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
corporal_a presence_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o have_v true_a faith_n for_o that_o make_v he_o present_a much_o more_o comfortable_o than_o it_o may_v be_v his_o bodily_a presence_n will_v be_v unto_o us._n if_o any_o man_n ask_v how_o this_o can_v be_v i_o answer_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o receiver_n know_v best_a and_o yet_o reason_n can_v say_v something_o in_o this_o case_n for_o suppose_v a_o man_n look_v earnest_o upon_o a_o star_n there_o be_v many_o thousand_o of_o mile_n betwixt_o his_o eye_n &_o the_o star_n yet_o the_o star_n and_o his_o eye_n be_v so_o unite_v together_o as_o that_o the_o star_n be_v after_o a_o sort_n present_a to_o his_o eye_n so_o if_o we_o regard_v local_a distance_n we_o be_v as_o far_o from_o christ_n as_o earth_n be_v from_o heaven_n but_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o reach_v itself_o to_o christ_n where_o ever_o he_o be_v in_o that_o regard_n christ_n be_v present_a and_o why_o shall_v not_o this_o be_v so_o for_o if_o the_o bodily_a eye_n so_o feeble_a and_o weak_a can_v reach_v so_o far_o as_o to_o a_o star_n and_o join_v it_o to_o itself_o and_o so_o make_v it_o present_a why_o shall_v not_o much_o more_o the_o pierce_a eye_n of_o the_o soul_n reach_v up_o to_o christ_n &_o make_v he_o present_v to_o the_o comfortable_a feel_n of_o itself_o three_o here_o we_o learn_v how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o a_o strange_a temptation_n whereby_o god_n use_v to_o exercise_v his_o child_n the_o lord_n after_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o child_n into_o his_o favour_n continue_v not_o always_o to_o manifest_v that_o favour_n unto_o they_o but_o often_o time_n pull_v back_o the_o feel_n of_o it_o for_o a_o time_n that_o afterward_o he_o may_v show_v it_o again_o in_o more_o comfortable_a manner_n unto_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v afterward_o more_o sensible_o feel_v it_o and_o more_o earnest_o love_v it_o and_o more_o careful_o labour_n to_o keep_v it_o when_o they_o have_v it_o now_o for_o the_o time_n of_o this_o eclipse_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n he_o not_o only_o darken_v his_o love_n but_o make_v they_o feel_v also_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o his_o wrath_n as_o that_o they_o will_v often_o think_v themselves_o castawaye_n from_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n david_n and_o joâ—_a be_v often_o exercise_v with_o this_o temptation_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o most_o lamentable_a &_o bitter_a complaint_n yea_o david_n doubt_v not_o psal._n 77.9_o to_o challenge_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o have_v forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a and_o have_v shut_v up_o his_o love_a kindness_n in_o displeasure_n and_o job_n chap._n 13.26_o complain_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o he_o and_o make_v he_o to_o possess_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n word_n as_o it_o may_v seem_v of_o man_n forsake_v of_o god_n and_o indeed_o so_o for_o that_o time_n they_o think_v of_o themselves_o if_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o so_o as_o we_o feel_v nothing_o else_o but_o his_o wrath_n wrestle_v with_o our_o conscience_n neither_o can_v think_v otherwise_o by_o present_a feel_n but_o that_o god_n have_v forsake_v we_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v in_o this_o pitiful_a case_n shall_v we_o despair_v as_o reason_n will_v bid_v we_o no_o but_o take_v this_o course_n call_v to_o mind_n god_n merciful_a promise_n and_o his_o ancient_a former_a love_n and_o cast_v thyself_o upon_o that_o love_n though_o thou_o can_v not_o feel_v it_o when_o thou_o have_v most_o cause_n to_o despair_n then_o labour_v against_o it_o when_o thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v then_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o power_n for_o remember_v the_o power_n &_o prerogative_n of_o thy_o faith_n it_o believe_v not_o thing_n that_o be_v &_o manifest_o appear_v so_o much_o as_o such_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o &_o have_v no_o be_v so_o then_o when_o god_n favour_n seem_v to_o be_v lose_v and_o to_o have_v no_o be_v to_o thou_o then_o be_v god_n favour_n a_o fit_a object_n for_o thy_o faith_n which_o believe_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o let_v all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n set_v themselves_o against_o thy_o poor_a soul_n and_o if_o thou_o hold_v fast_o this_o faith_n they_o can_v all_o make_v thou_o sink_v under_o it_o for_o when_o the_o devil_n say_v thou_o have_v lose_v god_n favour_n by_o faith_n a_o man_n answer_v though_o god_n favour_n be_v lose_v unto_o my_o feel_n yet_o to_o my_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o my_o faith_n give_v it_o a_o be_v &_o so_o long_o say_v what_o thou_o will_v i_o will_v never_o fear_v that_o it_o be_v lose_v when_o god_n pull_v back_o his_o favour_n and_o fight_v against_o thou_o with_o his_o wrath_n do_v as_o jacob_n do_v gen._n 32.27.29_o wrestle_v with_o god_n though_o thou_o have_v but_o one_o leg_n that_o be_v though_o thou_o have_v but_o one_o little_a spark_n of_o faith_n fight_v with_o that_o little_a faith_n lay_v hold_v by_o it_o on_o god_n and_o let_v he_o not_o go_v until_o he_o have_v bless_v thou_o in_o turn_v again_o unto_o thou_o his_o favourable_a countenance_n and_o say_v with_o job_n 13._o even_o in_o the_o very_a heat_n of_o thy_o temptation_n o_o lord_n though_o thou_o kill_v this_o body_n and_o flesh_n of_o i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o thou_o for_o everlasting_a life_n yea_o &_o though_o god_n anger_n shall_v seem_v to_o increase_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o take_v fast_o hold_v and_o faint_v not_o for_o faith_n will_v never_o fail_v thou_o it_o will_v restore_v god_n love_n when_o it_o seem_v lose_v it_o will_v set_v it_o before_o thy_o eye_n when_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v hide_v for_o mark_v well_o but_o this_o one_o reason_n if_o faith_n will_v give_v life_n everlasting_a a_o be_v and_o make_v it_o present_a to_o thy_o soul_n which_o indeed_o yet_o never_o have_v be_v to_o thou_o how_o much_o more_o can_v it_o give_v a_o be_v to_o god_n favour_n and_o make_v it_o present_a to_o thy_o soul_n which_o once_o have_v &_o indeed_o have_v still_o a_o be_v and_o be_v never_o lose_v indeed_o but_o only_o to_o a_o man_n feeling_n thus_o true_a faith_n be_v able_a to_o answer_v this_o temptaation_n whether_o it_o come_v in_o life_n or_o in_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n four_o whereas_o faith_n be_v call_v a_o evidence_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n stand_v not_o in_o doubt_v but_o in_o certainty_n &_o assurance_n the_o romish_a doubt_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o true_a faith_n as_o darkness_n to_o light_v for_o faith_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o that_o be_v it_o convince_v the_o judgement_n by_o unfallible_a argument_n know_v as_o certain_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n &_o of_o the_o thing_n hope_v for_o as_o that_o god_n be_v god_n but_o rome_n will_v needs_o join_v faith_n &_o doubt_v which_o in_o deed_n fight_v like_o fire_n and_o water_n and_o can_v never_o agree_v together_o in_o every_o respect_n but_o one_o will_v in_o the_o end_n destroy_v the_o other_o objection_n but_o it_o seem_v doubt_v be_v a_o part_n or_o at_o least_o a_o companion_n of_o faith_n for_o we_o doubt_v as_o well_o as_o believe_v &_o who_o be_v so_o faithful_a that_o doubt_v not_o answer_n we_o do_v so_o but_o what_o then_o we_o shall_v not_o for_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v &_o not_o to_o doubt_v therefore_o to_o believe_v because_o it_o be_v command_v of_o god_n be_v a_o virtue_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o virtue_n then_o to_o doubt_n be_v a_o vice_n faith_n &_o doubt_v be_v both_o in_o a_o good_a man_n but_o faith_n be_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n doubt_v be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n &_o a_o piece_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o old_a man_n five_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o much_o more_o be_v it_o a_o substance_n to_o the_o believer_n if_o it_o give_v those_o thing_n a_o be_v which_o aâ—e_v out_o of_o he_o much_o more_o do_v it_o give_v a_o permanent_a be_v unto_o the_o believer_n himself_o strengthen_v he_o to_o stand_v &_o continue_v in_o all_o assault_n so_o heb._n 3.14_o faith_n be_v that_o whereby_o a_o believer_n be_v sustain_v &_o uphold_v so_o that_o indeed_o we_o may_v fit_o say_v faith_n be_v the_o spiritual_a substance_n and_o the_o spiritual_a strength_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o faith_n such_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o spiritual_a strength_n this_o consideration_n have_v diverse_a comfortable_a use_n but_o especial_o two_o 1._o when_o any_o of_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o a_o temptation_n so_o long_o be_v we_o confident_a of_o our_o
hitherto_o entreat_v now_o here_o and_o sâ—_n forward_o to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v set_v down_o a_o three_o order_n of_o example_n of_o faith_n namely_o of_o such_o as_o live_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o maccabee_n this_o 30._o verse_n contain_v the_o first_o example_n of_o this_o rank_n namely_o the_o example_n of_o josuahs_n faith_n &_o of_o those_o that_o go_v with_o he_o into_o canaan_n and_o their_o faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o by_o a_o notable_a fact_n of_o they_o the_o cause_v to_o fall_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n the_o history_n whereof_o we_o may_v read_v at_o large_a josuah_n 6._o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o whereas_o the_o israelite_n come_v unto_o canaan_n and_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o jericho_n by_o which_o they_o must_v needs_o pass_v nor_o can_v win_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o huge_a wall_n of_o jericho_n the_o lord_n promise_v to_o deliver_v jericho_n into_o their_o hand_n only_o the_o people_n must_v do_v this_o they_o must_v compasse-about_a the_o wall_n seven_o day_n &_o carry_v the_o ark_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o they_o sound_v with_o ram_n horn_n and_o shout_n and_o so_o the_o wall_n shall_v fall_v down_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v this_o promise_n unto_o they_o the_o israelite_n and_o special_o josuah_n obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o believe_v his_o promise_n and_o thus_o do_v by_o faith_n the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o after_o they_o be_v compassed-about_a seven_o doye_n indeed_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o ruin_n of_o the_o wall_n but_o yet_o because_o upon_o their_o believe_v god_n show_v this_o power_n therefore_o be_v the_o downfall_n of_o they_o ascribe_v to_o their_o faith_n here_o be_v many_o notable_a point_n to_o be_v learn_v 1._o whereas_o the_o text_n say_v by_o faith_n the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o true_a faith_n josuah_n and_o the_o israelite_n believe_v god_n promise_n that_o he_o will_v overturn_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n and_o as_o they_o believe_v so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v matthew_n 17.20_o if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o as_o much_o faith_n as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n he_o shall_v say_v unto_o the_o mountain_n remove_v hence_o and_o it_o shall_v remove_v and_o nothing_o shall_v be_v unpossible_a unto_o he_o signify_v that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o true_a faith_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o man_n reason_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v if_o god_n have_v promise_v they_o as_o we_o see_v in_o this_o place_n the_o mighty_a wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o by_o faith_n which_o to_o man_n reason_n be_v impossible_a so_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o abraham_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n yea_o 18.18_o that_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o he_o this_o be_v strange_a but_o abraham_n believe_v it_o and_o as_o he_o believe_v so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o many_o nation_n descend_v from_o he_o and_o after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n ascension_n when_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v bless_v in_o christ_n the_o promise_a seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o therefore_o be_v he_o call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o come_v unto_o ourselves_o to_o miserable_a man_n it_o may_v seem_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o flesh_n shall_v be_v overcome_v in_o we_o yet_o let_v a_o man_n believe_v this_o promise_n of_o god_n god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o who_o so_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n john_n 3.16_o i_o say_v let_v he_o believe_v this_o effectual_o and_o he_o shall_v find_v by_o faith_n the_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n &_o satan_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o conscience_n weaken_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o and_o therefore_o s._n john_n say_v not_o without_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcom_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n 1._o john_n 5.4_o 2._o here_o observe_v that_o among_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o change_n &_o overthrow_v of_o town_n city_n &_o kingdom_n this_o be_v one_o namely_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n many_o man_n have_v write_v of_o the_o change_n of_o kingdom_n &_o do_v give_v diverse_a reason_n thereof_o but_o most_o of_o they_o omit_v the_o principal_a and_o that_o be_v faith_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o many_o time_n kingdom_n and_o town_n be_v bring_v to_o ruin_n and_o overthrow_n god_n promise_v to_o abraham_n &_o to_o his_o seed_n that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o their_o inheritance_n now_o they_o believe_v this_o promise_n &_o here_o we_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o they_o believe_v jericho_n by_o faith_n be_v overturn_v &_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o city_n &_o the_o people_n of_o canaan_n dispossess_v so_o that_o we_o see_v faith_n in_o god_n promise_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o god_n people_n to_o overturn_v city_n &_o kingdom_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o gospel_n god_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n unto_o his_o church_n that_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n revel_v 18.2_o that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n shall_v flourish_v for_o a_o while_n but_o after_o it_o shall_v be_v destroy_v yea_o such_o a_o ruin_n shall_v come_v unto_o it_o that_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o great_a man_n and_o merchant_n shall_v bewail_v the_o destruction_n thereof_o now_o this_o promise_n be_v receive_v by_o faith_n and_o believe_v of_o god_n church_n shall_v undoubted_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v in_o some_o part_n verify_v already_o for_o we_o see_v some_o kingdom_n and_o people_n have_v renounce_v the_o curse_a doctrine_n and_o tyranny_n of_o rome_n and_o many_o christian_a prince_n have_v already_o shake_v off_o the_o pope_n yoke_n yea_o and_o this_o promise_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o let_v all_o the_o king_n of_o that_o sort_n do_v what_o they_o can_v and_o let_v the_o people_n set_v themselves_o never_o so_o much_o against_o god_n church_n yet_o babylon_n shall_v down_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v so_o to_o his_o church_n and_o his_o church_n believe_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o by_o their_o faith_n it_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o despite_n of_o the_o devil_n three_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o when_o any_o city_n town_n or_o kingdom_n be_v to_o make_v war_n either_o in_o defence_n of_o themselves_o or_o in_o lawful_a assault_n upon_o their_o enemy_n a_o special_a mean_n for_o good_a success_n herein_o be_v true_a faith_n christian_n policy_n be_v a_o commendable_a thing_n in_o this_o case_n but_o if_o policy_n be_v sever_v from_o faith_n it_o be_v nothing_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n of_o protection_n and_o assistance_n do_v far_o surpass_v all_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o therefore_o good_a king_n jehosaphat_n when_o he_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o the_o huge_a army_n of_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n give_v this_o counsel_n to_o his_o people_n 2_o chron._n 20.20_o put_v your_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v assure_v believe_v his_o prophet_n and_o you_o shall_v prosper_v give_v a_o most_o notable_a instruction_n and_o show_v that_o the_o best_a help_n for_o our_o defence_n be_v faith_n in_o god_n whereby_o we_o rest_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v help_v we_o yet_o this_o take_v not_o away_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n but_o it_o give_v the_o blessing_n and_o efficacy_n unto_o they_o 6.16_o i'faith_o we_o know_v be_v call_v a_o shield_n among_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n of_o god_n whereby_o a_o man_n award_v the_o blow_n of_o satan_n and_o though_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a virtue_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v it_o also_o a_o notable_a shield_n to_o defend_v man_n even_o against_o their_o outward_a &_o visible_a enemy_n &_o a_o most_o strong_a engine_n against_o they_o to_o work_v their_o overthrow_n hence_o david_n say_v he_o will_v not_o be_v afraid_a for_o ten_o thousand_o of_o the_o people_n that_o shall_v beset_v he_o round_o about_o 3.6_o they_o therefore_o that_o will_v defend_v themselves_o against_o their_o enemy_n yea_o and_o overcome_v they_o in_o lawful_a assault_n must_v embrace_v &_o obey_v true_a religion_n &_o with_o christian_a policy_n join_v faith_n in_o god_n promise_n for_o by_o faith_n we_o make_v god_n our_o captain_n &_o through_o he_o we_o shall_v do_v
valiant_o and_o beat_v down_o our_o enemy_n on_o every_o side_n last_o here_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o a_o vain_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o trust_v in_o outward_a worldly_a mean_n the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n be_v both_o strong_a and_o high_a and_o hard_o it_o have_v be_v to_o have_v overthrow_v they_o by_o ordinary_a mean_n but_o yet_o we_o see_v it_o prove_v but_o a_o vain_a thing_n to_o trust_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n do_v for_o they_o find_v but_o little_a relief_n and_o defence_n in_o they_o for_o the_o lord_n lay_v they_o flat_a to_o the_o ground_n 6.20_o and_o so_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n go_v straight_o forward_a and_o take_v the_o city_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o trust_v to_o man_n strength_n or_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o horse_n or_o in_o the_o number_n of_o man_n or_o in_o riches_n or_o in_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n or_o in_o any_o other_o outward_a ordinary_a mean_n whatsoever_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n can_v overturn_v they_o with_o the_o least_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n this_o must_v admonish_v we_o that_o howsoever_o we_o use_v ordinary_a mean_n of_o our_o preservation_n and_o help_n yet_o ever_o we_o must_v cast_v our_o whole_a care_n on_o god_n and_o put_v all_o our_o confidence_n in_o he_o for_o help_n and_o safety_n for_o without_o he_o all_o other_o outward_a mean_n be_v nothing_o but_o vain_a help_n for_o vain_a be_v the_o help_n of_o man_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o fact_n itself_o further_o this_o fact_n be_v set_v out_o unto_o we_o by_o two_o circumstance_n to_o wit_n by_o the_o mean_n which_o they_o use_v and_o by_o the_o time_n which_o they_o observe_v for_o this_o exploit_n for_o the_o first_o when_o they_o come_v to_o jericho_n this_o strong_a city_n which_o they_o must_v needs_o subdue_v or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o this_o way_n enter_v and_o possess_v the_o land_n they_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o overturn_v the_o city_n by_o undermine_v batter_a or_o scale_v the_o wall_n but_o according_a to_o god_n appointment_n they_o go_v one_o by_o one_o in_o order_n round_o about_o the_o city_n wall_n day_n by_o day_n for_o one_o week_n space_n and_o on_o the_o seven_o day_n they_o compass_v it_o seven_o time_n during_o all_o which_o time_n they_o keep_v great_a silence_n save_v only_o that_o seven_o priest_n sound_v upon_o seven_o trumpet_n of_o rammes-horne_n before_o the_o ark_n till_o josuah_n bid_v they_o shout_n now_o in_o common_a reason_n a_o man_n will_v judge_v this_o rather_o to_o be_v some_o childish_a sport_n than_o a_o mean_n to_o fling_v down_o these_o great_a wall_n nay_o consider_v it_o well_o and_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o course_n tend_v rather_o to_o overthrow_v themselves_o than_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n for_o they_o march_v not_o in_o battle_n ray_n as_o though_o they_o will_v pitch_v a_o field_n against_o the_o people_n of_o jericho_n or_o lay_v siege_n to_o their_o city_n but_o they_o go_v in_o length_n one_o before_o another_o so_o as_o they_o may_v compass_v the_o city_n about_o now_o if_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n shall_v have_v come_v forth_o and_o make_v assault_n upon_o they_o in_o all_o likelihood_n the_o israelite_n have_v be_v overthrow_v so_o weak_a and_o feeble_a be_v the_o mean_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n for_o weighty_a cause_n prescribe_v this_o course_n unto_o they_o to_o wit_n 1._o hereby_o to_o try_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n whether_o they_o will_v believe_v his_o promise_n or_o no_o when_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o use_v weak_a and_o feeble_a mean_n and_o in_o man_n reason_n foolish_a second_o to_o make_v manifest_a in_o the_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o mean_n his_o own_o all-sufficient_a power_n and_o wisdom_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o his_o glory_n for_o through_o weakness_n be_v god_n power_n make_v perfect_a 2._o corinthian_n chapter_n 12._o verse_n 9_o hence_o our_o saviour_n christ_n when_o he_o be_v to_o cure_v the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a temper_v clay_n of_o spittle_n and_o lay_v it_o to_o his_o eye_n john_n chapter_n 9_o verse_n 6_o a_o mean_n in_o common_a reason_n rather_o fit_a to_o make_v a_o man_n blind_a then_o to_o recover_v his_o sight_n and_o yet_o christ_n use_v it_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o god_n glory_n in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n whereby_o the_o people_n may_v know_v he_o be_v able_a in_o himself_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v now_o look_v what_o course_n the_o lord_n here_o take_v for_o the_o batter_a of_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n the_o like_a he_o use_v in_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o spiritual_a jericho_n especial_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o after_o christ_n ascension_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o destroy_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n under_o which_o all_o the_o nation_n sit_v he_o set_v apart_o a_o few_o fisherman_n simple_a person_n want_v worldly_a wit_n &_o policy_n neither_o do_v he_o put_v a_o sword_n of_o flesh_n into_o their_o hand_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n into_o their_o mouth_n and_o thus_o send_v they_o to_o dispossess_v the_o devil_n out_o of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o batter_v down_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n by_o their_o preach_n and_o now_o in_o these_o late_a day_n wherein_o the_o antichristian_a kingdom_n of_o the_o pope_n have_v spread_v itself_o through_o all_o place_n almost_o god_n use_v the_o same_o weak_a mean_n to_o overthrow_v it_o for_o he_o set_v apart_o a_o silly_a monk_n and_o endue_v he_o with_o gift_n to_o preach_v the_o truth_n by_o which_o mean_n the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n receive_v a_o great_a wound_n than_o if_o ten_o prince_n have_v set_v themselves_o against_o it_o and_o strange_a it_o be_v to_o see_v how_o god_n overturn_v all_o the_o stratagem_n devise_v against_o his_o church_n and_o how_o he_o vanquisheth_z the_o power_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o weak_a mean_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v and_o by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n than_o which_o to_o the_o world_n nothing_o seem_v more_o feeble_a or_o foolish_a the_o consideration_n hereof_o be_v of_o special_a use_n for_o it_o may_v be_v we_o shall_v see_v king_n and_o people_n of_o great_a power_n and_o number_n to_o make_v revolt_n from_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o fall_v to_o antichrist_n embrace_v popery_n hereat_o indeed_o we_o must_v be_v grieve_v but_o yet_o withal_o here_o be_v good_a cause_n of_o comfort_n unto_o we_o for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o satan_n kingdom_n must_v be_v batter_v down_o not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o power_n of_o king_n as_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o gods_n mouth_n not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o flesh_n as_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n even_o antichrist_n must_v be_v abolish_v not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o prince_n yea_o let_v all_o the_o prince_n &_o potentate_n in_o the_o world_n do_v their_o best_a for_o he_o yet_o his_o kingdom_n must_v down_o in_o god_n good_a time_n for_o god_n will_v consume_v he_o with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o abolish_v he_o by_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n 2._o thes._n 2.8_o that_o be_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o minister_n who_o be_v man_n void_a of_o all_o worldly_a power_n and_o policy_n yet_o further_o observe_v the_o mean_n they_o walk_v about_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n seven_o day_n together_o if_o man_n shall_v attempt_v the_o like_a enterprise_n at_o this_o day_n in_o all_o likelihood_n it_o will_v cost_v they_o their_o life_n for_o now_o there_o be_v devise_v such_o instrument_n of_o war_n i_o mean_v great_a ordinance_n &_o field_n piece_n that_o will_v kill_v afar_o off_o &_o undoubted_o if_o there_o have_v be_v such_o instrument_n of_o war_n in_o this_o city_n the_o israelite_n can_v not_o so_o safe_o have_v compass_v the_o wall_n so_o many_o day_n together_o whereby_o it_o appear_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v no_o gun_n know_v no_o not_o among_o the_o heathen_a which_o at_o this_o day_n be_v so_o rise_v among_o christian_n whence_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o these_o late_a day_n be_v perilous_a time_n for_o now_o man_n head_n be_v set_v to_o devise_v more_o hurtful_a mean_n against_o the_o life_n of_o man_n than_o ever_o the_o savage_a heathen_a know_v for_o beside_o the_o invention_n of_o gun_n which_o put_v down_o all_o evidence_n of_o prowess_n and_o valour_n see_v in_o ancient_a war_n our_o age_n exceed_v in_o contrive_v such_o strange_a kind_n of_o poison_n as_o be_v never_o know_v in_o former_a time_n for_o man_n have_v now_o devise_v poison_n of_o that_o sort_n that_o will_v
and_o lip-faith_n and_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o true_a save_v faith_n whereby_o we_o may_v profitable_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o enjoy_v god_n most_o excellent_a promise_n in_o christ._n man_n may_v lie_v and_o be_v deceive_v but_o god_n be_v truth_n itself_o and_o can_v lie_v and_o therefore_o as_o he_o have_v make_v his_o promise_n of_o life_n to_o believer_n and_o to_o no_o other_o so_o will_n he_o sure_o accomplish_v the_o same_o to_o they_o and_o to_o no_o other_o wherefore_o if_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n and_o desire_v life_n let_v we_o get_v into_o our_o heart_n the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o three_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o four_o and_o five_o effect_n which_o i_o will_v handle_v together_o be_v these_o stopped_n the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n quench_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o fire_n for_o the_o four_o whereas_o some_o of_o these_o person_n be_v say_v to_o have_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o daniel_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 6._o chapter_n of_o that_o book_n for_o daniel_n through_o the_o malice_n of_o other_o that_o incense_v the_o king_n wrath_n against_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o den_n of_o hunger-bit_n lion_n but_o daniel_n even_o then_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o put_v all_o his_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o lord_n by_o his_o angel_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lion_n and_o as_o it_o be_v seal_v up_o their_o paw_n that_o they_o can_v not_o hurt_v he_o the_o five_o effect_n in_o quench_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o fire_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n the_o companion_n of_o daniel_n which_o three_o as_o we_o may_v read_v dan._n 3_o refuse_v to_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o nabuchadnezzar_n have_v set_v up_o for_o which_o cause_n they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o hot_a burn_a oven_n but_o they_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o he_o in_o obedience_n even_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o life_n whereupon_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o omnipotent_a power_n do_v most_o miraculous_o preserve_v they_o by_o stay_v the_o rage_n of_o the_o fire_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n thereof_o that_o it_o have_v no_o power_n over_o their_o body_n nay_o it_o do_v not_o burn_v the_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n nor_o cause_v their_o garment_n to_o smell_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v quench_v the_o violence_n of_o it_o because_o it_o have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o though_o it_o burn_v most_o fierce_o but_o be_v to_o they_o as_o though_o it_o have_v be_v quite_o put_v out_o and_o quench_v now_o join_v these_o two_o effect_n together_o &_o they_o afford_v we_o good_a instruction_n first_o here_o we_o learn_v how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n and_o at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n even_o as_o these_o four_o man_n do_v so_o must_v we_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n forsake_v ourselves_o and_o put_v all_o our_o trust_n in_o christ._n this_o do_v daniel_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o lion_n den_n and_o this_o do_v the_o 3._o child_n in_o the_o hot_a fiery_a furnace_n and_o this_o have_v be_v always_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o god_n child_n in_o all_o age_n at_o the_o very_a point_n of_o death_n and_o in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o danger_n they_o rest_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o the_o merciful_a promise_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o time_n will_v come_v upon_o we_o all_o wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o we_o must_v all_o pass_v the_o door_n of_o death_n &_o once_o lie_v in_o the_o pang_n thereof_o now_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v when_o we_o lie_v half_o dead_a gasp_v &_o pant_v for_o breath_n able_a to_o speak_v to_o no_o man_n nor_o to_o hear_v any_o speak_n to_o we_o when_o all_o comfort_n of_o the_o world_n fail_v we_o sure_o we_o must_v then_o at_o that_o very_a instant_n labour_v to_o leave_v ourselves_o and_o this_o world_n and_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o by_o faith_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o christ_n passion_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o he_o will_v sure_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o danger_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o satan_n that_o roar_a lion_n &_o quench_v the_o fire_n of_o hell_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o touch_v us._n but_o some_o will_v say_v if_o this_o be_v all_o we_o must_v do_v than_o all_o be_v well_o for_o this_o i_o can_v soon_o do_v when_o time_n serve_v and_o therefore_o i_o will_v take_v no_o care_n till_o then_o answer_n beware_v of_o spiritual_a guile_n for_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o most_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n to_o rely_v and_o cast_v himself_o whole_o upon_o christ_n in_o the_o hour_n and_o pang_n of_o death_n for_o then_o above_o all_o time_n be_v the_o devil_n busy_a against_o we_o then_o will_v the_o conscience_n stir_v if_o ever_o and_o the_o body_n be_v torment_v the_o soul_n must_v needs_o be_v wonderful_a heavy_a this_o we_o may_v see_v by_o the_o state_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o his_o agony_n and_o passion_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o reckon_v so_o light_o of_o this_o duty_n question_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o hard_a a_o thing_n how_o can_v daniel_n and_o the_o three_o child_n do_v it_o answer_n they_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o for_o they_o rest_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o so_o be_v enable_v to_o rely_v upon_o he_o in_o time_n of_o peril_n even_o so_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v in_o god_n when_o we_o die_v &_o then_o show_v forth_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v while_o we_o live_v put_v our_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o show_v it_o by_o obedience_n for_o rare_a it_o be_v to_o find_v a_o man_n that_o live_v in_o unbelief_n to_o show_v forth_o faith_n at_o his_o end_n and_o therefore_o while_o we_o have_v health_n strength_n and_o peace_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o believe_v and_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o in_o time_n of_o peril_n and_o of_o death_n second_o from_o these_o two_o effect_n of_o faith_n we_o observe_v further_o that_o god_n divine_a providence_n do_v firm_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o whole_a world_n ordinary_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n by_o secundarie_n cause_n set_v one_o creature_n over_o another_o and_o ordain_v one_o to_o do_v this_o thing_n and_o another_o that_o and_o according_o they_o work_v but_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n but_o be_v most_o free_a to_o use_v they_o or_o not_o to_o use_v they_o ordinary_o he_o execute_v this_o or_o that_o punishment_n by_o this_o or_o that_o creature_n and_o so_o by_o mean_n convey_v his_o blessing_n but_o yet_o he_o can_v work_v without_o they_o as_o here_o we_o see_v for_o he_o preserve_v his_o creature_n against_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n as_o daniel_n from_o the_o lion_n who_o nature_n be_v to_o devour_v and_o against_o the_o nature_n of_o fire_n he_o save_v the_o three_o child_n in_o the_o fire_n so_o that_o god_n work_v by_o mean_n but_o yet_o free_o because_o he_o can_v work_v at_o his_o pleasure_n either_o without_o or_o against_o mean_n and_o his_o powerful_a hand_n save_v against_o mean_n show_v his_o roll_a and_o dispose_v providence_n over_o all_o thing_n three_o by_o these_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n we_o learn_v that_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n towards_o believer_n be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o unspeakable_a than_o ever_o he_o promise_v or_o they_o can_v expect_v this_o point_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o we_o all_o for_o it_o be_v of_o singular_a &_o extraordinary_a use_n especial_o in_o time_n of_o peril_n and_o trouble_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v it_o be_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o paul_n give_v thanks_o and_o praise_n unto_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o we_o exceed_o abundant_o above_o all_o that_o we_o ask_v or_o think_v 3.20_o daniel_n put_v his_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o lion_n den_n and_o what_o do_v he_o obtain_v for_o his_o labour_n the_o lord_n never_o promise_v to_o stop_v the_o lion_n mouth_n neither_o do_v daniel_n ever_o presume_v upon_o that_o deliverance_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n save_v he_o and_o so_o the_o three_o child_n though_o they_o make_v no_o account_n of_o their_o life_n because_o god_n have_v not_o promise_v to_o keep_v they_o from_o burn_v yet_o they_o come_v out_o in_o safety_n for_o god_n in_o mercy_n so_o quench_v the_o heat_n of_o the_o fire_n unto_o they_o that_o though_o it_o burn_v to_o death_n those_o that_o cast_v they_o in_o yet_o
witness_n but_o rather_o be_v except_v against_o as_o altogether_o unworthy_a and_o so_o will_v prove_v a_o discredit_n to_o his_o friend_n cause_n &_o a_o shame_n to_o himself_o so_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o christ_n cause_n if_o we_o profess_v in_o word_n &_o deny_v indeed_o we_o discredit_v christ_n and_o his_o profession_n &_o shame_v ourselves_o for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o only_o in_o word_n and_o judgement_n but_o in_o life_n &_o conversation_n to_o make_v a_o true_a &_o constant_a confession_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o exhortation_n now_o follow_v the_o 2._o point_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o verse_n namely_o the_o manner_n how_o god_n church_n &_o people_n may_v put_v in_o practice_n this_o worthy_a exhortation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o three_o duty_n 1._o they_o must_v cast_v away_o that_o which_o press_v down_o 2._o they_o must_v cast_v away_o that_o sin_n that_o hang_v so_o fast_o on_o or_o sin_n which_o so_o ready_o do_v compass_v we_o about_o 3._o they_o must_v run_v the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o they_o with_o patience_n whosoever_o in_o god_n church_n either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n can_v perform_v these_o 3._o thing_n shall_v be_v able_a no_o doubt_n to_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o continue_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o these_o 3._o in_o order_n the_o 1._o thing_n then_o to_o be_v do_v be_v this_o we_o must_v cast_v away_o that_o which_o press_v down_o or_o thus_o cast_v away_o the_o weight_n or_o burden_n for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n signify_v even_o that_o burden_n which_o so_o press_v down_o the_o poor_a christian_a that_o he_o can_v go_v on_o forward_o in_o the_o course_n of_o godliness_n and_o christianity_n by_o burden_n or_o weight_n here_o we_o must_v understand_v 5._o thing_n 1._o the_o love_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n 2._o care_v for_o earthly_a thing_n 3._o riches_n &_o temporal_a wealth_n 4._o worldly_n honour_n &_o preferment_n 5._o worldly_n delight_n and_o pleasure_n all_o these_o be_v thing_n which_o lie_v heavy_a on_o man_n soul_n as_o weighty_a burden_n which_o press_v it_o down_o especial_o then_o when_o the_o soul_n shall_v lift_v up_o itself_o to_o seek_v heavenly_a thing_n so_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a riches_n pleasure_n &_o care_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v call_v thorn_n which_o choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o man_n heart_n and_o make_v it_o unfruitful_a and_o surfeit_v &_o drunkenness_n be_v say_v to_o be_v thing_n which_o oppress_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o heavy_a and_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o show_v by_o many_o testimony_n that_o all_o these_o five_o thing_n do_v press_v down_o the_o heart_n especial_o then_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v lift_v up_o in_o the_o seek_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n now_o in_o this_o that_o these_o 5._o thing_n be_v weighty_a burden_n we_o may_v learn_v first_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o in_o these_o our_o day_n every_o where_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v publish_v preach_v &_o expound_v take_v so_o little_a place_n in_o man_n heart_n whether_o we_o regard_v knowledge_n &_o understanding_n or_o affection_n and_o obedience_n for_o god_n word_n be_v a_o word_n of_o power_n mighty_a in_o operation_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v then_o that_o the_o ground_n be_v barren_a where_o it_o be_v cast_v why_o make_v it_o not_o man_n learned_a &_o religious_a ans._n sure_o in_o every_o place_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v especial_o among_o we_o these_o five_o thing_n possess_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n &_o exercise_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o after_o long_o preach_v there_o be_v little_a fruit_n or_o profit_n either_o for_o knowledge_n or_o obedience_n for_o where_o the_o heart_n be_v press_v down_o with_o the_o weight_n of_o these_o earthly_a thing_n there_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v take_v no_o place_n nor_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o this_o be_v general_o true_a among_o we_o though_o we_o hear_v god_n word_n from_o year_n to_o year_n and_o thereby_o may_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n &_o obedience_n if_o we_o will_v yet_o in_o many_o there_o be_v little_a show_n of_o either_o and_o the_o cause_n be_v in_o these_o worldly_a care_n which_o take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n for_o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o so_o long_o as_o our_o heart_n be_v addict_v to_o the_o greedy_a seek_v after_o these_o earthly_a thing_n honour_n pleasure_n etc._n etc._n so_o long_o will_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v barren_a the_o good_a seed_n of_o god_n word_n may_v be_v sow_v therein_o but_o little_a fruit_n shall_v come_v thereof_o save_o brier_n and_o weed_n which_o will_v increase_v our_o damnation_n again_o whereas_o the_o love_n of_o temporal_a life_n &_o care_n of_o earthly_a thing_n etc._n etc._n be_v sore_a burden_n press_v down_o a_o man_n heart_n from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n and_o make_v it_o heavy_a and_o sad_a and_o dead_a in_o regard_n of_o all_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o contemplation_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v oftentimes_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o elevate_v and_o lift_v up_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n to_o god_n partly_o by_o meditation_n in_o his_o word_n partly_o by_o invocation_n on_o his_o name_n and_o partly_o by_o thanksgiving_n and_o to_o do_v these_o thing_n the_o better_a we_o must_v remember_v to_o set_v apart_o some_o special_a time_n every_o day_n for_o this_o special_a work_n so_o as_o we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n psal._n 25.1_o lord_n i_o lift_v up_o my_o heart_n unto_o thou_o david_n be_v well_o acquint_v with_o this_o exercise_n and_o so_o be_v daniel_n for_o both_o of_o they_o use_v this_o as_o we_o may_v read_v psa._n 55.17_o evening_n and_o morning_n say_v david_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v &_o make_v a_o noise_n and_o daniel_n use_v to_o pray_v unto_o god_n 3._o time_n a_o day_n wherein_o 6.10_o he_o will_v hearty_o &_o unfeigned_o call_v upon_o god_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o great_a reason_n we_o shall_v do_v so_o for_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n wherein_o be_v innumerable_a weighty_a thing_n which_o press_v down_o our_o heart_n from_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n &_o therefore_o we_o must_v often_o practise_v ourselves_o in_o holy_a meditation_n &_o prayer_n unto_o god_n that_o so_o we_o may_v lift_v up_o our_o soul_n unto_o god_n from_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o use_v a_o fit_a comparison_n we_o know_v that_o those_o who_o keep_v clock_n if_o they_o will_v have_v the_o clock_n still_o go_v must_v once_o or_o twice_o a_o day_n wind_v up_o the_o plummet_n which_o cause_n the_o wheel_n to_o go_v about_o because_o they_o be_v still_o draw_v downward_o even_o so_o see_v our_o heart_n have_v plummet_n of_o lead_n which_o be_v worldly_a care_n and_o desire_n to_o press_v they_o down_o from_o seek_v up_o to_o heaven_n we_o must_v do_v with_o our_o heart_n as_o the_o clock-keeper_n do_v with_o his_o plummet_n wind_v they_o up_o unto_o god_n every_o day_n &_o for_o this_o end_n must_v set_v apart_o some_o particular_a time_n to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o holy_a duty_n why_o do_v god_n command_v the_o 7._o day_n to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o set_v apart_o from_o all_o bodily_a exercise_n &_o worldly_a care_n undoubted_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n to_o cause_n man_n to_o elevate_v their_o heart_n from_o all_o worldly_a thing_n to_o seek_v the_o thing_n above_o else_o if_o the_o mind_n shall_v be_v always_o press_v down_o with_o worldly_a care_n it_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o heaven_n joy_n he_o that_o have_v not_o conscience_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o lift_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o heaven_n by_o prayer_n and_o hear_v god_n word_n with_o meditation_n thereon_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o soundness_n in_o religion_n nor_o his_o heart_n firm_o settle_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n three_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o the_o hebrew_n must_v cast_v away_o the_o weight_n that_o press_v down_o here_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o what_o manner_n and_o how_o far_o forth_o we_o must_v use_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o riches_n honour_n and_o lawful_a pleasure_n yea_o and_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n whatsoever_o namely_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o will_v further_o we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o no_o further_o but_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o these_o temporal_a thing_n be_v a_o burden_n unto_o we_o press_v we_o down_o and_o make_v we_o unfit_a for_o