steward_n over_o they_o for_o the_o good_a dispose_n of_o they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n always_o remember_v this_o rule_n of_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal._n 62.10_o if_o riches_n increase_v set_v not_o thy_o heart_n on_o they_o he_o say_v not_o if_o riches_n increase_v refuse_v they_o but_o set_v not_o thy_o heart_n on_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o these_o question_n now_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v as_o necessary_a for_o we_o in_o these_o day_n as_o ever_o it_o be_v for_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o profit_v little_a after_o much_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n be_v this_o we_o have_v not_o behave_v ourselves_o like_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o this_o world_n but_o the_o care_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n have_v choke_v it_o up_o math._n 13_o 2d_o that_o it_o can_v take_v no_o ground_n nor_o root_n in_o our_o heart_n when_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n we_o remember_v it_o not_o because_o our_o heart_n 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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 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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
body_n and_o soul_n and_o for_o proof_n thereof_o they_o bring_v s._n paul_n where_o he_o say_v 15.20_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_n answer_n true_a indeed_o of_o they_o that_o sleep_n that_o be_v of_o all_o that_o die_v for_o christ_n enter_v into_o heaven_n both_o in_o body_n &_o soul_n first_o of_o all_o they_o but_o henoch_n never_o die_v as_o the_o text_n here_o avouch_v therefore_o that_o place_n hinder_v not_o but_o henoch_n may_v be_v in_o heaven_n in_o his_o body_n before_o christ_n humane_a flesh_n ascend_v thither_o three_o they_o argue_v out_o of_o saint_n john_n no_o man_n have_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o descend_v the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o say_v they_o this_o son_n of_o man_n be_v not_o henoch_n but_o christ_n therefore_o none_o but_o christ_n ascend_v bodily_a into_o heaven_n answer_n that_o place_n be_v not_o mean_v of_o corporal_a ascend_n but_o of_o understand_v mystical_a and_o 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and_o must_v afore_o the_o last_o day_n come_v again_o in_o his_o body_n with_o elias_n and_o fight_v against_o antichrist_n and_o when_o by_o their_o doctrine_n they_o have_v overcome_v he_o he_o shall_v by_o violence_n kill_v they_o and_o so_o they_o shall_v die_v martyr_n and_o this_o be_v the_o general_a receive_a opinion_n of_o the_o most_o papist_n but_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a conceit_n and_o a_o dream_n and_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o but_o good_a argument_n against_o it_o for_o first_o as_o for_o the_o earthly_a paradise_n it_o be_v deface_v by_o the_o flood_n nor_o do_v we_o read_v that_o ever_o man_n be_v in_o it_o but_o adam_n and_o some_o of_o their_o own_o fable_n tell_v we_o that_o seth_n go_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o paradise_n when_o his_o father_n adam_n be_v sick_a to_o get_v some_o physic_n out_o of_o paradise_n for_o his_o father_n but_o he_o can_v not_o get_v in_o nor_o do_v we_o find_v any_o mention_n of_o it_o afterward_o so_o that_o it_o be_v likely_a in_o all_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v deface_v by_o the_o universal_a flood_n and_o if_o they_o mean_v he_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o heavenly_a paradise_n i_o answer_v thither_o can_v no_o unclean_a thing_n come_v but_o a_o mortal_a body_n be_v unclean_a and_o themselves_o say_v he_o be_v take_v away_o in_o his_o mortal_a body_n and_o in_o it_o shall_v come_v again_o and_o die_v therefore_o henoch_n have_v a_o mortal_a and_o unglorified_a body_n can_v be_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n into_o which_o nothing_o can_v enter_v which_o be_v not_o glorify_v and_o make_v immortal_a if_o they_o allege_v ecclesiasticus_fw-la 44.16_o enoch_n please_v god_n and_o be_v translate_v into_o paradise_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v we_o need_v not_o call_v in_o question_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n nor_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o canon_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o text_n be_v corrupt_v wilful_o by_o some_o that_o show_v themselves_o in_o the_o latin_a too_o bold_a with_o the_o text_n both_o there_o and_o elsewhere_o for_o in_o the_o greek_a original_a there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n as_o paradise_n but_o the_o word_n be_v these_o enoch_n please_v god_n and_o be_v translate_v for_o a_o example_n of_o repentance_n to_o the_o generation_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v this_o opinion_n be_v every_o way_n erroneous_a and_o have_v no_o shadow_n of_o reason_n in_o it_o nor_o for_o it_o see_v therefore_o both_o these_o opinion_n be_v to_o be_v refuse_v let_v we_o in_o few_o word_n set_v down_o the_o true_a and_o orthodoxal_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o this_o holy_a man_n by_o god_n special_a favour_n to_o he_o be_v assume_v into_o heaven_n both_o body_n and_o soul_n his_o soul_n be_v perfect_o sanctify_v and_o his_o body_n glorify_v in_o the_o instant_n of_o his_o translation_n and_o there_o he_o remain_v in_o glory_n expect_v the_o general_a resurrection_n and_o the_o full_a glorification_n of_o all_o god_n elect_v out_o of_o this_o translation_n of_o henoch_n we_o may_v learn_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o life_n everlasting_a prepare_v of_o god_n for_o his_o child_n wherein_o they_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o both_o in_o soul_n &_o body_n for_o hereof_o have_v god_n give_v we_o most_o evident_a testimony_n both_o here_o in_o enoch_n and_o afterward_o in_o elias_n elias_n a_o jew_n king_n enoch_n none_o enoch_n in_o the_o first_o world_n elias_n in_o the_o second_o enoch_n before_o the_o flood_n elias_n after_o enoch_n uncircumcised_a elias_n circumcise_v enoch_n marry_v elias_n unmarried_a and_o both_o be_v assume_v into_o heaven_n in_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o be_v there_o to_o this_o day_n and_o tarry_v for_o we_o till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n assure_v we_o that_o our_o soul_n live_v for_o ever_o &_o that_o our_o body_n though_o they_o die_v shall_v rise_v again_o to_o life_n here_o therefore_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a ground_n for_o that_o last_o but_o not_o the_o least_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n where_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v life_n everlasting_a second_o in_o this_o example_n we_o learn_v that_o god_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n the_o order_n which_o god_n establish_v &_o set_v down_o concern_v all_o man_n after_o adam_n fall_n be_v this_o dust_n thou_o be_v and_o to_o dust_n shall_v thou_o return_v 3.19_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o decree_n all_o man_n be_v to_o die_v as_o sure_a as_o they_o once_o live_v and_o when_o that_o time_n appoint_v by_o god_n be_v come_v all_o the_o world_n can_v save_v one_o man_n but_z according_o die_v he_o must_v but_o here_o notwithstanding_o we_o see_v god_n that_o tie_v man_n to_o this_o order_n be_v not_o tie_v himself_o enoch_n and_o elias_n be_v exempt_v they_o die_v not_o their_o body_n never_o turn_v to_o dust_n such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n over_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n in_o all_o natural_a action_n three_o whereas_o the_o papist_n hold_v that_o all_o the_o father_n who_o die_v before_o christ_n be_v in_o limbus_n a_o place_n out_o of_o heaven_n and_o come_v not_o in_o heaven_n till_o christ_n fetch_v they_o thence_o and_o carry_v they_o with_o he_o at_o his_o ascension_n here_o we_o learn_v it_o be_v most_o false_a &_o forge_a for_o here_o we_o see_v henoch_n and_o afterward_o elias_n be_v in_o heaven_n both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n many_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n incarnation_n whereby_o as_o also_o by_o many_o other_o evidence_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v it_o be_v apparent_a that_o limbus_n patrum_fw-la be_v nothing_o but_o a_o devise_n of_o that_o heretical_a church_n of_o rome_n hitherto_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n avouch_v the_o translation_n of_o henoch_n now_o he_o prove_v substantial_o that_o he_o be_v take_v away_o neither_o be_v he_o find_v for_o god_n have_v take_v he_o away_o and_o for_o his_o proof_n he_o first_o lay_v down_o his_o ground_n then_o he_o thereupon_o frame_v his_o argument_n consist_v of_o diverse_a degree_n of_o demonstration_n the_o ground_n be_v the_o plain_a and_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o genesis_n where_o the_o word_n be_v these_o henoch_n be_v not_o find_v 5.24_o or_o not_o see_v for_o god_n take_v he_o away_o against_o this_o ground_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n no_o man_n can_v take_v exception_n and_o here_o in_o a_o word_n let_v we_o all_o mark_n the_o high_a and_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o god_n word_n which_o even_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o vouchsafe_v to_o allege_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o own_o word_n it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o affirm_v enoch_n to_o be_v take_v away_o but_o we_o see_v
not_o only_o believe_v and_o obay_v but_o as_o god_n promise_v so_o he_o go_v to_o it_o and_o take_v possession_n and_o die_v in_o this_o faith_n that_o god_n will_v perform_v his_o promise_n and_o that_o his_o posterity_n shall_v inherit_v it_o all_o as_o afterward_o indeed_o they_o do_v even_o from_o moses_n to_o christ._n if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o this_o can_v be_v the_o answer_n be_v that_o abraham_n know_v that_o god_n be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o have_v the_o world_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o disposition_n and_o therefore_o assure_v himself_o that_o he_o can_v bring_v to_o pass_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o make_v good_a his_o word_n notwithstanding_o all_o such_o impediment_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o as_o he_o believe_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v his_o posterity_n come_v to_o it_o enter_v as_o conqueror_n upon_o this_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n so_o amaze_v all_o these_o king_n and_o their_o people_n as_o some_o submit_v as_o the_o gibeonit_n and_o they_o that_o do_v not_o be_v all_o slay_v and_o their_o country_n conquer_v as_o we_o may_v read_v at_o large_a in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n all_o the_o story_n whereof_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v by_o david_n in_o few_o word_n where_o he_o say_v we_o have_v hear_v with_o our_o ear_n our_o father_n have_v tell_v we_o how_o thou_o o_o lord_n drive_v out_o the_o heathen_a with_o thy_o hand_n and_o plant_v they_o in_o how_o thou_o destroy_v the_o people_n and_o make_v they_o grow_v psal._n 44.1.2_o out_o of_o which_o we_o learn_v two_o instruction_n first_o that_o the_o change_n of_o state_n and_o alteration_n of_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n and_o that_o he_o can_v turn_v they_o one_o way_n or_o other_o as_o it_o please_v he_o to_o this_o purpose_n say_v david_n in_o the_o forenamed_a psalm_n verse_n the_o four_o they_o inherit_v not_o the_o land_n by_o their_o own_o sword_n neither_o do_v their_o own_o arm_n save_o they_o but_o thy_o right_a hand_n and_o thy_o arm_n and_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n because_o thou_o do_v favour_v they_o this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v earnest_o in_o our_o daily_a prayer_n for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o of_o that_o worthy_a prince_n and_o queen_n under_o who_o government_n we_o have_v be_v so_o long_o and_o so_o liberal_o bless_v for_o the_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n the_o certainty_n and_o security_n of_o it_o and_o she_o be_v not_o in_o our_o policy_n might_n munition_n ship_n not_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o navy_n nor_o in_o the_o power_n of_o our_o armour_n nor_o in_o the_o chivalry_n of_o our_o people_n nor_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o council_n though_o for_o all_o these_o we_o be_v a_o people_n honour_v of_o our_o friend_n and_o fear_v of_o our_o enemy_n but_o in_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o our_o god_n who_o as_o daniel_n say_v bear_v rule_v over_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o give_v they_o to_o whosoever_o he_o will_v dan._n 4.22_o see_v therefore_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o giver_n and_o establisher_n the_o remover_n and_o changer_n of_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n let_v we_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o elisha_n be_v the_o horse_n and_o chariot_n of_o israel_n 2._o king_n 13.14_o and_o sure_o if_o elisha_n for_o his_o prayer_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o king_n himself_o to_o be_v his_o father_n then_o doubtless_o the_o godly_a minister_n and_o such_o other_o in_o our_o church_n as_o pray_v daily_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o jerusalem_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v account_v good_a child_n of_o our_o church_n and_o worthy_a member_n of_o our_o state_n second_o here_o we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o kingdom_n and_o overthrow_v of_o estate_n namely_o sin_n and_o ungodliness_n this_o be_v most_o apparent_a in_o the_o present_a example_n for_o why_o do_v god_n take_v this_o land_n from_o the_o canaanite_n and_o give_v it_o to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n the_o story_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n answer_n nothing_o but_o sin_n in_o deuteronomie_n moses_n charge_v the_o israelite_n that_o they_o do_v not_o after_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o heathen_a canaanite_n for_o say_v he_o because_o of_o their_o abominable_a sin_n god_n do_v cast_v they_o out_o before_o you_o deut._n 18.9.12_o and_o why_o do_v not_o god_n instant_o give_v it_o to_o abraham_n to_o inherit_v after_o the_o promise_n even_o because_o the_o wickedness_n of_o these_o amorites_n be_v not_o then_o full_a gen._n 15.16_o that_o be_v their_o sin_n be_v not_o then_o ripe_a for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o though_o god_n be_v the_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o all_o kingdom_n and_o may_v dispose_v they_o as_o he_o will_v yet_o he_o rather_o exercise_v his_o justice_n then_o his_o power_n and_o never_o overturn_v any_o state_n but_o upon_o cause_n of_o their_o apparent_a sinfulness_n nor_o can_v the_o amorites_n or_o canaanite_n plead_v herein_o any_o hard_a measure_n for_o the_o same_o god_n deal_v afterward_o in_o the_o same_o justice_n with_o his_o own_o people_n give_v the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n to_o the_o chaldean_n and_o israel_n to_o the_o assyrian_n and_o the_o cause_n be_v lay_v down_o most_o memorable_o in_o the_o story_n when_o the_o israelite_n sin_v against_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o walk_v after_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o heathen_a who_o the_o lord_n have_v cast_v out_o before_o they_o and_o do_v secret_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a and_o make_v image_n and_o serve_v idol_n and_o though_o god_n warn_v they_o by_o his_o prophet_n yet_o will_v they_o not_o obey_v but_o harden_v their_o neck_n and_o so_o final_o leave_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n then_o the_o lord_n be_v exceed_v wroth_a with_o israel_n and_o cast_v they_o also_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n 2._o king_n 17._o from_o the_o seven_o verse_n to_o the_o 19_o thus_o sin_n be_v able_a to_o overturn_v kingdom_n be_v they_o canaanite_n israelite_n or_o whosoever_o let_v this_o teach_v we_o all_o to_o look_v to_o our_o life_n &_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n especial_o great_a &_o capital_a &_o cry_v sin_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o people_n be_v worm_n and_o canker_n eat_v out_o the_o life_n and_o strength_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o let_v our_o state_n and_o government_n learn_v here_o to_o look_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o people_n especial_o for_o great_a sin_n for_o open_a profaneness_n or_o uncleanness_n or_o oppression_n or_o injustice_n or_o extortion_n or_o cruelty_n and_o exaction_n all_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o sin_n reign_v in_o a_o state_n be_v able_a to_o overturn_v the_o best_a establish_a kingdom_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o will_v at_o last_o do_v power_n and_o policy_n what_o they_o can_v make_v the_o land_n spewe_v out_o her_o inhabitant_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v the_o wily_a wit_n of_o man_n judge_v as_o they_o list_v it_o will_v prove_v true_a that_o the_o sinful_a and_o profane_a man_n be_v the_o worst_a and_o the_o godly_a and_o conscionable_a man_n the_o best_a friend_n to_o a_o state_n and_o best_a subject_n in_o a_o kingdom_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o point_n in_o abraham_n obedience_n namely_o the_o end_n of_o it_o the_o three_o and_o last_o point_n be_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o obedience_n which_o follow_v in_o these_o word_n and_o he_o go_v out_o not_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o his_o leave_v his_o country_n in_o man_n reason_n will_v seem_v strange_a nay_o the_o world_n will_v condemn_v it_o for_o plain_a foolishness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o leave_v a_o certainty_n for_o a_o uncertainty_n but_o it_o may_v here_o be_v doubt_v how_o the_o apostle_n can_v here_o say_v that_o he_o know_v not_o whither_o he_o go_v seeing_z these_o word_n be_v not_o in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v not_o that_o practice_n allow_v tradition_n beside_o scripture_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o refuse_v no_o tradition_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o analogy_n of_o faith_n but_o such_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o one_o of_o these_o we_o receive_v they_o though_o not_o as_o scripture_n second_o if_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v add_v any_o thing_n in_o any_o story_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o old_a as_o s._n paul_n do_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o sorcerer_n of_o egypt_n jannes_n and_o jambre_n 2._o timoth._n 3.8_o that_o circumstance_n by_o they_o so_o add_v be_v to_o be_v hold_v as_o scripture_n and_o no_o tradition_n because_o they_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v have_v insert_v it_o
believer_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n let_v this_o teach_v we_o when_o we_o see_v our_o own_o sin_n how_o hideous_a &_o monstrous_a they_o be_v yet_o not_o to_o despair_v and_o when_o we_o see_v other_o man_n live_v in_o extreme_a dissolutenes_n yet_o not_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o before_o the_o time_n but_o even_o then_o with_o hope_n and_o comfort_n remember_v that_o god_n who_o quicken_v the_o dead_a and_o call_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v and_o in_o that_o hope_n let_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o he_o may_v quicken_v our_o dead_a heart_n and_o revive_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o therefore_o in_o that_o hope_n let_v we_o raise_v up_o ourselves_o to_o use_v all_o holy_a mean_n of_o god_n word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n which_o if_o we_o careful_o and_o continual_o do_v we_o shall_v see_v wonder_n wrought_v in_o we_o that_o as_o they_o say_v of_o paul_n this_o man_n preach_v the_o faith_n which_o afore_o he_o destroy_v and_o therefore_o glorify_v god_n for_o he_o galath_n 1.22.23_o so_o shall_v man_n say_v of_o we_o this_o man_n hate_v the_o profaneness_n that_o afore_o he_o live_v in_o and_o love_v the_o religion_n that_o afore_o he_o mock_v such_o miracle_n will_v the_o lord_n work_v in_o we_o if_o with_o faith_n and_o diligence_n we_o use_v the_o holy_a mean_n that_o so_o all_o that_o see_v we_o shall_v glorify_v god_n for_o us._n thus_o we_o see_v general_o how_o great_a the_o issue_n and_o posterity_n of_o sarah_n be_v but_o it_o be_v more_o particular_o enlarge_v by_o two_o comparison_n as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n in_o the_o sky_n or_o as_o the_o sand_n by_o the_o sea_n shore_n which_o be_v innumerable_a his_o comparison_n be_v two_o one_o take_v from_o the_o heaven_n as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n in_o the_o sky_n the_o other_o from_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o sand_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o these_o two_o be_v use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v thing_n of_o incredible_a number_n to_o express_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o come_v all_o from_o sarah_n not_o but_o that_o other_o thing_n also_o be_v of_o as_o great_a number_n as_o the_o drop_n of_o water_n dust_n of_o the_o earth_n &_o hair_n of_o man_n head_n &c_n &c_n but_o these_o two_o be_v most_o common_a and_o proverbial_a phrase_n whereby_o to_o express_v a_o multitude_n and_o again_o the_o star_n of_o the_o sky_n be_v rather_o name_v then_o any_o other_o because_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o beginning_n please_v to_o use_v it_o to_o abraham_n when_o he_o have_v never_o a_o child_n gen._n 15.8_o god_n carry_v abraham_n forth_o in_o the_o night_n and_o bid_v he_o count_v the_o star_n if_o he_o can_v and_o say_v so_o shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v and_o moses_n afterward_o use_v the_o same_o comparison_n deut._n 10.22_o our_o father_n go_v down_o into_o egypt_n 70._o person_n and_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v we_o as_o the_o star_n of_o the_o sky_n in_o multitude_n now_o because_o all_o man_n be_v not_o astronomer_n as_o abraham_n and_o moses_n be_v and_o that_o ignorant_a man_n may_v say_v they_o can_v perceive_v no_o such_o matter_n in_o the_o star_n therefore_o he_o use_v another_o comparison_n which_o every_o countryman_n may_v discern_v how_o innumerable_a they_o be_v namely_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o seashore_n and_o lest_o any_o shall_v say_v i_o dwell_v in_o the_o midland_n country_n and_o never_o see_v the_o sea_n sand_n and_o be_o ignorant_a and_o so_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o star_n therefore_o to_o put_v he_o out_o of_o doubt_n the_o holy_a ghost_n assure_v he_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n that_o they_o be_v both_o innumerable_a that_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o or_o to_o god_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o man_n and_o man_n skill_n unable_a to_o be_v count_v concern_v these_o two_o comparison_n let_v we_o observe_v the_o manner_n or_o the_o phrase_n of_o speech_n in_o they_o use_v second_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o intend_v for_o the_o first_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o speech_n be_v not_o proper_a but_o figurative_a for_o proper_o they_o be_v not_o as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n or_o as_o the_o sand_n neither_o be_v the_o star_n or_o sand_n innumerable_a but_o it_o be_v a_o figure_n call_v by_o the_o rhetorician_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v a_o excess_n of_o fineness_n of_o speech_n or_o a_o excessive_a elegancy_n and_o as_o it_o be_v ordinary_a in_o all_o writer_n and_o even_o in_o common_a speech_n so_o it_o be_v not_o refuse_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o use_v both_o here_o and_o in_o the_o two_o forename_a place_n and_o the_o like_a also_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n but_o in_o other_o phrase_n in_o other_o place_n as_o saint_n john_n 21.25_o i_o suppose_v say_v he_o if_o all_o the_o say_n and_o do_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o will_v be_v write_v mean_v they_o will_v be_v exceed_v many_o and_o more_o than_o will_v be_v needful_a for_o salvation_n and_o deuteronomie_n 9_o verse_n 1._o moses_n say_v that_o the_o city_n of_o the_o canaanite_n be_v great_a and_o wall_v up_o to_o heaven_n mean_v that_o they_o be_v very_o high_a and_o so_o high_a as_o be_v possible_a for_o city_n wall_n to_o be_v and_o as_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v be_v scale_v in_o all_o man_n reason_n have_v not_o god_n fight_v for_o they_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v common_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o see_v we_o allow_v that_o liberty_n to_o all_o writer_n and_o to_o ourselves_o in_o common_a speech_n no_o reason_n to_o deny_v it_o to_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v write_v for_o all_o man_n understanding_n and_o therefore_o in_o such_o phrase_n as_o be_v usual_a and_o ordinary_a with_o all_o man_n and_o the_o like_a liberty_n be_v here_o take_v also_o in_o another_o figure_n as_o many_o as_o the_o sand_n by_o the_o shore_n of_o the_o sea_n the_o word_n proper_o signify_v and_o sound_v the_o lip_n of_o the_o sea_n now_o the_o sea_n have_v no_o lip_n but_o it_o be_v a_o speech_n take_v or_o borrow_v from_o man_n or_o beast_n who_o have_v lip_n and_o the_o sea_n shore_n resemble_v a_o lip_n for_o look_v what_o a_o lip_n be_v to_o they_o the_o shore_n be_v to_o the_o sea_n as_o the_o two_o lip_n do_v enclose_v the_o mouth_n so_o the_o two_o shore_n on_o both_o side_n do_v enclose_v the_o sea_n which_o lie_v as_o in_o a_o mouth_n betwixt_o they_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v profitable_a instruction_n first_o that_o therefore_o rhetoric_n be_v a_o warrantable_a good_a and_o lawful_a art_n and_o it_o arise_v thus_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n practice_v must_v needs_o be_v not_o only_o not_o evil_a but_o good_a and_o warrantable_a but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v and_o practice_v rhetoric_n here_o and_o in_o many_o place_n else_o of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o lawful_a arte._n the_o proposition_n be_v undoubted_a the_o assumption_n be_v clear_a both_o by_o these_o place_n and_o almost_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o scripture_n many_o of_o saint_n paul_n epistle_n many_o of_o christ_n own_o sermon_n saint_n johns_n gospel_n many_o of_o the_o prophet_n especial_o esayah_n have_v as_o much_o and_o as_o elegant_a rhetoric_n in_o they_o as_o any_o writer_n in_o the_o world_n and_o beside_o all_o other_o virtue_n and_o divine_a power_n in_o they_o do_v even_o for_o figure_n and_o ornament_n of_o art_n match_v any_o orator_n that_o have_v write_v in_o the_o greek_n or_o latin_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v any_o hard_a task_n to_o undertake_v to_o prove_v and_o illustrate_v every_o approve_a rule_n of_o rhetoric_n out_o of_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n now_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o practise_v the_o rule_n of_o rhetoric_n then_o be_v it_o lawful_a also_o to_o collect_v those_o rule_n together_o to_o pen_v they_o and_o to_o make_v a_o art_n of_o they_o they_o therefore_o that_o hold_v the_o contrary_a do_v say_v or_o teach_v or_o write_v it_o be_v unlawful_a go_v against_o the_o stream_n and_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o rule_n of_o common_a reason_n second_o here_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o in_o preach_v god_n word_n it_o be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a for_o a_o minister_n to_o use_v rhetoric_n and_o eloquence_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v good_a for_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v in_o pen_v of_o the_o scripture_n the_o same_o may_v god_n minister_n use_v also_o in_o preach_v the_o same_o they_o therefore_o that_o deny_v that_o liberty_n to_o minister_n be_v too_o rough_a and_o rugged_a and_o pull_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n one_o of_o his_o weapon_n &_o out_o of_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o
scripture_n one_o of_o her_o feather_n yet_o we_o must_v know_v that_o all_o or_o any_o kind_n of_o eloquence_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o a_o christian_a minister_n for_o s._n paul_n say_v 1._o cor._n 2.13_o we_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a thing_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a a_o sanctify_a a_o spiritual_a eloquence_n a_o eloquence_n fit_a for_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o that_o eloquence_n must_v be_v use_v as_o the_o israelite_n may_v marry_v the_o midianite_n woman_n who_o they_o have_v take_v in_o war_n but_o not_o till_o they_o have_v purify_v they_o numb_a 31.18.19_o and_o more_o plain_o and_o particular_o deut._n 21.11.12.13_o moses_n explain_v what_o that_o purify_n be_v and_o thou_o shall_v bring_v she_o home_o into_o thy_o house_n and_o she_o shall_v shave_v her_o head_n and_o pare_v her_o nail_n and_o put_v off_o the_o garment_n she_o be_v take_v in_o and_o then_o thou_o may_v marry_v she_o so_o humane_a eloquence_n must_v be_v bring_v home_o to_o divinity_n and_o be_v pare_v and_o shave_v with_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o then_o may_v lawful_o and_o profitable_o be_v use_v for_o our_o more_o special_a direction_n herein_o these_o caution_n may_v be_v observe_v first_o the_o more_o natural_a it_o be_v and_o the_o less_o affect_v the_o more_o commendable_a be_v it_o in_o the_o doer_n and_o more_o profitable_a to_o the_o hearer_n second_o it_o must_v be_v grave_a sober_a and_o modest_a remember_v the_o height_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o place_n a_o man_n stand_v in_o and_o of_o the_o work_n he_o do_v therefore_o it_o must_v not_o consist_v in_o tell_v strange_a tale_n or_o use_v such_o gesture_n or_o word_n manner_n or_o matter_n as_o may_v move_v laugh_v and_o smile_v in_o the_o auditor_n there_o may_v be_v wit_n in_o such_o do_v but_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v the_o sanctify_a and_o spiritual_a eloquence_n which_o s._n paul_n there_o speak_v of_o three_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v a_o help_n and_o not_o a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o god_n word_n for_o it_o be_v a_o damosel_n to_o divinity_n but_o not_o her_o mistress_n god_n word_n therefore_o must_v not_o bow_v and_o bend_v to_o she_o much_o less_o be_v wring_v and_o wrest_v to_o she_o but_o she_o to_o god_n word_n it_o must_v in_o a_o word_n be_v such_o as_o may_v most_o lively_a pure_o plain_o and_o significant_o express_v the_o meaning_n of_o god_n word_n therefore_o a_o man_n must_v endeavour_n that_o all_o his_o speech_n be_v in_o one_o language_n at_o least_o in_o such_o as_o his_o hearer_n understand_v for_o else_o if_o he_o speak_v the_o body_n of_o his_o speech_n in_o one_o and_o piece_n out_o the_o member_n in_o other_o which_o the_o people_n understand_v not_o he_o may_v indeed_o in_o his_o own_o spirit_n speak_v mystery_n but_o to_o the_o hearer_n he_o speak_v parable_n and_o to_o his_o own_o understanding_n he_o may_v preach_v well_o but_o the_o hearer_n be_v not_o edify_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o cor._n 14.2.17_o therefore_o let_v not_o eloquence_n be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o hearer_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o help_n and_o furtherance_n and_o with_o these_o or_o such_o like_a qualification_n eloquence_n may_v be_v use_v with_o good_a warrant_n and_o much_o profit_n and_o for_o caution_n or_o qualification_n herein_o hardly_o can_v any_o man_n setdowne_a better_a rule_n than_o every_o man_n conscience_n will_v unto_o himself_o three_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o and_o elsewhere_o use_v so_o much_o rhetoric_n divine_n may_v learn_v where_o the_o fountain_n of_o christian_a eloquence_n be_v namely_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v compile_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n we_o be_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o they_o contain_v in_o they_o true_a wisdom_n of_o all_o sort_n precept_n of_o rhetoric_n i_o confess_v be_v to_o be_v learn_v out_o of_o other_o book_n which_o purposely_o do_v â—each_v they_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o rule_n in_o example_n can_v be_v no_o where_o better_o than_o in_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o evangelist_n and_o this_o must_v needs_o follow_v upon_o that_o that_o have_v already_o be_v grant_v for_o if_o we_o yield_v that_o rhetoric_n be_v good_a and_o lawful_a and_o practise_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v there_o practise_v in_o the_o best_a manner_n for_o shall_v the_o divinity_n there_o teach_v be_v the_o sound_a the_o history_n there_o report_v the_o true_a the_o conclusion_n of_o philosophy_n astronomy_n geometry_n arithmetic_n cosmographie_n and_o physic_n there_o deliver_v the_o sure_a the_o music_n there_o practise_v the_o exact_a the_o logycke_a there_o practise_v the_o sharp_a the_o law_n there_o enact_v the_o just_a and_o shall_v not_o the_o rhetoric_n there_o practise_v be_v the_o pure_a sure_o if_o moses_n have_v write_v a_o book_n of_o his_o own_o as_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o as_o he_o be_v moses_n bring_v up_o in_o egypt_n or_o paul_n write_v a_o book_n as_o he_o be_v a_o pharisie_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n they_o will_v both_o have_v be_v full_a of_o all_o excellent_a learning_n for_o paul_n be_v bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n act_v 22.3_o and_o moses_n be_v exceed_o learned_a in_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o mighty_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n act_v 7.22_o shall_v they_o then_o be_v the_o secretary_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n the_o fountain_n of_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n and_o shall_v not_o their_o book_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o most_o excellent_a learning_n in_o all_o kind_n doubtless_o who_o ever_o search_v it_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v so_o see_v therefore_o eloquence_n be_v lawful_a and_o that_o preacher_n may_v lawful_o use_v it_o let_v they_o also_o know_v where_o to_o have_v it_o let_v they_o study_v god_n book_n and_o there_o they_o shall_v find_v not_o only_a divinity_n but_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o that_o most_o exquisite_a and_o as_o excellent_a pattern_n and_o precedent_n of_o eloquence_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o author_n in_o the_o world_n and_o let_v they_o if_o they_o will_v preach_v with_o spiritual_a power_n and_o eloquence_n look_v how_o moses_n the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v for_o to_o follow_v they_o be_v the_o true_a way_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o manner_n here_o use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o these_o two_o comparison_n to_o describe_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o her_o posterity_n now_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o contain_v be_v that_o here_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a promise_n make_v to_o abraham_n the_o promise_n be_v genes_n 22.17_o i_o will_v sure_o bless_v thou_o and_o great_o multiply_v thy_o seed_n as_o the_o star_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o as_o the_o sand_n by_o the_o sea_n shore_n there_o be_v the_o promise_n and_o behold_v here_o the_o performance_n in_o the_o very_a same_o word_n and_o that_o most_o true_a and_o effectual_a for_o at_o the_o time_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n write_v these_o word_n the_o israelite_n be_v multiply_v to_o many_o million_o yea_o to_o a_o number_n past_o number_n so_o that_o here_o we_o learn_v god_n be_v true_a in_o all_o his_o promise_n be_v they_o never_o so_o great_a or_o wonderful_a if_o he_o speak_v the_o word_n if_o the_o promise_n pass_v he_o it_o be_v sure_a heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v rather_o pass_v away_o than_o any_o one_o piece_n of_o his_o promise_n shall_v fail_v the_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o first_o to_o believe_v god_n when_o he_o promise_v whatever_o it_o be_v for_o he_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v who_o never_o fail_v to_o perform_v what_o he_o promise_v he_o promise_v these_o million_o to_o abraham_n when_o he_o have_v but_o one_o child_n nay_o when_o he_o have_v never_o a_o one_o genes_n 15.8_o and_o abraham_n believe_v such_o a_o faith_n be_v excellent_a indeed_o and_o deserve_v eternal_a commendation_n as_o here_o it_o have_v let_v we_o be_v child_n of_o this_o faithful_a abraham_n and_o the_o rather_o see_v we_o see_v the_o performance_n which_o he_o see_v not_o we_o think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n if_o we_o be_v not_o believe_v especial_o if_o we_o do_v use_v to_o keep_v our_o word_n let_v we_o then_o know_v thereby_o what_o dishonour_v it_o be_v to_o the_o lord_n not_o to_o believe_v he_o which_o never_o fail_v in_o the_o performance_n to_o any_o creature_n second_o we_o must_v here_o learn_v of_o god_n to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a in_o our_o
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
that_o when_o temptation_n shall_v come_v we_o may_v be_v find_v sound_n and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o trial_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o abraham_n temptation_n now_o follow_v the_o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v therein_o and_o first_o of_o the_o time_n when_o abraham_n be_v tempt_v hereof_o we_o may_v read_v genesis_n 22.1_o after_o these_o thing_n say_v moses_n god_n do_v prove_v abraham_n the_o word_n will_v admit_v a_o double_a reference_n but_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o fit_a for_o that_o place_n to_o wit_n that_o after_o god_n have_v make_v most_o excellent_a promise_n unto_o abraham_n and_o give_v he_o most_o wonderful_a blessing_n and_o privilege_n than_o he_o tempt_v he_o hence_o we_o learn_v this_o notable_a lesson_n that_o those_o people_n in_o god_n church_n which_o receive_v from_o god_n more_o grace_n than_o other_o must_v look_v for_o more_o tentation_n this_o we_o shall_v see_v to_o be_v true_a in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o he_o be_v baptise_a and_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n matthew_n 3_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o have_v this_o voice_n of_o god_n the_o father_n pronounce_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o be_v his_o wellbeloved_n son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v then_o present_o follow_v this_o that_o he_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n matthew_n 4.1_o luke_n 4.1_o be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o luke_n say_v so_o likewise_o when_o god_n have_v testify_v of_o job_n that_o he_o be_v a_o upright_o and_o just_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a job_n 1.8_o then_o satan_n take_v occasion_n thereby_o to_o tempt_v he_o as_o in_o all_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o that_o book_n we_o may_v plain_o see_v wherein_o be_v set_v down_o most_o wonderful_a temptation_n and_o trial_n whereby_o he_o be_v prove_v so_o jacob_n must_v wrestle_v with_o the_o angel_n genesis_n 32.24.28_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n overcome_v god_n himself_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a prerogative_n to_o prevail_v with_o the_o lord_n but_o yet_o he_o must_v prevail_v with_o his_o foil_n verse_n 31_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o ever_o after_o draw_v one_o of_o his_o leg_n after_o he_o even_o to_o his_o die_a day_n saint_n paul_n be_v rapt_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n into_o paradise_n and_o hear_v word_n which_o can_v be_v speak_v yea_o which_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o utter_v yet_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v out_o of_o measure_n through_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o a_o prick_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o 2._o corinthian_n 12._o verse_n 7_o god_n will_v honour_v he_o with_o revelation_n but_o yet_o satan_n shall_v have_v leave_n to_o buffet_v and_o beat_v he_o as_o it_o be_v black_a and_o blue_a in_o all_o which_o we_o may_v see_v that_o to_o who_o god_n vouchsafe_v a_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o they_o he_o appoint_v singular_a trial_n and_o temptation_n above_o other_o man_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o god_n grace_n do_v better_o appear_v in_o temptation_n then_o out_o of_o they_o as_o gold_n be_v best_a try_v in_o the_o fire_n and_o thereby_o prove_v most_o pure_a and_o perfect_a second_o temptation_n serve_v to_o abase_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o down_o in_o his_o own_o conceit_n that_o he_o be_v not_o proud_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o he_o or_o puff_v up_o with_o conceit_n that_o there_o be_v more_o in_o he_o than_o indeed_o there_o be_v this_o we_o see_v in_o paul_n example_n he_o be_v buffet_v of_o satan_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v with_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n we_o may_v see_v a_o type_n hereof_o in_o worldly_a affair_n the_o best_a ship_n that_o float_v on_o the_o sea_n when_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o most_o precious_a jewel_n be_v ballace_v with_o gravel_n or_o sand_n to_o make_v it_o sink_v into_o the_o water_n and_o so_o sail_v more_o sure_o least_o float_v too_o high_a it_o shall_v be_v unstable_a even_o so_o deal_v the_o lord_n with_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o good_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n then_o do_v he_o also_o lay_v temptation_n upon_o they_o to_o humble_v they_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v puff_v up_o in_o themselves_o the_o second_o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o temptation_n be_v the_o greatness_n thereof_o it_o be_v the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v for_o aught_o we_o read_v of_o that_o god_n shall_v command_v he_o to_o kill_v his_o own_o son_n for_o if_o god_n have_v tell_v abraham_n that_o his_o son_n isaac_n must_v have_v die_v it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o grievous_a and_o sorrowful_a news_n unto_o he_o and_o yet_o more_o grievous_a if_o he_o have_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v die_v a_o bloody_a death_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v most_o grievous_a of_o all_o that_o abraham_n himself_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n shall_v sacrifice_v his_o own_o son_n nay_o his_o only_a son_n and_o that_o which_o be_v more_o he_o must_v kill_v his_o only_a child_n in_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v that_o in_o he_o shall_v his_o seed_n be_v call_v this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a wound_n unto_o his_o heart_n and_o yet_o to_o augment_v his_o grief_n he_o must_v not_o do_v it_o present_o nor_o where_o he_o will_v but_o go_v three_o day_n journey_n in_o the_o wilderness_n during_o which_o time_n satan_n undoubted_o wrought_v mighty_o upon_o his_o natural_a affection_n to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o obedience_n which_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o be_v far_o more_o grievous_a unto_o his_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o greevousnesse_n of_o this_o temptation_n we_o may_v learn_v this_o lesson_n that_o god_n in_o tempt_v a_o man_n do_v sometime_o proceed_v thus_o far_o not_o only_o to_o cross_v his_o sin_n and_o corruption_n but_o even_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o nothing_o in_o regard_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o natural_a affection_n for_o this_o commandment_n abraham_n kill_v thy_o son_n may_v have_v make_v abraham_n if_o he_o have_v consult_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n even_o distract_v in_o himself_o and_o without_o reason_n not_o know_v which_o way_n to_o turn_v himself_o and_o according_o let_v all_o god_n child_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v the_o great_a grace_n look_v for_o such_o temptation_n as_o shall_v lay_v their_o humane_a reason_n sâ—at_a upon_o the_o ground_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o point_n even_o utter_o to_o deny_v themselves_o the_o three_o circumstance_n in_o this_o temptation_n be_v this_o what_o abraham_n do_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o faith_n he_o offer_v up_o isaac_n be_v tempt_v abraham_n be_v thus_o tempt_v whether_o he_o will_v obey_v god_n commandment_n or_o not_o obey_v god_n in_o offer_v up_o his_o soon_o and_o yet_o lay_v hold_v upon_o god_n promise_v make_v in_o he_o for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o abraham_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o blessing_n in_o isaac_n and_o be_v now_o command_v to_o kill_v isaac_n he_o do_v not_o now_o cast_v off_o his_o hope_n and_o desperate_o think_v it_o can_v not_o be_v perform_v if_o this_o commandment_n be_v obey_v but_o by_o the_o great_a power_n of_o faith_n he_o both_o obey_v the_o commandment_n and_o yet_o still_o believe_v the_o promise_n for_o so_o say_v the_o text_n by_o faith_n he_o offer_v up_o isaac_n therefore_o in_o the_o very_a action_n of_o kill_a isaac_n he_o believe_v the_o promise_n that_o isaac_n shall_v live_v and_o this_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v with_o his_o own_o voice_n bid_v a_o man_n kill_v his_o son_n it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v be_v find_v that_o will_v do_v it_o but_o to_o do_v it_o and_o still_o to_o believe_v a_o contrary_a promise_n make_v before_o betoken_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o admirable_a faith_n in_o this_o circumstance_n we_o may_v learn_v a_o good_a instruction_n to_o wit_n in_o all_o temptation_n that_o befall_v we_o still_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n though_o in_o the_o devil_n purpose_n they_o tend_v to_o the_o loosen_a of_o our_o hold_n and_o in_o all_o common_a reason_n we_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o let_v they_o go_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o must_v never_o let_v go_v but_o still_o hold_v the_o promise_n fast_o and_o rather_o let_v go_v all_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n than_o god_n promise_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o true_a faith_n but_o even_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n for_o example_n god_n promise_n be_v joh._n 3.16_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v
therefore_o she_o come_v to_o the_o spy_n who_o she_o have_v receive_v and_o hide_v upon_o the_o roof_n of_o her_o house_n &_o there_o confess_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n in_o heaven_n above_o 11._o and_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o here_o we_o may_v note_v that_o when_o ordinary_a mean_n fail_v for_o the_o beginning_n and_o increase_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n then_o god_n can_v work_v faith_n extraordinary_o even_o by_o report_n and_o rumour_n for_o thus_o rahab_n and_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a come_v to_o believe_v we_o say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o it_o be_v no_o true_a church_n and_o that_o their_o religion_n can_v save_v a_o man_n hereupon_o many_o that_o savour_v that_o way_n reply_n and_o say_v will_v you_o therefore_o condemn_v all_o your_o forefather_n that_o live_v and_o die_v in_o time_n of_o popery_n we_o answer_v no_o we_o dare_v not_o give_v such_o censure_n upon_o they_o but_o rather_o judge_v charitable_o of_o they_o yea_o we_o have_v great_a hope_n that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v save_v for_o though_o they_o want_v preach_v &_o read_v yet_o god_n may_v work_v faith_n in_o they_o extraordinary_o and_o bless_v even_o good_a report_n and_o speech_n unto_o they_o with_o the_o read_n of_o other_o godly_a book_n beside_o god_n word_n which_o some_o of_o they_o have_v we_o need_v not_o then_o give_v so_o hard_a a_o censure_n of_o they_o because_o god_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o ordinary_a mean_n but_o can_v save_v extraordinary_o when_o mean_n fail_v further_o concern_v rahabs_n faith_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v whether_o it_o be_v weak_a or_o strong_a because_o before_o she_o have_v do_v this_o fact_n of_o faith_n her_o whole_a abode_n be_v among_o the_o heathen_a answ._n we_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n a_o certain_a seed_n or_o beginning_n or_o preparation_n to_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v honour_n with_o the_o title_n of_o a_o true_a &_o lively_a faith_n as_o when_o a_o man_n know_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n have_v withal_o a_o care_n and_o conscience_n to_o profit_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o join_v practice_n therewith_o in_o his_o life_n and_o calling_n example_n hereof_o we_o have_v many_o in_o god_n word_n a_o certain_a ruler_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o beseech_v he_o to_o go_v down_o &_o heal_v his_o son_n joh._n 4.49_o 50._o etc._n etc._n jesus_n but_o say_v unto_o he_o go_v thy_o way_n thy_o son_n live_v and_o the_o ruler_n believe_v the_o word_n that_o jesus_n speak_v unto_o he_o and_o his_o son_n live_v now_o inquire_v of_o the_o hour_n and_o find_v it_o to_o be_v the_o same_o time_n when_o jesus_n say_v thy_o son_n live_v the_o text_n say_v he_o believe_v and_o all_o his_o household_n now_o what_o be_v this_o man_n faith_n sure_o he_o only_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o withal_o resign_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n to_o be_v instruct_v further_o therein_o and_o though_o they_o know_v nothing_o particular_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o saviour_n yet_o for_o this_o willingness_n in_o embrace_v christ_n and_o readiness_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v they_o do_v believe_v so_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n vers_fw-la 29_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n be_v convict_v in_o her_o conscience_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o christ_n tell_v she_o run_v into_o the_o town_n and_o say_v come_v see_v a_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v i_o all_o thing_n that_o ever_o i_o do_v be_v not_o he_o the_o christ_n then_o the_o text_n say_v many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n believe_v because_o of_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n now_o what_o faith_n have_v these_o samaritan_n sure_o they_o do_v only_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v further_o instruct_v in_o his_o doctrine_n which_o they_o testify_v by_o go_v to_o hear_v he_o in_o their_o own_o person_n so_o likewise_o christ_n give_v a_o notable_a testimony_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o apostle_n faith_n math._n 16.17_o 18_o in_o the_o person_n of_o peter_n say_v thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n that_o be_v upon_o this_o your_o faith_n which_o thou_o confess_v will_n i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o main_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o a_o little_a after_o when_o christ_n tell_v they_o of_o his_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o his_o passion_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o they_o and_o all_o the_o elect_a peter_n persuade_v he_o to_o the_o contrary_a say_v master_n spare_v thyself_o these_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v unto_o thou_o whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o peter_n do_v not_o know_v how_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o saviour_n neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n particular_o know_v christ_n his_o resurrection_n till_o he_o be_v rise_v again_o yea_o at_o the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o ascension_n they_o know_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o therefore_o they_o ask_v he_o lord_n will_v thou_o now_o restore_v the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n act_n 1.6_o dream_v still_o of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n for_o which_o christ_n rebuke_n they_o and_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o want_n christ_n say_v they_o have_v true_a faith_n yea_o such_o faith_n as_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o this_o then_o be_v a_o most_o comfortable_a truth_n that_o if_o a_o man_n in_o the_o want_n of_o mean_n of_o further_a knowledge_n do_v hold_v christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o yield_v himself_o willing_a to_o learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o withal_o join_v obedience_n to_o his_o knowledge_n the_o lord_n be_v willing_a for_o a_o time_n to_o accept_v of_o this_o as_o of_o true_a faith_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o rahabs_n faith_n her_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o weak_a faith_n or_o rather_o the_o seed_n and_o beginning_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n afterward_o for_o as_o we_o may_v read_v all_o that_o she_o know_v be_v this_o that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v certain_o deliver_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n into_o the_o israelite_n hand_n 2.11_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a persuasion_n wrought_v by_o a_o report_n and_o according_o she_o join_v herself_o to_o god_n people_n and_o resign_v herself_o to_o obey_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n but_o whether_o she_o know_v the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o here_o set_v down_o and_o it_o be_v very_o like_a that_o as_o yet_o she_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o it_o for_o here_o be_v all_o thing_n set_v down_o that_o tend_v to_o her_o commendation_n so_o that_o her_o faith_n be_v very_o weak_a and_o only_o the_o seed_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o yet_o here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v commend_v she_o for_o her_o faith_n among_o the_o most_o renown_a believer_n that_o ever_o be_v hence_o we_o may_v learn_v many_o good_a instruction_n first_o that_o god_n make_v much_o account_n of_o a_o little_a grace_n if_o he_o see_v in_o a_o man_n but_o the_o seed_n of_o grace_n he_o do_v high_o esteem_v thereof_o when_o the_o young_a man_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o ask_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v 10.17_o christ_n tell_v he_o he_o must_v keep_v the_o commandment_n the_o young_a man_n answer_v that_o he_o have_v keep_v they_o from_o his_o youth_n at_o which_o answer_n it_o be_v say_v christ_n look_v upon_o he_o and_o love_v he_o this_o he_o he_o do_v for_o the_o show_n of_o grace_n which_o appear_v in_o his_o answer_n much_o more_o than_o will_v he_o like_v of_o that_o which_o be_v true_a grace_n indeed_o so_o likewise_o christ_n reason_v with_o the_o scribe_n concern_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o perceive_v that_o he_o have_v answer_v discreet_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o thou_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mark_v 12.34_o show_v hereby_o how_o deep_o he_o tender_v the_o spark_n and_o seed_n of_o true_a grace_n nay_o he_o make_v much_o of_o a_o very_a show_n of_o grace_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o if_o god_n have_v give_v to_o any_o of_o we_o but_o one_o spark_n of_o true_a grace_n how_o ought_v we_o to_o tender_v it_o and_o cherish_v it_o and_o to_o rejoice_v therein_o with_o all_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o it_o yea_o we_o must_v seek_v to_o increase_v the_o same_o for_o according_a to_o our_o grace_n be_v our_o acceptance_n and_o respect_n with_o god_n in_o christ._n second_o whereas_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