o holy_a prophet_n unto_o thâ—e_n belong_v mercy_n but_o unto_o we_o open_a shame_n second_o for_o the_o time_n when_o abraham_n be_v call_v it_o be_v when_o he_o be_v 75._o year_n of_o age_n or_o thereabouts_o as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o story_n genesis_n 12.4_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o god_n for_o a_o long_a time_n let_v he_o lie_v in_o his_o blindness_n and_o idolatry_n ere_o he_o call_v he_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a that_o abraham_n in_o that_o mean_a time_n live_v civil_o &_o follow_v learning_n &_o other_o civil_a course_n and_o in_o that_o time_n it_o be_v likely_a he_o attain_a to_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o astronomy_n and_o other_o learning_n for_o which_o he_o be_v renown_v in_o old_a writer_n but_o this_o be_v the_o first_o time_n that_o he_o be_v call_v to_o know_v and_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n in_o his_o true_a service_n here_o we_o learn_v that_o though_o a_o man_n persevere_v in_o his_o sin_n for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o pass_v his_o best_a year_n in_o vanity_n without_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o be_v in_o a_o grievous_a and_o fearful_a estate_n yet_o true_a believer_n and_o man_n penitent_a must_v not_o therefore_o judge_v they_o castaway_n for_o god_n mercy_n call_v a_o man_n in_o his_o old_a age_n and_o touch_v the_o heart_n when_o it_o please_v he_o christ_n in_o the_o parable_n call_v some_o at_o the_o 11._o hour_n mat._n 20.6_o and_o so_o god_n call_v man_n to_o grace_n in_o their_o old_a age_n we_o must_v therefore_o spare_v these_o sharp_a &_o unsavourie_a censure_n which_o some_o unaduised_o cast_v upon_o such_o man_n for_o charity_n think_v not_o evil_a 1._o corinth_n 13_o where_o it_o may_v think_v or_o suppose_v any_o possibibility_n of_o good_a but_o contrariwise_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o hope_v of_o their_o conversion_n because_o we_o know_v that_o at_o what_o time_n soever_o a_o sinner_n repent_v of_o his_o sin_n god_n will_v forgive_v he_o ezek._n 18.27.28_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o man_n must_v not_o presume_v to_o live_v careless_o in_o their_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v desperate_o to_o tempt_v god_n but_o must_v follow_v the_o holy_a counsel_n of_o solomon_n eccles._n 12.1_o to_o remember_v their_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o youth_n and_o to_o turn_v unto_o god_n when_o they_o have_v mean_n lest_o god_n take_v away_o the_o mean_n and_o with_o the_o mean_n his_o favour_n from_o they_o abraham_n be_v not_o call_v till_o he_o be_v old_a but_o when_o he_o be_v call_v he_o hearken_v and_o obey_v so_o must_v thou_o when_o god_n call_v thou_o by_o affliction_n or_o by_o his_o word_n than_o answer_n and_o obey_v as_o abraham_n do_v or_o else_o abraham_n calling_n in_o his_o old_a age_n will_v be_v little_a comfort_n to_o thou_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o time_n three_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o call_n it_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o story_n of_o genesis_n to_o be_v in_o a_o earnest_a kind_n of_o counsel_n go_v out_o say_v god_n from_o thy_o kindred_n and_o from_o thy_o father_n house_n unto_o the_o land_n that_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v he_o say_v not_o bare_o go_v or_o come_v forth_o but_o he_o amplifi_v and_o urge_v it_o with_o many_o word_n and_o circumstance_n if_o any_o ask_v why_o god_n do_v so_o when_o he_o may_v have_v give_v the_o commandment_n in_o one_o word_n i_o answer_v the_o reason_n be_v that_o abraham_n may_v have_v cause_n more_o serious_o to_o consider_v of_o god_n calling_n and_o to_o
be_v the_o right_a time_n for_o a_o man_n to_o show_v his_o faith_n when_o there_o be_v in_o himself_o no_o cause_n of_o believe_v object_n but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v believe_v answ._n indeed_o to_o believe_v then_o be_v a_o wonderful_a hard_a thing_n and_o a_o miracle_n of_o miracle_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o property_n of_o true_a faith_n so_o to_o do_v and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o dram_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o despair_n howsoever_o it_o may_v for_o a_o time_n lie_v hide_v as_o dead_a yet_o at_o the_o length_n it_o will_v make_v he_o to_o hope_n and_o wait_v for_o mercy_n and_o life_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o almighty_a god._n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n at_o any_o time_n to_o lay_v a_o torment_n upon_o our_o conscience_n so_o as_o we_o shall_v strive_v with_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n think_v that_o he_o have_v cast_v we_o away_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o than_o we_o must_v believe_v gods_n promise_n and_o set_v before_o we_o his_o mercy_n and_o therewith_o refresh_v us._n and_o if_o this_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n many_o sundry_a time_n be_v in_o a_o most_o miserable_a case_n the_o lord_n therefore_o have_v most_o merciful_o provide_v to_o help_v he_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n when_o a_o man_n be_v pass_v all_o hope_n of_o life_n he_o must_v then_o believe_v and_o hope_v for_o life_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o preservation_n and_o undoubted_o this_o be_v a_o comfortable_a sign_n of_o grace_n if_o a_o man_n in_o the_o horror_n of_o conscience_n can_v show_v forth_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o true_a faith_n four_o note_v the_o effect_n and_o issue_n of_o this_o faith_n they_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n we_o say_v usual_o that_o water_n &_o fire_n be_v unmerciful_a creature_n and_o therefore_o the_o natural_a man_n fear_v they_o both_o but_o the_o israelite_n faith_n make_v they_o not_o to_o fear_v the_o water_n but_o it_o make_v they_o bold_a even_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o sea_n the_o like_a we_o may_v see_v for_o fire_n in_o the_o 3._o child_n dan._n 3.16.23_o who_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o the_o hot_a burn_a oven_n but_o be_v as_o bold_a in_o it_o as_o out_o of_o it_o ravenous_a &_o wild_a beast_n be_v terrible_a unto_o man_n but_o faith_n make_v a_o man_n not_o to_o fear_v they_o and_o therefore_o daniel_n fear_v not_o the_o lion_n though_o he_o be_v throw_v into_o their_o den_n to_o be_v devour_v dan._n 6.22_o great_a be_v the_o fruit_n and_o force_n of_o faith_n it_o take_v from_o a_o man_n the_o fear_n of_o those_o creature_n which_o by_o nature_n be_v most_o terrible_a and_o here_o we_o see_v a_o cause_n why_o the_o holy_a martyr_n of_o god_n die_v most_o cheerful_o a_o man_n will_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o one_o shall_v go_v into_o the_o fire_n rejoice_v as_o many_o of_o they_o do_v but_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o have_v faith_n in_o their_o heart_n which_o take_v away_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o most_o fearful_a creature_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o may_z some_z say_v that_o the_o israelite_n by_o faith_n go_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n not_o fear_v the_o water_n why_o may_v not_o we_o that_o believe_v now_o do_v the_o same_o for_o we_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n that_o they_o have_v answ._n we_o have_v indeed_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v pass_v through_o water_n as_o they_o do_v for_o their_o faith_n rest_v on_o two_o promise_n first_o on_o this_o make_v to_o abraham_n i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n second_o on_o a_o particular_a promise_n make_v to_o moses_n for_o when_o he_o command_v he_o to_o go_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n withal_o he_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v they_o and_o this_o they_o believe_v and_o so_o go_v through_o now_o howsoever_o we_o have_v justify_v faith_n have_v the_o same_o general_a promise_n yet_o we_o have_v not_o the_o like_a particular_a promise_n that_o if_o we_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n god_n will_v be_v with_o we_o and_o save_v us._n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v adventure_v to_o do_v so_o let_v he_o look_v for_o nothing_o but_o death_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o action_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o presumption_n and_o therefore_o peter_n sink_v when_o he_o will_v needs_o walk_v unto_o christ_n upon_o the_o sea_n have_v no_o such_o hold_n upon_o god_n special_a promise_n as_o here_o they_o have_v and_o the_o egyptian_n follow_v presumptuous_o be_v drown_v wherefore_o let_v we_o here_o be_v warn_v not_o to_o attempt_v to_o do_v extraordinary_a work_n without_o god_n special_a warrant_n for_o a_o particular_a faith_n require_v a_o particular_a promise_n beside_o the_o general_a promise_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n further_o let_v we_o here_o observe_v a_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o power_n when_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v into_o extremity_n of_o danger_n so_o as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o desperate_a case_n for_o their_o temporal_a life_n yet_o than_o the_o lord_n find_v a_o way_n of_o deliverance_n and_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n consider_v aright_o of_o it_o he_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o israelite_n be_v in_o a_o pitiful_a case_n for_o they_o have_v the_o red_a sea_n before_o they_o and_o mountain_n on_o each_o side_n and_o themselves_o hinder_v from_o flight_n by_o their_o bag_n and_o baggage_n and_o with_o their_o child_n and_o the_o huge_a host_n of_o pharaoh_n behind_o they_o so_o as_o to_o man_n reason_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o present_a death_n to_o be_v look_v for_o yet_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n to_o save_v they_o make_v a_o way_n where_o there_o be_v no_o way_n and_o open_v they_o a_o gap_n to_o life_n when_o natural_a reason_n can_v lay_v before_o they_o nothing_o but_o violent_a death_n which_o show_v the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o his_o own_o people_n and_o servant_n and_o the_o like_a thing_n we_o may_v read_v of_o in_o david_n when_o he_o abide_v in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o maon_n for_o there_o saul_n follow_v he_o and_o he_o and_o his_o man_n compass_v david_n and_o his_o man_n round_o about_o 1._o sam._n 23.26_o 27._o now_o what_o hope_v of_o deliverance_n be_v there_o for_o david_n ans._n sure_o this_o only_a david_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n &_o the_o lord_n preserve_v he_o that_o he_o may_v rule_v his_o people_n after_o saul_n death_n and_o therefore_o he_o escape_v though_o wonderful_o for_o a_o messenger_n come_v to_o saul_n and_o bid_v he_o haste_n for_o the_o philistines_n invade_v the_o land_n and_o so_o saul_n return_v from_o pursue_v david_n and_o go_v against_o the_o philistines_n hence_o we_o learn_v this_o general_a rule_n that_o in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o danger_n god_n have_v mean_n to_o preserve_v and_o save_v his_o own_o child_n and_o people_n which_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o commend_v our_o case_n to_o god_n and_o to_o rest_v on_o he_o in_o all_o danger_n for_o when_o our_o case_n be_v desperate_a in_o our_o sight_n then_o be_v we_o fit_a for_o god_n help_v let_v we_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n learn_v to_o practise_v our_o faith_n and_o then_o especial_o to_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o god._n this_o jehosaphat_n do_v most_o notable_o for_o be_v assault_v with_o the_o huge_a army_n of_o the_o moabite_n ammonite_n etc._n etc._n he_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n most_o fervent_o say_v 2._o chron._n 20.12_o lord_n there_o be_v no_o strength_n in_o we_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v but_o our_o eye_n be_v towards_o thou_o and_o thus_o do_v be_v preserve_v for_o god_n will_v in_o no_o extremity_n forsake_v they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o the_o red_a sea_n in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v call_v the_o sea_n of_o rush_n psal._n 106.7_o 9_o or_o the_o sea_n of_o sedge_n jer._n 49.21_o it_o be_v a_o corner_n of_o the_o arabian_a sea_n that_o part_v egypt_n and_o arabia_n those_o which_o have_v see_v it_o in_o travel_n say_v it_o have_v no_o other_o colour_n than_o all_o other_o sea_n have_v why_o then_o be_v it_o call_v the_o red_a sea_n answ._n to_o omit_v many_o suppose_a cause_n hereof_o there_o be_v two_o especial_o for_o which_o it_o be_v so_o call_v 1_o because_o of_o the_o red_a sand_n for_o both_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o shore_n be_v full_a of_o red_a sand_n than_o ordinary_o be_v elsewhere_o 2_o some_o think_v it_o be_v call_v the_o red_a sea_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o sedge_n and_o bul-rush_n which_o grow_v much_o at_o the_o sea_n side_n and_o be_v of_o a_o red_a colour_n which_o by_o reflection_n may_v
be_v so_o than_o he_o call_v all_o man_n effectual_o answer_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o apostle_n according_a to_o his_o meaning_n for_o roman_n 11.15_o he_o expound_v himself_o &_o show_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o world_n say_v that_o the_o fall_v away_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o reconcile_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o man_n in_o all_o the_o age_n but_o in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n after_o christ_n ascension_n wherein_o god_n offer_v to_o all_o the_o world_n life_n everlasting_a by_o christ._n further_o rahab_n be_v here_o note_v by_o a_o notorious_a vice_n she_o be_v call_v a_o harlot_n whereby_o she_o be_v infamous_a among_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n certain_a of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o new_a testament_n say_v that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o s._n james_n do_v great_a wrong_n unto_o rahab_n for_o call_v she_o a_o harlot_n for_o say_v they_o in_o josuah_n she_o be_v call_v but_o a_o taverner_n or_o hostess_n answer_n we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o word_n which_o be_v use_v in_o josuah_n signify_v two_o thing_n a_o taverner_n and_o a_o harlot_n now_o take_v the_o word_n proper_o as_o it_o be_v general_o use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o then_o most_o common_o it_o be_v put_v for_o a_o harlot_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n rahab_n have_v no_o wrong_n do_v she_o by_o this_o title_n for_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o josuah_n intend_v to_o show_v what_o a_o one_o she_o have_v be_v and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v of_o she_o to_o the_o spy_n he_o bid_v they_o go_v into_o that_o harlot_n house_n josuah_n 6.22_o use_v such_o a_o article_n as_o imply_v that_o she_o have_v be_v infamous_a and_o notorious_a in_o that_o kind_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o she_o play_v the_o harlot_n after_o she_o have_v receive_v grace_n to_o believe_v but_o long_o before_o for_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n neither_o will_v it_o suffer_v any_o sin_n to_o reign_v therein_o she_o be_v call_v a_o harlot_n therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o her_o life_n past_a for_o which_o she_o be_v infamous_a among_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n before_o her_o call_n to_o the_o faith_n quest._n how_o can_v she_o believe_v be_v a_o harlot_n in_o former_a time_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o neither_o fornicator_n nor_o adulterer_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 1._o cor._n 6.9_o answer_n that_o be_v true_a according_a to_o the_o law_n but_o the_o gospel_n give_v this_o exception_n unless_o they_o repent_v and_o so_o be_v all_o legal_a threaten_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n and_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o her_o sin_n we_o may_v note_v the_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n for_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o call_v most_o notorious_a and_o grievous_a sinner_n to_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n as_o isaiah_n say_v the_o lord_n be_v very_o ready_a to_o forgive_v isaiah_n 55.7_o yea_o with_o the_o lord_n be_v plentiful_a redemption_n psal._n 130.7_o this_o appear_v by_o vouchsafe_v mercy_n to_o rahab_n a_o notable_a harlot_n and_o as_o he_o deal_v with_o rahab_n here_o so_o have_v he_o show_v like_o mercy_n to_o other_o notorious_a sinner_n king_n manasses_n have_v sell_v himself_o to_o idolatry_n and_o witchcraft_n and_o have_v shed_v innocent_a blood_n exceed_v much_o and_o cause_v judah_n to_o sin_n 2._o king_n 21_o 6_o 16_o for_o which_o he_o be_v lead_v captive_a yet_o when_o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o pray_v god_n be_v entreat_v of_o he_o 2._o chron._n 33.13_o and_o paul_n say_v of_o himself_o when_o he_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o persecuter_n and_o a_o oppresser_n he_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n though_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o sinner_n that_o christ_n might_n first_o show_v on_o he_o all_o long_a suffering_n unto_o the_o example_n of_o they_o which_o shall_v in_o time_n to_o come_v believe_v in_o he_o unto_o everlasting_a life_n 1._o tim._n 1_o 13_o 16._o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o exceed_a mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n be_v of_o great_a use_n first_o it_o arm_v a_o poor_a soul_n against_o despair_n whereinto_o the_o devil_n will_v draw_v it_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o sin_n for_o many_o reason_n thus_o my_o sin_n be_v so_o heinous_a so_o many_o and_o so_o vile_a that_o i_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o god_n neither_o can_v i_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o but_o behold_v here_o the_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o forgive_a sin_n to_o they_o that_o repent_v though_o they_o be_v like_o crimson_a and_o scarlet_a and_o never_o so_o many_o this_o must_v comfort_v the_o wound_a soul_n and_o encourage_v all_o touch_v heart_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o sue_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n second_o it_o must_v move_v every_o one_o of_o we_o now_o to_o begin_v to_o repent_v if_o we_o have_v not_o repent_v heretofore_o and_o if_o we_o have_v begin_v to_o do_v it_o more_o earnest_o for_o god_n be_v most_o merciful_a and_o with_o he_o be_v plentiful_a redemption_n yet_o we_o must_v beware_v that_o we_o take_v not_o occasion_n hereby_o to_o live_v in_o sin_n because_o god_n be_v merciful_a for_o this_o be_v to_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n which_o saint_n jude_n make_v a_o brand_n of_o the_o ungodly_a 4._o and_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o reprobate_n who_o as_o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v be_v appoint_v to_o condemnation_n yea_o this_o be_v a_o despise_n of_o the_o bountifulness_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o hereby_o they_o heap_v up_o unto_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n roman_n chapter_n 2_o verses_z 4_o 5._o let_v we_o therefore_o remember_v this_o counsel_n of_o paul_n shall_v we_o sin_v that_o grace_n may_v abound_v god_n forbid_v we_o must_v all_o but_o especial_o young_a man_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o course_n for_o if_o we_o bless_v ourselves_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o say_v we_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o we_o live_v in_o sin_n god_n will_v not_o be_v merciful_a unto_o we_o but_o his_o wrath_n shall_v smoke_v against_o us._n 20._o further_o note_v that_o howsoever_o she_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o a_o most_o infamous_a harlot_n yet_o when_o she_o repent_v god_n do_v honour_n and_o grace_v she_o with_o the_o title_n of_o a_o believer_n and_o that_o among_o those_o most_o renown_a believer_n that_o ever_o live_v before_o christ_n even_o to_o be_v one_o of_o that_o cloud_n of_o witness_n 1._o in_o who_o faith_n be_v commend_v to_o the_o church_n for_o ever_o hence_o also_o it_o be_v 1.5_o that_o saint_n matthew_n reckon_v she_o in_o the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v one_o of_o his_o predecessor_n when_o as_o amasia_n achas_n and_o such_o like_a who_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v do_v never_o repent_v be_v not_o once_o name_v herein_o we_o may_v see_v god_n wonderful_a mercy_n in_o honour_v sinner_n if_o they_o do_v repent_v the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v move_v we_o not_o only_o to_o learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n and_o to_o have_v it_o in_o our_o mouth_n but_o to_o labour_v that_o it_o may_v be_v settle_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v show_v forth_o the_o power_n thereof_o in_o our_o life_n all_o of_o we_o desire_v honour_n and_o reputation_n among_o mâ—n_z well_o if_o we_o will_v be_v honour_v indeed_o we_o must_v repent_v and_o then_o god_n himself_o will_v honour_v we_o neither_o have_v our_o sin_n make_v we_o so_o infamous_a as_o by_o our_o repentance_n god_n shall_v make_v we_o honourable_a further_o concern_v the_o party_n how_o can_v rahab_n come_v by_o faith_n see_v she_o live_v out_o of_o the_o church_n where_o the_o word_n be_v never_o preach_v unto_o she_o answer_n if_o we_o read_v the_o story_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o she_o come_v to_o believe_v by_o a_o report_n of_o god_n marvellous_a act_n 2.20_o for_o when_o the_o lord_n deliver_v the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o drown_v pharaoh_n therein_o with_o all_o his_o â—oast_n as_o they_o go_v further_o he_o deliver_v the_o king_n of_o the_o nation_n into_o their_o hand_n as_o og_n the_o king_n of_o baashan_n with_o the_o king_n of_o the_o amorites_n and_o amalekite_n now_o the_o report_n hereof_o come_v to_o the_o people_n of_o jericho_n whereupon_o they_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o wonderful_a great_a fear_n and_o howsoever_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n make_v no_o other_o use_n of_o it_o but_o to_o arm_v and_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o resist_v and_o beat_v back_o the_o israelite_n yet_o this_o report_n wrought_v further_o with_o rahab_n and_o
it_o be_v needless_a for_o the_o man_n be_v good_a already_o else_o the_o work_n can_v not_o have_v be_v good_a we_o may_v therefore_o say_v work_n be_v rather_o justify_v by_o the_o person_n of_o a_o man_n than_o his_o person_n by_o the_o work_n and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o vain_a thing_n to_o look_v for_o justification_n from_o that_o which_o thou_o thyself_o must_v first_o justify_v afore_o it_o be_v just_a if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n against_o justification_n by_o work_n but_o this_o this_o be_v sufficient_a second_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o till_o a_o man_n be_v call_v and_o his_o person_n justify_v and_o sanctify_v all_o that_o ever_o he_o do_v be_v sin_n 1._o his_o common_a action_n his_o eat_n drink_v sleep_a walk_a talk_a be_v all_o sin_n yea_o 2._o the_o work_n of_o his_o call_n &_o his_o labour_n in_o the_o same_o though_o never_o so_o just_a equal_a and_o upright_o 3._o further_o his_o civil_a action_n namely_o the_o practice_n of_o civil_a virtue_n his_o outward_a gravity_n meekness_n sobriety_n temperance_n quietness_n uprightness_n and_o all_o outward_a conformity_n be_v all_o sin_n yea_o more_o than_o all_o this_o his_o best_a action_n namely_o his_o practise_v of_o the_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o his_o deed_n of_o charity_n his_o prayer_n his_o hear_v the_o word_n his_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n his_o give_v of_o alm_n they_o be_v all_o sin_n unto_o he_o if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o believe_a and_o penitent_a heart_n yea_o such_o sin_n as_o shall_v condemn_v hâ—m_n if_o he_o have_v no_o other_o object_n this_o shall_v seem_v strange_a divinity_n that_o the_o most_o holy_a action_n as_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v damnable_a sin_n i_o answer_v they_o be_v in_o themselves_o holy_a and_o good_a and_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o god_n have_v command_v they_o yet_o in_o the_o doer_n they_o be_v sin_n because_o he_o do_v they_o from_o a_o foul_a &_o unholy_a heart_n for_o the_o same_o action_n may_v be_v holy_a in_o itself_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o a_o sin_n in_o he_o that_o be_v the_o doer_n of_o it_o as_o clear_a water_n pure_a in_o the_o fountain_n be_v corrupt_v or_o poison_v by_o run_v through_o a_o filthy_a and_o pollute_a channel_n so_o be_v even_o the_o best_a action_n sin_n as_o even_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n to_o a_o minister_n who_o heart_n be_v not_o cleanse_v by_o faith_n and_o his_o person_n accept_v of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o he_o and_o if_o he_o repent_v not_o shall_v be_v his_o condemnation_n cain_n sin_v not_o only_o in_o hate_v and_o murder_v his_o brother_n in_o lie_v and_o dissemble_v with_o god_n but_o cain_n sin_v also_o even_o in_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o abel_n sacrifice_n have_v be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n but_o that_o his_o person_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o in_o the_o work_n be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o action_n acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o only_o the_o acceptation_n of_o the_o person_n by_o christ._n this_o be_v so_o it_o stand_v we_o every_o one_o in_o hand_n to_o look_v to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o labour_v above_o all_o thing_n for_o faith_n and_o repentance_n that_o so_o our_o person_n may_v be_v accept_v righteous_a before_o god_n and_o thereby_o our_o action_n accept_v also_o if_o it_o be_v a_o miserable_a thing_n that_o all_o thy_o action_n even_o holy_a action_n shall_v be_v sin_n then_o labour_v to_o be_v justify_v for_o that_o only_o can_v make_v thy_o work_n accept_v if_o not_o then_o though_o thou_o labour_v never_o so_o much_o to_o be_v approve_v in_o the_o world_n &_o set_v never_o so_o glorious_a a_o show_n upon_o thy_o work_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n they_o be_v all_o abominable_a sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n they_o shall_v go_v for_o no_o better_a prithee_o and_o teach_v all_o thy_o life_n long_o nay_o give_v thy_o life_n to_o die_v for_o religion_n give_v all_o thy_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a deprive_v thy_o flesh_n of_o all_o delight_n build_v church_n college_n bridge_n highway_n etc._n etc._n and_o there_o may_v come_v a_o poor_a shepherd_n and_o for_o his_o keep_n of_o his_o sheep_n be_v accept_v when_o thou_o with_o all_o this_o pomp_n of_o outward_a holiness_n may_v be_v reject_v and_o why_o this_o only_o because_o he_o have_v faith_n &_o thou_o have_v none_o his_o person_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o thou_o be_v not_o therefore_o let_v this_o be_v my_o counsel_n from_o abel_n labour_v not_o so_o much_o to_o work_v glorious_a work_n as_o that_o which_o thou_o do_v do_v it_o in_o faith_n faith_n make_v the_o mean_a work_n accept_v and_o want_v of_o faith_n make_v the_o most_o glorious_a work_v reject_v for_o so_o faith_n the_o text._n abel_n must_v be_v accept_v else_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v not_o thus_o we_o see_v abel_n be_v just_a and_o god_n so_o account_v he_o the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o god_n give_v testimony_n he_o be_v so_o in_o these_o word_n god_n give_v testimony_n what_o testimony_n it_o be_v that_o god_n give_v of_o abel_n and_o his_o gift_n it_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o word_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a but_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o when_o he_o &_o cain_n offer_v god_n in_o special_a mercy_n send_v fire_n from_o heaven_n and_o burn_v up_o abel_n sacrifice_n but_o not_o cain_n for_o so_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n often_o afterward_o when_o he_o will_v show_v that_o he_o accept_v any_o man_n or_o his_o work_n he_o answer_v they_o by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n so_o he_o burn_v up_o the_o first_o sacrifice_n that_o aaron_n offer_v levit._n 9.24_o so_o he_o answer_v solomon_n 2._o chron._n 7.1_o and_o so_o elias_n 2._o king_n 18.28_o and_o so_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o he_o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o he_o accept_v abel_n and_o his_o offering_n this_o be_v a_o great_a prerogative_n that_o abel_n and_o the_o father_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v we_o have_v not_o this_o but_o we_o have_v a_o great_a for_o we_o have_v that_o that_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o truth_n and_o body_n of_o this_o for_o we_o have_v also_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n that_o be_v his_o spirit_n come_v down_o into_o our_o heart_n every_o day_n not_o visible_o but_o spiritual_o and_o burn_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o believer_n his_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o light_v the_o light_n of_o true_a faith_n that_o shall_v never_o be_v put_v out_o the_o use_n hereof_o be_v this_o as_o no_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o old_a law_n please_v god_n but_o such_o as_o be_v burn_v by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n send_v down_o either_o then_o or_o afore_o so_o our_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v our_o invocation_n of_o god_n name_n our_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n our_o duty_n of_o religion_n our_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o love_n never_o please_v god_n unless_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o heart_n purge_v by_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o be_v from_o a_o believe_v and_o repentant_a heart_n both_o which_o be_v kindle_v and_o light_v and_o daily_o continue_v by_o that_o fire_n of_o god_n spirit_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o paul_n say_v 1._o tim._n 1.4_o that_o love_n must_v come_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o work_n of_o love_n come_v from_o this_o purge_a heart_n ascend_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o a_o smoke_n of_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n and_o be_v as_o a_o sweet_a perfume_n in_o the_o nostril_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o of_o what_o do_v god_n thus_o testify_v of_o his_o gift_n it_o may_v here_o be_v ask_v at_o the_o first_o how_o can_v abel_n give_v a_o gift_n to_o god_n have_v the_o lord_n need_v of_o any_o thing_n and_o be_v not_o all_o thing_n his_o i_o answer_v god_n be_v sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o creature_n yet_o have_v he_o so_o give_v his_o creature_n unto_o man_n to_o use_v as_o that_o they_o become_v man_n own_o and_o so_o he_o may_v esteem_v &_o use_v they_o and_o be_v man_n a_o man_n may_v in_o token_n of_o his_o thankfulness_n return_v they_o again_o to_o god_n especial_o see_v god_n accept_v they_o be_v so_o offer_v as_o most_o free_a gift_n this_o show_v we_o first_o the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n that_o whereas_o we_o can_v offer_v he_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o accept_v a_o gift_n offer_v of_o his_o own_o even_o as_o though_o we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o to_o offer_v 2._o see_v here_o a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o old_a and_o
though_o they_o all_o have_v their_o several_a commendation_n in_o the_o word_n yet_o of_o none_o of_o they_o all_o be_v it_o say_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v here_o say_v of_o faith_n that_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o it_o be_v the_o root_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o give_v they_o their_o life_n and_o be_v for_o therefore_o do_v a_o man_n fear_v god_n therefore_o do_v he_o love_n god_n therefore_o be_v he_o zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n love_v he_o in_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n now_o than_o if_o faith_n be_v thus_o necessary_a than_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o that_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o so_o have_v no_o sound_a faith_n but_o a_o foolish_a presumption_n be_v in_o a_o miserable_a case_n for_o however_o they_o may_v flatter_v themselves_o with_o conceit_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o good_a meaning_n and_o good_a intent_n it_o be_v faith_n with_o which_o they_o must_v please_v god_n and_o nothing_o can_v without_o it_o it_o stand_v they_o therefore_o in_o hand_n to_o lay-off_a ignorance_n and_o presumption_n and_o labour_n for_o a_o sound_n and_o save_a faith_n and_o that_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o again_o as_o for_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v grace_n to_o believe_v see_v faith_n be_v of_o such_o necessity_n and_o that_o they_o have_v faith_n must_v needs_o have_v knowledge_n they_o therefore_o must_v look_v and_o examine_v by_o their_o knowledge_n whether_o their_o faith_n be_v a_o sound_a faith_n or_o no_o for_o herein_o many_o that_o have_v knowledge_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o think_v they_o have_v true_a faith_n when_o they_o have_v not_o now_o if_o any_o man_n will_v know_v whether_o his_o faith_n be_v sound_n and_o save_v or_o no_o it_o be_v know_v by_o this_o if_o it_o purify_v the_o heart_n for_o so_o say_v s._n peter_n that_o god_n by_o faith_n do_v purify_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o profane_a and_o filthy_a gentile_n 15.9_o if_o then_o thy_o faith_n do_v not_o purify_v thy_o heart_n and_o cleanse_v thy_o life_n and_o cause_v thou_o to_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n it_o be_v no_o sound_n nor_o save_v faith_n it_o be_v but_o a_o general_a faith_n it_o be_v but_o a_o historical_a knowledge_n and_o can_v save_v the_o soul_n he_o therefore_o that_o upon_o examination_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n find_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v such_o let_v he_o not_o content_v himself_o but_o turn_v his_o general_a faith_n into_o a_o save_a faith_n which_o in_o this_o world_n will_v purify_v his_o heart_n and_o at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v save_v his_o soul_n and_o this_o must_v every_o man_n the_o rather_o do_v because_o what_o knowledge_n or_o what_o other_o gift_n of_o god_n soever_o any_o many_o have_v without_o faith_n in_o christ_n all_o be_v nothing_o for_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o season_v they_o all_o and_o make_v both_o they_o and_o the_o person_n himself_o to_o please_v god_n second_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o faith_n to_o please_v god_n then_o here_o we_o see_v the_o fond_a and_o foolish_a hypocrisy_n of_o the_o world_n who_o will_v please_v god_n by_o other_o mean_n some_o think_v if_o they_o be_v glorious_a in_o the_o world_n either_o for_o their_o wealth_n or_o their_o wit_n or_o their_o honour_n or_o their_o authority_n or_o their_o learning_n they_o present_o bring_v themselves_o into_o a_o fool_n paradise_n and_o because_o the_o world_n make_v account_n of_o they_o and_o they_o please_v themselves_o therefore_o they_o think_v it_o certain_a they_o must_v needs_o please_v god_n but_o alas_o though_o all_o the_o world_n admire_v they_o and_o they_o be_v never_o so_o far_o in_o love_n with_o themselves_o he_o that_o sit_v in_o heaven_n laugh_v they_o to_o scorn_v for_o 2._o not_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o glory_n nor_o all_o the_o million_o and_o mountain_n of_o gold_n in_o the_o world_n can_v please_v the_o lord_n for_o one_o of_o the_o least_o of_o their_o many_o thousand_o sin_n wherewith_o they_o have_v provoke_v he_o let_v these_o man_n ask_v nabuchadnezzer_n if_o his_o pompous_a pride_n or_o achitophel_n if_o his_o active_a head_n and_o crafty_a wit_n or_o absalon_n if_o his_o golden_a lock_n or_o jezabell_n if_o her_o paint_a face_n and_o courtly_a attire_n or_o naball_n if_o his_o flock_n of_o sheep_n or_o the_o philosopher_n if_o their_o natural_a learning_n if_o all_o of_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o do_v ever_o please_v god_n nay_o alas_o they_o all_o have_v find_v and_o feel_v that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n three_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n not_o of_o the_o turk_n alone_o in_o his_o koran_n but_o of_o many_o other_o as_o ill_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o religion_n if_o he_o be_v devout_a therein_o be_v he_o turk_n jew_n or_o christian_a papist_n or_o protestant_n but_o this_o be_v a_o ground_n and_o rule_v of_o atheism_n and_o appear_v here_o to_o be_v most_o false_a for_o no_o salvation_n without_o please_v of_o god_n and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n therefore_o no_o religion_n can_v save_v a_o man_n but_o that_o which_o teach_v a_o man_n right_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o consequent_o to_o please_v god_n but_o every_o religion_n teach_v not_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n some_o not_o at_o all_o and_o some_o not_o aright_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o such_o a_o religion_n to_o save_v a_o man_n again_o be_v a_o man_n what_o he_o can_v be_v unless_o he_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o can_v be_v save_v but_o he_o can_v be_v within_o the_o covenant_n but_o by_o faith_n therefore_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v by_o any_o mean_n but_o by_o true_a faith_n nor_o in_o any_o religion_n but_o that_o which_o teach_v true_a faith_n here_o therefore_o not_o only_a turk_n and_o jew_n be_v exclude_v but_o this_o also_o show_v many_o papist_n and_o many_o carnal_a gospeler_n in_o our_o church_n how_o short_a they_o come_v of_o that_o religion_n which_o must_v save_v their_o soul_n for_o this_o be_v the_o conceit_n of_o the_o most_o man_n that_o if_o they_o do_v some_o good_a work_n which_o carry_v a_o fair_a show_n to_o the_o world_n as_o liberality_n to_o learning_n or_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a straight_o they_o think_v they_o have_v leave_v to_o live_v as_o they_o list_v and_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o forgive_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o give_v they_o heaven_n and_o this_o they_o imagine_v though_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o to_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n one_o of_o this_o religion_n come_v to_o the_o prophet_n micha_n in_o his_o day_n and_o ask_v he_o this_o question_n utter_v that_o plain_o which_o all_o such_o man_n think_v in_o their_o heart_n wherewithal_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n 6.7.8_o and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n he_o make_v the_o question_n and_o will_v fain_o make_v answer_v himself_o nay_o he_o go_v further_o and_o offer_v more_o shall_v i_o give_v my_o first_o bear_v for_o my_o transgression_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n but_o the_o prophet_n answer_v he_o show_v he_o his_o folly_n and_o how_o little_a god_n regard_v such_o work_n without_o a_o contrite_a heart_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o sure_o to_o do_v just_o to_o love_v mercy_n to_o humble_v thyself_o and_o walk_v with_o thy_o god_n mark_v how_o that_o answer_n fit_v this_o example_n of_o henoch_n he_o please_v god_n he_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o be_v take_v away_o so_o answer_v the_o prophet_n if_o thou_o will_v please_v thy_o god_n and_o come_v to_o heaven_n by_o his_o favour_n never_o stand_v upon_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o river_n of_o oil_n upon_o thy_o gay_a and_o glorious_a work_n but_o humble_a thyself_o and_o walk_n with_o thy_o god_n no_o walk_a with_o god_n say_v micha_n no_o please_v of_o god_n what_o be_v it_o but_o all_o one_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n here_o then_o be_v no_o disallowance_n of_o good_a work_n but_o of_o work_n without_o faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n which_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o fair_a and_o flourish_a yet_o be_v it_o impossible_a that_o without_o faith_n they_o shall_v please_v god_n hereby_o it_o be_v also_o manifest_a that_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o the_o work_n of_o such_o man_n as_o either_o know_v
come_v for_o they_o be_v not_o perform_v for_o many_o year_n after_o as_o shall_v appear_v in_o the_o particular_n particular_o they_o be_v these_o three_o first_o the_o great_a and_o just_a wrath_n which_o god_n have_v conceive_v against_o the_o sinful_a world_n for_o the_o universal_a corruption_n and_o general_a sinfulness_n thereof_o noah_n be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n to_o that_o wicked_a age_n and_o as_o s._n peter_n say_v 1._o epistle_n 3.11_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o christ_n preach_v in_o he_o but_o they_o contemn_v both_o he_o and_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o he_o and_o all_o his_o holy_a admonition_n and_o solace_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o sinful_a pleasure_n without_o fear_n or_o respect_n of_o god_n or_o man_n please_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o defile_a way_n &_o promise_v to_o themselves_o safety_n and_o security_n but_o behold_v this_o noah_n who_o they_o esteem_v a_o base_a and_o contemptible_a man_n unworthy_a of_o their_o company_n to_o he_o be_v reveal_v how_o short_a their_o time_n be_v and_o that_o they_o must_v be_v cut_v off_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o jollity_n god_n child_n who_o wicked_a man_n do_v think_v and_o speak_v of_o with_o great_a contempt_n do_v know_v full_a well_o the_o miserable_a state_n of_o such_o man_n and_o the_o fearful_a danger_n hang_v over_o they_o when_o the_o wicked_a man_n themselves_o be_v far_o from_o think_v of_o any_o such_o matter_n the_o second_o thing_n which_o god_n reveal_v to_o noah_n be_v that_o he_o will_v save_v he_o and_o his_o family_n from_o perish_v by_o the_o water_n which_o he_o will_v bring_v upon_o the_o world_n his_o faith_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a god_n reward_v it_o with_o a_o singular_a preservation_n thus_o deal_v he_o always_o with_o his_o child_n deliver_v lot_n out_o of_o sodom_n gen._n 19_o rahab_n out_o of_o hierico_n joshua_n 6.22_o the_o kenit_v from_o the_o amalekit_n 1._o sam._n 15._o and_o here_o noah_n out_o of_o that_o general_a destruction_n and_o this_o god_n aforehand_o reveal_v unto_o he_o for_o his_o great_a comfort_n and_o security_n that_o when_o sign_n and_o strange_a token_n do_v foretell_v and_o show_v that_o still_o the_o destruction_n be_v near_a and_o near_o still_o noah_n may_v comfort_v himself_o in_o the_o assurance_n of_o that_o merciful_a promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v he_o of_o his_o deliverance_n and_o of_o his_o family_n also_o for_o his_o sake_n the_o three_o thing_n reveal_v to_o he_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v from_o the_o universal_a flood_n namely_o by_o a_o ark_n which_o for_o his_o more_o assurance_n he_o be_v bid_v to_o make_v himself_o that_o so_o at_o every_o stroke_n he_o give_v he_o may_v remember_v this_o merciful_a promise_n of_o his_o god_n unto_o he_o for_o as_o every_o stroke_n in_o the_o make_n of_o the_o ark_n be_v a_o loud_a sound_a sermon_n unto_o that_o sinful_a generation_n to_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n so_o be_v it_o also_o a_o assurance_n unto_o noah_n of_o his_o deliverance_n of_o which_o ark_n &_o of_o noah_n obedience_n in_o make_v it_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o speak_v at_o large_a and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o ground_n of_o noah_n faith_n which_o be_v a_o warning_n or_o revelation_n from_o god_n now_o follow_v a_o second_o point_n namely_o the_o commendation_n of_o his_o faith_n or_o a_o description_n of_o the_o excellency_n thereof_o by_o diverse_a and_o singular_a effect_n move_v with_o reverence_n the_o first_o effect_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v it_o move_v in_o he_o a_o reverence_n or_o a_o reverend_a fear_n of_o that_o god_n that_o speak_v to_o he_o and_o of_o his_o justice_n towards_o sin_n and_o sinner_n and_o of_o his_o mercy_n towards_o he_o in_o this_o effect_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v two_o point_n 1._o the_o ground_n of_o this_o reverence_n 2._o the_o occasion_n or_o motive_n of_o it_o the_o ground_n whence_o this_o reverence_n spring_v be_v his_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n first_o tell_v we_o of_o noah_n faith_n &_o afterward_o of_o this_o reverend_a fear_n he_o have_v of_o god_n and_o his_o great_a work_n where_o we_o learn_v that_o whosoever_o be_v endue_v with_o save_v faith_n be_v also_o touch_v with_o fear_n and_o reverence_n at_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n and_o his_o glorious_a work_n whether_o they_o be_v work_n of_o his_o power_n his_o wisdom_n his_o mercy_n or_o his_o justice_n or_o of_o all_o together_o for_o the_o first_o david_n can_v not_o see_v the_o work_n of_o god_n power_n in_o the_o creation_n psalm_n 8._o but_o when_o he_o look_v up_o and_o behold_v the_o heaven_n the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v he_o forthwith_o fall_v into_o a_o reverence_n and_o admiration_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o man_n for_o who_o and_o who_o use_n he_o make_v they_o all_o for_o the_o second_o the_o same_o david_n can_v not_o enter_v into_o consideration_n of_o god_n wisdom_n in_o the_o admirable_a frame_n of_o man_n body_n psal._n 139.13_o etc._n etc._n but_o he_o present_o fall_v into_o a_o reverence_n and_o admiration_n thereof_o in_o most_o excellent_a and_o passionate_a word_n thou_o possesse_v my_o reins_n thou_o cover_v i_o in_o my_o mother_n womb_n i_o will_v praise_v thou_o for_o i_o be_o fearful_o and_o wonderful_o make_v marvellous_a be_v thy_o work_n and_o that_o my_o soul_n know_v right_a well_o my_o bone_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o though_o i_o be_v make_v in_o a_o secret_a place_n yet_o thy_o eye_n do_v see_v my_o substance_n when_o i_o be_v without_o form_n and_o in_o thy_o book_n be_v all_o my_o member_n write_v which_o in_o continuance_n be_v fashion_v though_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o before_o how_o dear_a therefore_o be_v thy_o counsel_n to_o i_o o_o god_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o this_o holy_a king_n can_v content_v himself_o with_o any_o term_n to_o express_v his_o religious_a and_o reverend_a conceit_n of_o god_n majesty_n for_o the_o three_o god_n merciful_a work_n to_o his_o church_n and_o child_n have_v always_o be_v considered-of_a by_o good_a man_n with_o great_a reverence_n and_o what_o shall_v i_o give_v unto_o the_o lord_n say_v david_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n pour_v on_o i_o psalm_n 116.12_o but_o especial_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n have_v be_v always_o entertain_v of_o god_n child_n with_o much_o reverence_n and_o admiration_n bless_a david_n say_v my_o flesh_n tremble_v for_o fear_n of_o thou_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a of_o thy_o judgement_n psal._n 119.120_o how_o will_v this_o noble_a king_n have_v tremble_v and_o be_v afraid_a if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o private_a man_n and_o how_o glorious_a be_v god_n and_o his_o work_n of_o judgement_n whereat_o even_o king_n themselves_o do_v tremble_v and_o the_o prophet_n habbacuk_n say_v that_o when_o he_o but_o heaâ—d_v of_o god_n judgement_n to_o come_v his_o belly_n tremble_v his_o lip_n shake_v rottenness_n enter_v into_o his_o bone_n habba_n 3.16_o and_o thus_o noah_n here_o hear_v of_o god_n just_a wrath_n against_o the_o sinful_a world_n and_o of_o his_o purpose_n to_o overthrow_v all_o live_a flesh_n by_o water_n be_v move_v with_o great_a fear_n and_o reverence_n at_o this_o mighty_a work_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o view_n of_o this_o his_o great_a and_o just_a judgement_n his_o faith_n make_v he_o arise_v to_o a_o more_o earnest_a consideration_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v more_o than_o apparent_a that_o true_a faith_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v work_v a_o holy_a fear_n and_o reverend_a estimation_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o work_n and_o of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o his_o work_n whereby_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n it_o follow_v that_o therefore_o to_o think_v base_o or_o ordinary_o of_o god_n to_o think_v scornful_o of_o his_o work_n or_o to_o deny_v his_o power_n and_o his_o hand_n in_o the_o great_a work_n either_o of_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n do_v in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o profane_a heart_n and_o want_v true_a faith_n the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n discover_v the_o profaneness_n and_o the_o great_a want_n of_o faith_n that_o ordinary_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o appear_v by_o two_o evidence_n the_o first_o be_v to_o man_n own_o conscience_n the_o other_o be_v to_o the_o view_n and_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o world_n first_o man_n may_v see_v in_o themselves_o a_o profane_a heart_n and_o void_a of_o faith_n by_o this_o evidence_n for_o do_v a_o man_n in_o his_o heart_n think_v base_o of_o god_n his_o power_n his_o justice_n or_o his_o mercy_n do_v he_o either_o doubt_n of_o they_o or_o grant_v they_o do_v he_o think_v of_o they_o without_o fear_n and_o amazement_n
of_o it_o the_o author_n and_o first_o deviser_n for_o noah_n make_v not_o this_o ark_n of_o his_o own_o head_n but_o as_o we_o hear_v before_o he_o be_v warn_v of_o god_n to_o do_v it_o and_o he_o be_v the_o first_o practiser_n for_o god_n himself_o perform_v all_o those_o service_n unto_o noah_n in_o the_o ark_n else_o it_o have_v never_o save_v he_o this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v the_o more_o grief_n to_o see_v that_o worthy_a call_n so_o abuse_v and_o debase_v as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o of_o they_o that_o practice_n it_o be_v profane_a ungodly_a and_o dissolute_a man_n such_o man_n shall_v remember_v god_n make_v the_o first_o ship_n and_o god_n be_v the_o first_o master_n and_o the_o first_o mariner_n the_o first_o pilot_n the_o first_o governor_n of_o a_o ship_n and_o they_o shall_v labour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o few_o calling_n which_o may_v say_v god_n himself_o be_v the_o first_o deviser_n and_o practiser_n of_o it_o all_o calling_n can_v say_v so_o why_o then_o shall_v they_o so_o far_o forget_v who_o they_o succeed_v indeed_o upon_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o distress_n they_o will_v make_v some_o profession_n of_o religion_n but_o let_v they_o come_v ashore_o what_o swear_v what_o whore_v what_o drunkenness_n among_o they_o but_o let_v they_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v so_o profane_a which_o hold_v the_o place_n which_o once_o god_n himself_o hold_v or_o else_o let_v they_o know_v they_o be_v unworthy_a of_o so_o good_a a_o call_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o reason_n and_o the_o mean_n how_o the_o ark_n can_v save_v he_o and_o his_o household_n namely_o because_o god_n do_v govern_v it_o in_o the_o next_o place_n observe_v the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o ark_n it_o be_v to_o save_v this_o holy_a man_n and_o his_o household_n learn_v here_o that_o god_n servant_n in_o common_a calamity_n have_v safety_n for_o god_n himself_o give_v they_o security_n and_o provide_v deliverance_n thus_o be_v it_o ever_o when_o god_n proceed_v in_o judgement_n against_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o sin_n thereof_o he_o mark_v the_o godly_a in_o their_o forehead_n namely_o such_o as_o mourn_v and_o cry_v for_o the_o abomination_n which_o be_v do_v against_o god_n ezech._n 9.4_o when_o sodom_n must_v be_v destroy_v righteous_a lot_n and_o his_o family_n must_v be_v draw_v out_o nay_o the_o angel_n can_v do_v nothing_o till_o he_o be_v safe_a genesis_n 19.16.22_o when_o the_o destroy_a angel_n go_v over_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v in_o every_o house_n of_o the_o egyptian_n the_o israelite_n dwell_v among_o they_o he_o pass_v over_o all_o the_o israelite_n who_o door_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o paschall_n lamb_n exodus_fw-la 12.13_o and_o even_o so_o he_o who_o heart_n and_o soul_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n no_o calamity_n can_v do_v he_o hurt_v nay_o when_o other_o be_v smite_v he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o our_o church_n and_o state_n we_o have_v by_o god_n mercy_n long_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o both_o under_o a_o gracious_a government_n and_o with_o these_o many_o other_o blessing_n yet_o speak_v truth_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o time_n call_v for_o a_o flood_n as_o in_o noah_n time_n and_o sure_o a_o flood_n of_o tribulation_n must_v come_v one_o way_n or_o other_o for_o this_o be_v always_o the_o state_n of_o god_n church_n now_o peace_n now_o persecution_n peace_n abuse_v cause_v trouble_v and_o calamity_n therefore_o as_o we_o have_v so_o long_o have_v peace_n and_o ease_n so_o assure_o look_v for_o a_o flood_n what_o it_o will_v be_v or_o when_o know_v no_o man_n only_o he_o who_o will_v send_v it_o the_o righteous_a and_o almighty_a god_n how_o then_o shall_v we_o do_v when_o the_o flood_n of_o tribulation_n be_v upon_o we_o there_o be_v no_o way_n but_o one_o believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n settle_v thy_o heart_n in_o true_a faith_n repent_v of_o thy_o sin_n get_v god_n favour_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o then_o when_o the_o flood_n come_v god_n providence_n shall_v afford_v thou_o one_o way_n or_o other_o a_o ark_n of_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n sprinkle_v thy_o soul_n now_o with_o christ_n blood_n by_o faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o the_o destroy_a angel_n of_o god_n wrath_n shall_v pass_v over_o thou_o and_o thy_o household_n three_o observe_v the_o largeness_n of_o god_n bounty_n not_o only_o noah_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o with_o he_o his_o household_n also_o why_o the_o lord_n do_v so_o there_o be_v diverse_a reason_n first_o for_o the_o propagation_n and_o multiplication_n of_o the_o world_n after_o the_o flood_n if_o any_o object_n noah_n and_o his_o wife_n may_v have_v serve_v for_o that_o end_n i_o answer_v they_o be_v old_a for_o he_o be_v 600._o year_n old_a when_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o though_o he_o live_v 300._o year_n after_o the_o flood_n genesis_n 9.28_o yet_o read_v we_o not_o of_o any_o child_n that_o he_o have_v if_o any_o further_a object_n the_o first_o world_n be_v begin_v and_o multiply_v by_o two_o alone_a adam_z &_o eve_n &_o no_o more_o why_o then_o shall_v there_o be_v so_o many_o for_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o second_o world_n i_o answer_v god_n do_v so_o in_o the_o beginning_n to_o show_v that_o all_o mankind_n come_v of_o one_o blood_n acts._n 17.26_o and_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o body_n or_o birth_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n original_o betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n which_o also_o be_v observe_v even_o in_o the_o second_o beginning_n for_o though_o the_o world_n be_v multiply_v by_o three_o brethren_n shem_n cham_n and_o japheth_n yet_o those_o three_o be_v not_o stranger_n but_o all_o son_n to_o one_o man_n noah_n so_o that_o as_o at_o first_o by_o adam_n and_o eve_n so_o after_o from_o noah_n and_o his_o wife_n come_v all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o second_o world_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o line_n than_o one_o because_o now_o the_o bless_a seed_n be_v promise_v who_o line_n and_o kindred_n must_v needs_o be_v keep_v distinct_a from_o all_o other_o until_o his_o incarnation_n again_o there_o be_v more_o cause_n now_o why_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v speedy_o replenish_v then_o at_o the_o beginning_n for_o first_o the_o earth_n have_v some_o glory_n and_o beauty_n leave_v it_o after_o the_o first_o curse_n so_o that_o it_o be_v still_o a_o most_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a habitation_n to_o adam_n and_o eue._n but_o now_o by_o the_o second_o curse_n in_o the_o flood_n all_o her_o beauty_n be_v go_v she_o and_o all_o her_o glory_n be_v overrun_v spoil_v and_o deface_v so_o that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o miserable_a habitation_n for_o noah_n and_o his_o wife_n if_o they_o have_v be_v without_o company_n second_o the_o earth_n be_v much_o deface_v and_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o almost_o quite_o perish_v by_o the_o flood_n have_v now_o more_o need_n to_o be_v recover_v by_o the_o hand_n and_o help_n of_o many_o man_n labour_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o scripture_n say_v gen._n 9.19_o &_o 10.32_o that_o the_o earth_n be_v divide_v among_o the_o three_o son_n of_o noah_n and_o they_o live_v not_o all_o together_o but_o overspread_v the_o earth_n and_o lest_o the_o beast_n which_o then_o be_v many_o shall_v overgrowe_v the_o world_n therefore_o god_n will_v have_v the_o earth_n speedy_o replenish_v &_o to_o that_o end_n noah_n &_o his_o wife_n have_v never_o a_o servant_n in_o the_o ark_n but_o only_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v child_n their_o 3._o son_n and_o their_o wife_n and_o thus_o the_o multiplication_n of_o mankind_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n why_o god_n save_v noah_n child_n the_o second_o cause_n it_o be_v likely_a that_o as_o himself_o be_v a_o righteous_a man_n so_o they_o of_o his_o family_n be_v more_o orderly_a and_o religious_a than_o other_o of_o that_o wicked_a age_n for_o good_a man_n make_v conscience_n of_o teach_v their_o family_n as_o abraham_n gen._n 18.18_o and_o see_v noah_n be_v commend_v for_o a_o just_a &_o good_a man_n doubtless_o he_o do_v careful_o instruct_v his_o household_n &_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v holy_a and_o righteous_a person_n fear_v god_n three_o though_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o righteous_a yet_o they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o family_n of_o righteous_a noah_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o sake_n they_o be_v save_v all_o be_v his_o child_n or_o his_o child_n wife_n for_o the_o righteous_a man_n procure_v blessing_n not_o on_o himself_o alone_o but_o on_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o he_o dwell_v with_o he_o or_o be_v in_o his_o
righteous_a of_o ourselves_o yet_o have_v christ_n righteousness_n impute_v to_o we_o be_v make_v thereby_o partaker_n of_o god_n love_n and_o for_o the_o worthiness_n of_o that_o righteousness_n of_o he_o so_o make_v we_o shall_v be_v glorify_v in_o heaven_n and_o thus_o now_o at_o last_o we_o have_v find_v that_o true_a and_o that_o only_a righteousness_n which_o can_v make_v a_o man_n as_o it_o do_v noah_n righteous_a in_o god_n sight_n now_o it_o remain_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o first_o here_o we_o learn_v how_o foul_o our_o nature_n be_v defile_v with_o sin_n and_o stain_a with_o corruption_n the_o stain_n whereof_o can_v be_v wash_v away_o with_o all_o the_o water_n in_o the_o world_n no_o nor_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o creature_n no_o not_o cover_v with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o all_o man_n and_o angel_n but_o only_o with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o that_o son_n of_o god_n also_o if_o he_o will_v apply_v that_o righteousness_n unto_o we_o and_o make_v it_o effectual_a must_v become_v man_n and_o live_v and_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o for_o us._n a_o marvellous_a thing_n be_v it_o and_o â—orthy_a of_o our_o often_o consideration_n that_o all_o the_o angel_n and_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v make_v one_o sinner_n righteous_a but_o that_o god_n son_n must_v needs_o do_v it_o and_o that_o our_o sin_n be_v so_o hideous_a as_o nothing_o can_v hide_v the_o filthiness_n thereof_o from_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n justice_n but_o only_o the_o glorious_a mercy_n seat_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n this_o may_v therefore_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o esteem_v of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o nature_n furthermore_n see_v here_o the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n god_n put_v perfect_a legal_a righteousness_n in_o adam_n heart_n in_o his_o creation_n he_o receive_v it_o for_o himself_o and_o we_o and_o lose_v it_o for_o himself_o and_o us._n god_n in_o mercy_n purpose_v to_o restore_v man_n thus_o by_o himself_o lose_v and_o cast_v away_o give_v he_o another_o and_o a_o better_a righteousness_n than_o before_o but_o because_o he_o see_v man_n be_v so_o ill_a a_o keeper_n of_o his_o own_o jewel_n he_o trust_v not_o he_o with_o it_o but_o set_v that_o righteousness_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o commit_v it_o to_o he_o to_o keep_v who_o as_o he_o true_o know_v the_o full_a value_n and_o excellency_n thereof_o and_o as_o he_o dear_o love_v we_o so_o he_o will_v most_o safe_o keep_v it_o for_o we_o and_o clothe_v we_o with_o it_o in_o his_o father_n presence_n at_o the_o last_o day_n a_o point_n of_o unspeakable_a comfort_n to_o god_n child_n to_o consider_v that_o their_o salvation_n be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o keep_n where_o it_o may_v again_o be_v lose_v but_o in_o a_o safe_a hand_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v and_o have_v it_o when_o they_o have_v most_o need_n of_o it_o and_o to_o remember_v that_o their_o righteousness_n be_v in_o christ_n they_o can_v lose_v it_o for_o though_o they_o sin_n and_o so_o lose_v often_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o a_o time_n yet_o they_o then_o lose_v not_o their_o righteousness_n which_o be_v then_o in_o christ_n and_o to_o consider_v that_o when_o in_o this_o world_n they_o sustain_v loss_n or_o injury_n or_o lose_v all_o they_o have_v upon_o the_o earth_n that_o yet_o their_o righteousness_n the_o riches_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v then_o in_o heaven_n full_a safe_a in_o christ_n keep_n and_o shall_v never_o be_v lose_v this_o shall_v make_v we_o learn_v to_o know_v christ_n more_o and_o more_o and_o to_o give_v he_o the_o love_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o very_a heart_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o bless_a paul_n 2._o timoth._n 1.12_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v unto_o he_o against_o that_o day_n last_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o communion_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o a_o believer_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v make_v he_o and_o his_o righteousness_n make_v we_o this_o may_v teach_v we_o patience_n and_o minister_v we_o comfort_v in_o all_o outward_a affliction_n or_o inward_a temptation_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a all_o our_o suffering_n be_v he_o and_o he_o be_v touch_v with_o all_o the_o wrong_n do_v to_o us._n when_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o call_v to_o saul_n act_v 9.4_o saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o and_o at_o the_o last_o day_n math._n 25.45_o whatsoever_o either_o good_a or_o evil_n be_v do_v to_o any_o of_o his_o child_n he_o say_v be_v do_v to_o himself_o and_o according_o it_o shall_v be_v reward_v as_o do_v to_o he_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v teach_v that_o true_a righteousness_n which_o justify_v a_o sinner_n and_o make_v noah_n righteous_a and_o we_o see_v the_o use_n of_o that_o worthy_a doctrine_n and_o in_o this_o first_o point_n we_o have_v the_o long_o insist_v because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n hitherto_o of_o the_o first_o point_n namely_o what_o that_o righteousness_n be_v which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o the_o 2._o point_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o these_o word_n be_v that_o this_o righteousness_n be_v that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v so_o call_v because_o faith_n be_v the_o proper_a instrument_n create_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o apprehend_v that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v any_o way_n else_o either_o apprehend_v or_o apply_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v worthy_o call_v that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v which_o by_o faith_n be_v make_v a_o man_n own_o or_o whereunto_o a_o man_n have_v title_n by_o his_o faith_n here_o therefore_o two_o point_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o observation_n 1._o that_o true_a faith_n apprehend_v proper_o this_o true_a righteousness_n 2._o that_o only_a faith_n can_v do_v it_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o apparent_a evidence_n of_o scripure_a s._n paul_n tell_v the_o galatian_n 3.14_o they_o receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o faith_n and_o s._n john_n say_v that_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v christ_n to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v think_v that_o to_o receive_v christ_n be_v not_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n he_o add_v even_o to_o as_o many_o as_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n john_n 1.12_o and_o therefore_o faith_n be_v fit_o compare_v to_o a_o hand_n that_o take_v hold_v on_o a_o garment_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o body_n be_v naked_a or_o to_o a_o beggar_n hand_n that_o take_v or_o receive_v a_o king_n alm_n so_o faith_n in_o a_o man_n soul_n take_v hold_v on_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o merciful_a and_o liberal_a alm_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o naked_a soul_n of_o the_o believer_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v how_o can_v faith_n apply_v christ_n to_o the_o believer_n i_o answer_v as_o a_o man_n be_v in_o his_o corrupt_a nature_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o christ_n so_o contrariwise_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v wrought_v faith_n in_o his_o heart_n by_o a_o supernatural_a operation_n then_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o proper_a instrument_n to_o apprehend_v christ_n so_o be_v christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n the_o proper_a object_n for_o faith_n to_o work_v upon_o for_o though_o it_o apprehend_v &_o apply_v all_o other_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o our_o soul_n or_o body_n yet_o most_o proper_o and_o principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o apprehend_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ._n now_o for_o the_o particular_a manner_n how_o faith_n do_v thus_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o though_o it_o be_v spiritual_a &_o invisible_a and_o so_o not_o easy_o express_v to_o sense_n yet_o be_v it_o do_v as_o proper_o by_o faith_n as_o a_o garment_n be_v by_o the_o hand_n take_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o body_n or_o a_o plaster_n to_o a_o sore_n if_o any_o ask_v further_o but_o when_o may_v a_o man_n know_v whether_o his_o faith_n have_v apprehend_v and_o apply_v christ_n righteousness_n to_o his_o soul_n or_o no_o i_o answer_v when_o he_o believe_v particular_o that_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v his_o righteousness_n and_o have_v reconcile_v he_o to_o god_n and_o shall_v justify_v he_o in_o god_n presence_n then_o do_v faith_n work_v his_o true_a and_o proper_a work_n for_o this_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o faith_n and_o where_o faith_n be_v this_o must_v needs_o be_v do_v
the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o second_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n and_o believe_v they_o where_o by_o believe_v we_o must_v understand_v not_o so_o much_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o be_v note_v before_o as_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o the_o word_n import_v a_o confirmation_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o a_o resolution_n in_o assurance_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v not_o unusual_a in_o scripture_n for_o paul_n pray_v for_o the_o church_n who_o have_v true_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o love_n that_o they_o may_v increase_v and_o abound_v therein_o more_o and_o more_o ephesian_n 3.16.17_o philippian_n 1.9.11_o colossian_n 1.9.11_o here_o than_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o example_n of_o these_o patriarch_n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o property_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n to_o go_v forward_o and_o increase_v in_o faith_n till_o he_o come_v to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n in_o god_n promise_n all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o faith_n be_v the_o lord_n talent_n and_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v the_o lord_n servant_n call_v to_o occupy_v therewith_o now_o god_n have_v put_v his_o talon_n into_o any_o man_n hand_n do_v require_v the_o increase_n thereof_o as_o the_o parable_n show_v luke_n 19.13_o and_o this_o paul_n teach_v for_o pray_v for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o and_o be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n ephesian_n 3.16_o he_o signify_v that_o he_o that_o do_v true_o believe_v in_o christ_n must_v go_v on_o from_o grace_n to_o grace_n till_o he_o be_v a_o tall_a man_n in_o christ_n as_o a_o child_n grow_v from_o year_n to_o year_n till_o he_o come_v to_o be_v a_o strong_a man_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v like_a unto_o fire_n which_o will_v not_o go_v out_o so_o long_o as_o wood_n or_o other_o fuel_n be_v put_v unto_o it_o but_o will_v take_v hold_v thereof_o and_o grow_v unto_o a_o great_a flame_n and_o so_o will_v faith_n grow_v up_o to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n in_o all_o those_o that_o conscionablie_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o worde_n and_o prayer_n but_o go_v the_o case_n thus_o with_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n nay_o very_o general_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o many_o among_o we_o have_v no_o regard_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o think_v they_o may_v live_v as_o they_o lust_n their_o good_a meaning_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n other_o and_o those_o not_o a_o few_o be_v so_o far_o from_o go_v forward_o in_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v every_o day_n worse_o and_o worse_o and_o still_o go_v backward_o more_o and_o more_o a_o three_o sort_n we_o have_v that_o will_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o yet_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v very_o slender_a they_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n and_o profit_v little_a now_o howsoever_o it_o may_v be_v think_v but_o a_o small_a fault_n not_o to_o profit_v in_o religion_n yet_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n when_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n in_o any_o congregation_n be_v daily_o teach_v and_o do_v not_o profit_v thereby_o and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n note_v those_o woman_n to_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n which_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2._o timoth._n 3.7_o if_o a_o child_n late_o bear_v like_v not_o well_o nor_o grow_v when_o it_o have_v good_a keep_n the_o common_a say_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o changeling_n so_o if_o a_o man_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n we_o may_v most_o true_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o spiritual_a changeling_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n we_o must_v first_o labour_n for_o faith_n &_o have_v faith_n increase_v therein_o and_o in_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n till_o we_o come_v to_o be_v strong_a man_n in_o christ._n it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o those_o patriarch_n increase_v in_o faith_n but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o do_v attain_v hereto_o answer_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n we_o may_v find_v three_o way_n whereby_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o do_v grow_v up_o in_o grace_n the_o first_o mean_n be_v from_o god_n himself_o for_o when_o he_o have_v make_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n merciful_o renew_v the_o same_o during_o his_o life_n as_o occasion_n serve_v sundry_a time_n he_o stay_v not_o there_o suffer_v it_o to_o die_v with_o abraham_n but_o when_o abraham_n be_v dead_a god_n renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o isaac_n and_o rebecka_n and_o with_o jacob_n also_o after_o they_o now_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n can_v utter_v what_o a_o wonderful_a furtherance_n it_o be_v unto_o their_o faith_n to_o have_v the_o lord_n himself_o to_o renew_v his_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o they_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o increase_a their_o faith_n be_v their_o holy_a converse_v one_o with_o another_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o to_o nurture_n they_o up_o in_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o do_v not_o only_o implant_v god_n promise_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o child_n but_o be_v themselves_o confirm_v in_o the_o same_o for_o he_o that_o teach_v another_o from_o a_o feel_a heart_n great_o strengthen_v his_o own_o soul_n now_o god_n himself_o do_v testify_v this_o thing_n of_o abraham_n 18.19_o say_v i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o son_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v righteousness_n and_o judgement_n now_o look_v what_o abraham_n herein_o do_v to_o isaac_n that_o no_o doubt_n do_v isaac_n unto_o jacob_n the_o three_o mean_n to_o increase_v their_o faith_n be_v from_o each_o one_o to_o himself_o for_o they_o give_v themselves_o often_o time_n in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o muse_n &_o meditate_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n 24.63_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o isaac_n that_o he_o go_v out_o to_o pray_v or_o to_o meditate_v in_o the_o field_n towards_o evening_n and_o we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o it_o be_v concern_v this_o and_o other_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o and_o we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o abraham_n and_o jaacob_n do_v the_o like_a these_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o these_o godly_a patriarch_n be_v strengthen_v in_o their_o faith_n all_o which_o must_v be_v mark_v of_o we_o diligent_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n for_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n often_o and_o yet_o profit_v little_a by_o it_o be_v chief_o this_o because_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o man_n shall_v grow_v up_o in_o faith_n be_v so_o slender_o use_v among_o us._n for_o the_o first_o mean_n which_o be_v on_o god_n behalf_n to_o man_n be_v through_o his_o great_a and_o unspeakable_a mercy_n plentiful_o afford_v in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o land_n in_o the_o holy_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o god_n gracious_a promise_n of_o mercy_n be_v open_v and_o apply_v to_o man_n heart_n and_o his_o judgement_n against_o sin_n be_v sharp_o denounce_v to_o drive_v man_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ._n but_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o second_o mean_n which_o be_v mutual_a instruction_n of_o father_n to_o child_n of_o master_n to_o servant_n and_o of_o one_o neighbour_n to_o another_o together_o with_o mutual_a conference_n about_o that_o we_o be_v teach_v or_o else_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o three_o mean_n which_o be_v private_a meditation_n upon_o god_n word_n and_o promise_n teach_v unto_o we_o which_o meditation_n be_v to_o a_o christian_a soul_n like_o the_o chew_v of_o the_o cud_n unto_o a_o beast_n for_o as_o chew_v the_o cud_n turn_v that_o which_o be_v eat_v into_o true_a feed_n so_o do_v holy_a meditation_n make_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n spiritual_a refresh_n by_o digest_v they_o in_o the_o heart_n if_o i_o say_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o these_o two_o latter_a we_o shall_v find_v they_o seldom_o use_v of_o very_a many_o or_o not_o at_o all_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o use_v these_o mean_n with_o care_n and_o reverence_n but_o alas_o these_o some_o be_v very_o few_o and_o because_o this_o duty_n be_v so_o slack_o perform_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o though_o the_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v oft_o repeat_v yet_o man_n reap_v little_a profit_n by_o it_o so_o that_o we_o
steward_n over_o they_o for_o the_o good_a dispose_n of_o they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n always_o remember_v this_o rule_n of_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal._n 62.10_o if_o riches_n increase_v set_v not_o thy_o heart_n on_o they_o he_o say_v not_o if_o riches_n increase_v refuse_v they_o but_o set_v not_o thy_o heart_n on_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o these_o question_n now_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v as_o necessary_a for_o we_o in_o these_o day_n as_o ever_o it_o be_v for_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o profit_v little_a after_o much_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n be_v this_o we_o have_v not_o behave_v ourselves_o like_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o this_o world_n but_o the_o care_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n have_v choke_v it_o up_o math._n 13_o 2d_o that_o it_o can_v take_v no_o ground_n nor_o root_n in_o our_o heart_n when_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n we_o remember_v it_o not_o because_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o affection_n thereof_o be_v set_v on_o the_o pleasure_n and_o commodity_n of_o the_o world_n we_o therefore_o must_v shake_v off_o this_o filthy_a sin_n and_o learn_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o like_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n not_o entangle_v ourselves_o with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o use_v they_o as_o though_o we_o use_v they_o not_o so_o as_o they_o be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o the_o growth_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o us._n for_o they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n declare_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n be_v set_v down_o the_o constancy_n of_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o faith_n now_o in_o the_o 14.15_o and_o 16._o verse_n the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v to_o amplify_v and_o enlarge_v the_o commendation_n of_o their_o perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o scope_n of_o all_o these_o verse_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o all_o these_o particular_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n unto_o the_o end_n the_o proof_n be_v make_v by_o one_o substantial_a reason_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n seek_v for_o their_o country_n which_o be_v heaven_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o true_a faith_n but_o some_o may_v think_v that_o this_o reason_n be_v not_o substantial_a for_o man_n may_v seek_v for_o heaven_n that_o never_o have_v true_a save_v faith_n as_o balaam_n desire_v that_o his_o end_n may_v be_v like_o the_o end_n of_o the_o righteous_a numb_a 23.10_o wherewith_o no_o doubt_n he_o desire_v the_o state_n of_o the_o righteous_a after_o this_o life_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o desire_n of_o balaams_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o any_o constant_a persuasion_n nor_o settle_a resolution_n but_o upon_o some_o sudden_a motion_n second_o though_o he_o desire_v to_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a yet_o he_o will_v not_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o righteous_a he_o have_v no_o delight_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n to_o come_v to_o that_o end_n which_o they_o walk_v in_o without_o which_o no_o man_n ordinary_o can_v come_v to_o it_o yet_o further_o some_o will_v say_v many_o shall_v seek_v as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a luke_n 13.24_o therefore_o to_o seek_v for_o heaven_n be_v no_o sufficient_a argument_n of_o true_a faith_n answer_n true_a indeed_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o enter_v because_o they_o seek_v when_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n be_v shut_v and_o when_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v past_a for_o there_o be_v a_o time_n of_o grace_n wherein_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v find_v now_o if_o man_n seek_v he_o not_o in_o this_o time_n though_o they_o seek_v he_o never_o so_o long_o after_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v he_o but_o the_o seek_n of_o these_o patriarch_n be_v a_o sound_n and_o constant_a seek_v and_o so_o a_o notable_a fruit_n of_o their_o true_a faith_n for_o 1._o they_o seek_v a_o heavenly_a country_n 2._o they_o seek_v it_o in_o due_a time_n not_o for_o a_o brunt_n but_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n 3._o they_o go_v the_o right_a way_n deny_v themselves_o and_o their_o estate_n in_o this_o life_n as_o be_v stranger_n upon_o earth_n and_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o forsake_v all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n to_o attain_v heaven_n esteem_v it_o as_o their_o true_a dwell_a place_n and_o their_o eternal_a rest_n now_o more_o particular_o the_o holy_a ghost_n divide_v this_o reason_n into_o two_o part_n &_o handle_v the_o same_o several_o 1._o he_o prove_v that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n in_o this_o verse_n and_o 2._o that_o this_o country_n which_o they_o seek_v be_v heaven_n itself_o verse_n 15.16_o for_o the_o first_o part_n that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n be_v thus_o prove_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n they_o show_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n but_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n say_v of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n therefore_o they_o show_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v evident_a in_o itself_o for_o he_o that_o say_v he_o be_v a_o pilgrim_n and_o a_o stranger_n in_o any_o place_n show_v plain_o that_o he_o be_v forth_o 〈◊〉_d his_o own_o country_n and_o therefore_o seek_v one_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v assume_v from_o their_o confession_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o former_a verse_n and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n on_o the_o earth_n from_o whence_o the_o conclusion_n be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o 14._o verse_n that_o therefore_o these_o patriarch_n seek_v a_o country_n in_o this_o reason_n observe_v first_o that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n have_v diligent_o read_v the_o history_n of_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n pen_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n and_o in_o read_v have_v observe_v that_o which_o they_o particular_o confess_v of_o themselves_o in_o many_o place_n of_o that_o book_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n yea_o also_o he_o gather_v from_o their_o confession_n this_o most_o heavenly_a meditation_n that_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o country_n but_o seek_v another_o these_o three_o thing_n then_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n use_v about_o the_o holy_a scripture_n read_v meditation_n and_o observation_n whence_o we_o learn_v that_o all_o god_n minister_n and_o those_o which_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v diligent_o to_o read_v and_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o meditate_v therein_o no_o doubt_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v a_o apostle_n and_o have_v most_o notable_a gift_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o call_n and_o yet_o he_o bestow_v pain_n in_o view_v the_o particular_a word_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n record_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n daniel_n also_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a prophet_n yet_o as_o we_o may_v read_v daniel_n 9.2_o he_o study_v with_o admirable_a diligence_n the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremie_n and_o ezekiel_n and_o timothy_n though_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n act_n 16.1_o and_o well_o learned_a yet_o paul_n charge_v he_o to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v to_o exhortation_n and_o to_o doctrine_n 1._o timothy_n 4.13_o and_o ezekiel_n be_v command_v to_o eat_v the_o role_n and_o to_o fill_v his_o belly_n with_o it_o ezekiel_n 3.3_o and_o saint_n john_n likewise_o be_v command_v to_o eat_v up_o the_o little_a book_n revelation_n 10.9.10_o which_o thing_n he_o do_v all_o which_o strong_o enforce_v the_o former_a duty_n show_v that_o god_n servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n must_v as_o it_o be_v eat_v up_o god_n book_n that_o in_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n he_o may_v digest_v as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hard_a place_n of_o the_o scripture_n here_o must_v he_o lay_v his_o foundation_n and_o hither_o have_v recourse_n from_o all_o other_o write_v whatsoever_o in_o any_o matter_n of_o doubt_n this_o direction_n be_v most_o necessary_a for_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o for_o all_o god_n minister_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o contrary_a practice_n bear_v sway_n in_o the_o world_n for_o in_o the_o popish_a university_n most_o of_o their_o divine_n apply_v themselves_o to_o study_v the_o book_n of_o certain_a schoolman_n and_o the_o expositor_n or_o commenter_n thereupon_o these_o be_v apply_v day_n and_o night_n though_o they_o be_v both_o many_o and_o large_a and_o full_a of_o needless_a quiddity_n and_o oftentimes_o they_o be_v also_o
some_o less_o because_o some_o be_v great_a and_o some_o lesser_a than_o other_o whence_o this_o rule_n may_v be_v set_v down_o that_o when_o 2._o comm._n of_o god_n cross_a one_o another_o so_o as_o a_o man_n obey_v one_o break_v another_o then_o a_o man_n must_v prefer_v the_o great_a as_o for_o example_n this_o be_v god_n comm._n honour_n god_n command_v in_o the_o first_o table_n again_o the_o 5._o comm._n say_v honour_n parent_n &_o magistrate_n now_o if_o parent_n or_o magistrate_n command_v any_o thing_n the_o do_v whereof_o will_v dishonour_n god_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o first_o table_n then_o the_o 5._o comm._n give_v place_n unto_o the_o first_o and_o a_o man_n must_v rather_o disobey_v magistrate_n and_o parent_n than_o dishonour_n god_n for_o the_o main_a duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n take_v place_n before_o the_o main_a duty_n of_o the_o second_o and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n wife_n and_o child_n brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n meaning_n that_o if_o father_n or_o mother_n wife_n or_o child_n will_v draw_v we_o from_o god_n we_o must_v hate_v they_o rather_o than_o disobey_v god_n again_o a_o commandment_n ceremonial_a and_o a_o commandment_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n concur_v together_o and_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v both_o keep_v and_o can_v in_o this_o case_n therefore_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o the_o first_o table_n must_v give_v place_n to_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n and_o love_n in_o the_o second_o table_n because_o the_o ceremony_n be_v the_o inferior_a duty_n of_o the_o first_o but_o charity_n and_o mercy_n the_o principal_a duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n for_o example_n the_o lord_n injoin_v we_o in_o the_o four_o commandment_n to_o rest_n on_o the_o sabaoth_n day_n now_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o my_o neighbour_n house_n be_v on_o fire_n upon_o the_o sabaoth_n day_n whether_o then_o may_v i_o labour_v with_o my_o neighbour_n that_o day_n to_o save_v his_o house_n answ._n i_o may_v for_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o rest_n on_o the_o sabaoth_n day_n be_v a_o ceremony_n but_o the_o quench_n of_o fire_n in_o my_o neighbour_n house_n be_v a_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o a_o main_a duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n and_o therefore_o must_v take_v place_n before_o a_o ceremonial_a duty_n of_o the_o 1._o table_n three_o god_n have_v give_v we_o ten_o commandment_n contain_v all_o ordinary_a duty_n both_o of_o piety_n and_o of_o mercy_n yet_o if_o god_n give_v we_o a_o particular_a and_o special_a commandment_n contrary_a to_o any_o of_o the_o ten_o that_o must_v stand_v and_o the_o ordinary_a commandment_n must_v give_v place_n and_o yield_v unto_o it_o as_o for_o example_n the_o second_o commandment_n forbid_v any_o man_n to_o make_v any_o grave_a image_n yet_o moses_n by_o a_o special_a commandment_n 21.8.9_o make_v a_o brazen_a serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v a_o figure_n of_o christ._n so_o the_o six_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v be_v a_o ordinary_a commandment_n and_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o every_o man_n to_o obey_v the_o same_o yet_o god_n come_v with_o a_o special_a commandment_n to_o abraham_n &_o say_v abraham_n kill_v thy_o son_n &_o therefore_o the_o ordinary_a commandment_n of_o the_o 2._o table_n give_v place_n for_o the_o time_n and_o so_o go_v all_o the_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v do_v thus_o &_o thus_o unless_o god_n command_v otherwise_o for_o god_n be_v a_o absolute_a lord_n and_o so_o above_o his_o own_o law_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v unto_o they_o but_o may_v dispense_v with_o they_o and_o with_o we_o for_o the_o keep_n of_o they_o at_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o thus_o be_v abraham_n warrant_v to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n namely_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o special_a and_o personal_a commandment_n to_o himself_o alone_o but_o if_o abraham_n have_v not_o have_v this_o particular_a commandment_n the_o sacrifice_a of_o isaac_n have_v be_v unlawful_a and_o abominable_a for_o the_o kill_n of_o a_o man_n be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n much_o more_o be_v the_o kill_n of_o a_o man_n own_o son_n without_o a_o special_a commandment_n for_o that_o be_v against_o nature_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n by_o jeremie_n do_v severe_o condemn_v the_o jew_n for_o burn_a their_o son_n and_o daughter_n in_o sacrifice_n jer._n 7.31_o without_o any_o warrant_n from_o he_o though_o it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v pretend_v their_o imitation_n of_o abraham_n in_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o isaac_n yea_o and_o to_o show_v his_o detestation_n of_o that_o fact_n he_o change_v the_o name_n of_o the_o place_n call_z it_o the_o valley_n of_o slaughter_n verse_n 32_o and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v hell_n math._n 5.29.30_o and_o because_o this_o sin_n be_v so_o odious_a it_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v think_v that_o jephte_n do_v not_o kill_v his_o daughter_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o some_o think_v he_o do_v especial_o be_v a_o man_n commend_v for_o his_o faith_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o hereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v when_o we_o come_v to_o his_o example_n verse_n 32._o thus_o we_o see_v abraham_n have_v ground_n for_o this_o fact_n to_o do_v it_o by_o faith_n even_o god_n special_a command_n but_o here_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o abraham_n do_v not_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n indeed_o for_o though_o he_o have_v bind_v he_o and_o lay_v he_o on_o the_o altar_n yet_o when_o he_o lift_v up_o the_o knife_n to_o have_v kill_v he_o the_o angel_n stay_v his_o hand_n and_o suffer_v he_o not_o gen._n 22.11.12_o how_o then_o can_v it_o be_v true_a which_o be_v here_o say_v that_o he_o offer_v he_o up_o for_o the_o writer_n of_o a_o story_n must_v make_v true_a report_n but_o it_o seem_v the_o writer_n hereof_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o very_a principal_a point_n affirm_v isaac_n be_v offer_v when_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v not_o answer_n god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o inditer_n of_o this_o story_n and_o in_o god_n sight_n and_o estimation_n he_o be_v offer_v though_o not_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o say_v in_o regard_n of_o god_n acceptance_n because_o abraham_n purpose_n be_v to_o have_v do_v it_o and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v stay_v he_o have_v do_v it_o where_o we_o note_v a_o point_n of_o special_a comfort_n to_o wit_n that_o god_n in_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n do_v accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n so_o s._n paul_n say_v 2._o corinth_n 8.12_o if_o there_o be_v a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o that_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v not_o speak_v of_o their_o relieve_v of_o the_o poor_a he_o tell_v they_o that_o god_n regard_v not_o so_o much_o a_o man_n work_n as_o the_o heart_n wherewith_o he_o do_v the_o work_n and_o therefore_o the_o poor_a widow_n in_o the_o gospel_n luk_n 21.3_o be_v say_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o have_v cast_v more_o into_o the_o treasury_n though_o it_o be_v but_o two_o mite_n than_o many_o rich_a man_n that_o cast_v in_o great_a abundance_n more_o in_o heart_n not_o in_o substance_n this_o serve_v to_o stay_v the_o heart_n of_o many_o a_o man_n that_o be_v find_v bruise_v in_o conscience_n for_o see_v his_o weak_a obedience_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o sin_n past_a he_o begin_v to_o call_v his_o election_n into_o question_n now_o what_o must_v a_o man_n do_v in_o this_o case_n answer_n sure_o he_o must_v go_v on_o forward_o in_o obedience_n and_o endeavour_v himself_o to_o continue_v therein_o and_o then_o though_o he_o fail_v many_o time_n through_o infirmity_n yet_o for_o his_o endeavour_n god_n will_v accept_v of_o he_o and_o be_v please_v with_o the_o same_o this_o doctrine_n be_v very_o comfortable_a to_o a_o distress_a conscience_n but_o yet_o it_o must_v not_o make_v any_o man_n bold_a to_o sin_n for_o many_o abuse_n this_o doctrine_n and_o say_v that_o though_o they_o live_v in_o sin_n yet_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o they_o for_o they_o love_v god_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o this_o merciful_a deal_n of_o god_n in_o accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n be_v only_o towards_o those_o that_o endeavour_n themselves_o sincere_o to_o leave_v their_o sin_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o obedience_n but_o such_o as_o flatter_v themselves_o lie_v in_o their_o sin_n god_n will_v not_o be_v merciful_a unto_o they_o deut._n 29.19.20_o here_o further_o it_o may_v well_o be_v demand_v how_o abraham_n can_v take_v isaac_n and_o bind_v he_o and_o lay_v he_o on_o the_o altar_n to_o have_v
they_o otherwhile_o his_o holy_a angel_n bring_v they_o message_n from_o god_n and_o sometime_o they_o have_v his_o will_n reveal_v unto_o they_o by_o dream_n and_o vision_n all_o which_o be_v notable_a help_n and_o mean_n both_o to_o begin_v and_o to_o increase_v faith_n in_o they_o but_o joseph_n want_v all_o these_o mean_n or_o at_o least_o many_o of_o they_o for_o read_v his_o whole_a history_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o find_v that_o either_o angel_n appear_v unto_o he_o or_o else_o that_o god_n by_o dream_n and_o vision_n speak_v unto_o he_o and_o no_o marvel_n for_o he_o live_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n where_o gods_n presence_n be_v in_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a egypt_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o be_v here_o match_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o three_o worthy_a patriarch_n it_o be_v then_o a_o good_a question_n how_o joseph_n shall_v come_v by_o this_o faith_n answer_n we_o must_v know_v this_o that_o though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o like_a extraordinary_a mean_n with_o the_o patriarch_n yet_o he_o want_v not_o all_o mean_n for_o in_o his_o young_a day_n he_o be_v train_v up_o in_o his_o father_n jacob_n family_n and_o by_o he_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o his_o late_a day_n also_o he_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o father_n company_n and_o instruction_n in_o egypt_n now_o jacob_n be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a father_n but_o a_o notable_a patriarch_n and_o a_o holy_a prophet_n in_o who_o family_n god_n have_v place_v his_o visible_a church_n in_o those_o day_n wherein_o jacob_n be_v the_o lord_n prophet_n and_o minister_n now_o joseph_n both_o in_o his_o young_a age_n and_o also_o after_o his_o father_n come_v to_o egypt_n do_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o he_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n come_v to_o this_o excellent_a faith_n for_o which_o he_o be_v so_o commend_v here_o and_o match_v with_o his_o father_n the_o holy_a patriarch_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o preach_n of_o god_n word_n by_o his_o minister_n though_o extraordinary_a mean_n as_o revelation_n and_o vision_n be_v want_v be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o faith_n yea_o to_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o the_o three_o patriarch_n have_v indeed_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n he_o which_o speak_v unto_o we_o be_v but_o a_o man_n as_o other_o be_v but_o yet_o the_o word_n which_o he_o deliver_v be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o the_o mighty_a word_n of_o god_n and_o look_v what_o be_v true_o pronounce_v by_o he_o unto_o we_o out_o of_o god_n word_n the_o same_o be_v as_o certain_o seal_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n as_o if_o god_n himself_o from_o heaven_n shall_v extraordinary_o reveal_v the_o same_o and_o howsoever_o in_o former_a time_n man_n have_v vision_n and_o dream_n and_o angel_n from_o god_n himself_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o they_o yet_o this_o ministry_n of_o god_n word_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v as_o sufficient_a a_o mean_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o increase_n of_o true_a faith_n as_o that_o be_v then_o this_o plain_o confute_v all_o those_o that_o neglect_n or_o contemn_v the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n &_o look_v for_o extraordinary_a revelation_n and_o for_o vision_n &_o dream_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v notable_o check_v all_o such_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n by_o the_o word_n of_o abraham_n to_o dives_fw-la 16._o saying_n of_o dives_fw-la brethren_n that_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o neither_o will_v they_o believe_v though_o one_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o dead_a again_o verse_n 31_o insinuate_v that_o if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n will_v make_v he_o to_o believe_v neither_o revelation_n nor_o vision_n no_o not_o the_o word_n of_o they_o that_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a second_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n ordinance_n in_o the_o holy_a ministry_n to_o beget_v and_o to_o increase_v true_a faith_n must_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n not_o only_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v unto_o we_o but_o to_o profit_v by_o it_o both_o in_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v handle_v be_v the_o commendation_n of_o josephs_n faith_n by_o two_o action_n thereof_o to_o wit_n 1._o his_o mention_n of_o the_o departure_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n 2._o his_o commandment_n concern_v his_o bone_n of_o both_o which_o we_o will_v speak_v brief_o because_o the_o special_a point_n herein_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n for_o the_o first_o joseph_n when_o he_o die_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o depart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v out_o of_o egypt_n into_o canaan_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v a_o most_o notable_a work_n of_o faith_n it_o make_v a_o man_n to_o keep_v in_o memory_n the_o merciful_a promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v unto_o he_o this_o be_v it_o which_o commend_v josephs_n faith_n for_o a_o lively_a faith_n that_o be_v about_o to_o die_v he_o remember_v this_o merciful_a promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o his_o forefather_n touch_v their_o posterity_n to_o wit_n that_o after_o they_o have_v continue_v as_o servant_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n 400._o year_n they_o shall_v then_o have_v a_o good_a issue_n and_o a_o happy_a deliverance_n and_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n gen._n 15.13_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a work_n of_o faith_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o two_o notable_a effect_n hereof_o in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o first_o by_o this_o remembrance_n of_o god_n merciful_a promise_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o distress_n and_o extremity_n do_v find_v comfort_n unto_o his_o soul_n this_o bring_v to_o his_o memory_n the_o wonderful_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o be_v comfort_v when_o david_n be_v in_o a_o most_o desperate_a case_n so_o as_o he_o cry_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o affliction_n and_o temptation_n will_v the_o lord_n absent_v himself_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o show_v no_o more_o favour_n be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v do_v his_o mercy_n fail_v for_o evermore_o psal._n 77_o with_o such_o like_o most_o fearful_a speech_n how_o do_v he_o then_o comfort_v himself_o in_o this_o distress_n answ._n sure_o by_o remember_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o wonder_n of_o old_a and_o by_o meditate_v in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o gracious_a act_n which_o he_o have_v do_v for_o he_o so_o likewise_o in_o another_o place_n in_o great_a anguish_n of_o spirit_n he_o say_v to_o his_o soul_n why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o psalm_n 43.5_o yet_o in_o the_o next_o word_n he_o thus_o stay_v himself_o wait_v on_o god_n for_o i_o will_v yet_o give_v thanks_n unto_o he_o he_o be_v my_o present_a help_n and_o my_o god_n how_o come_v david_n to_o say_v so_o in_o this_o distress_n answer_n by_o mean_n of_o faith_n which_o do_v revive_v and_o refresh_v the_o dead_a heart_n of_o man_n by_o bring_v to_o his_o remembrance_n the_o merciful_a promise_n of_o god_n saint_n paul_n press_v with_o corruption_n cry_v out_o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n rom._n 7.24_o yet_o in_o the_o next_o word_n he_o say_v i_o thank_v my_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n then_o i_o myself_o in_o my_o mind_n serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n how_o come_v the_o latter_a word_n to_o follow_v on_o the_o former_a answer_n in_o the_o first_o word_n indeed_o he_o be_v cast_v down_o with_o the_o view_n and_o sight_n of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n which_o draw_v he_o headlong_o into_o sin_n but_o yet_o the_o late_a word_n be_v a_o remembrance_n of_o the_o merciful_a deliverance_n from_o sin_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o he_o by_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o break_v out_o to_o this_o say_n i_o thank_v my_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n second_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n promise_n serve_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o sin_n for_o man_n nature_n be_v as_o ready_a and_o prone_a to_o sin_n as_o fire_n be_v to_o burn_v when_o fuel_n be_v put_v to_o it_o but_o when_o by_o faith_n he_o call_v to_o mind_n god_n merciful_a promise_n especial_o those_o which_o be_v
of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n which_o be_v a_o notable_a rite_n &_o ceremony_n use_v in_o this_o first_o passove_a after_o this_o manner_n the_o blood_n of_o every_o lamb_n be_v put_v into_o a_o basin_n &_o sprinkle_v with_o a_o bunch_n of_o hyssop_n upon_o the_o door_n post_v of_o every_o man_n house_n among_o the_o jew_n now_o this_o rite_n do_v not_o continue_v always_o but_o be_v peculiar_a &_o proper_a to_o this_o first_o passove_a keep_v in_o egypt_n at_o the_o institution_n thereof_o be_v then_o practise_v but_o not_o after_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o special_a deliverance_n then_o at_o hand_n whereof_o it_o be_v a_o assurance_n for_o it_o signify_v unto_o they_o that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v of_o egypt_n &_o see_v that_o blood_n so_o sprink_v shall_v pass_v over_o their_o house_n and_o touch_v none_o of_o their_o first_o bear_v of_o man_n nor_o beast_n this_o end_n of_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o this_o blood_n be_v here_o likewise_o set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n lest_o he_o that_o destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v shall_v touch_v they_o he_o that_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v send_v to_o destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v throughout_o all_o egypt_n both_o of_o man_n and_o beast_n save_v only_o of_o those_o who_o have_v their_o door_n post_v sprinkle_v with_o blood_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n first_o observe_v what_o the_o h._n ghost_n say_v of_o this_o fact_n of_o moses_n in_o ordain_v the_o passove_a namely_o that_o he_o do_v it_o by_o faith_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v celebrate_v in_o faith_n for_o herein_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o moses_n be_v the_o l._n supper_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n succeed_v the_o passove_a in_o the_o old_a for_o that_o be_v a_o sign_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o immaculate_a lamb_n of_o god_n shall_v afterward_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v to_o we_o a_o sign_n of_o christ_n already_o sacrifice_v now_o look_v as_o that_o be_v ordain_v &_o receive_v under_o the_o law_n so_o must_v this_o be_v administer_v &_o receive_v under_o the_o gospel_n but_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n moses_n celebrate_v the_o passove_a through_o faith_n &_o enjoine_v the_o israelite_n so_o to_o do_v therefore_o according_o must_v we_o by_o faith_n celebrate_v and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n under_o the_o gospel_n cain_n sacrifice_n be_v fruitless_a to_o he_o and_o odious_a to_o god_n because_o he_o offer_v not_o in_o faith_n &_o no_o less_o be_v all_o other_o faithless_a sacrifice_n even_o so_o every_o sacrament_n and_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n receive_v or_o offer_v in_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v unprofitable_a to_o man_n and_o unacceptable_a unto_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v in_o faith_n in_o every_o sacrament_n we_o receive_v some_o thing_n from_o god_n as_o in_o every_o sacrifice_n we_o give_v some_o thing_n to_o god_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o the_o minister_n give_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o receiver_n so_o the_o lord_n god_n give_v his_o son_n unto_o their_o heart_n now_o if_o faith_n be_v want_v christ_n crucify_v be_v not_o receive_v for_o faith_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o soul_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o receive_n of_o christ_n &_o his_o benefit_n but_o contrariwise_o a_o heavy_a and_o fearful_a sin_n heap_v up_o god_n wrath_n against_o us._n hereby_o we_o learn_v how_o sundry_a sort_n of_o people_n sin_n most_o grievous_o against_o god_n for_o many_o come_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n who_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a in_o the_o nature_n &_o use_n thereof_o not_o know_v what_o the_o sacrament_n mean_v &_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n they_o will_v receive_v at_o least_o once_o a_o year_n though_o they_o know_v nothing_o therein_o as_o they_o ought_v now_o such_o person_n must_v know_v they_o ought_v to_o come_v in_o faith_n which_o they_o can_v do_v because_o they_o want_v knowledge_n and_o therefore_o in_o receive_v it_o so_o they_o commit_v a_o grievous_a sin_n &_o so_o endanger_v their_o own_o soul_n because_o they_o receive_v it_o unworthy_o and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o young_a one_o only_o but_o of_o many_o who_o year_n may_v shame_v they_o for_o their_o ignorance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o pass_v all_o feel_n of_o spiritual_a want_n a_o second_o sort_n there_o be_v who_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n &_o say_v they_o will_v do_v so_o because_o they_o have_v faith_n but_o these_o be_v like_o the_o former_a for_o their_o faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o honest_a deal_n among_o man_n think_v that_o if_o they_o bring_v that_o to_o the_o l._n supper_n though_o they_o have_v no_o more_o yet_o all_o be_v well_o the_o great_a sort_n be_v of_o this_o mind_n take_v fidelity_n for_o true_a faith_n &_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a point_n of_o popery_n so_o common_a as_o almost_o in_o every_o place_n man_n do_v embrace_v it_o but_o these_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o another_o kind_n of_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o those_o that_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n worthy_o namely_o such_o a_o faith_n whereby_o we_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n in_o christ_n blood_n but_o also_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o bread_n &_o wine_n receive_v worthy_o be_v sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o same_o blessing_n exhibit_v unto_o we_o by_o christ._n he_o that_o come_v only_o in_o a_o good_a meaning_n deceive_v himself_o &_o receive_v to_o his_o condemnation_n and_o yet_o alas_o many_o even_a of_o the_o ancient_a sort_n have_v no_o other_o faith_n but_o their_o good_a meaning_n a_o three_o sort_n there_o be_v who_o yet_o go_v further_o and_o know_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o opinion_n that_o a_o man_n fidelity_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o man_n shall_v be_v his_o faith_n to_o commend_v he_o unto_o god_n they_o hold_v &_o know_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v to_o believe_v their_o own_o salvation_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o former_a but_o herein_o they_o fail_v that_o come_v to_o receive_v they_o bring_v not_o with_o they_o a_o lively_a faith_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o require_v in_o a_o communicant_a that_o he_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n aright_o but_o a_o worthy_a receiver_n must_v look_v to_o his_o own_o heart_n that_o his_o faith_n therein_o be_v a_o live_a faith_n such_o as_o work_v by_o love_n and_o show_v itself_o by_o obedience_n now_o herein_o many_o that_o have_v good_a knowledge_n do_v grievous_o offend_v that_o howsoever_o they_o make_v a_o show_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o orderly_a and_o religious_a carriage_n of_o themselves_o on_o the_o communion_n day_n yet_o when_o that_o time_n be_v a_o little_a past_a they_o return_v to_o their_o former_a sin_n again_o never_o else_o have_v any_o care_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v any_o show_n of_o lay_v away_o their_o sin_n save_v only_o at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o thus_o do_v too_o many_o of_o those_o who_o make_v a_o fair_a profession_n these_o man_n bring_v faith_n in_o profession_n but_o yet_o their_o faith_n be_v dead_a for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o lively_a faith_n it_o will_v purify_v their_o heart_n &_o cause_v a_o change_n in_o they_o from_o evil_a to_o good_a and_o from_o good_a to_o better_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n by_o who_o mercy_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v some_o in_o his_o church_n who_o come_v with_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o thereby_o communicate_v acceptable_o to_o god_n and_o fruitful_o to_o themselves_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n but_o as_o for_o all_o the_o other_o three_o sort_n of_o people_n they_o sin_v grievous_o because_o they_o bring_v not_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o receive_v those_o thing_n which_o their_o god_n offer_v unto_o they_o we_o therefore_o in_o this_o example_n be_v admonish_v to_o celebrate_v &_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o moses_n do_v namely_o in_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o idle_a or_o dead_a but_o in_o a_o lively_a faith_n which_o may_v both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n to_o the_o reform_v of_o our_o life_n in_o continual_a obedience_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o our_o own_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n in_o christ._n 2_o observe_v further_o moses_n ordain_v and_o make_v the_o passove_a we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o moses_n kill_v all_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v
do_v it_o not_o so_o much_o as_o burn_v their_o garment_n or_o the_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n to_o cause_v the_o same_o to_o smell_v and_o the_o like_a be_v his_o goodness_n towards_o all_o his_o servant_n david_n say_v 21.3_o the_o lord_n prevent_v he_o with_o liberal_a blessing_n that_o be_v when_o david_n never_o ask_v such_o blessing_n at_o god_n hand_n even_o than_o do_v the_o lord_n bestow_v his_o liberal_a blessing_n upon_o he_o as_o namely_o this_o when_o david_n be_v follow_v his_o father_n sheep_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o call_n he_o never_o dream_v of_o any_o kingdom_n yet_o thence_o the_o lord_n take_v he_o to_o be_v king_n over_o his_o people_n israel_n so_o the_o israelite_n have_v be_v 70._o year_n in_o captivity_n never_o think_v of_o return_n and_o yet_o then_o be_v they_o deliver_v and_o their_o deliverance_n be_v so_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a that_o they_o be_v like_o they_o that_o dream_n psal._n 126.1_o when_o peter_n be_v cast_v into_o prison_n by_o herod_n and_o commit_v to_o four_o quaternion_n of_o soldier_n to_o be_v keep_v 12.4_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v and_o awake_v he_o as_o he_o sleep_v and_o lead_v he_o out_o of_o prison_n past_o the_o watch_n and_o through_o the_o iron_n gate_n and_o then_o leave_v he_o now_o this_o deliverance_n be_v so_o strange_a unto_o he_o that_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a but_o think_v he_o have_v see_v a_o vision_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v make_v this_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o answer_v before_o they_o call_v and_o to_o hear_v while_o they_o speak_v isaiah_n 65.24_o so_o endless_a be_v his_o mercy_n and_o his_o goodness_n so_o unspeakable_a towards_o his_o servant_n that_o if_o they_o cleave_v unto_o he_o unfeigned_o they_o shall_v find_v his_o bounty_n far_o surpass_v all_o that_o they_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v the_o consideration_n hereof_o serve_v to_o stir_v up_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o our_o place_n to_o cleave_v unfeigned_o unto_o the_o true_a god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n in_o due_a reverence_n and_o obedience_n if_o a_o servant_n be_v to_o choose_v his_o master_n and_o among_o a_o hundred_o shall_v hear_v of_o one_o that_o beside_o his_o wage_n will_v give_v unto_o his_o servant_n gift_n which_o they_o will_v not_o think_v of_o this_o servant_n will_v forsake_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o come_v unto_o this_o one_o behold_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v this_o bountiful_a master_n who_o do_v not_o only_o keep_v covenant_n with_o his_o servant_n in_o a_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o be_v exceed_o gracious_a prevent_v they_o with_o liberal_a blessing_n above_o all_o that_o they_o can_v wish_v for_o themselves_o wherefore_o let_v we_o forsake_v all_o our_o bad_a master_n the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o resign_v ourselves_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o serve_v this_o our_o good_a god_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v that_o can_v have_v such_o cause_n of_o true_a joy_n in_o heart_n as_o god_n servant_n have_v for_o god_n show_v more_o kindness_n unto_o they_o than_o they_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v of_o and_o take_v this_o for_o truth_n also_o there_o be_v none_o that_o thus_o give_v themselves_o to_o serve_v god_n faithful_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n but_o before_o they_o die_v they_o shall_v find_v this_o to_o be_v true_a that_o god_n be_v a_o most_o merciful_a god_n and_o his_o goodness_n endless_a towards_o they_o above_o their_o desert_n second_o this_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n must_v move_v we_o all_o to_o repent_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o be_v they_o never_o so_o many_o or_o heinous_a for_o they_o can_v never_o reach_v to_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o mercy_n though_o they_o be_v in_o number_n like_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n they_o must_v not_o dismay_v we_o from_o come_v to_o he_o but_o consider_v that_o his_o goodness_n be_v endless_a and_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n we_o must_v come_v unto_o he_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n for_o god_n be_v merciful_a to_o perform_v his_o promise_n yea_o and_o beyond_o his_o promise_n to_o do_v for_o we_o more_o than_o we_o can_v think_v of_o many_o indeed_o abuse_v this_o mercy_n of_o god_n by_o presume_v thereon_o to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n but_o such_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v merciful_a unto_o they_o deut._n 29.20_o it_o be_v the_o penitent_a person_n that_o shall_v find_v mercy_n the_o six_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v in_o these_o word_n escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n be_v thus_o escape_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o sword_n which_o be_v the_o hebrew_n phrase_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o here_o follow_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o before_o where_o he_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o two_o mouth_a sword_n heb._n 4.12_o hereby_o meaning_n as_o it_o be_v translate_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n this_o effect_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o two_o worthy_a prophet_n elias_n and_o elizeus_fw-la for_o elias_n we_o may_v read_v that_o when_o he_o have_v slay_v baal_n priest_n 1._o king_n 19.1_o jezabel_n the_o queen_n threaten_v to_o kill_v he_o which_o he_o hear_v flee_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o thence_o be_v lead_v to_o mount_n horeb_n and_o there_o escape_v by_o mean_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o for_o elizeus_fw-la we_o may_v read_v that_o when_o he_o disclose_v the_o king_n of_o syriah_n his_o counsel_n to_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n 2._o king_n 6._o he_o be_v compass_v about_o in_o dothan_n the_o city_n where_o he_o lay_v with_o a_o huge_a host_n of_o assyrian_n but_o pray_v to_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n smite_v the_o host_n with_o blindness_n and_o so_o the_o prophet_n lead_v they_o in_o safety_n to_o samaria_n so_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o effect_n be_v that_o when_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v in_o distress_n &_o danger_n of_o death_n they_o deny_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o help_n &_o by_o faith_n rely_v upon_o god_n unfeigned_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n &_o so_o find_v deliverance_n with_o god_n from_o the_o peril_n of_o death_n first_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n provide_v for_o the_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o extremity_n of_o peril_n and_o danger_n when_o both_o might_n and_o multitude_n be_v against_o they_o this_o point_n we_o have_v touch_v in_o diverse_a example_n before_o and_o therefore_o do_v here_o only_a name_n it_o second_o in_o that_o these_o man_n in_o the_o extremity_n of_o danger_n believe_v and_o so_o escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n we_o learn_v that_o when_o we_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n so_o as_o we_o see_v no_o way_n to_o escape_v even_o than_o we_o must_v put_v our_o trust_n in_o the_o true_a god_n and_o he_o will_v save_v us._n this_o we_o must_v do_v not_o only_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o body_n but_o more_o especial_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n put_v the_o case_n a_o man_n be_v in_o despair_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o that_o he_o see_v legion_n of_o devil_n compass_v he_o about_o to_o take_v he_o away_o what_o must_v this_o man_n do_v in_o this_o case_n answ._n look_v what_o elias_n and_o elizeus_fw-la do_v the_o same_o thing_n must_v he_o do_v he_o must_v not_o lie_v dead_a in_o desperation_n yield_v thereto_o but_o at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n when_o such_o terror_n oppress_v he_o he_o must_v by_o faith_n lift_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o put_v all_o his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o through_o christ._n and_o if_o he_o can_v this_o do_v he_o may_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v as_o certain_o escape_v these_o fearful_a terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n as_o elias_n &_o elizeus_fw-la do_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n for_o let_v a_o man_n put_v his_o whole_a trust_n in_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o his_o trouble_n be_v god_n will_v deliver_v he_o great_a be_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o lord_n deliver_v he_o out_o of_o they_o all_o psal._n 34.19_o indeed_o we_o must_v not_o limit_v god_n for_o time_n or_o manner_n of_o deliverance_n but_o wait_v on_o god_n by_o faith_n account_v his_o grace_n sufficient_a till_o deliverance_n come_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o six_o effect_n the_o seven_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v this_o of_o weak_a be_v make_v strong_a or_o thus_o of_o weak_a be_v restore_v to_o health_n this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o hezekias_n a_o worthy_a king_n of_o
christ_n and_o thereupon_o rest_v our_o soul_n thus_o do_v these_o believer_n in_o this_o place_n and_o this_o faith_n do_v job_n notable_o testify_v when_o god_n have_v take_v from_o he_o child_n good_n health_n yea_o and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v yet_o than_o he_o say_v job_n 13.15_o though_o he_o kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o so_o must_v we_o endeavour_n to_o do_v if_o that_o case_n befall_v we_o for_o when_o all_o worldly_a help_n and_o comfort_n fail_v we_o this_o promise_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n will_v be_v a_o sweet_a and_o safe_a refuge_n for_o our_o soul_n be_v destitute_a afflict_a and_o torment_v here_o the_o apostle_n amplifi_v their_o misery_n in_o their_o wander_a estate_n by_o three_o degree_n of_o cross_n which_o do_v accompany_v the_o same_o first_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n second_o they_o be_v afflict_v both_o in_o body_n and_o mind_n three_o torment_v that_o be_v evil_o entreat_v these_o be_v add_v for_o a_o special_a cause_n to_o show_v that_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v lade_v with_o affliction_n they_o be_v banish_v &_o drive_v to_o extreme_a poverty_n they_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o their_o good_n and_o of_o all_o society_n of_o man_n they_o be_v afflict_v in_o body_n and_o in_o mind_n and_o evil_o entreat_v of_o all_o man_n no_o man_n will_v do_v they_o good_a but_o all_o man_n do_v they_o wrong_n whereby_o we_o see_v that_o even_a wave_n of_o misery_n overwhelm_v they_o on_o every_o side_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n servant_n may_v be_v overwhelm_v with_o manifold_a calamity_n at_o the_o same_o instant_n be_v press_v down_o with_o cross_n in_o good_n in_o body_n mind_n friend_n and_o every_o way_n this_o be_v job_n case_n a_o most_o worthy_a servant_n of_o god_n he_o be_v afflict_v in_o body_n in_o friend_n good_n &_o child_n &_o which_o be_v great_a of_o all_o he_o wrestle_v in_o conscience_n with_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n job_n 13.16_o thou_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o i_o and_o make_v i_o to_o possess_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o youth_n and_o the_o like_a have_v be_v the_o state_n of_o many_o of_o god_n child_n psal._n 88.3.7_o my_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o evil_n thou_o have_v vex_v i_o with_o all_o thy_o wave_n etc._n etc._n question_n how_o can_v this_o stand_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n wherein_o be_v promise_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o blessing_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a to_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o deut._n 28._o 1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n all_o these_o blessing_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o and_o overtake_v thou_o bless_a in_o the_o city_n and_o in_o the_o field_n in_o the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o body_n and_o of_o thy_o ground_n and_o cattle_n psal._n 34.10_o they_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n shall_v lack_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a for_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v 1._o tim._n 4.8_o and_o therefore_o david_n compare_v the_o godly_a man_n to_o the_o tree_n that_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o water_n side_n which_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n and_o be_v green_a and_o well_o like_n psalm_n 1.3_o how_o then_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v that_o god_n own_o servant_n shall_v be_v thus_o oppress_v and_o lade_v not_o with_o one_o calamity_n or_o two_o but_o with_o sundry_a and_o grievous_a affliction_n at_o the_o same_o time_n answer_n true_a it_o be_v the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o gracious_a promise_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n unto_o god_n child_n but_o they_o be_v conditional_a and_o must_v be_v understand_v with_o a_o exception_n to_o this_o effect_n god_n child_n shall_v have_v such_o and_o such_o blessing_n unless_o it_o please_v god_n by_o affliction_n to_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o they_o or_o to_o chastise_v they_o for_o some_o sin_n so_o that_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o grace_n or_o chastisement_n for_o sin_n must_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o promise_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o most_o worthy_a &_o renown_a servant_n of_o god_n for_o their_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v afflict_v and_o in_o misery_n for_o his_o promise_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a all_o thing_n be_v they_o as_o paul_n say_v 1._o cor._n 3.21_o and_o they_o shall_v have_v honour_n wealth_n favour_n etc._n etc._n unless_o it_o please_v god_n to_o prove_v their_o faith_n or_o to_o chastise_v their_o sin_n by_o cross_n and_o affliction_n question_n how_o can_v god_n servant_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v so_o many_o and_o grievous_a cross_n at_o once_o see_v it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o man_n to_o bear_v one_o cross_n patient_o the_o answer_n be_v here_o lay_v down_o to_o wit_n by_o faith_n for_o many_o and_o grievous_a be_v the_o misery_n that_o lay_v on_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o by_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o life_n in_o the_o messiah_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o bear_v they_o all_o this_o be_v a_o sovereign_a remedy_n against_o immoderate_a grief_n in_o the_o great_a distress_n and_o undoubted_o the_o flood_n of_o affliction_n shall_v never_o overwhelm_v he_o that_o have_v his_o heart_n assure_v by_o faith_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o by_o jesus_n christ._n this_o make_v david_n say_v he_o will_v not_o fear_v evil_a though_o he_o shall_v walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n psal._n 23.4_o and_o paul_n speak_v of_o tribulation_n anguish_n famine_n persecution_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o sai_z in_o all_o these_o we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o have_v love_v rom._n 8.37_o and_o from_o this_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o endure_v all_o estate_n to_o be_v hungry_a to_o want_v etc._n etc._n phil._n 4.12_o 13._o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o god_n child_n may_v be_v afflict_v with_o manifold_a calamity_n at_o once_o then_o the_o opinion_n of_o natural_a and_o ungodly_a man_n be_v false_a who_o judge_v he_o to_o be_v wicked_a and_o ungodly_a who_o god_n lade_v with_o manifold_a calamity_n this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o job_n three_o friend_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o their_o disputation_n against_o he_o that_o because_o god_n have_v lay_v so_o great_a and_o so_o many_o cross_n upon_o he_o therefore_o he_o be_v but_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rash_a judgement_n of_o natural_a man_n in_o our_o day_n especial_o upon_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n when_o god_n hand_n of_o trial_n or_o correction_n lie_v upon_o they_o they_o present_o censure_v they_o for_o hypocrite_n but_o this_o be_v a_o wretched_a opinion_n for_o god_n dear_a child_n may_v be_v press_v down_o with_o manifold_a calamity_n second_o see_v faith_n in_o christ_n will_v support_v the_o soul_n under_o manifold_a cross_n be_v they_o never_o so_o grievous_a we_o must_v labour_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o have_v our_o heart_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o this_o faith_n and_o when_o affliction_n come_v we_o must_v strive_v to_o show_v forth_o the_o fruit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o by_o bear_v they_o patient_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o affliction_n in_o this_o last_o example_n of_o believer_n verse_n 38._o who_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o they_o wander_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o mountain_n and_o den_n and_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o these_o word_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v answer_v to_o a_o secret_a objection_n or_o surmise_n which_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v conceive_v against_o the_o believer_n speak_v of_o before_o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o some_o man_n may_v think_v thus_o no_o marvel_n though_o they_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o for_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n this_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v flat_o deny_v and_o avouch_v the_o clean_a contrary_n of_o they_o to_o wit_n that_o they_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o by_o faith_n and_o the_o lord_n cause_v they_o so_o to_o do_v because_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o they_o they_o be_v too_o good_a to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n in_o this_o answer_n to_o this_o surmise_n we_o may_v observe_v what_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o natural_a man_n concern_v the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o earth_n whereon_o they_o tread_v be_v too_o good_a for_o they_o this_o have_v be_v be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o world_n estimation_n of_o god_n child_n matthew_n chapter_n 24._o verse_n 9_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o