it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o save_v they_o another_o way_n even_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n for_o it_o teach_v they_o many_o thing_n first_o it_o be_v a_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n unto_o their_o soul_n for_o if_o he_o be_v so_o careful_a to_o save_v their_o body_n from_o the_o flood_n they_o thereby_o assure_v themselves_o he_o will_v be_v as_o good_a unto_o their_o soul_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v far_o more_o precious_a and_o excellent_a second_o it_o show_v they_o how_o to_o be_v save_v for_o as_o they_o see_v no_o safety_n nothing_o but_o present_a death_n out_o of_o the_o ark_n so_o it_o teach_v they_o that_o out_o of_o god_n church_n and_o out_o of_o god_n favour_n no_o salvation_n can_v be_v expect_v and_o so_o it_o teach_v they_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n and_o member_n of_o his_o true_a church_n three_o they_o see_v they_o be_v save_v from_o the_o flood_n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o first_o noah_n believe_v god_n word_n that_o the_o flood_n shall_v come_v then_o he_o obey_v god_n commandment_n and_o make_v the_o ark_n as_o he_o be_v command_v and_o thus_o he_o and_o he_o by_o believe_v &_o obey_v be_v save_v through_o the_o ark_n and_o without_o these_o the_o ark_n can_v not_o have_v save_v they_o this_o teach_v they_o more_o particular_o how_o to_o be_v save_v namely_o by_o believe_v god_n and_o obey_v god_n and_o else_o no_o salvation_n for_o when_o they_o see_v their_o body_n can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o they_o it_o assure_v they_o much_o less_o can_v their_o soul_n be_v save_v without_o faith_n and_o obedience_n last_o this_o deliverance_n by_o the_o ark_n be_v a_o pawn_n unto_o they_o from_o god_n assure_v they_o of_o salvation_n if_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n for_o see_v god_n so_o full_o perform_v his_o promise_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o bodily_a deliverance_n upon_o their_o believe_v they_o thereby_o may_v assure_v themselves_o he_o will_v perform_v his_o promise_n of_o salvation_n unto_o they_o upon_o their_o faith_n and_o true_a obedience_n moreover_o it_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n for_o when_o ever_o after_o any_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o they_o or_o any_o word_n of_o god_n come_v unto_o they_o they_o then_o remember_v god_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n unto_o they_o in_o their_o deliverance_n by_o the_o ark_n and_o therefore_o believe_v unto_o these_o and_o many_o other_o spiritual_a use_n do_v the_o ark_n serve_v unto_o noah_n and_o to_o his_o household_n as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o be_v believer_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o indeed_o the_o ark_n serve_v they_o for_o a_o temporal_a deliverance_n it_o save_v their_o life_n therefore_o they_o also_o have_v reason_n to_o make_v spiritual_a use_n of_o it_o but_o it_o save_v not_o we_o it_o serve_v we_o to_o no_o use_n corporal_a therefore_o how_o can_v we_o make_v any_o spiritual_a use_n of_o it_o i_o answer_v though_o we_o have_v no_o corporal_a use_n of_o the_o ark_n yet_o there_o arise_v a_o excellent_a spiritual_a use_n out_o of_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n and_o our_o baptism_n be_v figure_n correspondent_a one_o to_o the_o other_o that_o that_o noah_n ark_n be_v to_o they_o baptism_n be_v to_o us._n thus_o teach_v s._n peter_n 1.3.20.21_o to_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n the_o figure_n which_o now_o save_v we_o even_o baptism_n agree_v the_o same_o that_o s._n paul_n here_o ascribe_v to_o the_o ark_n s._n peter_n ascribe_v to_o baptism_n the_o ark_n save_v they_o baptism_n save_v us._n now_o the_o resemblance_n betwixt_o these_o two_o figure_n have_v two_o branch_n first_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v in_o the_o flood_n to_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n and_o out_o of_o the_o ark_n no_o possibility_n to_o escape_v so_o be_v it_o for_o they_o that_o will_v have_v their_o soul_n save_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n they_o must_v be_v mystical_a member_n of_o christ_n and_o visible_a member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o out_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n no_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n that_o this_o be_v true_a for_o christ_n s._n peter_n prove_v apparent_o act_v 4.12_o among_o man_n there_o be_v no_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o to_o be_v save_v but_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o and_o that_o this_o be_v true_a for_o the_o church_n he_o prove_v act_n 2.47_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v see_v how_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v save_v must_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n when_o they_o see_v where_o it_o be_v and_o all_o this_o be_v signify_v &_o teach_v in_o baptism_n for_o the_o outward_a use_n of_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n &_o the_o inward_a &_o powerful_a use_n of_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o use_n and_o consideration_n hereof_o shall_v make_v we_o all_o more_o careful_a to_o be_v true_a member_n of_o christ_n &_o of_o his_o church_n by_o make_v not_o only_o a_o bare_a profession_n of_o religion_n but_o by_o seek_v to_o be_v incorporate_a into_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n for_o this_o must_v save_v we_o when_o nothing_o else_o can_v as_o they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n no_o gold_n nor_o silver_n can_v buy_v out_o their_o safety_n no_o land_n nor_o live_n no_o house_n nor_o building_n no_o hill_n nor_o mountain_n nothing_o in_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o whole_a world_n itself_o can_v save_v they_o but_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n they_o perish_v so_o if_o a_o man_n be_v out_o of_o christ_n &_o out_o of_o his_o church_n no_o gold_n nor_o silver_n no_o honour_n nor_o glory_n no_o wit_n nor_o policy_n no_o estimation_n nor_o authority_n no_o friend_n nor_o favour_n no_o wisdom_n nor_o learning_n no_o hill_n of_o happiness_n nor_o mountain_n of_o gold_n can_v save_v his_o soul_n but_o he_o must_v perish_v in_o the_o flood_n of_o god_n eternal_a wrath_n for_o as_o it_o prove_v folly_n in_o they_o that_o trust_v to_o their_o high_a house_n or_o catch_v hold_v on_o the_o hill_n if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n so_o will_v it_o prove_v much_o great_a folly_n to_o they_o that_o shall_v trust_v to_o any_o mean_n of_o salvation_n if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o christ._n and_o contrariwise_o as_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v save_v do_v the_o water_n wind_n and_o weather_n storm_n and_o tempest_n all_o they_o can_v so_o that_o still_o the_o more_o the_o water_n rise_v the_o ark_n rise_v also_o and_o be_v ever_o high_o than_o they_o and_o the_o high_a it_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o water_n the_o safe_a it_o be_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o hill_n and_o rock_n and_o so_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o danger_n they_o be_v out_o of_o danger_n and_o be_v save_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n so_o he_o that_o be_v once_o true_o in_o christ_n be_v sure_a of_o salvation_n nothing_o can_v hinder_v it_o flood_n of_o calamity_n may_v assault_v he_o and_o humble_v he_o but_o they_o hurt_v not_o his_o salvation_n he_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n he_o be_v in_o christ_n nay_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o overthrow_v he_o but_o through_o all_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n &_o through_o all_o tempest_n of_o temptation_n the_o bless_a ark_n of_o christ_n love_n and_o merit_n shall_v carry_v he_o up_o and_o at_o last_o convey_v he_o to_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o bless_a assurance_n of_o all_o they_o that_o be_v true_o baptize_v into_o christ._n but_o as_o for_o such_o as_o out_o of_o their_o profaneness_n either_o care_v not_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o contemn_v baptism_n let_v they_o assure_v themselves_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n &_o they_o perish_v certain_o this_o be_v the_o 1._o part_n of_o the_o resemblance_n the_o second_o be_v this_o noah_n body_n go_v into_o the_o ark_n he_o seem_v therein_o a_o dead_a man_n go_v into_o a_o grave_n or_o a_o tomb_n to_o be_v bury_v for_o he_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o ark_n &_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o water_n &_o he_o deprive_v of_o the_o fresh_a airâ—_n &_o gladsome_a light_n yet_o by_o god_n appointment_n it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o save_v noah_n which_o in_o all_o reason_n seem_v to_o be_v his_o grave_n &_o if_o noah_n will_v be_v save_v he_o must_v go_v into_o this_o grave_n so_o they_o that_o will_v escape_v hell_n and_o damnation_n by_o christ_n the_o true_a ark_n of_o holiness_n must_v be_v bury_v and_o mortify_v in_o their_o flesh_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o come_v
do_v the_o gadaren_n there_o be_v set_v before_o they_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o their_o hog_n and_o cattle_n now_o they_o prefer_v their_o hog_n before_o christ_n a_o most_o miserable_a and_o senseless_a choice_n and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o ill_o with_o we_o there_o be_v set_v before_o we_o on_o the_o one_o side_n heaven_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n hell_n but_o man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n choose_v hell_n &_o forsake_v heaven_n civil_a worldly_a man_n who_o delight_n be_v all_o in_o riches_n they_o prefer_v earth_n before_o heaven_n the_o service_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o great_a slavery_n before_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v perfect_a freedom_n and_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o thus_o do_v all_o man_n without_o god_n special_a grace_n whereupon_o paul_n pray_v in_o his_o epistle_n for_o the_o church_n that_o god_n will_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n 1.10_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v and_o this_o wisdom_n we_o must_v labour_v for_o that_o when_o these_o different_a thing_n be_v set_v before_o we_o we_o may_v make_v a_o wise_a choice_n otherwise_o we_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v like_o brute_n beast_n without_o understanding_n &_o do_v quite_o overturn_v our_o own_o salvation_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n we_o have_v life_n and_o death_n good_a &_o evil_n set_v before_o we_o as_o moses_n say_v to_o the_o people_n deut._n 30.15_o 19_o let_v we_o therefore_o endeavour_n ourselves_o to_o choose_v life_n by_o embrace_v and_o obey_v the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o so_o shall_v we_o follow_v both_o his_o precept_n and_o practice_n to_o suffer_v adversity_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v what_o be_v the_o ordinary_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o god_n church_n and_o people_n in_o this_o world_n namely_o to_o be_v in_o affliction_n and_o under_o the_o cross_n hence_o paul_n say_v that_o we_o must_v come_v to_o heaven_n through_o manifold_a affliction_n act_n 14.23_o the_o lord_n know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o his_o servant_n and_o child_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v set_v down_o this_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n 2._o tim._n 3.12_o thus_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n for_o special_a cause_n for_o first_o all_o cross_n as_o loss_n of_o good_n friend_n liberty_n or_o good_a name_n they_o be_v mean_n to_o stir_v up_o and_o awake_v god_n people_n out_o of_o the_o slumber_a fit_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o godly_a be_v many_o time_n overtake_v this_o way_n the_o wise_a virgin_n sleep_v as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a now_o affliction_n rouse_v they_o out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o security_n see_v this_o in_o josephs_n brethren_n who_o go_v on_o a_o long_a time_n without_o any_o remorse_n for_o sell_v their_o brother_n but_o when_o they_o be_v stay_v in_o egypt_n than_o they_o be_v rouse_v up_o and_o can_v say_v genesis_n 42.21_o this_o trouble_n be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o sell_v our_o brother_n second_o affliction_n serve_v to_o humble_a god_n child_n leviticus_fw-la 26.41_o so_o the_o church_n of_o god_n speak_v i_o will_v bear_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o i_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o micah_n 7.9_o three_o they_o serve_v to_o wean_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o to_o drive_v they_o from_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n for_o if_o man_n may_v always_o live_v in_o ease_n they_o will_v make_v their_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n which_o may_v not_o be_v and_o herein_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n like_o a_o nurse_n when_o she_o will_v wean_v her_o child_n she_o lay_v some_o bitter_a thing_n upon_o the_o pap_n head_n to_o make_v the_o child_n to_o loathe_v the_o pap_n so_o the_o lord_n to_o draw_v our_o heart_n from_o the_o world_n and_o to_o cause_v we_o to_o love_n and_o seek_v after_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n he_o make_v we_o to_o taste_v of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o affliction_n in_o tâ—is_n world_n four_o affliction_n ferâ—e_v to_o make_v god_n child_n to_o go_v out_o of_o themselves_o to_o seek_v sincere_o unto_o god_n and_o to_o rely_v only_o upon_o he_o which_o in_o prosperity_n they_o will_v not_o do_v this_o paul_n confess_v of_o himself_o and_o other_o we_o say_v he_o receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n in_o ourselves_o because_o we_o shall_v not_o trust_v in_o ourselves_o but_o in_o god_n 2._o corinthian_n chapter_n 1._o verse_n 9_o so_o good_a king_n jehosaphat_n when_o he_o be_v compass_v of_o his_o enemy_n he_o cry_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v lord_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v but_o our_o eye_n be_v towards_o thou_o 2._o chronicle_n chapter_n 20._o verse_n 12._o yea_o the_o rebellious_a jew_n be_v hereby_o drive_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n who_o in_o prosperity_n they_o forsake_v as_o we_o may_v see_v at_o large_a psal._n 107.6.12.13.19_o last_o affliction_n serve_v to_o make_v manifest_a the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o his_o child_n the_o lord_n say_v job_n know_v my_o way_n and_o try_v i_o job_n 23.10_o deuteronomie_n 8.2_o remember_v all_o the_o way_n say_v moses_n to_o the_o israelite_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n lead_v thou_o this_o forty_o year_n for_o to_o prove_v thou_o and_o to_o know_v what_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n hence_o james_n call_v temptation_n the_o trial_n of_o faith_n james_n chapter_n 1._o verse_n 2.3_o and_o paul_n make_v patience_n the_o fruit_n of_o tribulation_n roman_n chapter_n 5._o verse_n 3._o for_o look_v as_o the_o shower_n in_o the_o spring_n time_n cause_v the_o bud_n to_o appear_v so_o do_v affliction_n make_v manifest_a god_n grace_n in_o his_o child_n patience_n hope_v and_o other_o virtue_n lie_v close_o in_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o day_n of_o peace_n but_o when_o tribulation_n come_v than_o they_o break_v forth_o and_o show_v themselves_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o a_o token_n of_o god_n wrath_n to_o suffer_v affliction_n if_o any_o man_n or_o people_n be_v lade_v with_o cross_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o as_o peter_n say_v judgement_n begin_v at_o god_n house_n 1._o peter_n chapter_n 4._o verse_n 17_o and_o any_o cross_n upon_o a_o people_n family_n or_o particular_a person_n if_o it_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o be_v a_o true_a sign_n they_o belong_v to_o god._n yea_o when_o man_n wander_v from_o god_n by_o a_o evil_a way_n these_o affliction_n be_v mean_n to_o call_v they_o home_o to_o god._n psalm_n 119.67_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o and_o they_o that_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o return_v to_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n be_v certain_o god_n people_n for_o the_o wicked_a man_n fret_v and_o murmure_v against_o god_n when_o a_o cross_n come_v and_o he_o can_v abide_v it_o but_o the_o godly_a man_n be_v humble_v thereby_o and_o it_o make_v he_o more_o obedient_a in_o all_o duty_n unto_o god_n this_o we_o shall_v consider_v for_o by_o a_o outward_a profession_n we_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n and_o therefore_o we_o come_v to_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o to_o learn_v how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o beseem_v his_o child_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v know_v to_o be_v god_n child_n indeed_o then_o when_o any_o of_o god_n judgement_n do_v befall_v we_o we_o must_v make_v this_o use_n of_o they_o namely_o labour_v thereby_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o bad_a way_n for_o ever_o afterward_o and_o then_o we_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v god_n child_n indeed_o but_o if_o under_o the_o cross_n or_o after_o the_o cross_n we_o be_v as_o dissolute_a as_o ever_o we_o be_v and_o still_o follow_v our_o old_a sin_n than_o we_o can_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v god_n people_n and_o child_n but_o rather_o a_o wicked_a and_o stubborn_a generation_n which_o the_o more_o they_o be_v correct_v the_o worse_o they_o be_v like_o a_o stithy_n the_o more_o it_o be_v beat_v the_o hard_a it_o be_v let_v we_o therefore_o by_o the_o use_n of_o god_n judgement_n show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v god_n child_n so_o shall_v we_o say_v with_o david_n with_o much_o joy_n and_o comfort_n it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o that_o we_o have_v be_v in_o trouble_n psal._n 119.71_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o moses_n choose_v now_o come_v we_o to_o the_o thing_n he_o refuse_v to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n by_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o riches_n and_o dignity_n that_o moses_n
saul_n persecute_v david_n but_o his_o end_n be_v to_o kill_v himself_o with_o his_o own_o sword_n 1._o samuel_n 30.4_o and_o jesabell_n she_o persecute_v the_o prophet_n &_o child_n of_o god_n but_o her_o end_n be_v this_o 9.35.36_o the_o dog_n do_v eat_v her_o flesh_n the_o whole_a stock_n of_o the_o herod_n be_v great_a enemy_n to_o christ_n but_o their_o name_n be_v soon_o root_v out_o and_o herod_n call_v agrippa_n that_o slay_v james_n 12.23_o and_o persecute_v peter_n be_v eat_v up_o of_o worm_n many_o great_a emperor_n in_o the_o primative_a church_n be_v persecuter_n but_o they_o die_v desperate_o and_o julian_n for_o one_o once_o a_o christian_n die_v blaspheme_v christ_n &_o cast_v his_o blood_n up_o towards_o heaven_n cry_v thou_o have_v overcome_v o_o galilean_a thou_o have_v overcome_v and_o to_o come_v near_o these_o time_n what_o reward_n from_o god_n the_o persecuter_n of_o the_o church_n have_v have_v we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n &_o monument_n which_o be_v pen_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o to_o come_v to_o these_o our_o day_n the_o whole_a band_n of_o those_o that_o call_v themselves_o leaguer_n in_o france_n italy_n spain_n etc._n etc._n like_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o edom_n and_o the_o ismaelite_n moab_n and_o the_o agarim_n etc._n etc._n psal._n 83.5_o 6_o they_o vow_v the_o destruction_n &_o persecution_n of_o god_n church_n but_o yet_o god_n church_n stand_v &_o he_o so_o contrive_v the_o matter_n that_o they_o draw_v sword_n against_o themselves_o &_o slay_v &_o poison_v one_o another_o herein_o do_v god_n gracious_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o his_o church_n that_o the_o weapon_n make_v against_o she_o shall_v not_o prosper_v 54.17_o and_o zachary_n 12.3_o there_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o lord_n say_v he_o will_v make_v jerusalem_n that_o be_v his_o church_n a_o heavy_a stone_n for_o all_o people_n that_o lift_v it_o up_o shall_v be_v tear_v though_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v gather_v against_o it_o where_o the_o prophet_n set_v down_o notable_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o that_o persecute_v god_n church_n the_o more_o they_o persecute_v she_o the_o more_o they_o shall_v have_v god_n hand_n against_o they_o to_o confound_v they_o dan._n 2.34_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o a_o stone_n hew_v out_o of_o a_o rock_n without_o hand_n which_o smite_v the_o image_n upon_o the_o foot_n which_o be_v of_o iron_n &_o clay_n &_o break_v they_o to_o piece_n by_o that_o stone_n be_v mean_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o shall_v dash_v in_o piece_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o set_v themselves_o against_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n for_o christ_n must_v reign_v till_o he_o have_v put_v all_o his_o enemy_n under_o his_o foot_n so_o that_o destruction_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n church_n for_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v know_v among_o his_o servant_n and_o his_o indignation_n against_o his_o enemy_n isaiah_n 66.14_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o 2._o circumstance_n now_o in_o this_o whole_a fact_n of_o the_o israelite_n pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n towards_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n there_o be_v a_o notable_a thing_n signify_v namely_o baptism_n so_o paul_n say_v the_o israelite_n be_v baptize_v unto_o moses_n in_o the_o sea_n 1._o cor._n 10.2_o yet_o we_o must_v remember_v it_o be_v not_o ordinary_a baptism_n but_o extraordinary_a never_o administer_v before_o and_o never_o shall_v be_v so_o again_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o minister_n of_o this_o baptism_n be_v moses_n a_o extraordinary_a minister_n as_o the_o baptism_n be_v extraordinary_a the_o outward_a sign_n be_v the_o red_a sea_n or_o rather_o the_o water_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n the_o depart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n signify_v the_o depart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o the_o drown_n of_o pharaoh_n with_o all_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n signify_v the_o subdue_a of_o the_o power_n of_o all_o spiritual_a enemy_n with_o the_o pardon_n and_o death_n of_o sin_n which_o stand_v partly_o in_o the_o abolish_n of_o sin_n and_o partly_o in_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o to_o this_o allude_v the_o prophet_n micah_n say_v he_o will_v subdue_v our_o iniquity_n and_o cast_v all_o their_o sin_n into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n micah_n 7.19_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v look_v as_o god_n subdue_v pharaoh_n and_o all_o his_o host_n in_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n so_o will_v he_o cast_v and_o put_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n from_o this_o we_o learn_v two_o point_n 1_o that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n have_v warrant_v in_o god_n word_n howsoever_o some_o man_n be_v of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n for_o here_o we_o see_v all_o the_o israelite_n be_v baptize_v in_o the_o sea_n and_o among_o they_o no_o doubt_n be_v many_o child_n if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o baptism_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o we_o answ._n true_a it_o be_v extraordinary_a for_o the_o manner_n but_o yet_o herein_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n and_o the_o thing_n signify_v be_v ordinary_a and_o the_o end_n all_o one_o with_o we_o and_o therefore_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n be_v some_o warrant_n for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n in_o the_o church_n now_o adays_o second_o here_o we_o may_v learn_v another_o instruction_n as_o the_o israelite_n go_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n as_o through_o a_o grave_n to_o the_o promise_a land_n of_o canaan_n so_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o way_n to_o the_o spiritual_a canaan_n even_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v by_o die_v unto_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o special_a point_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v christian_n we_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o outward_a badge_n of_o christian_n and_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o of_o life_n everlasting_a after_o death_n well_o if_o we_o will_v have_v that_o to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o journey_n than_o we_o must_v take_v the_o lord_n plain_a way_n in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v to_o die_v unto_o all_o our_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v say_v they_o which_o be_v christ_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o where_o this_o duty_n be_v enjoin_v to_o every_o christian_a he_o must_v crucify_v the_o lust_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o not_o live_v in_o sin_n for_o a_o man_n can_v walk_v in_o sin_n and_o so_o run_v the_o broad_a way_n to_o hell_n and_o yet_o wait_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n these_o two_o will_v not_o stand_v together_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v walk_v worthy_a the_o call_n of_o christianity_n we_o must_v have_v care_n that_o all_o our_o sin_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o heart_n or_o life_n little_a or_o great_a new_a or_o old_a may_v be_v mortify_v and_o abolish_v many_o will_v for_o a_o time_n become_v civil_a and_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a especial_o when_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n but_o when_o that_o time_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v past_a than_o they_o return_v to_o their_o old_a custom_n in_o sin_v again_o whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o change_n be_v but_o in_o show_n to_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o do_v we_o not_o each_o sabbaoth_n profess_v ourselves_o good_a christian_n and_o seem_v to_o glory_n in_o it_o by_o keep_v this_o day_n with_o such_o solemnity_n but_o alas_o as_o soon_o as_o that_o day_n be_v past_a many_o &_o some_o even_o this_o day_n run_v into_o all_o riot_n this_o be_v not_o christianity_n this_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o if_o ever_o we_o think_v to_o come_v to_o canaan_n we_o must_v kill_v and_o bury_v our_o sin_n we_o must_v die_v unto_o they_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o christianity_n namely_o eternal_a life_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o circumstance_n and_o also_o of_o the_o example_n itself_o josuahs_n faith_n verse_n 30._o by_o faith_n the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o after_o they_o be_v compass_v about_o seven_o day_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n to_o this_o 30._o verse_n we_o have_v hear_v two_o sort_n of_o example_n of_o faith_n the_o first_o of_o believer_n from_o the_o beginnning_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o flood_n the_o second_o of_o such_o as_o be_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o flood_n to_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n in_o mount_n sina_n and_o of_o both_o these_o we_o have_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
this_o beside_o the_o instance_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n appear_v plain_o in_o christ_n apostle_n they_o be_v call_v by_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o plant_v his_o church_n universal_o and_o thereupon_o howsoever_o they_o be_v simple_a man_n before_o be_v furnish_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n zeal_n &_o knowledge_n and_o with_o this_o excellent_a grace_n of_o save_v faith_n which_o do_v sanctify_v their_o other_o gift_n for_o howsoever_o judas_n be_v number_v among_o they_o have_v be_v a_o disciple_n yet_o he_o never_o come_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o apostleship_n but_o go_v astray_o from_o that_o ministration_n act_v 1.25_o and_o in_o these_o late_a day_n when_o god_n restore_v his_o gospel_n to_o light_v out_o of_o the_o dark_a mist_n of_o popery_n he_o raise_v up_o extraordinary_a man_n who_o he_o endue_v with_o wisdom_n zeal_n and_o judgement_n which_o gift_n also_o he_o seal_v up_o in_o they_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n which_o they_o testify_v by_o their_o piety_n and_o godliness_n in_o life_n &_o conversation_n and_o this_o course_n he_o observe_v usual_o in_o all_o those_o who_o he_o raise_v up_o extraordinary_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n this_o we_o must_v observe_v to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o a_o special_a difference_n between_o those_o who_o god_n raise_v up_o extraordinary_o for_o special_a good_a and_o all_o arch_a heretic_n and_o traitor_n that_o set_v up_o themselves_o unsent_a of_o god_n for_o many_o such_o wretch_n have_v excel_v in_o wisdom_n in_o worldly_a policy_n in_o zeal_n and_o authority_n whereupon_o they_o have_v pretend_v and_o persuade_v many_o that_o they_o be_v call_v of_o god_n but_o hereby_o especial_o they_o be_v to_o be_v discover_v that_o they_o be_v void_a of_o this_o rare_a gift_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n for_o look_v at_o their_o life_n and_o ordinary_o for_o impiety_n they_o have_v be_v and_o be_v arch-divel_n so_o that_o though_o they_o want_v not_o authority_n or_o outward_a zeal_n and_o wisdom_n yet_o they_o want_v faith_n which_o shall_v purify_v their_o heart_n or_o else_o they_o will_v never_o have_v live_v in_o such_o notorious_a sin_n as_o they_o be_v discover_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o trial_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n direct_v we_o unto_o saying_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n math._n 7.16_o let_v they_o therefore_o pretend_v what_o knowledge_n what_o zeal_n or_o authority_n soever_o they_o will_v if_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n appear_v not_o in_o their_o life_n by_o obedience_n they_o be_v not_o call_v of_o god_n for_o the_o special_a good_a of_o his_o church_n thus_o much_o of_o these_o man_n in_o general_a now_o we_o come_v to_o entreat_v of_o they_o several_o as_o they_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o text._n the_o first_o person_n here_o commend_v unto_o we_o be_v gedeon_n the_o history_n of_o who_o act_n be_v lay_v down_o at_o large_a judge_n chap._n 6._o in_o his_o example_n note_v one_o point_n especial_o to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o manner_n which_o god_n use_v in_o beget_v and_o increase_a true_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n if_o we_o read_v the_o story_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o angel_n call_v gedeon_n once_o twice_o 6.12.14.16_o yea_o thrice_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n to_o his_o people_n but_o gedeon_n great_o doubt_v of_o his_o call_n &_o therefore_o desire_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o god_n give_v he_o for_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v be_v burn_v up_o with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n yet_o still_o he_o doubt_v and_o be_v in_o a_o great_a fear_n than_o before_o even_o of_o death_n itself_o but_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o angel_n and_o set_v a-work_o he_o break_v down_o the_o altar_n of_o baal_n and_o build_v one_o to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o thereon_o offer_v sacrifice_n as_o god_n command_v though_o with_o some_o fear_n and_o when_o the_o midianite_n and_o amalekite_n come_v arm_v against_o israel_n he_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o their_o defence_n but_o yet_o still_o he_o doubt_v of_o his_o call_n and_o therefore_o again_o ask_v a_o sign_n at_o god_n hand_n and_o have_v it_o and_o after_o that_o ask_v another_o which_o god_n also_o grant_v now_o have_v all_o these_o one_o in_o the_o neck_n of_o another_o at_o length_n he_o know_v his_o call_n and_o so_o go_v in_o faith_n and_o defend_v israel_n so_o that_o he_o get_v the_o assurance_n of_o his_o call_n by_o sundry_a particular_a sign_n and_o confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o though_o he_o doubt_v great_o at_o the_o first_o yet_o after_o he_o believe_v not_o only_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o judge_n and_o deliverer_n of_o god_n people_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n but_o this_o principal_o that_o god_n be_v his_o god_n and_o will_v give_v unto_o he_o everlasting_a life_n here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a precedent_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n work_v true_a and_o sound_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n they_o receive_v not_o this_o grace_n at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n god_n work_v it_o in_o they_o by_o little_a and_o little_a when_o a_o man_n be_v first_o call_v of_o god_n he_o have_v much_o doubt_v and_o fear_n but_o then_o god_n send_v sundry_a help_n to_o weaken_v this_o fear_n and_o doubt_v and_o as_o they_o decrease_v so_o be_v faith_n increase_v no_o man_n believe_v sound_o at_o the_o first_o but_o weak_o even_o as_o he_o grow_v in_o year_n so_o he_o must_v grow_v in_o faith_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v by_o continuance_n in_o the_o mean_n and_o by_o experience_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n and_o indeed_o the_o more_o faith_n increase_v the_o more_o we_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o grow_v therein_o and_o the_o more_o we_o delight_v in_o the_o mean_n and_o at_o length_n after_o long_a experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n we_o shall_v have_v wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n this_o gift_n of_o true_a &_o lively_a faith_n which_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o all_o fear_n and_o doubt_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o person_n of_o gedeon_n the_o second_o person_n commend_v unto_o we_o be_v barac_n of_o who_o we_o may_v read_v judge_n 4._o his_o story_n be_v large_a and_o plain_a enough_o and_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o stand_v upon_o it_o the_o three_o person_n be_v samson_n of_o who_o we_o may_v also_o read_v judge_n 13.14_o etc._n etc._n now_o touch_v samson_n this_o question_n may_v well_o be_v ask_v how_o he_o can_v be_v just_o commend_v for_o his_o faith_n see_v it_o may_v seem_v he_o kill_v himself_o answer_n samson_n do_v not_o kill_v himself_o for_o he_o be_v call_v extraordinary_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n over_o israel_n for_o their_o defence_n and_o delivery_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o philistimes_fw-la now_o when_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o philistimes_fw-la be_v gather_v together_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n he_o cast_v the_o house_n down_o upon_o their_o head_n to_o kill_v they_o therein_o because_o be_v blind_a he_o can_v not_o pursue_v they_o in_o battle_n and_o therefore_o have_v they_o by_o god_n providence_n in_o his_o hand_n he_o destroy_v they_o as_o his_o call_n be_v albeit_o he_o lose_v his_o own_o life_n in_o the_o same_o action_n again_o samson_n in_o pull_v down_o the_o house_n purpose_v not_o direct_o and_o wilful_o to_o kill_v himself_o but_o to_o adventure_v his_o own_o life_n by_o take_v just_a revenge_n upon_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o god_n servant_n he_o pray_v first_o unto_o god_n and_o so_o do_v no_o more_o than_o the_o soldier_n in_o the_o field_n ought_v to_o do_v who_o bear_v a_o love_a mind_n towards_o his_o country_n be_v content_a to_o adventure_v his_o own_o life_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o country_n and_o be_v resolve_v that_o if_o he_o die_v in_o that_o defence_n he_o die_v in_o his_o lawful_a place_n and_o calling_n and_o die_v god_n servant_n yea_o god_n champion_n this_o do_v samson_n and_o therefore_o may_v just_o be_v commend_v for_o his_o faith_n neither_o be_v this_o fact_n of_o his_o any_o disgrace_n but_o rather_o a_o notable_a commendation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o a_o evidence_n of_o great_a zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o of_o singular_a love_n to_o his_o people_n the_o four_o person_n commend_v here_o be_v jephte_n of_o who_o we_o may_v read_v judge_n 11._o jephte_n be_v the_o base_a son_n of_o gilead_n bear_v of_o a_o harlot_n to_o be_v base_a bear_v be_v note_v in_o scripture_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o reproach_n and_o
gather_v it_o out_o of_o the_o story_n and_o record_n of_o man_n which_o howsoever_o they_o be_v not_o now_o extant_a yet_o in_o his_o day_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v extant_a know_v and_o approve_a neither_o must_v this_o seem_v strange_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n speak_v of_o man_n have_v oftentimes_o reference_n and_o relation_n therein_o to_o humane_a write_n as_o this_o phrase_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n of_o such_o and_o such_o be_v they_o not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n so_o often_o use_v in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n and_o chronicle_n do_v evident_o declare_v now_o those_o book_n of_o chronicle_n be_v not_o parcelle_v of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a story_n like_v to_o our_o book_n of_o martyr_n and_o chronicle_n 2._o timothy_n chapter_n 3._o verse_n 8_o saint_n paul_n say_v jannes_n and_o jambre_n resist_v moses_n now_o in_o the_o book_n of_o exodus_fw-la we_o shall_v not_o find_v the_o sorcerer_n that_o withstand_v moses_n once_o name_v and_o saint_n jude_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o prophecy_n of_o enoch_n jude_n verse_n 14_o which_o in_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v not_o record_v and_o it_o be_v like_a that_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o penne-manne_n of_o holy_a scripture_n whence_o then_o have_v these_o apostle_n these_o thing_n answer_n no_o doubt_n the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v reveal_v such_o thing_n unto_o they_o though_o they_o have_v be_v unknowen_a in_o those_o time_n but_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n have_v they_o out_o of_o some_o jewish_a writer_n or_o record_v then_o extant_a and_o approve_v among_o the_o jew_n so_o paul_n preach_v to_o the_o athenian_n allege_v the_o say_n of_o aratus_n a_o athenian_a poet_n for_o 17.28_o we_o be_v his_o generation_n and_o to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o propound_v a_o sentence_n of_o menander_n evil_a word_n corrupt_v good_a manner_n 1._o cor._n 15._o and_o to_o titus_n he_o allege_v epimenides_n a_o cretian_a poet_n the_o cretan_n be_v always_o liar_n evil_a beast_n slow_a belly_n titus_n 1.12_o now_o whereas_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n take_v these_o sentence_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o man_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o to_o read_v the_o write_n of_o man_n be_v not_o unlawful_a but_o a_o thing_n of_o good_a use_n to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n but_o whereas_o some_o will_v hence_o prove_v that_o their_o authority_n may_v be_v allege_v ordinary_o at_o every_o man_n pleasure_n in_o the_o public_a ministry_n it_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o these_o place_n for_o first_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o their_o public_a ministry_n that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v but_o no_o minister_n at_o this_o day_n have_v such_o a_o privilege_n second_o the_o apostle_n allege_v or_o record_v the_o say_n of_o man_n in_o their_o sermon_n or_o write_n do_v thereby_o sanctify_v they_o and_o make_v they_o to_o become_v a_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n this_o no_o ordinary_a minister_n can_v do_v but_o let_v he_o allege_v a_o humane_a testimony_n ten_o thousand_o time_n yet_o still_o it_o remain_v humane_a and_o be_v not_o god_n word_n three_o they_o that_o will_v warrant_v their_o practice_n in_o allege_v humane_a testimony_n in_o their_o sermon_n by_o the_o apostle_n aught_o to_o follow_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o manner_n of_o allegation_n now_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o spare_v herein_o that_o in_o many_o book_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v one_o for_o there_o be_v only_o three_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n again_o the_o apostle_n do_v it_o without_o ostentation_n for_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n be_v conceal_v whence_o they_o take_v their_o testimony_n and_o last_o the_o apostle_n do_v it_o upon_o weighty_a cause_n and_o just_a occasion_n to_o wit_n when_o they_o be_v persuade_v in_o conscience_n that_o those_o testimony_n will_v convince_v the_o conscience_n of_o their_o hearer_n in_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o allege_v they_o now_o how_o far_o many_o differ_v from_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o allegation_n let_v the_o world_n judge_v yet_o before_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o these_o example_n of_o faith_n in_o particular_a there_o be_v sundry_a general_a point_n to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o three_o former_a verse_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v set_v down_o the_o prosperous_a success_n of_o believer_n through_o faith_n but_o hear_v he_o come_v to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o a_o different_a estate_n of_o other_o believer_n under_o grievous_a persecution_n and_o torment_n even_o unto_o most_o cruel_a and_o bitter_a kind_n of_o death_n from_o this_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o observe_v we_o may_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o god_n church_n and_o people_n here_o in_o this_o world_n for_o god_n vouchsafe_v peace_n and_o prosperous_a success_n to_o some_o as_o a_o just_a reward_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o other_o must_v want_v the_o comfort_n of_o outward_a peace_n and_o welfare_n and_o undergo_v most_o grievous_a trial_n and_o persecution_n look_v as_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a interchange_n between_o day_n and_o night_n and_o the_o one_o do_v constant_o follow_v the_o other_o so_o as_o it_o be_v one_o while_o day_n and_o a_o other_o while_o night_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o with_o true_a believer_n in_o this_o world_n sometime_o they_o have_v peace_n and_o prosperity_n and_o this_o continue_v not_o always_o but_o another_o while_o they_o be_v in_o trouble_n misery_n and_o persecution_n to_o make_v this_o point_n more_o plain_a because_o it_o be_v of_o some_o importance_n we_o may_v behold_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o the_o beginning_n adam_n family_n be_v gods_n church_n and_o therein_o be_v first_o notable_a peace_n but_o when_o god_n accept_v abel_n sacrifice_n and_o refuse_v cain_n than_o persecution_n begin_v and_o cain_n slay_v his_o brother_n abel_n abraham_n be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o his_o family_n in_o those_o day_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o may_v notable_o see_v this_o changeable_a estate_n for_o god_n call_v he_o out_o of_o charran_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n exod._n 12.1_o 10._o but_o within_o a_o while_n the_o family_n be_v so_o great_a in_o the_o land_n that_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o go_v down_o into_o egypt_n to_o sojourn_v there_o and_o there_o the_o lord_n bless_v he_o exceed_o and_o enrich_v he_o so_o great_o that_o he_o become_v a_o mighty_a prince_n able_a to_o encounter_v with_o the_o king_n of_o those_o nation_n in_o battle_n after_o his_o return_n to_o canaan_n exod._n 14._o the_o israelite_n god_n choose_a people_n be_v 400._o year_n in_o bondage_n in_o egypt_n but_o at_o the_o appoint_a time_n god_n give_v they_o a_o glorious_a deliverance_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v try_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 40._o year_n after_o which_o time_n they_o be_v plant_v safe_o in_o the_o fruitful_a land_n of_o canaan_n a_o land_n that_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n and_o there_o also_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v in_o this_o case_n sometime_o in_o prosperity_n and_o otherwhiles_o in_o adversity_n for_o when_o it_o be_v rule_v by_o judge_n as_o in_o that_o book_n appear_v for_o ten_o twenty_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n together_o the_o israelite_n for_o their_o sin_n be_v in_o subjection_n &_o bondage_n to_o the_o nation_n about_o they_o as_o the_o moabite_n the_o philistines_n the_o ammonite_n etc._n etc._n yet_o then_o when_o they_o cry_v to_o god_n he_o send_v they_o some_o mighty_a judge_n to_o deliver_v they_o for_o so_o long_a time_n again_o this_o be_v the_o interchangeable_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o afterward_o when_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o king_n it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n for_o one_o while_o god_n give_v they_o good_a king_n who_o will_v advance_v religion_n and_o maintain_v and_o cherish_v the_o priest_n and_o prophet_n of_o god_n and_o for_o their_o time_n the_o church_n prosper_v but_o otherwhiles_o for_o their_o sin_n god_n will_v send_v they_o wicked_a prince_n which_o persecute_v the_o prophet_n and_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o chronicle_n after_o the_o reign_n of_o good_a king_n josias_n come_v the_o captivity_n into_o babylon_n &_o 70_o year_n expire_v the_o lord_n by_o k._n cyrus_n return_v they_o again_o after_o their_o return_n they_o be_v one_o while_n in_o peace_n and_o another_o while_n in_o distress_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n and_o nehemias_n but_o above_o all_o other_o that_o persecution_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n be_v