scourge_v the_o four_o be_v bond_n and_o imprisonment_n the_o five_o be_v ston_a verse_n 37_o they_o be_v stone_v the_o six_o be_v this_o they_o be_v hew_v asunder_o these_o be_v all_o worthy_a fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v endure_v for_o religion_n sake_n but_o the_o particular_a point_n may_v here_o be_v observe_v have_v be_v handle_v before_o and_o therefore_o i_o pasâ—e_n they_o over_o the_o seven_o kind_n of_o suffer_v be_v this_o they_o be_v tempt_v these_o word_n by_o the_o change_n of_o a_o letter_n in_o the_o original_n may_v be_v read_v thus_o they_o be_v burn_v and_o some_o do_v so_o translate_v it_o think_v that_o they_o that_o write_v or_o copy_v out_o this_o epistle_n at_o the_o first_o do_v put_v one_o letter_n for_o another_o their_o reason_n be_v because_o example_n of_o grievous_a punishment_n be_v mention_v both_o before_o and_o after_o this_o and_o therefore_o they_o think_v this_o shall_v be_v burn_v which_o be_v a_o sore_a and_o grievous_a death_n but_o we_o may_v safe_o and_o true_o read_v the_o word_n thus_o they_o be_v tempt_v conceive_v hereby_o that_o they_o be_v entice_v and_o allure_v by_o fair_a promise_n of_o life_n to_o forsake_v their_o religion_n so_o the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v by_o saint_n james_n say_v every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o by_o his_o own_o concupiscence_n and_o be_v entiâ—ed_v james_n 1.14_o if_o any_o ask_v why_o this_o kind_n of_o trial_n in_o tempt_v shall_v be_v place_v among_o such_o cruel_a torment_n i_o answer_v because_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o trial_n as_o any_o can_v be_v for_o it_o be_v as_o dangerous_a a_o temptation_n to_o overthrow_v religion_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o any_o punishment_n in_o the_o world_n this_o appear_v plain_o in_o christ_n temptation_n by_o the_o devil_n for_o in_o those_o three_o satan_n bewray_v his_o malice_n and_o craft_n against_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n most_o notable_o now_o satan_n not_o prevail_a with_o the_o two_o first_o make_v his_o three_o and_o last_o assault_n from_o the_o glory_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o world_n for_o show_v unto_o christ_n all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o he_o say_v all_o these_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o math._n 4.9_o indeed_o christ_n holy_a heart_n will_v not_o yield_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a temptation_n appear_v by_o christ_n answer_n for_o in_o the_o former_a temptation_n he_o only_o dispute_v with_o satan_n out_o of_o scripture_n but_o when_o this_o temptation_n come_v christ_n bid_v he_o as_o it_o be_v in_o passion_n avoid_z satan_n signify_v thereby_o not_o only_o his_o abhor_v of_o that_o sin_n but_o also_o the_o danger_n of_o that_o assault_n by_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o these_o temptation_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n as_o we_o may_v call_v they_o will_v most_o dangerous_o creep_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o cause_n shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o 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of_o this_o which_o have_v not_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a example_n and_o therefore_o i_o omit_v it_o the_o nine_o and_o last_o example_n of_o suffering_n be_v this_o they_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o in_o sheep_n skin_n and_o goat_n skin_n be_v destitute_a afflict_a and_o torment_v that_o be_v be_v either_o banish_v or_o constrain_v by_o flight_n to_o save_v their_o life_n they_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o in_o base_a attire_n and_o be_v destitute_a of_o ordinary_a food_n and_o comfort_n and_o so_o in_o great_a affliction_n and_o torment_n here_o we_o see_v these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v drive_v from_o their_o own_o country_n friend_n and_o family_n by_o persecution_n whence_o we_o observe_v that_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n a_o christian_a man_n may_v lawful_o fly_v for_o his_o safety_n if_o he_o be_v not_o hinder_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o private_a or_o public_a call_n for_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n here_o commend_v for_o their_o faith_n do_v fly_v when_o they_o be_v persecute_v and_o that_o by_o faith_n therefore_o the_o action_n be_v lawful_a as_o i_o may_v prove_v at_o large_a but_o that_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o heretofore_o when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n know_v that_o the_o pharisy_n hear_v of_o the_o multitude_n of_o disciple_n which_o he_o make_v joh._n 4.1.3_o he_o leave_v judea_n where_o they_o have_v great_a jurisdiction_n and_o come_v into_o galilee_n for_o his_o safety_n the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v fly_v as_o elias_n from_o jezabel_n 1._o king_n 19.3_o and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a and_o that_o by_o christ_n direction_n math._n 10.23_o object_n 1_o but_o some_o will_v say_v persecution_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n &_o therefore_o no_o man_n may_v fly_v from_o it_o for_o so_o he_o shall_v seem_v to_o fly_v from_o god_n himself_o ans._n we_o must_v consider_v persecution_n two_o way_n first_o as_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n seconcond_o as_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o wicked_a enemy_n of_o god_n church_n for_o they_o god_n use_v sometime_o aâ—_n instrument_n in_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o his_o church_n either_o for_o chastisement_n or_o for_o trial_n now_o a_o christian_a be_v persecute_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v liberty_n to_o fly_v can_v be_v say_v to_o fly_v from_o god_n hand_n unless_o he_o go_v away_o contrary_a to_o god_n command_n as_o jonas_n do_v be_v send_v to_o ninive_n and_o beside_o he_o know_v that_o be_v impossible_a but_o his_o intent_n be_v to_o fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n of_o his_o enemy_n to_o save_v his_o life_n for_o the_o further_a good_a of_o god_n church_n again_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a to_o say_v persecution_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n therefore_o a_o man_n may_v not_o fly_v from_o it_o for_o so_o may_v a_o man_n conclude_v that_o nonâ—_n ought_v to_o fly_v from_o sickness_n or_o from_o war_n both_o which_o a_o man_n may_v do_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n not_o be_v hinder_v by_o some_o special_a call_n object_n 2_o but_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o testify_v his_o faith_n &_o religion_n before_o his_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o fly_v in_o persecution_n answ._n true_a indeed_o a_o christian_a man_n must_v so_o testify_v his_o faith_n if_o he_o be_v call_v thereto_o of_o god_n but_o if_o god_n give_v he_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n to_o fly_v than_o he_o will_v not_o have_v he_o at_o that_o time_n to_o justify_v his_o religion_n by_o that_o mean_n object_n 3_o but_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o fly_v how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o some_o of_o god_n child_n when_o they_o may_v have_v flee_v will_v not_o but_o have_v stand_v to_o justify_v their_o profession_n unto_o death_n ans._n we_o must_v judge_v reverent_o of_o they_o &_o think_v they_o do_v it_o by_o some_o special_a instinct_n &_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o patience_n &_o constancy_n in_o their_o great_a torment_n example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o our_o english_a act_n and_o monument_n in_o man_n worthy_a of_o notable_a commendation_n for_o their_o constancy_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n quest._n if_o flight_n in_o persecution_n may_v be_v a_o action_n of_o faith_n whether_o may_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n fly_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n answ._n there_o be_v some_o case_n wherein_o the_o minister_n may_v lawful_o fly_v 1_o when_o that_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n over_o which_o he_o be_v place_v be_v disperse_v by_o the_o enemy_n so_o as_o he_o have_v no_o hope_n to_o gather_v and_o call_v they_o back_o again_o then_o no_o doubt_n he_o may_v fly_v till_o his_o congregation_n be_v gather_v again_o 2_o if_o the_o persecutor_n do_v special_o
devour_v the_o less_o dog_n will_v eat_v diverse_a kind_n of_o creature_n if_o they_o can_v come_v by_o they_o these_o thing_n be_v manifest_a and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v common_a sport_n in_o the_o world_n now_o whence_o come_v this_o fearful_a disorder_n in_o nature_n that_o one_o creature_n shall_v devour_v another_o come_v it_o from_o the_o creation_n be_v the_o world_n ordain_v in_o this_o state_n that_o one_o creature_n shall_v eat_v up_o another_o the_o great_a feed_n upon_o the_o less_o no_o but_o sin_n bring_v this_o confusion_n our_o sin_n cause_v this_o pitiful_a massacre_n of_o all_o creature_n one_o by_o another_o let_v we_o therefore_o at_o these_o sight_n be_v humble_v for_o our_o sin_n which_o cause_v so_o fearful_a a_o disorder_n when_o thou_o see_v thy_o hawk_n fly_v so_o fierce_o and_o so_o cruel_o murder_v a_o silly_a bird_n thy_o hound_n the_o hart_n hare_n or_o connie_n then_o as_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o leave_v in_o good_a order_n measure_n and_o manner_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o thou_o may_v take_v delight_n in_o it_o so_o withal_o make_v this_o use_n of_o it_o whence_o come_v this_o it_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o beginning_n when_o sin_n be_v not_o in_o the_o world_n these_o will_v all_o have_v lodge_v in_o one_o cage_n and_o cabin_n and_o one_o never_o have_v offer_v to_o have_v eat_v another_o my_o sin_n cause_v this_o jar_n and_o this_o disorder_n betwixt_o these_o two_o creature_n this_o shall_v humble_v a_o man_n because_o of_o his_o sin_n and_o restrain_v his_o life_n from_o too_o much_o liberty_n and_o his_o affection_n from_o too_o much_o delight_n in_o these_o kind_n of_o pastime_n again_o when_o we_o see_v the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o fox_n the_o wolf_n the_o bear_n towards_o the_o sheep_n and_o other_o creature_n blame_v not_o too_o much_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o beast_n for_o this_o be_v not_o in_o they_o at_o their_o creation_n but_o thy_o sin_n make_v they_o thus_o cruel_a one_o against_o another_o turn_v then_o into_o thyself_o and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o and_o blame_v not_o so_o much_o the_o cruelty_n in_o they_o as_o thy_o own_o sin_n which_o cause_v it_o in_o they_o again_o some_o creature_n be_v unperfect_a some_o in_o part_n of_o their_o body_n some_o in_o some_o sense_n and_o some_o be_v loathsome_a &_o ugly_a to_o behold_v and_o some_o be_v venomous_a and_o hurtful_a to_o the_o world_n when_o thou_o see_v it_o consider_v whence_o be_v this_o they_o be_v not_o thus_o create_v for_o god_n ordain_v that_o be_v make_v all_o creature_n in_o perfect_a order_n but_o this_o come_v from_o thy_o sin_n enter_v into_o thyself_o and_o acknowledge_v this_o and_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o contemn_v this_o creature_n for_o his_o imperfection_n nor_o loathe_v he_o for_o his_o deformity_n nor_o hate_v he_o for_o his_o venom_n as_o contemn_v and_o loathe_v and_o hate_v thy_o own_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o these_o last_o some_o take_v great_a delight_n in_o fair_a building_n &_o make_v no_o use_n of_o they_o but_o for_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n but_o if_o they_o consider_v well_o they_o have_v no_o such_o cause_n it_o be_v not_o so_o at_o the_o creation_n adam_n in_o his_o innocence_n have_v a_o more_o sumptuous_a palace_n ordain_v for_o he_o namely_o the_o paradise_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o yet_o tree_n be_v not_o cut_v in_o piece_n nor_o the_o earth_n have_v her_o stone_n rend_v out_o of_o her_o bowel_n for_o the_o build_n of_o it_o thy_o sin_n it_o be_v that_o destroy_v this_o palace_n and_o sin_n have_v cause_v the_o necessity_n of_o these_o building_n how_o then_o can_v thou_o glory_v in_o thy_o building_n will_v thou_o glory_v in_o thy_o shame_n can_v thou_o be_v proud_a of_o these_o when_o thy_o sin_n bereave_v thou_o of_o a_o better_a as_o therefore_o thy_o house_n be_v a_o comfort_n strength_n security_n and_o delight_n unto_o thou_o so_o add_v this_o one_o use_n also_o let_v it_o in_o this_o consideration_n be_v a_o cause_n to_o humble_v thou_o for_o thy_o sin_n the_o disorder_n that_o sin_n have_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n may_v be_v show_v in_o more_o particular_n but_o these_o may_v suffice_v be_v those_o of_o who_o we_o have_v most_o common_a use_n and_o therefore_o do_v most_o common_o abuse_v to_o conclude_v this_o point_n i_o say_v unto_o all_o man_n do_v thou_o see_v what_o disorder_n be_v now_o in_o the_o world_n in_o thy_o apparel_n meat_n recreation_n building_n see_v thou_o the_o confusion_n vanity_n corruption_n of_o all_o creature_n the_o variance_n dissension_n and_o hatred_n of_o creature_n among_o themselves_o can_v thou_o see_v all_o this_o and_o either_o not_o regard_v it_o at_o all_o or_o else_o take_v delight_n in_o it_o this_o be_v a_o curse_a and_o abominable_a delight_n if_o a_o rich_a man_n shall_v consume_v all_o his_o wealth_n or_o throw_v it_o all_o on_o heap_n and_o then_o desperate_o set_v his_o house_n on_o fire_n have_v he_o any_o cause_n of_o joy_n to_o see_v this_o if_o he_o sit_v still_o at_o this_o you_o will_v say_v he_o be_v senseless_a but_o if_o he_o laugh_v at_o it_o he_o be_v mad_a so_o god_n create_v man_n rich_a in_o all_o blessing_n put_v he_o into_o the_o palace_n of_o the_o world_n garnish_v this_o house_n of_o the_o world_n with_o exceed_a beauty_n his_o meat_n his_o apparel_n his_o recreation_n his_o house_n be_v all_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a he_o make_v all_o other_o creature_n among_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o concord_n love_n agreement_n uniformity_n comeliness_n and_o good_a order_n now_o man_n by_o sin_n fall_v &_o by_o his_o fall_n not_o only_o spend_v all_o his_o riches_n that_o be_v deface_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o estate_n but_o also_o set_v his_o house_n that_o be_v the_o world_n on_o fire_n that_o be_v deface_v the_o beauty_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n bring_v confusion_n corruption_n vanity_n deformity_n imperfection_n &_o monstrous_a disorder_n on_o all_o creature_n set_v all_o the_o world_n together_o by_o the_o ear_n &_o one_o creature_n at_o variance_n and_o deadly_a hate_n with_o other_o so_o that_o one_o creature_n do_v fight_v tear_n wound_n destroy_v and_o eat_v up_o another_o o_o curse_a &_o damnable_a sin_n of_o man_n that_o have_v so_o shameful_o disorder_v that_o heavenly_a order_n wherein_o god_n create_v all_o thing_n at_o the_o beginning_n and_o miserable_a man_n be_v we_o which_o can_v sit_v still_o &_o see_v this_o and_o not_o be_v move_v but_o if_o we_o rejoice_v and_o delight_n in_o it_o certain_o than_o a_o spiritual_a madness_n have_v bewitch_v our_o soul_n let_v we_o therefore_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o and_o look_v about_o we_o and_o see_v all_o the_o world_n on_o a_o fire_n about_o we_o namely_o flame_v in_o contention_n hatred_n and_o all_o disorder_n let_v we_o for_o our_o part_n seek_v to_o quench_v it_o which_o because_o we_o can_v therefore_o lament_v and_o bewail_v it_o but_o much_o more_o lament_v and_o be_v humble_v for_o our_o sin_n which_o kindle_v this_o fire_n of_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n hitherto_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o creation_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o three_o point_n be_v by_o what_o mean_n the_o text_n answer_v the_o world_n be_v ordain_v in_o that_o excellent_a order_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o word_n be_v mean_v 1._o not_o any_o vocal_a word_n as_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v speak_v unto_o the_o creature_n nor_o second_o the_o substantial_a word_n of_o the_o father_n the_o second_o person_n although_o i_o confess_v that_o by_o he_o be_v make_v all_o thing_n 1.3_o yet_o i_o take_v it_o it_o be_v not_o so_o mean_v in_o this_o place_n but_o rather_o as_o moses_n do_v gen._n 1._o when_o he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o creation_n god_n say_v it_o be_v in_o both_o place_n a_o comparison_n take_v from_o a_o prince_n who_o bid_v his_o servant_n do_v this_o and_o they_o do_v it_o present_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o place_n be_v like_o a_o prince_n he_o have_v his_o word_n whereby_o he_o command_v the_o world_n to_o be_v make_v that_o word_n i_o take_v it_o be_v his_o will_n for_o god_n willing_a of_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o effectual_a command_v of_o it_o to_o be_v do_v yea_o it_o be_v the_o do_v of_o it_o for_o his_o willing_a of_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v be_v more_o than_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o he_o do_v but_o will_v it_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v what_o ever_o it_o be_v whereas_o all_o the_o world_n may_v command_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o near_o from_o hence_o i_o take_v it_o this_o be_v manifest_a to_o be_v the_o sure_a sense_n for_o this_o place_n god_n will_v the_o be_v
be_v afar_o off_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o true_a faith_n this_o be_v in_o noah_n &_o wrought_v in_o he_o a_o reverence_n and_o so_o will_v it_o in_o we_o if_o it_o be_v in_o us._n when_o man_n cry_v fire_n fire_n we_o stir_v we_o run_v we_o tremble_v but_o god_n cry_v in_o his_o word_n the_o fire_n of_o hell_n the_o fire_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o we_o care_v not_o we_o stir_v not_o we_o leave_v not_o our_o sin_n we_o be_v not_o move_v with_o reverence_n as_o noah_n be_v therefore_o it_o be_v more_o than_o manifest_a that_o holy_a faith_n be_v want_v in_o the_o world_n which_o noah_n have_v the_o second_o motive_n stir_v up_o this_o reverence_n in_o he_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n wonderful_a mercy_n to_o he_o and_o his_o family_n in_o save_v they_o this_o mercy_n seem_v so_o wonderful_a to_o he_o both_o for_o that_o he_o know_v it_o be_v undeserued_a know_v himself_o a_o sinful_a man_n and_o therefore_o not_o able_a to_o merit_v god_n favour_n and_o be_v privy_a to_o himself_o of_o his_o own_o manifold_a imperfection_n and_o also_o unexpected_a for_o he_o never_o think_v to_o have_v be_v spare_v alone_o in_o a_o universal_a destruction_n therefore_o he_o wonder_v with_o reverence_n at_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n thus_o god_n mercy_n do_v not_o only_o win_v a_o man_n heart_n to_o love_n god_n but_o even_o to_o fear_v he_o with_o much_o reverence_n this_o david_n prove_v psalm_n 130.4_o there_o be_v mercy_n with_o thou_o o_o lord_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v thy_o great_a mercy_n to_o thy_o child_n o_o lord_n do_v make_v they_o conceive_v a_o reverend_a estimation_n of_o thou_o this_o make_v david_n cry_v out_o in_o a_o holy_a passion_n how_o excellent_a be_v thy_o mercy_n o_o lord_n psal._n and_o as_o god_n child_n wonder_v at_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n mercy_n unto_o they_o so_o also_o at_o their_o own_o baseness_n and_o unworthiness_n thus_o do_v holy_a david_n 2._o sam._n 7.18_o who_o as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o much_o faith_n so_o be_v he_o full_a of_o excellent_a meditation_n and_o reverend_a speech_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a effect_n of_o faith_n when_o god_n have_v set_v he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n he_o say_v who_o be_o i_o o_o lord_n and_o what_o be_v my_o house_n that_o thou_o have_v bring_v i_o hither_o and_o 1._o chron._n 29.14_o but_o who_o be_o i_o say_v he_o and_o what_o be_v my_o people_n that_o we_o shall_v offer_v thus_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o doubtless_o even_o so_o say_v noah_n bless_a soul_n often_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o itself_o who_o be_o i_o o_o lord_n and_o what_o be_v my_o family_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v choose_v out_o of_o so_o many_o thousand_o and_o be_v save_v when_o all_o the_o world_n perish_v let_v we_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o church_n and_o state_n if_o any_o nation_n have_v cause_n to_o say_v thus_o it_o be_v england_n god_n have_v deliver_v we_o out_o of_o the_o thraldom_n of_o spiritual_a egypt_n and_o lead_v we_o out_o not_o by_o a_o moses_n but_o first_o by_o a_o child_n then_o by_o a_o woman_n and_o give_v we_o his_o gospel_n more_o full_o and_o free_o and_o quiet_o than_o any_o kingdom_n so_o great_a in_o the_o world_n and_o still_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o curse_a plot_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o tyrannous_a invasion_n of_o the_o spaniard_n who_o think_v to_o have_v mark_v we_o in_o the_o forehead_n with_o the_o brand_n of_o infamy_n and_o to_o have_v do_v to_o we_o as_o they_o have_v do_v to_o other_o nation_n who_o they_o have_v conquer_v but_o god_n from_o heaven_n fight_v for_o we_o and_o overthrow_v they_o in_o their_o own_o device_n yea_o the_o lord_n put_v his_o hook_n in_o his_o nostril_n and_o his_o bridle_n in_o his_o lip_n and_o carry_v he_o back_o again_o with_o shame_n and_o reproach_n we_o be_v unworthy_a of_o such_o a_o mercy_n if_o our_o soul_n do_v not_o often_o say_v unto_o god_n o_o lord_n what_o be_v we_o and_o what_o be_v our_o people_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v so_o wonderful_a in_o thy_o mercy_n unto_o we_o and_o particular_o this_o must_v teach_v every_o christian_n to_o be_v a_o careful_a observer_n of_o the_o favour_n &_o mercy_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o his_o soul_n or_o body_n to_o he_o or_o he_o and_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o must_v make_v he_o daily_o be_v move_v with_o reverence_n and_o reverend_a thought_n of_o god_n majesty_n &_o still_o as_o the_o lord_n be_v more_o and_o more_o merciful_a unto_o he_o to_o bear_v still_o the_o more_o fear_n and_o reverence_n unto_o he_o for_o the_o same_o the_o last_o motive_n of_o this_o reverence_n in_o noah_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n power_n and_o wisdom_n both_o in_o the_o judgement_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o mercy_n upon_o he_o for_o first_o in_o the_o judgement_n it_o be_v wonderful_a that_o god_n will_v choose_v so_o weak_a a_o element_n as_o water_n to_o destroy_v &_o vanquish_v the_o huge_a giant_n of_o those_o day_n but_o therein_o appear_v first_o god_n power_n that_o by_o so_o weak_a mean_n can_v cast_v down_o his_o enemy_n and_o again_o his_o wisdom_n that_o as_o a_o universal_a wickedness_n have_v pollute_v the_o whole_a world_n so_o a_o flood_n of_o water_n shall_v wash_v the_o whole_a world_n second_o the_o mercy_n be_v also_o wonderful_a that_o god_n shall_v choose_v to_o save_v noah_n by_o so_o strange_a a_o mean_a as_o a_o ark_n which_o shall_v swim_v on_o the_o water_n for_o noah_n think_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v save_v i_o he_o will_v either_o take_v i_o up_o into_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v henoch_n a_o little_a before_o or_o else_o make_v i_o build_v a_o house_n upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o high_a mountain_n but_o the_o lord_n will_v save_v he_o by_o no_o such_o mean_n but_o by_o a_o ark_n wherein_o appear_v first_o god_n power_n that_o will_v save_v he_o by_o so_o weak_a a_o mean_n as_o may_v seem_v rather_o to_o destroy_v he_o for_o noah_n must_v lie_v and_o swim_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n and_o yet_o be_v save_v from_o the_o water_n and_o the_o ark_n mâ—st_v save_v he_o which_o in_o all_o reason_n if_o the_o tempest_n have_v cast_v it_o against_o the_o hard_a rock_n and_o mountain_n or_o upon_o the_o strong_a castle_n and_o house_n of_o the_o mighty_a giant_n will_v have_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o so_o it_o have_v but_o that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o master_n and_o pilot_n in_o that_o voyage_n and_o second_o god_n wisdom_n shine_v clear_o in_o this_o mean_n because_o god_n will_v have_v he_o save_v not_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o world_n may_v not_o see_v it_o as_o it_o will_v have_v be_v if_o he_o have_v be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n or_o into_o the_o air_n but_o will_v have_v he_o save_v in_o a_o ark_n that_o so_o alâ—_n the_o wicked_a man_n as_o they_o â—ere_z a_o die_a in_o the_o water_n or_o expect_v death_n upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o hill_n may_v see_v he_o live_v and_o be_v save_v to_o their_o more_o torment_n and_o to_o their_o great_a shame_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n word_n as_o he_o do_v for_o as_o the_o wicked_a in_o hell_n be_v more_o torment_v to_o see_v the_o godly_a in_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n so_o doubtless_o be_v the_o wicked_a of_o that_o age_n to_o see_v noah_n save_v before_o their_o eye_n the_o view_n of_o this_o power_n &_o wisdom_n of_o god_n herein_o make_v noah_n give_v great_a reverence_n to_o god_n majesty_n and_o no_o lesâ—e_n ought_v it_o to_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o true_a hearâ—ed_a english_a man_n and_o faithful_a christian_n for_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n restore_v &_o establish_v the_o gospel_n to_o our_o nation_n by_o a_o child_n and_o by_o a_o woman_n and_o in_o her_o time_n when_o all_o other_o prince_n be_v against_o she_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o policy_n and_o do_v not_o god_n in_o our_o late_a deliverance_n overthrow_n our_o enemy_n not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o power_n of_o man_n as_o by_o his_o own_o hand_n do_v not_o he_o fight_v from_o heaven_n do_v not_o the_o star_n and_o the_o wind_n in_o their_o course_n sight_n against_o that_o sisera_n of_o spain_n let_v we_o therefore_o with_o bless_a noah_n stand_v amaze_v to_o see_v god_n mercy_n &_o with_o reverence_n &_o fear_n magnify_v his_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v the_o three_o motive_n that_o move_v in_o noah_n this_o reverence_n of_o god_n the_o consideration_n first_o of_o his_o great_a judgement_n on_o the_o sinful_a world_n 2._o of_o his_o great_a mercy_n in_o save_v he_o 3._o of_o his_o admirable_a power_n and_o wisdom_n show_v both_o
friend_n or_o child_n body_n cast_v into_o the_o earth_n to_o feed_v worm_n burn_v by_o fire_n or_o eat_v by_o fish_n reason_n say_v they_o be_v go_v they_o can_v never_o be_v again_o we_o have_v god_n word_n and_o assure_a promise_n the_o dead_a shall_v rise_v with_o their_o body_n shall_v they_o rise_v isaiah_n we_o must_v therefore_o believe_v it_o if_o we_o will_v be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o sarah_n god_n say_v to_o she_o age_n and_o barronnesse_n shall_v have_v a_o child_n she_o believe_v it_o he_o say_v to_o we_o dust_n and_o rottenness_n shall_v live_v again_o nay_o he_o have_v often_o say_v it_o and_o shall_v not_o our_o faith_n acknowledge_v the_o voice_n of_o our_o god_n and_o believe_v it_o as_o she_o do_v but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o personal_a promise_n as_o she_o be_v for_o this_o be_v general_a god_n have_v promise_v grace_n and_o pardon_n to_o every_o penitent_a and_o believe_a soul_n yet_o no_o man_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o sweetness_n hereof_o without_o the_o bitterness_n of_o many_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a give_v he_o occasion_n of_o doubt_v and_o often_o even_o of_o despair_v of_o god_n favour_n what_o must_v a_o man_n do_v in_o this_o case_n even_o believe_v though_o he_o feel_v no_o reason_n why_o to_o believe_v and_o hope_v above_o hope_n such_o be_v abraham_n and_o sarahs_n faith_n and_o for_o it_o as_o they_o be_v register_v in_o the_o story_n of_o genesis_n so_o both_o here_o and_o in_o the_o roman_n chap._n 4._o remember_v again_o and_o commend_v for_o it_o now_o suppose_v that_o thou_o after_o thy_o come_n to_o god_n by_o faith_n &_o repentance_n fall_v into_o temptation_n of_o desertion_n wherein_o to_o thy_o feel_n god_n heavy_a hand_n &_o wrath_n have_v seize_v on_o thou_o &_o the_o devil_n lay_v thy_o sin_n to_o thy_o charge_n &_o tell_v thou_o thou_o be_v a_o damn_a wretch_n for_o thou_o be_v ever_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o never_o have_v faith_n &_o that_o therefore_o god_n be_v thy_o enemy_n in_o this_o case_n wherein_o in_o reason_n or_o in_o feeling_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o hope_n of_o salvation_n what_o must_v thou_o do_v despair_n god_n forbid_v for_o that_o be_v the_o downfall_n into_o hell_n no_o but_o hope_v when_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n keep_v faith_n when_o there_o be_v no_o feel_n and_o to_o strengthen_v we_o herein_o remember_v the_o faith_n of_o job_n try_v and_o sift_v so_o as_o few_o have_v be_v who_o though_o the_o arrow_n of_o the_o almighty_a stick_v in_o he_o and_o the_o venom_n thereof_o drink_v up_o his_o spirit_n job_n 6.4_o yet_o even_o then_o he_o believe_v and_o will_v not_o give_v over_o nor_o let_v go_v his_o hold_n and_o say_v though_o thou_o bring_v i_o to_o dust_n yet_o will_v i_o not_o forsake_v thou_o no_o though_o thou_o kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o thou_o so_o in_o the_o fury_n of_o temptation_n when_o the_o venom_n of_o god_n wrath_n seem_v to_o drink_v up_o our_o spirit_n then_o must_v we_o believe_v and_o in_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n when_o god_n seem_v ready_a to_o kill_v we_o then_o must_v we_o trust_v in_o he_o in_o such_o case_n be_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v show_v when_o reason_n and_o feeling_n say_v god_n be_v a_o terrible_a judge_n faith_n must_v say_v he_o be_v a_o merciful_a father_n in_o our_o health_n and_o welfare_n and_o feel_v of_o god_n favour_n this_o exhortation_n may_v seem_v tedious_a but_o if_o we_o belong_v to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o pass_v already_o the_o time_n be_v sure_a to_o come_v when_o this_o doctrine_n will_v be_v needful_a for_o the_o best_a of_o we_o all_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o woman_n faith_n which_o be_v the_o more_o commend_v by_o reason_n of_o these_o two_o so_o great_a hindrance_n now_o follow_v the_o effect_n of_o her_o faith_n which_o be_v diverse_a some_o lay_v down_o in_o this_o verse_n and_o some_o in_o the_o next_o receive_v strength_n to_o conceive_v seed_n and_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o child_n in_o these_o word_n be_v two_o effect_n first_o by_o power_n of_o her_o faith_n she_o be_v enable_v to_o conceive_v which_o afore_o she_o do_v not_o though_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n in_o nature_n why_o she_o shall_v second_o she_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o child_n in_o her_o old_a age_n and_o that_o child_n be_v isaac_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o promise_a seed_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n out_o of_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o two_o we_o may_v learn_v diverse_a good_a instruction_n for_o see_v they_o be_v so_o near_o akin_a in_o their_o nature_n we_o will_v speak_v of_o they_o both_o joint_o together_o first_o here_o we_o may_v see_v that_o nothing_o be_v so_o hard_a or_o difficult_a which_o god_n have_v promise_v but_o faith_n can_v compass_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o to_o performance_n christ_n bâ—d_v the_o blind_a see_v the_o lame_a to_o go_v he_o speak_v they_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v heal_v so_o here_o god_n promise_v a_o barren_a old_a woman_n a_o child_n she_o believe_v and_o lo_o she_o conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o a_o son_n the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v for_o two_o sort_n of_o people_n first_o many_o in_o our_o church_n be_v ignorant_a when_o they_o be_v move_v to_o learn_v religion_n answer_n alas_o they_o be_v simple_a or_o not_o booke-learned_n or_o they_o be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a witted_a or_o they_o be_v old_a and_o weak_a and_o therefore_o they_o can_v learn_v nothing_o or_o if_o they_o do_v they_o can_v remember_v it_o but_o here_o be_v nothing_o but_o vain_a excuse_n for_o they_o want_v not_o wit_n to_o learn_v religion_n if_o they_o have_v wit_n to_o buy_v and_o sell_v to_o know_v a_o fair_a day_n from_o a_o foul_a good_a meat_n from_o ill_a dear_a from_o cheap_a winter_n from_o summer_n if_o they_o have_v wit_n to_o practise_v the_o civil_a action_n of_o the_o world_n they_o have_v wit_n enough_o to_o conceive_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o get_v so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o may_v suffice_v for_o a_o ground_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o will_v save_v their_o soul_n so_o that_o they_o want_v nothing_o but_o grace_n and_o diligence_n to_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o they_o therefore_o here_o be_v matter_n of_o good_a advice_n let_v such_o a_o man_n learn_v but_o one_o promise_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o this_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n else_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o you_o math._n 6.33_o or_o this_o cast_v all_o your_o care_n on_o he_o for_o he_o care_v for_o you_o 1._o pet._n 5.7_o or_o this_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o cast_v he_o not_o away_o john_n 6.37_o or_o but_o this_o ask_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v math._n 7._o let_v he_o learn_v but_o one_o of_o these_o &_o when_o they_o have_v learn_v it_o believe_v it_o and_o let_v their_o soul_n daily_o feed_v on_o that_o faith_n and_o they_o shall_v see_v what_o will_v follow_v even_o a_o wonderful_a blessing_n upon_o that_o poor_a beginning_n this_o their_o faith_n will_v so_o content_a and_o please_v their_o heart_n that_o it_o will_v urge_v they_o forward_o to_o get_v more_o and_o will_v make_v they_o both_o desirous_a &_o capable_a of_o more_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n and_o will_v make_v they_o even_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n whereas_o he_o that_o know_v no_o promise_n nor_o believe_v it_o content_v himself_o in_o ignorance_n and_o error_n and_o this_o shall_v every_o one_o find_v that_o will_v careful_o use_v the_o mean_n that_o god_n appoint_v and_o will_v begin_v to_o learn_v but_o one_o lesson_n at_o the_o first_o for_o as_o old_a barren_a sarah_n believe_v god_n promise_n conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o so_o old_a simple_a plain_a dull_a countryman_n believe_v but_o one_o promise_n of_o god_n word_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o bless_a fruit_n of_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n second_o other_o who_o have_v make_v better_a proceed_n in_o religion_n do_v see_v their_o sin_n and_o do_v much_o bewail_v they_o but_o they_o can_v overcome_v their_o corruption_n yea_o many_o there_o be_v to_o who_o their_o sin_n and_o inward_a corruption_n be_v more_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a than_o all_o bodily_a want_n or_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v they_o not_o how_o to_o conquer_v their_o corruption_n but_o alas_o be_v oftentimes_o foil_v by_o they_o to_o their_o great_a discomfort_n let_v these_o man_n know_v the_o want_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o cause_n hereof_o for_o that_o they_o do_v not_o sufficient_o ruminate_v and_o consider_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v in_o that_o behalf_n nor_o use_v the_o mean_n
the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o second_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n and_o believe_v they_o where_o by_o believe_v we_o must_v understand_v not_o so_o much_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o be_v note_v before_o as_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o the_o word_n import_v a_o confirmation_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o a_o resolution_n in_o assurance_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v not_o unusual_a in_o scripture_n for_o paul_n pray_v for_o the_o church_n who_o have_v true_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o love_n that_o they_o may_v increase_v and_o abound_v therein_o more_o and_o more_o ephesian_n 3.16.17_o philippian_n 1.9.11_o colossian_n 1.9.11_o here_o than_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o example_n of_o these_o patriarch_n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o property_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n to_o go_v forward_o and_o increase_v in_o faith_n till_o he_o come_v to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n in_o god_n promise_n all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o faith_n be_v the_o lord_n talent_n and_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v the_o lord_n servant_n call_v to_o occupy_v therewith_o now_o god_n have_v put_v his_o talon_n into_o any_o man_n hand_n do_v require_v the_o increase_n thereof_o as_o the_o parable_n show_v luke_n 19.13_o and_o this_o paul_n teach_v for_o pray_v for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o and_o be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n ephesian_n 3.16_o he_o signify_v that_o he_o that_o do_v true_o believe_v in_o christ_n must_v go_v on_o from_o grace_n to_o grace_n till_o he_o be_v a_o tall_a man_n in_o christ_n as_o a_o child_n grow_v from_o year_n to_o year_n till_o he_o come_v to_o be_v a_o strong_a man_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v like_a unto_o fire_n which_o will_v not_o go_v out_o so_o long_o as_o wood_n or_o other_o fuel_n be_v put_v unto_o it_o but_o will_v take_v hold_v thereof_o and_o grow_v unto_o a_o great_a flame_n and_o so_o will_v faith_n grow_v up_o to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n in_o all_o those_o that_o conscionablie_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o worde_n and_o prayer_n but_o go_v the_o case_n thus_o with_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n nay_o very_o general_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o many_o among_o we_o have_v no_o regard_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o think_v they_o may_v live_v as_o they_o lust_n their_o good_a meaning_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n other_o and_o those_o not_o a_o few_o be_v so_o far_o from_o go_v forward_o in_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v every_o day_n worse_o and_o worse_o and_o still_o go_v backward_o more_o and_o more_o a_o three_o sort_n we_o have_v that_o will_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o yet_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v very_o slender_a they_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n and_o profit_v little_a now_o howsoever_o it_o may_v be_v think_v but_o a_o small_a fault_n not_o to_o profit_v in_o religion_n yet_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n when_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n in_o any_o congregation_n be_v daily_o teach_v and_o do_v not_o profit_v thereby_o and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n note_v those_o woman_n to_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n which_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2._o timoth._n 3.7_o if_o a_o child_n late_o bear_v like_v not_o well_o nor_o grow_v when_o it_o have_v good_a keep_n the_o common_a say_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o changeling_n so_o if_o a_o man_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n we_o may_v most_o true_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o spiritual_a changeling_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n we_o must_v first_o labour_n for_o faith_n &_o have_v faith_n increase_v therein_o and_o in_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n till_o we_o come_v to_o be_v strong_a man_n in_o christ._n it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o those_o patriarch_n increase_v in_o faith_n but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o do_v attain_v hereto_o answer_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n we_o may_v find_v three_o way_n whereby_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o do_v grow_v up_o in_o grace_n the_o first_o mean_n be_v from_o god_n himself_o for_o when_o he_o have_v make_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n merciful_o renew_v the_o same_o during_o his_o life_n as_o occasion_n serve_v sundry_a time_n he_o stay_v not_o there_o suffer_v it_o to_o die_v with_o abraham_n but_o when_o abraham_n be_v dead_a god_n renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o isaac_n and_o rebecka_n and_o with_o jacob_n also_o after_o they_o now_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n can_v utter_v what_o a_o wonderful_a furtherance_n it_o be_v unto_o their_o faith_n to_o have_v the_o lord_n himself_o to_o renew_v his_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o they_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o increase_a their_o faith_n be_v their_o holy_a converse_v one_o with_o another_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o to_o nurture_n they_o up_o in_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o do_v not_o only_o implant_v god_n promise_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o child_n but_o be_v themselves_o confirm_v in_o the_o same_o for_o he_o that_o teach_v another_o from_o a_o feel_a heart_n great_o strengthen_v his_o own_o soul_n now_o god_n himself_o do_v testify_v this_o thing_n of_o abraham_n 18.19_o say_v i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o son_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v righteousness_n and_o judgement_n now_o look_v what_o abraham_n herein_o do_v to_o isaac_n that_o no_o doubt_n do_v isaac_n unto_o jacob_n the_o three_o mean_n to_o increase_v their_o faith_n be_v from_o each_o one_o to_o himself_o for_o they_o give_v themselves_o often_o time_n in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o muse_n &_o meditate_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n 24.63_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o isaac_n that_o he_o go_v out_o to_o pray_v or_o to_o meditate_v in_o the_o field_n towards_o evening_n and_o we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o it_o be_v concern_v this_o and_o other_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o and_o we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o abraham_n and_o jaacob_n do_v the_o like_a these_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o these_o godly_a patriarch_n be_v strengthen_v in_o their_o faith_n all_o which_o must_v be_v mark_v of_o we_o diligent_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n for_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n often_o and_o yet_o profit_v little_a by_o it_o be_v chief_o this_o because_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o man_n shall_v grow_v up_o in_o faith_n be_v so_o slender_o use_v among_o us._n for_o the_o first_o mean_n which_o be_v on_o god_n behalf_n to_o man_n be_v through_o his_o great_a and_o unspeakable_a mercy_n plentiful_o afford_v in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o land_n in_o the_o holy_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o god_n gracious_a promise_n of_o mercy_n be_v open_v and_o apply_v to_o man_n heart_n and_o his_o judgement_n against_o sin_n be_v sharp_o denounce_v to_o drive_v man_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ._n but_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o second_o mean_n which_o be_v mutual_a instruction_n of_o father_n to_o child_n of_o master_n to_o servant_n and_o of_o one_o neighbour_n to_o another_o together_o with_o mutual_a conference_n about_o that_o we_o be_v teach_v or_o else_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o three_o mean_n which_o be_v private_a meditation_n upon_o god_n word_n and_o promise_n teach_v unto_o we_o which_o meditation_n be_v to_o a_o christian_a soul_n like_o the_o chew_v of_o the_o cud_n unto_o a_o beast_n for_o as_o chew_v the_o cud_n turn_v that_o which_o be_v eat_v into_o true_a feed_n so_o do_v holy_a meditation_n make_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n spiritual_a refresh_n by_o digest_v they_o in_o the_o heart_n if_o i_o say_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o these_o two_o latter_a we_o shall_v find_v they_o seldom_o use_v of_o very_a many_o or_o not_o at_o all_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o use_v these_o mean_n with_o care_n and_o reverence_n but_o alas_o these_o some_o be_v very_o few_o and_o because_o this_o duty_n be_v so_o slack_o perform_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o though_o the_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v oft_o repeat_v yet_o man_n reap_v little_a profit_n by_o it_o so_o that_o we_o
son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n now_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o temptation_n we_o must_v still_o hold_v fast_o this_o promise_n and_o venture_v our_o soul_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o this_o be_v abraham_n practice_n for_o in_o this_o temptation_n god_n meaning_n be_v to_o try_v abraham_n and_o to_o see_v what_o he_o will_v do_v now_o abraham_n he_o hold_v fast_o the_o promise_n and_o yet_o obey_v god_n though_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o earth_n can_v tell_v how_o that_o promise_n and_o that_o commandment_n can_v stand_v together_o but_o this_o be_v abraham_n faith_n though_o i_o know_v not_o nor_o reason_n know_v not_o yet_o god_n know_v and_o therefore_o see_v i_o have_v his_o commandment_n i_o will_v obey_v it_o and_o see_v i_o have_v his_o word_n and_o promise_n i_o will_v believe_v that_o also_o and_o never_o forsake_v it_o and_o even_o thus_o must_v we_o strive_v to_o do_v in_o all_o temptation_n whatsoever_o yea_o even_o in_o those_o that_o come_v from_o satan_n which_o be_v full_a of_o malice_n and_o all_o violence_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n we_o must_v still_o hold_v and_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v ever_o the_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o satan_n to_o hold_v that_o god_n promise_n shall_v be_v perform_v though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o but_o rather_o see_v the_o contrary_n and_o though_o in_o humane_a reason_n it_o be_v a_o note_n of_o ignorance_n and_o want_v of_o skill_n to_o stick_v always_o to_o the_o conclusion_n and_o question_n yet_o in_o spiritual_a temptation_n and_o trial_n this_o be_v sound_a divinity_n always_o to_o hold_v god_n promise_n and_o to_o stick_v fast_o to_o that_o conclusion_n and_o not_o to_o follow_v satan_n in_o his_o argument_n neither_o suffer_v he_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o drive_v we_o from_o it_o further_o in_o that_o this_o fact_n of_o offer_v up_o isaac_n be_v only_a abraham_n trial_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v he_o just_a before_o god_n but_o only_o serve_v to_o prove_v his_o faith_n and_o to_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v iust._n and_o therefore_o whereas_o saint_n james_n say_v jam._n 2.21_o that_o abraham_n be_v justify_v through_o work_n when_o he_o offer_v his_o son_n isaac_n upon_o the_o altar_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o abraham_n do_v manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v just_a before_o god_n by_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n and_o not_o that_o by_o this_o fact_n abraham_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v make_v just_a or_o of_o a_o righteous_a man_n be_v make_v more_o just_a for_o indeed_o good_a work_n do_v not_o make_v a_o man_n just_a but_o only_o do_v prove_v and_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v just_a three_o god_n give_v abraham_n this_o commandment_n abraham_n kill_v thy_o son_n but_o yet_o he_o conceal_v from_o he_o what_o be_v his_o purpose_n and_o intent_n herein_o for_o god_n mean_v not_o that_o abraham_n shall_v kill_v his_o son_n indeed_o but_o only_o to_o try_v what_o he_o will_v do_v whether_o he_o will_v still_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o or_o not_o where_o we_o see_v that_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o reveal_v to_o abraham_n his_o will_n but_o not_o his_o whole_a will_n whence_o arise_v this_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o man_n according_a to_o this_o example_n of_o god_n when_o he_o tell_v a_o thing_n to_o another_o to_o conceal_v his_o meaning_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n for_o answer_v hereunto_o we_o must_v know_v there_o be_v two_o extremity_n both_o which_o must_v be_v avoid_v in_o this_o case_n 1_o that_o a_o man_n must_v always_o express_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o mind_n 2_o that_o in_o some_o case_n a_o man_n may_v speak_v one_o thing_n and_o think_v another_o speak_v contrary_a to_o his_o meaning_n but_o this_o late_a be_v no_o way_n lawful_a and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o always_o necessary_a we_o therefore_o must_v hold_v a_o mean_a between_o both_o to_o wit_n that_o in_o some_o case_n a_o man_n may_v conceal_v his_o whole_a meaning_n say_v nothing_o though_o they_o be_v examine_v namely_o when_o the_o conceal_n thereof_o do_v direct_o stand_v with_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o brother_n thus_o godly_a martyr_n have_v do_v for_o be_v examine_v before_o tyrant_n where_o and_o with_o who_o they_o worship_v god_n they_o have_v choose_v rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o disclose_v their_o brethren_n and_o this_o conceal_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v lawful_a because_o it_o touch_v immediate_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n second_o a_o man_n may_v conceal_v part_n of_o his_o mind_n but_o that_o must_v be_v also_o with_o these_o two_o caveat_n first_o that_o it_o serve_v for_o god_n glory_n second_o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o gods_n church_n thus_o do_v jonas_n conceal_v the_o condition_n of_o mercy_n from_o the_o ninivites_fw-la when_o he_o preach_v destruction_n unto_o they_o say_v within_o forty_o day_n and_o niniveh_n shall_v be_v destroy_v though_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o event_n that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v they_o shall_v be_v spare_v if_o they_o do_v repent_v but_o that_o condition_n god_n will_v have_v conceal_v because_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o ninivites_fw-la to_o have_v know_v it_o since_o the_o conceal_n of_o it_o cause_v they_o more_o speedy_o and_o earnest_o to_o repent_v but_o out_o of_o these_o case_n a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o speak_v must_v declare_v the_o whole_a truth_n or_o else_o he_o sin_n great_o against_o god_n commandment_n forsake_v the_o property_n of_o the_o godly_a psal._n 15.2_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o impediment_n of_o abraham_n faith_n the_o second_o impediment_n to_o abraham_n faith_n be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n offer_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n we_o know_v that_o the_o love_n of_o parent_n descend_v to_o every_o child_n natural_o but_o especial_o to_o the_o only_o beget_v upon_o who_o be_v but_o one_o all_o that_o be_v bestow_v which_o when_o there_o be_v many_o be_v divide_v among_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n this_o may_v great_o hinder_v abraham_n obedience_n that_o god_n shall_v command_v he_o to_o offer_v his_o son_n yea_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n but_o yet_o by_o faith_n he_o overcom_v this_o temptation_n break_v through_o this_o impediment_n and_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a son_n where_o we_o note_v that_o true_a faith_n will_v make_v a_o man_n overcome_v his_o own_o nature_n love_n be_v the_o strong_a affection_n in_o the_o heart_n especial_o from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n even_o his_o only_a child_n and_o a_o man_n will_v think_v it_o impossible_a to_o overcome_v this_o love_n in_o the_o parent_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o death_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o child_n but_o yet_o behold_v abraham_n by_o faith_n subdue_v this_o special_a love_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o his_o only_a child_n god_n himself_o testify_v of_o abraham_n that_o his_o love_n to_o isaac_n be_v great_a gen._n 22.2_o and_o yet_o by_o faith_n he_o overcom_v this_o his_o love_n this_o point_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v mark_v as_o declare_v the_o great_a power_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n for_o if_o faith_n can_v overcome_v create_v and_o sanctify_a nature_n then_o undoubted_o the_o power_n thereof_o will_v enable_v man_n to_o overcome_v the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o overcome_v our_o nature_n which_o we_o have_v by_o creation_n than_o to_o subdue_v the_o corruption_n thereof_o which_o come_v in_o by_o transgression_n and_o hence_o such_o excellent_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o faith_n it_o be_v call_v the_o victory_n that_o overcom_v the_o world_n 1._o john_n 5.4_o and_o god_n be_v say_v by_o faith_n to_o purify_v the_o heart_n faith_n strengthen_v the_o heart_n act_v 15.9_o and_o through_o faith_n we_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n 1._o pet._n 1.5_o be_v this_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v nature_n and_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o then_o howsoever_o religion_n be_v receive_v and_o faith_n profess_v general_o among_o we_o yet_o undoubted_o there_o be_v little_a true_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n for_o even_o among_o the_o professor_n thereof_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o subdue_v the_o sin_n of_o their_o life_n and_o suppress_v the_o work_n of_o their_o wicked_a nature_n sure_o very_o few_o now_o where_o corruption_n bear_v sway_v and_o sin_n reign_v there_o sound_a faith_n can_v be_v for_o if_o faith_n be_v sound_a in_o man_n it_o will_v purify_v
make_v unto_o he_o in_o christ_n then_o he_o reason_v and_o strive_v against_o temptation_n and_o lay_v the_o word_n as_o a_o shield_n unto_o his_o soul_n to_o keep_v out_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o satan_n yea_o he_o apply_v the_o same_o word_n to_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o a_o corrosive_n unto_o corruption_n whereupon_o it_o be_v say_v that_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n act._n 15.9_o how_o namely_o beside_o the_o apply_v of_o christ_n blood_n it_o bring_v to_o memory_n god_n merciful_a promise_n in_o christ_n which_o stay_v a_o man_n from_o commit_v such_o thing_n as_o will_v pollute_v and_o defile_v the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o be_v faith_n say_v to_o be_v our_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n 1._o joh._n 5.4_o because_o by_o apply_v to_o our_o soul_n god_n promise_n in_o christ_n we_o do_v not_o only_o contemn_v the_o world_n in_o regard_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o stand_v against_o the_o assault_n thereof_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o notable_a and_o excellent_a work_n of_o faith_n last_o observe_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n when_o joseph_n make_v remembrance_n of_o their_o depart_n the_o text_n say_v when_o he_o be_v die_v hereof_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n yet_o this_o one_o thing_n may_v here_o again_o be_v well_o remember_v joseph_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n at_o his_o death_n which_o concern_v the_o temporal_a deliverance_n of_o his_o people_n &_o we_o by_o his_o example_n when_o we_o be_v die_v must_v learn_v to_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o gracious_a promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v unto_o we_o in_o christ_n touch_v our_o eternal_a deliverance_n from_o the_o spiritual_a bondage_n of_o the_o devil_n oh_o great_a will_v be_v the_o fruit_n hereof_o not_o only_o for_o inward_a comfort_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o joy_n to_o such_o as_o love_v we_o but_o also_o we_o shall_v hereby_o give_v a_o worthy_a evidence_n to_o the_o world_n that_o we_o have_v be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n wherein_o we_o shall_v leave_v a_o good_a precedent_n to_o those_o that_o follow_v us._n the_o second_o fact_n of_o josephs_n faith_n be_v this_o he_o give_v commandment_n concern_v his_o bone_n the_o meaning_n thereof_o be_v this_o that_o joseph_n lie_v on_o his_o death_n bed_n give_v a_o solemn_a charge_n to_o his_o brethren_n to_o have_v special_a care_n how_o and_o where_o they_o bury_v he_o that_o his_o bone_n may_v not_o be_v lose_v but_o so_o preserve_v while_o they_o stay_v in_o egypt_n that_o at_o their_o departure_n they_o may_v be_v carry_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n &_o there_o bury_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n of_o his_o father_n the_o cause_n why_o joseph_n give_v this_o commandment_n be_v these_o 1_o hereby_o to_o testify_v unto_o his_o brethren_n &_o posterity_n that_o howsoever_o he_o live_v a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o pomp_n and_o glory_n of_o egypt_n yet_o his_o heart_n be_v never_o set_v thereon_o but_o he_o have_v a_o great_a delight_n and_o more_o esteem_v to_o be_v count_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o to_o be_v a_o noble_a prince_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n for_o if_o he_o have_v love_v and_o like_v the_o pomp_n of_o egypt_n he_o will_v have_v have_v his_o sepulchre_n among_o they_o but_o give_v commandment_n to_o the_o contrary_a it_o show_v plain_o that_o his_o heart_n be_v never_o set_v on_o that_o glory_n and_o pomp_n in_o which_o he_o live_v by_o who_o example_n we_o be_v teach_v that_o in_o use_v the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o we_o must_v not_o set_v our_o heart_n on_o they_o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o cor._n 7.31_o use_v they_o as_o though_o we_o use_v they_o not_o still_o have_v our_o affection_n set_v on_o heaven_n which_o be_v our_o spiritual_a canaan_n 2_o hereby_o joseph_n will_v testify_v unto_o his_o brethren_n what_o he_o esteem_v his_o chief_a happiness_n namely_o that_o in_o faith_n &_o hope_v he_o be_v join_v unto_o his_o father_n and_o ancestor_n that_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v of_o their_o religion_n and_o look_v for_o a_o resurrection_n and_o another_o life_n as_o they_o do_v and_o this_o he_o will_v have_v know_v not_o only_o to_o his_o brethren_n and_o posterity_n but_o to_o the_o egyptian_n also_o among_o who_o he_o live_v 3_o joseph_n hereby_o intend_v principal_o to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o posterity_n in_o god_n promise_n for_o enjoy_v and_o possess_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n after_o his_o death_n and_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a way_n to_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n for_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v or_o remember_v his_o corpse_n it_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o lively_a sermon_n to_o show_v they_o plain_o that_o howsoever_o they_o live_v for_o a_o while_n in_o bondage_n in_o egypt_n yet_o the_o day_n shall_v short_o come_v wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v set_v at_o liberty_n and_o bring_v as_o freeman_n into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o undoubted_o joseph_n will_v therefore_o have_v his_o bone_n keep_v among_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o pledge_n unto_o they_o of_o their_o deliverance_n yea_o note_v further_o the_o story_n say_v gen._n 50.15_o that_o joseph_n do_v not_o only_o charge_v his_o brethren_n general_o but_o bind_v they_o by_o a_o oath_n to_o carry_v his_o bone_n hereby_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n which_o he_o do_v enjoin_v they_o even_o a_o sign_n and_o pledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o their_o deliverance_n whence_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n for_o every_o christian_a both_o careful_o and_o reverent_o to_o use_v the_o sacrament_n which_o god_n have_v give_v as_o pledge_n of_o his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o we_o in_o christ._n for_o shall_v joseph_n cause_v his_o brethren_n and_o posterity_n to_o swear_v concern_v his_o bone_n that_o so_o they_o may_v more_o reverent_o regard_v that_o pledge_n and_o sign_n of_o their_o outward_a deliverance_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o with_o all_o reverence_n &_o good_a conscience_n both_o esteem_n and_o use_v those_o holy_a pledge_n of_o our_o eternal_a deliverance_n by_o christ_n jesus_n the_o papist_n from_o this_o place_n will_v justify_v their_o practice_n in_o reserve_v and_o honour_v the_o relic_n of_o saint_n now_o by_o relic_n they_o mean_v the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o saint_n depart_v as_o the_o head_n of_o john_n baptist_n the_o arm_n or_o bone_n of_o this_o or_o that_o saint_n the_o milk_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o also_o the_o part_n of_o the_o cross_n whereon_o christ_n suffer_v with_o such_o like_a answ._n first_o let_v we_o know_v that_o their_o relic_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o forge_a device_n of_o their_o own_o and_o no_o true_a relic_n of_o saint_n as_o by_o one_o instance_n may_v appear_v for_o the_o part_n and_o parcel_n of_o wood_n keep_v in_o europe_n which_o they_o say_v be_v part_n of_o the_o cross_n whereon_o christ_n die_v be_v so_o many_o that_o if_o they_o be_v all_o gather_v together_o they_o will_v load_v a_o ship_n which_o show_v plain_o that_o herein_o they_o use_v notorious_a forgery_n for_o it_o be_v no_o great_a than_o a_o man_n may_v bear_v and_o the_o like_a be_v their_o behaviour_n in_o the_o rest_n second_o the_o keep_n of_o josephs_n bone_n be_v for_o a_o good_a end_n and_o purpose_n namely_o to_o testify_v his_o own_o faith_n and_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o believe_v god_n promise_v for_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n but_o their_o relic_n serve_v rather_o to_o extinguish_v faith_n in_o christ_n than_o to_o confirm_v it_o for_o they_o nourish_v man_n in_o fond_a device_n and_o foul_a superstition_n and_o not_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n three_o we_o do_v not_o read_v in_o all_o the_o bible_n that_o josephs_n bone_n be_v ever_o worship_v and_o therefore_o from_o this_o place_n they_o have_v no_o ground_n whereon_o to_o build_v their_o superstitious_a worship_v of_o relic_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o example_n of_o josephs_n faith_n moses_n faith_n verse_n 23._o by_o faith_n moses_n when_o he_o be_v bear_v be_v hide_v three_o month_n of_o his_o parent_n because_o they_o see_v he_o be_v a_o proper_a child_n neither_o fear_v they_o the_o king_n commandment_n in_o this_o verse_n the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v further_a and_o set_v down_o unto_o we_o a_o notable_a and_o worthy_a example_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o moses_n parent_n if_o we_o will_v see_v the_o history_n at_o large_a we_o must_v read_v the_o 2._o chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la of_o which_o these_o word_n be_v a_o abbridgement_n or_o brief_a epitome_n now_o here_o the_o faith_n of_o moses_n parent_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o by_o two_o notable_a
make_v the_o same_o colour_n appear_v on_o the_o water_n but_o this_o need_v not_o to_o trouble_v any_o man_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v the_o same_o name_n which_o common_o the_o man_n of_o that_o country_n give_v unto_o it_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o their_o fact_n that_o they_o by_o faith_n pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o two_o circumstance_n whereby_o it_o be_v commend_v the_o first_o circumstance_n be_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o go_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n they_o go_v through_o as_o on_o dry_a land_n this_o must_v not_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v by_o help_n of_o bridge_n or_o ship_n nor_o by_o mean_n which_o man_n use_v as_o swim_v fail_a or_o wade_v but_o their_o passage_n be_v miraculous_a for_o the_o water_n stand_v like_o wall_n on_o both_o side_n of_o they_o and_o the_o channel_n of_o the_o sea_n be_v as_o a_o pavement_n or_o dry_a land_n exod._n 14.22_o which_o notable_o set_v forth_o the_o strangeness_n of_o this_o fact_n show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n and_o this_o also_o confute_v certain_a enemy_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o have_v cavilled_a at_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v record_v therein_o account_v of_o moses_n but_o as_o a_o magician_n and_o sorcerer_n &_o of_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v as_o of_o illusion_n and_o for_o this_o miracle_n they_o make_v no_o account_n of_o it_o for_o say_v they_o moses_n be_v a_o great_a scholar_n and_o a_o wise_a man_n know_v the_o time_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o fall_v of_o the_o water_n &_o know_v the_o ford_n and_o shallow_a place_n therefore_o he_o take_v his_o time_n and_o find_v a_o place_n so_o shallow_a that_o when_o the_o tide_n be_v past_a the_o sand_n be_v bare_a &_o dry_a as_o the_o marsh_n in_o england_n be_v and_o then_o he_o lead_v the_o host_n of_o israel_n through_o but_o pharaoh_n &_o his_o host_n follow_v they_o be_v drown_v because_o they_o go_v through_o at_o the_o flow_a of_o the_o sea_n ans._n whereas_o they_o say_v that_o this_o their_o passage_n be_v no_o miracle_n here_o we_o see_v it_o be_v overthrow_v by_o this_o circumstance_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o pass_v over_o for_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n be_v as_o a_o pavement_n &_o as_o ground_n on_o which_o no_o water_n fall_v now_o in_o most_o place_n of_o the_o sea_n where_o the_o water_n ebb_n and_o flow_v the_o ground_n be_v never_o full_o dry_a but_o watery_a and_o full_a of_o moist_a place_n again_o the_o water_n pass_v not_o away_o as_o at_o a_o ebb_n but_o stand_v as_o wall_n on_o each_o side_n of_o the_o host_n of_o israel_n both_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a both_o which_o show_v plain_o â—â—_o there_o be_v no_o vantage_n take_v by_o the_o ebb_a and_o flow_v of_o the_o water_n as_o ungodly_a atheist_n do_v cavil_n deride_v god_n work_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n but_o a_o mighty_a &_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n first_o make_v the_o water_n stand_v like_o two_o wall_n and_o then_o make_v the_o earth_n under_o it_o firm_a &_o dry_a contrary_a to_o nature_n in_o they_o both_o the_o 2._o circumstance_n be_v concern_v the_o time_n when_o they_o pass_v through_o even_o then_o when_o the_o egyptian_n assay_v to_o do_v the_o same_o be_v drown_v mark_v the_o word_n for_o the_o thing_n be_v strange_a the_o egyptian_n come_v arm_v after_o the_o israelite_n with_o a_o huge_a great_a army_n now_o the_o israelite_n they_o take_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o egyptian_n see_v they_o stand_v not_o still_o upon_o the_o bank_n but_o adventure_n after_o they_o not_o by_o ship_n but_o the_o same_o way_n that_o the_o israelite_n take_v before_o they_o but_o yet_o without_o any_o warrant_n or_o commandment_n from_o god_n so_o great_a be_v their_o malice_n against_o they_o &_o yet_o a_o man_n will_v have_v think_v they_o dare_v never_o have_v adventure_v into_o the_o sea_n after_o they_o especial_o as_o they_o do_v here_o by_o this_o fact_n of_o pharaoh_n &_o his_o man_n we_o learn_v that_o when_o god_n forsake_v a_o man_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o himself_o he_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o run_v headlong_o to_o his_o own_o destruction_n god_n as_o moses_n say_v raise_v up_o pharaoh_n to_o show_v his_o power_n upon_o he_o and_o now_o it_o please_v god_n to_o leave_v he_o to_o himself_o and_o he_o pursue_v the_o israelite_n to_o his_o own_o destruction_n and_o this_o be_v the_o course_n and_o state_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v forsake_v of_o god_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v teach_v we_o a_o special_a clause_n to_o be_v use_v of_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n we_o must_v ever_o remember_v to_o pray_v for_o this_o that_o god_n will_v never_o whole_o forsake_v we_o nor_o cast_v we_o off_o this_o condition_n be_v more_o fearful_a than_o the_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o any_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o for_o when_o god_n forsake_v a_o man_n all_o that_o he_o do_v be_v hasten_v himself_o to_o his_o own_o destruction_n david_n know_v this_o well_o and_o therefore_o he_o pray_v oh_o knit_v my_o heart_n unto_o thou_o that_o i_o may_v fear_v thy_o name_n psal._n 86.11_o and_o again_o he_o pray_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o forsake_v he_o overlong_o psal._n 119.8_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v if_o it_o be_v thy_o pleasure_n to_o try_v i_o by_o leave_v i_o to_o myself_o yet_o o_o lord_n let_v it_o be_v but_o for_o awhile_o forsake_v i_o not_o overlong_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o six_o petition_n lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n where_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v not_o forsake_v we_o or_o leave_v we_o to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n but_o that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o we_o and_o show_v his_o power_n in_o our_o weakness_n continual_o and_o this_o may_v enforce_v we_o unto_o this_o petition_n for_o the_o consideration_n that_o man_n forsake_v of_o god_n do_v nothing_o but_o work_v their_o own_o destruction_n be_v many_o time_n a_o cause_n of_o great_a trouble_n of_o mind_n for_o some_o desire_v to_o see_v such_o as_o hang_v or_o drown_v themselves_o by_o behold_v of_o they_o get_v this_o conceit_n into_o their_o head_n that_o god_n will_v likewise_o forsake_v they_o as_o he_o have_v do_v these_o who_o they_o behold_v &_o so_o shall_v they_o make_v away_o themselves_o whence_o follow_v great_a trouble_n &_o anguish_n of_o soul_n for_o a_o long_a time_n now_o how_o must_v a_o man_n or_o woman_n in_o this_o case_n help_v themselves_o answer_n the_o best_a way_n be_v by_o prayer_n to_o crave_v at_o god_n hand_n that_o he_o will_v ever_o be_v with_o they_o and_o never_o whole_o forsake_v they_o and_o further_o this_o must_v be_v remember_v withal_o that_o god_n will_v never_o forsake_v any_o of_o his_o servant_n before_o they_o first_o forsake_v he_o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o can_v say_v true_o and_o unfeigned_o that_o they_o desire_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n and_o seek_v this_o blessing_n by_o prayer_n they_o may_v stand_v fast_o on_o this_o ground_n that_o god_n will_v never_o forsake_v they_o till_o they_o first_o forsake_v he_o and_o therefore_o azariah_n the_o prophet_n say_v notable_o to_o king_n asa_n 2._o chron._n 15.2_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v with_o you_o while_o you_o be_v with_o he_o and_o if_o you_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o you_o but_o if_o you_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v forsake_v you_o and_o james_n say_v draw_v near_o to_o god_n and_o he_o will_v draw_v near_o to_o you_o james_n 4.8_o it_o be_v never_o hear_v that_o god_n do_v ever_o forsake_v any_o that_o do_v seek_v he_o and_o if_o the_o cause_n be_v know_v why_o man_n make_v away_o themselves_o it_o will_v prove_v general_o to_o be_v thus_o because_o they_o first_o by_o some_o fearful_a sin_n have_v forsake_v god_n &_o then_o he_o in_o his_o justice_n forsake_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v trouble_v with_o this_o temptation_n must_v pray_v that_o they_o may_v stick_v fast_o unto_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o holiness_n &_o so_o will_v â—e_v never_o forsake_v they_o second_o in_o this_o circumstance_n that_o the_o egyptian_n follow_v the_o israelite_n be_v drown_v we_o have_v a_o notable_a pattern_n of_o the_o state_n &_o condition_n of_o all_o persecuter_n of_o god_n church_n in_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o host_n we_o may_v see_v their_o end_n which_o be_v usual_o destruction_n that_o be_v their_o reward_n for_o persecute_v god_n church_n cain_n slay_v abel_n that_o notable_a servant_n of_o god_n but_o his_o reward_n be_v this_o he_o be_v cast_v forth_o of_o god_n church_n gen._n 4.11.13_o and_o strike_v in_o god_n just_a judgement_n with_o final_a desperation_n
must_v needs_o be_v corrupt_a fruit_n as_o come_v from_o they_o for_o a_o evil_a tree_n can_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n the_o heart_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o every_o action_n now_o their_o heart_n be_v corrupt_a be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n which_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o their_o work_n must_v needs_o be_v sinful_a again_o they_o do_v not_o their_o work_n in_o obedience_n for_o they_o be_v guide_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o know_v not_o god_n aright_o nor_o his_o commandment_n and_o last_o they_o propound_v not_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o the_o end_n of_o their_o work_n but_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n their_o own_o profit_n or_o some_o such_o end_n but_o these_o worthy_a person_n do_v not_o only_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v just_a in_o themselves_o but_o they_o do_v they_o in_o faith_n in_o obedience_n and_o for_o god_n glory_n and_o so_o please_v god_n now_o see_v these_o renown_a prince_n and_o judge_n have_v their_o faith_n commend_v unto_o we_o by_o their_o practise_v of_o righteousness_n we_o must_v learn_v to_o follow_v they_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o call_n do_v justice_n and_o righteousness_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v us._n there_o be_v many_o reason_n set_v down_o in_o god_n word_n to_o persuade_v we_o hereunto_o as_o first_o for_o this_o end_n have_v god_n cause_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v publish_v tit._n 2.12_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v but_o to_o what_o end_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v deny_v ungodliness_n and_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o that_o be_v that_o we_o may_v do_v justice._n unless_o therefore_o we_o work_v righteousness_n we_o make_v the_o gospel_n a_o vain_a word_n unto_o us._n second_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v count_v just_a before_o god_n and_o man_n and_o it_o will_v grieve_v we_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o think_v of_o but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v just_a indeed_o both_o before_o god_n and_o man_n than_o we_o must_v work_v righteousness_n for_o as_o s._n john_n say_v he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n 3.7_o be_v righteous_a three_o there_o be_v no_o man_n set_v over_o a_o family_n but_o he_o either_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o endeavour_n to_o bring_v a_o blessing_n upon_o his_o family_n but_o this_o he_o can_v do_v unless_o he_o work_v righteousness_n 20.7_o and_o do_v justice_n for_o solomon_n say_v he_o that_o walk_v in_o his_o integrity_n be_v just_a and_o bless_a shall_v his_o child_n be_v after_o he_o last_o we_o do_v all_o of_o we_o desire_n to_o escape_v hell_n well_o than_o we_o must_v remember_v to_o practise_v righteousness_n 6.9_o for_o the_o apostle_n say_v no_o unrighteous_a man_n that_o be_v none_o practise_v unrighteousness_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o that_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o call_n we_o must_v all_o endeavour_n to_o do_v justice._n here_o some_o will_v ask_v how_o shall_v i_o do_v justice_n and_o work_v righteousness_n answer_n for_o the_o do_n of_o it_o we_o must_v remember_v to_o practise_v these_o rule_n that_o follow_v 1._o that_o which_o be_v both_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v do_v to_o all_o man_n as_o we_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v unto_o we_o 7.12_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n say_v our_o saviour_n christ_n now_o the_o square_a for_o all_o our_o action_n must_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o god_n word_n give_v this_o direction_n do_v thou_o to_o thy_o neighbour_n as_o thou_o in_o thy_o reason_n &_o conscience_n think_v he_o shall_v do_v to_o thou_o if_o thou_o be_v in_o his_o case_n and_o he_o in_o thou_o the_o 2._o rule_n be_v that_o which_o paul_n teach_v we_o say_v give_v unto_o every_o man_n that_o which_o be_v their_o duty_n 13.7_o tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n belong_v etc._n etc._n that_o which_o god_n word_n &_o our_o conscience_n &_o the_o wholesome_a law_n of_o the_o realm_n bind_v we_o unto_o that_o we_o must_v give_v unto_o every_o man_n the_o 3._o rule_n be_v this_o every_o man_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o call_n must_v not_o only_o intend_v and_o labour_n for_o his_o own_o good_a but_o for_o the_o common_a good_a in_o that_o church_n and_o common_a wealth_n wherein_o he_o live_v the_o blind_a will_v out_o of_o their_o carnal_a mind_n have_v learn_v this_o for_o a_o rule_n every_o man_n for_o himself_o and_o god_n for_o we_o all_o and_o this_o be_v many_o a_o man_n practice_n he_o will_v labour_v diligent_o in_o his_o call_n but_o all_o be_v for_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o propound_v only_o this_o end_n in_o his_o call_n to_o benefit_v himself_o alone_o deal_v unjust_o both_o towards_o the_o church_n and_o common_a wealth_n in_o which_o he_o live_v who_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o part_n of_o his_o care_n with_o himself_o the_o 4._o rule_n be_v teach_v we_o also_o by_o s._n paul_n defraud_n or_o oppress_v no_o man_n in_o any_o matter_n this_o rule_n concern_v our_o manner_n of_o deal_n in_o common_a affair_n in_o all_o our_o traffic_n &_o bargain_n as_o we_o will_v benefit_v ourselves_o so_o we_o must_v seek_v to_o benefit_v those_o with_o who_o we_o deal_v this_o rule_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o be_v learn_v for_o this_o be_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o man_n in_o their_o traffic_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v defraud_v other_o so_o that_o they_o get_v unto_o themselves_o they_o care_v not_o how_o it_o come_v but_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o justice_n to_o which_o we_o be_v all_o bind_v stand_v in_o this_o that_o we_o defraud_v or_o oppress_v no_o man_n in_o any_o thing_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o second_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o three_o fruit_n &_o effect_v of_o these_o man_n faith_n be_v this_o they_o obtain_v the_o promise_n by_o promise_n we_o must_v not_o understand_v the_o main_a promise_n concern_v the_o messiah_n come_v for_o that_o they_o obtain_v not_o as_o yet_o for_o as_o it_o appear_v v_o 39_o they_o receive_v not_o that_o promise_n for_o christ_n be_v not_o incarnate_a in_o their_o time_n but_o by_o promise_n be_v here_o mean_v certain_a special_a &_o particular_a promise_n make_v unto_o they_o alone_o and_o not_o common_a to_o all_o so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o they_o obtain_v the_o benefit_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o particular_a promise_n that_o god_n make_v unto_o they_o this_o effect_n be_v special_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o caleâ—_n and_o david_n for_o caleâ—_n enter_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o there_o enjoy_v his_o possession_n according_a to_o god_n promise_v make_v unto_o he_o jos._n 14._o so_o david_n have_v a_o particular_a promise_n make_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v king_n over_o israel_n this_o he_o long_o wait_v for_o and_o rest_v herein_o he_o be_v not_o only_o anoint_v king_n but_o in_o due_a time_n actual_o make_v king_n overall_a israel_n whereas_o these_o worthy_a man_n by_o faith_n obtain_v these_o promise_n hereby_o we_o may_v be_v direct_v to_o see_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o after_o so_o long_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o often_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n man_n reap_v so_o little_a profit_n especialal_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n by_o mean_n of_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n hence_o therefore_o we_o must_v learn_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n receive_v be_v unprofitable_a not_o because_o god_n alter_v his_o will_n have_v promise_v his_o blessing_n in_o these_o mean_n for_o herein_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a but_o the_o cause_n be_v the_o great_a measure_n of_o unbelief_n in_o those_o which_o hear_v and_o receive_v they_o therefore_o profit_v not_o because_o they_o receive_v they_o without_o faith_n for_o howsoever_o man_n say_v they_o have_v faith_n yet_o the_o work_n of_o their_o life_n and_o their_o estate_n in_o sin_n after_o long_o hear_v show_v plain_o they_o have_v none_o at_o all_o take_v a_o vessel_n that_o be_v close_o stop_v and_o cast_v it_o into_o a_o river_n or_o into_o the_o sea_n yet_o it_o receive_v no_o water_n because_o it_o have_v no_o place_n of_o entrance_n even_o so_o bring_v a_o man_n that_o want_v faith_n to_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n wherein_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o fullness_n of_o his_o grace_n yet_o he_o receive_v none_o because_o his_o heart_n be_v close_v up_o through_o unbelief_n this_o be_v it_o which_o make_v the_o heart_n like_o a_o stop_v vessel_n which_o have_v no_o entrance_n for_o god_n grace_n we_o therefore_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n must_v labour_v to_o have_v our_o heart_n purge_v from_o this_o unbelief_n
ourselves_o and_o to_o lay_v it_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o then_o no_o doubt_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o word_n of_o power_n able_a to_o reform_v both_o the_o misdemeanour_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o error_n of_o our_o mind_n now_o to_o the_o reason_n more_o particular_o we_o must_v be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n because_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n here_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o for_o their_o faith_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n and_o then_o to_o a_o cloud_n compass_v us._n last_o to_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n they_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n as_o i_o take_v it_o by_o allusion_n to_o the_o cloud_n which_o direct_v and_o lead_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o when_o they_o come_v from_o egypt_n and_o be_v 40._o year_n in_o the_o desert_n of_o arabia_n all_o that_o while_n they_o be_v direct_v by_o a_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n by_o day_n exod._n 13.21_o now_o look_v as_o this_o cloud_n guide_v the_o israelite_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n so_o do_v this_o company_n of_o famous_a believer_n direct_v all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o right_a way_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n to_o the_o spiritual_a canaan_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o these_o worthy_a believer_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n mark_v further_o they_o be_v call_v a_o cloud_n but_o what_o a_o cloud_n namely_o compass_v us._n a_o compass_v cloud_n they_o be_v call_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a company_n of_o believer_n so_o as_o which_o way_n soever_o a_o man_n turn_v he_o he_o shall_v see_v believer_n on_o every_o side_n and_o they_o be_v say_v to_o compass_v we_o because_o they_o give_v we_o direction_n in_o the_o course_n of_o christianity_n as_o the_o cloud_n do_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n now_o whereas_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v a_o cloud_n compass_v we_o here_o be_v answer_v a_o common_a objection_n of_o temporizer_n which_o argue_v thus_o against_o religion_n there_o be_v so_o many_o kind_n of_o religion_n now_o aday_n that_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v which_o to_o be_v of_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n till_o we_o be_v certify_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n this_o carnal_a reason_n be_v here_o answer_v for_o howsoever_o in_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v variety_n of_o opinion_n in_o god_n church_n yet_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n all_o agree_v in_o one_o for_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o world_n resemble_v a_o cloud_n that_o go_v before_o we_o show_v we_o the_o right_a way_n which_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n second_o in_o that_o these_o ancient_a believer_n be_v call_v a_o cloud_n compass_v we_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o as_o the_o israelites_n do_v follow_v the_o cloud_n in_o the_o wilderness_n from_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n to_o canaan_n so_o must_v we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o these_o ancient_a believe_a father_n &_o prophet_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o see_v how_o the_o israelite_n follow_v that_o cloud_n they_o never_o go_v till_o it_o go_v before_o they_o and_o when_o it_o stand_v still_o they_o stand_v still_o also_o though_o it_o be_v 2._o year_n together_o and_o when_o it_o begin_v to_o move_v they_o move_v with_o it_o so_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n must_v we_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o life_n the_o worthy_a example_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n 15.4_o we_o must_v therefore_o be_v follower_n of_o they_o in_o faith_n obedience_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v direct_v to_o life_n everlasting_a in_o the_o spiritual_a canaan_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o follow_v they_o absolute_o for_o all_o of_o they_o have_v their_o infirmity_n &_o some_o of_o they_o have_v their_o grievous_a fault_n whereby_o they_o be_v taint_v &_o their_o commendation_n somewhat_o blemish_v but_o we_o must_v follow_v they_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n &_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o cloud_n that_o guide_v the_o israelite_n have_v two_o part_n 14.20_o a_o light_a part_n &_o a_o dark_a the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n people_n have_v not_o the_o light_a part_n before_o they_o but_o the_o dark_a part_n &_o so_o follow_v that_o they_o rush_v into_o the_o red_a sea_n &_o be_v drown_v when_o as_o the_o israelite_n follow_v the_o light_a part_n go_v through_o in_o safety_n even_o so_o these_o believer_n have_v in_o they_o two_o thing_n their_o sin_n which_o be_v their_o dark_a part_n which_o if_o we_o follow_v we_o cast_v our_o soul_n into_o great_a danger_n &_o destruction_n and_o faith_n with_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v their_o light_a part_n which_o we_o must_v follow_v as_o our_o light_n which_o if_o we_o do_v careful_o it_o will_v bring_v we_o safe_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o paul_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n be_v follower_n of_o he_o yet_o not_o absolute_o in_o every_o thing_n but_o as_o he_o follow_v christ_n and_o so_o must_v we_o follow_v the_o father_n as_o they_o go_v on_o in_o faith_n in_o christ._n further_o they_o be_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n that_o be_v a_o huge_a multitude_n of_o witness_n and_o they_o be_v so_o call_v first_o because_o by_o their_o own_o blood_n they_o confirm_v the_o faith_n which_o they_o profess_v second_o because_o they_o do_v all_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o true_a religion_n whereof_o they_o be_v witness_n partly_o by_o speech_n and_o partly_o by_o action_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o so_o be_v every_o member_n of_o christ_n a_o witness_n as_o the_o lord_n often_o call_v the_o believe_a israelite_n 12_o his_o witness_n quest._n how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v that_o these_o believer_n shall_v be_v god_n witness_n answer_n sure_o because_o they_o testify_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o god_n holy_a religion_n both_o in_o word_n and_o action_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n now_o see_v these_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v christ_n witness_n first_o hereby_o all_o ignorant_a person_n must_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o get_v faith_n and_o to_o learn_v true_a religion_n if_o any_o thing_n will_v move_v a_o man_n to_o become_v religious_a this_o will_n for_o out_o of_o all_o the_o world_n god_n will_v choose_v faithful_a man_n to_o be_v his_o witness_n to_o testify_v of_o his_o religion_n unto_o other_o if_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o some_o worthy_a mighty_a prince_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o call_v he_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o his_o side_n he_o will_v be_v wonderful_a glad_a thereof_o and_o take_v it_o for_o a_o great_a honour_n to_o he_o how_o much_o more_o than_o ought_v we_o to_o labour_n for_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o true_a religion_n that_o we_o may_v become_v witness_n unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n if_o it_o be_v a_o dignity_n to_o be_v witness_n to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n oh_o then_o what_o a_o great_a prerogative_n be_v this_o for_o a_o silly_a sinful_a man_n to_o become_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n &_o who_o word_n need_v no_o confirmation_n this_o must_v make_v we_o all_o to_o labour_v for_o knowledge_n &_o for_o faith_n and_o for_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o we_o will_v remain_v still_o in_o our_o ignorance_n and_o never_o labour_v for_o knowledge_n then_o shall_v these_o servant_n of_o god_n that_o believe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n stand_v up_o and_o witness_v against_o we_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o they_o have_v not_o such_o mean_n as_o we_o have_v and_o yet_o they_o become_v most_o faithful_a witness_n second_o this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v careful_a that_o as_o in_o word_n we_o profess_v christ_n so_o indeed_o we_o may_v confess_v he_o express_v the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o us._n for_o by_o this_o true_a confession_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v make_v his_o witness_n but_o when_o we_o confess_v christ_n in_o word_n only_o and_o yet_o in_o life_n &_o practice_n deny_v he_o than_o we_o be_v unfaithful_a witness_n for_o we_o say_v &_o unsay_v in_o a_o earthly_a court_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v one_o while_o say_v one_o thing_n &_o another_o while_o another_o thing_n he_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v for_o a_o
witness_n but_o rather_o be_v except_v against_o as_o altogether_o unworthy_a and_o so_o will_v prove_v a_o discredit_n to_o his_o friend_n cause_n &_o a_o shame_n to_o himself_o so_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o christ_n cause_n if_o we_o profess_v in_o word_n &_o deny_v indeed_o we_o discredit_v christ_n and_o his_o profession_n &_o shame_v ourselves_o for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o only_o in_o word_n and_o judgement_n but_o in_o life_n &_o conversation_n to_o make_v a_o true_a &_o constant_a confession_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o exhortation_n now_o follow_v the_o 2._o point_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o verse_n namely_o the_o manner_n how_o god_n church_n &_o people_n may_v put_v in_o practice_n this_o worthy_a exhortation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o three_o duty_n 1._o they_o must_v cast_v away_o that_o which_o press_v down_o 2._o they_o must_v cast_v away_o that_o sin_n that_o hang_v so_o fast_o on_o or_o sin_n which_o so_o ready_o do_v compass_v we_o about_o 3._o they_o must_v run_v the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o they_o with_o patience_n whosoever_o in_o god_n church_n either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n can_v perform_v these_o 3._o thing_n shall_v be_v able_a no_o doubt_n to_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o continue_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o these_o 3._o in_o order_n the_o 1._o thing_n then_o to_o be_v do_v be_v this_o we_o must_v cast_v away_o that_o which_o press_v down_o or_o thus_o cast_v away_o the_o weight_n or_o burden_n for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n signify_v even_o that_o burden_n which_o so_o press_v down_o the_o poor_a christian_a that_o he_o can_v go_v on_o forward_o in_o the_o course_n of_o godliness_n and_o christianity_n by_o burden_n or_o weight_n here_o we_o must_v understand_v 5._o thing_n 1._o the_o love_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n 2._o care_v for_o earthly_a thing_n 3._o riches_n &_o temporal_a wealth_n 4._o worldly_n honour_n &_o preferment_n 5._o worldly_n delight_n and_o pleasure_n all_o these_o be_v thing_n which_o lie_v heavy_a on_o man_n soul_n as_o weighty_a burden_n which_o press_v it_o down_o especial_o then_o when_o the_o soul_n shall_v lift_v up_o itself_o to_o seek_v heavenly_a thing_n so_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a riches_n pleasure_n &_o care_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v call_v thorn_n which_o choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o man_n heart_n and_o make_v it_o unfruitful_a and_o surfeit_v &_o drunkenness_n be_v say_v to_o be_v thing_n which_o oppress_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o heavy_a and_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o show_v by_o many_o testimony_n that_o all_o these_o five_o thing_n do_v press_v down_o the_o heart_n especial_o then_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v lift_v up_o in_o the_o seek_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n now_o in_o this_o that_o these_o 5._o thing_n be_v weighty_a burden_n we_o may_v learn_v first_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o in_o these_o our_o day_n every_o where_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v publish_v preach_v &_o expound_v take_v so_o little_a place_n in_o man_n heart_n whether_o we_o regard_v knowledge_n &_o understanding_n or_o affection_n and_o obedience_n for_o god_n word_n be_v a_o word_n of_o power_n mighty_a in_o operation_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v then_o that_o the_o ground_n be_v barren_a where_o it_o be_v cast_v why_o make_v it_o not_o man_n learned_a &_o religious_a ans._n sure_o in_o every_o place_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v especial_o among_o we_o these_o five_o thing_n possess_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n &_o exercise_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o after_o long_o preach_v there_o be_v little_a fruit_n or_o profit_n either_o for_o knowledge_n or_o obedience_n for_o where_o the_o heart_n be_v press_v down_o with_o the_o weight_n of_o these_o earthly_a thing_n there_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v take_v no_o place_n nor_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o this_o be_v general_o true_a among_o we_o though_o we_o hear_v god_n word_n from_o year_n to_o year_n and_o thereby_o may_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n &_o obedience_n if_o we_o will_v yet_o in_o many_o there_o be_v little_a show_n of_o either_o and_o the_o cause_n be_v in_o these_o worldly_a care_n which_o take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n for_o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o so_o long_o as_o our_o heart_n be_v addict_v to_o the_o greedy_a seek_v after_o these_o earthly_a thing_n honour_n pleasure_n etc._n etc._n so_o long_o will_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v barren_a the_o good_a seed_n of_o god_n word_n may_v be_v sow_v therein_o but_o little_a fruit_n shall_v come_v thereof_o save_o brier_n and_o weed_n which_o will_v increase_v our_o damnation_n again_o whereas_o the_o love_n of_o temporal_a life_n &_o care_n of_o earthly_a thing_n etc._n etc._n be_v sore_a burden_n press_v down_o a_o man_n heart_n from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n and_o make_v it_o heavy_a and_o sad_a and_o dead_a in_o regard_n of_o all_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o contemplation_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v oftentimes_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o elevate_v and_o lift_v up_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n to_o god_n partly_o by_o meditation_n in_o his_o word_n partly_o by_o invocation_n on_o his_o name_n and_o partly_o by_o thanksgiving_n and_o to_o do_v these_o thing_n the_o better_a we_o must_v remember_v to_o set_v apart_o some_o special_a time_n every_o day_n for_o this_o special_a work_n so_o as_o we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n psal._n 25.1_o lord_n i_o lift_v up_o my_o heart_n unto_o thou_o david_n be_v well_o acquint_v with_o this_o exercise_n and_o so_o be_v daniel_n for_o both_o of_o they_o use_v this_o as_o we_o may_v read_v psa._n 55.17_o evening_n and_o morning_n say_v david_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v &_o make_v a_o noise_n and_o daniel_n use_v to_o pray_v unto_o god_n 3._o time_n a_o day_n wherein_o 6.10_o he_o will_v hearty_o &_o unfeigned_o call_v upon_o god_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o great_a reason_n we_o shall_v do_v so_o for_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n wherein_o be_v innumerable_a weighty_a thing_n which_o press_v down_o our_o heart_n from_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n &_o therefore_o we_o must_v often_o practise_v ourselves_o in_o holy_a meditation_n &_o prayer_n unto_o god_n that_o so_o we_o may_v lift_v up_o our_o soul_n unto_o god_n from_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o use_v a_o fit_a comparison_n we_o know_v that_o those_o who_o keep_v clock_n if_o they_o will_v have_v the_o clock_n still_o go_v must_v once_o or_o twice_o a_o day_n wind_v up_o the_o plummet_n which_o cause_n the_o wheel_n to_o go_v about_o because_o they_o be_v still_o draw_v downward_o even_o so_o see_v our_o heart_n have_v plummet_n of_o lead_n which_o be_v worldly_a care_n and_o desire_n to_o press_v they_o down_o from_o seek_v up_o to_o heaven_n we_o must_v do_v with_o our_o heart_n as_o the_o clock-keeper_n do_v with_o his_o plummet_n wind_v they_o up_o unto_o god_n every_o day_n &_o for_o this_o end_n must_v set_v apart_o some_o particular_a time_n to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o holy_a duty_n why_o do_v god_n command_v the_o 7._o day_n to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o set_v apart_o from_o all_o bodily_a exercise_n &_o worldly_a care_n undoubted_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n to_o cause_n man_n to_o elevate_v their_o heart_n from_o all_o worldly_a thing_n to_o seek_v the_o thing_n above_o else_o if_o the_o mind_n shall_v be_v always_o press_v down_o with_o worldly_a care_n it_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o heaven_n joy_n he_o that_o have_v not_o conscience_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o lift_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o heaven_n by_o prayer_n and_o hear_v god_n word_n with_o meditation_n thereon_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o soundness_n in_o religion_n nor_o his_o heart_n firm_o settle_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n three_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o the_o hebrew_n must_v cast_v away_o the_o weight_n that_o press_v down_o here_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o what_o manner_n and_o how_o far_o forth_o we_o must_v use_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o riches_n honour_n and_o lawful_a pleasure_n yea_o and_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n whatsoever_o namely_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o will_v further_o we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o no_o further_o but_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o these_o temporal_a thing_n be_v a_o burden_n unto_o we_o press_v we_o down_o and_o make_v we_o unfit_a for_o