those_o who_o be_v of_o better_a judgement_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o good_a of_o his_o church_n which_o my_o desire_n be_v shall_v be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o all_o my_o labour_n which_o that_o i_o may_v the_o better_o perform_v i_o entreat_v that_o as_o i_o endeavour_n to_o benefit_v thou_o with_o my_o pain_n and_o study_n so_o thou_o will_v assist_v i_o with_o thy_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o help_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o these_o my_o endeavour_n who_o only_o can_v enable_v we_o to_o expound_v that_o which_o be_v first_o preach_v and_o write_v by_o his_o divine_a inspiration_n thou_o in_o the_o lord_n i._n d._n fault_n escape_v pag._n 18._o lin_v 35._o read_v forename_n pag._n 31._o in_o mark_fw-mi r._n take_v unto_o thou_o p._n 32._o l._n 33._o r._n who_o be_v to_o be_v p._n 33._o l._n 2._o r._n god_n severe_a ibid._n l._n 15._o such_o a_o holy_a and_o high_a call_n p._n 35._o l._n 14._o r._n eat_v a_o roll_n p._n 40._o l._n 36._o r._n turn_v unto_o he_o p._n 97._o in_o 2._o alph._n l._n 13._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ibid._n l._n 14._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lectures_fw-fr upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o hosea_n the_o preface_n or_o introduction_n before_o i_o come_v to_o expound_v this_o our_o prophet_n i_o will_v prefix_v somewhat_o great_a why_o the_o 12._o prophet_n be_v call_v the_o lesser_a the_o other_o four_o the_o great_a both_o concern_v the_o twelve_o prophet_n of_o which_o this_o our_o prophet_n be_v one_o and_o also_o concern_v the_o prophet_n himself_o in_o general_a concern_v the_o former_a we_o will_v consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n why_o they_o be_v call_v the_o small_a or_o lesser_a prophet_n the_o other_o four_o the_o great_a not_o because_o the_o other_o be_v before_o they_o in_o time_n for_o this_o our_o prophet_n in_o this_o respect_n have_v the_o precedence_n of_o they_o all_o as_o afterward_o shall_v appear_v nor_o yet_o because_o they_o excel_v they_o in_o dignity_n and_o authority_n for_o in_o these_o respect_n also_o this_o our_o prophet_n give_v place_n to_o none_o of_o the_o great_a but_o because_o the_o book_n contain_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o other_o four_o be_v much_o more_o large_a than_o these_o which_o contain_v the_o prophecy_n of_o these_o twelve_o and_o therefore_o because_o the_o dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o derive_v from_o their_o length_n and_o greatness_n but_o from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o from_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o contain_v we_o be_v not_o to_o make_v less_o account_n of_o the_o short_a then_o of_o the_o long_a nor_o of_o the_o small_a prophet_n then_o of_o the_o great_a in_o the_o second_o place_n let_v we_o consider_v why_o all_o these_o twelve_o volume_n why_o these_o be_v join_v in_o one_o volume_n be_v original_o join_v in_o one_o book_n or_o volume_n not_o because_o they_o live_v prophesy_v and_o write_v in_o the_o same_o time_n and_o so_o join_v their_o work_n together_o for_o some_o of_o they_o be_v the_o first_o some_o the_o last_o of_o all_o the_o prophet_n who_o writing_n be_v extant_a some_o before_o some_z in_o and_o some_o after_o the_o captivity_n but_o by_o god_n all-ruling_a providence_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o their_o prophecy_n which_o be_v write_v in_o diverse_a age_n and_o scatter_v in_o diverse_a book_n shall_v afterward_o be_v collect_v into_o one_o volume_n to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o preserve_v from_o lose_v and_o perish_v to_o which_o danger_n they_o will_v have_v be_v more_o expose_v if_o they_o have_v be_v sever_v and_o scatter_v where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v observe_v god_n vigilant_a care_n in_o preserve_v all_o the_o writing_n of_o his_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o holy_a man_n inspire_v by_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o instruction_n and_o salvation_n of_o his_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v but_o a_o slender_a argument_n for_o their_o tradition_n when_o as_o they_o allege_v that_o they_o be_v invent_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o those_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v lose_v and_o perish_v the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o be_v the_o several_a people_n unto_o which_o these_o prophet_n prophesy_v for_o some_o prophesy_v prophesy_v unto_o what_o people_n the_o several_a prophet_n prophesy_v to_o the_o israelite_n namely_o hosea_n joel_n amos_n micheas_n some_o to_o the_o jew_n as_o zophonias_n haggeus_n zacharias_n malachias_n some_o to_o the_o gentile_n as_o jonas_n and_o nahum_n to_o the_o ninivites_fw-la habacuc_fw-la to_o the_o babylonian_n abdias_n to_o the_o edomite_n the_o which_o consideration_n be_v very_o profitable_a as_o bring_v great_a light_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o their_o prophecy_n the_o last_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v consider_v be_v the_o general_a subject_n prophecy_n the_o subject_n of_o these_o prophecy_n or_o matter_n which_o the_o prophet_n handle_n the_o which_o be_v partly_o legal_a and_o partly_o evangelicall_a for_o that_o which_o be_v brief_o and_o somewhat_o dark_o set_v down_o by_o moses_n in_o the_o law_n be_v enlarge_v and_o expound_v by_o the_o prophet_n first_o therefore_o they_o contain_v holy_a precept_n prescribe_v by_o god_n for_o the_o guide_n and_o direct_v of_o man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o righteousness_n to_o which_o be_v annex_v gracious_a promise_n of_o both_o outward_a temporal_a and_o also_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a benefit_n to_o those_o that_o yield_v obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n for_o neither_o will_v the_o lord_n have_v man_n to_o serve_v he_o for_o nought_o nor_o yet_o bestow_v his_o benefit_n upon_o such_o as_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v he_o their_o service_n and_o therefore_o as_o on_o his_o part_n he_o promise_v his_o grace_n and_o benefit_n so_o he_o require_v that_o those_o upon_o who_o he_o bestow_v they_o shall_v live_v in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n as_o it_o become_v the_o people_n of_o god_n second_o they_o contain_v reprehension_n and_o severe_a threaten_n of_o grievous_a punishment_n against_o the_o transgressor_n of_o these_o holy_a precept_n and_o that_o both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a three_o there_o be_v intermix_v with_o these_o threaten_n of_o common_a calamity_n special_a consolation_n for_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o integrity_n and_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o universal_a deluge_n of_o wickedness_n which_o overflow_v the_o land_n last_o they_o foretell_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v the_o main_a end_n both_o of_o the_o law_n &_o the_o prophet_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o christ_n in_o who_o notwithstanding_o their_o imperfection_n and_o want_n in_o their_o legal_a obedience_n they_o be_v to_o be_v justify_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n and_o eternal_o save_v and_o these_o be_v the_o main_a subject_n matter_n and_o scope_n of_o both_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o difference_n which_o be_v betwixt_o prophet_n the_o difference_n between_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o be_v these_o moses_n expound_v these_o thing_n brief_o and_o dark_o these_o more_o large_o and_o plain_o as_o be_v exposition_n of_o he_o moses_n set_v down_o both_o the_o threaten_n &_o the_o promise_n general_o and_o indefinite_o without_o limitation_n of_o punishment_n person_n time_n or_o place_n the_o prophet_n special_o determine_v these_o circumstance_n set_v down_o the_o particular_a punishment_n which_o shall_v be_v inflict_v the_o person_n against_o who_o the_o time_n when_o and_o the_o place_n where_o moses_n general_o and_o obscure_o promise_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v say_v that_o a_o prophet_n shall_v be_v raise_v by_o god_n from_o among_o the_o people_n like_v unto_o himself_o etc._n etc._n deut._n 18._o 18._o the_o prophet_n particular_o describe_v he_o what_o kind_n of_o messiah_n he_o shall_v be_v namely_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n in_o bethlem_n of_o jury_n how_o he_o shall_v live_v and_o how_o he_o shall_v die_v for_o the_o people_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o much_o in_o general_a of_o these_o twelve_o prophet_n now_o we_o will_v add_v something_o of_o this_o our_o prophet_n hosea_n and_o authentical_a that_o hoseahs_n prophecy_n be_v authentical_a first_o concern_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o prophecy_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v indict_v by_o god_n spirit_n and_o by_o his_o commandment_n deliver_v to_o the_o church_n first_o because_o it_o be_v cite_v and_o allege_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o by_o they_o approve_v for_o canonical_a scripture_n
nor_o reform_v the_o affection_n like_o please_a music_n or_o witty_a poetry_n which_o be_v more_o fit_a for_o the_o stage_n then_o for_o the_o pulpit_n they_o must_v not_o when_o they_o deliver_v god_n ambassage_n come_v with_o excellency_n of_o word_n or_o in_o the_o entice_a speech_n of_o man_n wisdom_n which_o paul_n disapprove_v in_o his_o own_o 4._o 1._o cor._n 2._o 1._o 4._o practice_n but_o in_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n &_o of_o power_n which_o grave_a manner_n of_o speak_v best_o become_v the_o ambassador_n of_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o must_v they_o unless_o it_o be_v spare_o and_o for_o special_a purpose_n cite_v the_o authority_n of_o man_n of_o the_o father_n doctor_n counsel_n much_o less_o of_o poet_n and_o philosopher_n labour_v to_o beautify_v the_o pure_a golden_a verity_n of_o god_n word_n by_o paint_v it_o over_o with_o the_o duskish_a colour_n of_o humane_a learning_n whereby_o they_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o other_o writer_n between_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n word_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n the_o second_o special_a doctrine_n concern_v the_o people_n who_o may_v here_o learn_v first_o to_o hunger_n after_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o god_n word_n as_o peter_n exhort_v 1._o pet._n 2._o 2._o and_o not_o after_o the_o 2._o 1._o pet._n 2._o 2._o manner_n of_o those_o who_o have_v itch_a ear_n and_o cloy_v appetite_n reject_v the_o word_n the_o food_n of_o their_o soul_n because_o it_o be_v bring_v unto_o they_o in_o a_o earthen_a vessel_n their_o surfeit_a stomach_n not_o suffer_v they_o to_o feed_v upon_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o sauce_v with_o humane_a learning_n second_o that_o when_o pure_a doctrine_n be_v deliver_v unto_o they_o by_o god_n ambassador_n they_o do_v receive_v it_o and_o esteem_n of_o it_o with_o the_o thessalonian_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o 13._o 1._o thes_n 2._o 13._o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v as_o it_o be_v rom._n 1._o 16._o and_o therefore_o 16._o rom._n 1._o 16._o they_o be_v to_o hear_v it_o reverent_o and_o not_o contemptuous_o attentive_o not_o drousy_o sleepy_o nor_o carnal_o have_v their_o mind_n distract_v with_o worldly_a care_n and_o business_n and_o conscionable_o treasure_v it_o up_o in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v practice_v it_o in_o their_o life_n not_o secure_o and_o careless_o let_v it_o go_v like_o the_o sand_n in_o the_o hourglass_n in_o at_o the_o one_o ear_n and_o out_o at_o the_o other_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o prophecy_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n by_o who_o it_o be_v deliver_v express_v in_o these_o word_n that_o come_v unto_o hosea_n hosea_n that_o come_v unto_o hosea_n the_o son_n of_o beeri_n wherein_o be_v express_v the_o manner_n how_o this_o prophecy_n be_v deliver_v and_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o manner_n in_o these_o word_n which_o come_v that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o 6._o the_o manner_n of_o reveal_v these_o prophecy_n num._n 12._o 6._o lord_n which_o be_v deliver_v unto_o hosea_n in_o a_o divine_a vision_n the_o which_o the_o prophet_n usual_o see_v in_o their_o dream_n while_o they_o sleep_v as_o appear_v numb_a 12._o 6._o if_o there_o be_v a_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n omongst_a you_o i_o will_v be_v know_v to_o he_o in_o a_o vision_n and_o will_v speak_v to_o he_o by_o dream_n so_o zach._n 1._o 8._o i_o see_v by_o night_n and_o behold_v 1._o zach._n 1._o 8._o job_n 33._o 15._o dan_n 7._o 1._o hold_v etc._n etc._n but_o how_o then_o can_v the_o prophet_n distinguish_v their_o divine_a vision_n from_o ordinary_a dream_n i_o answer_v first_o because_o the_o lord_n who_o speak_v unto_o they_o assure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v his_o own_o voice_n as_o appear_v act_v 16._o 9_o 10._o second_o because_o those_o who_o be_v not_o ordinary_a prophet_n have_v their_o dream_n 32._o act_n 16._o 9_o 10._o gen._n 37._o 5._o 9_o 1_o sam._n 3_o 4._o gen._n 41._o 32._o common_o reiterated_a as_o joseph_n gen._n 37._o 5_o 9_o samuel_n 1._o sam._n 3._o 4._o pharaoh_n as_o joseph_n affirm_v gen._n 41._o 32._o three_o they_o leave_v such_o a_o deep_a impression_n as_o can_v not_o be_v blot_v out_o as_o appeareth_z in_o the_o dream_n of_o pharaoh_n servant_n gen._n 40._o 6._o 8._o pharaoh_n gen._n 41._o 8._o nebuchadnezzer_n dan._n 2._o 4._o 2._o and_o these_o be_v call_v somnia_fw-la sigillata_fw-la 2._o gen._n 40._o 6._o 8._o gen._n 41._o 8._o dan._n 2._o 1._o 4._o 2._o and_o thus_o the_o lord_n make_v know_v his_o will_n unto_o his_o servant_n in_o former_a time_n but_o now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v dream_n and_o vision_n for_o in_o these_o last_o time_n god_n have_v speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o 2._o heb._n 1._o 2._o son_n heb._n 1._o 2._o the_o which_o be_v a_o far_o great_a mercy_n unto_o we_o than_o be_v show_v to_o our_o father_n of_o old_a for_o whereas_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o wait_v long_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v to_o be_v reveal_v by_o vision_n and_o oftentimes_o be_v not_o satisfy_v because_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n the_o vision_n fail_v as_o appear_v 1._o sam._n 3._o 1._o psal_n 74._o 9_o we_o have_v god_n will_v manifest_v in_o his_o write_a word_n which_o at_o all_o time_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n 9_o 1._o sam._n 3._o 1._o psal_n 74_o 9_o we_o may_v make_v our_o counsellor_n the_o use_n which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v hereof_o be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o fantastical_o desire_v vision_n and_o revelation_n but_o use_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v gracious_o grant_v unto_o we_o for_o the_o attain_n of_o knowledge_n &_o praise_v his_o name_n for_o it_o for_o they_o who_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n desire_v vision_n be_v like_o those_o who_o go_v out_o of_o the_o sunshine_n to_o work_v by_o the_o light_n of_o a_o dim_a candle_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o manner_n the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o divine_a vision_n be_v deliver_v be_v to_o hosea_n who_o name_n hosea_n of_o hosea_n be_v add_v to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o pprophecy_n for_o when_o the_o writer_n expresle_v his_o name_n it_o add_v credit_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o work_n and_o therefore_o hosea_n purposely_o profess_v his_o name_n and_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o king_n in_o who_o time_n he_o write_v that_o it_o may_v be_v manifest_a that_o his_o writing_n be_v not_o forge_v and_o counterfeit_n but_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o here_o learn_v be_v that_o as_o the_o prophet_n have_v set_v down_o many_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o that_o which_o they_o have_v write_v be_v inspire_v by_o god_n spirit_n so_o we_o labour_v to_o acquaint_v and_o confirm_v ourselves_o with_o they_o lest_o through_o ignorance_n we_o embrace_v as_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n humane_a conceit_n for_o divine_a prophecy_n and_o to_o this_o duty_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v timothy_n 2._o tim._n 3._o 14._o and_o the_o apostle_n john_n those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v 1._o john_n 4._o 1._o especial_o let_v we_o 1._o 2._o tim._n 3._o 14._o 1._o john_n 4._o 1._o learn_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o apocryphal_a and_o canonical_a scripture_n see_v the_o error_n be_v more_o dangerous_a because_o they_o be_v in_o our_o church_n join_v in_o our_o book_n and_o read_v promiscuous_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o name_n itself_o the_o signification_n whereof_o be_v the_o same_o which_o jesus_n and_o josua_n a_o saviour_n the_o which_o hosea_n of_o the_o name_n hosea_n name_n be_v give_v to_o this_o prophet_n by_o his_o parent_n direct_v by_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o do_v fit_o agree_v unto_o he_o first_o because_o he_o be_v a_o type_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o his_o wife_n of_o fornication_n as_o afterward_o shall_v appear_v second_o because_o god_n use_v he_o as_o his_o mean_n and_o instrument_n in_o save_v the_o people_n by_o bring_v they_o unto_o god_n from_o their_o sin_n by_o true_a repentance_n and_o to_o their_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n but_o how_o can_v his_o parent_n foresee_v this_o when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o infancy_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o hebrew_n to_o give_v unto_o their_o child_n significant_a name_n whereby_o either_o they_o express_v their_o own_o desire_n that_o their_o child_n shall_v be_v such_o and_o so_o virtuous_a as_o their_o name_n portend_v or_o thereby_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o some_o notable_a work_n of_o god_n do_v about_o the_o time_n
repent_v and_o live_v and_o 11._o ezech._n 18._o 23._o ezech._n 33._o 10_o 11._o therefore_o when_o the_o israelite_n take_v occasion_n upon_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n judgement_n denounce_v against_o they_o desperate_o to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n because_o they_o think_v it_o now_o too_o late_o to_o repent_v because_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n who_o be_v immutable_a be_v already_o threaten_v and_o therefore_o shall_v certain_o be_v inflict_v notwithstanding_o their_o repentance_n the_o lord_n send_v his_o prophet_n unto_o they_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o his_o threaten_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a and_o that_o when_o he_o threaten_v he_o aim_v not_o at_o their_o destruction_n but_o at_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n that_o so_o they_o may_v escape_v his_o punishment_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n and_o bring_v a_o famine_n of_o his_o word_n neither_o allure_a his_o people_n to_o holy_a obedience_n by_o gracious_a promise_n nor_o restrain_v they_o from_o run_v on_o in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o sin_n by_o severe_a threaten_n then_o be_v god_n judgement_n even_o at_o the_o door_n and_o such_o a_o people_n though_o never_o so_o strong_a and_o secure_a be_v nigh_o unto_o destruction_n of_o this_o judgement_n the_o lord_n speak_v amos_n 8._o 26._o amos_n 8._o 11._o ezech._n 3._o 26._o 11._o ezech._n 3._o 26._o and_o i_o will_v make_v thy_o tongue_n cleave_v to_o the_o roof_n of_o thy_o mouth_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v dumb_a and_o shall_v not_o be_v to_o they_o as_o a_o man_n that_o rebuke_v for_o they_o be_v a_o rebellious_a house_n and_o chap._n 7._o 26._o calamity_n shall_v come_v upon_o calamity_n and_o rumour_n 27_o ezech._n 7._o 26_o 27_o upon_o rumour_n then_o shall_v they_o seek_v a_o vision_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o the_o law_n shall_v perish_v from_o the_o priest_n and_o counsel_n from_o the_o ancient_a 27._o the_o king_n shall_v mourn_v and_o the_o prince_n shall_v be_v clothe_v with_o desolation_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n shall_v be_v trouble_v and_o i_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o according_a to_o their_o way_n and_o according_a to_o their_o judgement_n will_v i_o judge_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n the_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o prophecy_n we_o may_v see_v psal_n 74._o 7._o they_o have_v cast_v thy_o sanctuary_n 9_o psal_n 74._o 7_o 8_o 9_o into_o the_o fire_n and_o raze_v it_o unto_o the_o ground_n and_o have_v defile_v the_o dwell_a place_n of_o thy_o name_n 8._o they_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n let_v we_o destroy_v they_o altogether_o they_o have_v burn_v all_o the_o synagogue_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n 9_o we_o see_v not_o our_o sign_n there_o be_v not_o one_o prophet_n more_o nor_o any_o with_o we_o that_o know_v how_o long_o the_o use_n which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v hereof_o be_v that_o while_o the_o lord_n grant_v unto_o we_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n we_o praise_v his_o name_n for_o this_o benefit_n and_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o yet_o forsake_v we_o let_v we_o be_v move_v thereby_o to_o turn_v unto_o he_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n but_o if_o the_o lord_n cause_n the_o prophet_n tongue_n to_o cleave_v to_o the_o roof_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o take_v away_o from_o we_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n then_o let_v we_o certain_o expect_v some_o fearful_a judgement_n etc._n etc._n second_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o hosea_n prophecy_n the_o authority_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n hence_o we_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o above_o all_o exception_n that_o they_o be_v true_a certain_a and_o most_o undoubted_o to_o be_v believe_v see_v they_o have_v god_n for_o their_o author_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o esteem_v these_o prophecy_n as_o the_o conceit_n of_o man_n but_o as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o most_o true_a god_n inspire_v into_o his_o prophet_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o we_o be_v to_o know_v this_o that_o no_o prophecy_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a motion_n for_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o pet._n 1._o 20_o 21._o so_o it_o be_v say_v luke_n 1._o 70._o that_o 16._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 20_o 21._o luke_n 1._o 70._o act_n 3._o 18._o 2._o tim._n 3._o 16._o god_n speak_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o holy_a prophet_n which_o be_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v and_o the_o apostle_n 2._o tim._n 3._o 16._o say_v that_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o we_o be_v thus_o to_o esteem_v the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n so_o likewise_o the_o word_n of_o god_n true_a minister_n true_o expound_v and_o give_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o gather_v out_o of_o they_o either_o essential_o or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n sound_a doctrine_n for_o our_o instruction_n and_o edification_n be_v no_o less_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o his_o true_a minister_n matth._n 10._o 20._o it_o be_v not_o you_o 20._o matth._n 10._o 20._o that_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n which_o speak_v within_o you_o and_o luke_n 10._o 16._o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o 16._o luke_n 10._o 16._o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o etc._n etc._n three_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o these_o prophecy_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o hence_o gather_v that_o they_o need_v not_o the_o confirmation_n and_o approbation_n of_o man_n or_o of_o the_o church_n see_v they_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o a_o great_a authority_n even_o of_o god_n himself_o as_o therefore_o christ_n say_v of_o himself_o john_n 5._o 34._o john_n 5._o 34._o 34._o i_o receive_v not_o the_o record_n of_o man_n so_o may_v we_o say_v of_o his_o word_n etc._n etc._n four_o we_o hence_o learn_v that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o better_a interpreter_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o whole_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o church_n or_o counsel_n &_o much_o less_o of_o the_o pope_n but_o to_o expound_v one_o scripture_n by_o another_o for_o every_o author_n be_v the_o best_a expositour_n of_o his_o own_o work_n every_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o own_o law_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o derogate_v from_o god_n that_o prerogative_n which_o we_o give_v unto_o man_n etc._n etc._n five_o see_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o hence_o gather_v that_o they_o be_v the_o best_a rule_n of_o our_o life_n and_o manner_n and_o the_o sure_a foundation_n whereupon_o we_o may_v build_v our_o faith_n so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o pin_n our_o faith_n upon_o the_o church_n sleeve_n because_o we_o have_v a_o most_o sure_a word_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o which_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n which_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o be_v 2._o pet._n 1._o 19_o and_o be_v build_v not_o on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n 19_o 2._o pet._n 1._o 19_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n as_o it_o be_v eph._n 2._o 20._o 20._o eph._n 2._o 20._o and_o these_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o concern_v all_o man_n in_o general_n more_o special_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n may_v here_o preach_n that_o god_n word_n be_v the_o alone_a subject_n of_o true_a preach_n learn_v to_o deliver_v nothing_o to_o the_o people_n but_o the_o pure_a word_n and_o what_o be_v ground_v on_o it_o and_o warrant_v thereby_o so_o as_o they_o may_v say_v with_o the_o prophet_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 1._o cor._n 11._o 23._o i_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n that_o which_o i_o also_o have_v deliver_v 23._o 1._o cor._n 11._o 23._o unto_o you_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n peter_n require_v 1._o pet._n 4._o 11._o if_o any_o man_n speak_v let_v he_o speak_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o must_v 11._o 1._o pet._n 4_o 11._o not_o therefore_o deliver_v unto_o the_o people_n in_o stead_n of_o god_n word_n their_o own_o invention_n their_o own_o frothy_a conceit_n of_o wit_n which_o only_a delight_n and_o tickle_v the_o ear_n but_o neither_o inform_v the_o judgement_n
malice_n for_o their_o own_o destruction_n four_o we_o may_v here_o observe_v what_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o peace_n the_o lord_n be_v the_o chief_a author_n of_o our_o peace_n our_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n namely_o not_o our_o own_o power_n and_o policy_n or_o strength_n of_o near_o adjoin_v friend_n but_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o do_v enjoy_v it_o as_o we_o have_v do_v for_o many_o year_n let_v we_o ascribe_v the_o whole_a praise_n and_o glory_n unto_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o and_o let_v we_o 6._o esa_n 45._o 7._o 2._o chron._n 14._o 6._o make_v this_o use_n of_o our_o great_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n with_o more_o diligence_n to_o do_v god_n service_n both_o private_o at_o home_n and_o public_o in_o the_o congregation_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n why_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v this_o peace_n unto_o us._n last_o we_o may_v here_o observe_v a_o notable_a mark_n of_o those_o that_o conversion_n christian_n security_n a_o true_a note_n of_o our_o conversion_n be_v true_o convert_v unto_o god_n &_o reconcile_v in_o christ_n namely_o when_o as_o with_o a_o christian_a security_n we_o can_v rest_v upon_o god_n providence_n and_o protection_n after_o we_o have_v attain_v unto_o some_o assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n not_o only_a when_o the_o world_n promise_v safety_n but_o also_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o trouble_n and_o danger_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a who_o 21._o esa_n 57_o 21._o howsoever_o they_o be_v bold_a and_o confident_a in_o their_o prosperity_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v overtake_v with_o any_o unexpected_a danger_n faint_v with_o fear_n and_o be_v perplex_v with_o a_o guilty_a astonishment_n whereas_o they_o who_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o god_n have_v the_o inward_a peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o make_v they_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v confident_a as_o a_o lion_n know_v that_o god_n 1._o prou._n 28._o 1._o providence_n watch_v over_o they_o which_o will_v either_o deliver_v they_o from_o danger_n and_o evil_n or_o turn_v they_o to_o their_o everlasting_a good_a and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o four_o benefit_n the_o five_o follow_v which_o be_v that_o near_a and_o inseparable_a union_n that_o be_v between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o church_n express_v in_o these_o word_n verse_n 19_o and_o i_o will_v marry_v thou_o unto_o i_o for_o ever_o yea_o and_o i_o will_v marry_v thou_o unto_o i_o in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o verse_n 19_o 20._o judgement_n and_o in_o mercy_n and_o in_o compassion_n 20._o i_o will_v even_o marry_v thou_o unto_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o thou_o shall_v know_v the_o lord_n where_o the_o prophet_n proceed_v in_o his_o former_a allegory_n compare_v 45._o the_o exposition_n the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n resemble_v to_o marriage_n psal_n 45._o the_o union_n which_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n unto_o marriage_n because_o no_o other_o similitude_n do_v more_o lively_a and_o full_o express_v it_o whereof_o it_o be_v that_o this_o spiritual_a and_o mystical_a union_n be_v usual_o in_o the_o scripture_n represent_v unto_o we_o under_o this_o type_n of_o marriage_n wherein_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o husband_n and_o his_o church_n the_o spouse_n so_o psal_n 45._o the_o union_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v shadow_v under_o the_o type_n of_o salomon_n marriage_n with_o pharaoh_n daughter_n the_o whole_a book_n of_o canticle_n contain_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n the_o prophet_n esay_n speak_v of_o it_o chap._n 54._o 5._o for_o he_o that_o make_v thou_o be_v thy_o husband_n who_o name_n be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n etc._n etc._n 8._o esa_n â—4_n 5._o 6._o &_o 62._o 5._o ezech._n 16._o 8._o v._n 6._o ch_n 62._o 5._o the_o prophet_n ezechiel_n likewise_o chap._n 16._o 8._o etc._n etc._n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n call_v himself_o the_o bridegroom_n of_o the_o church_n matth._n 9_o 15._o and_o chap._n 2._o matth._n 9_o 15._o &_o 22._o 2._o 22._o 2._o god_n the_o father_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o king_n who_o marry_v his_o son_n that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n also_o use_v the_o same_o similitude_n to_o signify_v this_o union_n so_o paul_n 2._o cor._n 11._o 2._o i_o have_v prepare_v you_o for_o one_o husband_n to_o present_v you_o 9_o 2._o cor._n 11_o 2._o eph._n 5._o 23_o 25._o apoc_fw-la 19_o 7._o &_o 21._o 2._o 9_o as_o a_o pure_a virgin_n to_o christ_n and_o eph._n 5_o 23._o 25._o 32._o and_o the_o apostle_n john_n apoc._n 19_o 7._o let_v we_o be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v and_o give_v glory_n to_o he_o for_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n be_v come_v and_o his_o wife_n have_v make_v herself_o ready_a so_o chap._n 21._o 2._o and_o i_o john_n see_v the_o holy_a city_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n prepare_v as_o a_o bride_n trim_v for_o her_o husband_n and_o vers_fw-la 9_o see_v therefore_o this_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v in_o marriage_n the_o great_a similitude_n between_o our_o spiritual_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o marriage_n so_o many_o place_n resemble_v to_o marriage_n let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v the_o great_a similitude_n which_o be_v betwixt_o they_o that_o so_o we_o may_v the_o more_o plain_o conceive_v of_o this_o excellent_a mystery_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o good_a and_o happiness_n first_o as_o unto_o every_o lawful_a marriage_n there_o be_v require_v that_o the_o party_n marry_v be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o nature_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o second_o person_n in_o trinity_n take_v upon_o he_o our_o nature_n and_o be_v make_v flesh_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v a_o fit_a husband_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n be_v regenerate_v and_o purge_v from_o her_o sin_n and_o corruption_n 1._o joh._n 1._o 1._o of_o nature_n that_o so_o be_v make_v like_o christ_n in_o holiness_n and_o unblame_a ablenesse_n she_o may_v become_v a_o fit_a spouse_n for_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 5._o 25._o 26._o 27._o so_o that_o if_o 27_o ephes_n 5._o 25._o 27_o we_o speak_v proper_o neither_o god_n the_o father_n nor_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o husband_n of_o the_o church_n but_o god_n the_o son_n who_o alone_o take_v upon_o he_o our_o nature_n and_o become_v like_a unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o both_o this_o and_o all_o the_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o marriage_n between_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v proper_o of_o god_n the_o son_n and_o as_o these_o person_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o a_o different_a sex_n male_a and_o female_a so_o in_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n christ_n be_v the_o man_n or_o husband_n the_o church_n be_v the_o woman_n or_o spouse_n who_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o side_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o deadly_a sleep_n as_o eva_n out_o of_o adam_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n of_o who_o he_o beget_v by_o the_o seed_n of_o his_o word_n and_o holy_a spirit_n many_o faithful_a child_n unto_o himself_o second_o as_o in_o marriage_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v only_o two_o join_v together_o one_o man_n with_o one_o woman_n according_a to_o that_o matth._n 19_o 5._o and_o they_o two_o shall_v be_v one_o flesh_n so_o in_o this_o spiritual_a 5._o matth._n 19_o 5._o marriage_n there_o be_v but_o two_o one_o husband_n christ_n and_o one_o spouse_n the_o church_n for_o although_o the_o faithful_a be_v many_o in_o number_n yet_o they_o make_v but_o one_o entire_a body_n see_v they_o be_v conjoin_v and_o quicken_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n as_o diverse_a member_n make_v but_o one_o body_n be_v quicken_v by_o the_o same_o soul_n and_o as_o in_o our_o ordinary_a marriage_n special_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o we_o be_v not_o unequal_o yoke_v the_o godly_a with_o the_o wicked_a the_o believer_n with_o the_o infidel_n as_o the_o apostle_n charge_v we_o 2._o cor._n 6._o 14._o so_o in_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n christ_n the_o husband_n most_o just_a &_o holy_a have_v have_v a_o special_a care_n not_o to_o choose_v 14._o 2._o cor._n 6._o 14._o but_o to_o make_v his_o spouse_n be_v choose_v glorious_a and_o without_o any_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n holy_a and_o unblameable_a by_o wash_v away_o 27._o eph._n 5._o 26._o 27._o her_o sin_n and_o corruption_n with_o his_o blood_n and_o that_o first_o in_o her_o justification_n whereby_o her_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o hide_v out_o of_o