to_o a_o fact_n every_o man_n be_v a_o debtor_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v bind_v as_o a_o man_n to_o bear_v testimony_n christ_n tell_v pilate_n john_n 18.37_o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n but_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o testimony_n that_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v i_o understand_v it_o not_o thus_o large_o for_o though_o it_o be_v that_o every_o good_a man_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o testify_v the_o truth_n in_o any_o cause_n yet_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v under_o a_o more_o special_a obligation_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o some_o truth_n and_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n that_o relate_v to_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v that_o the_o text_n call_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n 1._o either_o for_o that_o testimony_n which_o our_o lord_n bare_a of_o himself_o 2._o or_o the_o testimony_n which_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n bear_v a_o testimony_n of_o himself_o he_o testify_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o zion_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n but_o i_o understand_v it_o yet_o large_a every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o relate_v to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n there_o be_v a_o testimony_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o bear_v to_o those_o proposition_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o gospel_n contain_v and_o relate_v concern_v jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v considerable_a in_o a_o testimony_n be_v the_o way_n of_o give_v it_o the_o proper_a give_v a_o testimony_n be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o our_o mouth_n either_o with_o a_o oath_n or_o without_o a_o oath_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v a_o proposition_n and_o another_o thing_n for_o he_o to_o give_v testimony_n to_o a_o proposition_n he_o believe_v a_o proposition_n that_o hear_v it_o do_v in_o heart_n consent_n and_o agree_v to_o it_o that_o the_o predicate_v be_v well_o fit_v to_o the_o subject_a whether_o he_o speak_v a_o word_n yea_o or_o no_o but_o he_o testify_v that_o with_o his_o word_n ow_v and_o declare_v his_o faith_n rom._n 10.10_o for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o christian_a secret_o in_o his_o heart_n to_o agree_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o testimony_n if_o thou_o shall_v therefore_o confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v you_o may_v observe_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n make_v necessary_a to_o to_o salvation_n 1._o a_o heart_n believe_v the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o a_o external_a confession_n or_o profession_n there_o be_v a_o double_a confession_n a_o christian_n duty_n 1._o a_o confession_n of_o sin_n 2._o a_o confession_n of_o truth_n either_o confession_n be_v a_o open_a acknowledgement_n with_o our_o lip_n thus_o you_o read_v in_o scripture_n frequent_o of_o confess_v of_o christ_n only_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o testimony_n and_o confession_n any_o open_a assert_v vindicate_a and_o defend_v christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n be_v give_v a_o testimony_n but_o when_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o face_n of_o enemy_n in_o despite_n of_o opposition_n this_o be_v confession_n matth._n 10.32_o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n luke_n 12.8_o whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n thus_o john_n 12.42_o many_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o because_o of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o so_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n signify_v that_o open_a acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n relate_v to_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a christian_n qu._n 2._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o original_a do_v something_o differ_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d suffer_v thou_o evil_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o person_n by_o a_o figure_n a_o person_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o evil_n timothy_n be_v exhort_v to_o suffer_v evil_a with_o the_o gospel_n this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o consideration_n what_o those_o affliction_n be_v what_o those_o evil_n be_v to_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v subject_v there_o be_v several_a evil_n to_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v subject_v or_o rather_o evil_n from_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o from_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o it_o such_o as_o own_o christ_n in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n 2._o from_o the_o false_a and_o seem_a professor_n of_o it_o 3._o from_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o it_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o affliction_n which_o man_n be_v subject_v to_o from_o their_o own_n and_o profess_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o i_o say_v be_v from_o 3_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o from_o such_o as_o be_v the_o true_a and_o sincere_a professor_n of_o it_o they_o may_v bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o and_o be_v thorn_n and_o goad_n in_o one_o another_o side_n these_o common_o be_v so_o from_o one_o of_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o from_o a_o overheat_v zeal_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n 2._o from_o such_o corruption_n as_o do_v attend_v god_n people_n consider_v as_o man_n make_v up_o of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n 1._o from_o a_o immoderate_a zeal_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n truth_n be_v a_o uniform_a thing_n and_o be_v but_o one_o two_o contradictory_n proposition_n can_v be_v true_a but_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n none_o have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n concern_v truth_n it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o guide_v we_o and_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n but_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o promise_n must_v not_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o that_o because_o all_o christian_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v guide_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v misapprehension_n in_o a_o proposition_n of_o truth_n they_o shall_v be_v guide_v into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n they_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v in_o any_o apprehension_n of_o truth_n upon_o which_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n depend_v but_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v as_o to_o a_o multitude_n of_o particular_a proposition_n one_o may_v judge_v one_o thing_n and_o another_o another_o thing_n yet_o they_o all_o hold_v the_o foundation_n the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o may_v have_v very_o different_a apprehension_n as_o to_o some_o particular_a truth_n now_o through_o a_o overweening_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o apprehension_n there_o be_v very_o great_a difference_n and_o also_o hard_a censuring_n and_o condemning_n of_o one_o another_o and_o these_o be_v great_a affliction_n but_o such_o as_o have_v attend_v the_o gospel_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n they_o be_v such_o different_a apprehension_n that_o cause_v the_o first_o christian_a synod_n act_n 15.1_o some_o come_v and_o teach_v the_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n such_o difference_n there_o be_v rom._n 14.2_o for_o one_o believe_v he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n another_o who_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n hence_o they_o judge_v despise_v condemn_a and_o censure_v one_o another_o and_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v to_o a_o friendly_a carriage_n one_o towards_o another_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n one_o of_o another_o in_o these_o different_a apprehension_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n of_o a_o light_a nature_n mens_fw-la immoderate_a zeal_n for_o their_o own_o opinion_n have_v in_o all_o time_n beget_v great_a heat_n and_o have_v cause_v great_a affliction_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o have_v be_v a_o great_a root_n of_o bitterness_n among_o god_n own_o people_n we_o have_v see_v enough_o of_o it_o in_o the_o age_n
a_o child_n without_o a_o parent_n alas_o that_o i_o can_v also_o say_v a_o particular_a flock_n without_o a_o pastor_n but_o the_o whole_a flock_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v say_v he_o have_v leave_v deprive_v of_o one_o labourer_n more_o and_o that_o in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o harvest_n true_o be_v great_a and_o the_o labourer_n too_o too_o few_o but_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o love_n for_o our_o own_o good_a to_o envy_v the_o more_o exceed_o good_a &_o happiness_n of_o our_o friend_n &_o our_o sorrow_n for_o he_o as_o a_o public_a loss_n be_v much_o alleviate_v by_o that_o useless_a condition_n as_o to_o public_a service_n into_o which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v bring_v he_o for_o some_o year_n before_o it_o please_v god_n to_o take_v he_o to_o himself_o his_o conversation_n from_o his_o youth_n be_v better_o know_v to_o many_o of_o you_o then_o to_o myself_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v up_o among_o you_o i_o shall_v limit_v my_o discourse_n concern_v he_o by_o my_o text_n have_v nothing_o in_o further_a design_n then_o to_o show_v you_o that_o we_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n lay_v up_o for_o some_o which_o the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v one_o day_n give_v out_o to_o all_o such_o as_o love_v his_o appearance_n have_v no_o reason_n for_o any_o dissatisfaction_n at_o this_o dispensation_n of_o divine_a providence_n because_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_v that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o those_o who_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n who_o finish_v his_o course_n who_o keep_v the_o faith_n who_o love_v the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n 1._o for_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n it_o respect_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n or_o the_o devil_n as_o to_o the_o world_n there_o be_v none_o who_o know_v he_o who_o can_v accuse_v he_o of_o any_o pursuit_n of_o it_o none_o who_o see_v not_o his_o neglect_n of_o it_o he_o content_v himself_o with_o a_o competency_n of_o it_o and_o can_v not_o be_v tempt_v to_o mend_v his_o commons_o in_o it_o by_o a_o compliance_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o judge_v sinful_a he_o be_v no_o man_n of_o pleasure_n none_o of_o those_o who_o seek_v great_a thing_n for_o himself_o he_o do_v not_o neglect_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n while_o he_o have_v a_o liberty_n to_o exercise_v it_o and_o withal_o to_o exercise_v what_o he_o judge_v a_o good_a conscience_n but_o when_o he_o see_v he_o can_v not_o do_v that_o the_o profit_n of_o such_o service_n be_v no_o temptation_n to_o he_o he_o rather_o choose_v to_o live_v upon_o the_o little_a god_n have_v give_v he_o and_o occasional_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n where_o he_o have_v a_o opportunity_n offer_v for_o near_o twenty_o year_n before_o god_n take_v he_o from_o we_o though_o indeed_o for_o 5_o or_o 6_o of_o those_o year_n he_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o any_o public_a service_n of_o that_o nature_n the_o good_a fight_n with_o the_o flesh_n be_v a_o more_o secret_a combat_n of_o which_o we_o can_v make_v no_o judgement_n but_o from_o a_o mortify_a conversation_n to_o sensible_a satisfaction_n as_o to_o which_o i_o need_v say_v nothing_o to_o you_o you_o know_v how_o he_o walk_v in_o and_o out_o before_o you_o die_v daily_o to_o the_o contentment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o bring_v his_o body_n under_o and_o keep_v it_o in_o subjection_n but_o it_o be_v his_o managery_n of_o this_o good_a fight_n with_o the_o grand_a adversary_n that_o be_v to_o we_o to_o i_o at_o least_o the_o most_o perspicuous_a and_o as_o to_o which_o i_o be_v the_o most_o competent_a witness_n in_o regard_n of_o my_o frequent_a converse_n with_o he_o it_o be_v in_o the_o year_n 1673._o if_o i_o remember_v right_a when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o take_v from_o he_o his_o only_a son_n a_o child_n in_o which_o he_o much_o delight_v and_o who_o life_n probable_o by_o give_v he_o some_o diversion_n keep_v he_o from_o those_o depth_n of_o melancholy_a into_o which_o he_o soon_o after_o fall_v and_o continue_v to_o his_o die_a day_n though_o under_o some_o different_a circumstance_n it_o be_v infinite_a to_o recount_v all_o his_o doubt_n and_o fear_n some_o respect_v his_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a state_n some_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n so_o as_o there_o be_v not_o the_o most_o lawful_a action_n of_o his_o life_n which_o he_o be_v not_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o question_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o he_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o divine_n who_o success_n with_o he_o be_v but_o what_o be_v usual_a in_o those_o case_n they_o can_v easy_o silence_v he_o and_o answer_v the_o objection_n he_o make_v against_o himself_o and_o give_v he_o a_o little_a relief_n at_o present_a but_o his_o troublesome_a thought_n will_v return_v again_o and_o renew_v upon_o he_o yet_o we_o observe_v god_n blessing_n our_o endeavour_n so_o far_o as_o to_o drive_v the_o enemy_n from_o one_o post_n to_o another_o but_o still_o there_o come_v on_o new_a supply_n from_o those_o principality_n with_o which_o he_o be_v engage_v and_o this_o continue_a so_o long_o that_o his_o life_n grow_v a_o burden_n to_o he_o and_o he_o seem_v weary_a of_o it_o not_o desirous_a to_o live_v always_o when_o in_o live_v he_o do_v not_o live_v his_o adversary_n bring_v forth_o all_o those_o usual_a fiery_a dart_n which_o he_o common_o throw_v at_o person_n under_o his_o circumstance_n temptation_n to_o blasphemous_a thought_n despair_n self-murder_n as_o to_o the_o first_o and_o second_o it_o so_o far_o please_v god_n to_o bless_v our_o brotherly_a assistance_n to_o he_o advantage_v by_o his_o own_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o be_v observe_v almost_o always_o to_o make_v the_o subject_n of_o his_o sermon_n in_o late_a year_n that_o he_o be_v not_o many_o month_n in_o those_o combat_n but_o under_o the_o latter_a he_o labour_v some_o year_n indeed_o so_o long_o as_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o my_o ministry_n i_o never_o know_v any_o who_o be_v infest_a with_o those_o temptation_n but_o be_v overthrow_v by_o they_o if_o they_o continue_v in_o much_o short_a time_n he_o have_v often_o affright_v his_o near_a relation_n and_o myself_o with_o tell_v we_o he_o must_v put_v a_o end_n to_o his_o day_n he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o impetus_fw-la of_o the_o temptation_n both_o myself_o and_o other_o will_v speak_v what_o we_o judge_v proper_a in_o the_o cause_n and_o for_o a_o time_n be_v successful_a to_o divert_v he_o but_o the_o tempter_n come_v on_o again_o and_o that_o with_o that_o violence_n as_o i_o scarce_o ever_o know_v i_o learn_v in_o my_o daily_a converse_n with_o this_o good_a man_n the_o great_a advantage_n which_o true_a faith_n in_o any_o give_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o such_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n over_o what_o he_o have_v towards_o one_o who_o have_v no_o such_o root_n of_o grace_n in_o my_o discourse_n with_o he_o i_o use_v a_o much_o different_a method_n from_o what_o other_o will_v have_v think_v proper_a in_o the_o case_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o paroxysm_n common_o make_v the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o damn_a soul_n and_o the_o desperate_a state_n of_o person_n die_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o know_a sin_n the_o subject_n of_o my_o discourse_n know_v that_o if_o god_n will_v bless_v my_o discourse_n to_o revive_v his_o faith_n in_o such_o revelation_n of_o holy_a writ_n i_o shall_v countermine_v his_o adversary_n who_o design_n be_v to_o blow_v up_o his_o soul_n by_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o freedom_n from_o a_o temporary_a affliction_n and_o misery_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n many_o prayer_n be_v put_v up_o to_o god_n for_o he_o many_o be_v make_v to_o god_n with_o he_o and_o himself_o if_o out_o of_o his_o bed_n be_v almost_o always_o alone_o upon_o his_o knee_n such_o be_v his_o condition_n that_o his_o friend_n dare_v not_o have_v trust_v he_o the_o twenty_o part_n of_o that_o time_n alone_o but_o they_o know_v he_o be_v not_o alone_o while_o he_o be_v with_o god_n and_o they_o find_v that_o he_o be_v safe_a because_o in_o his_o company_n after_o the_o spend_n of_o some_o year_n in_o this_o degree_n of_o deep_a affliction_n it_o please_v god_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n to_o rebuke_v the_o tempter_n that_o although_o his_o bodily_a distemper_n yet_o continue_v and_o by_o this_o time_n it_o have_v breed_v more_o yet_o his_o mind_n be_v much_o more_o free_a from_o these_o desperate_a temptation_n and_o impetuous_a assault_n that_o if_o at_o all_o any_o thing_n of_o they_o return_v at_o any_o time_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o a_o continual_a drop_n upon_o his_o soul_n thus_o he_o fight_v the_o good_a
law_n of_o charity_n to_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o his_o neighbour_n when_o his_o estate_n or_o his_o life_n be_v concern_v or_o any_o thing_n of_o his_o interest_n and_o every_o subject_a take_v himself_o more_o high_o concern_v to_o give_v his_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o prince_n or_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o master_n because_o there_o be_v a_o relation_n betwixt_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o subject_a and_o betwixt_o the_o master_n and_o the_o servant_n certain_o there_o must_v needs_o lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o every_o christian_a who_o ow_v christ_n as_o his_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o master_n to_o give_v a_o testimony_n unto_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o testimony_n for_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o he_o who_o we_o call_v our_o father_n who_o we_o own_o as_o our_o master_n every_o testimony_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o testimony_n to_o christ_n every_o testimony_n for_o christ_n be_v a_o testimony_n for_o he_o who_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o who_o we_o own_o and_o avow_v to_o be_v our_o lord_n 3._o this_o obligation_n arise_v from_o that_o gratitude_n which_o we_o all_o owe_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n every_o one_o look_v upon_o himself_o indebt_v unto_o he_o who_o have_v do_v he_o good_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a in_o that_o case_n then_o to_o promise_v a_o requital_n and_o to_o express_v a_o trouble_n that_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o make_v he_o or_o her_o amends_o and_o to_o express_v our_o willingness_n to_o it_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o he_o who_o leave_v his_o father_n throne_n and_o come_v down_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o clothe_v himself_o with_o our_o nature_n and_o die_v in_o our_o stead_n that_o we_o may_v not_o perish_v for_o ever_o &_o ever_o he_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n have_v leave_v we_o in_o charge_n with_o his_o truth_n philip._n 1.27_o strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n judas_n v._o 3._o that_o you_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n now_o which_o of_o you_o if_o you_o have_v but_o a_o ordinary_a friend_n like_o yourselves_o who_o have_v do_v you_o some_o great_a and_o eminent_a kindness_n and_o leave_v you_o in_o charge_n but_o to_o give_v a_o testimony_n unto_o he_o and_o for_o he_o shall_v not_o think_v yourselves_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o it_o oh_o how_o great_a be_v the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o christian_a that_o live_v in_o the_o world_n to_o bear_v his_o testimony_n for_o christ_n if_o he_o do_v but_o consider_v what_o jesus_n christ_n have_v do_v for_o he_o shall_v christ_n come_v and_o die_v for_o we_o love_v not_o his_o life_n unto_o death_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o give_v a_o testimony_n unto_o he_o or_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o dear_a lord_n this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v if_o the_o kindness_n of_o a_o man_n lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o do_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o serve_v he_o sure_o the_o kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o saviour_n lay_v a_o much_o high_a obligation_n upon_o we_o 4._o another_o thing_n from_o whence_o this_o obligation_n do_v arise_v be_v from_o the_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o we_o to_o be_v conformable_a unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o ought_v to_o study_v a_o conformity_n to_o he_o in_o his_o life_n and_o in_o his_o death_n in_o his_o life_n he_o command_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a in_o his_o death_n thus_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o a_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n for_o this_o cause_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n do_v i_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o may_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v particular_o say_v of_o he_o that_o before_o pontius_n pilate_n he_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n 1_o tim._n 6.13_o he_o endure_v affliction_n in_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o be_v the_o testimony_n christ_n give_v but_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o people_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v very_o dear_a to_o he_o choose_v unto_o eternal_a life_n for_o he_o though_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o clothe_v himself_o with_o flesh_n and_o to_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n that_o he_o may_v redeem_v this_o people_n unto_o himself_o now_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o be_v conformable_a to_o christ_n conformable_a to_o this_o testimony_n not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o testimonony_n conformable_a also_o in_o not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o affliction_n this_o yet_o be_v advantage_v by_o another_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v to_o fill_v up_o the_o affliction_n of_o christ_n col._n 1.24_o who_o now_o rejoice_v in_o my_o suffering_n for_o you_o and_o fill_v up_o that_o which_o be_v behind_o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o christ_n the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v either_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o suffer_v in_o his_o own_o person_n now_o concern_v they_o he_o say_v all_o be_v finish_v the_o papist_n vain_o dream_v of_o the_o fill_n up_o of_o those_o suffering_n or_o else_o those_o suffering_n which_o every_o good_a christian_a shall_v suffer_v in_o his_o mystical_a body_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v much_o behind_o of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o be_v to_o fill_v up_o and_o fill_v they_o up_o we_o act_n both_o in_o a_o conformity_n unto_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o head_n and_o also_o unto_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o who_o have_v taste_v of_o this_o cup_n and_o drink_v a_o little_a of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v much_o more_o of_o these_o that_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v fill_v up_o 5._o the_o obligation_n arise_v upon_o christian_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o which_o we_o give_v our_o testimony_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o in_o this_o discourse_n that_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v a_o debtor_n to_o truth_n no_o man_n ought_v to_o decline_v a_o testimony_n unto_o truth_n but_o now_o by_o how_o much_o any_o truth_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n by_o so_o much_o we_o be_v the_o great_a debtor_n to_o they_o you_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o that_o one_o text_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n he_o say_v true_a who_o say_v that_o christian_n can_v better_a want_v the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n than_o that_o one_o piece_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o that_o high_a importance_n that_o the_o comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o all_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o people_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v do_v depend_v upon_o the_o stability_n of_o they_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o stand_v firm_a and_o fix_v the_o soul_n of_o christian_n be_v undo_v to_o all_o eternity_n there_o be_v no_o foundation_n of_o peace_n for_o they_o in_o this_o life_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o a_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o they_o in_o that_o life_n which_o be_v to_o come_v we_o stand_v therefore_o high_o concern_v to_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o these_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o affliction_n in_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o those_o truth_n and_o to_o that_o gospel_n upon_o which_o so_o much_o of_o our_o eternal_a interest_n and_o concern_v do_v lie_v there_o be_v no_o truth_n but_o we_o owe_v a_o testimony_n to_o it_o but_o there_o be_v some_o proposition_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v not_o of_o that_o moment_n that_o we_o shall_v endure_v affliction_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o they_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o no_o testimony_n we_o can_v give_v to_o they_o can_v be_v too_o high_a no_o affliction_n we_o can_v suffer_v for_o they_o can_v be_v too_o great_a 6._o a_o six_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o christian_n be_v from_o the_o station_n they_o take_v up_o in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v here_o enlarge_v upon_o three_o thing_n 1._o they_o be_v god_n witness_n 2._o they_o be_v god_n soldier_n 3._o they_o be_v god_n child_n and_o servant_n and_o christ_n member_n 1._o every_o christian_a be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n the_o member_n of_o christ_n now_o shall_v a_o child_n be_v ashamed_a to_o attest_v the_o truth_n for_o
4._o the_o command_n of_o the_o superior_a do_v not_o excuse_v the_o inferior_a agent_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o persecution_n nor_o yet_o deprive_v the_o sufferer_n from_o the_o blessing_n of_o he_o that_o be_v persecute_v if_o a_o person_n be_v pursue_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n sake_n for_o do_v that_o which_o god_n oblige_v he_o to_o do_v the_o persecution_n be_v as_o well_o persecution_n in_o the_o inferior_a agent_n as_o in_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o the_o more_o superior_a agent_n the_o jew_n accuse_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n they_o bring_v he_o before_o pilate_n pilate_n condemn_v he_o the_o jew_n nail_v he_o to_o the_o cross_n do_v not_o they_o who_o nail_v he_o to_o the_o cross_n persecute_v he_o paul_n be_v but_o a_o inferior_a agent_n against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 9_o act._n 9_o the_o letter_n be_v from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o chief_a priest_n of_o damascus_n the_o guilt_n lie_v in_o the_o act_n in_o the_o inflict_a of_o punishment_n upon_o such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v real_o free_v from_o punishment_n it_o be_v true_a he_o that_o command_v he_o that_o counsel_v and_o advise_v be_v not_o excuse_v but_o much_o less_o the_o next_o immediate_a actor_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o the_o law_n of_o man_n thus_o deal_v with_o offender_n nay_o when_o it_o excuse_v the_o principal_a agent_n it_o think_v it_o justice_n to_o punish_v severe_o the_o inferior_a minister_n for_o be_v there_o no_o minister_n in_o wickedness_n superior_n can_v do_v no_o hurt_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o think_v they_o be_v excuse_v because_o they_o be_v but_o minister_n and_o do_v but_o execute_v the_o will_n or_o sentence_n of_o other_o they_o be_v mistake_v paul_n hold_v the_o clothes_n when_o stephen_n be_v stone_v bring_v he_o into_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o death_n 5._o they_o be_v not_o only_o persecute_v who_o resist_v sin_n unto_o blood_n and_o choose_v death_n rather_o than_o sin_n but_o they_o who_o be_v revile_v and_o reproach_v our_o saviour_n you_o see_v put_v all_o together_o bless_v be_v you_o when_o you_o be_v revile_v and_o persecute_v and_o when_o they_o shall_v speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n of_o you_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n gal._n 4.29_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n persecute_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n if_o you_o look_v into_o the_o story_n of_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n it_o be_v say_v ishmael_n mock_v he_o thus_o paul_n complain_v rom._n 8.39_o for_o thy_o sake_n we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o all_o kind_n of_o suffer_v to_o avoid_v sin_n be_v persecution_n and_o those_o that_o make_v they_o to_o suffer_v be_v persecutor_n those_o that_o be_v sufferer_n be_v so_o persecute_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v degree_n both_o of_o this_o and_o of_o other_o sin_n but_o he_o that_o smite_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o tongue_n persecute_v as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o smite_v with_o a_o sword_n that_o be_v make_v of_o iron_n and_o he_o who_o be_v so_o smite_v be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n persecute_v as_o well_o as_o he_o who_o life_n be_v take_v from_o he_o now_o i_o say_v this_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n to_o suffer_v persecution_n to_o be_v pursue_v by_o wicked_a and_o malicious_a man_n both_o with_o their_o tongue_n revile_v they_o and_o with_o their_o hand_n endeavour_v to_o do_v they_o mischief_n either_o spoil_v they_o of_o their_o good_n or_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o life_n and_o that_o because_o they_o will_v not_o sin_v against_o god_n 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n how_o this_o do_v appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o also_o all_o ecclesiastical_a story_n take_v adam_n family_n immediate_o after_o the_o fall_n abel_n be_v persecute_v by_o cain_n indeed_o he_o do_v not_o suffer_v because_o he_o will_v not_o sin_v but_o because_o he_o be_v more_o righteous_a and_o have_v offer_v up_o a_o better_a sacrifice_n consider_v abraham_n family_n of_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v gal._n 4.29_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n persecute_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n act_n 7.52_o which_o of_o the_o prophet_n have_v not_o your_o father_n persecute_v but_o if_o you_o come_v unto_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o consider_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o that_o state_n you_o shall_v find_v it_o be_v persecute_v at_o all_o hand_n first_o by_o the_o jew_n then_o by_o the_o heathen_n then_o by_o false_a and_o pretend_a christian_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o example_n of_o stephen_n the_o proto-martyr_n and_o of_o christian_n ever_o since_o first_o by_o the_o jew_n of_o which_o you_o read_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n then_o by_o the_o heathen_n which_o persecution_n last_v 300_o hundred_o year_n till_o constantine_n the_o great_a then_o by_o false_a christian_n the_o papist_n and_o other_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n always_o persecute_v they_o who_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n it_o may_v therefore_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n rather_o to_o fathom_v the_o bottom_n of_o this_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v the_o mark_n and_o but_o of_o the_o world_n envy_n reas_n 1._o the_o original_a cause_n must_v be_v fetch_v from_o that_o text_n gen._n 3.15_o where_o god_n say_v i_o will_v put_v enmity_n betwixt_o thou_o and_o the_o woman_n and_o between_o thy_o seed_n and_o her_o seed_n that_o text_n give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o threefold_a antipathy_n or_o enmity_n which_o you_o find_v in_o the_o world_n 1._o you_o see_v there_o be_v a_o natural_a antipathy_n between_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o a_o serpent_n though_o we_o have_v little_a experience_n of_o it_o in_o england_n in_o egypt_n and_o africa_n they_o be_v mortal_a enemy_n unto_o man_n and_o though_o we_o have_v no_o such_o exceed_o mischievous_a serpent_n yet_o we_o see_v man_n general_o averse_a to_o they_o and_o shun_v they_o and_o seek_v to_o destroy_v they_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o antipathy_n betwixt_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o you_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o destroyer_n though_o man_n serve_v he_o yet_o he_o destroy_v they_o witch_n be_v the_o worst_a of_o people_n they_o be_v his_o slave_n he_o be_v their_o ruin_n and_o destroyer_n at_o last_o and_o for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n he_o be_v continual_o molest_v they_o here_o be_v the_o reason_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o antipathy_n betwixt_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n who_o be_v the_o woman_n seed_n but_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o wicked_a man_n you_o be_v of_o your_o father_n the_o devil_n say_v christ_n john_n 8.44_o for_o his_o work_n you_o do_v but_o although_o this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o more_o remote_a cause_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o proximate_n and_o immediate_a cause_n and_o some_o of_o they_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o 2._o the_o next_o cause_n be_v that_o innate_a hatred_n of_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o every_o man_n since_o the_o fall_n rom._n 1.30_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o heathen_a that_o they_o be_v backbiter_n hater_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o fall_n when_o man_n lose_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o which_o he_o be_v create_v no_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a love_n for_o god_n or_o for_o the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o they_o say_v of_o the_o basilisk_n that_o it_o have_v such_o a_o hatred_n to_o a_o man_n that_o it_o will_v fly_v upon_o the_o picture_n of_o a_o man_n so_o it_o be_v true_a that_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n by_o nature_n be_v basilisk_n they_o fly_v upon_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n where_o ever_o they_o see_v it_o now_o persecution_n be_v but_o the_o daughter_n of_o hatred_n and_o though_o every_o one_o have_v not_o the_o like_a rough_a and_o harsh_a nature_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o furious_a as_o some_o man_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o no_o man_n natural_o love_v yea_o every_o man_n natural_o hate_v god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n hence_o the_o more_o any_o one_o have_v of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o soul_n the_o more_o he_o be_v the_o object_n of_o hatred_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o hatred_n lie_v in_o
due_a respect_n to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v his_o testimony_n and_o who_o agree_v and_o do_v not_o contradict_v himself_o and_o yet_o be_v bold_a and_o courageous_a speak_v with_o freedom_n hence_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v often_o use_v about_o the_o testimony_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v bear_v to_o the_o truth_n a_o free_a bold_a testimony_n in_o any_o cause_n do_v it_o great_a service_n while_o the_o stammer_n lisp_a witness_n that_o use_v no_o freedom_n in_o his_o speech_n rather_o hurt_v a_o cause_n than_o do_v it_o good_a the_o scripture_n speak_v much_o of_o and_o commend_v a_o christian_n boldness_n a_o boldness_n in_o faith_n and_o prayer_n and_o a_o boldness_n in_o a_o bear_a testimony_n to_o our_o lord_n when_o we_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o the_o face_n of_o man_n that_o will_v outface_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n a_o christian_a shall_v be_v bold_a in_o the_o faith_n bold_a in_o prayer_n and_o bold_a in_o his_o confession_n 7._o let_v your_o testimony_n be_v a_o hearty_a testimony_n a_o free_a ready_a cheerful_a testimony_n god_n love_v a_o cheerful_a giver_n say_v the_o apostle_n indeed_o in_o all_o our_o gift_n unto_o god_n it_o be_v so_o god_n love_v a_o freedom_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o spirit_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v subpoena_v into_o a_o testimony_n to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n indeed_o we_o be_v subpoena_v by_o that_o dreadful_a text_n matth._n 9_o a_o christian_n shall_v give_v a_o testimony_n free_o not_o to_o provoke_v and_o challenge_v danger_n and_o dare_v a_o trial_n but_o when_o he_o see_v suffer_v at_o hand_n so_o that_o god_n call_v he_o to_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o he_o and_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o cheerfulness_n become_v a_o christian_n cheerfulness_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o grudge_v 8._o i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o patient_a testimony_n rev._n 19_o st._n john_n give_v this_o character_n of_o himself_o i_o john_n who_o also_o be_o your_o brother_n and_o companion_n in_o tribulation_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o patience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n patience_n under_o evil_n be_v what_o be_v often_o call_v for_o in_o scripture_n and_o press_v upon_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n with_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o argument_n by_o a_o patient_a testimony_n i_o understand_v three_o thing_n 1._o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n a_o flit_a and_o incertain_a christian_a in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n who_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n to_o day_n and_o another_o mind_n to_o morrow_n be_v no_o good_a witness_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n semper_fw-la idem_fw-la be_v the_o true_a motto_n of_o every_o christian_a of_o every_o such_o witness_n he_o that_o be_v one_o day_n of_o one_o mind_n another_o day_n of_o another_o like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n toss_v about_o may_v possible_o get_v to_o heaven_n at_o last_o as_o through_o fire_n but_o he_o be_v no_o good_a witness_n for_o christ_n you_o know_v among_o man_n a_o good_a witness_n must_v abide_v by_o his_o testimony_n if_o he_o vari_v his_o testimony_n be_v weaken_v therefore_o christian_n be_v high_o concern_v to_o examine_v proposition_n well_o before_o they_o profess_v they_o and_o when_o they_o profess_v they_o to_o think_v well_o with_o themselves_o before_o they_o part_v with_o they_o a_o man_n never_o be_v a_o good_a witness_n for_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o point_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v incertain_a himself_o 2._o it_o must_v be_v a_o patient_a testimony_n with_o respect_n unto_o those_o affront_n which_o he_o may_v suffer_v from_o man_n while_o he_o be_v give_v his_o testimony_n a_o good_a and_o steady_a witness_n in_o your_o court_n be_v not_o move_v by_o the_o affront_v of_o any_o lawyer_n that_o set_v himself_o to_o baffle_v he_o out_o of_o his_o testimony_n he_o that_o be_v a_o good_a witness_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n must_v not_o be_v affect_v at_o the_o affront_v of_o man_n that_o will_v baffle_v he_o out_o of_o his_o testimony_n he_o must_v be_v patient_a both_o as_o to_o the_o flattery_n and_o enticement_n of_o enemy_n and_o also_o as_o to_o their_o frown_n and_o menace_n 3._o a_o patient_a testimony_n must_v be_v a_o testimony_n attend_v with_o that_o patience_n which_o they_o have_v need_n of_o who_o may_v suffer_v for_o give_v their_o testimony_n for_o though_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o suffer_v for_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a then_o for_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o suffer_v for_o give_v a_o testimony_n unto_o truth_n and_o thus_o now_o i_o have_v show_v you_o what_o kind_n of_o testimony_n it_o be_v that_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v unto_o the_o lord_n i_o have_v but_o two_o thing_n more_o to_o do_v first_o to_o encourage_v you_o to_o it_o by_o some_o argument_n then_o to_o direct_v you_o in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o now_o for_o argument_n to_o persuade_v you_o not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n you_o have_v hear_v enough_o already_o i_o have_v show_v you_o a_o tenfold_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o you_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n 2._o remember_v christ_n be_v your_o lord_n 3._o you_o can_v otherwise_o show_v your_o gratitude_n to_o he_o for_o that_o testimony_n which_o he_o give_v for_o you_o 4._o thus_o you_o shall_v be_v conformable_a unto_o christ_n and_o what_o be_v behind_o of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v fill_v up_o in_o you_o 5._o remember_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 6._o consider_v the_o station_n which_o you_o take_v up_o in_o the_o world_n of_o a_o witness_n a_o soldier_n a_o child_n to_o our_o heavenly_a father_n a_o servant_n to_o a_o heavenly_a master_n 7._o remember_v the_o private_a law_n that_o you_o have_v lay_v upon_o yourselves_o 8._o remember_v the_o duty_n which_o lie_v upon_o you_o to_o be_v conformable_a to_o your_o fellow_n member_n 9_o remember_v the_o danger_n of_o forbear_v and_o the_o reward_n of_o your_o give_v this_o testimony_n 10._o consider_v your_o oneness_n with_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n after_o all_o these_o what_o need_v any_o further_a argument_n yet_o because_o we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o not_o forward_o unto_o this_o our_o heart_n be_v awk_n and_o backward_o to_o the_o partake_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o averse_a to_o the_o give_v of_o this_o testimony_n let_v i_o by_o way_n of_o a_o further_a argument_n in_o this_o cause_n name_n to_o you_o and_o press_v upon_o you_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v in_o this_o place_n and_o by_o which_o he_o himself_o press_v this_o exhortation_n 1._o the_o first_o lie_v in_o those_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n one_o great_a discouragement_n that_o be_v upon_o our_o spirit_n to_o keep_v we_o in_o a_o day_n of_o testimony_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o testify_v be_v the_o fear_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v and_o to_o give_v our_o testimony_n to_o give_v a_o testimony_n for_o our_o lord_n be_v a_o noble_a thing_n to_o receive_v a_o crown_n the_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n be_v a_o great_a dignity_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o providence_n seek_v out_o for_o we_o to_o set_v this_o crown_n upon_o our_o head_n we_o too_o frequent_o hide_v ourselves_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v we_o distrust_v ourselves_o but_o christian_n fear_v not_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o observe_v that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n have_v be_v so_o see_v in_o no_o other_o thing_n as_o in_o this_o you_o read_v of_o a_o testimony_n that_o stephen_n give_v to_o the_o gospel_n first_o a_o vocal_a than_o a_o real_a testimony_n act_v 6.9_o 10._o and_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v stephen_n have_v then_o a_o dispute_n with_o the_o libertine_n the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v see_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o god_n assistance_n of_o his_o witness_n you_o have_v a_o promise_n luke_n 12.12_o for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v teach_v you_o in_o the_o same_o hour_n what_o you_o ought_v to_o say_v matth._n 10.19_o 20._o but_o when_o they_o deliver_v you_o up_o take_v no_o thought_n how_o or_o what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o same_o hour_n what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o heavenly_a father_n which_o speak_v in_o you_o luke_n say_v when_o they_o bring_v you_o unto_o the_o synagogue_n and_o unto_o
patience_n present_o subjoin_v this_o of_o wisdom_n if_o any_o of_o you_o want_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o great_a wisdom_n to_o be_v use_v in_o suffering_n 2_o tim._n 2.5_o and_o if_o a_o man_n also_o strive_v for_o mastery_n yet_o be_v he_o not_o crown_v except_o he_o strive_v lawful_o to_o this_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v subjoin_v v._o 3._o thou_o therefore_o endure_v hardness_n as_o a_o good_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o point_n of_o wisdom_n to_o be_v use_v in_o suffering_n be_v a_o large_a point_n and_o i_o can_v speak_v so_o much_o to_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v i_o shall_v only_o here_o say_v that_o it_o lie_v very_o much_o in_o avoid_v needless_a provocation_n of_o our_o adversary_n either_o by_o word_n or_o deed_n they_o will_v be_v angry_a do_v we_o what_o we_o can_v but_o certain_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o avoid_v needless_a provocation_n by_o suffer_v as_o patient_o as_o meek_o and_o calm_o as_o we_o be_v able_a 10._o will_v you_o prepare_v for_o a_o hour_n of_o persecution_n walk_v close_o with_o god_n walk_v holy_o and_o close_o with_o god_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a at_o all_o time_n both_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o peace_n but_o never_o more_o needful_a than_o at_o such_o a_o time_n deut._n 23.9_o you_o shall_v find_v this_o passage_n when_o the_o host_n go_v forth_o against_o thy_o enemy_n then_o keep_v thou_o from_o every_o wicked_a thing_n israel_n be_v not_o only_o concern_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o wickedness_n at_o all_o time_n but_o especial_o then_o for_o fear_n of_o provoke_a god_n when_o the_o lord_n sword_n be_v draw_v when_o the_o lion_n roar_v the_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n tremble_v when_o a_o man_n enter_v into_o persecution_n he_o go_v out_o to_o battle_n this_o be_v our_o battle_n with_o the_o world_n we_o do_v at_o all_o time_n stand_v oblige_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o sin_n but_o more_o at_o such_o a_o time_n than_o at_o another_o our_o lord_n speak_v of_o his_o come_n say_v bless_a be_v that_o servant_n who_o when_o his_o master_n come_v he_o shall_v find_v so_o do_v when_o the_o lord_n let_v loose_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n to_o execute_v their_o rage_n against_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n do_v come_v in_o a_o way_n of_o wrath_n and_o anger_n against_o his_o own_o people_n you_o have_v need_n at_o such_o a_o time_n take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o every_o one_o gird_v his_o raiment_n close_o to_o he_o in_o a_o time_n of_o winter_n and_o pull_v his_o cloak_n close_o about_o he_o in_o a_o storm_n though_o a_o christian_n stand_v oblige_v at_o all_o time_n to_o walk_v close_o with_o god_n yet_o if_o ever_o he_o may_v give_v himself_o a_o liberty_n and_o looseness_n as_o to_o a_o garment_n of_o holiness_n certain_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o winter_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v when_o a_o storm_n be_v come_v 11._o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n as_o we_o do_v nothing_o in_o our_o own_o strength_n so_o do_v we_o much_o less_o suffer_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n philip._n 1.29_o for_o unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o also_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n it_o be_v a_o gift_n and_o it_o must_v be_v give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n for_o to_o suffer_v all_o gift_n we_o have_v from_o god_n be_v obtain_v by_o ask_v the_o lord_n give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n unto_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o and_o reason_n teach_v we_o to_o double_v our_o petition_n and_o to_o double_v our_o fervour_n and_o heat_n in_o petition_v when_o the_o mercy_n we_o ask_v be_v more_o necessary_a for_o we_o or_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o we_o stand_v in_o a_o more_o special_a and_o particular_a need_n of_o that_o mercy_n which_o we_o go_v to_o god_n for_o our_o lord_n have_v teach_v we_o this_o by_o his_o example_n he_o go_v and_o pray_v and_o thrice_o repeat_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v the_o same_o matter_n of_o prayer_n i_o say_v by_o that_o example_n our_o lord_n have_v show_v we_o what_o be_v our_o great_a duty_n in_o such_o a_o time_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n either_o that_o the_o cup_n may_v pass_v from_o we_o or_o that_o he_o will_v furnish_v we_o with_o grace_n and_o strength_n to_o glorify_v god_n in_o the_o fire_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o question_n quest_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n when_o the_o hour_n of_o persecution_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o here_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v a_o case_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o about_o flight_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o christian_n to_o fly_v in_o a_o time_n of_o persecution_n to_o avoid_v the_o storm_n there_o have_v be_v very_o different_a opinion_n of_o divine_n some_o have_v assert_v it_o utter_o unlawful_a to_o fly_v other_o moderate_v it_o and_o say_v that_o before_o a_o christian_a be_v take_v he_o may_v fly_v but_o if_o he_o be_v take_v they_o think_v he_o 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