in_o the_o judgement_n and_o the_o mercy_n hitherto_o of_o the_o first_o effect_n it_o follow_v prepare_v the_o ark_n the_o 2._o effect_n of_o noah_n faith_n whereby_o it_o be_v commend_v be_v that_o he_o upon_o a_o commandment_n receive_v from_o god_n as_o we_o hear_v before_o do_v make_v &_o build_v a_o ark_n wherein_o to_o save_v himself_o &_o his_o family_n concern_v this_o ark_n much_o may_v be_v speak_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o gen_n but_o it_o be_v not_o to_o our_o purpose_n which_o be_v no_o more_o in_o this_o chapter_n but_o to_o show_v the_o obedience_n and_o practice_n of_o faith_n and_o therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o now_o the_o point_n here_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n nor_o the_o measure_n nor_o the_o proportion_n nor_o the_o fashion_n nor_o the_o use_n of_o the_o ark_n all_o which_o in_o the_o 6._o chapter_n of_o genesis_n be_v full_o describe_v but_o the_o action_n and_o obedience_n of_o noah_n in_o prepare_v it_o as_o god_n bid_v he_o whereof_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o genesis_n 6.22_o say_v noah_n do_v according_a to_o all_o that_o god_n have_v command_v he_o even_o so_o do_v he_o now_o in_o this_o action_n of_o noah_n faith_n diverse_a point_n of_o great_a moment_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o why_o do_v god_n bid_v noah_n make_v a_o ark_n 120._o year_n before_o the_o flood_n when_o he_o may_v have_v build_v it_o in_o three_o or_o four_o year_n the_o answer_n be_v god_n do_v so_o for_o diverse_a cause_n some_o respect_v the_o sinful_a world_n as_o that_o they_o may_v have_v long_a time_n and_o more_o warning_n to_o repent_v every_o stroke_n of_o the_o ark_n during_o these_o 120._o year_n be_v a_o loud_a sermon_n of_o repentance_n unto_o they_o again_o that_o they_o may_v be_v without_o excuse_n if_o they_o amend_v not_o and_o last_o that_o their_o iniquity_n may_v be_v full_a and_o their_o sin_n ripe_a for_o vengeance_n but_o of_o all_o these_o we_o will_v not_o speak_v because_o they_o concern_v not_o noah_n of_o who_o faith_n we_o be_v only_o to_o speak_v let_v we_o therefore_o touch_v only_o those_o cause_n which_o concern_v noah_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o he_o the_o lord_n do_v thus_o that_o he_o may_v try_v his_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o exercise_v other_o grace_n of_o holiness_n in_o he_o thus_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o servant_n always_o he_o exercise_v they_o many_o and_o strange_a way_n in_o this_o world_n he_o lead_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o desert_n of_o arabia_n forty_o year_n whereas_o a_o man_n may_v travel_v from_o rameses_n in_o egypt_n to_o any_o part_n of_o canaan_n in_o forty_o day_n and_o this_o god_n do_v to_o humble_v they_o and_o try_v they_o and_o to_o know_v what_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n deut._n 8.2_o god_n promise_v abraham_n a_o son_n in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v gen._n 12.3_o but_o he_o perform_v it_o not_o of_o 30._o year_n after_o gen._n 21.2_o he_o give_v david_n the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n and_o anoint_v he_o by_o samuel_n 1._o sam._n 16.13_o but_o he_o attain_v it_o not_o of_o many_o year_n after_o &_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v persecute_v and_o hunt_v by_o saul_n as_o a_o flea_n in_o a_o man_n bosom_n or_o as_o a_o partridge_n in_o the_o mountain_n 1._o sam._n 24.15_o and_o 26.20_o and_o thus_o god_n exercise_v he_o both_o in_o that_o and_o other_o his_o promise_n as_o he_o say_v psal._n 40.1_o in_o wait_v i_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n and_o psal._n 119.82_o my_o eye_n fail_v for_o wait_v for_o thy_o promise_n o_o when_o will_v thou_o comfort_v i_o thus_o god_n deal_v with_o they_o and_o thus_o in_o some_o measure_n he_o deal_v with_o all_o his_o child_n to_o humble_a and_o to_o try_v they_o and_o to_o know_v what_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o that_o in_o these_o case_n man_n do_v always_o show_v themselves_o and_o their_o disposition_n when_o man_n enjoy_v all_o thing_n at_o their_o will_n and_o wish_v who_o can_v make_v a_o fair_a profession_n but_o where_o man_n be_v long_o defer_v and_o keep_v from_o that_o be_v promise_v and_o they_o expect_v and_o be_v so_o long_o cross_v in_o their_o expectation_n than_o they_o appear_v in_o their_o own_o colour_n and_o as_o god_n deal_v with_o they_o so_o will_v he_o one_o way_n or_o other_o do_v with_o we_o if_o we_o be_v his_o servant_n he_o will_v at_o some_o time_n of_o our_o life_n or_o other_o lay_v some_o such_o affliction_n upon_o we_o as_o may_v try_v we_o and_o our_o faith_n and_o our_o patience_n and_o our_o humility_n for_o if_o we_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n but_o only_o a_o show_n this_o will_v discover_v it_o and_o if_o we_o have_v true_a and_o sound_a faith_n and_o patience_n this_o will_v make_v they_o shine_v like_o orient_a pearl_n in_o their_o true_a and_o perfect_a beauty_n second_o as_o god_n bid_v noah_n build_v a_o ark_n so_o long_a time_n before_o any_o need_n of_o it_o so_o he_o do_v without_o deny_v or_o gainsay_v so_o say_v the_o story_n in_o genesis_n he_o do_v according_a to_o all_o that_o god_n command_v he_o and_o thus_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v here_o he_o be_v warn_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n prepare_v the_o ark_n where_o we_o learn_v that_o where_o true_a faith_n be_v there_o follow_v true_a obedience_n to_o every_o commandment_n of_o god_n insomuch_o as_o a_o godly_a believe_a man_n no_o soon_o hear_v any_o duty_n to_o be_v command_v of_o god_n but_o he_o think_v his_o soul_n and_o conscience_n be_v tie_v to_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o as_o it_o be_v for_o fire_n have_v fuel_n not_o to_o burn_v act_n 15.9_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n namely_o from_o careless_a disobedience_n to_o god_n word_n for_o if_o from_o any_o corruption_n at_o all_o then_o from_o it_o especial_o because_o it_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o the_o pureness_n of_o true_a faith_n this_o be_v so_o show_v we_o not_o any_o fault_n in_o our_o religion_n as_o the_o papist_n slander_v we_o but_o the_o want_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o want_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v almost_o no_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n for_o first_o turk_n &_o jew_n acknowledge_v not_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o papist_n have_v set_v aside_o god_n commandment_n to_o set_v up_o their_o own_o and_o few_o protestant_n have_v the_o feel_n of_o the_o power_n of_o true_a religion_n &_o nothing_o indeed_o but_o a_o bare_a profession_n but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o feel_n of_o the_o power_n of_o it_o which_o produce_v due_a obedience_n and_o alas_o we_o see_v man_n obey_v not_o god_n commandment_n god_n say_v 4._o swear_v not_o by_o my_o name_n vain_o keep_v my_o sabbath_n where_o be_v there_o a_o man_n of_o many_o that_o fear_v to_o break_v these_o alas_o there_o be_v more_o mocker_n of_o such_o as_o will_v keep_v they_o then_o careful_a and_o conscionable_a keeper_n of_o they_o how_o true_o say_v christ_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v likely_a therefore_o these_o be_v the_o day_n wherein_o we_o may_v wait_v for_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o general_a want_n of_o obedience_n show_v the_o general_a want_n of_o faith_n but_o this_o obedience_n of_o noah_n be_v better_a to_o be_v consider_v of_o for_o it_o be_v very_o excellent_a &_o extraordinary_a there_o be_v many_o hindrance_n that_o may_v have_v stop_v he_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o have_v persuade_v he_o never_o to_o have_v go_v about_o the_o make_n of_o the_o ark_n as_o first_o the_o great_a quantity_n of_o the_o ark_n amount_v to_o many_o thousand_o cubit_n a_o work_n of_o huge_a labour_n &_o great_a charge_n again_o the_o length_n of_o his_o labour_n to_o last_v 120._o year_n it_o be_v a_o tedious_a thing_n and_o troublesome_a to_o man_n nature_n to_o be_v ever_o in_o do_v and_o never_o to_o have_v do_v three_o the_o build_n of_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o much_o mockery_n to_o the_o world_n for_o it_o signify_v 1._o the_o destroy_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n 2._o the_o save_n of_o he_o and_o he_o these_o thing_n be_v taunt_v at_o by_o the_o worldly_a wise_a man_n of_o that_o sinful_a age_n and_o he_o be_v loud_o laugh_v at_o by_o many_o a_o man_n to_o think_v all_o the_o world_n shall_v perish_v but_o much_o more_o if_o all_o perish_a to_o imagine_v that_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v last_o the_o build_n of_o the_o ark_n be_v a_o harsh_a thing_n to_o nature_n and_o natural_a reason_n in_o many_o respect_n for_o first_o that_o all_o the_o
yet_o never_o be_v save_v unless_o therewithal_o we_o have_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v unto_o we_o and_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o seal_v in_o our_o conscience_n by_o god_n holy_a spirit_n again_o consider_v who_o speak_v these_o word_n but_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v we_o shall_v find_v in_o genesis_n 21.12_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o let_v it_o not_o say_v god_n unto_o abraham_n be_v grievous_a in_o thy_o sight_n for_o the_o child_n and_o for_o the_o bondwoman_n in_o all_o that_o sarah_n shall_v say_v unto_o thou_o hear_v her_o voice_n which_o be_v to_o cast_v out_o the_o bondwoman_n and_o her_o son_n ishmael_n for_o say_v god_n in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v here_o observe_v a_o notable_a practice_n of_o abraham_n as_o a_o good_a direction_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n submit_v themselves_o outward_o to_o the_o ministry_n and_o regiment_n thereof_o abraham_n here_o have_v two_o son_n isaac_n and_o ishmael_n he_o circumcise_v they_o both_o and_o instruct_v they_o both_o for_o he_o teach_v all_o his_o household_n to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o fear_v and_o obey_v he_o gen._n 18.19_o he_o judge_v they_o both_o to_o be_v in_o one_o state_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n covenant_n though_o they_o be_v not_o but_o that_o difference_n be_v make_v by_o god_n abraham_n do_v not_o on_o his_o own_o head_n and_o by_o his_o own_o will_n put_v ishmael_n out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o his_o family_n but_o god_n bid_v he_o put_v he_o out_o and_o then_o he_o put_v he_o out_o and_o not_o before_o till_o such_o time_n he_o keep_v he_o in_o and_o hold_v he_o to_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n be_v even_o so_o must_v we_o deal_v towards_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n secret_a judgement_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n and_o till_o god_n manifest_v the_o contrary_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n we_o must_v hold_v they_o all_o elect_v this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o saint_n paul_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o corinth_n 1._o corinth_n 1.2_o he_o call_v they_o all_o sanctify_a and_o to_o the_o galatian_n gal._n 1.2_o he_o call_v they_o all_o elect_v speak_v so_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n although_o he_o know_v that_o among_o they_o there_o be_v many_o profane_a and_o wicked_a man_n and_o though_o he_o reprove_v many_o great_a error_n and_o heinous_a sin_n among_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o argument_n whereby_o abraham_n faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o namely_o the_o great_a impediment_n which_o may_v hinder_v the_o same_o now_o follow_v the_o second_o argument_n or_o reason_n whereby_o his_o faith_n be_v commend_v to_o wit_n abraham_n victory_n over_o these_o impediment_n or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o overcome_v they_o and_o induce_v himself_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o these_o word_n verse_n 19_o for_o he_o consider_v or_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n that_o make_v abraham_n to_o offer_v his_o son_n and_o yet_o believe_v the_o promise_n that_o in_o he_o his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o abraham_n have_v rather_o have_v die_v himself_o if_o it_o may_v have_v stand_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o to_o have_v sacrifice_v his_o son_n how_o then_o do_v he_o induce_v himself_o to_o offer_v he_o up_o ans._n by_o this_o which_o be_v here_o set_v down_o he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v diverse_a point_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o we_o first_o observe_v the_o text_n say_v not_o that_o abraham_n murmur_v or_o reason_v against_o god_n but_o reason_v with_o himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o his_o son_n again_o and_o thereby_o induce_v himself_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n unto_o god_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o when_o god_n lay_v upon_o we_o any_o hard_a commandment_n we_o must_v not_o plead_v the_o case_n with_o god_n or_o murmur_v against_o he_o but_o with_o all_o quietness_n and_o meekness_n obey_v this_o be_v a_o notable_a grace_n of_o god_n commend_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n himself_o in_o rest_n and_o quietness_n say_v god_n isaiah_n 30.15_o shall_v be_v your_o strength_n in_o quietness_n and_o confidence_n shall_v you_o be_v save_v many_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o endure_v or_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o god_n impose_v on_o his_o child_n but_o our_o spiritual_a strength_n stand_v in_o these_o two_o in_o silence_n or_o rest_n and_o in_o quietness_n by_o these_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v when_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n the_o son_n of_o aaron_n offer_v strange_a fire_n before_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v there_o go_v out_o a_o fire_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o devour_v they_o so_o they_o die_v before_o the_o lord_n 10.1.2_o now_o when_o aaron_n their_o father_n ask_v moses_n a_o cause_n hereof_o moses_n say_v it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n speak_v he_o will_v be_v glorify_v in_o all_o that_o come_v near_o he_o which_o when_o aaron_n hear_v the_o text_n say_v he_o heide_v his_o peace_n and_o say_v not_o a_o word_n so_o david_n behave_v himself_o in_o the_o case_n of_o distress_n i_o hold_v my_o peace_n and_o say_v nothing_o because_o thou_o lord_n do_v it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o special_a point_n for_o we_o to_o learn_v and_o practice_n we_o must_v not_o grudge_v or_o repine_v at_o god_n hard_a commandment_n nor_o plead_v the_o case_n with_o he_o but_o in_o all_o quietness_n and_o silence_n obey_v god_n in_o all_o that_o he_o say_v unto_o us._n again_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o abraham_n reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a etc._n etc._n here_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n that_o believe_v to_o have_v good_a knowledge_n in_o god_n word_n that_o when_o a_o temptation_n come_v against_o his_o faith_n by_o knowledge_n and_o reason_v out_o of_o god_n word_n he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o put_v back_o the_o same_o for_o all_o our_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n so_o do_v abraham_n in_o this_o place_n against_o this_o strong_a temptation_n reason_n out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o stay_v himself_o so_o that_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o therefore_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v erroneous_a and_o here_o condemn_v which_o say_v that_o if_o a_o man_n become_v devout_a &_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v though_o he_o know_v not_o what_o the_o church_n believe_v yet_o this_o faith_n will_v save_v he_o but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a device_n of_o their_o own_o and_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o we_o see_v here_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n be_v necessary_a for_o he_o that_o have_v true_a save_v faith_n but_o what_o be_v abraham_n argument_n whereby_o he_o move_v himself_o to_o obey_v god_n sure_o this_o he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a one_o part_n of_o his_o reason_n he_o take_v for_o grant_v which_o here_o he_o conceal_v for_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o he_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v now_o this_o he_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o god_n will_v never_o change_v his_o promise_n from_o whence_o he_o reason_v thus_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n my_o son_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v sacrifice_v my_o son_n according_a to_o his_o commandment_n for_o this_o i_o know_v certain_o that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v my_o seed_n be_v call_v see_v god_n have_v promise_v that_o as_o well_o as_o he_o command_v this_o other_o in_o this_o example_n we_o see_v a_o mean_n set_v down_o unto_o we_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o hard_a and_o difficult_a case_n impose_v by_o god_n which_o be_v a_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v careful_o of_o every_o one_o of_o us._n for_o say_v that_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o touch_v in_o conscience_n for_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o even_o despair_v of_o our_o own_o salvation_n what_o must_v we_o do_v in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v take_v abraham_n course_n and_o dispute_v with_o ourselves_o for_o ourselves_o &_o we_o must_v draw_v our_o argument_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n we_o must_v join_v the_o promise_n and_o power_n of_o god_n together_o as_o for_o example_n thus_o we_o must_v say_v god_n have_v make_v this_o promise_n this_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o i_o do_v believe_v it_o
imprint_v it_o more_o deep_o in_o his_o heart_n lest_o at_o the_o first_o brunt_n he_o shall_v have_v obey_v and_o afterward_o have_v shrink_v back_o for_o it_o be_v doubtless_o that_o this_o call_n be_v harsh_a to_o reason_n and_o that_o abraham_n find_v many_o hindrance_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v dangerous_a he_o will_v have_v start_v back_o after_o some_o trial_n of_o these_o difficulty_n he_o must_v pass_v through_o if_o he_o have_v have_v but_o a_o bare_a call_n &_o commandment_n to_o go_v but_o when_o god_n say_v to_o he_o go_v out_o of_o thy_o native_a country_n let_v it_o not_o stay_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v bear_v there_o nor_o hinder_v thou_o that_o thy_o kindred_n dwell_v there_o but_o leave_v all_o and_o come_v with_o i_o forsake_v all_o and_o trust_v i_o follow_v i_o into_o the_o land_n that_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o i_o take_v thou_o from_o one_o but_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o another_o when_o god_n i_o say_v use_v all_o these_o and_o it_o may_v be_v many_o more_o like_a word_n to_o abraham_n its_o apparent_a he_o will_v have_v he_o furnish_v with_o strength_n and_o resolution_n to_o go_v through_o with_o his_o call_n after_o he_o have_v once_o make_v entrance_n into_o it_o out_o of_o which_o practice_n of_o god_n we_o learn_v this_o instruction_n that_o god_n will_v have_v no_o man_n enter_v upon_o any_o calling_n or_o duty_n with_o a_o fearful_a and_o faint_a heart_n nor_o with_o a_o doubtful_a mind_n but_o with_o a_o strong_a &_o settle_a resolution_n to_o go_v through_o stitch_n with_o it_o and_o not_o to_o relent_v and_o repent_v in_o the_o midst_n and_o for_o this_o end_n god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n afore_o they_o enter_v serious_o to_o consider_v the_o place_n or_o duty_n they_o be_v to_o undertake_v for_o the_o lord_n have_v rather_o a_o man_n shall_v refuse_v at_o first_o then_o have_v enter_v to_o look_v back_o again_o and_o it_o be_v great_a folly_n for_o man_n hasty_o and_o sudden_o or_o humorous_o to_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o any_o call_n and_o then_o upon_o trial_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o danger_n and_o difficulty_n thereof_o to_o be_v weary_a and_o wish_v they_o have_v never_o do_v it_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v general_o wise_a in_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n if_o a_o man_n be_v to_o build_v a_o house_n he_o will_v not_o forthwith_o set_v upon_o build_v such_o a_o house_n as_o his_o humour_n desire_v but_o will_v first_o of_o all_o sit_v down_o &_o count_v the_o cost_n &_o then_o his_o own_o ability_n to_o see_v if_o the_o one_o will_v countervail_v the_o other_o else_o he_o never_o begin_v it_o so_o say_v christ_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o like_a also_o he_o say_v for_o war_n that_o no_o prince_n will_v fight_v with_o his_o enemy_n on_o unequal_a term_n but_o will_v know_v himself_o able_a to_o sustain_v the_o encounter_n luke_n 14.28.31_o so_o the_o call_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n as_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o defend_v it_o the_o minister_n to_o teach_v it_o so_o all_o man_n to_o profess_v it_o now_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o build_v without_o cost_n or_o to_o fight_v without_o power_n of_o man_n as_o to_o profess_v christ_n in_o any_o call_n either_o general_a or_o particular_a without_o cross_n we_o must_v therefore_o consider_v first_o what_o our_o calling_n and_o profession_n will_v cost_v we_o it_o be_v sure_a to_o cost_v we_o a_o danger_n of_o our_o credit_n and_o estimation_n in_o the_o world_n it_o may_v be_v our_o good_n our_o liberty_n it_o may_v be_v our_o life_n themselves_o again_o what_o enemy_n we_o have_v to_o encounter_v in_o this_o spiritual_a warfare_n the_o devil_n death_n hell_n sin_n corruption_n and_o the_o crafty_a malice_n of_o wicked_a man_n all_o these_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v withal_o be_v it_o not_o then_o folly_n for_o a_o man_n to_o undertake_v this_o profession_n and_o not_o to_o consider_v thus_o much_o aforehand_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v cause_n why_o some_o put_v their_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n and_o after_o shrink_v away_o and_o make_v themselves_o ridiculous_a to_o their_o enemy_n corporal_a and_o spiritual_a and_o for_o particular_a calling_n the_o case_n even_o stand_v so_o also_o some_o man_n think_v the_o call_n of_o a_o magistrate_n a_o place_n of_o honour_n and_o therefore_o ambitious_o plot_n and_o desire_v to_o raise_v themselves_o into_o authority_n never_o remember_v the_o burden_n and_o trouble_v they_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v which_o when_o they_o feel_v to_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o their_o lazy_a shoulder_n to_o bear_v with_o ease_n they_o foul_o fall_v to_o plain_a carelessness_n and_o neglect_v all_o do_v good_a in_o their_o place_n and_o wish_v they_o have_v never_o buy_v honour_n so_o dear_a so_o other_o think_v the_o ministry_n nothing_o but_o a_o place_n of_o ease_n exemption_n and_o preferment_n and_o in_o these_o conceit_n rush_v presumptuous_o &_o rash_o into_o that_o holy_a state_n never_o think_v aforehand_o of_o that_o great_a charge_n of_o soul_n they_o be_v to_o take_v nor_o of_o that_o heavy_a account_n they_o be_v to_o make_v for_o they_o nor_o of_o the_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n and_o extreme_a disgrace_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v if_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n with_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o when_o upon_o experience_n they_o find_v it_o so_o to_o be_v they_o either_o fall_v to_o carnal_a course_n with_o the_o world_n and_o neglect_v their_o duty_n that_o by_o these_o two_o mean_n they_o may_v please_v the_o world_n or_o else_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o duty_n with_o much_o grief_n and_o vexation_n wish_v they_o have_v choose_v rather_o any_o call_n than_o the_o ministry_n and_o by_o either_o of_o both_o do_v expose_v themselves_o to_o shame_n and_o much_o rebuke_n whereas_o contrariwise_o he_o that_o aforehand_o cast_v his_o account_n what_o it_o will_v cost_v he_o to_o be_v a_o minister_n what_o he_o must_v undertake_v what_o he_o must_v lose_v what_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v be_v so_o settle_a and_o resolve_v aforehand_o as_o he_o go_v through_o all_o danger_n and_o contempt_n with_o comfort_n courage_n and_o contentment_n let_v we_o therefore_o all_o learn_v by_o this_o practice_n of_o god_n when_o we_o think_v to_o enter_v upon_o any_o such_o duty_n to_o reason_n with_o ourselves_o as_o god_n do_v with_o abraham_n what_o we_o be_v to_o forsake_v and_o what_o we_o be_v to_o meet_v withal_o so_o shall_v we_o not_o afterward_o repent_v we_o but_o go_v on_o with_o much_o assurance_n as_o abraham_n do_v this_o point_n i_o have_v the_o more_o enlarge_a because_o it_o be_v of_o special_a use_n in_o christian_a life_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o abraham_n faith_n god_n call_v and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n therein_o the_o second_o point_n be_v the_o excellency_n and_o commendation_n thereof_o commend_v by_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n it_o make_v he_o yield_v to_o this_o call_n of_o god_n and_o this_o obedience_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v speak_v of_o two_o way_n 1._o it_o be_v lay_v down_o general_o he_o obey_v god_n 2._o it_o be_v further_a commend_v by_o diverse_a particular_n which_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o their_o place_n obey_v god_n here_o be_v the_o obedience_n of_o abraham_n faith_n lay_v down_o in_o one_o general_a word_n he_o obey_v that_o be_v when_o god_n call_v he_o to_o leave_v his_o country_n kindred_n and_o friend_n he_o yield_v against_o reason_n because_o god_n bid_v he_o when_o god_n tell_v he_o he_o will_v carry_v he_o into_o another_o land_n he_o believe_v it_o and_o lest_o a_o certain_a for_o a_o uncertain_a a_o possession_n for_o a_o expectation_n here_o be_v the_o power_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o faith_n appear_v in_o this_o obedience_n from_o hence_o we_o learn_v two_o instruction_n first_o see_v abraham_n be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a rom._n 4.11_o and_o our_o glory_n be_v to_o be_v child_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n therefore_o we_o must_v all_o learn_v as_o good_a child_n to_o follow_v our_o father_n in_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o god_n calling_n when_o god_n call_v we_o to_o any_o state_n of_o life_n then_o to_o obey_v and_o when_o not_o god_n but_o the_o world_n or_o ouâ—_n own_o corrupt_a hâ—m_n we_o call_v we_o than_o not_o to_o obey_v for_o to_o obey_v the_o first_o be_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n but_o to_o obey_v the_o second_o be_v the_o obedience_n of_o corruption_n therefore_o against_o this_o practice_n of_o holy_a abraham_n two_o sort_n of_o man_n do_v offend_v and_o thereby_o show_v themselves_o child_n unlike_o their_o father_n abraham_n first_o such_o man_n as_o be_v call_v by_o god_n to_o some_o function_n or_o duty_n will_v not_o obey_v
do_v the_o gadaren_n there_o be_v set_v before_o they_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o their_o hog_n and_o cattle_n now_o they_o prefer_v their_o hog_n before_o christ_n a_o most_o miserable_a and_o senseless_a choice_n and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o ill_o with_o we_o there_o be_v set_v before_o we_o on_o the_o one_o side_n heaven_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n hell_n but_o man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n choose_v hell_n &_o forsake_v heaven_n civil_a worldly_a man_n who_o delight_n be_v all_o in_o riches_n they_o prefer_v earth_n before_o heaven_n the_o service_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o great_a slavery_n before_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v perfect_a freedom_n and_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o thus_o do_v all_o man_n without_o god_n special_a grace_n whereupon_o paul_n pray_v in_o his_o epistle_n for_o the_o church_n that_o god_n will_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n 1.10_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v and_o this_o wisdom_n we_o must_v labour_v for_o that_o when_o these_o different_a thing_n be_v set_v before_o we_o we_o may_v make_v a_o wise_a choice_n otherwise_o we_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v like_o brute_n beast_n without_o understanding_n &_o do_v quite_o overturn_v our_o own_o salvation_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n we_o have_v life_n and_o death_n good_a &_o evil_n set_v before_o we_o as_o moses_n say_v to_o the_o people_n deut._n 30.15_o 19_o let_v we_o therefore_o endeavour_n ourselves_o to_o choose_v life_n by_o embrace_v and_o obey_v the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o so_o shall_v we_o follow_v both_o his_o precept_n and_o practice_n to_o suffer_v adversity_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v what_o be_v the_o ordinary_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o god_n church_n and_o people_n in_o this_o world_n namely_o to_o be_v in_o affliction_n and_o under_o the_o cross_n hence_o paul_n say_v that_o we_o must_v come_v to_o heaven_n through_o manifold_a affliction_n act_n 14.23_o the_o lord_n know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o his_o servant_n and_o child_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v set_v down_o this_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n 2._o tim._n 3.12_o thus_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n for_o special_a cause_n for_o first_o all_o cross_n as_o loss_n of_o good_n friend_n liberty_n or_o good_a name_n they_o be_v mean_n to_o stir_v up_o and_o awake_v god_n people_n out_o of_o the_o slumber_a fit_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o godly_a be_v many_o time_n overtake_v this_o way_n the_o wise_a virgin_n sleep_v as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a now_o affliction_n rouse_v they_o out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o security_n see_v this_o in_o josephs_n brethren_n who_o go_v on_o a_o long_a time_n without_o any_o remorse_n for_o sell_v their_o brother_n but_o when_o they_o be_v stay_v in_o egypt_n than_o they_o be_v rouse_v up_o and_o can_v say_v genesis_n 42.21_o this_o trouble_n be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o sell_v our_o brother_n second_o affliction_n serve_v to_o humble_a god_n child_n leviticus_fw-la 26.41_o so_o the_o church_n of_o god_n speak_v i_o will_v bear_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o i_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o micah_n 7.9_o three_o they_o serve_v to_o wean_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o to_o drive_v they_o from_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n for_o if_o man_n may_v always_o live_v in_o ease_n they_o will_v make_v their_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n which_o may_v not_o be_v and_o herein_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n like_o a_o nurse_n when_o she_o will_v wean_v her_o child_n she_o lay_v some_o bitter_a thing_n upon_o the_o pap_n head_n to_o make_v the_o child_n to_o loathe_v the_o pap_n so_o the_o lord_n to_o draw_v our_o heart_n from_o the_o world_n and_o to_o cause_v we_o to_o love_n and_o seek_v after_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n he_o make_v we_o to_o taste_v of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o affliction_n in_o tâ—is_n world_n four_o affliction_n ferâ—e_v to_o make_v god_n child_n to_o go_v out_o of_o themselves_o to_o seek_v sincere_o unto_o god_n and_o to_o rely_v only_o upon_o he_o which_o in_o prosperity_n they_o will_v not_o do_v this_o paul_n confess_v of_o himself_o and_o other_o we_o say_v he_o receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n in_o ourselves_o because_o we_o shall_v not_o trust_v in_o ourselves_o but_o in_o god_n 2._o corinthian_n chapter_n 1._o verse_n 9_o so_o good_a king_n jehosaphat_n when_o he_o be_v compass_v of_o his_o enemy_n he_o cry_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v lord_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v but_o our_o eye_n be_v towards_o thou_o 2._o chronicle_n chapter_n 20._o verse_n 12._o yea_o the_o rebellious_a jew_n be_v hereby_o drive_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n who_o in_o prosperity_n they_o forsake_v as_o we_o may_v see_v at_o large_a psal._n 107.6.12.13.19_o last_o affliction_n serve_v to_o make_v manifest_a the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o his_o child_n the_o lord_n say_v job_n know_v my_o way_n and_o try_v i_o job_n 23.10_o deuteronomie_n 8.2_o remember_v all_o the_o way_n say_v moses_n to_o the_o israelite_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n lead_v thou_o this_o forty_o year_n for_o to_o prove_v thou_o and_o to_o know_v what_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n hence_o james_n call_v temptation_n the_o trial_n of_o faith_n james_n chapter_n 1._o verse_n 2.3_o and_o paul_n make_v patience_n the_o fruit_n of_o tribulation_n roman_n chapter_n 5._o verse_n 3._o for_o look_v as_o the_o shower_n in_o the_o spring_n time_n cause_v the_o bud_n to_o appear_v so_o do_v affliction_n make_v manifest_a god_n grace_n in_o his_o child_n patience_n hope_v and_o other_o virtue_n lie_v close_o in_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o day_n of_o peace_n but_o when_o tribulation_n come_v than_o they_o break_v forth_o and_o show_v themselves_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o a_o token_n of_o god_n wrath_n to_o suffer_v affliction_n if_o any_o man_n or_o people_n be_v lade_v with_o cross_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o as_o peter_n say_v judgement_n begin_v at_o god_n house_n 1._o peter_n chapter_n 4._o verse_n 17_o and_o any_o cross_n upon_o a_o people_n family_n or_o particular_a person_n if_o it_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o be_v a_o true_a sign_n they_o belong_v to_o god._n yea_o when_o man_n wander_v from_o god_n by_o a_o evil_a way_n these_o affliction_n be_v mean_n to_o call_v they_o home_o to_o god._n psalm_n 119.67_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o and_o they_o that_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o return_v to_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n be_v certain_o god_n people_n for_o the_o wicked_a man_n fret_v and_o murmure_v against_o god_n when_o a_o cross_n come_v and_o he_o can_v abide_v it_o but_o the_o godly_a man_n be_v humble_v thereby_o and_o it_o make_v he_o more_o obedient_a in_o all_o duty_n unto_o god_n this_o we_o shall_v consider_v for_o by_o a_o outward_a profession_n we_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n and_o therefore_o we_o come_v to_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o to_o learn_v how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o beseem_v his_o child_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v know_v to_o be_v god_n child_n indeed_o then_o when_o any_o of_o god_n judgement_n do_v befall_v we_o we_o must_v make_v this_o use_n of_o they_o namely_o labour_v thereby_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o bad_a way_n for_o ever_o afterward_o and_o then_o we_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v god_n child_n indeed_o but_o if_o under_o the_o cross_n or_o after_o the_o cross_n we_o be_v as_o dissolute_a as_o ever_o we_o be_v and_o still_o follow_v our_o old_a sin_n than_o we_o can_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v god_n people_n and_o child_n but_o rather_o a_o wicked_a and_o stubborn_a generation_n which_o the_o more_o they_o be_v correct_v the_o worse_o they_o be_v like_o a_o stithy_n the_o more_o it_o be_v beat_v the_o hard_a it_o be_v let_v we_o therefore_o by_o the_o use_n of_o god_n judgement_n show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v god_n child_n so_o shall_v we_o say_v with_o david_n with_o much_o joy_n and_o comfort_n it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o that_o we_o have_v be_v in_o trouble_n psal._n 119.71_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o moses_n choose_v now_o come_v we_o to_o the_o thing_n he_o refuse_v to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n by_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o riches_n and_o dignity_n that_o moses_n
private_a revenge_n and_o so_o it_o make_v nothing_o against_o lawful_a war_n for_o what_o though_o a_o private_a man_n may_v not_o revenge_v himself_o nor_o make_v war_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o a_o magistrate_n who_o bear_v the_o sword_n may_v lawful_o use_v it_o again_o it_o be_v frivolous_a to_o imagine_v that_o resist_v be_v only_o by_o a_o weapon_n for_o the_o chief_a resistance_n that_o god_n respect_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n and_o a_o private_a man_n may_v resist_v that_o be_v break_v this_o commandment_n by_o unlawful_a resistance_n though_o he_o carry_v no_o weapon_n and_o the_o public_a person_n break_v it_o not_o though_o he_o make_v war_n object_n 2._o second_o they_o object_n the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n say_v that_o then_o they_o shall_v turn_v their_o sword_n into_o scithe_n and_o their_o spear_n into_o mattock_n therefore_o say_v they_o there_o must_v be_v no_o war_n under_o the_o gospel_n ans._n that_o prophecy_n signify_v that_o in_o christ_n kingdom_n there_o must_v be_v great_a love_n and_o peace_n &_o wonderful_a concord_n among_o all_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n but_o here_o they_o take_v advantage_n &_o say_v if_o this_o be_v so_o what_o then_o need_v any_o war_n ans._n we_o must_v know_v that_o as_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o kingdom_n a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n and_o a_o politic_a so_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o peace_n spiritual_a and_o politic_a spiritual_a peace_n be_v inward_a in_o the_o church_n and_o politic_a peace_n be_v outward_a in_o the_o common_a wealth_n spiritual_a peace_n iâ—_n begin_v and_o preserve_v by_o spiritual_a mean_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n but_o war_n be_v a_o ordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o establish_n and_o preserve_v of_o politic_a peace_n second_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n people_n may_v make_v war_n not_o only_o by_o way_n of_o defence_n but_o also_o in_o assault_n upon_o their_o enemy_n &_o that_o according_a to_o god_n word_n for_o here_o it_o be_v say_v that_o gedeon_n samson_n david_n &_o the_o rest_n by_o faith_n subdue_v kingdom_n make_v war_n against_o they_o by_o way_n of_o assault_n and_o not_o in_o defence_n only_o indeed_o special_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v that_o offensive_a war_n in_o assault_v a_o enemy_n be_v make_v upon_o just_a &_o good_a ground_n one_o special_a ground_n or_o cause_n be_v here_o imply_v in_o this_o work_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n the_o recovery_n of_o just_a right_n in_o matter_n of_o importance_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o canaan_n be_v give_v to_o the_o israelite_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o they_o they_o make_v war_n by_o way_n of_o assault_n so_o when_o lot_n be_v take_v captive_n by_o kederlaom_a &_o the_o king_n of_o the_o nation_n 14._o abraham_n lot_n kinsman_n gather_v his_o servant_n together_o and_o pursue_v the_o king_n and_o overtake_v they_o destroy_v they_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o lot_n and_o his_o good_n other_o respect_n there_o be_v for_o which_o offensive_a war_n in_o assault_n may_v be_v make_v but_o because_o they_o be_v not_o here_o mention_v i_o will_v not_o propound_v they_o the_o second_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v this_o they_o wrought_v righteousness_n that_o be_v some_o of_o these_o man_n in_o their_o place_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v they_o give_v to_o every_o man_n his_o own_o this_o work_n of_o righteousness_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o give_v reward_n to_o such_o as_o deserve_v they_o second_o in_o inflict_v due_a punishment_n according_a to_o man_n desert_n in_o both_o these_o the_o man_n before_o name_v do_v all_o excellent_a but_o especial_o two_o of_o they_o david_n and_o samuel_n for_o david_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o see_v how_o righteous_a he_o be_v for_o when_o he_o be_v anoint_v king_n in_o saul_n steed_n and_o saul_n reject_v how_o do_v he_o behave_v himself_o towards_o saul_n do_v he_o seek_v saul_n blood_n no_o but_o when_o saul_n hunt_v he_o as_o the_o hunter_n do_v the_o partridge_n david_n even_o then_o give_v himself_o to_o study_v and_o practice_n righteousness_n yea_o when_o saul_n be_v fall_v into_o his_o hand_n both_o in_o the_o cave_n and_o asleep_a in_o the_o camp_n 1._o samuel_n chapter_n 24._o verse_n 5_o 6._o etc._n etc._n and_o chapter_n 26._o verse_n 7_o 8_o he_o will_v not_o touch_v he_o nor_o suffer_v other_o to_o do_v he_o hurt_v because_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n anoint_v yea_o so_o righteous_a be_v david_n towards_o saul_n that_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o for_o cut_v off_o but_o the_o lap_n of_o his_o coat_n therefore_o david_n be_v here_o commend_v especial_o for_o this_o effect_n of_o faith_n the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n to_o apply_v this_o unto_o our_o time_n if_o this_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n thus_o to_o work_v righteousness_n then_o what_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o the_o popish_a sort_n among_o we_o they_o pretend_v the_o ancient_a faith_n and_o none_o must_v be_v so_o good_a believer_n and_o catholic_n as_o they_o but_o how_o do_v they_o show_v this_o their_o faith_n be_v it_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o righteousness_n do_v they_o give_v to_o every_o one_o his_o due_n nay_o very_o but_o they_o set_v themselves_o to_o work_v the_o ruin_n of_o kingdom_n that_o join_v not_o with_o they_o in_o religion_n this_o witness_v their_o manifold_a &_o devilish_a plot_n against_o our_o state_n from_o time_n to_o time_n this_o do_v not_o david_n no_o not_o against_o saul_n though_o he_o be_v reject_v of_o god_n and_o also_o most_o unjust_o seek_v his_o death_n but_o they_o have_v many_o time_n seek_v the_o death_n of_o the_o lord_n anoint_v over_o we_o whereby_o they_o declare_v their_o state_n to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v no_o spark_n of_o true_a faith_n at_o all_o for_o true_a faith_n will_v make_v a_o man_n practice_n righteousness_n and_o innocence_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o they_o and_o all_o their_o adherent_n that_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n to_o allow_v such_o practice_n that_o they_o have_v none_o other_o but_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n which_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v true_a this_o the_o devil_n do_v with_o tremble_v and_o as_o their_o faith_n be_v devilish_a so_o be_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o namely_o treachery_n and_o falsehood_n such_o as_o the_o devil_n most_o approve_v but_o we_o must_v learn_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v especial_o commend_v by_o these_o fruit_n the_o study_n and_o practice_n of_o innocency_n and_o the_o maintain_n of_o peace_n in_o christian_a estate_n for_o true_a faith_n and_o treachery_n and_o contention_n will_v no_o more_o stand_v together_o than_o light_n and_o darkness_n second_o samuel_n also_o wrought_v righteousness_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o protestatio_fw-la before_o all_o israel_n when_o he_o give_v up_o his_o office_n of_o government_n over_o they_o unto_o saul_n 1._o sam._n 12.3_o behold_v say_v he_o here_o be_o i_o bear_v record_n of_o i_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o before_o his_o anointed_n who_o ox_n have_v i_o take_v or_o who_o ass_n have_v i_o take_v or_o who_o have_v i_o do_v wrong_n to_o or_o who_o have_v i_o hurt_v or_o of_o who_o hand_n have_v i_o receive_v any_o bribe_n to_o blind_v my_o eye_n therewith_o and_o i_o will_v restore_v it_o now_o as_o these_o two_o samuel_n and_o david_n be_v famous_a for_o this_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o work_a righteousness_n so_o likewise_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o prophet_n before_o name_v in_o their_o place_n careful_a of_o this_o virtue_n and_o do_v practise_v the_o same_o partly_o in_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o partly_o in_o punish_v the_o wicked_a but_o some_o will_v say_v to_o work_v righteousness_n can_v be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o very_a heathen_a which_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v do_v justice_n and_o be_v high_o commend_v by_o heathen_a writer_n for_o the_o same_o now_o that_o which_o the_o heathen_a can_v do_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o thus_o to_o be_v extol_v as_o a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n answer_n true_a it_o be_v the_o heathen_a have_v do_v many_o work_n of_o justice_n but_o we_o must_v wise_o consider_v that_o every_o just_a work_n be_v not_o a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n unless_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o righteous_a person_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o for_o his_o glory_n but_o in_o all_o these_o the_o heathen_a fail_v in_o their_o work_n for_o though_o the_o thing_n they_o do_v be_v good_a in_o themselves_o yet_o see_v the_o heathen_a be_v corrupt_a tree_n remain_v in_o the_o sinful_a state_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n their_o work_n
ourselves_o and_o to_o lay_v it_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o then_o no_o doubt_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o word_n of_o power_n able_a to_o reform_v both_o the_o misdemeanour_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o error_n of_o our_o mind_n now_o to_o the_o reason_n more_o particular_o we_o must_v be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n because_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n here_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o for_o their_o faith_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n and_o then_o to_o a_o cloud_n compass_v us._n last_o to_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n they_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n as_o i_o take_v it_o by_o allusion_n to_o the_o cloud_n which_o direct_v and_o lead_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o when_o they_o come_v from_o egypt_n and_o be_v 40._o year_n in_o the_o desert_n of_o arabia_n all_o that_o while_n they_o be_v direct_v by_o a_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n by_o day_n exod._n 13.21_o now_o look_v as_o this_o cloud_n guide_v the_o israelite_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n so_o do_v this_o company_n of_o famous_a believer_n direct_v all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o right_a way_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n to_o the_o spiritual_a canaan_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o these_o worthy_a believer_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n mark_v further_o they_o be_v call_v a_o cloud_n but_o what_o a_o cloud_n namely_o compass_v us._n a_o compass_v cloud_n they_o be_v call_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a company_n of_o believer_n so_o as_o which_o way_n soever_o a_o man_n turn_v he_o he_o shall_v see_v believer_n on_o every_o side_n and_o they_o be_v say_v to_o compass_v we_o because_o they_o give_v we_o direction_n in_o the_o course_n of_o christianity_n as_o the_o cloud_n do_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n now_o whereas_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v a_o cloud_n compass_v we_o here_o be_v answer_v a_o common_a objection_n of_o temporizer_n which_o argue_v thus_o against_o religion_n there_o be_v so_o many_o kind_n of_o religion_n now_o aday_n that_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v which_o to_o be_v of_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n till_o we_o be_v certify_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n this_o carnal_a reason_n be_v here_o answer_v for_o howsoever_o in_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v variety_n of_o opinion_n in_o god_n church_n yet_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n all_o agree_v in_o one_o for_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o world_n resemble_v a_o cloud_n that_o go_v before_o we_o show_v we_o the_o right_a way_n which_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n second_o in_o that_o these_o ancient_a believer_n be_v call_v a_o cloud_n compass_v we_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o as_o the_o israelites_n do_v follow_v the_o cloud_n in_o the_o wilderness_n from_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n to_o canaan_n so_o must_v we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o these_o ancient_a believe_a father_n &_o prophet_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o see_v how_o the_o israelite_n follow_v that_o cloud_n they_o never_o go_v till_o it_o go_v before_o they_o and_o when_o it_o stand_v still_o they_o stand_v still_o also_o though_o it_o be_v 2._o year_n together_o and_o when_o it_o begin_v to_o move_v they_o move_v with_o it_o so_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n must_v we_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o life_n the_o worthy_a example_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n 15.4_o we_o must_v therefore_o be_v follower_n of_o they_o in_o faith_n obedience_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v direct_v to_o life_n everlasting_a in_o the_o spiritual_a canaan_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o follow_v they_o absolute_o for_o all_o of_o they_o have_v their_o infirmity_n &_o some_o of_o they_o have_v their_o grievous_a fault_n whereby_o they_o be_v taint_v &_o their_o commendation_n somewhat_o blemish_v but_o we_o must_v follow_v they_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n &_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o cloud_n that_o guide_v the_o israelite_n have_v two_o part_n 14.20_o a_o light_a part_n &_o a_o dark_a the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n people_n have_v not_o the_o light_a part_n before_o they_o but_o the_o dark_a part_n &_o so_o follow_v that_o they_o rush_v into_o the_o red_a sea_n &_o be_v drown_v when_o as_o the_o israelite_n follow_v the_o light_a part_n go_v through_o in_o safety_n even_o so_o these_o believer_n have_v in_o they_o two_o thing_n their_o sin_n which_o be_v their_o dark_a part_n which_o if_o we_o follow_v we_o cast_v our_o soul_n into_o great_a danger_n &_o destruction_n and_o faith_n with_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v their_o light_a part_n which_o we_o must_v follow_v as_o our_o light_n which_o if_o we_o do_v careful_o it_o will_v bring_v we_o safe_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o paul_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n be_v follower_n of_o he_o yet_o not_o absolute_o in_o every_o thing_n but_o as_o he_o follow_v christ_n and_o so_o must_v we_o follow_v the_o father_n as_o they_o go_v on_o in_o faith_n in_o christ._n further_o they_o be_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n that_o be_v a_o huge_a multitude_n of_o witness_n and_o they_o be_v so_o call_v first_o because_o by_o their_o own_o blood_n they_o confirm_v the_o faith_n which_o they_o profess_v second_o because_o they_o do_v all_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o true_a religion_n whereof_o they_o be_v witness_n partly_o by_o speech_n and_o partly_o by_o action_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o so_o be_v every_o member_n of_o christ_n a_o witness_n as_o the_o lord_n often_o call_v the_o believe_a israelite_n 12_o his_o witness_n quest._n how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v that_o these_o believer_n shall_v be_v god_n witness_n answer_n sure_o because_o they_o testify_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o god_n holy_a religion_n both_o in_o word_n and_o action_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n now_o see_v these_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v christ_n witness_n first_o hereby_o all_o ignorant_a person_n must_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o get_v faith_n and_o to_o learn_v true_a religion_n if_o any_o thing_n will_v move_v a_o man_n to_o become_v religious_a this_o will_n for_o out_o of_o all_o the_o world_n god_n will_v choose_v faithful_a man_n to_o be_v his_o witness_n to_o testify_v of_o his_o religion_n unto_o other_o if_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o some_o worthy_a mighty_a prince_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o call_v he_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o his_o side_n he_o will_v be_v wonderful_a glad_a thereof_o and_o take_v it_o for_o a_o great_a honour_n to_o he_o how_o much_o more_o than_o ought_v we_o to_o labour_n for_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o true_a religion_n that_o we_o may_v become_v witness_n unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n if_o it_o be_v a_o dignity_n to_o be_v witness_n to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n oh_o then_o what_o a_o great_a prerogative_n be_v this_o for_o a_o silly_a sinful_a man_n to_o become_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n &_o who_o word_n need_v no_o confirmation_n this_o must_v make_v we_o all_o to_o labour_v for_o knowledge_n &_o for_o faith_n and_o for_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o we_o will_v remain_v still_o in_o our_o ignorance_n and_o never_o labour_v for_o knowledge_n then_o shall_v these_o servant_n of_o god_n that_o believe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n stand_v up_o and_o witness_v against_o we_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o they_o have_v not_o such_o mean_n as_o we_o have_v and_o yet_o they_o become_v most_o faithful_a witness_n second_o this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v careful_a that_o as_o in_o word_n we_o profess_v christ_n so_o indeed_o we_o may_v confess_v he_o express_v the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o us._n for_o by_o this_o true_a confession_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v make_v his_o witness_n but_o when_o we_o confess_v christ_n in_o word_n only_o and_o yet_o in_o life_n &_o practice_n deny_v he_o than_o we_o be_v unfaithful_a witness_n for_o we_o say_v &_o unsay_v in_o a_o earthly_a court_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v one_o while_o say_v one_o thing_n &_o another_o while_o another_o thing_n he_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v for_o a_o