the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o second_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n and_o believe_v they_o where_o by_o believe_v we_o must_v understand_v not_o so_o much_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o be_v note_v before_o as_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o the_o word_n import_v a_o confirmation_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o a_o resolution_n in_o assurance_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v not_o unusual_a in_o scripture_n for_o paul_n pray_v for_o the_o church_n who_o have_v true_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o love_n that_o they_o may_v increase_v and_o abound_v therein_o more_o and_o more_o ephesian_n 3.16.17_o philippian_n 1.9.11_o colossian_n 1.9.11_o here_o than_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o example_n of_o these_o patriarch_n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o property_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n to_o go_v forward_o and_o increase_v in_o faith_n till_o he_o come_v to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n in_o god_n promise_n all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o faith_n be_v the_o lord_n talent_n and_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v the_o lord_n servant_n call_v to_o occupy_v therewith_o now_o god_n have_v put_v his_o talon_n into_o any_o man_n hand_n do_v require_v the_o increase_n thereof_o as_o the_o parable_n show_v luke_n 19.13_o and_o this_o paul_n teach_v for_o pray_v for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o and_o be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n ephesian_n 3.16_o he_o signify_v that_o he_o that_o do_v true_o believe_v in_o christ_n must_v go_v on_o from_o grace_n to_o grace_n till_o he_o be_v a_o tall_a man_n in_o christ_n as_o a_o child_n grow_v from_o year_n to_o year_n till_o he_o come_v to_o be_v a_o strong_a man_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v like_a unto_o fire_n which_o will_v not_o go_v out_o so_o long_o as_o wood_n or_o other_o fuel_n be_v put_v unto_o it_o but_o will_v take_v hold_v thereof_o and_o grow_v unto_o a_o great_a flame_n and_o so_o will_v faith_n grow_v up_o to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n in_o all_o those_o that_o conscionablie_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o worde_n and_o prayer_n but_o go_v the_o case_n thus_o with_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n nay_o very_o general_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o many_o among_o we_o have_v no_o regard_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o think_v they_o may_v live_v as_o they_o lust_n their_o good_a meaning_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n other_o and_o those_o not_o a_o few_o be_v so_o far_o from_o go_v forward_o in_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v every_o day_n worse_o and_o worse_o and_o still_o go_v backward_o more_o and_o more_o a_o three_o sort_n we_o have_v that_o will_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o yet_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v very_o slender_a they_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n and_o profit_v little_a now_o howsoever_o it_o may_v be_v think_v but_o a_o small_a fault_n not_o to_o profit_v in_o religion_n yet_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n when_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n in_o any_o congregation_n be_v daily_o teach_v and_o do_v not_o profit_v thereby_o and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n note_v those_o woman_n to_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n which_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2._o timoth._n 3.7_o if_o a_o child_n late_o bear_v like_v not_o well_o nor_o grow_v when_o it_o have_v good_a keep_n the_o common_a say_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o changeling_n so_o if_o a_o man_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n we_o may_v most_o true_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o spiritual_a changeling_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n we_o must_v first_o labour_n for_o faith_n &_o have_v faith_n increase_v therein_o and_o in_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n till_o we_o come_v to_o be_v strong_a man_n in_o christ._n it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o those_o patriarch_n increase_v in_o faith_n but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o do_v attain_v hereto_o answer_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n we_o may_v find_v three_o way_n whereby_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o do_v grow_v up_o in_o grace_n the_o first_o mean_n be_v from_o god_n himself_o for_o when_o he_o have_v make_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n merciful_o renew_v the_o same_o during_o his_o life_n as_o occasion_n serve_v sundry_a time_n he_o stay_v not_o there_o suffer_v it_o to_o die_v with_o abraham_n but_o when_o abraham_n be_v dead_a god_n renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o isaac_n and_o rebecka_n and_o with_o jacob_n also_o after_o they_o now_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n can_v utter_v what_o a_o wonderful_a furtherance_n it_o be_v unto_o their_o faith_n to_o have_v the_o lord_n himself_o to_o renew_v his_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o they_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o increase_a their_o faith_n be_v their_o holy_a converse_v one_o with_o another_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o to_o nurture_n they_o up_o in_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o do_v not_o only_o implant_v god_n promise_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o child_n but_o be_v themselves_o confirm_v in_o the_o same_o for_o he_o that_o teach_v another_o from_o a_o feel_a heart_n great_o strengthen_v his_o own_o soul_n now_o god_n himself_o do_v testify_v this_o thing_n of_o abraham_n 18.19_o say_v i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o son_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v righteousness_n and_o judgement_n now_o look_v what_o abraham_n herein_o do_v to_o isaac_n that_o no_o doubt_n do_v isaac_n unto_o jacob_n the_o three_o mean_n to_o increase_v their_o faith_n be_v from_o each_o one_o to_o himself_o for_o they_o give_v themselves_o often_o time_n in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o muse_n &_o meditate_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n 24.63_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o isaac_n that_o he_o go_v out_o to_o pray_v or_o to_o meditate_v in_o the_o field_n towards_o evening_n and_o we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o it_o be_v concern_v this_o and_o other_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o and_o we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o abraham_n and_o jaacob_n do_v the_o like_a these_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o these_o godly_a patriarch_n be_v strengthen_v in_o their_o faith_n all_o which_o must_v be_v mark_v of_o we_o diligent_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n for_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n often_o and_o yet_o profit_v little_a by_o it_o be_v chief_o this_o because_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o man_n shall_v grow_v up_o in_o faith_n be_v so_o slender_o use_v among_o us._n for_o the_o first_o mean_n which_o be_v on_o god_n behalf_n to_o man_n be_v through_o his_o great_a and_o unspeakable_a mercy_n plentiful_o afford_v in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o land_n in_o the_o holy_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o god_n gracious_a promise_n of_o mercy_n be_v open_v and_o apply_v to_o man_n heart_n and_o his_o judgement_n against_o sin_n be_v sharp_o denounce_v to_o drive_v man_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ._n but_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o second_o mean_n which_o be_v mutual_a instruction_n of_o father_n to_o child_n of_o master_n to_o servant_n and_o of_o one_o neighbour_n to_o another_o together_o with_o mutual_a conference_n about_o that_o we_o be_v teach_v or_o else_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o three_o mean_n which_o be_v private_a meditation_n upon_o god_n word_n and_o promise_n teach_v unto_o we_o which_o meditation_n be_v to_o a_o christian_a soul_n like_o the_o chew_v of_o the_o cud_n unto_o a_o beast_n for_o as_o chew_v the_o cud_n turn_v that_o which_o be_v eat_v into_o true_a feed_n so_o do_v holy_a meditation_n make_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n spiritual_a refresh_n by_o digest_v they_o in_o the_o heart_n if_o i_o say_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o these_o two_o latter_a we_o shall_v find_v they_o seldom_o use_v of_o very_a many_o or_o not_o at_o all_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o use_v these_o mean_n with_o care_n and_o reverence_n but_o alas_o these_o some_o be_v very_o few_o and_o because_o this_o duty_n be_v so_o slack_o perform_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o though_o the_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v oft_o repeat_v yet_o man_n reap_v little_a profit_n by_o it_o so_o that_o we_o
steward_n over_o they_o for_o the_o good_a dispose_n of_o they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n always_o remember_v this_o rule_n of_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal._n 62.10_o if_o riches_n increase_v set_v not_o thy_o heart_n on_o they_o he_o say_v not_o if_o riches_n increase_v refuse_v they_o but_o set_v not_o thy_o heart_n on_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o these_o question_n now_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v as_o necessary_a for_o we_o in_o these_o day_n as_o ever_o it_o be_v for_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o profit_v little_a after_o much_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n be_v this_o we_o have_v not_o behave_v ourselves_o like_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o this_o world_n but_o the_o care_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n have_v choke_v it_o up_o math._n 13_o 2d_o that_o it_o can_v take_v no_o ground_n nor_o root_n in_o our_o heart_n when_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n we_o remember_v it_o not_o because_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o affection_n thereof_o be_v set_v on_o the_o pleasure_n and_o commodity_n of_o the_o world_n we_o therefore_o must_v shake_v off_o this_o filthy_a sin_n and_o learn_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o like_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n not_o entangle_v ourselves_o with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o use_v they_o as_o though_o we_o use_v they_o not_o so_o as_o they_o be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o the_o growth_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o us._n for_o they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n declare_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n be_v set_v down_o the_o constancy_n of_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o faith_n now_o in_o the_o 14.15_o and_o 16._o verse_n the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v to_o amplify_v and_o enlarge_v the_o commendation_n of_o their_o perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o scope_n of_o all_o these_o verse_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o all_o these_o particular_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n unto_o the_o end_n the_o proof_n be_v make_v by_o one_o substantial_a reason_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n seek_v for_o their_o country_n which_o be_v heaven_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o true_a faith_n but_o some_o may_v think_v that_o this_o reason_n be_v not_o substantial_a for_o man_n may_v seek_v for_o heaven_n that_o never_o have_v true_a save_v faith_n as_o balaam_n desire_v that_o his_o end_n may_v be_v like_o the_o end_n of_o the_o righteous_a numb_a 23.10_o wherewith_o no_o doubt_n he_o desire_v the_o state_n of_o the_o righteous_a after_o this_o life_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o desire_n of_o balaams_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o any_o constant_a persuasion_n nor_o settle_a resolution_n but_o upon_o some_o sudden_a motion_n second_o though_o he_o desire_v to_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a yet_o he_o will_v not_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o righteous_a he_o have_v no_o delight_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n to_o come_v to_o that_o end_n which_o they_o walk_v in_o without_o which_o no_o man_n ordinary_o can_v come_v to_o it_o yet_o further_o some_o will_v say_v many_o shall_v seek_v as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a luke_n 13.24_o therefore_o to_o seek_v for_o heaven_n be_v no_o sufficient_a argument_n of_o true_a faith_n answer_n true_a indeed_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o enter_v because_o they_o seek_v when_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n be_v shut_v and_o when_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v past_a for_o there_o be_v a_o time_n of_o grace_n wherein_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v find_v now_o if_o man_n seek_v he_o not_o in_o this_o time_n though_o they_o seek_v he_o never_o so_o long_o after_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v he_o but_o the_o seek_n of_o these_o patriarch_n be_v a_o sound_n and_o constant_a seek_v and_o so_o a_o notable_a fruit_n of_o their_o true_a faith_n for_o 1._o they_o seek_v a_o heavenly_a country_n 2._o they_o seek_v it_o in_o due_a time_n not_o for_o a_o brunt_n but_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n 3._o they_o go_v the_o right_a way_n deny_v themselves_o and_o their_o estate_n in_o this_o life_n as_o be_v stranger_n upon_o earth_n and_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o forsake_v all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n to_o attain_v heaven_n esteem_v it_o as_o their_o true_a dwell_a place_n and_o their_o eternal_a rest_n now_o more_o particular_o the_o holy_a ghost_n divide_v this_o reason_n into_o two_o part_n &_o handle_v the_o same_o several_o 1._o he_o prove_v that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n in_o this_o verse_n and_o 2._o that_o this_o country_n which_o they_o seek_v be_v heaven_n itself_o verse_n 15.16_o for_o the_o first_o part_n that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n be_v thus_o prove_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n they_o show_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n but_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n say_v of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n therefore_o they_o show_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v evident_a in_o itself_o for_o he_o that_o say_v he_o be_v a_o pilgrim_n and_o a_o stranger_n in_o any_o place_n show_v plain_o that_o he_o be_v forth_o 〈◊〉_d his_o own_o country_n and_o therefore_o seek_v one_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v assume_v from_o their_o confession_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o former_a verse_n and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n on_o the_o earth_n from_o whence_o the_o conclusion_n be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o 14._o verse_n that_o therefore_o these_o patriarch_n seek_v a_o country_n in_o this_o reason_n observe_v first_o that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n have_v diligent_o read_v the_o history_n of_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n pen_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n and_o in_o read_v have_v observe_v that_o which_o they_o particular_o confess_v of_o themselves_o in_o many_o place_n of_o that_o book_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n yea_o also_o he_o gather_v from_o their_o confession_n this_o most_o heavenly_a meditation_n that_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o country_n but_o seek_v another_o these_o three_o thing_n then_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n use_v about_o the_o holy_a scripture_n read_v meditation_n and_o observation_n whence_o we_o learn_v that_o all_o god_n minister_n and_o those_o which_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v diligent_o to_o read_v and_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o meditate_v therein_o no_o doubt_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v a_o apostle_n and_o have_v most_o notable_a gift_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o call_n and_o yet_o he_o bestow_v pain_n in_o view_v the_o particular_a word_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n record_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n daniel_n also_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a prophet_n yet_o as_o we_o may_v read_v daniel_n 9.2_o he_o study_v with_o admirable_a diligence_n the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremie_n and_o ezekiel_n and_o timothy_n though_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n act_n 16.1_o and_o well_o learned_a yet_o paul_n charge_v he_o to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v to_o exhortation_n and_o to_o doctrine_n 1._o timothy_n 4.13_o and_o ezekiel_n be_v command_v to_o eat_v the_o role_n and_o to_o fill_v his_o belly_n with_o it_o ezekiel_n 3.3_o and_o saint_n john_n likewise_o be_v command_v to_o eat_v up_o the_o little_a book_n revelation_n 10.9.10_o which_o thing_n he_o do_v all_o which_o strong_o enforce_v the_o former_a duty_n show_v that_o god_n servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n must_v as_o it_o be_v eat_v up_o god_n book_n that_o in_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n he_o may_v digest_v as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hard_a place_n of_o the_o scripture_n here_o must_v he_o lay_v his_o foundation_n and_o hither_o have_v recourse_n from_o all_o other_o write_v whatsoever_o in_o any_o matter_n of_o doubt_n this_o direction_n be_v most_o necessary_a for_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o for_o all_o god_n minister_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o contrary_a practice_n bear_v sway_n in_o the_o world_n for_o in_o the_o popish_a university_n most_o of_o their_o divine_n apply_v themselves_o to_o study_v the_o book_n of_o certain_a schoolman_n and_o the_o expositor_n or_o commenter_n thereupon_o these_o be_v apply_v day_n and_o night_n though_o they_o be_v both_o many_o and_o large_a and_o full_a of_o needless_a quiddity_n and_o oftentimes_o they_o be_v also_o
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 godly_a meditation_n so_o paul_n say_v to_o the_o colossian_n 1.2_o let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v plenteous_o in_o you_o coloss._n 3.16_o the_o prophet_n david_n also_o note_v it_o for_o the_o property_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o meditate_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n day_n and_o night_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n be_v register_v as_o a_o example_n for_o we_o to_o follow_v that_o she_o keep_v all_o the_o say_n of_o christ_n in_o her_o heart_n but_o pity_v it_o be_v to_o see_v how_o read_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v lay_v aside_o 2.51_o for_o it_o be_v so_o little_o practise_v that_o man_n nowadays_a will_v not_o be_v at_o charge_n to_o buy_v a_o bible_n for_o book_n of_o statute_n man_n will_v not_o only_o have_v they_o in_o their_o house_n but_o at_o their_o finger_n end_n but_o bible_n they_o have_v none_o and_o if_o they_o have_v it_o lie_v on_o the_o desk_n or_o table_n and_o they_o read_v it_o not_o and_o if_o sometime_o they_o read_v 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
reward_n now_o every_o true_a believer_n that_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n and_o so_o christ_n righteousness_n with_o the_o merit_n thereof_o be_v he_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o serve_v to_o make_v his_o person_n acceptable_a to_o god_n whereupon_o he_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o reward_n make_v unto_o he_o upon_o his_o obedience_n yet_o not_o for_o his_o work_n but_o for_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n obedience_n in_o who_o he_o be_v and_o so_o must_v these_o word_n here_o be_v understand_v 1._o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o reward_n of_o life_n eternal_a give_v through_o christ_n to_o those_o that_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n may_v make_v we_o joyful_a and_o patient_a in_o all_o our_o affliction_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n a_o natural_a man_n will_v endure_v much_o for_o a_o good_a recompense_n in_o the_o end_n now_o christ_n say_v great_a be_v your_o reward_n 5.11_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o rejoice_v in_o suffer_v for_o christ_n hold_v fast_o our_o confidence_n which_o have_v so_o great_a recompense_n of_o reward_n heb._n 10.35_o second_o be_v life_n everlasting_a a_o recompense_n that_o be_v a_o give_v of_o a_o reward_n then_o here_o be_v condemn_v the_o desperate_a practice_n of_o many_o a_o one_o who_o spend_v their_o whole_a life_n in_o a_o greedy_a pursuit_n after_o the_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v run_v themselves_o out_o of_o breath_n in_o the_o way_n to_o hell_n without_o all_o regard_n of_o their_o soul_n till_o death_n come_v think_v that_o if_o at_o the_o last_o gasp_n they_o can_v cry_v god_n mercy_n and_o commend_v their_o soul_n to_o god_n all_o be_v well_o but_o all_o such_o person_n for_o the_o most_o part_n deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n not_o consider_v that_o life_n everlasting_a be_v give_v as_o a_o reward_n now_o we_o know_v that_o no_o reward_n be_v give_v to_o any_o man_n till_o the_o work_n be_v do_v which_o he_o be_v set_v about_o he_o must_v come_v work_n in_o the_o vineyard_n some_o part_n of_o the_o day_n that_o will_v have_v his_o penny_n at_o night_n as_o for_o those_o that_o neither_o stir_n hand_n nor_o foot_n to_o do_v the_o work_n what_o reward_n can_v they_o look_v for_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o carnal_a liver_n they_o addict_v themselves_o whole_o to_o earthly_a thing_n but_o if_o we_o look_v for_o any_o reward_n at_o the_o day_n of_o death_n we_o must_v labour_v in_o the_o work_n of_o godliness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n for_o therefore_o be_v we_o redeem_v luke_n 1.74.75_o in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n we_o find_v but_o one_o man_n that_o live_v wicked_o and_o repent_v at_o his_o end_n that_o be_v the_o thief_n upon_o the_o crosse._n which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o rare_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v the_o reward_n of_o life_n everlasting_a after_o this_o life_n that_o labour_v not_o in_o the_o work_n of_o godliness_n in_o this_o life_n three_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o reward_n must_v stir_v up_o all_o god_n child_n unto_o all_o diligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o godliness_n &_o that_o with_o cheerfulness_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n when_o we_o shall_v die_v we_o will_v look_v earnest_o for_o this_o reward_n and_o therefore_o while_o we_o live_v we_o must_v diligent_o do_v the_o work_n that_o god_n command_v and_o then_o when_o death_n come_v we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o this_o reward_n not_o because_o we_o do_v deserve_v it_o by_o our_o work_n but_o because_o he_o have_v promise_v it_o in_o christ_n upon_o our_o endeavour_n in_o obedience_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o moses_n choice_n verse_n 27._o by_o faith_n he_o forsake_v egypt_n and_o fear_v not_o the_o fierceness_n of_o the_o king_n for_o he_o be_v courageous_a as_o he_o that_o see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a in_o this_o verse_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n proceed_v to_o another_o example_n of_o moses_n faith_n and_o hereto_o also_o in_o the_o verse_n follow_v he_o add_v a_o three_o now_o he_o be_v thus_o large_a in_o the_o commendation_n of_o his_o faith_n for_o this_o end_n to_o persuade_v the_o hebrew_n to_o who_o this_o epistle_n be_v send_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o any_o justification_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v because_o if_o any_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n it_o must_v be_v moses_n who_o give_v the_o law_n to_o the_o people_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v excel_v in_o obedience_n to_o both_o table_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o renown_a prophet_n unto_o all_o posterity_n in_o special_a favour_n with_o god_n numb_a 12.7.8_o but_o moses_n can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n for_o here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v that_o moses_n be_v justify_v &_o save_v by_o faith_n the_o thing_n that_o commend_v moses_n and_o make_v he_o stand_v before_o god_n be_v not_o his_o work_n but_o his_o faith_n and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n be_v that_o as_o moses_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o his_o work_n but_o by_o faith_n no_o more_o must_v they_o stand_v upon_o their_o work_n to_o be_v justify_v thereby_o but_o labour_n for_o such_o faith_n as_o moses_n have_v now_o this_o faith_n of_o moses_n be_v a_o true_a save_a faith_n found_v on_o these_o two_o promise_n of_o god_n 1._o on_o this_o great_a &_o main_a promise_n make_v to_o abraham_n i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n 2._o on_o another_o particular_a promise_n rise_v from_o the_o general_a make_v unto_o he_o when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o fetch_v the_o israelite_n out_o of_o bondage_n which_o be_v this_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o and_o guide_v thou_o 1â—_n and_o in_o this_o place_n moses_n be_v say_v to_o have_v faith_n not_o only_o because_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v be_v his_o god_n as_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o abraham_n seed_n but_o because_o he_o believe_v particular_o that_o god_n will_v be_v his_o god_n &_o defend_v and_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n to_o come_v particular_o to_o this_o fact_n by_o faith_n moses_n forsake_v egypt_n moses_n depart_v from_o egypt_n twice_o first_o when_o he_o have_v slay_v the_o egyptian_a and_o flee_v from_o pharaoh_n unto_o midian_a and_o there_o keep_v jethroes_n sheep_n second_o forty_o year_n after_o when_o he_o lead_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o here_o some_o make_v it_o a_o question_n whether_o of_o these_o departure_n be_v mean_v in_o this_o place_n answer_n it_o be_v most_o like_a that_o this_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o his_o second_o departure_n rather_o than_o of_o the_o first_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v take_v out_o of_o exodus_fw-la chapter_n the_o second_o verses_z 14_o 15._o where_o we_o find_v that_o the_o first_o time_n he_o flee_v for_o fear_n for_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o hear_v that_o his_o slaughter_n of_o the_o egyptian_a be_v know_v to_o pharaoh_n he_o flee_v in_o such_o fear_n as_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o return_v again_o of_o 40._o year_n now_o these_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o a_o flight_n for_o here_o it_o be_v say_v he_o depart_v not_o fear_v the_o king_n wrath_n or_o fierceness_n here_o some_o will_v say_v this_o be_v no_o commendation_n for_o malefactor_n and_o rebel_n do_v fly_v their_o country_n answer_n they_o fly_v indeed_o yet_o not_o in_o faith_n but_o in_o fear_n moses_n flee_v in_o faith_n and_o hereby_o his_o faith_n be_v commend_v that_o he_o flee_v not_o fear_v the_o king_n but_o malefactor_n fly_v for_o fear_n of_o due_a punishment_n moses_n depart_v with_o courage_n and_o boldness_n and_o therefore_o flee_v not_o as_o a_o malefactor_n for_o he_o fear_v not_o the_o king_n as_o appear_z plain_o in_o the_o history_n for_o though_o pharaoh_n have_v say_v unto_o he_o exod._n 10.28_o get_v thou_o go_v see_v thou_o see_v my_o face_n no_o more_o for_o when_o thou_o come_v in_o my_o sight_n thou_o shall_v die_v yet_o moses_n go_v once_o more_o namely_o the_o ten_o time_n and_o tell_v he_o of_o the_o ten_o plague_n and_o say_v that_o pharaoh_n servant_n shall_v come_v down_o unto_o he_o and_o fall_v down_o and_o pray_v he_o to_o get_v he_o out_o with_o the_o people_n and_o their_o cattle_n 11.8_o and_o when_o the_o israelite_n murmur_v against_o he_o at_o the_o red_a sea_n when_o pharaoh_n be_v at_o their_o heel_n and_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o fly_v moses_n encourage_v the_o people_n say_v fear_v not_o stand_v still_o and_o behold_v the_o
most_o notorious_a which_o be_v foretell_v by_o daniel_n in_o his_o prophecy_n dan._n 11.36_o and_o be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n to_o come_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o primitive_a church_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n suffer_v ten_o most_o bloody_a &_o grievous_a persecution_n betwixt_o each_o of_o which_o she_o yet_o have_v some_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o as_o it_o be_v respite_n to_o breath_n in_o and_o after_o the_o ten_o persecution_n end_v the_o lord_n raise_v up_o the_o good_a emperor_n constantine_n who_o bring_v peace_n &_o welfare_n unto_o the_o church_n but_o soon_o after_o he_o the_o heresy_n of_o arrius_n raise_v up_o by_o the_o devil_n bring_v as_o grievous_a persecution_n upon_o the_o church_n as_o ever_o the_o pagan_n do_v be_v a_o most_o blasphemous_a heresy_n deny_v the_o eternal_a deity_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o prevail_v in_o the_o church_n for_o 80._o year_n not_o long_o after_o the_o suppression_n of_o that_o heresy_n begin_v the_o idolatry_n and_o tyranny_n of_o antichrist_n to_o prevail_v in_o the_o church_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o now_o about_o some_o fourscore_o year_n ago_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n raise_v up_o worthy_a instrument_n by_o who_o mean_n he_o deliver_v his_o church_n from_o that_o idolatry_n and_o blindness_n yet_o so_o as_o still_o the_o church_n have_v feel_v the_o bloody_a hand_n of_o antichrist_n in_o grievous_a persecution_n all_o which_o show_v this_o to_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o god_n church_n be_v interchangeable_a have_v one_o while_o peace_n and_o another_o while_n grievous_a persecution_n to_o apply_v this_o to_o ourselves_o god_n have_v plant_v his_o church_n among_o we_o in_o this_o land_n and_o for_o many_o year_n together_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o prosperity_n and_o peace_n which_o in_o great_a mercy_n he_o have_v give_v we_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o servant_n which_o be_v among_o we_o and_o during_o this_o time_n we_o have_v have_v great_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n in_o god_n holy_a ministry_n for_o the_o word_n prayer_n &_o sacrament_n but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o state_n of_o god_n church_n for_o peace_n and_o trouble_n be_v interchangeable_a as_o day_n and_o night_n for_o light_n and_o darkness_n wherefore_o we_o must_v be_v advertise_v to_o look_v unto_o ourselves_o for_o our_o estate_n in_o peace_n must_v not_o last_v always_o these_o golden_a day_n will_v have_v a_o end_n and_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n will_v undoubted_o come_v indeed_o god_n only_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o affliction_n shall_v befall_v and_o the_o particular_a time_n thereof_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o time_n appoint_v of_o god_n we_o may_v resolve_v ourselves_o by_o the_o reason_n follow_v first_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n be_v this_o that_o the_o curse_n do_v follow_v the_o transgression_n so_o that_o when_o any_o man_n family_n or_o people_n live_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o god_n commandment_n they_o must_v look_v for_o god_n judgement_n to_o be_v pour_v upon_o they_o now_o we_o may_v too_o true_o assume_v that_o this_o our_o nation_n and_o people_n abound_v with_o grievous_a sin_n in_o all_o estate_n for_o in_o the_o civil_a estate_n to_o omit_v manifold_a practice_n of_o oppression_n where_o be_v justice_n without_o bribery_n or_o bargain_v without_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n and_o in_o the_o ministry_n beside_o many_o abuse_n where_o be_v that_o care_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o the_o build_n of_o god_n church_n and_o for_o the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n beside_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o superstition_n what_o fearful_a blasphemy_n whoredom_n swear_v and_o sabbaoth-breaking_a do_v every_o where_o abound_v beside_o fearful_a atheism_n which_o be_v a_o mother_n of_o abomination_n whether_o we_o respect_v natural_a atheism_n whereby_o many_o deny_v god_n by_o their_o work_n or_o learned_a atheism_n in_o some_o who_o dispute_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o sin_n among_o we_o cry_v loud_o for_o gods_n judgement_n upon_o we_o even_o for_o that_o fearful_a judgement_n the_o remooveall_v of_o god_n kingdom_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n second_o consider_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n of_o place_n and_o note_n both_o in_o church_n and_o common_a wealth_n god_n take_v from_o we_o by_o death_n even_o in_o their_o best_a time_n be_v they_o not_o such_o as_o excel_v among_o we_o for_o great_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n and_o for_o true_a piety_n and_o good_a conscience_n now_o howsoever_o this_o may_v seem_v but_o a_o small_a thing_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o many_o yet_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o god_n judgement_n for_o the_o righteous_a perish_v and_o no_o man_n consider_v it_o in_o heart_n and_o merciful_a man_n be_v take_v away_o and_o no_o man_n understand_v that_o the_o righteous_a be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v isa._n 57.1_o three_o god_n have_v set_v his_o fearful_a judgement_n among_o we_o and_o about_o we_o war_n and_o sword_n in_o our_o neighbour_n nation_n which_o also_o have_v be_v oft_o shake_v at_o we_o also_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n throughout_o our_o own_o land_n by_o intercourse_n and_o long_a continuance_n levit._n 26._o now_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o when_o god_n send_v his_o judgement_n upon_o a_o people_n if_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v one_o judgement_n be_v but_o the_o forerunner_n of_o another_o more_o grievous_a and_o terrible_a than_o the_o former_a but_o little_a or_o no_o repentance_n appear_v among_o we_o nay_o rather_o we_o fall_v away_o more_o and_o more_o and_o so_o stand_v still_o in_o danger_n of_o more_o fearful_a judgement_n last_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o god_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o his_o own_o servant_n as_o he_o do_v sometime_o reward_v their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n with_o peace_n so_o otherwhiles_o he_o will_v try_v their_o faith_n by_o affliction_n thus_o he_o deal_v with_o his_o servant_n job_n though_o there_o be_v none_o for_o piety_n like_o he_o in_o his_o time_n through_o all_o the_o world_n now_o god_n have_v his_o servant_n among_o we_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o who_o faith_n we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o some_o tribulation_n shall_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v tribulation_n 2._o tim._n 3.12_o this_o be_v so_o that_o our_o peace_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o trouble_n as_o by_o the_o former_a reason_n which_o direct_o fasten_v themselves_o upon_o our_o church_n and_o state_n may_v evident_o appear_v let_v we_o then_o here_o learn_v our_o duty_n first_o we_o must_v cast_v with_o ourselves_o what_o may_v be_v the_o worst_a that_o can_v befall_v we_o when_o trial_n and_o persecution_n shall_v come_v this_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o those_o that_o will_v follow_v he_o constant_o as_o good_a disciple_n they_o must_v as_o good_a builder_n consider_v of_o the_o cost_n before_o they_o lie_v the_o foundation_n and_o like_o good_a warrior_n consider_v of_o their_o strength_n before_o they_o go_v out_o into_o the_o field_n lest_o they_o leave_v off_o &_o turn_v back_o like_o fool_n and_o coward_n luk._n 14.28_o etc._n etc._n we_o by_o god_n mercy_n do_v now_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n with_o hope_n to_o be_v save_v thereby_o therefore_o we_o must_v cast_v with_o ourselves_o what_o our_o religion_n may_v cost_v we_o and_o see_v before_o hand_n what_o be_v the_o worst_a thing_n that_o may_v befall_v we_o for_o our_o profession_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n if_o we_o have_v not_o do_v this_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o profession_n we_o must_v now_o do_v it_o for_o better_a late_o than_o never_o lest_o go_v on_o secure_o without_o this_o account_n make_v we_o shameful_o forsake_v christ_n when_o trial_n come_v in_o former_a time_n the_o constant_a profession_n of_o christ_n have_v cost_v man_n loss_n of_o friend_n loss_n of_o good_n and_o liberty_n yea_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o heart_n blood_n and_o the_o same_o case_n may_v befall_v us._n wherefore_o we_o must_v cast_v with_o ourselves_o and_o see_v whether_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o good_n and_o friend_n yea_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o life_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o christ_n true_a religion_n again_o as_o this_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n must_v move_v we_o to_o make_v this_o account_n for_o resolution_n in_o suffer_v so_o it_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o those_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o may_v enable_v we_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o all_o temptation_n trouble_n &_o persecution_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o blaze_a lamp_n as_o the_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