law_n of_o charity_n to_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o his_o neighbour_n when_o his_o estate_n or_o his_o life_n be_v concern_v or_o any_o thing_n of_o his_o interest_n and_o every_o subject_a take_v himself_o more_o high_o concern_v to_o give_v his_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o prince_n or_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o master_n because_o there_o be_v a_o relation_n betwixt_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o subject_a and_o betwixt_o the_o master_n and_o the_o servant_n certain_o there_o must_v needs_o lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o every_o christian_a who_o ow_v christ_n as_o his_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o master_n to_o give_v a_o testimony_n unto_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o testimony_n for_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o he_o who_o we_o call_v our_o father_n who_o we_o own_o as_o our_o master_n every_o testimony_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o testimony_n to_o christ_n every_o testimony_n for_o christ_n be_v a_o testimony_n for_o he_o who_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o who_o we_o own_o and_o avow_v to_o be_v our_o lord_n 3._o this_o obligation_n arise_v from_o that_o gratitude_n which_o we_o all_o owe_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n every_o one_o look_v upon_o himself_o indebt_v unto_o he_o who_o have_v do_v he_o good_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a in_o that_o case_n then_o to_o promise_v a_o requital_n and_o to_o express_v a_o trouble_n that_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o make_v he_o or_o her_o amends_o and_o to_o express_v our_o willingness_n to_o it_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o he_o who_o leave_v his_o father_n throne_n and_o come_v down_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o clothe_v himself_o with_o our_o nature_n and_o die_v in_o our_o stead_n that_o we_o may_v not_o perish_v for_o ever_o &_o ever_o he_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n have_v leave_v we_o in_o charge_n with_o his_o truth_n philip._n 1.27_o strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n judas_n v._o 3._o that_o you_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n now_o which_o of_o you_o if_o you_o have_v but_o a_o ordinary_a friend_n like_o yourselves_o who_o have_v do_v you_o some_o great_a and_o eminent_a kindness_n and_o leave_v you_o in_o charge_n but_o to_o give_v a_o testimony_n unto_o he_o and_o for_o he_o shall_v not_o think_v yourselves_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o it_o oh_o how_o great_a be_v the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o christian_a that_o live_v in_o the_o world_n to_o bear_v his_o testimony_n for_o christ_n if_o he_o do_v but_o consider_v what_o jesus_n christ_n have_v do_v for_o he_o shall_v christ_n come_v and_o die_v for_o we_o love_v not_o his_o life_n unto_o death_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o give_v a_o testimony_n unto_o he_o or_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o dear_a lord_n this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v if_o the_o kindness_n of_o a_o man_n lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o do_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o serve_v he_o sure_o the_o kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o saviour_n lay_v a_o much_o high_a obligation_n upon_o we_o 4._o another_o thing_n from_o whence_o this_o obligation_n do_v arise_v be_v from_o the_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o we_o to_o be_v conformable_a unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o ought_v to_o study_v a_o conformity_n to_o he_o in_o his_o life_n and_o in_o his_o death_n in_o his_o life_n he_o command_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a in_o his_o death_n thus_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o a_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n for_o this_o cause_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n do_v i_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o may_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v particular_o say_v of_o he_o that_o before_o pontius_n pilate_n he_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n 1_o tim._n 6.13_o he_o endure_v affliction_n in_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o be_v the_o testimony_n christ_n give_v but_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o people_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v very_o dear_a to_o he_o choose_v unto_o eternal_a life_n for_o he_o though_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o clothe_v himself_o with_o flesh_n and_o to_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n that_o he_o may_v redeem_v this_o people_n unto_o himself_o now_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o be_v conformable_a to_o christ_n conformable_a to_o this_o testimony_n not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o testimonony_n conformable_a also_o in_o not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o affliction_n this_o yet_o be_v advantage_v by_o another_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v to_o fill_v up_o the_o affliction_n of_o christ_n col._n 1.24_o who_o now_o rejoice_v in_o my_o suffering_n for_o you_o and_o fill_v up_o that_o which_o be_v behind_o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o christ_n the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v either_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o suffer_v in_o his_o own_o person_n now_o concern_v they_o he_o say_v all_o be_v finish_v the_o papist_n vain_o dream_v of_o the_o fill_n up_o of_o those_o suffering_n or_o else_o those_o suffering_n which_o every_o good_a christian_a shall_v suffer_v in_o his_o mystical_a body_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v much_o behind_o of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o be_v to_o fill_v up_o and_o fill_v they_o up_o we_o act_n both_o in_o a_o conformity_n unto_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o head_n and_o also_o unto_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o who_o have_v taste_v of_o this_o cup_n and_o drink_v a_o little_a of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v much_o more_o of_o these_o that_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v fill_v up_o 5._o the_o obligation_n arise_v upon_o christian_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o which_o we_o give_v our_o testimony_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o in_o this_o discourse_n that_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v a_o debtor_n to_o truth_n no_o man_n ought_v to_o decline_v a_o testimony_n unto_o truth_n but_o now_o by_o how_o much_o any_o truth_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n by_o so_o much_o we_o be_v the_o great_a debtor_n to_o they_o you_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o that_o one_o text_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n he_o say_v true_a who_o say_v that_o christian_n can_v better_a want_v the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n than_o that_o one_o piece_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o that_o high_a importance_n that_o the_o comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o all_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o people_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v do_v depend_v upon_o the_o stability_n of_o they_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o stand_v firm_a and_o fix_v the_o soul_n of_o christian_n be_v undo_v to_o all_o eternity_n there_o be_v no_o foundation_n of_o peace_n for_o they_o in_o this_o life_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o a_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o they_o in_o that_o life_n which_o be_v to_o come_v we_o stand_v therefore_o high_o concern_v to_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o these_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o affliction_n in_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o those_o truth_n and_o to_o that_o gospel_n upon_o which_o so_o much_o of_o our_o eternal_a interest_n and_o concern_v do_v lie_v there_o be_v no_o truth_n but_o we_o owe_v a_o testimony_n to_o it_o but_o there_o be_v some_o proposition_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v not_o of_o that_o moment_n that_o we_o shall_v endure_v affliction_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o they_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o no_o testimony_n we_o can_v give_v to_o they_o can_v be_v too_o high_a no_o affliction_n we_o can_v suffer_v for_o they_o can_v be_v too_o great_a 6._o a_o six_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o christian_n be_v from_o the_o station_n they_o take_v up_o in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v here_o enlarge_v upon_o three_o thing_n 1._o they_o be_v god_n witness_n 2._o they_o be_v god_n soldier_n 3._o they_o be_v god_n child_n and_o servant_n and_o christ_n member_n 1._o every_o christian_a be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n the_o member_n of_o christ_n now_o shall_v a_o child_n be_v ashamed_a to_o attest_v the_o truth_n for_o
to_o a_o fact_n every_o man_n be_v a_o debtor_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v bind_v as_o a_o man_n to_o bear_v testimony_n christ_n tell_v pilate_n john_n 18.37_o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n but_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o testimony_n that_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v i_o understand_v it_o not_o thus_o large_o for_o though_o it_o be_v that_o every_o good_a man_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o testify_v the_o truth_n in_o any_o cause_n yet_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v under_o a_o more_o special_a obligation_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o some_o truth_n and_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n that_o relate_v to_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v that_o the_o text_n call_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n 1._o either_o for_o that_o testimony_n which_o our_o lord_n bare_a of_o himself_o 2._o or_o the_o testimony_n which_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n bear_v a_o testimony_n of_o himself_o he_o testify_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o zion_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n but_o i_o understand_v it_o yet_o large_a every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o relate_v to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n there_o be_v a_o testimony_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o bear_v to_o those_o proposition_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o gospel_n contain_v and_o relate_v concern_v jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v considerable_a in_o a_o testimony_n be_v the_o way_n of_o give_v it_o the_o proper_a give_v a_o testimony_n be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o our_o mouth_n either_o with_o a_o oath_n or_o without_o a_o oath_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v a_o proposition_n and_o another_o thing_n for_o he_o to_o give_v testimony_n to_o a_o proposition_n he_o believe_v a_o proposition_n that_o hear_v it_o do_v in_o heart_n consent_n and_o agree_v to_o it_o that_o the_o predicate_v be_v well_o fit_v to_o the_o subject_a whether_o he_o speak_v a_o word_n yea_o or_o no_o but_o he_o testify_v that_o with_o his_o word_n ow_v and_o declare_v his_o faith_n rom._n 10.10_o for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o christian_a secret_o in_o his_o heart_n to_o agree_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o testimony_n if_o thou_o shall_v therefore_o confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v you_o may_v observe_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n make_v necessary_a to_o to_o salvation_n 1._o a_o heart_n believe_v the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o a_o external_a confession_n or_o profession_n there_o be_v a_o double_a confession_n a_o christian_n duty_n 1._o a_o confession_n of_o sin_n 2._o a_o confession_n of_o truth_n either_o confession_n be_v a_o open_a acknowledgement_n with_o our_o lip_n thus_o you_o read_v in_o scripture_n frequent_o of_o confess_v of_o christ_n only_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o testimony_n and_o confession_n any_o open_a assert_v vindicate_a and_o defend_v christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n be_v give_v a_o testimony_n but_o when_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o face_n of_o enemy_n in_o despite_n of_o opposition_n this_o be_v confession_n matth._n 10.32_o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n luke_n 12.8_o whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n thus_o john_n 12.42_o many_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o because_o of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o so_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n signify_v that_o open_a acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n relate_v to_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a christian_n qu._n 2._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o original_a do_v something_o differ_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d suffer_v thou_o evil_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o person_n by_o a_o figure_n a_o person_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o evil_n timothy_n be_v exhort_v to_o suffer_v evil_a with_o the_o gospel_n this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o consideration_n what_o those_o affliction_n be_v what_o those_o evil_n be_v to_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v subject_v there_o be_v several_a evil_n to_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v subject_v or_o rather_o evil_n from_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o from_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o it_o such_o as_o own_o christ_n in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n 2._o from_o the_o false_a and_o seem_a professor_n of_o it_o 3._o from_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o it_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o affliction_n which_o man_n be_v subject_v to_o from_o their_o own_n and_o profess_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o i_o say_v be_v from_o 3_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o from_o such_o as_o be_v the_o true_a and_o sincere_a professor_n of_o it_o they_o may_v bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o and_o be_v thorn_n and_o goad_n in_o one_o another_o side_n these_o common_o be_v so_o from_o one_o of_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o from_o a_o overheat_v zeal_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n 2._o from_o such_o corruption_n as_o do_v attend_v god_n people_n consider_v as_o man_n make_v up_o of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n 1._o from_o a_o immoderate_a zeal_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n truth_n be_v a_o uniform_a thing_n and_o be_v but_o one_o two_o contradictory_n proposition_n can_v be_v true_a but_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n none_o have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n concern_v truth_n it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o guide_v we_o and_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n but_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o promise_n must_v not_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o that_o because_o all_o christian_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v guide_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v misapprehension_n in_o a_o proposition_n of_o truth_n they_o shall_v be_v guide_v into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n they_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v in_o any_o apprehension_n of_o truth_n upon_o which_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n depend_v but_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v as_o to_o a_o multitude_n of_o particular_a proposition_n one_o may_v judge_v one_o thing_n and_o another_o another_o thing_n yet_o they_o all_o hold_v the_o foundation_n the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o may_v have_v very_o different_a apprehension_n as_o to_o some_o particular_a truth_n now_o through_o a_o overweening_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o apprehension_n there_o be_v very_o great_a difference_n and_o also_o hard_a censuring_n and_o condemning_n of_o one_o another_o and_o these_o be_v great_a affliction_n but_o such_o as_o have_v attend_v the_o gospel_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n they_o be_v such_o different_a apprehension_n that_o cause_v the_o first_o christian_a synod_n act_n 15.1_o some_o come_v and_o teach_v the_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n such_o difference_n there_o be_v rom._n 14.2_o for_o one_o believe_v he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n another_o who_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n hence_o they_o judge_v despise_v condemn_a and_o censure_v one_o another_o and_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v to_o a_o friendly_a carriage_n one_o towards_o another_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n one_o of_o another_o in_o these_o different_a apprehension_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n of_o a_o light_a nature_n mens_fw-la immoderate_a zeal_n for_o their_o own_o opinion_n have_v in_o all_o time_n beget_v great_a heat_n and_o have_v cause_v great_a affliction_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o have_v be_v a_o great_a root_n of_o bitterness_n among_o god_n own_o people_n we_o have_v see_v enough_o of_o it_o in_o the_o age_n
4._o the_o command_n of_o the_o superior_a do_v not_o excuse_v the_o inferior_a agent_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o persecution_n nor_o yet_o deprive_v the_o sufferer_n from_o the_o blessing_n of_o he_o that_o be_v persecute_v if_o a_o person_n be_v pursue_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n sake_n for_o do_v that_o which_o god_n oblige_v he_o to_o do_v the_o persecution_n be_v as_o well_o persecution_n in_o the_o inferior_a agent_n as_o in_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o the_o more_o superior_a agent_n the_o jew_n accuse_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n they_o bring_v he_o before_o pilate_n pilate_n condemn_v he_o the_o jew_n nail_v he_o to_o the_o cross_n do_v not_o they_o who_o nail_v he_o to_o the_o cross_n persecute_v he_o paul_n be_v but_o a_o inferior_a agent_n against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 9_o act._n 9_o the_o letter_n be_v from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o chief_a priest_n of_o damascus_n the_o guilt_n lie_v in_o the_o act_n in_o the_o inflict_a of_o punishment_n upon_o such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v real_o free_v from_o punishment_n it_o be_v true_a he_o that_o command_v he_o that_o counsel_v and_o advise_v be_v not_o excuse_v but_o much_o less_o the_o next_o immediate_a actor_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o the_o law_n of_o man_n thus_o deal_v with_o offender_n nay_o when_o it_o excuse_v the_o principal_a agent_n it_o think_v it_o justice_n to_o punish_v severe_o the_o inferior_a minister_n for_o be_v there_o no_o minister_n in_o wickedness_n superior_n can_v do_v no_o hurt_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o think_v they_o be_v excuse_v because_o they_o be_v but_o minister_n and_o do_v but_o execute_v the_o will_n or_o sentence_n of_o other_o they_o be_v mistake_v paul_n hold_v the_o clothes_n when_o stephen_n be_v stone_v bring_v he_o into_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o death_n 5._o they_o be_v not_o only_o persecute_v who_o resist_v sin_n unto_o blood_n and_o choose_v death_n rather_o than_o sin_n but_o they_o who_o be_v revile_v and_o reproach_v our_o saviour_n you_o see_v put_v all_o together_o bless_v be_v you_o when_o you_o be_v revile_v and_o persecute_v and_o when_o they_o shall_v speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n of_o you_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n gal._n 4.29_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n persecute_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n if_o you_o look_v into_o the_o story_n of_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n it_o be_v say_v ishmael_n mock_v he_o thus_o paul_n complain_v rom._n 8.39_o for_o thy_o sake_n we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o all_o kind_n of_o suffer_v to_o avoid_v sin_n be_v persecution_n and_o those_o that_o make_v they_o to_o suffer_v be_v persecutor_n those_o that_o be_v sufferer_n be_v so_o persecute_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v degree_n both_o of_o this_o and_o of_o other_o sin_n but_o he_o that_o smite_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o tongue_n persecute_v as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o smite_v with_o a_o sword_n that_o be_v make_v of_o iron_n and_o he_o who_o be_v so_o smite_v be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n persecute_v as_o well_o as_o he_o who_o life_n be_v take_v from_o he_o now_o i_o say_v this_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n to_o suffer_v persecution_n to_o be_v pursue_v by_o wicked_a and_o malicious_a man_n both_o with_o their_o tongue_n revile_v they_o and_o with_o their_o hand_n endeavour_v to_o do_v they_o mischief_n either_o spoil_v they_o of_o their_o good_n or_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o life_n and_o that_o because_o they_o will_v not_o sin_v against_o god_n 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n how_o this_o do_v appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o also_o all_o ecclesiastical_a story_n take_v adam_n family_n immediate_o after_o the_o fall_n abel_n be_v persecute_v by_o cain_n indeed_o he_o do_v not_o suffer_v because_o he_o will_v not_o sin_v but_o because_o he_o be_v more_o righteous_a and_o have_v offer_v up_o a_o better_a sacrifice_n consider_v abraham_n family_n of_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v gal._n 4.29_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n persecute_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n act_n 7.52_o which_o of_o the_o prophet_n have_v not_o your_o father_n persecute_v but_o if_o you_o come_v unto_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o consider_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o that_o state_n you_o shall_v find_v it_o be_v persecute_v at_o all_o hand_n first_o by_o the_o jew_n then_o by_o the_o heathen_n then_o by_o false_a and_o pretend_a christian_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o example_n of_o stephen_n the_o proto-martyr_n and_o of_o christian_n ever_o since_o first_o by_o the_o jew_n of_o which_o you_o read_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n then_o by_o the_o heathen_n which_o persecution_n last_v 300_o hundred_o year_n till_o constantine_n the_o great_a then_o by_o false_a christian_n the_o papist_n and_o other_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n always_o persecute_v they_o who_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n it_o may_v therefore_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n rather_o to_o fathom_v the_o bottom_n of_o this_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v the_o mark_n and_o but_o of_o the_o world_n envy_n reas_n 1._o the_o original_a cause_n must_v be_v fetch_v from_o that_o text_n gen._n 3.15_o where_o god_n say_v i_o will_v put_v enmity_n betwixt_o thou_o and_o the_o woman_n and_o between_o thy_o seed_n and_o her_o seed_n that_o text_n give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o threefold_a antipathy_n or_o enmity_n which_o you_o find_v in_o the_o world_n 1._o you_o see_v there_o be_v a_o natural_a antipathy_n between_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o a_o serpent_n though_o we_o have_v little_a experience_n of_o it_o in_o england_n in_o egypt_n and_o africa_n they_o be_v mortal_a enemy_n unto_o man_n and_o though_o we_o have_v no_o such_o exceed_o mischievous_a serpent_n yet_o we_o see_v man_n general_o averse_a to_o they_o and_o shun_v they_o and_o seek_v to_o destroy_v they_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o antipathy_n betwixt_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o you_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o destroyer_n though_o man_n serve_v he_o yet_o he_o destroy_v they_o witch_n be_v the_o worst_a of_o people_n they_o be_v his_o slave_n he_o be_v their_o ruin_n and_o destroyer_n at_o last_o and_o for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n he_o be_v continual_o molest_v they_o here_o be_v the_o reason_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o antipathy_n betwixt_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n who_o be_v the_o woman_n seed_n but_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o wicked_a man_n you_o be_v of_o your_o father_n the_o devil_n say_v christ_n john_n 8.44_o for_o his_o work_n you_o do_v but_o although_o this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o more_o remote_a cause_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o proximate_n and_o immediate_a cause_n and_o some_o of_o they_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o 2._o the_o next_o cause_n be_v that_o innate_a hatred_n of_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o every_o man_n since_o the_o fall_n rom._n 1.30_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o heathen_a that_o they_o be_v backbiter_n hater_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o fall_n when_o man_n lose_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o which_o he_o be_v create_v no_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a love_n for_o god_n or_o for_o the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o they_o say_v of_o the_o basilisk_n that_o it_o have_v such_o a_o hatred_n to_o a_o man_n that_o it_o will_v fly_v upon_o the_o picture_n of_o a_o man_n so_o it_o be_v true_a that_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n by_o nature_n be_v basilisk_n they_o fly_v upon_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n where_o ever_o they_o see_v it_o now_o persecution_n be_v but_o the_o daughter_n of_o hatred_n and_o though_o every_o one_o have_v not_o the_o like_a rough_a and_o harsh_a nature_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o furious_a as_o some_o man_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o no_o man_n natural_o love_v yea_o every_o man_n natural_o hate_v god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n hence_o the_o more_o any_o one_o have_v of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o soul_n the_o more_o he_o be_v the_o object_n of_o hatred_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o hatred_n lie_v in_o
propagate_v the_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o love_n of_o it_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o since_o by_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o miraculous_a operation_n by_o which_o the_o first_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n confirm_v their_o divine_a mission_n 3._o the_o undaunted_a courageous_a suffering_n of_o god_n people_n miracle_n quick_o cease_v while_o they_o be_v wrought_v but_o few_o see_v the_o operation_n of_o they_o other_o then_o we_o since_o have_v but_o have_v the_o report_n of_o they_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o have_v propagate_v truth_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v and_o suffer_v the_o preach_v of_o minister_n and_o the_o suffering_n both_o of_o minister_n and_o people_n those_o who_o have_v not_o faith_n enough_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n upon_o their_o belief_n of_o which_o hang_v all_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o miracle_n we_o there_o read_v of_o yet_o have_v have_v sense_n enough_o to_o discern_v man_n die_v with_o boldness_n and_o courage_n in_o a_o steady_a own_n of_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o we_o to_o think_v there_o be_v something_o of_o truth_n in_o those_o proposition_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o which_o man_n will_v adventure_v to_o die_v and_o lose_v all_o their_o sensible_a enjoyment_n what_o do_v man_n than_o aim_v at_o will_v they_o do_v a_o mischief_n to_o their_o enemy_n and_o do_v they_o mistake_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n for_o such_o alas_o neither_o can_v they_o reach_v this_o end_n their_o suffering_n turn_v to_o they_o for_o a_o testimony_n a_o testimony_n from_o god_n to_o they_o of_o a_o honour_n he_o put_v upon_o they_o great_a grace_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v and_o will_v yet_o further_o bestow_v upon_o they_o a_o exceed_a great_a reward_n either_o with_o their_o suffering_n or_o after_o their_o suffering_n either_o in_o this_o life_n or_o in_o the_o life_n which_o be_v to_o come_v why_o then_o do_v people_n rage_n why_o do_v they_o imagine_v a_o vain_a thing_n o_o that_o i_o can_v persuade_v they_o to_o sound_v a_o retreat_n from_o this_o battle_n which_o can_v but_o end_v in_o their_o own_o ruin_n and_o their_o enemy_n victory_n obj._n but_o i_o hear_v some_o say_n be_v there_o any_o that_o will_v go_v about_o to_o make_v man_n suffer_v for_o christ_n name_n sake_n may_v not_o man_n be_v make_v sufferer_n for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v but_o they_o must_v suffer_v for_o christ_n name_n sake_n sol._n i_o answer_v god_n forbid_v that_o christ_n name_n shall_v be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o any_o who_o pretend_v to_o he_o to_o patronize_v treason_n or_o rebellion_n or_o any_o disturbance_n of_o the_o civil_a order_n or_o peace_n nay_o man_n radical_o good_a may_v for_o aught_o i_o know_v suffer_v as_o evil-doer_n if_o peter_n have_v be_v make_v to_o suffer_v for_o draw_v out_o the_o sword_n and_o cut_v off_o malchus_n his_o ear_n i_o know_v none_o can_v have_v defend_v he_o it_o be_v not_o like_o his_o master_n will_v who_o reprove_v he_o for_o it_o and_o tell_v he_o that_o those_o who_o take_v the_o sword_n shall_v perish_v by_o the_o sword_n christ_n do_v not_o justfy_v that_o action_n as_o do_v for_o his_o name_n sake_n though_o it_o be_v for_o his_o sake_n yet_o it_o be_v spoil_v by_o the_o rashness_n and_o disorderliness_n of_o it_o and_o the_o want_n of_o authority_n to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v the_o do_v of_o a_o action_n for_o christ_n name_n sake_n signifi_v the_o do_v it_o at_o his_o command_n and_o by_o his_o order_n as_o well_o as_o for_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n 2._o all_o innocent_a suffering_n be_v not_o a_o suffering_n for_o christ_n name_n sake_n a_o man_n suffer_v innocent_o when_o he_o suffer_v for_o a_o pretend_a crime_n of_o which_o he_o be_v not_o guilty_a when_o man_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o but_o every_o one_o who_o thus_o suffer_v suffer_v not_o for_o christ_n name_n sake_n naboth_n be_v put_v to_o death_n upon_o a_o false_a subornation_n but_o he_o be_v no_o sufferer_n for_o god_n sake_n but_o for_o his_o own_o just_a right_n and_o liberty_n indeed_o all_o stand_v concern_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o be_v no_o cause_n nor_o instrument_n of_o and_o in_o man_n sufer_v innocent_o for_o it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a guilt_n exod._n 23.7_o psal_n 10.8.15.5_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o cry_a sin_n which_o bring_v vengeance_n on_o the_o jew_n that_o among_o they_o be_v find_v the_o blood_n of_o innocent_n jer._n 2.24_o and_o that_o they_o have_v fill_v the_o land_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o innocent_n jer._n 19.4_o but_o wicked_a man_n may_v fill_v a_o nation_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o innocent_n and_o yet_o not_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o such_o as_o suffer_v for_o christ_n name_n sake_n 3._o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o a_o suffering_n for_o christ_n name_n sake_n must_v be_v a_o suffering_n for_o he_o not_o mere_o for_o ourselves_o in_o defend_v our_o personal_a just_a right_n nor_o yet_o for_o our_o country_n in_o defend_v its_o just_a liberty_n but_o for_o christ_n in_o maintain_v his_o truth_n and_o ordinance_n whether_o relate_v to_o his_o worship_n or_o to_o man_n life_n and_o conversation_n as_o the_o holy_a martyr_n of_o old_a choose_v rather_o to_o die_v and_o to_o lose_v all_o they_o have_v then_o to_o deny_v christ_n and_o not_o to_o publish_v his_o gospel_n and_o to_o live_v up_o to_o his_o law_n for_o worship_n and_o holiness_n 4._o last_o as_o a_o suffering_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o any_o civil_a right_n if_o for_o they_o mere_o be_v no_o suffering_n for_o christ_n name_n sake_n so_o no_o civil_a edict_n or_o law_n can_v take_v away_o a_o christian_n honour_n in_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n if_o indeed_o their_o suffering_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n that_o be_v for_o this_o cause_n act_v 5.41_o the_o apostle_n go_v away_o rejoice_v that_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o his_o name_n yet_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n v._o 28._o if_o a_o suffering_n for_o christ_n name_n shall_v turn_v to_o they_o for_o such_o a_o testimony_n all_o man_n that_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n or_o life_n or_o whatever_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o stand_v high_o concern_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o raise_v not_o against_o themselves_o any_o such_o testimony_n or_o evident_a token_n of_o perdition_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o use_v ii_o if_o what_o you_o have_v hear_v be_v truth_n if_o christian_n suffering_n for_o christ_n name_n sake_n shall_v turn_v unto_o they_o for_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v christ_n own_o assertion_n if_o it_o â—urn_v to_o they_o for_o such_o a_o testimony_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v open_v if_o you_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o find_v these_o thing_n be_v indeed_o so_o as_o i_o have_v open_v to_o you_o you_o see_v what_o reason_n christian_n have_v in_o such_o suffering_n to_o count_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o diverse_a temptation_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o james_n ch_n 1._o v._n 3._o to_o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v their_o reward_n in_o heaven_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n exhortation_n matth._n 5.12_o to_o rejoice_v for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n suffering_n that_o when_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v they_o may_v also_o be_v glad_a with_o exceed_v joy_n to_o be_v in_o nothing_o terrify_v by_o adversary_n which_o be_v to_o they_o a_o evident_a token_n of_o perdition_n but_o to_o you_o of_o salvation_n and_o that_o of_o god_n phil._n 1.28_o i_o beseech_v you_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v serious_o with_o yourselves_o what_o a_o testimony_n of_o god_n favour_n what_o a_o mark_n of_o honour_n from_o he_o be_v worth_a what_o a_o testimony_n be_v worth_a to_o your_o soul_n that_o you_o be_v some_o of_o those_o who_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v glorify_v if_o you_o be_v such_o who_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o business_n of_o eternity_n and_o keep_v any_o watch_n upon_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n upon_o your_o soul_n think_v with_o yourselves_o what_o in_o your_o sad_a and_o melancholic_a reflection_n at_o some_o time_n you_o will_v give_v that_o god_n will_v show_v you_o a_o token_n for_o good_a psal_n 86.17_o david_n beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v show_v he_o such_o a_o token_n this_o be_v such_o a_o token_n as_o god_n show_v paul_n to_o cheer_v he_o with_o act_n chap._n 23._o v._n 11._o the_o lord_n stand_v by_o he_o and_o say_v be_v of_o good_a cheer_n paul_n for_o as_o thou_o have_v testify_v of_o