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
company_n at_o abraham_n request_n have_v there_o be_v but_o 10._o righteous_a man_n in_o sodom_n all_o have_v be_v spare_v for_o their_o sake_n gen._n 18.32_o when_o joseph_n dwell_v in_o egypt_n all_o putiphars_n house_n and_o all_o in_o it_o though_o he_o be_v a_o heathen_a man_n be_v bless_v for_o josephs_n sake_n gen._n 39.5_o when_o lot_n be_v deliver_v out_o of_o sodomes_n destruction_n the_o angel_n ask_v he_o have_v thou_o any_o son_n in_o law_n that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v save_v for_o his_o sake_n gen._n 19.12_o when_o paul_n and_o 276._o soul_n with_o he_o suffer_v shipwreck_n and_o be_v all_o in_o present_a danger_n of_o drown_v god_n save_v paul_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n all_o the_o rest_n god_n give_v he_o the_o life_n of_o all_o that_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o ship_n act_n 27.24_o and_o so_o here_o noah_n child_n and_o their_o wife_n be_v spare_v for_o noah_n sake_n let_v this_o encourage_v all_o man_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n see_v thereby_o they_o shall_v not_o make_v themselves_o alone_o bless_v but_o bring_v down_o god_n blessing_n even_o on_o their_o house_n child_n and_o posterity_n yea_o the_o very_a place_n where_o and_o the_o people_n with_o who_o they_o dwell_v shall_v fare_v the_o better_a for_o they_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o cause_n &_o reason_n why_o not_o noah_n alone_o but_o even_o his_o household_n be_v also_o save_v in_o the_o four_o place_n let_v we_o observe_v how_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o noah_n build_v the_o ark_n not_o for_o the_o save_n of_o himself_o but_o of_o his_o household_n and_o it_o be_v so_o say_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o show_v that_o noah_n though_o he_o be_v the_o head_n &_o governor_n yet_o be_v one_o of_o the_o household_n for_o in_o the_o word_n household_n himself_o be_v comprehend_v master_n and_o father_n though_o they_o be_v governor_n yet_o must_v think_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o household_n so_o will_v they_o have_v more_o care_n thereof_o when_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a second_o to_o teach_v we_o what_o care_n noah_n have_v for_o his_o family_n even_o so_o great_a as_o he_o prepare_v the_o ark_n to_o save_v they_o withal_o here_o be_v a_o example_n of_o a_o worthy_a master_n of_o a_o household_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v but_o for_o a_o temporal_a deliverance_n now_o if_o he_o be_v so_o careful_a for_o their_o bodily_a safety_n how_o much_o more_o be_v he_o to_o save_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o damnation_n which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o eternal_a destruction_n of_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n therefore_o doubtless_o as_o he_o be_v a_o diligent_a preacher_n of_o righteousness_n to_o that_o sinful_a world_n so_o principal_o a_o diligent_a preacher_n and_o prayer_n and_o catechiser_n of_o his_o own_o family_n that_o so_o he_o may_v make_v they_o god_n servant_n and_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o eternal_a fire_n of_o hell_n noah_n example_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o parent_n and_o father_n of_o family_n to_o teach_v they_o care_n not_o only_o for_o the_o body_n &_o bodily_a welfare_n of_o their_o family_n but_o especial_o for_o their_o soul_n and_o spiritual_a welfare_n and_o if_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o all_o bond_n of_o nature_n and_o religion_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o body_n of_o their_o child_n let_v reason_n judge_v how_o much_o more_o straight_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o look_v to_o their_o soul_n but_o s._n paul_n say_v he_o that_o provide_v not_o temporal_a thing_n necessary_a for_o his_o family_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n 1._o timon_n 5.8_o then_o what_o be_v he_o who_o provide_v nothing_o for_o their_o soul_n sure_o his_o case_n be_v extreme_o fearful_a therefore_o when_o thou_o have_v provide_v meat_n apparel_n a_o calling_n and_o marriage_n house_n &_o live_v for_o thy_o child_n think_v not_o thou_o have_v do_v and_o so_o may_v turn_v they_o off_o the_o world_n may_v take_v they_o thus_o but_o god_n will_v not_o take_v they_o so_o at_o thy_o hand_n no_o the_o great_a duty_n remain_v behind_o thou_o must_v provide_v for_o their_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v know_v god_n &_o fear_v his_o name_n thou_o must_v with_o abraham_n gen._n 18.19_o teach_v thy_o family_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n i_o know_v abraham_n say_v god_n that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o and_o sure_o god_n will_v know_v all_o such_o as_o do_v so_o by_o do_v thus_o man_n shall_v make_v their_o house_n church_n of_o god_n as_o here_o noah_n be_v &_o it_o will_v be_v far_o better_o with_o our_o church_n &_o state_n if_o man_n do_v so_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n &_o justice_n in_o the_o country_n shall_v have_v much_o less_o to_o do_v if_o master_n of_o family_n will_v do_v their_o duty_n but_o to_o go_v further_o let_v we_o see_v more_o particular_o what_o this_o household_n be_v that_o be_v thus_o save_v by_o the_o ark_n first_o it_o be_v a_o family_n of_o four_o man_n &_o four_o woman_n not_o man_n or_o woman_n alone_a but_o both_o and_o consist_v of_o as_o many_o woman_n as_o man_n thus_o god_n will_v have_v one_o sex_n to_o love_v another_o and_o one_o to_o think_v themselves_o beholden_a to_o the_o other_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o first_o world_n be_v by_o one_o man_n &_o one_o woman_n of_o the_o second_o by_o four_o man_n and_o four_o woman_n but_o always_o equal_a and_o here_o also_o god_n will_v teach_v man_n not_o to_o contemn_v the_o other_o though_o the_o weak_a sex_n for_o god_n save_v as_o many_o of_o they_o from_o the_o universal_a flood_n as_o he_o do_v man_n second_o how_o many_o be_v they_o in_o all_o but_o eight_o person_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n no_o more_o be_v save_v a_o miserable_a spectacle_n see_v what_o sin_n can_v do_v it_o can_v bring_v many_o million_o to_o eight_o person_n in_o a_o short_a time_n see_v what_o it_o be_v to_o offend_v god_n let_v we_o not_o then_o glory_n in_o our_o multitude_n but_o glory_n in_o this_o that_o we_o know_v and_o serve_v god_n for_o otherwise_o if_o our_o sin_n cry_v out_o to_o he_o against_o we_o he_o can_v easy_o make_v we_o few_o enough_o three_o what_o be_v these_o eight_o person_n not_o one_o servant_n among_o they_o all_o there_o be_v none_o but_o noah_n and_o his_o wife_n his_o three_o son_n and_o their_o wife_n it_o be_v marvellous_a that_o here_o be_v none_o of_o noah_n servant_n some_o think_v he_o have_v none_o and_o that_o the_o simplicity_n of_o those_o day_n require_v no_o attendance_n but_o that_o each_o one_o be_v servant_n to_o himself_o and_o they_o seem_v to_o gather_v it_o out_o of_o gen_n 7.1_o where_o god_n bid_v noah_n enter_v thou_o &_o all_o thy_o house_n into_o the_o ark_n and_o when_o they_o enter_v they_o be_v recount_v in_o the_o seven_o verse_n to_o be_v none_o but_o himself_o his_o wife_n and_o his_o child_n therefore_o say_v they_o in_o noah_n house_n there_o be_v no_o servant_n but_o why_o may_v not_o noah_n have_v servant_n as_o well_o as_o abraham_n and_o lot_n have_v doubtless_o he_o have_v but_o behold_v a_o wonderful_a matter_n noah_n own_a servant_n will_v not_o believe_v his_o preach_n but_o choose_v rather_o to_o live_v loose_o with_o the_o world_n &_o perish_v with_o it_o then_o to_o live_v godly_a with_o their_o master_n and_o be_v save_v with_o he_o this_o be_v and_o will_v be_v true_a in_o all_o age_n that_o in_o a_o wicked_a age_n or_o in_o a_o wicked_a town_n a_o master_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o govern_v his_o own_o servant_n but_o the_o stream_n of_o common_a wickedness_n and_o ill_a example_n of_o other_o man_n do_v draw_v they_o from_o the_o obedience_n of_o their_o master_n they_o can_v ready_o allege_v for_o themselves_o we_o will_v not_o be_v use_v more_o hardly_o then_o other_o man_n be_v we_o will_v not_o be_v tie_v to_o our_o hour_n &_o bind_v to_o so_o many_o exercise_n we_o will_v do_v as_o other_o do_v thus_o will_v noah_n servant_n do_v and_o perish_v with_o the_o world_n so_o hard_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o a_o good_a man_n to_o have_v good_a servant_n in_o such_o time_n or_o place_n where_o wickedness_n reign_v and_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v in_o some_o sort_n how_o the_o ark_n save_v noah_n and_o his_o household_n and_o what_o this_o household_n of_o his_o be_v now_o beside_o this_o end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o ark_n we_o be_v further_a to_o know_v that_o whereas_o this_o save_n of_o they_o be_v but_o a_o corporal_a deliverance_n from_o a_o temporal_a death_n this_o ark_n have_v also_o a_o spiritual_a use_n which_o we_o may_v not_o omit_v for_o as_o many_o of_o noah_n family_n as_o be_v true_a believer_n
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
with_o his_o lust_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o holiness_n we_o must_v become_v penitent_a sinner_n for_o our_o life_n past_a and_o new_a man_n for_o hereafter_o or_o else_o let_v we_o not_o look_v to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o heaven_n and_o good_a reason_n for_o god_n be_v the_o maker_n and_o builder_n of_o it_o but_o he_o be_v not_o the_o maker_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o devil_n and_o ourselves_o bring_v it_o out_o and_o think_v we_o the_o devil_n work_n shall_v come_v in_o heaven_n or_o that_o god_n will_v build_v a_o house_n for_o the_o devil_n slave_n to_o dwell_v in_o let_v we_o not_o be_v deceive_v but_o contrariwise_o grace_n and_o holiness_n be_v god_n work_n as_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n so_o our_o regeneration_n be_v much_o more_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o mercy_n that_o man_n therefore_o who_o can_v say_v god_n as_o once_o he_o make_v i_o a_o man_n so_o he_o have_v again_o make_v and_o build_v i_o a_o new_a man_n and_o a_o new_a creature_n that_o man_n be_v he_o that_o shall_v be_v a_o inhabitant_n in_o that_o heavenly_a city_n who_o maker_n and_o builder_n be_v the_o same_o god_n in_o this_o holy_a way_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n do_v the_o holy_a father_n walk_n to_o this_o city_n as_o david_n say_v in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o thus_o i_o will_v wait_v for_o thou_o in_o holiness_n psalm_n and_o thus_o doubtless_o do_v the_o noble_a patriarch_n abraham_n who_o as_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o be_v he_o also_o a_o pattern_n of_o repentance_n &_o holy_a life_n &_o in_o that_o holiness_n he_o wait_v for_o this_o city_n that_o have_v a_o foundation_n who_o maker_n and_o builder_n be_v god_n hitherto_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o holy_a practice_n of_o abraham_n faith_n in_o two_o example_n there_o be_v much_o more_o speak_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o by_o the_o way_n the_o holy_a ghost_n interlace_v a_o worthy_a example_n even_o of_o a_o woman_n faith_n namely_o sarah_n his_o wife_n the_o six_o example_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o whole_a follow_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o two_o next_o verse_n sarahs_n faith_n verse_n 11._o by_o faith_n even_o sarah_n also_o receive_v strength_n to_o conceive_v seed_n and_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o child_n when_o she_o be_v past_o age_n because_o she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v next_o to_o abraham_n who_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o of_o faithful_a man_n follow_v sarah_n who_o be_v also_o mystical_o the_o mother_n of_o believer_n next_o to_o the_o husband_n follow_v the_o wife_n nay_o abraham_n faith_n be_v commend_v both_o before_o she_o and_o after_o she_o and_o she_o enclose_v in_o the_o midst_n by_o the_o way_n here_o observe_v how_o god_n honour_v holy_a marriage_n and_o observe_v the_o decorum_n and_o dignity_n of_o it_o he_o not_o only_o allow_v or_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o abel_n who_o it_o may_v be_v be_v unmarried_a but_o as_o we_o see_v of_o marry_a man_n also_o and_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o of_o all_o these_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o record_v for_o their_o faith_n and_o holiness_n they_o be_v all_o marry_v except_o abel_n of_o who_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o he_o be_v or_o no._n it_o appear_v therefore_o that_o god_n as_o he_o ordain_v holy_a marriage_n so_o he_o always_o honour_v it_o both_o with_o his_o grace_n on_o earth_n and_o his_o glory_n in_o heaven_n as_o well_o if_o not_o better_o than_o any_o other_o state_n of_o life_n they_o therefore_o do_v spit_v in_o the_o face_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o any_o way_n disgrace_v it_o and_o they_o especial_o who_o allow_v fornication_n or_o adultery_n in_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n rather_o than_o it_o as_o some_o papist_n do_v but_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v further_o how_o god_n maintain_v the_o dignity_n &_o decorum_n of_o it_o he_o place_v abraham_n and_o sarah_n together_o and_o put_v none_o betwixt_o they_o to_o show_v the_o inseparable_a unity_n that_o be_v to_o be_v betwixt_o they_o so_o far_o as_o that_o eveâ—_o in_o story_n they_o be_v to_o be_v set_v together_o and_o how_o heinous_a their_o presumption_n be_v that_o darâ—_n any_o way_n attempt_n to_o separate_v or_o part_v that_o unity_n he_o place_v abraham_n first_o to_o show_v the_o dignity_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o man_n who_o for_o her_o sin_n god_n have_v set_v over_o she_o not_o only_o for_o her_o head_n but_o for_o her_o guide_n &_o governor_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o man_n that_o he_o and_o his_o example_n shall_v be_v first_o and_o shall_v be_v a_o light_n unto_o she_o to_o shame_v they_o who_o come_v behind_o their_o wife_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n he_o place_v abraham_n both_o afore_o and_o after_o she_o and_o she_o in_o the_o midst_n to_o teach_v she_o that_o her_o glory_n and_o honour_n every_o way_n be_v in_o the_o virtue_n and_o worthiness_n of_o her_o husband_n her_o head_n under_o god_n who_o be_v to_o go_v before_o she_o to_o give_v her_o good_a example_n and_o to_o come_v after_o to_o oversee_v her_o course_n and_o on_o all_o side_n to_o be_v a_o shelter_n and_o defence_n unto_o she_o these_o thing_n may_v not_o unfit_o be_v note_v in_o this_o contextion_n now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o word_n wherein_o be_v these_o point_n 1._o who_o believe_v even_o sarah_n 2._o what_o she_o believe_v god_n promise_v to_o bear_v isaac_n 3._o the_o impediment_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v two_o 1._o her_o age_n 2._o her_o barrenness_n 4._o the_o effect_n of_o this_o her_o faith_n which_o be_v three_o 1._o thereby_o she_o conceive_v seed_n 2._o bring_v forth_o isaac_n 3._o have_v a_o great_a â—ssue_n and_o posterity_n by_o he_o 5_o the_o ground_n of_o her_o faith_n she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v all_o these_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o verse_n or_o the_o next_o the_o first_o point_n be_v the_o person_n of_o who_o this_o story_n be_v sarah_n a_o woman_n even_o she_o believe_v we_o have_v hear_v some_o example_n of_o notable_a man_n but_o he_o hold_v here_o a_o woman_n chronicle_v for_o her_o faith_n and_o holy_a obedience_n as_o well_o as_o man_n where_o we_o learn_v that_o save_v faith_n and_o consequent_o salvation_n itself_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o one_o sex_n but_o to_o both_o man_n &_o woman_n the_o woman_n indeed_o be_v the_o first_o that_o bring_v in_o sin_n and_o be_v deceive_v herself_o by_o the_o devil_n she_o deceive_v man_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o tim._n 2.14_o the_o man_n be_v not_o deceive_v but_o the_o woman_n and_o she_o be_v in_o the_o transgression_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n grievous_a calamity_n and_o much_o bitterness_n be_v lay_v upon_o that_o sex_n in_o bear_v and_o bring_v up_o child_n and_o in_o subjection_n in_o which_o regard_v they_o may_v think_v themselves_o forsake_v of_o god_n for_o their_o fault_n for_o the_o prevent_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n here_o or_o rather_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o he_o teach_v we_o that_o true_a faith_n and_o salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n belong_v to_o sarah_n as_o well_o as_o abraham_n to_o woman_n as_o well_o as_o to_o man_n and_o saint_n peter_n also_o most_o plain_o 1._o pet._n 3.7_o teach_v we_o that_o they_o be_v heir_n together_o with_o their_o husband_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o life_n the_o use_n whereof_o as_o it_o discover_v the_o monstrous_a and_o unnatural_a madness_n of_o some_o man_n who_o have_v call_v into_o question_n the_o possibility_n of_o their_o salvation_n yea_o some_o whether_o they_o have_v soul_n or_o no_o so_o it_o give_v encouragement_n to_o woman_n to_o serve_v that_o god_n in_o zeal_n and_o sincerity_n which_o have_v be_v so_o merciful_a unto_o their_o sin_n and_o who_o though_o he_o have_v subject_v they_o in_o body_n unto_o their_o husdand_n yet_o have_v make_v their_o soul_n partaker_n with_o they_o of_o the_o same_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n yet_o withal_o we_o may_v observe_v how_o few_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o record_v namely_o but_o one_o or_o two_o woman_n among_o many_o man_n for_o so_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n those_o that_o have_v be_v good_a be_v excellent_a but_o they_o be_v few_o in_o comparison_n of_o man_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o more_o commendation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v good_a so_o it_o must_v stir_v up_o all_o woman_n profess_v religion_n to_o labour_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o grandmother_n sarah_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v some_o of_o those_o few_o but_o let_v we_o enter_v into_o further_a and_o more_o particular_a consideration_n who_o this_o sarah_n be_v especial_o see_v she_o be_v the_o only_a woman_n
in_o the_o first_o place_n here_o than_o we_o see_v in_o this_o order_n of_o dignity_n that_o the_o first_o blessing_n of_o life_n everlasting_a belong_v to_o jacob_n esau_n must_v have_v his_o blessing_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n here_o observe_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o jacob_n be_v receive_v into_o god_n covenaunt_n and_o esau_n put_v by_o jacob_n get_v the_o principal_a blessing_n and_o esau_n lose_v it_o but_o what_o be_v these_o thing_n so_o for_o jacob_n desert_n or_o for_o the_o default_n of_o esau_n nay_o very_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a cause_n hereof_o for_o touch_v the_o blessing_n if_o we_o read_v the_o history_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o esau_n at_o his_o father_n commandment_n go_v and_o hunt_v and_o take_v the_o pain_n and_o get_v his_o father_n venison_n and_o tell_v he_o nothing_o but_o truth_n but_o jacob_n never_o go_v to_o hunt_v but_o get_v a_o kid_n dress_v and_o come_v to_o his_o father_n with_o it_o and_o while_o he_o talk_v with_o his_o father_n do_v foul_o gloase_a and_o lie_v so_o that_o in_o all_o reason_n it_o may_v seem_v that_o esau_n deserve_v the_o better_a blessing_n yet_o god_n will_v have_v it_o otherwise_o and_o the_o principal_a blessing_n belong_v to_o jacob_n wherein_o we_o may_v note_v that_o god_n special_a love_n to_o man_n whereby_o he_o receive_v he_o into_o his_o covenaunt_n be_v not_o ground_v on_o man_n behaviour_n but_o on_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n second_o in_o that_o jacob_n here_o have_v the_o principal_a blessing_n we_o learn_v that_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n do_v over-rule_v the_o will_n of_o man_n for_o father_n isaac_n have_v purpose_v to_o have_v bless_v esau_n with_o the_o chief_a blessing_n but_o yet_o god_n counsel_n be_v contrary_a and_o the_o same_o overrule_v isaac_n will_n for_o though_o isaac_n have_v cause_n to_o suspect_v that_o it_o be_v not_o esau_n both_o because_o he_o come_v so_o soon_o as_o also_o for_o that_o the_o voice_n be_v apparent_a not_o to_o be_v esau_n but_o jacob_n voice_n yet_o god_n counsel_n overruled_n his_o will_n and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o handle_v his_o son_n hand_n he_o can_v not_o discern_v between_o a_o kids_n skin_n and_o the_o skin_n of_o a_o man_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n hereof_o sure_o it_o be_v god_n will_v and_o counsel_n that_o jacob_n shall_v have_v the_o chief_a blessing_n and_o therefore_o he_o overrule_v isaac_n will_n and_o blind_v his_o sense_n and_o make_v he_o to_o bless_v jacob_n with_o the_o chief_a blessing_n the_o consideration_n hereof_o be_v profitable_a unto_o we_o for_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n with_o many_o at_o this_o day_n that_o god_n do_v purpose_n to_o save_v all_o man_n now_o when_o question_n be_v make_v why_o then_o be_v not_o all_o man_n save_v they_o answer_v because_o man_n will_v not_o though_o god_n will_n but_o this_o opinion_n be_v erroneous_a for_o it_o make_v man_n will_n to_o over-rule_v gods_n counsel_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v god_n will_v it_o not_o because_o man_n will_v it_o not_o or_o else_o which_o be_v worse_o god_n will_v it_o but_o it_o come_v not_o to_o pass_v because_o man_n will_v not_o do_v it_o but_o god_n will_v and_o counsel_n be_v the_o high_a and_o chief_a cause_n of_o all_o &_o look_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v that_o bring_v he_o to_o pass_v and_o because_o all_o man_n be_v not_o save_v therefore_o we_o may_v safe_o think_v and_o say_v that_o god_n do_v never_o decree_v to_o save_v all_o man_n now_o further_o more_o particular_o of_o jacob_n blessing_n first_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o can_v jacob_n be_v bless_v see_v he_o come_v dissemble_o and_o lie_v to_o his_o father_n answ._n we_o must_v know_v that_o howsoever_o jacob_n seek_v the_o blessing_n by_o fraud_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v bless_v for_o he_o fail_v not_o neither_o do_v amiss_o in_o seek_v for_o the_o blessing_n but_o only_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o seek_v it_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o seek_v it_o though_o not_o after_o that_o manner_n which_o he_o do_v he_o shall_v rather_o have_v stay_v that_o leisure_n and_o time_n wherein_o god_n have_v cause_v isaac_n to_o have_v bless_v he_o without_o his_o sin_n in_o seek_v it_o second_o consider_v the_o manner_n how_o jacob_n receive_v his_o father_n blessing_n namely_o in_o his_o elder_a brother_n esau_n garment_n here_o we_o may_v see_v a_o notable_a resemblance_n of_o god_n manner_n of_o blessing_n we_o when_o we_o look_v for_o a_o blessing_n at_o god_n hand_n we_o must_v not_o come_v in_o our_o own_o garment_n in_o the_o rot_a rag_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n but_o we_o must_v put_v on_o christ_n garment_n the_o long_a white_a robe_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o so_o come_v unto_o god_n as_o isaac_n say_v of_o the_o savour_n of_o esau_n garment_n which_o jaacob_n have_v put_v on_o gen._n 27.27_o 28._o behold_v the_o smell_n of_o my_o son_n be_v as_o the_o smell_n of_o a_o field_n god_n give_v thou_o therefore_o of_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o plenty_n of_o wheat_n and_o wine_n so_o will_v god_n say_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o have_v put_v on_o by_o faith_n be_v a_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n in_o his_o nostril_n ephes._n 5.2_o now_o see_v all_o the_o blessing_n we_o enjoy_v come_v to_o we_o in_o christ_n and_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v in_o his_o righteousness_n we_o therefore_o must_v labour_v to_o put_v on_o christ_n every_o day_n by_o become_v new_a creature_n we_o must_v seek_v to_o resemble_v he_o in_o knowledge_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n so_o shall_v our_o assurance_n increase_v of_o god_n blessing_n upon_o we_o more_o and_o more_o last_o mark_v that_o howsoever_o jaacob_n be_v bless_v otherwise_o than_o isaac_n have_v purpose_v yet_o after_o the_o blessing_n be_v pronounce_v it_o must_v needs_o stand_v for_o so_o when_o esau_n come_v isaac_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o have_v bless_v jacob_n therefore_o he_o shall_v be_v bless_v eph._n 27.33_o even_o so_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v power_n to_o pronounce_v god_n blessing_n upon_o the_o people_n howsoever_o they_o be_v but_o weak_a man_n and_o may_v be_v deceive_v be_v subject_a to_o error_n as_o other_o man_n be_v yet_o when_o they_o pronounce_v god_n blessing_n upon_o their_o congregation_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n if_o they_o do_v it_o in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n and_o uprightness_n of_o conscience_n that_o blessing_n shall_v stand_v and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a look_v who_o they_o curse_v for_o just_a cause_n out_o of_o god_n word_n their_o curse_n shall_v stand_v further_o as_o isaac_n bless_v but_o know_v not_o who_o so_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n they_o must_v bless_v god_n people_n though_o they_o know_v not_o who_o they_o be_v particular_o that_o do_v receive_v it_o thus_o much_o of_o isaac_n blessing_n jacob_n now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o blessing_n of_o esau_n for_o he_o also_o be_v bless_v as_o the_o text_n say_v yet_o in_o the_o second_o place_n albeit_o he_o be_v the_o elder_a brother_n quest._n how_o can_v esau_n be_v bless_v at_o all_o see_v isaac_n have_v but_o one_o blessing_n answ._n esau_n be_v only_o bless_v with_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o not_o with_o spiritual_a object_n but_o some_o will_v say_v esau_n be_v a_o bad_a man_n &_o wicked_a now_o it_o be_v say_v that_o to_o the_o impure_a all_o thing_n be_v impure_a how_o then_o can_v the_o bestow_n of_o temporal_a thing_n be_v blessing_n to_o he_o an._n temporal_a thing_n bestow_v on_o the_o wicked_a be_v blessing_n &_o no_o blessing_n they_o be_v blessing_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n that_o give_v they_o but_o they_o be_v no_o blessing_n in_o regard_n of_o man_n that_o receive_v they_o and_o use_v they_o amiss_o quest._n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o esau_n be_v the_o elder_a brother_n lose_v his_o birthright_n and_o blessing_n both_o how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v jaacobs_n answ._n the_o cause_n be_v his_o profaneness_n as_o we_o may_v see_v and_o read_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v heb._n 12.16_o that_o he_o sell_v his_o birthright_n for_o a_o portion_n of_o meat_n even_o for_o a_o mess_n of_o red_a broth_n and_o be_v so_o profane_a as_o to_o contemn_v so_o high_a a_o honour_n he_o must_v be_v content_a to_o have_v his_o blessing_n in_o the_o second_o place_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v observe_v a_o good_a instruction_n there_o be_v many_o a_o young_a man_n in_o these_o our_o day_n baptize_v as_o esau_n be_v circumcise_v and_o live_v in_o the_o church_n as_o he_o do_v in_o isaac_n house_n who_o
be_v the_o right_a time_n for_o a_o man_n to_o show_v his_o faith_n when_o there_o be_v in_o himself_o no_o cause_n of_o believe_v object_n but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v believe_v answ._n indeed_o to_o believe_v then_o be_v a_o wonderful_a hard_a thing_n and_o a_o miracle_n of_o miracle_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o property_n of_o true_a faith_n so_o to_o do_v and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o dram_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o despair_n howsoever_o it_o may_v for_o a_o time_n lie_v hide_v as_o dead_a yet_o at_o the_o length_n it_o will_v make_v he_o to_o hope_n and_o wait_v for_o mercy_n and_o life_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o almighty_a god._n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n at_o any_o time_n to_o lay_v a_o torment_n upon_o our_o conscience_n so_o as_o we_o shall_v strive_v with_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n think_v that_o he_o have_v cast_v we_o away_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o than_o we_o must_v believe_v gods_n promise_n and_o set_v before_o we_o his_o mercy_n and_o therewith_o refresh_v us._n and_o if_o this_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n many_o sundry_a time_n be_v in_o a_o most_o miserable_a case_n the_o lord_n therefore_o have_v most_o merciful_o provide_v to_o help_v he_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n when_o a_o man_n be_v pass_v all_o hope_n of_o life_n he_o must_v then_o believe_v and_o hope_v for_o life_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o preservation_n and_o undoubted_o this_o be_v a_o comfortable_a sign_n of_o grace_n if_o a_o man_n in_o the_o horror_n of_o conscience_n can_v show_v forth_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o true_a faith_n four_o note_v the_o effect_n and_o issue_n of_o this_o faith_n they_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n we_o say_v usual_o that_o water_n &_o fire_n be_v unmerciful_a creature_n and_o therefore_o the_o natural_a man_n fear_v they_o both_o but_o the_o israelite_n faith_n make_v they_o not_o to_o fear_v the_o water_n but_o it_o make_v they_o bold_a even_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o sea_n the_o like_a we_o may_v see_v for_o fire_n in_o the_o 3._o child_n dan._n 3.16.23_o who_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o the_o hot_a burn_a oven_n but_o be_v as_o bold_a in_o it_o as_o out_o of_o it_o ravenous_a &_o wild_a beast_n be_v terrible_a unto_o man_n but_o faith_n make_v a_o man_n not_o to_o fear_v they_o and_o therefore_o daniel_n fear_v not_o the_o lion_n though_o he_o be_v throw_v into_o their_o den_n to_o be_v devour_v dan._n 6.22_o great_a be_v the_o fruit_n and_o force_n of_o faith_n it_o take_v from_o a_o man_n the_o fear_n of_o those_o creature_n which_o by_o nature_n be_v most_o terrible_a and_o here_o we_o see_v a_o cause_n why_o the_o holy_a martyr_n of_o god_n die_v most_o cheerful_o a_o man_n will_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o one_o shall_v go_v into_o the_o fire_n rejoice_v as_o many_o of_o they_o do_v but_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o have_v faith_n in_o their_o heart_n which_o take_v away_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o most_o fearful_a creature_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o may_z some_z say_v that_o the_o israelite_n by_o faith_n go_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n not_o fear_v the_o water_n why_o may_v not_o we_o that_o believe_v now_o do_v the_o same_o for_o we_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n that_o they_o have_v answ._n we_o have_v indeed_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v pass_v through_o water_n as_o they_o do_v for_o their_o faith_n rest_v on_o two_o promise_n first_o on_o this_o make_v to_o abraham_n i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n second_o on_o a_o particular_a promise_n make_v to_o moses_n for_o when_o he_o command_v he_o to_o go_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n withal_o he_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v they_o and_o this_o they_o believe_v and_o so_o go_v through_o now_o howsoever_o we_o have_v justify_v faith_n have_v the_o same_o general_a promise_n yet_o we_o have_v not_o the_o like_a particular_a promise_n that_o if_o we_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n god_n will_v be_v with_o we_o and_o save_v us._n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v adventure_v to_o do_v so_o let_v he_o look_v for_o nothing_o but_o death_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o action_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o presumption_n and_o therefore_o peter_n sink_v when_o he_o will_v needs_o walk_v unto_o christ_n upon_o the_o sea_n have_v no_o such_o hold_n upon_o god_n special_a promise_n as_o here_o they_o have_v and_o the_o egyptian_n follow_v presumptuous_o be_v drown_v wherefore_o let_v we_o here_o be_v warn_v not_o to_o attempt_v to_o do_v extraordinary_a work_n without_o god_n special_a warrant_n for_o a_o particular_a faith_n require_v a_o particular_a promise_n beside_o the_o general_a promise_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n further_o let_v we_o here_o observe_v a_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o power_n when_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v into_o extremity_n of_o danger_n so_o as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o desperate_a case_n for_o their_o temporal_a life_n yet_o than_o the_o lord_n find_v a_o way_n of_o deliverance_n and_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n consider_v aright_o of_o it_o he_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o israelite_n be_v in_o a_o pitiful_a case_n for_o they_o have_v the_o red_a sea_n before_o they_o and_o mountain_n on_o each_o side_n and_o themselves_o hinder_v from_o flight_n by_o their_o bag_n and_o baggage_n and_o with_o their_o child_n and_o the_o huge_a host_n of_o pharaoh_n behind_o they_o so_o as_o to_o man_n reason_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o present_a death_n to_o be_v look_v for_o yet_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n to_o save_v they_o make_v a_o way_n where_o there_o be_v no_o way_n and_o open_v they_o a_o gap_n to_o life_n when_o natural_a reason_n can_v lay_v before_o they_o nothing_o but_o violent_a death_n which_o show_v the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o his_o own_o people_n and_o servant_n and_o the_o like_a thing_n we_o may_v read_v of_o in_o david_n when_o he_o abide_v in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o maon_n for_o there_o saul_n follow_v he_o and_o he_o and_o his_o man_n compass_v david_n and_o his_o man_n round_o about_o 1._o sam._n 23.26_o 27._o now_o what_o hope_v of_o deliverance_n be_v there_o for_o david_n ans._n sure_o this_o only_a david_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n &_o the_o lord_n preserve_v he_o that_o he_o may_v rule_v his_o people_n after_o saul_n death_n and_o therefore_o he_o escape_v though_o wonderful_o for_o a_o messenger_n come_v to_o saul_n and_o bid_v he_o haste_n for_o the_o philistines_n invade_v the_o land_n and_o so_o saul_n return_v from_o pursue_v david_n and_o go_v against_o the_o philistines_n hence_o we_o learn_v this_o general_a rule_n that_o in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o danger_n god_n have_v mean_n to_o preserve_v and_o save_v his_o own_o child_n and_o people_n which_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o commend_v our_o case_n to_o god_n and_o to_o rest_v on_o he_o in_o all_o danger_n for_o when_o our_o case_n be_v desperate_a in_o our_o sight_n then_o be_v we_o fit_a for_o god_n help_v let_v we_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n learn_v to_o practise_v our_o faith_n and_o then_o especial_o to_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o god._n this_o jehosaphat_n do_v most_o notable_o for_o be_v assault_v with_o the_o huge_a army_n of_o the_o moabite_n ammonite_n etc._n etc._n he_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n most_o fervent_o say_v 2._o chron._n 20.12_o lord_n there_o be_v no_o strength_n in_o we_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v but_o our_o eye_n be_v towards_o thou_o and_o thus_o do_v be_v preserve_v for_o god_n will_v in_o no_o extremity_n forsake_v they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o the_o red_a sea_n in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v call_v the_o sea_n of_o rush_n psal._n 106.7_o 9_o or_o the_o sea_n of_o sedge_n jer._n 49.21_o it_o be_v a_o corner_n of_o the_o arabian_a sea_n that_o part_v egypt_n and_o arabia_n those_o which_o have_v see_v it_o in_o travel_n say_v it_o have_v no_o other_o colour_n than_o all_o other_o sea_n have_v why_o then_o be_v it_o call_v the_o red_a sea_n answ._n to_o omit_v many_o suppose_a cause_n hereof_o there_o be_v two_o especial_o for_o which_o it_o be_v so_o call_v 1_o because_o of_o the_o red_a sand_n for_o both_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o shore_n be_v full_a of_o red_a sand_n than_o ordinary_o be_v elsewhere_o 2_o some_o think_v it_o be_v call_v the_o red_a sea_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o sedge_n and_o bul-rush_n which_o grow_v much_o at_o the_o sea_n side_n and_o be_v of_o a_o red_a colour_n which_o by_o reflection_n may_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
do_v it_o not_o so_o much_o as_o burn_v their_o garment_n or_o the_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n to_o cause_v the_o same_o to_o smell_v and_o the_o like_a be_v his_o goodness_n towards_o all_o his_o servant_n david_n say_v 21.3_o the_o lord_n prevent_v he_o with_o liberal_a blessing_n that_o be_v when_o david_n never_o ask_v such_o blessing_n at_o god_n hand_n even_o than_o do_v the_o lord_n bestow_v his_o liberal_a blessing_n upon_o he_o as_o namely_o this_o when_o david_n be_v follow_v his_o father_n sheep_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o call_n he_o never_o dream_v of_o any_o kingdom_n yet_o thence_o the_o lord_n take_v he_o to_o be_v king_n over_o his_o people_n israel_n so_o the_o israelite_n have_v be_v 70._o year_n in_o captivity_n never_o think_v of_o return_n and_o yet_o then_o be_v they_o deliver_v and_o their_o deliverance_n be_v so_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a that_o they_o be_v like_o they_o that_o dream_n psal._n 126.1_o when_o peter_n be_v cast_v into_o prison_n by_o herod_n and_o commit_v to_o four_o quaternion_n of_o soldier_n to_o be_v keep_v 12.4_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v and_o awake_v he_o as_o he_o sleep_v and_o lead_v he_o out_o of_o prison_n past_o the_o watch_n and_o through_o the_o iron_n gate_n and_o then_o leave_v he_o now_o this_o deliverance_n be_v so_o strange_a unto_o he_o that_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a but_o think_v he_o have_v see_v a_o vision_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v make_v this_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o answer_v before_o they_o call_v and_o to_o hear_v while_o they_o speak_v isaiah_n 65.24_o so_o endless_a be_v his_o mercy_n and_o his_o goodness_n so_o unspeakable_a towards_o his_o servant_n that_o if_o they_o cleave_v unto_o he_o unfeigned_o they_o shall_v find_v his_o bounty_n far_o surpass_v all_o that_o they_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v the_o consideration_n hereof_o serve_v to_o stir_v up_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o our_o place_n to_o cleave_v unfeigned_o unto_o the_o true_a god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n in_o due_a reverence_n and_o obedience_n if_o a_o servant_n be_v to_o choose_v his_o master_n and_o among_o a_o hundred_o shall_v hear_v of_o one_o that_o beside_o his_o wage_n will_v give_v unto_o his_o servant_n gift_n which_o they_o will_v not_o think_v of_o this_o servant_n will_v forsake_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o come_v unto_o this_o one_o behold_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v this_o bountiful_a master_n who_o do_v not_o only_o keep_v covenant_n with_o his_o servant_n in_o a_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o be_v exceed_o gracious_a prevent_v they_o with_o liberal_a blessing_n above_o all_o that_o they_o can_v wish_v for_o themselves_o wherefore_o let_v we_o forsake_v all_o our_o bad_a master_n the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o resign_v ourselves_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o serve_v this_o our_o good_a god_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v that_o can_v have_v such_o cause_n of_o true_a joy_n in_o heart_n as_o god_n servant_n have_v for_o god_n show_v more_o kindness_n unto_o they_o than_o they_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v of_o and_o take_v this_o for_o truth_n also_o there_o be_v none_o that_o thus_o give_v themselves_o to_o serve_v god_n faithful_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n but_o before_o they_o die_v they_o shall_v find_v this_o to_o be_v true_a that_o god_n be_v a_o most_o merciful_a god_n and_o his_o goodness_n endless_a towards_o they_o above_o their_o desert_n second_o this_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n must_v move_v we_o all_o to_o repent_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o be_v they_o never_o so_o many_o or_o heinous_a for_o they_o can_v never_o reach_v to_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o mercy_n though_o they_o be_v in_o number_n like_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n they_o must_v not_o dismay_v we_o from_o come_v to_o he_o but_o consider_v that_o his_o goodness_n be_v endless_a and_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n we_o must_v come_v unto_o he_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n for_o god_n be_v merciful_a to_o perform_v his_o promise_n yea_o and_o beyond_o his_o promise_n to_o do_v for_o we_o more_o than_o we_o can_v think_v of_o many_o indeed_o abuse_v this_o mercy_n of_o god_n by_o presume_v thereon_o to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n but_o such_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v merciful_a unto_o they_o deut._n 29.20_o it_o be_v the_o penitent_a person_n that_o shall_v find_v mercy_n the_o six_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v in_o these_o word_n escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n be_v thus_o escape_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o sword_n which_o be_v the_o hebrew_n phrase_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o here_o follow_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o before_o where_o he_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o two_o mouth_a sword_n heb._n 4.12_o hereby_o meaning_n as_o it_o be_v translate_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n this_o effect_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o two_o worthy_a prophet_n elias_n and_o elizeus_fw-la for_o elias_n we_o may_v read_v that_o when_o he_o have_v slay_v baal_n priest_n 1._o king_n 19.1_o jezabel_n the_o queen_n threaten_v to_o kill_v he_o which_o he_o hear_v flee_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o thence_o be_v lead_v to_o mount_n horeb_n and_o there_o escape_v by_o mean_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o for_o elizeus_fw-la we_o may_v read_v that_o when_o he_o disclose_v the_o king_n of_o syriah_n his_o counsel_n to_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n 2._o king_n 6._o he_o be_v compass_v about_o in_o dothan_n the_o city_n where_o he_o lay_v with_o a_o huge_a host_n of_o assyrian_n but_o pray_v to_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n smite_v the_o host_n with_o blindness_n and_o so_o the_o prophet_n lead_v they_o in_o safety_n to_o samaria_n so_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o effect_n be_v that_o when_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v in_o distress_n &_o danger_n of_o death_n they_o deny_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o help_n &_o by_o faith_n rely_v upon_o god_n unfeigned_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n &_o so_o find_v deliverance_n with_o god_n from_o the_o peril_n of_o death_n first_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n provide_v for_o the_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o extremity_n of_o peril_n and_o danger_n when_o both_o might_n and_o multitude_n be_v against_o they_o this_o point_n we_o have_v touch_v in_o diverse_a example_n before_o and_o therefore_o do_v here_o only_a name_n it_o second_o in_o that_o these_o man_n in_o the_o extremity_n of_o danger_n believe_v and_o so_o escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n we_o learn_v that_o when_o we_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n so_o as_o we_o see_v no_o way_n to_o escape_v even_o than_o we_o must_v put_v our_o trust_n in_o the_o true_a god_n and_o he_o will_v save_v us._n this_o we_o must_v do_v not_o only_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o body_n but_o more_o especial_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n put_v the_o case_n a_o man_n be_v in_o despair_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o that_o he_o see_v legion_n of_o devil_n compass_v he_o about_o to_o take_v he_o away_o what_o must_v this_o man_n do_v in_o this_o case_n answ._n look_v what_o elias_n and_o elizeus_fw-la do_v the_o same_o thing_n must_v he_o do_v he_o must_v not_o lie_v dead_a in_o desperation_n yield_v thereto_o but_o at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n when_o such_o terror_n oppress_v he_o he_o must_v by_o faith_n lift_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o put_v all_o his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o through_o christ._n and_o if_o he_o can_v this_o do_v he_o may_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v as_o certain_o escape_v these_o fearful_a terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n as_o elias_n &_o elizeus_fw-la do_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n for_o let_v a_o man_n put_v his_o whole_a trust_n in_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o his_o trouble_n be_v god_n will_v deliver_v he_o great_a be_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o lord_n deliver_v he_o out_o of_o they_o all_o psal._n 34.19_o indeed_o we_o must_v not_o limit_v god_n for_o time_n or_o manner_n of_o deliverance_n but_o wait_v on_o god_n by_o faith_n account_v his_o grace_n sufficient_a till_o deliverance_n come_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o six_o effect_n the_o seven_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v this_o of_o weak_a be_v make_v strong_a or_o thus_o of_o weak_a be_v restore_v to_o health_n this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o hezekias_n a_o worthy_a king_n of_o