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
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
believer_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n let_v this_o teach_v we_o when_o we_o see_v our_o own_o sin_n how_o hideous_a &_o monstrous_a they_o be_v yet_o not_o to_o despair_v and_o when_o we_o see_v other_o man_n live_v in_o extreme_a dissolutenes_n yet_o not_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o before_o the_o time_n but_o even_o then_o with_o hope_n and_o comfort_n remember_v that_o god_n who_o quicken_v the_o dead_a and_o call_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v and_o in_o that_o hope_n let_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o he_o may_v quicken_v our_o dead_a heart_n and_o revive_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o therefore_o in_o that_o hope_n let_v we_o raise_v up_o ourselves_o to_o use_v all_o holy_a mean_n of_o god_n word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n which_o if_o we_o careful_o and_o continual_o do_v we_o shall_v see_v wonder_n wrought_v in_o we_o that_o as_o they_o say_v of_o paul_n this_o man_n preach_v the_o faith_n which_o afore_o he_o destroy_v and_o therefore_o glorify_v god_n for_o he_o galath_n 1.22.23_o so_o shall_v man_n say_v of_o we_o this_o man_n hate_v the_o profaneness_n that_o afore_o he_o live_v in_o and_o love_v the_o religion_n that_o afore_o he_o mock_v such_o miracle_n will_v the_o lord_n work_v in_o we_o if_o with_o faith_n and_o diligence_n we_o use_v the_o holy_a mean_n that_o so_o all_o that_o see_v we_o shall_v glorify_v god_n for_o us._n thus_o we_o see_v general_o how_o great_a the_o issue_n and_o posterity_n of_o sarah_n be_v but_o it_o be_v more_o particular_o enlarge_v by_o two_o comparison_n as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n in_o the_o sky_n or_o as_o the_o sand_n by_o the_o sea_n shore_n which_o be_v innumerable_a his_o comparison_n be_v two_o one_o take_v from_o the_o heaven_n as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n in_o the_o sky_n the_o other_o from_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o sand_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o these_o two_o be_v use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v thing_n of_o incredible_a number_n to_o express_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o come_v all_o from_o sarah_n not_o but_o that_o other_o thing_n also_o be_v of_o as_o great_a number_n as_o the_o drop_n of_o water_n dust_n of_o the_o earth_n &_o hair_n of_o man_n head_n &c_n &c_n but_o these_o two_o be_v most_o common_a and_o proverbial_a phrase_n whereby_o to_o express_v a_o multitude_n and_o again_o the_o star_n of_o the_o sky_n be_v rather_o name_v then_o any_o other_o because_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o beginning_n please_v to_o use_v it_o to_o abraham_n when_o he_o have_v never_o a_o child_n gen._n 15.8_o god_n carry_v abraham_n forth_o in_o the_o night_n and_o bid_v he_o count_v the_o star_n if_o he_o can_v and_o say_v so_o shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v and_o moses_n afterward_o use_v the_o same_o comparison_n deut._n 10.22_o our_o father_n go_v down_o into_o egypt_n 70._o person_n and_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v we_o as_o the_o star_n of_o the_o sky_n in_o multitude_n now_o because_o all_o man_n be_v not_o astronomer_n as_o abraham_n and_o moses_n be_v and_o that_o ignorant_a man_n may_v say_v they_o can_v perceive_v no_o such_o matter_n in_o the_o star_n therefore_o he_o use_v another_o comparison_n which_o every_o countryman_n may_v discern_v how_o innumerable_a they_o be_v namely_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o seashore_n and_o lest_o any_o shall_v say_v i_o dwell_v in_o the_o midland_n country_n and_o never_o see_v the_o sea_n sand_n and_o be_o ignorant_a and_o so_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o star_n therefore_o to_o put_v he_o out_o of_o doubt_n the_o holy_a ghost_n assure_v he_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n that_o they_o be_v both_o innumerable_a that_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o or_o to_o god_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o man_n and_o man_n skill_n unable_a to_o be_v count_v concern_v these_o two_o comparison_n let_v we_o observe_v the_o manner_n or_o the_o phrase_n of_o speech_n in_o they_o use_v second_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o intend_v for_o the_o first_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o speech_n be_v not_o proper_a but_o figurative_a for_o proper_o they_o be_v not_o as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n or_o as_o the_o sand_n neither_o be_v the_o star_n or_o sand_n innumerable_a but_o it_o be_v a_o figure_n call_v by_o the_o rhetorician_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v a_o excess_n of_o fineness_n of_o speech_n or_o a_o excessive_a elegancy_n and_o as_o it_o be_v ordinary_a in_o all_o writer_n and_o even_o in_o common_a speech_n so_o it_o be_v not_o refuse_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o use_v both_o here_o and_o in_o the_o two_o forename_a place_n and_o the_o like_a also_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n but_o in_o other_o phrase_n in_o other_o place_n as_o saint_n john_n 21.25_o i_o suppose_v say_v he_o if_o all_o the_o say_n and_o do_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o will_v be_v write_v mean_v they_o will_v be_v exceed_v many_o and_o more_o than_o will_v be_v needful_a for_o salvation_n and_o deuteronomie_n 9_o verse_n 1._o moses_n say_v that_o the_o city_n of_o the_o canaanite_n be_v great_a and_o wall_v up_o to_o heaven_n mean_v that_o they_o be_v very_o high_a and_o so_o high_a as_o be_v possible_a for_o city_n wall_n to_o be_v and_o as_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v be_v scale_v in_o all_o man_n reason_n have_v not_o god_n fight_v for_o they_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v common_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o see_v we_o allow_v that_o liberty_n to_o all_o writer_n and_o to_o ourselves_o in_o common_a speech_n no_o reason_n to_o deny_v it_o to_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v write_v for_o all_o man_n understanding_n and_o therefore_o in_o such_o phrase_n as_o be_v usual_a and_o ordinary_a with_o all_o man_n and_o the_o like_a liberty_n be_v here_o take_v also_o in_o another_o figure_n as_o many_o as_o the_o sand_n by_o the_o shore_n of_o the_o sea_n the_o word_n proper_o signify_v and_o sound_v the_o lip_n of_o the_o sea_n now_o the_o sea_n have_v no_o lip_n but_o it_o be_v a_o speech_n take_v or_o borrow_v from_o man_n or_o beast_n who_o have_v lip_n and_o the_o sea_n shore_n resemble_v a_o lip_n for_o look_v what_o a_o lip_n be_v to_o they_o the_o shore_n be_v to_o the_o sea_n as_o the_o two_o lip_n do_v enclose_v the_o mouth_n so_o the_o two_o shore_n on_o both_o side_n do_v enclose_v the_o sea_n which_o lie_v as_o in_o a_o mouth_n betwixt_o they_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v profitable_a instruction_n first_o that_o therefore_o rhetoric_n be_v a_o warrantable_a good_a and_o lawful_a art_n and_o it_o arise_v thus_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n practice_v must_v needs_o be_v not_o only_o not_o evil_a but_o good_a and_o warrantable_a but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v and_o practice_v rhetoric_n here_o and_o in_o many_o place_n else_o of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o lawful_a arte._n the_o proposition_n be_v undoubted_a the_o assumption_n be_v clear_a both_o by_o these_o place_n and_o almost_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o scripture_n many_o of_o saint_n paul_n epistle_n many_o of_o christ_n own_o sermon_n saint_n johns_n gospel_n many_o of_o the_o prophet_n especial_o esayah_n have_v as_o much_o and_o as_o elegant_a rhetoric_n in_o they_o as_o any_o writer_n in_o the_o world_n and_o beside_o all_o other_o virtue_n and_o divine_a power_n in_o they_o do_v even_o for_o figure_n and_o ornament_n of_o art_n match_v any_o orator_n that_o have_v write_v in_o the_o greek_n or_o latin_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v any_o hard_a task_n to_o undertake_v to_o prove_v and_o illustrate_v every_o approve_a rule_n of_o rhetoric_n out_o of_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n now_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o practise_v the_o rule_n of_o rhetoric_n then_o be_v it_o lawful_a also_o to_o collect_v those_o rule_n together_o to_o pen_v they_o and_o to_o make_v a_o art_n of_o they_o they_o therefore_o that_o hold_v the_o contrary_a do_v say_v or_o teach_v or_o write_v it_o be_v unlawful_a go_v against_o the_o stream_n and_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o rule_n of_o common_a reason_n second_o here_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o in_o preach_v god_n word_n it_o be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a for_o a_o minister_n to_o use_v rhetoric_n and_o eloquence_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v good_a for_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v in_o pen_v of_o the_o scripture_n the_o same_o may_v god_n minister_n use_v also_o in_o preach_v the_o same_o they_o therefore_o that_o deny_v that_o liberty_n to_o minister_n be_v too_o rough_a and_o rugged_a and_o pull_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n one_o of_o his_o weapon_n &_o out_o of_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o
scripture_n one_o of_o her_o feather_n yet_o we_o must_v know_v that_o all_o or_o any_o kind_n of_o eloquence_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o a_o christian_a minister_n for_o s._n paul_n say_v 1._o cor._n 2.13_o we_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a thing_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a a_o sanctify_a a_o spiritual_a eloquence_n a_o eloquence_n fit_a for_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o that_o eloquence_n must_v be_v use_v as_o the_o israelite_n may_v marry_v the_o midianite_n woman_n who_o they_o have_v take_v in_o war_n but_o not_o till_o they_o have_v purify_v they_o numb_a 31.18.19_o and_o more_o plain_o and_o particular_o deut._n 21.11.12.13_o moses_n explain_v what_o that_o purify_n be_v and_o thou_o shall_v bring_v she_o home_o into_o thy_o house_n and_o she_o shall_v shave_v her_o head_n and_o pare_v her_o nail_n and_o put_v off_o the_o garment_n she_o be_v take_v in_o and_o then_o thou_o may_v marry_v she_o so_o humane_a eloquence_n must_v be_v bring_v home_o to_o divinity_n and_o be_v pare_v and_o shave_v with_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o then_o may_v lawful_o and_o profitable_o be_v use_v for_o our_o more_o special_a direction_n herein_o these_o caution_n may_v be_v observe_v first_o the_o more_o natural_a it_o be_v and_o the_o less_o affect_v the_o more_o commendable_a be_v it_o in_o the_o doer_n and_o more_o profitable_a to_o the_o hearer_n second_o it_o must_v be_v grave_a sober_a and_o modest_a remember_v the_o height_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o place_n a_o man_n stand_v in_o and_o of_o the_o work_n he_o do_v therefore_o it_o must_v not_o consist_v in_o tell_v strange_a tale_n or_o use_v such_o gesture_n or_o word_n manner_n or_o matter_n as_o may_v move_v laugh_v and_o smile_v in_o the_o auditor_n there_o may_v be_v wit_n in_o such_o do_v but_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v the_o sanctify_a and_o spiritual_a eloquence_n which_o s._n paul_n there_o speak_v of_o three_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v a_o help_n and_o not_o a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o god_n word_n for_o it_o be_v a_o damosel_n to_o divinity_n but_o not_o her_o mistress_n god_n word_n therefore_o must_v not_o bow_v and_o bend_v to_o she_o much_o less_o be_v wring_v and_o wrest_v to_o she_o but_o she_o to_o god_n word_n it_o must_v in_o a_o word_n be_v such_o as_o may_v most_o lively_a pure_o plain_o and_o significant_o express_v the_o meaning_n of_o god_n word_n therefore_o a_o man_n must_v endeavour_n that_o all_o his_o speech_n be_v in_o one_o language_n at_o least_o in_o such_o as_o his_o hearer_n understand_v for_o else_o if_o he_o speak_v the_o body_n of_o his_o speech_n in_o one_o and_o piece_n out_o the_o member_n in_o other_o which_o the_o people_n understand_v not_o he_o may_v indeed_o in_o his_o own_o spirit_n speak_v mystery_n but_o to_o the_o hearer_n he_o speak_v parable_n and_o to_o his_o own_o understanding_n he_o may_v preach_v well_o but_o the_o hearer_n be_v not_o edify_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o cor._n 14.2.17_o therefore_o let_v not_o eloquence_n be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o hearer_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o help_n and_o furtherance_n and_o with_o these_o or_o such_o like_a qualification_n eloquence_n may_v be_v use_v with_o good_a warrant_n and_o much_o profit_n and_o for_o caution_n or_o qualification_n herein_o hardly_o can_v any_o man_n setdowne_a better_a rule_n than_o every_o man_n conscience_n will_v unto_o himself_o three_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o and_o elsewhere_o use_v so_o much_o rhetoric_n divine_n may_v learn_v where_o the_o fountain_n of_o christian_a eloquence_n be_v namely_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v compile_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n we_o be_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o they_o contain_v in_o they_o true_a wisdom_n of_o all_o sort_n precept_n of_o rhetoric_n i_o confess_v be_v to_o be_v learn_v out_o of_o other_o book_n which_o purposely_o do_v â—each_v they_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o rule_n in_o example_n can_v be_v no_o where_o better_o than_o in_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o evangelist_n and_o this_o must_v needs_o follow_v upon_o that_o that_o have_v already_o be_v grant_v for_o if_o we_o yield_v that_o rhetoric_n be_v good_a and_o lawful_a and_o practise_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v there_o practise_v in_o the_o best_a manner_n for_o shall_v the_o divinity_n there_o teach_v be_v the_o sound_a the_o history_n there_o report_v the_o true_a the_o conclusion_n of_o philosophy_n astronomy_n geometry_n arithmetic_n cosmographie_n and_o physic_n there_o deliver_v the_o sure_a the_o music_n there_o practise_v the_o exact_a the_o logycke_a there_o practise_v the_o sharp_a the_o law_n there_o enact_v the_o just_a and_o shall_v not_o the_o rhetoric_n there_o practise_v be_v the_o pure_a sure_o if_o moses_n have_v write_v a_o book_n of_o his_o own_o as_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o as_o he_o be_v moses_n bring_v up_o in_o egypt_n or_o paul_n write_v a_o book_n as_o he_o be_v a_o pharisie_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n they_o will_v both_o have_v be_v full_a of_o all_o excellent_a learning_n for_o paul_n be_v bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n act_v 22.3_o and_o moses_n be_v exceed_o learned_a in_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o mighty_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n act_v 7.22_o shall_v they_o then_o be_v the_o secretary_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n the_o fountain_n of_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n and_o shall_v not_o their_o book_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o most_o excellent_a learning_n in_o all_o kind_n doubtless_o who_o ever_o search_v it_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v so_o see_v therefore_o eloquence_n be_v lawful_a and_o that_o preacher_n may_v lawful_o use_v it_o let_v they_o also_o know_v where_o to_o have_v it_o let_v they_o study_v god_n book_n and_o there_o they_o shall_v find_v not_o only_a divinity_n but_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o that_o most_o exquisite_a and_o as_o excellent_a pattern_n and_o precedent_n of_o eloquence_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o author_n in_o the_o world_n and_o let_v they_o if_o they_o will_v preach_v with_o spiritual_a power_n and_o eloquence_n look_v how_o moses_n the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v for_o to_o follow_v they_o be_v the_o true_a way_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o manner_n here_o use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o these_o two_o comparison_n to_o describe_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o her_o posterity_n now_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o contain_v be_v that_o here_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a promise_n make_v to_o abraham_n the_o promise_n be_v genes_n 22.17_o i_o will_v sure_o bless_v thou_o and_o great_o multiply_v thy_o seed_n as_o the_o star_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o as_o the_o sand_n by_o the_o sea_n shore_n there_o be_v the_o promise_n and_o behold_v here_o the_o performance_n in_o the_o very_a same_o word_n and_o that_o most_o true_a and_o effectual_a for_o at_o the_o time_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n write_v these_o word_n the_o israelite_n be_v multiply_v to_o many_o million_o yea_o to_o a_o number_n past_o number_n so_o that_o here_o we_o learn_v god_n be_v true_a in_o all_o his_o promise_n be_v they_o never_o so_o great_a or_o wonderful_a if_o he_o speak_v the_o word_n if_o the_o promise_n pass_v he_o it_o be_v sure_a heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v rather_o pass_v away_o than_o any_o one_o piece_n of_o his_o promise_n shall_v fail_v the_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o first_o to_o believe_v god_n when_o he_o promise_v whatever_o it_o be_v for_o he_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v who_o never_o fail_v to_o perform_v what_o he_o promise_v he_o promise_v these_o million_o to_o abraham_n when_o he_o have_v but_o one_o child_n nay_o when_o he_o have_v never_o a_o one_o genes_n 15.8_o and_o abraham_n believe_v such_o a_o faith_n be_v excellent_a indeed_o and_o deserve_v eternal_a commendation_n as_o here_o it_o have_v let_v we_o be_v child_n of_o this_o faithful_a abraham_n and_o the_o rather_o see_v we_o see_v the_o performance_n which_o he_o see_v not_o we_o think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n if_o we_o be_v not_o believe_v especial_o if_o we_o do_v use_v to_o keep_v our_o word_n let_v we_o then_o know_v thereby_o what_o dishonour_v it_o be_v to_o the_o lord_n not_o to_o believe_v he_o which_o never_o fail_v in_o the_o performance_n to_o any_o creature_n second_o we_o must_v here_o learn_v of_o god_n to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a in_o our_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 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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
public_o expound_v whereas_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o bible_n lie_v neglect_v or_o little_o regard_v wherein_o we_o may_v see_v the_o notable_a work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o malice_n towards_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o learning_n now_o when_o as_o satan_n by_o this_o mean_n do_v steal_v away_o from_o they_o the_o study_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o foi_v in_o corrupt_a humane_a write_n hereby_o he_o poison_v the_o fountain_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o infect_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o as_o this_o be_v common_a in_o the_o place_n of_o popery_n so_o likewise_o some_o fault_n be_v this_o way_n commit_v among_o we_o that_o be_v protestant_n for_o many_o in_o their_o private_a study_n take_v little_a pain_n in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n but_o apply_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o write_n of_o man_n as_o counsel_n father_n schoolman_n and_o other_o expositor_n and_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o glory_v more_o to_o prove_v a_o point_n of_o doctrine_n by_o multiplicity_n of_o humane_a testimony_n then_o by_o the_o write_a word_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v thus_o to_o do_v be_v to_o prefer_v the_o handmaid_n before_o the_o mistress_n and_o as_o for_o the_o open_n &_o expound_v of_o scripture_n by_o other_o writer_n it_o be_v no_o such_o point_n of_o deep_a learning_n a_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o diligence_n may_v easy_o deliver_v what_o other_o have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o to_o open_v the_o scripture_n sound_o and_o pure_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n than_o these_o man_n take_v it_o and_o hereto_o the_o sound_a study_n of_o the_o text_n itself_o will_v prove_v the_o best_a help_n as_o they_o will_v confess_v who_o have_v try_v most_o of_o all_o and_o though_o the_o best_a man_n work_n be_v but_o base_a stuff_n to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o write_n of_o holy_a man_n must_v not_o be_v contemn_v but_o must_v be_v read_v and_o regard_v in_o their_o place_n for_o our_o furnish_n and_o enable_v to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o for_o the_o help_a of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o that_o hold_v or_o practise_v the_o contrary_a know_v not_o what_o help_v they_o be_v and_o what_o light_n they_o yield_v to_o many_o dark_a place_n of_o scripture_n but_o still_o above_o and_o beyond_o before_o and_o after_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v eat_v up_o of_o we_o and_o study_v with_o all_o diligence_n second_o in_o that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n note_v their_o particular_a sentence_n and_o by_o consequence_n gather_v this_o meditation_n out_o of_o it_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n hereby_o all_o man_n be_v teach_v to_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o hear_v and_o read_v all_o the_o place_n of_o the_o bible_n even_o the_o history_n of_o man_n therein_o and_o out_o of_o the_o word_n to_o gather_v 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yet_o they_o never_o meditate_v thereon_o as_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o this_o place_n further_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reason_v thus_o upon_o these_o example_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n therefore_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n herein_o he_o teach_v we_o this_o special_a point_n to_o wit_n that_o a_o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v in_o plain_a word_n in_o the_o bible_n yet_o be_v gather_v thence_o by_o right_a and_o just_a consequence_n be_v no_o less_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o receive_v then_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o express_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v far_o to_o blame_v which_o mislike_v these_o term_n in_o divinity_n person_n nature_n sacrament_n consubstantial_a trinity_n etc._n etc._n because_o they_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o word_n but_o they_o may_v with_o good_a conscience_n and_o much_o profit_n be_v retain_v because_o though_o not_o literal_o yet_o in_o sense_n and_o meaning_n they_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o may_v by_o just_a consequence_n be_v gather_v thence_o and_o we_o deny_v not_o transubstantion_n because_o the_o word_n be_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o because_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o there_o nor_o can_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v derive_v from_o it_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n again_o many_o refuse_v these_o doctrine_n the_o proceed_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o the_o son_n and_o the_o baptise_v of_o child_n because_o they_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o hence_o we_o answer_v that_o though_o they_o be_v not_o express_o set_v down_o in_o so_o many_o word_n yet_o by_o just_a consequence_n they_o may_v be_v sound_o gather_v out_o of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o be_v true_a doctrine_n no_o less_o to_o be_v believe_v then_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o express_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v mindful_a of_o that_o country_n whence_o they_o come_v they_o have_v leisure_n to_o have_v return_v but_o now_o they_o desire_v a_o better_a that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a wherefore_o god_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o they_o to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n for_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o a_o city_n here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o former_a argument_n by_o 2._o reason_n the_o first_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o 15._o verse_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o 16._o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o distinction_n of_o country_n and_o may_v be_v frame_v thus_o they_o either_o seek_v a_o earthly_a country_n or_o a_o heavenly_a country_n but_o not_o a_o earthly_a therefore_o they_o seek_v a_o heavenly_a country_n the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v clear_a of_o itself_o the_o second_o part_n be_v in_o the_o 15._o verse_n from_o whence_o follow_v the_o conclusion_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 16._o verse_n to_o come_v to_o the_o first_o part_n in_o these_o word_n and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v mindful_a of_o the_o country_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v if_o they_o have_v regard_v or_o think_v upon_o mesopotamia_n or_o caldea_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v and_o where_o they_o be_v bear_v with_o any_o desire_n to_o have_v enjoy_v the_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n thereof_o they_o have_v leisure_n enough_o to_o have_v return_v back_o thither_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o length_n of_o their_o day_n which_o they_o live_v in_o the_o land_n whither_o god_n call_v they_o here_o observe_v two_o point_n first_o that_o they_o be_v not_o mindful_a of_o or_o as_o the_o word_n import_v they_o remember_v not_o the_o country_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v but_o when_o god_n give_v they_o commandment_n to_o depart_v thence_o and_o not_o to_o return_v to_o mesopotamia_n again_o after_o this_o commandment_n give_v they_o come_v forth_o and_o do_v forget_v their_o own_o country_n whence_o we_o learn_v that_o howsoever_o usual_o forgetfulness_n be_v a_o vice_n yet_o some_o kind_n of_o forgetfulness_n be_v a_o notable_a virtue_n namely_o to_o forget_v the_o thing_n that_o displease_v god_n and_o which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v we_o to_o think_v upon_o psal._n 45.9_o the_o church_n be_v command_v to_o forget_v she_o own_o people_n and_o her_o father_n house_n that_o be_v her_o own_o will_n and_o desire_n she_o must_v never_o think_v thereof_o nor_o of_o any_o other_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v displease_v unless_o it_o be_v with_o dislike_n this_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o many_o age_a person_n in_o these_o day_n who_o delight_n themselves_o among_o the_o young_a sort_n to_o tell_v of_o the_o bad_a practice_n of_o their_o youth_n in_o wantonness_n contention_n and_o break_v god_n commandment_n but_o in_o so_o do_v they_o sin_v grievous_o for_o a_o man_n must_v not_o
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
many_o parent_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o whereas_o they_o shall_v first_o seek_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o come_v to_o his_o prophet_n they_o either_o run_v first_o to_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o physic_n or_o be_v worse_o dispose_v seek_v help_n of_o wizard_n &_o blesser_n by_o their_o charm_n and_o sorcery_n forsake_v god_n and_o run_v to_o the_o devil_n indeed_o the_o use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n be_v not_o to_o be_v discommend_v simple_o but_o this_o preposterous_a course_n be_v blame-worthy_a and_o deprive_v many_o of_o god_n blessing_n in_o the_o mean_n that_o they_o seek_v help_v of_o physic_n before_o they_o have_v seek_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o holy_a practice_n of_o faith_n quest._n but_o how_o can_v the_o parent_n faith_n benefit_n the_o child_n answ._n it_o can_v procure_v unto_o it_o eternal_a life_n for_o every_o one_o must_v be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o yet_o the_o child_n receive_v many_o a_o good_a blessing_n at_o god_n hand_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o parent_n faith_n as_o namely_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o seal_v thereof_o beside_o the_o fruition_n of_o many_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o life_n itself_o in_o this_o place_n the_o consideration_n hereof_o must_v move_v all_o parent_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n for_o by_o the_o practice_n hereof_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o bring_v the_o great_a blessing_n upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n and_o upon_o the_o lawful_a mean_n which_o they_o shall_v use_v for_o their_o good_a say_v the_o lord_n shall_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o child_n and_o servant_n in_o a_o family_n what_o must_v parent_n and_o master_n do_v sure_o the_o best_a way_n for_o help_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o faith_n in_o true_a humiliation_n for_o sin_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o mercy_n and_o for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o mean_n which_o they_o shall_v use_v in_o all_o society_n this_o be_v true_a that_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o governor_n many_o curse_n be_v remove_v and_o many_o blessing_n procure_v god_n send_v his_o judgement_n among_o we_o daily_o and_o we_o know_v not_o when_o other_o more_o shall_v befall_v we_o but_o for_o the_o removeall_n and_o prevent_v of_o they_o we_o must_v give_v ourselves_o to_o true_a humiliation_n and_o prayer_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o lord_n mercy_n towards_o we_o as_o these_o two_o woman_n do_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o ten_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o they_o all_o several_o now_o from_o they_o all_o joint_o together_o observe_v this_o special_a point_n that_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o do_v bring_v down_o from_o heaven_n upon_o every_o believer_n all_o god_n blessing_n that_o be_v needful_a for_o he_o who_o be_v he_o that_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o gods_n blessing_n needful_a for_o he_o both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n well_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n hereto_o be_v to_o get_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n and_o to_o put_v the_o same_o in_o practice_n in_o all_o such_o duty_n as_o god_n shall_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n the_o worthy_a man_n before_o name_v obtain_v all_o the_o former_a most_o wonderful_a blessing_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o it_o they_o escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n they_o quench_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o fire_n wax_v mighty_a in_o battle_n etc._n etc._n as_o we_o have_v hear_v now_o if_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o notable_a grace_n of_o god_n then_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n let_v we_o labour_v for_o it_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o lip-faith_n and_o so_o presume_v upon_o god_n mercy_n but_o we_o must_v labour_v for_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n which_o may_v purify_v our_o heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o our_o life_n here_o be_v strong_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o hereunto_o for_o what_o do_v we_o desire_v riches_n honour_n or_o favour_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o world_n will_v we_o have_v health_n and_o strength_n nay_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o in_o all_o then_o look_v to_o get_v true_a faith_n for_o in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o thou_o shall_v obtain_v of_o god_n all_o needful_a blessing_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a many_o toil_n themselves_o exceed_o by_o worldly_a mean_n to_o get_v temporal_a blessing_n as_o health_n wealth_n honour_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o never_o attain_v thereto_o because_o they_o seek_v they_o not_o by_o faith_n i_o confess_v natural_a man_n get_v many_o good_a thing_n but_o to_o they_o they_o be_v no_o blessing_n because_o they_o want_v faith_n both_o in_o get_v and_o keep_v of_o they_o for_o they_o lay_v all_o religion_n aside_o and_o toil_v themselves_o whole_o in_o worldly_a mean_n this_o course_n the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v beware_v of_o say_v that_o a_o prince_n bid_v one_o of_o his_o servant_n go_v to_o his_o treasury_n and_o there_o enrich_v himself_o with_o jewel_n with_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o with_o whatsoever_o he_o lack_v what_o will_v this_o man_n do_v sure_o first_o he_o will_v call_v for_o the_o key_n whereby_o he_o may_v unlock_v the_o door_n and_o chest_n for_o else_o he_o can_v get_v nothing_o behold_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n god_n show_v we_o his_o full_a treasury_n wherein_o we_o may_v enrich_v ourselves_o with_o all_o his_o blessing_n now_o we_o must_v not_o with_o the_o fool_n run_v without_o the_o key_n but_o labour_n first_o for_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v that_o key_n whereby_o god_n heavenly_a treasure_n be_v open_v unto_o we_o and_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v a_o sound_a key_n that_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a faith_n which_o may_v strong_o turn_v about_o the_o lock_n of_o god_n treasury_n for_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a he_o that_o do_v unfeigned_o believe_v shall_v never_o want_v any_o thing_n either_o in_o body_n or_o soul_n that_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o have_v every_o one_o will_v say_v he_o believe_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v rare_a for_o man_n heart_n be_v not_o purify_v nor_o their_o life_n change_v but_o they_o remain_v as_o sinful_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v which_o cause_v god_n judgement_n to_o be_v rife_o among_o us._n wherefore_o as_o we_o desire_v our_o own_o good_a both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o let_v we_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o our_o life_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o these_o judge_n and_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n believer_n under_o the_o maccabee_n verse_n 35._o other_o also_o be_v rack_v and_o will_v not_o be_v deliver_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v a_o better_a resurrection_n in_o these_o word_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n proceed_v to_o the_o four_o order_n of_o example_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o this_o chapter_n wherein_o as_o in_o the_o former_a last_o handle_v he_o proceed_v brief_o heap_v up_o in_o few_o word_n many_o worthy_a example_n of_o faith_n conceal_v the_o name_n of_o the_o party_n &_o only_o set_v down_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o us._n and_o this_o four_o and_o last_o order_n of_o example_n comprehend_v such_o believer_n as_o live_v under_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o maccabee_n and_o afterward_o to_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o of_o believer_n in_o former_a time_n it_o can_v be_v understand_v because_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a distinction_n put_v between_o these_o believer_n and_o the_o former_a judge_n king_n and_o prophet_n in_o these_o word_n other_o also_o whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o here_o he_o propound_v example_n of_o believer_n different_a from_o those_o which_o he_o mention_v before_o and_o it_o be_v also_o plain_a that_o these_o believer_n live_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o howsoever_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v rack_v scourge_v and_o torment_v after_o this_o sort_n yet_o of_o they_o this_o place_n can_v be_v understand_v because_o they_o enjoy_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o these_o here_o mention_v enjoy_v not_o that_o promise_n in_o their_o day_n but_o wait_v for_o it_o by_o faith_n and_o therein_o die_v verse_n 39_o and_o indeed_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v wonderful_o persecute_v by_o antiochus_n about_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n as_o we_o may_v see_v 2._o maccabee_n 4._o and_o 6._o chapter_n question_n where_o have_v the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n this_o large_a narration_n of_o these_o strange_a persecution_n see_v they_o be_v not_o register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n answer_n we_o may_v judge_v that_o he_o
five_o foolish_a virgin_n do_v but_o get_v the_o oil_n of_o grace_n into_o the_o vessel_n of_o our_o heart_n knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n be_v a_o commendable_a thing_n but_o not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o stand_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n we_o therefore_o must_v labour_v for_o true_a save_a grace_n especial_o for_o this_o to_o have_v our_o heart_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v our_o father_n in_o christ_n and_o jesus_n christ_n our_o redeemer_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o comforter_n and_o sanctifier_n this_o assurance_n of_o faith_n will_v establish_v our_o heart_n in_o all_o estate_n come_v life_n come_v death_n we_o need_v not_o fear_v for_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o this_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o coherence_n of_o this_o verse_n with_o the_o former_a now_o to_o the_o word_n other_o also_o be_v rack_v etc._n etc._n here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v to_o propound_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n for_o which_o this_o last_o rank_n of_o believer_n be_v commend_v unto_o us._n and_o they_o be_v not_o such_o famous_a exploit_n as_o the_o former_a but_o nine_o several_a kind_n of_o suffering_n unto_o all_o which_o we_o must_v remember_v to_o apply_v this_o clause_n by_o faith_n from_o the_o 33_o verse_n as_o thus_o through_o faith_n they_o endure_v rack_a mock_a and_o so_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n out_o of_o these_o effect_n in_o general_n we_o may_v learn_v two_o thing_n first_o a_o singular_a fruit_n of_o faith_n for_o which_o it_o be_v here_o so_o high_o commend_v in_o this_o last_o rank_n of_o example_n to_o wit_n that_o by_o it_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v enable_v to_o bear_v whatsoever_o the_o lord_n shall_v lay_v upon_o he_o the_o torment_n wherewith_o man_n body_n may_v be_v afflict_v be_v many_o and_o terrible_a and_o yet_o be_v they_o never_o so_o many_o nor_o so_o terrible_a true_a save_a faith_n will_v make_v the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v they_o all_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ._n the_o effect_n of_o faith_n before_o set_v down_o be_v many_o and_o singular_a but_o undoubted_o this_o strength_n of_o patience_n which_o it_o give_v under_o the_o great_a torment_n for_o christ_n sake_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a this_o paul_n do_v notable_o testify_v in_o this_o profession_n roman_n chapter_n 8._o verse_n 38_o 39_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n oh_o singular_a power_n of_o faith_n which_o so_o firm_o unite_v the_o believer_n unto_o christ_n that_o no_o torment_n in_o the_o world_n no_o not_o all_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o angel_n can_v separate_v they_o asunder_o question_n how_o do_v faith_n work_v this_o indissoluble_a power_n in_o cleave_v unto_o christ_n answer_n after_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o faith_n to_o persuade_v the_o conscience_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n in_o christ_n and_o upon_o this_o persuasion_n the_o heart_n begin_v to_o love_n god_n again_o now_o by_o this_o love_n do_v faith_n work_n and_o make_v a_o man_n able_a to_o bear_v all_o torment_n that_o can_v be_v inflict_v for_o religion_n sake_n for_o love_n suffer_v all_o thing_n 1._o cor._n 13.7_o even_o that_o love_n wherewith_o one_o man_n love_v another_o how_o much_o more_o than_o shall_v this_o love_n wherewith_o we_o love_v god_n in_o christ_n make_v we_o to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o love_n be_v say_v to_o be_v strong_a as_o death_n and_o the_o coal_n thereof_o be_v fiery_a coal_n and_o a_o vehement_a flame_n 8.6_o yea_o much_o water_n can_v quench_v love_n neither_o can_v the_o flood_n drown_v it_o that_o be_v grievous_a persecution_n and_o torment_n can_v extinguish_v the_o same_o nay_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o love_n to_o god_n when_o it_o be_v fervent_a that_o it_o make_v a_o man_n so_o zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o glorify_v god_n than_o by_o suffering_n the_o child_n of_o god_n will_v rather_o yield_v himself_o to_o endure_v the_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a than_o suffer_v god_n to_o lose_v his_o glory_n this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o paul_n rom._n 9.3_o i_o will_v wish_v myself_o say_v he_o to_o be_v separate_a from_o christ_n for_o my_o brethren_n that_o be_v my_o kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v the_o israelite_n meaning_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n in_o their_o call_n and_o salvation_n such_o zeal_n likewise_o we_o may_v see_v in_o moses_n for_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v lose_v his_o glory_n if_o the_o israelite_n be_v destroy_v he_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o pardon_v their_o sin_n but_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o then_o say_v he_o raze_v i_o out_o of_o the_o book_n which_o thou_o have_v write_v 32.32_o this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n to_o make_v a_o man_n able_a and_o willing_a to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o christ_n sake_n we_o must_v hereby_o be_v move_v to_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n for_o tribulation_n may_v come_v nay_o some_o affliction_n will_v come_v on_o every_o child_n of_o god_n more_o or_o less_o now_o without_o faith_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o glorify_v god_n under_o the_o cross_n the_o just_a must_v live_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o estate_n heb._n 10.38_o as_o here_o they_o endure_v rack_a burn_a hew_v asunder_o etc._n etc._n and_o all_o by_o faith_n second_o out_o of_o all_o these_o suffering_n here_o endure_v by_o faith_n note_v the_o mind_n and_o disposition_n of_o ungodly_a man_n towards_o god_n church_n and_o people_n they_o be_v most_o bitter_o &_o bloody_o bend_v against_o they_o for_o here_o they_o put_v in_o execution_n upon_o god_n child_n whatsoever_o cruelty_n the_o devil_n can_v suggest_v into_o their_o heart_n and_o this_o have_v be_v their_o disposition_n and_o behaviour_n not_o only_o before_o christ_n incarnation_n but_o also_o ever_o since_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o manifold_a strange_a torture_n devise_v against_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o both_o then_o and_o since_o inflict_v upon_o they_o behold_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n especial_o in_o their_o late_a inquisition_n whereby_o beside_o the_o cruel_a rack_a of_o the_o conscience_n by_o unjust_a inquiry_n they_o put_v the_o protestant_n to_o most_o cruel_a torment_n the_o consideration_n of_o this_o cruel_a disposition_n in_o the_o wicked_a against_o the_o godly_a be_v of_o special_a use_n first_o it_o prove_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o religion_n which_o by_o god_n mercy_n we_o profess_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v no_o politic_a device_n of_o man_n but_o the_o sacred_a ordinance_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n it_o will_v so_o fit_v their_o humour_n and_o accord_n with_o their_o nature_n that_o general_o it_o will_v be_v love_v and_o embrace_v and_o not_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o will_v mislike_v it_o but_o we_o see_v it_o be_v general_o detest_v this_o sect_n be_v every_o where_o speak_v against_o act_v 28.22_o natural_a man_n reject_v it_o and_o persecute_v it_o and_o the_o professor_n of_o â—t_z unto_o the_o death_n this_o they_o do_v because_o true_a religion_n be_v contrary_a to_o their_o nature_n as_o light_n be_v to_o darkness_n and_o condemn_v those_o way_n and_o course_n which_o they_o best_o like_v of_o this_o reason_n shall_v justify_v true_a religion_n to_o be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n even_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o worldly_a atheist_n his_o devilish_a malice_n against_o it_o prove_v god_n divine_a truth_n to_o be_v in_o it_o second_o do_v the_o wicked_a hate_n the_o godly_a because_o of_o their_o religion_n and_o profession_n then_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v learn_v to_o love_v religion_n because_o it_o be_v religion_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o for_o their_o profession_n sake_n this_o be_v christ_n instruction_n to_o love_v a_o disciple_n because_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n mat._n 10._o indeed_o we_o must_v love_v all_o man_n but_o especial_o those_o that_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n for_o all_o such_o be_v brethren_n have_v one_o father_n which_o be_v god_n and_o brethren_n ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o but_o alas_o this_o lesson_n be_v not_o learned_a for_o the_o world_n general_o be_v give_v to_o mock_v and_o scoff_v