work_v grace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o mollify_v and_o soften_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v vouchsafe_v and_o yet_o all_o be_v not_o soften_v but_o some_o continue_v in_o their_o hardness_n live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o soften_a because_o the_o powerful_a mean_n of_o grace_n be_v uneffectual_a unless_o it_o please_v god_n to_o put_v life_n unto_o they_o and_o to_o give_v efficacy_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o grace_n now_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o withhold_v his_o save_n and_o soften_a grace_n from_o man_n and_o to_o inflict_v hardness_n upon_o they_o as_o a_o judgement_n and_o then_o no_o marvel_n it_o be_v that_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o hardness_n and_o sin_n and_o stiffe-neckednesse_a and_o belove_v upon_o this_o ground_n the_o preacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n may_v stay_v themselves_o when_o they_o see_v that_o after_o their_o labour_n and_o pain_n take_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n they_o see_v little_a or_o no_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n he_o see_v that_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o same_o word_n deliver_v by_o he_o to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o people_n be_v so_o divers_a and_o different_a that_o some_o be_v better_v by_o it_o and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o and_o do_v according_a to_o it_o and_o some_o do_v clean_a contrary_n unto_o it_o it_o be_v a_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o some_o and_o a_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o other_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o exod._n 9.20_o 21._o with_o the_o preach_n of_o moses_n those_o who_o god_n give_v grace_n unto_o yield_v other_o yield_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o withhold_v his_o soften_a grace_n from_o man_n and_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o belove_v the_o lord_n common_o deal_v thus_o with_o hypocrite_n and_o such_o as_o come_v unto_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n only_o out_o of_o form_n and_o of_o fashion_n and_o of_o custom_n and_o be_v asleep_a when_o they_o come_v unto_o it_o they_o come_v without_o any_o long_a desire_n to_o profit_n by_o the_o mean_n they_o have_v no_o more_o desire_n to_o profit_n by_o it_o than_o the_o seat_n they_o sit_v upon_o then_o when_o they_o so_o come_v without_o a_o desire_n to_o profit_n and_o only_o for_o form_n and_o fashion_n than_o the_o lord_n suffer_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o though_o they_o hear_v a_o hundred_o sermon_n yet_o they_o be_v dull_a and_o dead_a and_o have_v no_o more_o good_a by_o they_o than_o the_o seat_n in_o the_o church_n and_o hereby_o the_o minister_n may_v cheer_v up_o himself_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v harden_v their_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o profit_n by_o the_o mean_n but_o permit_v they_o to_o post_v on_o the_o way_n to_o hell_n be_v this_o so_o that_o god_n will_v be_v to_o harden_v some_o among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o use_v 2_o inflict_v harden_v upon_o their_o heart_n how_o be_v they_o then_o to_o magnify_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v soft_a and_o melt_a heart_n and_o such_o as_o be_v flexible_a pliable_a and_o yield_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o admonition_n and_o threaten_n of_o it_o yea_o such_o a_o heart_n as_o good_a josiah_n have_v in_o 2_o chr._n 24.27_o that_o when_o he_o hear_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n read_v his_o heart_n melt_v and_o dissolve_v with_o tear_n so_o do_v thou_o when_o thou_o hear_v the_o threaten_n and_o denunciation_n of_o the_o word_n against_o thou_o tremble_n and_o be_v thy_o heart_n humble_v when_o thou_o hear_v the_o sweet_a comfort_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n even_o as_o the_o matter_n be_v so_o be_v thy_o heart_n affect_v if_o matter_n of_o comfort_n thou_o rejoic_a if_o matter_n of_o threaten_a thou_o be_v humble_v yea_o though_o it_o be_v against_o a_o sin_n thou_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o when_o thou_o hear_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n thou_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o thou_o tremble_v consider_v he_o be_v a_o just_a god_n thy_o heart_n be_v flexible_a &_o pliable_a the_o text_n be_v clear_a in_o ezek._n 36.25_o 26._o here_o we_o find_v that_o those_o who_o the_o lord_n do_v please_v to_o justify_v and_o sanctify_v and_o to_o pour_v the_o clean_a water_n upon_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o cleanse_v they_o from_o the_o filthiness_n of_o their_o sin_n to_o they_o he_o give_v a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n this_o be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o such_o that_o god_n do_v cleanse_v &_o mollify_v even_o a_o flexible_a pliable_a and_o yield_a heart_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o salvation_n oh_o have_v thou_o such_o a_o heart_n bless_v god_n for_o it_o this_o be_v a_o special_a mercy_n of_o god_n for_o of_o all_o the_o plague_n that_o befall_v man_n in_o this_o world_n hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v the_o worst_a none_o worse_a than_o that_o that_o be_v the_o most_o dreadful_a so_o softness_n of_o heart_n assure_o be_v a_o special_a blessing_n of_o god_n and_o give_v to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o god_n love_v oh_o than_o labour_n to_o have_v this_o bow_n bend_a yield_a heart_n to_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n labour_v to_o cheer_v it_o up_o and_o to_o have_v a_o pliable_a heart_n yield_v not_o stubborn_a and_o to_o that_o end_n use_v these_o mean_n that_o may_v mollify_v thou_o more_o and_o more_o namely_o be_v frequent_a and_o often_o in_o hear_v and_o read_v of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v hear_v and_o read_v it_o second_v it_o by_o meditation_n oh_o what_o enemy_n be_v they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o do_v not_o respect_n to_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o they_o have_v hear_v but_o let_v it_o slip_v away_o and_o second_o be_v often_o and_o frequent_v in_o think_v upon_o the_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o will_v soften_v thy_o heart_n and_o keep_v it_o soft_a the_o heart_n of_o the_o prodigal_a when_o it_o begin_v to_o relent_v to_o yield_v and_o to_o be_v move_v and_o to_o come_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o consider_v the_o tenderness_n and_o love_n of_o his_o gracious_a father_n oh_o say_v he_o i_o be_o a_o poor_a wretch_n here_o and_o a_o outcast_n but_o i_o have_v a_o good_a father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o against_o thou_o luke_n 15.17_o 18._o he_o will_v entertain_v and_o receive_v i_o again_o so_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o consider_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v for_o thou_o have_v he_o not_o vouchsafe_v his_o mercy_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o last_o of_o all_o be_v thou_o earnest_a above_o all_o be_v earnest_a with_o god_n in_o prayer_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v unto_o thou_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o soften_a and_o continue_v in_o thy_o breast_n a_o soft_a heart_n oh_o lord_n never_o suffer_v i_o to_o be_v give_v over_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n lord_n keep_v this_o heart_n of_o my_o soft_a pliable_a and_o yield_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o we_o be_v to_o hear_v it_o and_o to_o read_v it_o and_o to_o meditate_v upon_o it_o and_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o keep_v the_o heart_n in_o we_o for_o it_o be_v the_o great_a blessing_n of_o god_n that_o can_v befall_v a_o man_n in_o this_o world_n as_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v a_o great_a curse_n so_o softness_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n therefore_o labour_n for_o to_o get_v and_o increase_v it_o verse_n 19_o thou_o will_v say_v then_o unto_o i_o why_o do_v he_o yet_o complain_v who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n our_o apostle_n have_v clear_v god_n from_o the_o imputation_n of_o inconstancy_n and_o of_o unfaithfulnesse_n in_o his_o promise_n notwithstanding_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o body_n of_o they_o from_o the_o six_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n to_o the_o 14._o verse_n and_o have_v prove_v from_o the_o 14_o verse_n to_o the_o 19_o verse_n that_o god_n be_v not_o unjust_a in_o that_o he_o have_v out_o of_o his_o own_o absolute_a good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n choose_v some_o to_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o have_v pass_v by_o and_o reject_v other_o and_o that_o without_o respect_n have_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o they_o or_o foresee_v in_o they_o have_v i_o say_v clear_v god_n from_o this_o slander_n he_o now_o in_o this_o 19_o verse_n fall_v upon_o a_o new_a and_o a_o further_o cavil_v and_o reason_v of_o the_o flesh_n namely_o such_o a_o cavil_v as_o do_v charge_n god_n with_o no_o less_o than_o cruelty_n and_o with_o tyrannical_a deal_n with_o some_o man_n and_o from_o this_o the_o apostle_n clear_v god_n also_o now_o
the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n open_v be_v a_o exposition_n upon_o the_o whole_a nine_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o the_o romans_z by_o the_o late_a pious_a and_o faithful_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n mr._n edward_n elton_n bachelor_n in_o divinity_n and_o sometime_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o mary_n magdalen_n bermondsey_n near_o london_n jacob_n have_v i_o love_v but_o esau_n have_v i_o hate_v rom._n 9.13_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n rom._n 11.33_o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o receive_v up_o into_o glory_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o license_v enter_v print_v and_o publish_v according_a to_o order_n london_n print_a by_o j._n l._n for_o christopher_n meredith_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o crane_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1653._o to_o the_o courteous_a and_o christian_a reader_n good_a reader_n this_o book_n which_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n have_v put_v into_o thy_o hand_n to_o read_v be_v such_o of_o which_o thou_o may_v just_o say_v as_o jacob_n do_v of_o his_o pretend_a venison_n 20._o venison_n gen._n 27.19_o 20._o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v it_o to_o thy_o hand_n rise_v up_o therefore_o and_o eat_v of_o this_o savoury_a meat_n such_o as_o thy_o soul_n love_v or_o shall_v do_v at_o least_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o most_o pious_a and_o skilful_a scribe_n excellent_o instruct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 13.52_o god_n matth._n 13.52_o he_o be_v a_o burn_a and_o a_o shine_a light_n 5.35_o light_n joh._n 5.35_o burn_v with_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o shine_v as_o a_o light_n in_o that_o crooked_a generation_n wherein_o he_o live_v 2.15_o live_v phil._n 2.15_o but_o he_o be_v now_o triumph_v in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n either_o of_o thy_o prayer_n or_o my_o praise_n who_o be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v 11.4_o speak_v heb._n 11.4_o so_o that_o his_o own_o work_n may_v just_o praise_v he_o in_o the_o gate_n 31.31_o gate_n prov._n 31.31_o leave_v therefore_o the_o author_n who_o be_v now_o at_o rest_n with_o the_o lord_n i_o come_v to_o the_o book_n itself_o wherein_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o new_a truth_n yet_o thou_o shall_v find_v old_a truth_n confute_v old_a and_o new_a error_n sin_v sharp_o rebuke_v holy_a duty_n earnest_o and_o seasonable_o press_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n advance_v and_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n sweet_o open_v evidence_n of_o election_n clear_o discover_v here_o thou_o may_v know_v whether_o thy_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n 10.20_o heaven_n luk._n 10.20_o only_o let_v i_o advise_v thou_o to_o follow_v the_o author_n method_n who_o begin_v first_o with_o the_o complaint_n of_o a_o sinner_n combat_v and_o conflict_v then_o come_v to_o the_o christian_a triumph_v and_o so_o come_v to_o open_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n so_o do_v thou_o read_v the_o first_o treatise_n to_o learn_v to_o complain_v of_o thy_o corruption_n and_o then_o thou_o may_v be_v sure_a at_o last_o to_o triumph_v with_o the_o true_a christian_a and_o so_o be_v the_o fit_a to_o look_v into_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n for_o to_o such_o be_v the_o promise_n make_v by_o our_o saviour_n that_o to_o they_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 13.11_o heaven_n matth._n 13.11_o and_o again_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o doer_n of_o god_n will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n 7.17_o god_n joh._n 7.17_o so_o that_o he_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o be_v daily_o conversant_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v skilful_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o get_v thy_o heart_n therefore_o store_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n add_v to_o thy_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o thy_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o that_o patience_n and_o to_o that_o godliness_n and_o to_o that_o brotherly_a kindness_n etc._n etc._n for_o so_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v make_v unto_o thou_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 11._o christ_n 2_o pet._n 1_o 5â—_n etc._n etc._n 11._o beside_o let_v i_o recommend_v unto_o thou_o a_o fit_a treasure_n for_o a_o christian_a to_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n where_o the_o rust_n and_o moth_n can_v corrupt_v nor_o thief_n break_v through_o nor_o steal_v 6.20_o steal_v matth._n 6.20_o in_o a_o word_n let_v i_o advise_v thou_o to_o store_v up_o in_o thy_o heart_n soundness_n of_o knowledge_n strength_n of_o faith_n purity_n of_o heart_n clearness_n of_o conscience_n holiness_n of_o life_n assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n many_o sanctify_a sabbath_n fervent_a prayer_n holy_a conference_n heavenly_a meditation_n day_n of_o humiliation_n sincere_a love_n of_o the_o saint_n righteous_a deal_n with_o the_o brethren_n a_o sincere_a love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 6.24_o christ_n ephes_n 6.24_o a_o universal_a hatred_n of_o every_o know_a sin_n and_o of_o all_o alse_a way_n 119.104_o way_n psal_n 119.104_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 3.5_o godliness_n 2_o tim._n 3.5_o this_o counsel_n observe_v and_o follow_v will_v enable_v thou_o to_o live_v christianly_o and_o to_o die_v comfortable_o with_o full_a assurance_n that_o when_o the_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v thou_o shall_v have_v a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n 5.17_o heaven_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o where_o you_o shall_v be_v ever_o with_o lord_n q_o who_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n where_o there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n that_o last_o for_o evermore_o ult_n evermore_o psai_n 16._o ult_n such_o as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n have_v hear_v nor_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o joy_n that_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o 29._o he_o 1_o cor._n 29._o let_v i_o earnest_o entreat_v thou_o and_o affectionate_o beseech_v thou_o good_a reader_n speedy_o to_o fall_v to_o work_v and_o first_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n 6.33_o righteousness_n matth._n 6.33_o for_o herein_o delay_n be_v most_o dangerous_a for_o the_o long_o thou_o stay_v thou_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n grow_v more_o angry_a satan_n more_o strong_a thyself_o more_o unable_a to_o repent_v sin_n more_o unconquerable_a thy_o conversion_n more_o difficult_a and_o thy_o salvation_n more_o impossible_a a_o ruinous_a house_n the_o long_o delay_v the_o more_o costly_a will_v the_o repair_n be_v the_o nail_n of_o sin_n the_o more_o stroke_n be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o frequent_a act_n the_o more_o difficult_a to_o get_v out_o of_o that_o precious_a soul_n of_o thou_o oh_o than_o begin_v speedy_o because_o delay_n be_v so_o dangerous_a and_o continue_v constant_o have_v once_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o make_v a_o end_n in_o the_o flesh_n lest_o you_o labour_n and_o suffer_v all_o in_o vain_a 4._o vain_a gal._n 3_o 3_o 4._o give_v i_o leave_v therefore_o to_o press_v thou_o effectual_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o have_v such_o glorious_a hope_n and_o so_o many_o precious_a promise_n 1.4_o promise_n 2_o cor._n 1.4_o endeavour_v to_o cleanse_v thyself_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 7.1_o god_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v assure_v thou_o that_o thy_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 15.58_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o only_o be_v sure_a to_o fight_v a_o good_a fight_n and_o keep_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n till_o thou_o finish_v thy_o course_n and_o i_o can_v assure_v thou_o of_o a_o immortal_a crown_n which_o jesus_n christ_n that_o righteous_a judge_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o set_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o all_o such_o as_o love_v his_o appear_v 9_o appear_v 2_o tim._n 47_o 8_o 9_o against_o who_o glorious_a come_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v the_o better_o prepare_v let_v i_o advise_v thou_o once_o more_o to_o a_o serious_a perusal_n of_o this_o and_o the_o two_o former_a treatise_n in_o the_o read_n whereof_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n shall_v be_v with_o and_o for_o thou_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o hereby_o thy_o judgement_n may_v be_v right_o inform_v
god_n and_o wrest_v wrong_a conclusion_n especial_o if_o that_o doctrine_n be_v apply_v home_o particular_o and_o bring_v home_o to_o our_o soul_n if_o we_o touch_v their_o careless_a band_n or_o the_o long_a shaggy_a hair_n of_o their_o head_n than_o they_o startle_v and_o fly_v and_o fume_v out_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n sure_o belove_v this_o concern_v we_o for_o if_o the_o word_n do_v not_o fly_v home_o to_o our_o heart_n to_o the_o particular_a sin_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o than_o they_o will_v lie_v still_o but_o because_o it_o do_v oh_o what_o a_o stir_n what_o a_o strive_v what_o a_o combustion_n there_o be_v about_o such_o a_o matter_n as_o the_o shaggy_a hair_n careless_a band_n and_o such_o like_a and_o therefore_o we_o must_v come_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n with_o holy_a and_o sanctify_a heart_n as_o god_n say_v luke_n 8.15_o the_o good_a ground_n that_o receive_v seed_n receive_v it_o with_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v have_v it_o indeed_o observe_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o labour_v to_o empty_v thyself_o of_o all_o pride_n 2._o direction_n how_v to_o hear_v profitable_o 1_o pet._n 2.1_o 2._o and_o self-conceit_n of_o thy_o own_o judgement_n of_o thy_o own_o will_n and_o come_v to_o the_o hear_n and_o read_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o humble_a heart_n with_o meekness_n of_o spirit_n lay_v aside_o pride_n and_o swell_a conceit_n and_o lift_v up_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o thou_o can_v understand_v it_o better_o than_o the_o preacher_n yea_o tremble_v at_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v esay_n 66.2_o to_o this_o man_n will_v i_o look_v to_o he_o that_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n not_o to_o he_o that_o sit_v as_o a_o judge_n and_o in_o psal_n 25.9_o and_o the_o 14_o verse_n the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v reveal_v to_o they_o that_o stand_v in_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o his_o holy_a majesty_n deus_fw-la sequitur_fw-la superbos_fw-la ulter_fw-la à _fw-la tergo_fw-la deus_fw-la and_o for_o the_o want_n of_o this_o fear_n and_o reverence_n and_o awe_n of_o this_o great_a majesty_n of_o god_n it_o be_v that_o man_n do_v dare_v to_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o draw_v such_o conclusion_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o then_o be_v man_n only_o fit_a to_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n aright_o when_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v bring_v down_o and_o the_o swell_a of_o their_o reason_n be_v bring_v down_o and_o humble_v when_o carnal_a reason_n and_o natural_a affection_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o bring_v under_o by_o some_o affliction_n a_o man_n that_o be_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o some_o affliction_n in_o some_o great_a distress_n than_o he_o be_v most_o tractable_a and_o then_o he_o will_v hear_v you_o when_o at_o another_o time_n he_o will_v kick_v and_o spurn_v against_o you_o in_o time_n of_o health_n and_o scorn_v the_o minister_n and_o the_o word_n but_o in_o time_n of_o sickness_n now_o send_v for_o the_o minister_n now_o call_v he_o than_o they_o be_v fit_v to_o receive_v his_o counsel_n therefore_o learn_v to_o lay_v aside_o all_o pride_n of_o heart_n second_o 2._o direct_v 2._o we_o must_v come_v to_o the_o hear_n and_o read_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o heart_n lift_v up_o unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n as_o we_o must_v come_v empty_a of_o pride_n so_o also_o lift_v up_o in_o prayer_n never_o touch_v the_o book_n of_o god_n but_o lift_v up_o thy_o heart_n unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n to_o give_v thou_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o his_o word_n not_o as_o many_o do_v rush_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o god_n careless_o and_o never_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o no_o man_n do_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n unless_o god_n give_v his_o spirit_n the_o book_n of_o god_n be_v a_o seal_a book_n and_o a_o book_n lock_v up_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o understand_v it_o unless_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n open_v it_o 1_o cor._n 2.11_o no_o man_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n so_o no_o man_n know_v god_n spiritual_a mind_n but_o his_o spirit_n a_o man_n may_v be_v diligent_a in_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o understand_v it_o gross_o because_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o guide_v he_o and_o because_o he_o pray_v not_o unto_o god_n to_o be_v guide_v and_o direct_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o remember_v to_o lift_v up_o thy_o heart_n unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n for_o want_v of_o which_o many_o hear_v &_o read_v from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o after_o much_o read_n and_o hear_v be_v never_o the_o better_a it_o may_v be_v thou_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o comparison_n of_o god_n wisdom_n in_o his_o word_n thou_o be_v a_o fool_n and_o must_v cast_v away_o all_o conceit_n of_o thy_o own_o righteousness_n and_o understanding_n and_o come_v tremble_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o read_v it_o as_o many_o do_v to_o jest_v and_o make_v themselves_o merry_a at_o it_o shall_v the_o lion_n roar_v and_o none_o of_o the_o beast_n tremble_v shall_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v read_v and_o we_o jest_v at_o it_o for_o our_o merriment_n oh_o rather_o labour_v to_o come_v with_o a_o humble_a heart_n and_o hearty_a prayer_n unto_o god_n and_o then_o thou_o shall_v be_v keep_v from_o pervert_v the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o be_v there_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n god_n forbid_v in_o these_o word_n our_o apostle_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o carnal_a reasoner_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o be_v there_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n be_v therefore_o god_n unequal_a and_o partial_a be_v god_n therefore_o unjust_a in_o his_o deal_n no_o say_v the_o apostle_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o you_o see_v then_o the_o apostle_n do_v utter_o disclaim_v that_o direful_a conclusion_n that_o because_o god_n hate_v esau_n and_o love_v jacob_n and_o that_o free_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o or_o any_o thing_n foresee_v in_o they_o therefore_o god_n be_v unjust_a and_o partial_a and_o unequal_a in_o his_o do_n with_o man_n this_o the_o apostle_n renounce_v and_o disclaim_v i_o will_v not_o here_o as_o some_o will_v do_v run_v out_o into_o the_o common_a place_n of_o god_n justice_n to_o a_o extravagant_a discourse_n and_o stand_v to_o avouch_v that_o god_n be_v just_a holy_a and_o righteous_a and_o we_o be_v so_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o but_o keep_v myself_o as_o near_o as_o possible_o i_o can_v to_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n and_o not_o to_o fly_v out_o to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o pertinent_a to_o the_o text_n and_o hence_o note_v we_o thus_o much_o doctrine_n that_o god_n be_v most_o just_a in_o his_o free_a and_o in_o his_o absolute_a and_o eternal_a decree_n both_o of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n the_o lord_n have_v from_o everlasting_a ere_o the_o world_n be_v free_o without_o respect_n have_v to_o any_o thing_n either_o good_a or_o evil_n purpose_a and_o decree_v some_o particular_a person_n among_o man_n out_o of_o his_o mere_a good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o as_o free_o reject_v other_o for_o ever_o he_o be_v therein_o most_o just_a and_o that_o free_a and_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n be_v also_o most_o just_a and_o holy_a and_o righteous_a for_o why_o we_o must_v consider_v god_n in_o this_o act_n in_o this_o business_n of_o his_o decree_n of_o salvation_n and_o rejection_n not_o as_o a_o judge_n but_o as_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n as_o have_v mere_a and_o absolute_a power_n over_o his_o creature_n to_o do_v with_o they_o what_o he_o will_v and_o as_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o any_o creature_n in_o any_o kind_n whatsoever_o not_o respect_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n or_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a whatsoever_o no_o he_o have_v absolute_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o choose_v some_o and_o reject_v other_o without_o any_o injustice_n or_o any_o wrong_n at_o all_o whatsoever_o flesh_n and_o blood_n or_o the_o carnal_a reason_n of_o man_n do_v imagine_v he_o have_v sovereign_a power_n over_o his_o creature_n and_o that_o he_o hold_v god_n be_v god_n alone_o and_o it_o be_v his_o prerogative_n royal_a and_o belong_v to_o no_o creature_n in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n to_o do_v with_o his_o own_o what_o he_o will_v matth._n 20.15_o be_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v what_o i_o will_v with_o my_o own_o this_o be_v god_n prerogative_n and_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o he_o so_o in_o the_o 15_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n the_o
only_o mean_v of_o their_o posterity_n and_o offspring_n and_o not_o of_o the_o person_n of_o esau_n and_o jacob._n answ_n when_o god_n say_v unto_o rebekah_n two_o nation_n be_v in_o thy_o womb_n two_o manner_n of_o people_n shall_v proceed_v out_o of_o thy_o bowel_n it_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v take_v literal_o and_o in_o the_o proper_a sense_n that_o two_o nation_n shall_v be_v in_o her_o womb_n than_o she_o be_v a_o monster_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o her_o womb_n there_o be_v the_o author_n and_o the_o father_n of_o two_o nation_n esau_n the_o father_n of_o the_o edomite_n and_o jacob_n the_o father_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o that_o two_o nation_n shall_v spring_v from_o they_o so_o rebekah_n herself_o do_v conceive_v of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o her_o two_o child_n and_o therefore_o she_o set_v her_o affection_n upon_o jacob_n and_o not_o upon_o esau_n and_o she_o be_v marvellous_a industrious_a that_o the_o blessing_n shall_v light_v upon_o the_o young_a and_o not_o upon_o the_o elder_n gen._n 27.6_o to_o the_o 14._o she_o cause_v her_o son_n to_o bring_v a_o kid_n and_o inform_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v and_o isaac_n affirm_v in_o the_o 40_o verse_n that_o esau_n shall_v be_v his_o brother_n servant_n rebekah_n know_v it_o from_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o two_o brother_n themselves_o jacob_n and_o esau_n be_v even_o so_o persuade_v jacob_n be_v persuade_v that_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o father_n do_v belong_v to_o his_o person_n and_o not_o his_o posterity_n only_o and_o esau_n be_v enrage_v because_o jacob_n be_v make_v his_o lord_n and_o he_o make_v a_o servant_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o threaten_v the_o death_n of_o jacob_n oh_o say_v he_o isaac_n my_o father_n will_v die_v short_o and_o then_o i_o will_v take_v away_o jacob_n life_n he_o be_v not_o trouble_v with_o his_o posterity_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o time_n of_o david_n so_o that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v first_o personal_o and_o afterward_o historical_o in_o their_o posterity_n 750_o year_n after_o then_o thus_o conceive_v we_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o two_o verse_n when_o these_o two_o child_n which_o rebekah_n conceive_v be_v in_o her_o womb_n and_o have_v do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a that_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v decree_v from_o everlasting_a touch_v the_o free_a choice_n of_o some_o and_o the_o rejection_n of_o other_o may_v be_v firm_a and_o stable_a not_o depend_v upon_o any_o work_n of_o these_o two_o brethren_n jacob_n and_o esau_n but_o his_o own_o free_a grace_n calling_z his_o elect_v effectual_o even_o than_o be_v it_o say_v to_o rebekah_n by_o the_o oracle_n the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a and_o the_o young_a rule_n over_o the_o elder_a and_o that_o be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o person_n and_o afterward_o in_o their_o posterity_n but_o yet_o further_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o these_o word_n object_n a_o doubt_n remain_v to_o be_v remove_v some_o may_v say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n here_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a do_v not_o prove_v this_o conclusion_n that_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o salvation_n and_o the_o other_o reject_v to_o damnation_n for_o why_o a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o poverty_n may_v be_v poor_a in_o bondage_n and_o in_o miserable_a slavery_n so_o as_o that_o the_o turk_n and_o other_o may_v be_v lord_n over_o they_o do_v it_o thereupon_o follow_v that_o the_o one_o of_o they_o be_v elect_v and_o the_o other_o a_o reprobate_a therefore_o it_o seem_v this_o be_v mean_v only_o of_o a_o temporal_a and_o outward_a servitude_n and_o not_o of_o eternal_a election_n and_o say_v the_o anabaptist_n the_o apostle_n here_o do_v not_o write_v of_o eternal_a election_n and_o reprobation_n he_o treat_v of_o a_o outward_a servitude_n that_o be_v one_o may_v serve_v another_o and_o be_v in_o bondage_n to_o another_o do_v it_o follow_v the_o one_o be_v choose_v and_o the_o other_o reject_v those_o word_n of_o god_n the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a answ_n have_v not_o only_a respect_n to_o temporal_a servitude_n and_o dominion_n the_o one_o shall_v be_v a_o lord_n and_o the_o other_o a_o underling_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a estate_n but_o they_o have_v also_o a_o spiritual_a meaning_n and_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o have_v respect_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o a_o heavenly_a life_n eternal_a life_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n how_o prove_v you_o that_o thus_o jacob_n in_o his_o own_o person_n in_o outward_a thing_n be_v never_o as_o a_o lord_n over_o esau_n but_o esau_n be_v rather_o a_o lord_n over_o he_o and_o jacob_n his_o servant_n yea_o jacob_n do_v often_o acknowledge_v in_o gen._n 32.18_o 20._o gen._n 33.8_o 13_o 14_o 15._o my_o lord_n esau_n it_o be_v a_o present_v send_v to_o my_o lord_n esau_n by_o thy_o servant_n jacob_n so_o that_o jacob_n in_o his_o own_o person_n be_v rather_o a_o servant_n than_o a_o lord_n yet_o doubtless_o this_o do_v concern_v jacob_n person_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o isaac_n the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a and_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v fulfil_v in_o jacob_n person_n yet_o you_o say_v jacob_n be_v rather_o in_o subjection_n to_o esau_n it_o be_v true_a yet_o it_o be_v fulfil_v in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n in_o that_o the_o birthright_n be_v bestow_v upon_o jacob_n therein_o be_v esau_n make_v a_o slave_n unto_o jacob_n in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o life_n for_o jacob_n be_v a_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n and_o the_o birthright_n confer_v upon_o he_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n esau_n be_v a_o underling_n and_o a_o slave_n though_o he_o be_v a_o lord_n for_o esau_n be_v deprive_v of_o the_o birthright_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o birthright_n be_v a_o type_n of_o adoption_n and_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o that_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o grace_n from_o life_n everlasting_a from_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n which_o be_v proper_o and_o true_o annex_v to_o those_o that_o have_v the_o birthright_n now_o he_o have_v lose_v this_o and_o be_v derive_v to_o jacob_n he_o become_v a_o slave_n in_o his_o very_a person_n though_o he_o be_v a_o lord_n and_o have_v many_o duke_n come_v of_o he_o yet_o esau_n a_o slave_n a_o servant_n in_o comparison_n of_o jacob_n and_o therefore_o these_o word_n of_o god_n they_o have_v not_o only_a respect_n to_o temporal_a dominion_n and_o outward_a servitude_n the_o one_o a_o lord_n and_o the_o other_o a_o servant_n which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o posterity_n but_o they_o have_v a_o spiritual_a meaning_n and_o have_v respect_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n that_o concern_v eternal_a life_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o do_v fit_o prove_v the_o matter_n of_o god_n election_n and_o reprobation_n the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a come_v we_o now_o to_o matter_n of_o observation_n and_o from_o the_o general_a view_n of_o this_o text_n in_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o treat_v of_o eternal_a election_n and_o reprobation_n in_o particular_a person_n in_o jacob_n as_o the_o elect_n and_o esau_n as_o the_o reprobate_n hence_o we_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v thus_o much_o doctrine_n that_o god_n elect_v and_o appoint_v of_o man_n to_o life_n and_o salvation_n be_v only_o of_o some_o man_n of_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o man_n not_o of_o all_o and_o only_o some_o among_o man_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n to_o life_n and_o salvation_n as_o jacob_n be_v and_o other_o reject_v as_o esau_n be_v god_n appoint_v of_o man_n to_o life_n and_o salvation_n it_o be_v of_o a_o certain_a number_n and_o other_o be_v reject_v to_o reprobation_n this_o be_v prove_v joh._n 10.3_o say_v christ_n he_o call_v his_o sheep_n by_o their_o name_n and_o lead_v they_o forth_o he_o be_v able_a to_o know_v they_o by_o their_o very_a name_n and_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a and_o not_o of_o other_o as_o he_o say_v in_o the_o 14_o verse_n i_o be_o the_o good_a shepherd_n i_o know_v my_o sheep_n and_o they_o know_v i_o and_o other_o know_v i_o not_o luke_n 10.20_o christ_n bid_v the_o seventy_o disciple_n rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o their_o name_n be_v record_v in_o the_o court_n roll_n of_o heaven_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o read_v of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n in_o exod._n 32.33_o psal_n 69.28_o rev._n 20.12_o wherein_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v descend_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n mean_v that_o god_n have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o remembrance_n wherein_o he_o do_v write_v down_o the_o name_n of_o his_o child_n they_o stand_v upon_o record_n which_o do_v evidence_n unto_o we_o that_o god_n eternal_a election_n be_v of_o particular_a
god_n now_o these_o word_n our_o apostle_n bring_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n promise_n of_o mercy_n grace_n righteousness_n life_n and_o salvation_n do_v not_o nor_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o all_o that_o come_v of_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o all_o god_n promise_n appertain_v not_o to_o the_o israelite_n for_o say_v the_o apostle_n before_o those_o child_n which_o rebekah_n have_v conceive_v in_o her_o womb_n by_o isaac_n our_o father_n before_o they_o be_v bear_v when_o they_o have_v neither_o do_v good_a nor_o evil_a it_o be_v thus_o say_v unto_o rebekah_n the_o elder_a of_o thy_o child_n shall_v serve_v the_o young_a therefore_o those_o promise_n of_o god_n belong_v not_o to_o all_o that_o come_v of_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n by_o course_n of_o nature_n now_o the_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n they_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o rebekah_n even_o by_o god_n himself_o that_o the_o elder_a of_o her_o child_n shall_v serve_v the_o young_a and_o shall_v be_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o young_a and_o that_o the_o young_a shall_v rule_v over_o the_o elder_n and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v make_v good_a both_o personal_o in_o their_o person_n and_o also_o historical_o in_o the_o idumean_n or_o edomite_n which_o come_v of_o esau_n and_o in_o the_o israelite_n which_o come_v of_o jacob_n yea_o ay_o withal_o far_o show_v you_o in_o lay_v open_a these_o word_n that_o these_o word_n have_v not_o only_o a_o respect_n to_o a_o temporal_a dominion_n and_o servitude_n the_o one_o shall_v be_v a_o lord_n and_o the_o other_o a_o servant_n but_o they_o have_v a_o spiritual_a meaning_n and_o have_v respect_n to_o thing_n concern_v salvation_n and_o damnation_n and_o under_o these_o word_n the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a we_o must_v understand_v that_o the_o one_o of_o rebekahs_n child_n be_v choose_v to_o salvation_n and_o the_o other_o refuse_v and_o cast_v off_o to_o damnation_n so_o that_o we_o be_v thus_o to_o conceive_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n now_o to_o come_v to_o stand_v upon_o the_o verse_n more_o particular_o you_o see_v here_o our_o apostle_n affirm_v it_o be_v thus_o say_v unto_o rebekah_n even_o by_o god_n himself_o who_o can_v lie_v the_o elder_a of_o thy_o child_n shall_v serve_v the_o young_a i_o will_v not_o curious_o stand_v here_o to_o search_v in_o what_o manner_n or_o how_o the_o lord_n make_v this_o know_v unto_o rebekah_n touch_v the_o different_a estate_n of_o her_o child_n whether_o by_o dream_n by_o vision_n by_o urim_n or_o prophet_n a_o certain_a truth_n it_o be_v she_o receive_v such_o a_o oracle_n from_o god_n the_o apostle_n affirm_v it_o that_o it_o be_v thus_o reveal_v by_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v he_o do_v manifest_a and_o make_v know_v thus_o much_o unto_o rebekah_n when_o she_o be_v thus_o with_o child_n with_o her_o two_o child_n that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a and_o that_o the_o one_o be_v receive_v and_o the_o other_o reject_v which_o thing_n without_o question_n when_o rebekah_n hear_v it_o no_o doubt_n it_o trouble_v she_o much_o she_o not_o be_v without_o natural_a affection_n for_o a_o woman_n have_v two_o child_n in_o her_o womb_n and_o receive_v this_o answer_n from_o god_n consult_v with_o he_o that_o the_o one_o be_v receive_v of_o god_n and_o the_o other_o reject_v and_o cast_v off_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a answer_n for_o a_o woman_n to_o consider_v sure_o one_o of_o my_o child_n be_v a_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o other_o a_o reprobate_n so_o doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unwelcome_a and_o a_o harsh_a and_o a_o very_a unpleasing_a answer_n unto_o she_o and_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o this_o good_a woman_n do_v not_o once_o mutter_v or_o reason_n against_o that_o answer_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o she_o we_o find_v not_o one_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n she_o may_v have_v think_v alas_o what_o one_o of_o my_o child_n reprobate_v to_o be_v damn_v in_o hell_n but_o she_o never_o utter_v a_o word_n against_o this_o answer_n of_o god_n but_o quiet_v herself_o in_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o she_o and_o content_v herself_o in_o the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n thus_o deliver_v unto_o she_o indeed_o we_o find_v that_o afterward_o she_o set_v her_o love_n upon_o jacob_n chief_o and_o use_v mean_n though_o she_o fail_v in_o it_o as_o appear_v in_o gen._n 27.6_o to_o the_o 14._o she_o use_v mean_n to_o get_v the_o special_a blessing_n she_o take_v away_o her_o chief_a love_n from_o esau_n and_o set_v it_o upon_o her_o son_n jacob_n her_o young_a son_n that_o shall_v be_v lord_n over_o his_o brother_n and_o therein_o she_o follow_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o find_v she_o do_v not_o once_o open_v her_o mouth_n to_o mutter_v against_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n for_o her_o son_n esau_n rejection_n her_o example_n be_v imitable_a it_o be_v to_o be_v imitate_v and_o follow_v of_o we_o we_o be_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o this_o holy_a woman_n rebekah_n to_o rest_n and_o to_o quiet_v ourselves_o in_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n make_v know_v unto_o we_o touch_v the_o thing_n that_o concern_v ourselves_o or_o our_o child_n or_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o we_o and_o not_o answer_v or_o open_v our_o mouth_n to_o mutter_v against_o this_o good_a will_n of_o god_n though_o it_o seem_v clean_a cross_n and_o contrary_a to_o our_o corrupt_a reason_n but_o to_o quiet_v ourselves_o in_o god_n and_o not_o to_o repine_v against_o he_o for_o it_o be_v a_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o our_o curse_a corruption_n for_o a_o man_n or_o a_o woman_n to_o mutter_v and_o reason_n against_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v harsh_a and_o hard_o and_o unpleasing_a unto_o we_o as_o to_o keep_v to_o the_o point_n if_o so_o be_v a_o mother_n look_v upon_o her_o little_a infant_n lie_v in_o her_o lap_n bear_v of_o her_o body_n have_v thus_o think_v alas_o my_o poor_a babe_n i_o make_v much_o of_o thou_o i_o tender_v thou_o i_o nourish_v thou_o i_o dandle_v thou_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o be_v a_o reprobate_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o be_v reject_v of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o shall_v one_o day_n become_v a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n this_o be_v impious_a and_o monstrous_a and_o not_o to_o be_v think_v on_o for_o it_o be_v a_o secret_a and_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n deut._n 29.29_o nay_o what_o do_v i_o propound_v this_o for_o some_o woman_n there_o be_v that_o have_v discover_v thus_o much_o this_o have_v be_v their_o very_a thought_n they_o have_v think_v i_o nourish_v thou_o my_o child_n and_o cherish_v and_o dandle_v thou_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o be_v not_o a_o child_n of_o god_n but_o a_o reprobate_n this_o be_v wicked_a and_o impious_a and_o this_o be_v to_o go_v beyond_o our_o compass_n to_o know_v whether_o the_o poor_a infant_n belong_v unto_o god_n or_o no_o for_o secret_a thing_n belong_v unto_o god_n deut._n 29.29_o and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o what_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v say_v unto_o a_o mother_n as_o he_o say_v unto_o rebekah_n this_o little_a infant_n of_o thou_o that_o thou_o do_v make_v so_o much_o of_o i_o have_v cast_v it_o out_o and_o have_v refuse_v it_o it_o be_v a_o reprobate_n it_o be_v out_o of_o my_o love_n and_o favour_n we_o be_v then_o after_o the_o example_n of_o this_o woman_n rebekah_n to_o trust_v confident_o in_o this_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v with_o contentation_n and_o not_o to_o mutter_v no_o not_o in_o our_o very_a secret_a thought_n for_o the_o will_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v many_o time_n secret_a yet_o assure_o it_o be_v ever_o just_a yea_o that_o that_o be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o duty_n or_o practice_v or_o faith_n or_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v we_o must_v rest_v upon_o it_o and_o not_o mutter_v against_o it_o come_v we_o now_o to_o stand_v upon_o the_o speech_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a these_o word_n be_v understand_v as_o before_o we_o have_v hear_v they_o do_v afford_v unto_o we_o two_o thing_n of_o special_a good_a use_n and_o consequence_n as_o first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v thus_o speak_v to_o rebekah_n and_o that_o according_a to_o god_n eternal_a purpose_n and_o unchangeable_a decree_n even_o of_o he_o that_o can_v lie_v the_o doctrine_n hence_o be_v this_o doctrine_n that_o not_o only_o the_o everlasting_a and_o heavenly_a estate_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n but_o also_o the_o different_a estate_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n
to_o that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o they_o they_o be_v lie_v spirit_n and_o i_o may_v just_o say_v to_o such_o as_o abraham_n say_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o hell_n luk._n 16.29_o thy_o friend_n have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o so_o we_o have_v the_o writing_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o holy_a prophet_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n speak_v unto_o we_o therein_o there_o be_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o we_o must_v give_v leave_n and_o like_n to_o they_o and_o not_o upon_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n that_o say_v such_o and_o such_o a_o day_n shall_v be_v great_a disaster_n oh_o but_o say_v some_o these_o thing_n sometime_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o may_v be_v so_o in_o judgement_n they_o come_v to_o pass_v because_o man_n give_v ear_n unto_o they_o what_o say_v the_o lord_n by_o moses_n deut._n 13.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o if_o a_o lie_a prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n do_v tell_v you_o of_o strange_a thing_n and_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v believe_v he_o not_o for_o the_o lord_n do_v it_o to_o try_v you_o and_o it_o be_v the_o just_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o bring_v it_o upon_o you_o because_o we_o give_v ear_n and_o like_v to_o they_o again_o observe_v we_o the_o apostle_n bring_v these_o word_n of_o moses_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n be_v not_o unjust_a in_o love_a jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n he_o have_v deny_v this_o with_o a_o god_n forbid_v he_o subjoin_v present_o as_o a_o reason_n to_o prove_v it_o for_o he_o say_v to_o moses_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n a_o man_n will_v think_v this_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o clear_v god_n from_o injustice_n be_v not_o god_n therefore_o unjust_a when_o he_o love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n without_o cause_n because_o he_o say_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n because_o i_o will_v have_v god_n no_o other_o reason_n to_o give_v but_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o his_o will_n must_v be_v reason_n enough_o to_o rest_v upon_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a obedience_n that_o be_v acceptable_a and_o please_a to_o his_o holy_a majesty_n doctr._n that_o god_n will_v and_o pleasure_n and_o his_o appointment_n touch_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o word_n and_o touch_v the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o come_v of_o all_o thing_n to_o pass_v in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a and_o it_o can_v be_v tax_v as_o unholy_a and_o unjust_a though_o we_o can_v dive_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o it_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o depth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n be_v because_o it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o do_v all_o thing_n reason_v 1_o most_o free_o and_o just_o as_o in_o ephes_n 1.5_o he_o have_v predestinate_v we_o to_o be_v adopt_v through_o christ_n jesus_n in_o himself_o nothing_o out_o of_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n again_o second_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o square_a and_o rule_v of_o all_o goodness_n reason_n 2_o and_o righteousness_n whatsoever_o god_n will_v it_o be_v good_a because_o he_o will_v it_o but_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o scripture_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o whatsoever_o dissent_v from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v evil_a so_o that_o upon_o this_o ground_n god_n will_v and_o pleasure_n it_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a and_o can_v be_v tax_v with_o evil_a because_o he_o will_v it_o how_o be_v the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n just_a and_o holy_a in_o respect_n of_o sin_n for_o he_o do_v appoint_v it_o else_o it_o can_v not_o be_v in_o the_o world_n object_n it_o be_v true_a sin_n can_v not_o be_v in_o the_o world_n unless_o god_n do_v appoint_v it_o answ_n and_o yet_o god_n appointment_n be_v good_a god_n will_v the_o be_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n not_o simple_o as_o it_o be_v peccatum_fw-la sin_n but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o pupishment_n for_o some_o evil_a forego_n and_o so_o he_o make_v it_o to_o serve_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o justice_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o be_v of_o sin_n be_v good_a and_o so_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n good_a out_o of_o evil_a he_o do_v righteous_o and_o willing_o permit_v evil_a upon_o this_o ground_n we_o must_v learn_v to_o lay_v aside_o all_o reason_n of_o the_o flesh_n use_v against_o the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n touch_v all_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v learn_v not_o only_o in_o our_o word_n but_o thought_n also_o to_o justify_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o holy_a and_o just_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o be_v and_o come_v to_o pass_v of_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o apply_v this_o a_o little_a near_o and_o to_o another_o purpose_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o as_o we_o must_v justify_v the_o work_a will_n of_o god_n so_o we_o must_v justify_v his_o signify_v will_v in_o his_o word_n whereby_o he_o do_v signify_v his_o mind_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o to_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a yea_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o esteem_v and_o to_o hold_v every_o commandment_n of_o god_n every_o denunciation_n threaten_v and_o every_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a book_n of_o god_n to_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a rom._n 7.12_o and_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a sign_n of_o grace_n when_o we_o can_v acknowledge_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o every_o commandment_n of_o god_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o righteous_a as_o when_o a_o man_n can_v justify_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o commandment_n against_o uncleanness_n usury_n or_o any_o commandment_n that_o do_v cross_a and_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v our_o sin_n whatsoever_o that_o we_o can_v say_v lord_n thou_o be_v just_a and_o upright_o in_o thy_o commandment_n howsoever_o i_o be_o sinful_a this_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o sanctify_a soul_n whereas_o every_o worldling_n will_v be_v dispute_v against_o every_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o will_v pick_v a_o quarrel_n with_o they_o at_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o sabbath_n that_o require_v we_o shall_v not_o think_v our_o own_o thought_n speak_v our_o own_o word_n nor_o do_v our_o own_o work_n on_o that_o day_n esay_n 58.13_o oh_o say_v the_o carnal_a man_n may_v i_o not_o walk_v to_o tavern_n and_o alehouse_n and_o talk_v of_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v too_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a and_o so_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o apparel_n whereas_o the_o lord_n require_v our_o apparel_n shall_v be_v modest_a befit_v such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n oh_o say_v they_o this_o be_v too_o strict_a if_o i_o shall_v not_o follow_v the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v be_v account_v as_o a_o owl_n and_o as_o no_o body_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o they_o wrangle_v and_o cavil_v against_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n but_o they_o that_o do_v justify_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o holy_a and_o true_a though_o it_o meet_v with_o our_o dear_a lust_n yet_o we_o subscribe_v unto_o god_n commandment_n this_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o true_a grace_n in_o our_o heart_n oh_o therefore_o labour_n to_o subscribe_v unto_o the_o command_v of_o god_n if_o we_o will_v be_v assure_v of_o grace_n for_o he_o say_v to_o moses_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o i_o will_v have_v compassion_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v compassion_n object_n upon_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n a_o blasphemous_a heretic_n do_v hold_v that_o mercy_n be_v not_o a_o natural_a property_n in_o god_n but_o a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n because_o that_o moses_n bring_v in_o the_o lord_n say_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o who_o i_o will_n and_o thus_o he_o reason_v god_n do_v always_o suse_v his_o natural_a property_n such_o as_o be_v essential_a in_o god_n they_o be_v in_o exercise_n and_o he_o use_v they_o continual_o but_o say_v he_o mercy_n whereby_o god_n do_v offer_v grace_n unto_o sinner_n and_o pardon_v of_o sin_n unto_o man_n be_v not_o always_o exercise_v and_o show_v forth_o as_o namely_o to_o all_o sinner_n impenitent_a and_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v that_o god_n have_v mercy_n upon_o who_o he_o will_v and_o so_o the_o apostle_n
of_o justice_n and_o of_o mercy_n it_o be_v as_o possible_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v merciful_a to_o a_o man_n that_o he_o send_v to_o hell_n as_o to_o be_v just_a to_o a_o man_n that_o he_o give_v salvation_n unto_o these_o two_o can_v never_o stand_v together_o revenge_a justice_n and_o save_a mercy_n for_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v salvation_n that_o his_o mercy_n may_v be_v glorify_v and_o not_o his_o justice_n so_o that_o mercy_n come_v not_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o justice_n but_o of_o mercy_n again_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o god_n declare_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o the_o elect_n hence_o i_o may_v note_v that_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v unto_o his_o choose_a it_o be_v full_a and_o perfect_a fullness_n of_o mercy_n and_o perfect_a mercy_n when_o god_n forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o choose_a he_o forgive_v they_o not_o in_o part_n or_o by_o the_o half_n as_o the_o papist_n teach_v that_o god_n forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o choose_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n but_o he_o leave_v the_o temporal_a punishment_n for_o they_o to_o do_v penance_n for_o in_o the_o time_n of_o lent_n whereas_o god_n do_v give_v unto_o his_o child_n full_a and_o perfect_a remission_n full_a and_o perfect_a justification_n full_a and_o perfect_a glorification_n heb._n 7.25_o he_o be_v able_a perfect_o to_o save_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o say_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n not_o to_o give_v a_o half_a salvation_n but_o a_o full_a salvation_n but_o to_o pass_v from_o that_o and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n observe_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v it_o of_o god_n choose_v that_o they_o be_v vessel_n of_o mercy_n prepare_v unto_o glory_n that_o be_v god_n in_o his_o eternal_a decree_n have_v ordain_v they_o to_o everlasting_a glory_n so_o that_o hence_o i_o may_v show_v that_o some_o particular_a person_n among_o man_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n to_o salvation_n in_o heaven_n but_o that_o i_o have_v often_o meet_v withal_o and_o therefore_o pass_v by_o it_o but_o hence_o we_o may_v true_o take_v up_o this_o observation_n that_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n it_o come_v unto_o god_n choose_v in_o time_n doctrine_n most_o free_o from_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n without_o any_o merit_n or_o desert_n of_o they_o at_o all_o it_o be_v prepare_v for_o they_o and_o they_o for_o it_o before_o they_o have_v a_o be_v and_o before_o the_o world_n be_v matth._n 25.34_o come_v you_o bless_v inherit_v a_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o before_o the_o world_n be_v or_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o this_o truth_n the_o scripture_n say_v in_o ephes_n 2.8_o by_o grace_n yau_fw-mi be_v save_v and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o in_o titus_n 3.5_o not_o according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n that_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o have_v save_v we_o still_o run_v upon_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o luke_n 12.32_o fear_v not_o little_a flock_n say_v christ_n it_o be_v your_o father_n pleasure_n to_o give_v you_o a_o kingdom_n it_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o your_o father_n without_o any_o of_o your_o desert_n and_o also_o in_o rom._n 6.23_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n then_o present_o he_o subjoin_v unto_o it_o not_o as_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o text_n do_v require_v as_o the_o remist_n themselves_o do_v confess_v in_o their_o annotation_n he_o say_v not_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n and_o the_o wage_n of_o holiness_n be_v salvation_n but_o he_o change_v the_o term_n say_v he_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n thereby_o evidence_v that_o the_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o heaven_n it_o come_v free_o without_o any_o merit_n or_o desert_n of_o they_o at_o all_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o eternal_a life_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n a_o inheritance_n in_o coloss_n 1.12_o give_v thanks_o that_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o we_o a_o inheritance_n 1_o pet._n 1.4_o a_o inheritance_n immortal_a and_o undefiled_a now_o who_o know_v not_o this_o that_o a_o inheritance_n come_v to_o a_o child_n from_o the_o father_n out_o of_o the_o mere_a love_n of_o the_o father_n when_o the_o child_n it_o may_v be_v be_v not_o bear_v and_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o merit_v it_o so_o the_o inheritance_n of_o heaven_n be_v prepare_v for_o the_o godly_a and_o they_o for_o it_o it_o must_v needs_o come_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n reason_n and_o ground_n of_o this_o be_v because_o that_o the_o whole_a glory_n of_o this_o may_v be_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n will_v have_v the_o glory_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o choose_a in_o ephes_n 2.9_o you_o be_v save_v by_o grace_n through_o faith_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v and_o brag_v of_o it_o that_o he_o bring_v something_o to_o his_o salvation_n now_o this_o be_v so_o it_o meet_v direct_o with_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o adversary_n the_o papist_n use_v those_o of_o the_o antichristian_a synagogue_n of_o rome_n it_o quite_o over_o turn_v their_o opinion_n in_o that_o they_o hold_v &_o teach_v that_o life_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n belong_v to_o such_o as_o be_v first_o of_o all_o justify_v by_o christ_n as_o admit_v for_o the_o merit_n and_o desert_n of_o their_o own_o good_a work_n and_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o own_o good_a work_n now_o this_o error_n beside_o the_o error_n in_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o suppose_v a_o twofold_a justification_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n which_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n when_o god_n justifi_v he_o justifi_v once_o for_o all_o beside_o this_o error_n in_o the_o ground_n it_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n now_o deliver_v for_o if_o so_o be_v life_n and_o glory_n come_v unto_o god_n choose_v in_o time_n most_o free_o than_o not_o for_o their_o desert_n for_o free_a gift_n and_o due_a debt_n can_v stand_v together_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o same_o subject_n but_o say_v the_o papist_n life_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v call_v a_o reward_n therefore_o merit_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o distinguish_v of_o reward_n as_o twofold_n in_o rom._n 4.4_o and_o that_o be_v either_o of_o favour_n or_o of_o debt_n now_o eternal_a life_n be_v a_o reward_n indeed_o not_o of_o debt_n but_o of_o favour_n but_o whereas_o the_o papist_n further_a reply_n christ_n have_v merit_v that_o the_o good_a work_n of_o his_o choose_a shall_v be_v meritorious_a to_o life_n and_o salvation_n a_o mere_a idle_a shift_n we_o find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n that_o christ_n have_v merit_v for_o his_o choose_a and_o die_v for_o their_o sin_n but_o we_o never_o find_v he_o die_v for_o their_o good_a work_n to_o make_v they_o meritorious_a no_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o impossible_a that_o the_o best_a work_n of_o god_n choose_v shall_v have_v in_o they_o the_o true_a and_o whole_a nature_n of_o merit_n because_o they_o be_v imperfect_a and_o they_o be_v stain_v with_o sin_n the_o best_a work_n that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v when_o he_o have_v strive_v to_o do_v his_o best_a he_o must_v go_v to_o god_n to_o crave_v pardon_n for_o his_o imbecility_n now_o these_o two_o can_v possible_o stand_v together_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mercy_n and_o yet_o be_v meritorious_a yea_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o do_v not_o abuse_v this_o doctrine_n of_o use_n 2_o god_n and_o savour_v it_o to_o our_o destruction_n and_o hereupon_o do_v as_o many_o do_v cast_v off_o all_o care_n of_o good_a work_n because_o they_o do_v not_o merit_v yet_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o show_v unto_o god_n our_o thankfulness_n for_o his_o mercy_n unto_o we_o in_o give_v we_o right_a and_o title_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o express_v our_o thankfulness_n unto_o he_o in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n yea_o without_o question_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o thankfulness_n for_o external_a and_o temporal_a good_a thing_n because_o we_o find_v that_o the_o use_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o come_v from_o god_n oh_o much_o more_o be_v we_o then_o to_o be_v thankful_a unto_o god_n for_o heaven_n and_o in_o give_v we_o hope_n of_o inheritance_n in_o heaven_n and_o now_o because_o every_o one_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o soothe_v up_o himself_o and_o to_o say_v i_o hope_v i_o shall_v come_v to_o heaven_n and_o i_o be_o thankful_a for_o it_o