the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o faith_n alone_o and_o no_o other_o virtue_n nor_o spiritual_a power_n in_o man_n soul_n be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o and_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o compare_v it_o with_o all_o the_o principal_a virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o among_o all_o there_o be_v none_o that_o may_v come_v into_o comparison_n with_o faith_n but_o hope_v and_o love_n both_o which_o especial_o love_n have_v their_o several_a and_o special_a excellency_n yet_o have_v neither_o of_o they_o nor_o both_o of_o they_o this_o virtue_n to_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v christ_n righteousness_n the_o property_n of_o love_n be_v to_o extend_v itself_o and_o with_o itself_o to_o carry_v many_o passion_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o place_v they_o upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v love_v yet_o can_v love_n be_v say_v proper_o to_o apprehend_v christ_n for_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v apprehend_v before_o he_o can_v be_v love_v and_o the_o proper_a action_n of_o hope_n be_v to_o wait_v and_o expect_v for_o a_o blessing_n to_o come_v so_o hope_n wait_v for_o salvation_n but_o proper_o apprehend_v it_o not_o for_o salvation_n must_v first_o be_v believe_v and_o then_o hope_v or_o expect_v so_o say_v jeremie_n lament_n 3.26_o it_o be_v good_a both_o to_o trust_v and_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o trust_v that_o be_v to_o believe_v assure_o it_o will_v come_v there_o be_v the_o action_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o wait_v till_o it_o do_v come_v that_o be_v the_o action_n of_o hope_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o several_a nature_n and_o action_n of_o these_o two_o worthy_a virtue_n but_o the_o proper_a action_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o apprehend_v and_o lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n and_o that_o be_v do_v then_o come_v love_n and_o hope_n &_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o so_o though_o love_n last_v long_o than_o faith_n do_v yet_o faith_n be_v afore_o love_n and_o make_v the_o way_n for_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o second_o point_n faith_n be_v a_o hand_n to_o take_v hold_n on_o christ_n &_o his_o benefit_n love_n be_v a_o hand_n to_o give_v out_o token_n of_o faith_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n for_o 1._o cor._n 13.5_o love_n seek_v not_o her_o own_o but_o other_o good_a namely_o the_o good_a of_o they_o that_o be_v love_v hope_n be_v a_o eye_n look_v out_o and_o wait_v for_o the_o good_a thing_n promise_v so_o that_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o love_n be_v the_o hand_n and_o hope_n be_v the_o eye_n of_o faith_n love_v the_o hand_n whereby_o it_o work_v and_o hope_v the_o eye_n whereby_o it_o wait_v and_o look_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o faith_n have_v apprehend_v and_o believe_v if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n think_v this_o any_o wrong_n to_o this_o holy_a virtue_n of_o love_n to_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o faith_n let_v they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o we_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o say_v faith_n work_v by_o love_n if_o faith_n work_n by_o it_o then_o sure_o love_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o faith_n thus_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n wait_v by_o hope_n but_o believe_v by_o itself_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o righteousness_n that_o make_v we_o righteous_a before_o god_n be_v rather_o call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n then_o of_o any_o other_o christian_a virtue_n or_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o for_o the_o same_o cause_n be_v it_o that_o so_o often_o in_o s._n paul_n epistle_n it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o name_n as_o philipp_n 3.9_o the_o three_o and_o last_o point_n concern_v noah_n faith_n be_v that_o noah_n be_v make_v heir_n of_o this_o righteousness_n a_o special_a commendation_n of_o his_o faith_n it_o make_v he_o heir_n of_o true_a and_o save_a righteousness_n that_o be_v it_o give_v he_o a_o true_a title_n unto_o it_o &_o make_v he_o heir_n apparent_a of_o that_o glory_n which_o it_o assure_v every_o one_o that_o apprehend_v it_o by_o this_o true_a faith_n and_o so_o he_o be_v make_v as_o certain_o and_o as_o true_o partaker_n of_o it_o as_o the_o young_a prince_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n at_o his_o time_n or_o the_o heir_n of_o his_o father_n land_n here_o two_o most_o worthy_a doctrine_n do_v offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o view_n 1._o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n estate_n the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n appear_v thus_o it_o make_v a_o holy_a man_n assure_v &_o certain_a of_o his_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v it_o be_v presumption_n in_o any_o man_n to_o think_v so_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n but_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v true_a faith_n that_o be_v able_a to_o assure_v he_o of_o salvation_n for_o faith_n make_v he_o a_o heir_n of_o true_a righteousness_n and_o of_o salvation_n thereby_o now_o we_o know_v the_o heir_n be_v most_o sure_a and_o certain_a of_o his_o inheritance_n whatever_o he_o get_v or_o lose_v he_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o but_o this_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n by_o it_o be_v his_o inheritance_n therefore_o he_o may_v be_v and_o be_v by_o faith_n assure_v of_o it_o the_o papist_n therefore_o do_v wrong_a unto_o this_o doctrine_n and_o derogate_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o true_a faith_n but_o this_o be_v their_o custom_n they_o will_v extol_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o much_o extoll_v namely_o true_a faith_n for_o if_o they_o know_v what_o it_o be_v true_o to_o know_v christ_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o by_o that_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n they_o will_v then_o know_v that_o faith_n make_v a_o man_n heir_n of_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o most_o assure_v of_o it_o second_o here_o we_o may_v see_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n estate_n he_o be_v not_o naked_a nor_o destitute_a of_o comfort_n but_o be_v heir_n of_o a_o glorious_a inheritance_n by_o mean_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o a_o christian_a man_n inheritance_n be_v christ_n righteousness_n out_o of_o which_o we_o learn_v first_o that_o no_o man_n by_o any_o good_a work_n do_v by_o or_o in_o himself_o can_v merit_v true_a and_o justify_v righteousness_n the_o pharisaical_a papist_n teach_v so_o but_o their_o conceit_n be_v here_o overthrow_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o save_v righteousness_n be_v his_o inheritance_n which_o we_o know_v be_v always_o get_v by_o the_o father_n and_o descends_z from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n as_o a_o free_a token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o it_o be_v scornful_a and_o absurd_a to_o see_v a_o son_n offer_v to_o buy_v his_o inheritance_n of_o his_o father_n it_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o inheritance_n to_o come_v any_o other_o way_n but_o by_o free_a gift_n from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n therefore_o our_o righteousness_n that_o must_v save_v we_o be_v as_o we_o see_v here_o our_o inheritance_n let_v we_o resolve_v of_o it_o we_o can_v buy_v nor_o merit_v it_o again_o here_o be_v sure_a and_o solid_a comfort_n against_o all_o the_o grieâ—â—s_n and_o cross_n and_o loss_n of_o this_o world_n god_n child_n must_v needs_o have_v their_o portion_n of_o affliction_n in_o this_o life_n but_o here_o be_v their_o comfort_n they_o may_v lose_v their_o good_n live_n possession_n their_o good_a name_n their_o health_n their_o life_n but_o their_o inheritance_n stand_v sure_a and_o firm_a and_o can_v be_v lose_v let_v they_o therefore_o here_o learn_v not_o to_o grieve_v out_o of_o measure_n for_o a_o holy_a man_n may_v say_v thus_o to_o himself_o and_o that_o most_o true_o my_o father_n may_v frown_v on_o i_o for_o my_o fault_n and_o chastise_v i_o for_o my_o sin_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o will_v not_o disenherite_v i_o for_o i_o be_o heir_n by_o faith_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o i_o may_v lose_v many_o thing_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o lose_v that_o three_o and_o last_o here_o must_v god_n child_n learn_v their_o duty_n they_o be_v heir_n to_o a_o godly_a and_o glorious_a inheritance_n and_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v their_o inheritance_n therefore_o they_o must_v learn_v to_o set_v and_o settle_v all_o their_o affection_n on_o this_o inheritance_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n more_o worthy_a to_o be_v affect_v than_o a_o fair_a inheritance_n we_o must_v therefore_o first_o labour_n above_o all_o worldly_a thing_n for_o this_o inheritance_n namely_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o righteousness_n this_o be_v that_o pearl_n which_o we_o have_v find_v must_v sell_v all_o we_o have_v to_o
set_v down_o unto_o we_o example_n of_o faith_n more_o at_o large_a but_o from_o this_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o heap_n up_o brief_o together_o many_o example_n of_o faith_n one_o upon_o another_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v first_o because_o the_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v very_o great_a and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o here_o stand_v to_o set_v they_o down_o in_o order_n one_o by_o one_o second_o by_o handle_v all_o the_o example_n at_o large_a which_o the_o author_n propound_v in_o this_o short_a epistle_n he_o shall_v have_v seem_v to_o have_v restrain_v the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o faith_n to_o a_o very_a few_o for_o all_o that_o be_v here_o name_v and_o commend_v for_o their_o faith_n be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o all_o that_o true_o believe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o he_o heap_n up_o the_o rest_n together_o to_o intimate_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v more_o than_o he_o can_v record_v and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o a_o rhetorical_a preterition_n or_o pass_v over_o call_v in_o school_n paralepsis_n whereby_o matter_n be_v brief_o dispatch_v and_o pass_v over_o with_o the_o very_o name_v only_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o that_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o have_v propound_v diverse_a worthy_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v also_o many_o more_o but_o the_o time_n of_o write_v a_o epistle_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o handle_v they_o all_o at_o large_a first_o in_o this_o particular_a quick_a dispatch_n of_o believer_n by_o our_o apostle_n we_o may_v observe_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o infinite_a understanding_n of_o god_n and_o the_o create_a understanding_n that_o be_v in_o man_n mind_n man_n indeed_o understand_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v to_o he_o of_o god_n but_o yet_o in_o a_o manner_n and_o order_n far_o different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v in_o god_n for_o man_n can_v conceive_v in_o his_o mind_n all_o the_o thing_n he_o know_v at_o once_o by_o one_o act_n of_o his_o understanding_n but_o must_v have_v distinct_a time_n to_o conceive_v of_o they_o one_o by_o one_o distinct_o for_o look_v as_o he_o utter_v they_o distinct_o one_o by_o one_o as_o we_o see_v in_o this_o place_n so_o likewise_o do_v he_o apprehend_v they_o in_o conceit_n and_o understanding_n but_o with_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o god_n at_o once_o by_o one_o act_n of_o understanding_n without_o distinction_n of_o time_n do_v conceive_v of_o all_o thing_n at_o once_o both_o past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v and_o so_o can_v utter_v and_o express_v they_o if_o any_o creature_n be_v able_a in_o conceit_n so_o to_o comprehend_v they_o second_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v the_o time_n will_v be_v too_o short_a etc._n etc._n he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v very_o great_a and_o that_o a_o long_a time_n will_v not_o serve_v to_o repeat_v they_o or_o to_o write_v of_o they_o this_o direct_v we_o unto_o a_o good_a answer_n to_o a_o question_n which_o much_o trouble_v our_o common_a people_n to_o wit_n how_o great_a be_v the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v whether_o be_v it_o great_a than_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v damn_v ans._n we_o must_v consider_v the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_v 2._o way_n 1._o in_o comparison_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v condemn_v second_o in_o themselves_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o elect_a with_o the_o reprobate_n the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n for_o in_o most_o age_n the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v be_v but_o a_o handful_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n this_o likewise_o be_v true_a many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o that_o be_v call_v but_o yet_o consider_v the_o elect_a as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o they_o be_v a_o huge_a great_a number_n yea_o innumerable_a as_o saint_n john_n say_v speak_v of_o the_o elect_a among_o the_o gentile_n beside_o the_o choose_a jew_n for_o all_o that_o do_v true_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v now_o believer_n be_v innumerable_a this_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n will_v insinuate_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o phrase_n of_o speech_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o etc._n etc._n in_o handle_v these_o example_n we_o must_v observe_v the_o order_n here_o use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o in_o this_o 32._o verse_n he_o set_v down_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n that_o believe_v all_o joint_o together_o rehearse_v they_o one_o by_o one_o and_o in_o the_o 33_o 34_o 45_o verse_n he_o lay_v down_o brief_o the_o fruit_n of_o all_o their_o faith_n in_o number_n ten_o most_o notable_a action_n serve_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o most_o worthy_o to_o commend_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o they_o we_o will_v follow_v the_o order_n observe_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o first_o speak_v of_o the_o person_n then_o of_o their_o action_n the_o four_o first_o be_v these_o gedeon_n barac_n samson_n and_o jephte_n these_o four_o be_v judge_n in_o israel_n the_o five_o be_v david_n who_o be_v both_o a_o prophet_n and_o a_o king_n the_o six_o be_v samuel_n both_o a_o judge_n and_o a_o prophet_n last_o the_o prophet_n general_o by_o who_o we_o must_v understand_v especial_o these_o three_o elias_n eliseus_n and_o daniel_n in_o speak_v of_o these_o person_n here_o commend_v unto_o we_o first_o we_o will_v entreat_v of_o they_o general_o and_o then_o in_o particular_a in_o general_n let_v we_o first_o observe_v the_o order_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o use_v in_o name_v they_o gedeon_n for_o time_n be_v after_o barac_n and_o yet_o here_o he_o be_v first_o name_v so_o samson_n be_v after_o jephte_n and_o yet_o here_o he_o be_v put_v before_o he_o this_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v never_o do_v without_o some_o special_a cause_n we_o therefore_o must_v know_v that_o the_o scripture_n use_v a_o twofold_a order_n in_o reckon_v up_o of_o person_n to_o wit_n the_o order_n of_o time_n when_o as_o he_o that_o live_v first_o be_v first_o name_v and_o the_o order_n of_o dignity_n when_o the_o most_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a be_v name_v first_o though_o he_o be_v late_a in_o time_n now_o the_o scripture_n account_v best_a of_o they_o that_o do_v excel_v in_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o so_o in_o this_o place_n whereas_o gedeon_n be_v set_v before_o barac_n &_o samson_n before_o jephte_n the_o holy_a ghost_n observe_v not_o the_o order_n of_o time_n but_o the_o order_n of_o dignity_n according_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o faith_n name_v they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o be_v most_o famous_a for_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o do_v exceed_v the_o other_o in_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o here_o we_o learn_v this_o special_a point_n that_o the_o more_o man_n excel_v in_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o more_o god_n will_v honour_v they_o for_o look_v who_o most_o honour_n god_n shall_v be_v most_o honour_v of_o he_o but_o the_o more_o a_o man_n excel_v in_o grace_n the_o more_o he_o honour_v god_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v gedeon_n prefer_v before_o barac_n and_o samson_n before_o jephte_n because_o they_o be_v more_o plentiful_a in_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n this_o must_v move_v we_o not_o only_o to_o seek_v to_o have_v faith_n but_o to_o labour_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n for_o the_o more_o a_o man_n abound_v in_o grace_n before_o god_n the_o more_o will_v god_n honour_v he_o both_o here_o and_o in_o heaven_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o order_n wherein_o they_o be_v propound_v second_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n these_o be_v gedeon_n barac_n and_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v extraordinary_a man_n in_o their_o time_n raise_v up_o by_o god_n for_o the_o special_a good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o may_v help_v and_o defend_v they_o in_o distress_n and_o therefore_o as_o their_o call_n be_v extraordinary_a so_o god_n endue_v they_o with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n strength_n zeal_n and_o authority_n for_o which_o they_o be_v here_o renown_v in_o this_o catalogue_n of_o most_o worthy_a believer_n in_o their_o example_n we_o may_v observe_v this_o point_n that_o who_o god_n do_v raise_v up_o extraordinary_o for_o some_o special_a good_a in_o his_o church_n they_o he_o endue_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n to_o discharge_v that_o call_n and_o withal_o he_o give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n with_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n
private_a revenge_n and_o so_o it_o make_v nothing_o against_o lawful_a war_n for_o what_o though_o a_o private_a man_n may_v not_o revenge_v himself_o nor_o make_v war_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o a_o magistrate_n who_o bear_v the_o sword_n may_v lawful_o use_v it_o again_o it_o be_v frivolous_a to_o imagine_v that_o resist_v be_v only_o by_o a_o weapon_n for_o the_o chief_a resistance_n that_o god_n respect_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n and_o a_o private_a man_n may_v resist_v that_o be_v break_v this_o commandment_n by_o unlawful_a resistance_n though_o he_o carry_v no_o weapon_n and_o the_o public_a person_n break_v it_o not_o though_o he_o make_v war_n object_n 2._o second_o they_o object_n the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n say_v that_o then_o they_o shall_v turn_v their_o sword_n into_o scithe_n and_o their_o spear_n into_o mattock_n therefore_o say_v they_o there_o must_v be_v no_o war_n under_o the_o gospel_n ans._n that_o prophecy_n signify_v that_o in_o christ_n kingdom_n there_o must_v be_v great_a love_n and_o peace_n &_o wonderful_a concord_n among_o all_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n but_o here_o they_o take_v advantage_n &_o say_v if_o this_o be_v so_o what_o then_o need_v any_o war_n ans._n we_o must_v know_v that_o as_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o kingdom_n a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n and_o a_o politic_a so_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o peace_n spiritual_a and_o politic_a spiritual_a peace_n be_v inward_a in_o the_o church_n and_o politic_a peace_n be_v outward_a in_o the_o common_a wealth_n spiritual_a peace_n iâ—_n begin_v and_o preserve_v by_o spiritual_a mean_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n but_o war_n be_v a_o ordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o establish_n and_o preserve_v of_o politic_a peace_n second_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n people_n may_v make_v war_n not_o only_o by_o way_n of_o defence_n but_o also_o in_o assault_n upon_o their_o enemy_n &_o that_o according_a to_o god_n word_n for_o here_o it_o be_v say_v that_o gedeon_n samson_n david_n &_o the_o rest_n by_o faith_n subdue_v kingdom_n make_v war_n against_o they_o by_o way_n of_o assault_n and_o not_o in_o defence_n only_o indeed_o special_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v that_o offensive_a war_n in_o assault_v a_o enemy_n be_v make_v upon_o just_a &_o good_a ground_n one_o special_a ground_n or_o cause_n be_v here_o imply_v in_o this_o work_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n the_o recovery_n of_o just_a right_n in_o matter_n of_o importance_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o canaan_n be_v give_v to_o the_o israelite_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o they_o they_o make_v war_n by_o way_n of_o assault_n so_o when_o lot_n be_v take_v captive_n by_o kederlaom_a &_o the_o king_n of_o the_o nation_n 14._o abraham_n lot_n kinsman_n gather_v his_o servant_n together_o and_o pursue_v the_o king_n and_o overtake_v they_o destroy_v they_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o lot_n and_o his_o good_n other_o respect_n there_o be_v for_o which_o offensive_a war_n in_o assault_n may_v be_v make_v but_o because_o they_o be_v not_o here_o mention_v i_o will_v not_o propound_v they_o the_o second_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v this_o they_o wrought_v righteousness_n that_o be_v some_o of_o these_o man_n in_o their_o place_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v they_o give_v to_o every_o man_n his_o own_o this_o work_n of_o righteousness_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o give_v reward_n to_o such_o as_o deserve_v they_o second_o in_o inflict_v due_a punishment_n according_a to_o man_n desert_n in_o both_o these_o the_o man_n before_o name_v do_v all_o excellent_a but_o especial_o two_o of_o they_o david_n and_o samuel_n for_o david_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o see_v how_o righteous_a he_o be_v for_o when_o he_o be_v anoint_v king_n in_o saul_n steed_n and_o saul_n reject_v how_o do_v he_o behave_v himself_o towards_o saul_n do_v he_o seek_v saul_n blood_n no_o but_o when_o saul_n hunt_v he_o as_o the_o hunter_n do_v the_o partridge_n david_n even_o then_o give_v himself_o to_o study_v and_o practice_n righteousness_n yea_o when_o saul_n be_v fall_v into_o his_o hand_n both_o in_o the_o cave_n and_o asleep_a in_o the_o camp_n 1._o samuel_n chapter_n 24._o verse_n 5_o 6._o etc._n etc._n and_o chapter_n 26._o verse_n 7_o 8_o he_o will_v not_o touch_v he_o nor_o suffer_v other_o to_o do_v he_o hurt_v because_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n anoint_v yea_o so_o righteous_a be_v david_n towards_o saul_n that_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o for_o cut_v off_o but_o the_o lap_n of_o his_o coat_n therefore_o david_n be_v here_o commend_v especial_o for_o this_o effect_n of_o faith_n the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n to_o apply_v this_o unto_o our_o time_n if_o this_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n thus_o to_o work_v righteousness_n then_o what_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o the_o popish_a sort_n among_o we_o they_o pretend_v the_o ancient_a faith_n and_o none_o must_v be_v so_o good_a believer_n and_o catholic_n as_o they_o but_o how_o do_v they_o show_v this_o their_o faith_n be_v it_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o righteousness_n do_v they_o give_v to_o every_o one_o his_o due_n nay_o very_o but_o they_o set_v themselves_o to_o work_v the_o ruin_n of_o kingdom_n that_o join_v not_o with_o they_o in_o religion_n this_o witness_v their_o manifold_a &_o devilish_a plot_n against_o our_o state_n from_o time_n to_o time_n this_o do_v not_o david_n no_o not_o against_o saul_n though_o he_o be_v reject_v of_o god_n and_o also_o most_o unjust_o seek_v his_o death_n but_o they_o have_v many_o time_n seek_v the_o death_n of_o the_o lord_n anoint_v over_o we_o whereby_o they_o declare_v their_o state_n to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v no_o spark_n of_o true_a faith_n at_o all_o for_o true_a faith_n will_v make_v a_o man_n practice_n righteousness_n and_o innocence_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o they_o and_o all_o their_o adherent_n that_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n to_o allow_v such_o practice_n that_o they_o have_v none_o other_o but_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n which_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v true_a this_o the_o devil_n do_v with_o tremble_v and_o as_o their_o faith_n be_v devilish_a so_o be_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o namely_o treachery_n and_o falsehood_n such_o as_o the_o devil_n most_o approve_v but_o we_o must_v learn_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v especial_o commend_v by_o these_o fruit_n the_o study_n and_o practice_n of_o innocency_n and_o the_o maintain_n of_o peace_n in_o christian_a estate_n for_o true_a faith_n and_o treachery_n and_o contention_n will_v no_o more_o stand_v together_o than_o light_n and_o darkness_n second_o samuel_n also_o wrought_v righteousness_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o protestatio_fw-la before_o all_o israel_n when_o he_o give_v up_o his_o office_n of_o government_n over_o they_o unto_o saul_n 1._o sam._n 12.3_o behold_v say_v he_o here_o be_o i_o bear_v record_n of_o i_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o before_o his_o anointed_n who_o ox_n have_v i_o take_v or_o who_o ass_n have_v i_o take_v or_o who_o have_v i_o do_v wrong_n to_o or_o who_o have_v i_o hurt_v or_o of_o who_o hand_n have_v i_o receive_v any_o bribe_n to_o blind_v my_o eye_n therewith_o and_o i_o will_v restore_v it_o now_o as_o these_o two_o samuel_n and_o david_n be_v famous_a for_o this_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o work_a righteousness_n so_o likewise_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o prophet_n before_o name_v in_o their_o place_n careful_a of_o this_o virtue_n and_o do_v practise_v the_o same_o partly_o in_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o partly_o in_o punish_v the_o wicked_a but_o some_o will_v say_v to_o work_v righteousness_n can_v be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o very_a heathen_a which_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v do_v justice_n and_o be_v high_o commend_v by_o heathen_a writer_n for_o the_o same_o now_o that_o which_o the_o heathen_a can_v do_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o thus_o to_o be_v extol_v as_o a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n answer_n true_a it_o be_v the_o heathen_a have_v do_v many_o work_n of_o justice_n but_o we_o must_v wise_o consider_v that_o every_o just_a work_n be_v not_o a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n unless_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o righteous_a person_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o for_o his_o glory_n but_o in_o all_o these_o the_o heathen_a fail_v in_o their_o work_n for_o though_o the_o thing_n they_o do_v be_v good_a in_o themselves_o yet_o see_v the_o heathen_a be_v corrupt_a tree_n remain_v in_o the_o sinful_a state_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n their_o work_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
sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o their_o sacrifice_n they_o give_v something_o to_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v call_v gift_n in_o our_o sacrament_n we_o receive_v daily_a grace_n from_o god_n 3._o in_o that_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o old_a law_n be_v call_v gift_n we_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v typical_a and_o have_v excellent_a signification_n unto_o us._n 1._o it_o signify_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o god_n free_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o elect_a and_o that_o christ_n the_o messiah_n shall_v willing_o give_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o redeemer_n 2._o it_o signify_v that_o every_o man_n that_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n must_v give_v himself_o to_o god_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o he_o so_o paul_n exhort_v rom._n 6.13_o give_v yourselves_o unto_o god_n and_o your_o member_n weapon_n of_o righteousness_n when_o we_o give_v any_o thing_n to_o a_o man_n we_o make_v he_o lord_n of_o it_o if_o we_o then_o give_v our_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o the_o lord_n we_o must_v give_v they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v obey_v and_o serve_v he_o and_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o and_o serve_v for_o his_o glory_n howsoever_o he_o shall_v use_v they_o we_o profess_v religion_n and_o make_v great_a show_n but_o to_o give_v ourselves_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n but_o contrary_a be_v the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n for_o most_o professer_n be_v give_v up_o to_o sin_n and_o sathan_n their_o body_n give_v to_o drink_v game_a uncleanness_n injustice_n their_o soul_n to_o envy_v hatred_n malice_n revenge_n lust_n pride_n self-love_n god_n have_v nothing_o except_o it_o be_v a_o face_n but_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n he_o will_v have_v all_o body_n and_o soul_n for_o he_o make_v all_o and_o he_o have_v redeem_v all_o we_o go_v against_o equity_n christ_n give_v his_o body_n and_o soul_n for_o we_o why_o shall_v not_o we_o give_v we_o again_o to_o he_o again_o this_o gift_n be_v not_o as_o other_o gift_n for_o here_o all_o the_o profit_n redound_v to_o the_o giver_n the_o glory_n indeed_o be_v he_o but_o the_o gain_n and_o profit_n be_v our_o own_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o withhold_v ourselves_o from_o god_n it_o argue_v we_o know_v nor_o feel_v not_o what_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o for_o if_o we_o do_v if_o we_o have_v 10000_o life_n we_o will_v think_v they_o all_o too_o little_a for_o he_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o &_o second_o effect_n of_o abel_n faith_n the_o three_o follow_v by_o which_o abel_n be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v the_o 3._o effect_n whereby_o abel_n faith_n be_v commend_v be_v lay_v down_o in_o these_o word_n concern_v the_o meaning_n whereof_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n which_o be_v brief_o to_o be_v examine_v some_o think_v the_o word_n shall_v be_v thus_o translate_v by_o which_o also_o abel_n be_v dead_a be_v yet_o speak_v of_o make_v the_o meaning_n to_o be_v that_o by_o his_o faith_n he_o obtain_v a_o good_a name_n to_o all_o posterity_n but_o it_o seem_v this_o can_v stand_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o that_o be_v already_o affirm_v of_o abel_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o second_o verse_n that_o through_o faith_n they_o have_v obtain_v a_o good_a report_n which_o therefore_o may_v seem_v needless_a so_o soon_o to_o be_v repeat_v again_o second_o for_o that_o afterward_o christ_n blood_n &_o abel_n be_v compare_v together_o 12.24_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o christ_n blood_n be_v better_a speak_v of_o then_o abel_n but_o that_o it_o speak_v better_a thing_n they_o abel_n do_v therefore_o the_o word_n be_v right_o translate_v now_o for_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o it_o be_v likely_a the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o story_n whence_o it_o be_v take_v where_o 4.10_o upon_o cain_n murder_n god_n say_v to_o he_o the_o voice_n of_o thy_o brother_n blood_n cry_v to_o i_o from_o the_o earth_n and_o why_o cry_v it_o namely_o for_o vengeance_n against_o so_o monstrous_a a_o murder_n and_o cry_v to_o all_o man_n to_o behold_v it_o and_o to_o abhor_v the_o like_a and_o so_o after_o a_o sort_n he_o continue_v to_o speak_v to_o this_o day_n so_o that_o the_o word_n in_o the_o true_a &_o full_a sense_n of_o they_o do_v import_v these_o two_o point_n 1._o that_o abel_n speak_v when_o he_o be_v dead_a 2._o that_o in_o a_o sort_n abel_n still_o speak_v for_o the_o first_o abel_n speak_v and_o cry_v when_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o how_o not_o with_o a_o vocal_a speech_n but_o the_o phrase_n be_v figurative_a and_o import_v thus_o much_o as_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v to_o cain_n thou_o have_v kill_v thy_o brother_n close_o and_o it_o may_v be_v have_v hide_v he_o in_o the_o sand_n or_o bury_v he_o and_o think_v no_o man_n know_v of_o it_o but_o thou_o must_v know_v cain_n this_o thy_o fact_n be_v as_o evident_a to_o i_o as_o if_o abel_n have_v tell_v i_o i_o know_v thou_o kill_v he_o and_o if_o thou_o wonder_v how_o i_o know_v i_o tell_v thou_o his_o blood_n tell_v i_o for_o it_o cry_v in_o my_o ear_n &_o yet_o it_o cry_v out_o against_o thou_o for_o though_o abel_n be_v dead_a his_o blood_n yet_o speak_v as_o this_o be_v true_a of_o abel_n so_o of_o all_o man_n blood_n and_o as_o of_o blood_n so_o of_o all_o other_o oppression_n though_o do_v by_o never_o so_o great_a man_n murder_n oppression_n and_o all_o wrong_n do_v to_o god_n child_n they_o cry_v to_o god_n against_o the_o oppressor_n though_o the_o poor_a oppress_a man_n dare_v scarce_o name_v they_o they_o need_v not_o for_o their_o blood_n do_v yea_o even_o their_o very_a tear_n can_v be_v shed_v but_o god_n take_v they_o up_o 56.8_o and_o put_v they_o in_o his_o bottle_n and_o will_v know_v who_o shed_v they_o thus_o blood_n cry_v against_o they_o that_o shed_v it_o yea_o tear_n cry_v against_o they_o that_o cause_n they_o this_o afford_v we_o a_o double_a instruction_n first_o here_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o god_n see_v and_o know_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n though_o the_o man_n be_v never_o so_o mighty_a or_o their_o sin_n never_o so_o secret_a for_o though_o man_n convey_v they_o never_o so_o close_o and_o labour_n to_o hide_v they_o with_o all_o the_o mean_v that_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v devise_v yet_o the_o very_a dead_a creature_n cry_v out_o and_o do_v proclaim_v the_o sin_n and_o sinner_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n as_o full_o as_o the_o voice_n of_o live_a man_n can_v discover_v any_o thing_n unto_o man_n privy_a oppression_n and_o good_n get_v by_o deep_a deceit_n lie_v hide_v to_o the_o world_n but_o the_o stone_n out_o of_o the_o wall_n shall_v cry_v 2.11_o and_o the_o beam_n out_o of_o the_o timber_n shall_v answer_v it_o woe_n be_v to_o he_o that_o build_v his_o house_n with_o blood_n and_o erect_v a_o city_n by_o iniquity_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v god_n know_v every_o stone_n and_o every_o piece_n of_o timber_n in_o their_o stately_a house_n which_o they_o have_v get_v by_o deceit_n or_o oppress_v of_o the_o poor_a privy_a conspiracy_n and_o plot_n of_o treason_n be_v lay_v against_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n and_o often_o in_o so_o secret_a manner_n as_o in_o man_n reason_n be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v discover_v but_o god_n have_v many_o way_n to_o find_v they_o out_o and_o they_o never_o escape_v his_o privy_a search_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n advise_v 10.20_o curse_v not_o the_o king_n no_o not_o in_o thy_o thought_n nor_o the_o great_a one_o in_o thy_o bedchamber_n for_o the_o foul_a of_o the_o heaven_n shall_v carry_v thy_o voice_n and_o that_o which_o have_v wing_n shall_v declare_v the_o matter_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v plot_v never_o so_o privy_o or_o conspire_v in_o the_o secret_a closert_n of_o ungodly_a man_n god_n know_v it_o and_o have_v mean_n enough_o to_o disclose_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o in_o our_o daily_a experience_n god_n magnify_v himself_o mighty_o in_o reveal_v murder_n for_o bring_v the_o murderer_n before_o the_o dead_a corpse_n and_o usual_o it_o bleed_v or_o give_v some_o other_o testimony_n whereby_o it_o speak_v even_o as_o abel_n blood_n do_v this_o be_v the_o murderer_n nay_o more_o for_o abel_n blood_n speak_v to_o god_n but_o here_o even_o to_o man_n also_o and_o of_o this_o its_o hard_a to_o give_v any_o reason_n at_o all_o but_o the_o secret_a and_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n thereby_o show_v himself_o to_o know_v all_o secret_a sin_n &_o to_o be_v able_a to_o disclose_v they_o by_o strange_a mean_n the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o fear_v all_o man_n from_o sin_v though_o they_o think_v it_o possible_a to_o conceal_v their_o
he_o will_v take_v heed_n what_o he_o do_v and_o that_o god_n hear_v he_o he_o will_v temper_v his_o tongue_n and_o that_o god_n behold_v all_o his_o deal_n in_o the_o world_n he_o will_v take_v heed_n how_o he_o borrow_v dare_v buy_v or_o sell_v and_o what_o he_o do_v in_o all_o his_o action_n and_o the_o very_a cause_n of_o all_o carelessness_n in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n in_o the_o world_n be_v because_o man_n be_v persuade_v god_n see_v they_o not_o to_o urge_v we_o therefore_o to_o this_o excellent_a duty_n we_o have_v first_o god_n commandment_n walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v upright_o say_v god_n to_o abraham_n 17.1_o and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o his_o faith_n again_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o god_n child_n who_o be_v renown_v for_o the_o obedience_n of_o this_o commandment_n henoch_n here_o after_o he_o abraham_n and_o after_o he_o david_n who_o testify_v of_o himself_o i_o will_v walk_v before_o god_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n 116.9_o three_o as_o it_o be_v both_o command_v by_o precept_n and_o practise_v by_o exsample_n so_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v most_o comfortable_a to_o all_o that_o practice_n it_o for_o it_o will_v make_v they_o prosper_v in_o all_o they_o go_v about_o for_o as_o he_o that_o be_v always_o in_o the_o king_n presence_n and_o company_n can_v but_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o therefore_o can_v but_o succeed_v well_o in_o all_o his_o affair_n so_o he_o that_o walk_v with_o god_n can_v but_o prosper_v in_o whatsoever_o he_o set_v his_o heart_n and_o hand_n unto_o bless_a abraham_n find_v this_o most_o true_a when_o he_o assure_v his_o servant_n who_o he_o send_v to_o provide_v isaac_n a_o wife_n in_o a_o long_a and_o doubtful_a and_o dangerous_a journey_n the_o lord_n before_o who_o i_o walk_v will_v send_v his_o angel_n with_o thou_o and_o prosper_v thy_o journey_n 24.40_o and_o even_o so_o may_v every_o child_n of_o god_n say_v with_o confidence_n the_o lord_n before_o who_o i_o walk_v will_v send_v his_o angel_n with_o i_o and_o prosper_v i_o in_o my_o proceed_n four_o this_o walk_n with_o god_n be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o make_v a_o man_n bear_v the_o cross_n with_o patience_n for_o if_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n see_v how_o wrongful_o he_o be_v persecute_v or_o oppress_v and_o that_o god_n providence_n be_v always_o present_a so_o as_o no_o affliction_n can_v come_v unto_o he_o but_o by_o his_o appointment_n and_o again_o that_o his_o providence_n dispose_v of_o all_o thing_n to_o his_o good_a how_o can_v he_o but_o receive_v with_o patience_n that_o portion_n of_o affliction_n which_o god_n shall_v lay_v upon_o he_o for_o as_o he_o that_o walk_v with_o the_o king_n who_o dare_v offer_v he_o wrong_v so_o he_o that_o walk_v with_o god_n what_o evil_o can_v touch_v he_o this_o be_v josephs_n argument_n to_o his_o brethren_n when_o they_o be_v discomfort_a and_o fear_v he_o will_v punish_v they_o after_o their_o father_n death_n fear_v not_o say_v he_o for_o be_o not_o i_o under_o god_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v do_v not_o i_o walk_v in_o god_n presence_n 50.20_o and_o acknowledge_v myself_o under_o his_o power_n and_o that_o god_n when_o you_o think_v evil_a against_o i_o dispose_v it_o to_o good_a where_o the_o ground_n of_o josephs_n reason_n be_v that_o he_o walk_v with_o god_n his_o affliction_n turn_v to_o his_o good_a last_o this_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n and_o in_o all_o his_o deal_n when_o he_o persuade_v himself_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n when_o joseph_n be_v allure_v to_o sin_n by_o his_o mistress_n his_o answer_n be_v how_o shall_v i_o commit_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o so_o sin_n against_o god_n the_o bridle_n that_o restrain_v he_o 39.9_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o that_o god_n in_o who_o presence_n he_o walk_v and_o because_o he_o walk_v with_o god_n he_o will_v not_o walk_v with_o she_o in_o her_o wicked_a way_n and_o because_o he_o keep_v a_o holy_a company_n with_o god_n therefore_o he_o will_v not_o keep_v her_o company_n nor_o be_v allure_v by_o her_o temptation_n so_o then_o see_v this_o way_n of_o walk_v with_o god_n be_v every_o way_n so_o excellent_a and_o so_o profitable_a let_v we_o learn_v it_o not_o in_o judgement_n and_o knowledge_n only_o to_o be_v able_a to_o talk_v of_o it_o which_o be_v soon_o learned_a but_o in_o conscience_n and_o practice_n as_o dutiful_a child_n do_v before_o their_o parent_n so_o let_v we_o in_o a_o heavenly_a awe_n &_o a_o childlike_a reverence_n walk_v before_o god_n labour_v for_o a_o true_a persuasion_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o providence_n to_o be_v always_o over_o we_o and_o our_o whole_a life_n the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o if_o we_o do_v thus_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o so_o please_v he_o as_o henoch_n here_o do_v then_o shall_v we_o be_v sure_a though_o not_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o henoch_n be_v yet_o in_o soul_n first_o and_o afterward_o in_o soul_n &_o body_n both_o to_o be_v translate_v into_o eternal_a life_n but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o walk_v this_o way_n with_o henoch_n in_o this_o life_n let_v we_o never_o look_v to_o live_v in_o heaven_n with_o he_o but_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o as_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v the_o way_n to_o glory_n so_o the_o way_n of_o wickedness_n be_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a perdition_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o second_o degree_n but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n these_o word_n contain_v the_o three_o degree_n or_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o this_o degree_n consist_v of_o a_o general_a maxim_n or_o canon_n of_o divinity_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n first_o lay_v it_o down_o and_o then_o because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o weighty_a principle_n in_o religion_n he_o prove_v it_o substantial_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v in_o the_o canon_n itself_o let_v we_o first_o examine_v the_o meaning_n and_o then_o unfold_v the_o manifold_a use_n of_o it_o without_o faith_n by_o faith_n be_v mean_v here_o the_o same_o faith_n as_o afore_o namely_o true_a save_a faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n and_o without_o this_o save_a faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n impossible_a how_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o absolute_a infinite_a and_o indeterminable_a power_n of_o god_n which_o have_v no_o limit_n but_o his_o own_o will_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o order_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n set_v down_o by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n which_o be_v this_o 1._o man_n by_o sin_n have_v displease_v god_n 2._o god_n must_v be_v please_v again_o else_o a_o man_n can_v be_v save_v 3._o he_o that_o will_v please_v god_n must_v please_v he_o in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n else_o he_o can_v therefore_o he_o that_o will_v please_v god_n and_o be_v save_v must_v needs_o believe_v in_o christ._n and_o thus_o by_o this_o order_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o deny_v not_o but_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n absolute_a power_n he_o can_v save_v a_o man_n without_o faith_n as_o he_o can_v lighten_v the_o world_n without_o the_o sun_n but_o as_o if_o he_o keep_v that_o order_n of_o nature_n which_o his_o own_o wisdom_n have_v appoint_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v light_n to_o the_o world_n without_o the_o sun_n so_o if_o he_o keep_v that_o order_n for_o salvation_n which_o his_o own_o justice_n have_v appoint_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n without_o faith_n in_o christ._n so_o then_o the_o meaning_n be_v lay_v down_o and_o now_o appear_v the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n argument_n he_o that_o will_v be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o heaven_n must_v first_o please_v god_n but_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n therefore_o without_o faith_n no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v nor_o come_v in_o heaven_n and_o by_o consequent_a therefore_o henoch_n be_v take_v into_o heaven_n must_v needs_o be_v take_v away_o by_o faith_n now_o the_o use_n of_o this_o canon_n right_o understand_v be_v manifold_a and_o of_o great_a profit_n first_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o faith_n be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o most_o necessary_a of_o all_o other_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o and_o though_o many_o be_v require_v yet_o among_o all_o holy_a grace_n this_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o more_o necessary_a in_o some_o respect_n than_o any_o other_o for_o howsoever_o hope_v and_o love_n and_o zeal_n and_o many_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v require_v to_o make_v the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a complete_a and_o
glory_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n how_o we_o must_v seek_v god_n the_o second_o be_v how_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o i_o answer_v god_n reward_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o first_o by_o offer_v himself_o gracious_o to_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o for_o he_o never_o hide_v himself_o nor_o turn_v away_o from_o the_o soul_n that_o seek_v he_o but_o rather_o turn_v to_o he_o and_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v to_o he_o he_o be_v that_o good_a father_n which_o see_v the_o prodigal_a son_n afar_o off_o and_o meet_v he_o and_o receive_v he_o luke_n 16._o yea_o rather_o be_v it_o true_a that_o he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o then_o ever_o seek_v by_o any_o that_o find_v he_o not_o and_o hereby_o god_n much_o magnify_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o mankind_n in_o be_v so_o assure_o find_v when_o man_n seek_v he_o for_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v not_o so_o all_o man_n seek_v the_o face_n of_o the_o prince_n say_v solomon_n true_a but_o all_o man_n find_v it_o not_o no._n access_n to_o great_a man_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a they_o and_o their_o favour_n be_v so_o enclose_v that_o man_n may_v long_o seek_v afore_o they_o find_v either_o they_o or_o it_o but_o god_n here_o be_v not_o so_o enclose_v as_o he_o will_v not_o be_v see_v nor_o speak_v to_o he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o as_o hereby_o he_o honour_v himself_o so_o he_o high_o reward_v his_o servant_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a contentment_n to_o a_o subject_n then_o to_o perceive_v his_o service_n please_v his_o prince_n nor_o great_a joy_n then_o to_o find_v his_o gracious_a favour_n when_o they_o seek_v it_o let_v then_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n first_o of_o all_o teach_v the_o great_a one_o of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v find_v when_o they_o be_v seek_v unto_o thereby_o shall_v they_o honour_v themselves_o and_o cheer_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o people_n who_o seek_v unto_o they_o and_o again_o it_o may_v be_v a_o rich_a comfort_n to_o the_o poor_a one_o of_o this_o earth_n who_o when_o they_o see_v they_o must_v long_o look_v and_o wait_v and_o pray_v and_o pay_v and_o seek_v the_o face_n and_o favour_n of_o great_a man_n and_o can_v find_v may_v then_o remember_v yet_o they_o have_v a_o god_n who_o will_v not_o shut_v the_o door_n upon_o they_o will_v not_o turn_v away_o will_v not_o keep_v secret_a will_v not_o fear_v they_o away_o with_o a_o rough_a answer_n or_o a_o sour_a look_n but_o have_v this_o honourable_a and_o princely_a grace_n he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o second_o he_o reward_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o by_o bestow_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n on_o they_o not_o only_o he_o but_o his_o favour_n shall_v be_v find_v of_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o it_o be_v god_n favour_n that_o god_n child_n seek_v and_o his_o favour_n they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v this_o be_v no_o small_a reward_n unto_o they_o for_o in_o this_o world_n a_o man_n think_v he_o have_v enough_o if_o he_o have_v the_o prince_n favour_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o common_a phrase_n in_o old_a time_n let_v i_o find_v grace_n or_o favour_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o my_o lord_n the_o king_n so_o speak_v god_n child_n unto_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o wealth_n nor_o honour_n we_o seeke-for_a at_o god_n hand_n but_o let_v we_o find_v favour_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o so_o they_o do_v whatever_o they_o find_v in_o this_o world_n three_o he_o reward_v they_o not_o with_o his_o naked_a favour_n but_o with_o the_o most_o gracious_a testimony_n thereof_o that_o can_v be_v which_o be_v two_o forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n with_o himself_o this_o be_v all_o a_o prince_n can_v do_v to_o his_o subject_n who_o have_v offend_v he_o to_o forgive_v he_o the_o fault_n and_o remit_v the_o punishment_n and_o to_o advance_v he_o to_o honour_n this_o do_v the_o lord_n to_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o he_o forgive_v they_o the_o debt_n they_o owe_v he_o whereby_o life_n and_o soul_n and_o all_o be_v forfeit_v to_o he_o and_o give_v they_o also_o life_n everlasting_a so_o plentiful_a a_o reward_n be_v give_v they_o from_o that_o god_n under_o who_o wing_n they_o be_v come_v to_o trust_v four_o he_o reward_v they_o with_o the_o beginning_n of_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comfort_n whereof_o be_v more_o even_o in_o the_o bitter_a affliction_n than_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o contentment_n in_o the_o world_n last_o with_o the_o appurtenance_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o eternal_a life_n namely_o the_o good_a blessing_n of_o this_o life_n a_o competent_a portion_n whereof_o god_n give_v his_o child_n in_o this_o world_n as_o token_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o as_o reward_n of_o their_o service_n and_o seek_v he_o now_o as_o this_o place_n do_v aim_n at_o all_o these_o reward_n so_o principal_o and_o direct_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mean_v eternal_a life_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v steadfast_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v able_a and_o most_o willing_a to_o reward_v all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o with_o a_o better_a reward_n than_o this_o world_n can_v yield_v even_o with_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n for_o his_o son_n sake_n but_o then_o will_v some_o object_n god_n reward_v we_o therefore_o we_o merit_v therefore_o good_a work_n deserve_v i_o answer_v this_o place_n indeed_o be_v gross_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n for_o that_o purpose_n but_o we_o be_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o god_n reward_v man_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o for_o his_o promise_n sake_n and_o that_o be_v for_o his_o own_o sake_n for_o it_o be_v his_o own_o goodness_n that_o make_v he_o promise_n and_o no_o former_a debt_n he_o owe_v to_o man_n again_o he_o reward_v our_o good_a work_n not_o for_o our_o merit_n for_o they_o be_v nothing_o but_o of_o death_n and_o curse_n but_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_n for_o their_o worthiness_n be_v our_o good_a work_n reward_v so_o then_o here_o be_v two_o cause_n of_o god_n reward_v and_o yet_o man_n merit_n be_v neither_o of_o both_o and_o so_o the_o argument_n be_v nought_o that_o god_n reward_v therefore_o we_o merit_v for_o god_n do_v it_o for_o other_o cause_n thus_o these_o spider_n gather_v poison_v out_o of_o this_o flower_n but_o let_v we_o suck_v the_o honey_n for_o this_o notable_a sentence_n have_v excellent_a use_n first_o if_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o than_o not_o of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o who_o seek_v not_o god_n wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n seek_v he_o not_o but_o rather_o seek_v to_o avoid_v he_o and_o his_o service_n this_o sentence_n therefore_o be_v heavy_a against_o they_o for_o when_o they_o hear_v it_o their_o conscience_n answer_v but_o we_o seek_v not_o god_n therefore_o we_o can_v look_v for_o no_o reward_n from_o he_o do_v thou_o seek_v the_o world_n then_o must_v the_o world_n be_v thy_o rewarder_n do_v thou_o seek_v to_o please_v thyself_o then_o must_v thou_o reward_v thyself_o and_o if_o thou_o will_v please_v the_o devil_n by_o live_v in_o sin_n then_o must_v he_o be_v thy_o paymaster_n alas_o pitiful_a and_o fearful_a will_v these_o reward_n be_v again_o if_o god_n reward_v none_o but_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o here_o appear_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o papist_n die_v in_o our_o religion_n and_o with_o we_o cleave_v to_o christ_n merit_n alone_o when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v because_o their_o conscience_n then_o tell_v they_o that_o by_o their_o pilgrimage_n relic_n will-worship_n and_o many_o more_o of_o their_o course_n ordinary_a in_o popery_n they_o do_v never_o seek_v god_n but_o themselves_o &_o their_o own_o honour_n gain_n and_o credit_n and_o full_a well_o know_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reward_n due_a for_o such_o service_n and_o therefore_o by_o their_o practice_n they_o make_v it_o a_o true_a say_n that_o it_o be_v good_a live_v a_o papist_n but_o die_v a_o protestant_n second_o if_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o then_o we_o see_v it_o be_v most_o true_a which_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n 1._o cor._n 15.58_o for_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v and_o serve_v he_o therefore_o the_o atheist_n and_o profane_a man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o say_v 3.14_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o what_o profit_n
then_o assure_o his_o heart_n be_v void_a of_o true_a faith_n and_o far_o from_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n for_o assure_o where_o god_n be_v know_v and_o believe_v there_o that_o man_n heart_n though_o he_o be_v a_o king_n can_v once_o think_v of_o god_n without_o a_o reverence_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o a_o admiration_n at_o his_o greatness_n and_o his_o own_o baseness_n therefore_o the_o want_n of_o this_o argue_v a_o want_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o true_a faith_n in_o man_n heart_n second_o this_o profaneness_n discover_v itself_o to_o the_o world_n by_o want_n of_o reverence_n to_o god_n work_n let_v the_o lord_n send_v unseasonable_a weather_n or_o famine_n or_o plague_n or_o any_o strange_a sign_n in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n forthwith_o they_o be_v but_o fool_n that_o cry_v out_o behold_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n the_o hand_n of_o god_n no_o this_o be_v nature_n and_o be_v produce_v by_o natural_a cause_n ill_o weather_n come_v from_o the_o star_n famine_n from_o ill_a weather_n and_o man_n covetousness_n plague_n from_o famine_n or_o from_o ill_a air_n or_o else_o by_o apparent_a infection_n from_o another_o place_n but_o can_v nature_n and_o natural_a mean_n have_v their_o place_n unless_o they_o have_v god_n place_n god_n overthrow_v not_o they_o why_o shall_v they_o overthrow_v god_n yet_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o god_n be_v rob_v of_o his_o glory_n and_o he_o be_v but_o a_o simple_a fellow_n which_o be_v move_v with_o reverence_n at_o sight_n of_o such_o thing_n or_o begin_v to_o magnify_v god_n power_n and_o justice_n in_o they_o this_o be_v too_o apparent_a to_o be_v deny_v for_o have_v we_o not_o now_o as_o great_a cause_n of_o fear_n as_o can_v be_v noah_n hear_v of_o water_n and_o we_o hear_v that_o fire_n be_v to_o destroy_v the_o world_n and_o yeâ—_n where_o be_v he_o that_o be_v move_v with_o reverence_n as_o noah_n be_v and_o yet_o noah_n can_v say_v the_o flood_n shall_v not_o be_v these_o 120._o year_n but_o who_o can_v say_v and_o prove_v that_o this_o world_n shall_v not_o be_v destroy_v by_o fire_n within_o these_o 120._o year_n and_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v they_o have_v doubtless_o many_o other_o plague_n which_o be_v forerunner_n of_o the_o general_a destruction_n all_o which_o as_o they_o come_v move_v noah_n unto_o reverence_n and_o so_o we_o in_o this_o age_n do_v see_v the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n judgement_n upon_o man_n upon_o family_n upon_o town_n upon_o country_n and_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o we_o feel_v his_o heavy_a hand_n in_o many_o sharp_a stroke_n but_o who_o and_o where_o be_v they_o who_o heart_n fear_v god_n the_o more_o and_o do_v tremble_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o judgement_n nay_o alas_o among_o many_o it_o be_v but_o a_o matter_n of_o mockery_n so_o to_o do_v this_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o the_o want_n of_o it_o for_o if_o man_n true_o know_v and_o believe_v in_o god_n they_o can_v not_o think_v nor_o speak_v of_o god_n nor_o look_v at_o his_o work_n but_o with_o fear_n and_o reverence_n for_o as_o our_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v so_o be_v our_o faith_n little_a fear_n of_o god_n little_a faith_n and_o no_o fear_n at_o all_o no_o faith_n at_o all_o let_v therefore_o all_o man_n show_v their_o religion_n by_o their_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o let_v every_o christian_a acknowledge_v god_n in_o his_o work_n england_n have_v be_v faulty_a herein_o in_o one_o point_n especial_o we_o have_v have_v great_a plague_n which_o have_v take_v away_o many_o thousand_o in_o short_a time_n wherein_o god_n have_v show_v himself_o mighty_a against_o our_o sin_n but_o god_n hand_n will_v not_o be_v see_v nor_o acknowledge_v but_o only_a nature_n and_o natural_a cause_n but_o let_v england_n take_v heed_n that_o god_n send_v not_o a_o plague_n so_o general_a and_o so_o grievous_a that_o even_o the_o most_o profane_a man_n even_o the_o sorcerer_n of_o egypt_n if_o they_o be_v here_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o so_o give_v god_n that_o due_a reverence_n which_o in_o his_o ordinary_a visitation_n he_o have_v not_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o ground_n whence_o this_o reverence_n in_o noah_n spring_v namely_o his_o faith_n now_o let_v we_o see_v the_o occasion_n or_o consideration_n in_o noah_n heart_n that_o make_v he_o fear_n the_o ground_n whereupon_o he_o fear_v be_v true_a faith_n for_o else_o he_o have_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o fear_n or_o reverence_n of_o god_n but_o the_o occasion_n which_o stir_v up_o this_o fear_n in_o he_o be_v some_o thing_n else_o now_o if_o we_o look_v to_o humane_a reason_n noah_n have_v no_o cause_n at_o all_o to_o fear_v as_o he_o do_v for_o first_o the_o judgement_n be_v far_o off_o 120._o year_n after_o and_o common_a reason_n say_v its_o folly_n to_o fear_v any_o thing_n so_o far_o off_o but_o its_o time_n enough_o to_o fear_v when_o it_o be_v near_o at_o hand_n again_o he_o be_v one_o single_a man_n and_o the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o wise_a and_o mighty_a man_n they_o all_o hear_v of_o it_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o fear_v therefore_o their_o exsample_n may_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o keep_v he_o from_o fear_n and_o to_o make_v he_o secure_a and_o careless_a with_o the_o rest_n for_o exsample_n be_v strong_a especial_o when_o they_o be_v so_o general_a three_o the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o judgement_n threaten_v be_v such_o as_o may_v drive_v any_o man_n in_o reason_n from_o fear_v it_o at_o all_o for_o first_o who_o will_v ever_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v drown_v all_o the_o world_n with_o water_n such_o a_o thing_n never_o have_v be_v and_o therefore_o how_o can_v it_o be_v and_o again_o if_o all_o shall_v be_v drown_v who_o will_v think_v that_o noah_n shall_v escape_v and_o none_o but_o he_o these_o three_o consideration_n be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o man_n reason_n will_v have_v keep_v noah_n from_o fear_v or_o believe_v this_o word_n of_o god_n but_o behold_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n it_o go_v beyond_o all_o humane_a reach_n fix_v itself_o fast_o on_o god_n word_n and_o therefore_o he_o not_o only_o believe_v it_o but_o have_v furthermore_o his_o heart_n possess_v with_o a_o great_a reverence_n of_o god_n majesty_n upon_o this_o message_n and_o there_o be_v three_o motive_n stir_v he_o up_o unto_o this_o reverence_n first_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n strange_a judgement_n upon_o the_o sinful_a world_n to_o see_v that_o his_o wrath_n be_v so_o provoke_v that_o he_o shall_v bring_v so_o unwonted_a a_o plague_n so_o strange_a both_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o a_o flood_n of_o water_n to_o drown_v man_n whereas_o general_o all_o man_n can_v avoid_v the_o violence_n of_o that_o element_n &_o for_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o so_o great_a as_o it_o shall_v drown_v all_o the_o world_n and_o destroy_v all_o man_n now_o that_o which_o this_o judgement_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o noah_n the_o same_o effect_n shall_v god_n judgement_n work_v in_o we_o namely_o they_o shall_v move_v we_o with_o reverence_n for_o as_o christ_n say_v our_o day_n be_v like_o noah_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n so_o shall_v the_o day_n be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n matthew_n 24.37_o these_o day_n be_v as_o wicked_a man_n be_v as_o covetous_a as_o cruel_a as_o malicious_a as_o voluptuous_a and_o yet_o as_o secure_v as_o they_o then_o be_v as_o full_a of_o sin_n and_o yet_o as_o dead_a in_o sin_n as_o they_o be_v then_o therefore_o noah_n look_v for_o a_o flood_n 120._o year_n after_o and_o who_o can_v tell_v whether_o our_o world_n shall_v last_v so_o long_a a_o time_n or_o no_o at_o least_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v whatsoever_o the_o world_n do_v there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v but_o within_o far_o less_o time_n than_o 120._o year_n be_v assure_v to_o be_v throw_v to_o hell_n by_o a_o flood_n of_o god_n wrath_n at_o his_o death_n unless_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o repent_v and_o yet_o alas_o where_o be_v he_o that_o be_v move_v with_o reverence_n at_o consideration_n hereof_o the_o wicked_a man_n may_v escape_v the_o water_n of_o a_o flood_n but_o he_o can_v escape_v the_o fire_n of_o hell_n he_o can_v escape_v death_n he_o can_v escape_v the_o last_o judgement_n these_o be_v to_o come_v yet_o they_o be_v sure_a why_o then_o do_v not_o man_n fear_v as_o noah_n do_v he_o fear_v 120._o year_n afore_o it_o come_v we_o can_v indeed_o tremble_v a_o little_a at_o a_o present_a judgement_n as_o when_o fire_n break_v out_o when_o water_n overflowe_v when_o the_o plague_n destroy_v or_o when_o famine_n consume_v but_o to_o tremble_v at_o a_o judgement_n threaten_v though_o it_o
in_o the_o judgement_n and_o the_o mercy_n hitherto_o of_o the_o first_o effect_n it_o follow_v prepare_v the_o ark_n the_o 2._o effect_n of_o noah_n faith_n whereby_o it_o be_v commend_v be_v that_o he_o upon_o a_o commandment_n receive_v from_o god_n as_o we_o hear_v before_o do_v make_v &_o build_v a_o ark_n wherein_o to_o save_v himself_o &_o his_o family_n concern_v this_o ark_n much_o may_v be_v speak_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o gen_n but_o it_o be_v not_o to_o our_o purpose_n which_o be_v no_o more_o in_o this_o chapter_n but_o to_o show_v the_o obedience_n and_o practice_n of_o faith_n and_o therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o now_o the_o point_n here_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n nor_o the_o measure_n nor_o the_o proportion_n nor_o the_o fashion_n nor_o the_o use_n of_o the_o ark_n all_o which_o in_o the_o 6._o chapter_n of_o genesis_n be_v full_o describe_v but_o the_o action_n and_o obedience_n of_o noah_n in_o prepare_v it_o as_o god_n bid_v he_o whereof_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o genesis_n 6.22_o say_v noah_n do_v according_a to_o all_o that_o god_n have_v command_v he_o even_o so_o do_v he_o now_o in_o this_o action_n of_o noah_n faith_n diverse_a point_n of_o great_a moment_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o why_o do_v god_n bid_v noah_n make_v a_o ark_n 120._o year_n before_o the_o flood_n when_o he_o may_v have_v build_v it_o in_o three_o or_o four_o year_n the_o answer_n be_v god_n do_v so_o for_o diverse_a cause_n some_o respect_v the_o sinful_a world_n as_o that_o they_o may_v have_v long_a time_n and_o more_o warning_n to_o repent_v every_o stroke_n of_o the_o ark_n during_o these_o 120._o year_n be_v a_o loud_a sermon_n of_o repentance_n unto_o they_o again_o that_o they_o may_v be_v without_o excuse_n if_o they_o amend_v not_o and_o last_o that_o their_o iniquity_n may_v be_v full_a and_o their_o sin_n ripe_a for_o vengeance_n but_o of_o all_o these_o we_o will_v not_o speak_v because_o they_o concern_v not_o noah_n of_o who_o faith_n we_o be_v only_o to_o speak_v let_v we_o therefore_o touch_v only_o those_o cause_n which_o concern_v noah_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o he_o the_o lord_n do_v thus_o that_o he_o may_v try_v his_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o exercise_v other_o grace_n of_o holiness_n in_o he_o thus_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o servant_n always_o he_o exercise_v they_o many_o and_o strange_a way_n in_o this_o world_n he_o lead_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o desert_n of_o arabia_n forty_o year_n whereas_o a_o man_n may_v travel_v from_o rameses_n in_o egypt_n to_o any_o part_n of_o canaan_n in_o forty_o day_n and_o this_o god_n do_v to_o humble_v they_o and_o try_v they_o and_o to_o know_v what_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n deut._n 8.2_o god_n promise_v abraham_n a_o son_n in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v gen._n 12.3_o but_o he_o perform_v it_o not_o of_o 30._o year_n after_o gen._n 21.2_o he_o give_v david_n the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n and_o anoint_v he_o by_o samuel_n 1._o sam._n 16.13_o but_o he_o attain_v it_o not_o of_o many_o year_n after_o &_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v persecute_v and_o hunt_v by_o saul_n as_o a_o flea_n in_o a_o man_n bosom_n or_o as_o a_o partridge_n in_o the_o mountain_n 1._o sam._n 24.15_o and_o 26.20_o and_o thus_o god_n exercise_v he_o both_o in_o that_o and_o other_o his_o promise_n as_o he_o say_v psal._n 40.1_o in_o wait_v i_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n and_o psal._n 119.82_o my_o eye_n fail_v for_o wait_v for_o thy_o promise_n o_o when_o will_v thou_o comfort_v i_o thus_o god_n deal_v with_o they_o and_o thus_o in_o some_o measure_n he_o deal_v with_o all_o his_o child_n to_o humble_a and_o to_o try_v they_o and_o to_o know_v what_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o that_o in_o these_o case_n man_n do_v always_o show_v themselves_o and_o their_o disposition_n when_o man_n enjoy_v all_o thing_n at_o their_o will_n and_o wish_v who_o can_v make_v a_o fair_a profession_n but_o where_o man_n be_v long_o defer_v and_o keep_v from_o that_o be_v promise_v and_o they_o expect_v and_o be_v so_o long_o cross_v in_o their_o expectation_n than_o they_o appear_v in_o their_o own_o colour_n and_o as_o god_n deal_v with_o they_o so_o will_v he_o one_o way_n or_o other_o do_v with_o we_o if_o we_o be_v his_o servant_n he_o will_v at_o some_o time_n of_o our_o life_n or_o other_o lay_v some_o such_o affliction_n upon_o we_o as_o may_v try_v we_o and_o our_o faith_n and_o our_o patience_n and_o our_o humility_n for_o if_o we_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n but_o only_o a_o show_n this_o will_v discover_v it_o and_o if_o we_o have_v true_a and_o sound_a faith_n and_o patience_n this_o will_v make_v they_o shine_v like_o orient_a pearl_n in_o their_o true_a and_o perfect_a beauty_n second_o as_o god_n bid_v noah_n build_v a_o ark_n so_o long_a time_n before_o any_o need_n of_o it_o so_o he_o do_v without_o deny_v or_o gainsay_v so_o say_v the_o story_n in_o genesis_n he_o do_v according_a to_o all_o that_o god_n command_v he_o and_o thus_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v here_o he_o be_v warn_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n prepare_v the_o ark_n where_o we_o learn_v that_o where_o true_a faith_n be_v there_o follow_v true_a obedience_n to_o every_o commandment_n of_o god_n insomuch_o as_o a_o godly_a believe_a man_n no_o soon_o hear_v any_o duty_n to_o be_v command_v of_o god_n but_o he_o think_v his_o soul_n and_o conscience_n be_v tie_v to_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o as_o it_o be_v for_o fire_n have_v fuel_n not_o to_o burn_v act_n 15.9_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n namely_o from_o careless_a disobedience_n to_o god_n word_n for_o if_o from_o any_o corruption_n at_o all_o then_o from_o it_o especial_o because_o it_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o the_o pureness_n of_o true_a faith_n this_o be_v so_o show_v we_o not_o any_o fault_n in_o our_o religion_n as_o the_o papist_n slander_v we_o but_o the_o want_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o want_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v almost_o no_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n for_o first_o turk_n &_o jew_n acknowledge_v not_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o papist_n have_v set_v aside_o god_n commandment_n to_o set_v up_o their_o own_o and_o few_o protestant_n have_v the_o feel_n of_o the_o power_n of_o true_a religion_n &_o nothing_o indeed_o but_o a_o bare_a profession_n but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o feel_n of_o the_o power_n of_o it_o which_o produce_v due_a obedience_n and_o alas_o we_o see_v man_n obey_v not_o god_n commandment_n god_n say_v 4._o swear_v not_o by_o my_o name_n vain_o keep_v my_o sabbath_n where_o be_v there_o a_o man_n of_o many_o that_o fear_v to_o break_v these_o alas_o there_o be_v more_o mocker_n of_o such_o as_o will_v keep_v they_o then_o careful_a and_o conscionable_a keeper_n of_o they_o how_o true_o say_v christ_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v likely_a therefore_o these_o be_v the_o day_n wherein_o we_o may_v wait_v for_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o general_a want_n of_o obedience_n show_v the_o general_a want_n of_o faith_n but_o this_o obedience_n of_o noah_n be_v better_a to_o be_v consider_v of_o for_o it_o be_v very_o excellent_a &_o extraordinary_a there_o be_v many_o hindrance_n that_o may_v have_v stop_v he_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o have_v persuade_v he_o never_o to_o have_v go_v about_o the_o make_n of_o the_o ark_n as_o first_o the_o great_a quantity_n of_o the_o ark_n amount_v to_o many_o thousand_o cubit_n a_o work_n of_o huge_a labour_n &_o great_a charge_n again_o the_o length_n of_o his_o labour_n to_o last_v 120._o year_n it_o be_v a_o tedious_a thing_n and_o troublesome_a to_o man_n nature_n to_o be_v ever_o in_o do_v and_o never_o to_o have_v do_v three_o the_o build_n of_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o much_o mockery_n to_o the_o world_n for_o it_o signify_v 1._o the_o destroy_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n 2._o the_o save_n of_o he_o and_o he_o these_o thing_n be_v taunt_v at_o by_o the_o worldly_a wise_a man_n of_o that_o sinful_a age_n and_o he_o be_v loud_o laugh_v at_o by_o many_o a_o man_n to_o think_v all_o the_o world_n shall_v perish_v but_o much_o more_o if_o all_o perish_a to_o imagine_v that_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v last_o the_o build_n of_o the_o ark_n be_v a_o harsh_a thing_n to_o nature_n and_o natural_a reason_n in_o many_o respect_n for_o first_o that_o all_o the_o
believe_v against_o all_o the_o world_n and_o be_v commend_v to_o all_o age_n for_o this_o faith_n it_o be_v therefore_o but_o a_o vain_a flourish_n of_o the_o papist_n to_o press_v we_o so_o much_o with_o their_o multitude_n and_o universality_n and_o consent_n and_o unity_n and_o succession_n &_o continuance_n for_o all_o this_o be_v worth_a nothing_o as_o long_o as_o they_o first_o prove_v not_o that_o that_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n which_o these_o multitude_n hold_v have_v his_o ground_n from_o god_n word_n till_o then_o all_o the_o other_o be_v vanity_n for_o it_o be_v better_a with_o noah_n to_o have_v god_n plain_a word_n of_o his_o side_n then_o to_o believe_v otherwise_o with_o all_o the_o world_n which_o be_v here_o deceive_v &_o condemn_v when_o noah_n alone_o believe_v god_n word_n and_o be_v save_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v who_o be_v condemn_v the_o world_n to_o end_v this_o point_n one_o question_n may_v not_o unprofitable_o be_v here_o move_v whether_o be_v all_o the_o world_n that_o be_v all_o the_o man_n in_o that_o world_n condemn_v or_o no_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o imply_v that_o all_o but_o noah_n be_v and_o yet_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o of_o so_o many_o million_o none_o shall_v repent_v but_o he_o and_o if_o they_o repent_v why_o be_v they_o not_o save_v i_o answer_v the_o world_n of_o that_o wicked_a age_n be_v condemn_v two_o way_n first_o with_o a_o corporal_a destruction_n and_o so_o they_o be_v all_o condemn_v without_o exception_n no_o high_a house_n no_o hill_n no_o device_n of_o man_n can_v save_v they_o for_o the_o water_n rise_v 15._o cubit_n above_o the_o top_n of_o the_o high_a mountain_n under_o heaven_n gen._n 7.20_o and_o so_o though_o till_o then_o diverse_a of_o they_o live_v by_o fly_v to_o the_o hill_n yet_o that_o be_v their_o last_o refuge_n and_o be_v thus_o take_v from_o they_o than_o all_o flesh_n perish_v that_o move_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o every_o man_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o draw_v the_o breath_n of_o life_n for_o so_o say_v the_o story_n genesis_n 7.21.22_o and_o it_o be_v but_o vain_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o of_o they_o can_v be_v save_v upon_o that_o ark_n for_o first_o it_o be_v so_o make_v with_o a_o ridge_n in_o the_o top_n as_o be_v most_o probable_o think_v that_o no_o man_n can_v stand_v upon_o it_o much_o less_o make_v any_o stay_n in_o that_o violent_a toss_n by_o tempest_n again_o if_o they_o can_v yet_o can_v they_o not_o have_v live_v so_o long_o for_o want_v of_o food_n the_o water_n be_v almost_o a_o year_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a they_o all_o without_o exception_n be_v destroy_v with_o bodily_a destruction_n but_o second_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o a_o eternal_a destruction_n in_o hell_n and_o therefore_o s._n peter_n 1.3.18_o say_v their_o spirit_n be_v now_o in_o prison_n who_o be_v disobedient_a in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n now_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o be_v they_o all_o condemn_v or_o no._n i_o answer_v for_o aught_o that_o we_o certain_o know_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v all_o condemn_v yet_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o think_v and_o the_o rather_o because_o there_o be_v many_o probable_a conjecture_n that_o some_o of_o they_o repent_v for_o howsoever_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v not_o noah_n judge_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o own_o head_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a that_o when_o they_o see_v it_o begin_v to_o rain_v extraordinary_o at_o least_o when_o they_o see_v themselves_o drive_v to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o hill_n and_o there_o look_v hourly_o for_o death_n that_o then_o diverse_a of_o the_o posterity_n of_o henoch_n and_o methusalem_n and_o lamech_n be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o former_a unbelief_n and_o then_o turn_v to_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o in_o repentance_n and_o doubtless_o that_o be_v the_o only_a or_o the_o principal_a cause_n why_o god_n bring_v the_o flood_n in_o forty_o day_n which_o he_o can_v have_v do_v in_o four_o hour_n that_o so_o man_n may_v have_v time_n to_o repent_v genesis_n 7._o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v if_o any_o repent_v why_o then_o be_v they_o not_o save_v i_o answer_v because_o they_o repent_v not_o in_o time_n when_o they_o be_v call_v by_o noah_n preach_v repentance_n be_v never_o too_o late_o to_o save_v the_o soul_n from_o hell_n but_o it_o may_v be_v too_o late_o to_o save_v the_o body_n from_o a_o temporal_a judgement_n and_o this_o i_o take_v it_o be_v that_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o hold_v for_o it_o seem_v too_o hard_o to_o condemn_v all_o the_o posterity_n of_o methusalem_n henoch_n lamech_n and_o other_o holy_a patriarch_n who_o as_o the_o text_n say_v beget_v son_n and_o daughter_n and_o to_o think_v that_o none_o of_o they_o repent_v when_o they_o see_v the_o flood_n come_v indeed_o as_o noah_n have_v say_v it_o can_v be_v but_o they_o hear_v their_o father_n preach_v and_o why_o may_v not_o that_o preach_a work_n upon_o their_o heart_n when_o the_o judgement_n come_v though_o afore_o it_o do_v not_o but_o why_o then_o do_v not_o god_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n neither_o their_o repentance_n nor_o salvation_n but_o have_v leave_v it_o so_o doubtful_a i_o answer_v for_o the_o very_a same_o for_o which_o he_o will_v not_o record_v adam_n nor_o salomon_n all_n for_o this_o cause_n that_o he_o may_v teach_v all_o man_n to_o the_o world_n end_n what_o a_o fearful_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o disobey_v his_o commandment_n as_o adam_n do_v or_o to_o defer_v repentance_n when_o they_o be_v call_v by_o god_n word_n as_o these_o man_n do_v therefore_o to_o fear_v we_o from_o the_o like_a though_o afterward_o they_o repent_v it_o please_v god_n not_o to_o record_v it_o but_o to_o leave_v it_o doubtful_a this_o question_n be_v thus_o discuss_v yield_v we_o two_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n first_o for_o if_o we_o repent_v not_o betimes_o our_o state_n then_o be_v fearful_a and_o doubtful_a though_o not_o desperate_a as_o we_o see_v here_o the_o salvation_n even_o of_o methushelas_n child_n be_v doubtful_a for_o they_o repent_v not_o when_o they_o be_v call_v but_o defer_v it_o till_o the_o judgement_n come_v so_o if_o we_o defer_v our_o repentance_n till_o our_o death_n there_o be_v great_a question_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o let_v we_o repent_v when_o we_o be_v call_v by_o god_n word_n and_o then_o it_o be_v out_o of_o question_n than_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o our_o salvation_n second_o if_o we_o repent_v betimes_o we_o shall_v escape_v the_o temporal_a judgement_n which_o god_n send_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o sin_n if_o not_o but_o defer_v repentance_n till_o the_o judgement_n come_v we_o may_v then_o by_o it_o save_v our_o soul_n but_o our_o body_n shall_v perish_v in_o the_o universal_a judgement_n if_o the_o child_n of_o henoch_n and_o methushelah_n which_o be_v near_o akin_a unto_o noah_n have_v repent_v at_o noah_n preach_v they_o have_v be_v save_v with_o noah_n they_o do_v not_o but_o when_o the_o flood_n come_v indeed_o then_o doubtless_o they_o believe_v with_o noah_n and_o wish_v themselves_o in_o the_o ark_n with_o he_o but_o it_o be_v too_o late_o they_o save_v their_o soul_n but_o be_v drown_v with_o the_o rest_n so_o assure_o when_o god_n threaten_v any_o judgement_n on_o our_o church_n or_o nation_n they_o that_o believe_v and_o repent_v betimes_o shall_v escape_v it_o but_o they_o that_o will_v live_v in_o wantonness_n with_o the_o world_n and_o not_o repent_v till_o god_n begin_v to_o strike_v if_o then_o they_o do_v when_o the_o flood_n be_v come_v though_o salvation_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o repentance_n whensoever_o yet_o let_v they_o assure_v themselves_o they_o shall_v bear_v their_o part_n with_o the_o world_n in_o the_o punishment_n as_o they_o do_v partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n let_v then_o these_o two_o consideration_n move_v we_o all_o to_o turn_v to_o god_n by_o timely_a repentance_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o escape_v both_o the_o eternal_a and_o temporal_a judgement_n and_o not_o be_v condemn_v as_o here_o this_o world_n of_o the_o ungodly_a be_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v who_o be_v condemn_v the_o world_n the_o second_o point_n be_v whereby_o be_v they_o condemn_v the_o text_n say_v only_o by_o which_o he_o condemn_v etc._n etc._n whereupon_o some_o will_v understand_v faith_n and_o read_v it_o thus_o by_o which_o faith_n he_o condemn_v the_o world_n which_o though_o it_o be_v true_a for_o the_o faith_n of_o holy_a man_n condemn_v the_o unbelieved_a and_o misbelieve_a world_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o proper_a in_o this_o place_n where_o the_o ark_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o use_n of_o it_o which_o be_v two_o whereof_o this_o be_v
buy_v it_o and_o when_o we_o have_v get_v it_o we_o must_v care_v to_o keep_v it_o and_o therefore_o must_v lay_v it_o up_o in_o our_o very_a heart_n and_o soul_n and_o keep_v it_o we_o must_v rejoice_v and_o delight_v in_o it_o above_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o glorious_a portion_n which_o our_o god_n and_o father_n leave_v we_o as_o his_o child_n what_o shall_v all_o the_o care_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v but_o to_o preserve_v it_o naboth_n have_v a_o little_a vineyard_n that_o come_v to_o he_o from_o his_o father_n by_o inheritance_n ahab_n the_o king_n will_v give_v he_o money_n or_o a_o better_a vineyard_n for_o it_o but_o naboth_n will_v not_o nay_o say_v he_o god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v sell_v my_o father_n inheritance_n 1._o king_n 21.3_o etc._n etc._n if_o he_o make_v such_o account_n of_o a_o earthly_a inheritance_n what_o shall_v we_o of_o the_o heavenly_a if_o he_o of_o a_o poor_a vineyard_n what_o shall_v we_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n if_o he_o deny_v the_o king_n to_o sell_v it_o for_o a_o better_a shall_v not_o we_o deny_v the_o devil_n to_o leave_v our_o part_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n for_o the_o world_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v promise_v we_o in_o all_o such_o temptation_n our_o answer_n shall_v be_v god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v sell_v away_o my_o inheritance_n which_o my_o god_n and_o father_n give_v i_o thus_o do_v bless_v paul_n who_o esteem_v the_o world_n and_o all_o in_o it_o dung_n and_o dross_n that_o he_o may_v win_v christ_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o righteousness_n so_o must_v we_o if_o we_o will_v be_v worthy_a of_o this_o inheritance_n prize_n and_o value_v it_o above_o this_o world_n and_o think_v base_o of_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n in_o comparison_n of_o it_o and_o rather_o be_v content_a to_o lose_v the_o world_n then_o to_o leave_v it_o and_o last_o when_o we_o have_v it_o and_o be_v thus_o careful_a to_o preserve_v it_o where_o shall_v our_o content_n joy_n and_o delight_n be_v but_o in_o this_o our_o inheritance_n so_o do_v the_o heir_n nothing_o so_o rejoice_v he_o as_o to_o think_v of_o his_o inheritance_n here_o therefore_o the_o madness_n of_o carnal_a man_n be_v discover_v who_o rejoice_v exceed_o in_o the_o honour_n profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o liâ—_n e_fw-la as_o swine_n in_o their_o belly_n and_o never_o go_v further_o but_o alas_o this_o be_v not_o their_o inheritance_n if_o they_o look_v to_o have_v their_o soul_n save_v therefore_o herein_o they_o show_v themselves_o void_a of_o grace_n and_o of_o all_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a world_n for_o if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v rejoice_v in_o it_o and_o not_o in_o the_o vain_a and_o transitory_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n which_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n and_o be_v lose_v with_o more_o torment_n and_o vexation_n than_o they_o be_v keep_v with_o delight_n we_o must_v learn_v â—hen_o to_o use_v this_o world_n as_o though_o we_o use_v it_o not_o 1._o cor._n 7_o 3â—_n and_o â—f_o â—he_v lord_n vouchsafe_v we_o any_o portion_n of_o pleasure_n in_o this_o world_n we_o must_v take_v it_o thankful_o as_o above_o our_o inheritance_n &_o must_v therefore_o use_v it_o lawful_o &_o sober_o but_o have_v our_o heart_n &_o the_o joy_n of_o they_o upon_o our_o inheritance_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n whereof_o we_o be_v make_v heir_n by_o faith_n and_o wherein_o we_o be_v fellow_n heir_n with_o this_o bless_a noah_n who_o be_v make_v heir_n of_o that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o thus_o have_v we_o hear_v the_o most_o glorious_a commendation_n of_o noah_n faith_n and_o of_o noah_n by_o his_o faith_n and_o of_o all_o the_o example_n before_o the_o flood_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o sort_n of_o example_n namely_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o second_o world_n after_o the_o flood_n they_o be_v all_o of_o two_o sort_n either_o such_o as_o live_v afore_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n or_o after_o afore_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n here_o be_v many_o whereof_o as_o of_o all_o the_o other_o kind_n some_o be_v man_n some_o woman_n the_o first_o of_o those_o bless_a man_n after_o the_o flood_n who_o faith_n be_v here_o renown_a be_v abraham_n that_o great_a father_n of_o who_o and_o who_o faith_n because_o he_o be_v a_o father_n of_o so_o many_o faithful_a more_o be_v speak_v then_o of_o any_o one_o abraham_n faith_n verse_n 8._o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v call_v obey_v god_n to_o go_v out_o into_o a_o place_n which_o he_o shall_v afterward_o receive_v for_o inheritance_n and_o he_o go_v out_o not_o know_v whether_o he_o shall_v go_v concern_v holy_a abraham_n here_o be_v more_o example_n than_o one_o record_v and_o his_o faith_n be_v renown_v many_o way_n more_o verse_n be_v spend_v of_o he_o then_o of_o some_o five_o other_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o his_o faith_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o any_o other_o that_o follow_v he_o in_o which_o regard_n he_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a oftentimes_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n especial_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n the_o first_o example_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o four_o in_o order_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v of_o his_o leave_v his_o own_o native_a country_n and_o how_o at_o god_n commandment_n he_o go_v he_o know_v not_o whether_o only_a he_o know_v god_n call_v he_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v go_v wherein_o appear_v a_o most_o worthy_a faith_n now_o concern_v this_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n the_o text_n lay_v down_o two_o point_n 1._o the_o cause_n or_o ground_n thereof_o which_o be_v god_n call_n he_o be_v call_v of_o god_n 2._o the_o fruit_n or_o effect_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o hearken_v and_o obey_v and_o this_o his_o obedience_n be_v amplify_v by_o diverse_a particular_n 1._o the_o matter_n of_o it_o he_o go_v out_o of_o his_o country_n 2._o the_o end_n to_o take_v possession_n of_o a_o country_n which_o he_o shall_v not_o enjoy_v of_o a_o long_a time_n 3._o the_o manner_n he_o go_v out_o not_o know_v whither_o he_o shall_v go_v the_o first_o point_n be_v the_o cause_n or_o ground_n of_o abraham_n faith_n in_o this_o action_n and_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o first_o word_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v call_v this_o story_n be_v take_v out_o of_o gen._n the_o 12._o chap._n the_o cause_n of_o abraham_n faith_n be_v god_n calling_n god_n calling_n be_v a_o action_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o appoint_v a_o man_n to_o some_o certain_a condition_n or_o state_n of_o life_n in_o this_o world_n or_o after_o this_o life_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n god_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o general_n in_o the_o field_n which_o assign_v every_o soldier_n his_o stand_n and_o duty_n so_o do_v god_n appoint_v every_o man_n his_o place_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n concern_v these_o calling_n let_v we_o see_v the_o mean_n how_o he_o call_v and_o the_o several_a state_n whereto_o he_o call_v man_n for_o the_o mean_n or_o manner_n god_n call_v man_n 2._o way_n immediate_o or_o by_o mean_n sometime_o immediate_o by_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o voice_n as_o the_o extraordinary_a prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n &_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a so_o say_v s._n paul_n of_o himself_o he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n galath_n 1.1_o sometime_o mediate_o by_o man_n direct_v by_o himself_o &_o furnish_v or_o enable_v for_o that_o duty_n and_o so_o be_v call_v the_o ordinary_a prophet_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o old_a and_o the_o evangelist_n pastor_n &_o doctor_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o first_o be_v extraordinary_a this_o be_v ordinary_a the_o first_o be_v for_o a_o unbelieved_a or_o a_o misbelieve_a people_n the_o second_o be_v for_o a_o ordinary_a &_o establish_a church_n now_o of_o these_o 2._o way_n god_n call_v abraham_n immediate_o by_o himself_o from_o heaven_n gen._n 12.1_o second_o for_o the_o estate_n of_o life_n whereunto_o god_n call_v man_n they_o be_v three_o general_n particular_a personal_a god_n general_n call_v be_v whereby_o he_o call_v all_o man_n to_o repentance_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o to_o life_n eternal_a of_o this_o speak_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.30_o who_o god_n predestinate_v they_o also_o he_o call_v and_o rome_n 11.29_o the_o call_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n hereby_o he_o call_v man_n in_o this_o life_n to_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v to_o all_o his_o particular_a call_n be_v when_o he_o call_v and_o assign_v
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
word_n and_o promise_n god_n speak_v plain_o and_o deceive_v not_o abraham_n and_o after_o at_o the_o time_n perform_v it_o so_o must_v we_o deal_v plain_o and_o simple_o in_o our_o word_n and_o bargain_n and_o think_v that_o to_o deceive_v and_o overreach_v by_o crafty_a word_n and_o double_a meaning_n and_o equivocal_a phrase_n be_v not_o beseem_v christianity_n and_o we_o must_v make_v conscience_n of_o a_o lie_n else_o we_o be_v like_o the_o devil_n and_o not_o god_n also_o a_o christian_a man_n must_v take_v heed_n what_o how_o and_o to_o who_o he_o promise_v but_o have_v promise_v he_o must_v perform_v though_o it_o be_v loss_n or_o harm_n to_o himself_o if_o it_o be_v not_o wrong_v to_o god_n or_o to_o the_o church_n or_o state_n wrong_v to_o himself_o must_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o performance_n christian_n man_n word_n must_v not_o be_v vain_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o good_a as_o bond_n though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v lawful_a and_o very_o convenient_a in_o regard_n of_o mortality_n to_o take_v such_o kind_n of_o assurance_n last_o abraham_n have_v the_o promise_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v so_o gen._n 15.8_o and_o here_o we_o see_v it_o be_v so_o but_o he_o himself_o see_v it_o not_o so_o that_o abraham_n have_v the_o promise_n and_o we_o the_o performance_n so_o adam_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o we_o see_v it_o perform_v the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o we_o see_v it_o perform_v see_v here_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n above_o the_o old_a this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v so_o much_o better_a than_o they_o as_o god_n be_v better_a to_o we_o than_o he_o be_v to_o they_o and_o to_o excel_v they_o in_o faith_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n of_o holiness_n or_o else_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o holy_a obedience_n shall_v turn_v to_o our_o great_a condemnation_n which_o have_v have_v so_o far_o great_a cause_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v god_n and_o so_o far_o better_a mean_n than_o they_o which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o alas_o what_o will_v become_v of_o they_o who_o come_v behind_o they_o nay_o have_v no_o care_n to_o follow_v they_o in_o their_o faith_n nor_o holiness_n nor_o any_o duty_n of_o holy_a obedience_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o example_n of_o this_o holy_a woman_n faith_n and_o of_o the_o commendation_n thereof_o now_o before_o he_o come_v to_o any_o more_o particular_a example_n of_o faith_n the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v a_o general_a commendation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o those_o joint_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o already_o verse_n 13._o all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o believe_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o thankful_o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n hitherto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v particular_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o diverse_a holy_a believer_n now_o from_o this_o verse_n to_o the_o 17._o he_o do_v general_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n together_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o their_o faith_n as_o the_o durance_n and_o constancy_n of_o their_o faith_n particular_o the_o point_n be_v two_o 1._o be_v lay_v down_o their_o constancy_n and_o continuance_n all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n 2._o that_o constancy_n be_v set_v four_o by_o four_o effect_n 1._o they_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o 2._o they_o believe_v they_o 3._o receive_v they_o thankful_o 4._o profess_a themselves_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o first_o point_n touch_v these_o believer_n be_v that_o as_o they_o begin_v so_o they_o hold_v on_o as_o they_o live_v so_o they_o die_v in_o faith_n all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o word_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o all_o afore_o go_v save_v enoch_n who_o die_v not_o yet_o he_o continue_v also_o constant_a in_o his_o faith_n and_o in_o that_o faith_n be_v take_v up_o but_o as_o for_o abel_n and_o noah_n they_o die_v in_o faith_n yet_o i_o take_v it_o that_o principal_o and_o direct_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v no_o more_o than_o these_o four_o i_o name_v and_o my_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o particular_a effect_n in_o this_o verse_n and_o the_o point_n whereby_o this_o their_o constancy_n be_v amplify_v in_o the_o three_o verse_n follow_v ado_n all_o agree_v especial_o with_o these_o four_o and_o not_o so_o proper_o with_o abel_n or_o noah_n so_o that_o i_o take_v he_o mean_v by_o all_o these_o all_o these_o man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o second_o world_n since_o the_o flood_n all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o assurance_n that_o the_o promise_n make_v unto_o they_o shall_v be_v perform_v in_o god_n good_a time_n these_o promise_n be_v principal_o these_o two_o 1._o salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n 2._o the_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n in_o this_o faith_n they_o die_v that_o be_v they_o hold_v it_o through_o all_o assault_n and_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a even_o to_o the_o last_o gasp_n and_o die_v therein_o in_o this_o their_o practice_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o a_o most_o worthy_a lesson_n of_o christianity_n namely_o that_o we_o must_v so_o live_v that_o we_o may_v die_v in_o faith_n many_o say_v they_o live_v in_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o do_v so_o but_o the_o main_a point_n be_v to_o die_v in_o faith_n there_o be_v none_o so_o ill_a but_o howsoever_o he_o live_v yet_o he_o will_v die_v well_o if_o he_o will_v die_v well_o he_o must_v die_v in_o faith_n for_o miserable_a be_v the_o death_n that_o be_v without_o faith_n and_o herein_o faith_n and_o hope_n differ_v from_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n love_n joy_n zeal_n holiness_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v imperfect_a here_o and_o be_v perfect_v in_o heaven_n but_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v perfect_v at_o our_o death_n they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o other_o world_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o then_o to_o be_v believe_v nor_o hope_v for_o see_v we_o then_o do_v enjoy_v all_o thing_n but_o as_o they_o be_v begin_v in_o our_o life_n at_o our_o regeneration_n so_o they_o be_v make_v perfect_a when_o we_o die_v and_o they_o shine_v most_o glorious_o in_o the_o last_o and_o great_a combat_n of_o all_o which_o be_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n so_o that_o the_o death_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v the_o gate_n to_o glory_n be_v to_o die_v in_o faith_n beside_o as_o life_n leave_v we_o death_n find_v we_o and_o as_o death_n leave_v we_o the_o last_o judgement_n find_v we_o and_o as_o it_o leave_v we_o so_o we_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o without_o recovery_n or_o alteration_n now_o to_o die_v in_o faith_n be_v to_o die_v in_o a_o assure_a estate_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n which_o be_v that_o that_o every_o man_n desire_v therefore_o as_o we_o all_o desire_v it_o so_o let_v we_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o we_o shall_v attain_v unto_o it_o saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o 1._o corinth_n 15.55_o death_n be_v a_o terrible_a serpent_n for_o he_o have_v a_o poison_a sting_n now_o when_o we_o die_v we_o be_v to_o encounter_v with_o this_o hideous_a and_o fearful_a serpent_n he_o be_v fearful_a every_o way_n but_o especial_o for_o his_o sting_n that_o sting_n be_v our_o sin_n and_o this_o sting_n be_v not_o take_v away_o nor_o the_o force_n of_o it_o quench_v but_o by_o true_a faith_n which_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n ephes._n 6._o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v be_v able_a to_o encounter_v with_o this_o great_a enemy_n in_o the_o conquer_a of_o who_o who_o stand_v our_o happiness_n and_o by_o who_o to_o be_v conquer_v be_v our_o eternal_a misery_n we_o must_v then_o so_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v die_v in_o faith_n for_o he_o that_o die_v in_o faith_n that_o faith_n of_o he_o kill_v his_o sin_n and_o conquer_v death_n but_o he_o that_o die_v without_o faith_n death_n and_o sin_n seize_v on_o he_o and_o his_o sin_n live_v for_o ever_o and_o his_o misery_n by_o they_o now_o if_o we_o will_v die_v in_o faith_n we_o must_v live_v in_o faith_n else_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v for_o so_o these_o holy_a patriarch_n live_v long_o in_o this_o faith_n wherein_o they_o die_v for_o their_o holy_a life_n show_v plain_o that_o they_o live_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v do_v purify_v our_o heart_n act._n 15.9_o now_o if_o we_o will_v live_v in_o true_a faith_n the_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o set_v down_o by_o god_n word_n be_v these_o first_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o get_v knowledge_n of_o
they_o all_o know_v and_o some_o confess_v it_o be_v sure_a and_o safe_a to_o die_v in_o our_o religion_n let_v we_o therefore_o cheerful_o and_o comfortable_o live_v in_o that_o religion_n and_o faith_n wherein_o we_o may_v so_o bold_o die_v that_o even_o our_o adversary_n confess_v it_o to_o be_v safe_a now_o follow_v the_o four_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o by_o promise_n we_o understand_v first_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n second_o the_o spiritual_a promise_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n these_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v that_o be_v full_o though_o in_o part_n they_o do_v for_o true_a faith_n do_v always_o receive_v apprehend_v and_o apply_v unto_o itself_o true_o though_o not_o full_o the_o thing_n promise_v god_n say_v he_o will_v give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o they_o do_v not_o full_o enjoy_v and_o possess_v it_o so_o likewise_o the_o messiah_n be_v promise_v unto_o they_o but_o they_o never_o see_v his_o come_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o yet_o they_o believe_v god_n promise_n and_o die_v in_o that_o faith_n where_o we_o may_v see_v the_o invincible_a force_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n even_o unto_o death_n though_o they_o never_o enjoy_v the_o thing_n promise_v in_o this_o life_n which_o plain_o condemn_v our_o age_n of_o unbelief_n for_o we_o have_v more_o accomplish_v unto_o we_o than_o ever_o they_o have_v abraham_n never_o see_v christ_n but_o afar_o off_o yet_o we_o have_v he_o exhibit_v in_o the_o flesh_n we_o see_v and_o know_v he_o live_v and_o die_v rise_v again_o and_o ascend_v and_o now_o make_v continual_a intercession_n for_o we_o and_o we_o have_v the_o true_a sacrament_n which_o shall_v last_v for_o ever_o pledge_n of_o he_o and_o of_o life_n everlasting_a by_o he_o and_o for_o temporal_a promise_n we_o have_v far_o more_o accomplish_v unto_o we_o than_o ever_o he_o have_v but_o though_o we_o go_v before_o abraham_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n promise_n yet_o we_o come_v far_o behind_o he_o in_o belief_n for_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n and_o love_n be_v see_v in_o true_a obedience_n but_o general_o this_o be_v too_o true_a man_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o obedience_n which_o show_v undoubted_o that_o there_o be_v little_a sound_a faith_n among_o us._n and_o it_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o these_o notable_a man_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n shall_v stand_v in_o judgement_n against_o we_o to_o our_o further_a condemnation_n for_o they_o never_o receive_v the_o accomplish_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o yet_o they_o believe_v but_o we_o do_v see_v the_o same_o fulfil_v &_o exhibit_v unto_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o here_o be_v the_o property_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o promise_n be_v afar_o off_o and_o yet_o they_o see_v they_o the_o phrase_n here_o use_v be_v borrow_v from_o mariner_n who_o be_v far_o on_o the_o sea_n can_v descry_v town_n and_o coast_n afar_o off_o but_o only_o by_o help_n of_o some_o tower_n or_o high_a place_n which_o their_o eye_n will_v soon_o discern_v though_o it_o be_v afar_o off_o and_o so_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n be_v long_o before_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n can_v not_o other_o way_n see_v christ_n but_o afar_o off_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n for_o this_o be_v the_o property_n of_o faith_n to_o make_v a_o thing_n absent_a to_o be_v present_a after_o a_o sort_n faith_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v here_o than_o we_o may_v learn_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a we_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n more_o lively_a discern_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o a_o clear_a light_n of_o understanding_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o christ_n than_o the_o church_n have_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n howsoever_o they_o excel_v in_o faith_n yet_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o discern_v of_o christ_n they_o be_v inferior_a unto_o us._n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n make_v this_o promise_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n long_o before_o that_o they_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o water_n that_o cover_v the_o sea_n and_o saint_n paul_n prove_v this_o perform_v when_o he_o affirm_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 2._o corinth_n 3.18_o but_o all_o we_o as_o in_o a_o mirror_n behold_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o open_a face_n and_o christ_n joh._n 6.45_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o knowledge_n shall_v so_o abound_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o all_o ignorant_a person_n of_o this_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n must_v know_v that_o they_o have_v much_o to_o answer_v for_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v make_v his_o church_n to_o abound_v in_o knowledge_n so_o that_o their_o ignorance_n for_o which_o they_o think_v god_n will_v hold_v they_o excuse_v shall_v be_v a_o bill_n of_o indictment_n against_o they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o their_o further_a condemnation_n because_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o clear_o and_o plentiful_o reveal_v in_o these_o day_n that_o whereas_o the_o most_o excellent_a patriarch_n of_o all_o can_v then_o but_o see_v christ_n afar_o off_o the_o most_o simple_a may_v now_o see_v he_o near_o unto_o they_o again_o where_o be_v more_o knowledge_n there_o shall_v be_v more_o obedience_n therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o those_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n &_o submit_v themselves_o to_o hear_v and_o learn_v the_o word_n of_o god_n teach_v unto_o they_o not_o content_v themselves_o with_o bare_a knowledge_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o but_o withal_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n in_o their_o life_n &_o conversation_n for_o though_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o regard_n of_o faith_n do_v go_v far_o before_o we_o yet_o see_v we_o have_v more_o knowledge_n than_o they_o have_v in_o the_o messiah_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o become_v like_a unto_o they_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o life_n their_o faith_n be_v strong_a than_o we_o but_o our_o obedience_n shall_v be_v great_a than_o they_o because_o we_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o believe_v than_o they_o s._n paul_n say_v we_o all_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o mirror_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o open_a face_n 3.18_o and_o the_o end_n thereof_o be_v this_o that_o we_o may_v be_v transform_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o the_o more_o knowledge_n we_o have_v the_o more_o sanctification_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o the_o more_o hatred_n of_o sin_n &_o more_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n but_o the_o more_o be_v the_o pity_n the_o case_n go_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o world_n for_o even_o many_o among_o we_o that_o be_v no_o student_n by_o profession_n have_v great_a and_o commendable_a knowledge_n in_o religion_n but_o where_o be_v the_o fruit_n hereof_o in_o holy_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n god_n by_o call_v have_v make_v we_o a_o pleasant_a vine_n but_o the_o sour_a grape_n of_o sin_n be_v our_o ordinary_a fruit_n they_o be_v the_o grape_n of_o gall_n as_o moses_n say_v 32.33_o for_o atheism_n blasphemy_n contempt_n of_o god_n word_n and_o worship_n with_o open_a profane_v of_o god_n sabaoth_n do_v every_o where_o abound_v to_o omit_v the_o heinous_a crime_n against_o the_o second_o table_n as_o oppression_n adultery_n and_o blood_n touch_v blood_n for_o all_o which_o we_o may_v just_o fear_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v either_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o we_o and_o so_o of_o a_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n make_v we_o no_o church_n or_o else_o sweep_v we_o away_o by_o some_o fearful_a judgement_n as_o with_o the_o bosom_n of_o destruction_n because_o we_o withhold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n rom._n 1.18_o for_o better_a it_o be_v not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n then_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n give_v unto_o we_o let_v we_o therefore_o join_v with_o our_o knowledge_n obedience_n that_o so_o we_o may_v show_v forth_o our_o faith_n in_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n unto_o god_n and_o of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o christianity_n unto_o our_o brethren_n thus_o much_o of_o
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
that_o when_o temptation_n shall_v come_v we_o may_v be_v find_v sound_n and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o trial_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o abraham_n temptation_n now_o follow_v the_o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v therein_o and_o first_o of_o the_o time_n when_o abraham_n be_v tempt_v hereof_o we_o may_v read_v genesis_n 22.1_o after_o these_o thing_n say_v moses_n god_n do_v prove_v abraham_n the_o word_n will_v admit_v a_o double_a reference_n but_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o fit_a for_o that_o place_n to_o wit_n that_o after_o god_n have_v make_v most_o excellent_a promise_n unto_o abraham_n and_o give_v he_o most_o wonderful_a blessing_n and_o privilege_n than_o he_o tempt_v he_o hence_o we_o learn_v this_o notable_a lesson_n that_o those_o people_n in_o god_n church_n which_o receive_v from_o god_n more_o grace_n than_o other_o must_v look_v for_o more_o tentation_n this_o we_o shall_v see_v to_o be_v true_a in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o he_o be_v baptise_a and_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n matthew_n 3_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o have_v this_o voice_n of_o god_n the_o father_n pronounce_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o be_v his_o wellbeloved_n son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v then_o present_o follow_v this_o that_o he_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n matthew_n 4.1_o luke_n 4.1_o be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o luke_n say_v so_o likewise_o when_o god_n have_v testify_v of_o job_n that_o he_o be_v a_o upright_o and_o just_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a job_n 1.8_o then_o satan_n take_v occasion_n thereby_o to_o tempt_v he_o as_o in_o all_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o that_o book_n we_o may_v plain_o see_v wherein_o be_v set_v down_o most_o wonderful_a temptation_n and_o trial_n whereby_o he_o be_v prove_v so_o jacob_n must_v wrestle_v with_o the_o angel_n genesis_n 32.24.28_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n overcome_v god_n himself_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a prerogative_n to_o prevail_v with_o the_o lord_n but_o yet_o he_o must_v prevail_v with_o his_o foil_n verse_n 31_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o ever_o after_o draw_v one_o of_o his_o leg_n after_o he_o even_o to_o his_o die_a day_n saint_n paul_n be_v rapt_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n into_o paradise_n and_o hear_v word_n which_o can_v be_v speak_v yea_o which_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o utter_v yet_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v out_o of_o measure_n through_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o a_o prick_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o 2._o corinthian_n 12._o verse_n 7_o god_n will_v honour_v he_o with_o revelation_n but_o yet_o satan_n shall_v have_v leave_n to_o buffet_v and_o beat_v he_o as_o it_o be_v black_a and_o blue_a in_o all_o which_o we_o may_v see_v that_o to_o who_o god_n vouchsafe_v a_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o they_o he_o appoint_v singular_a trial_n and_o temptation_n above_o other_o man_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o god_n grace_n do_v better_o appear_v in_o temptation_n then_o out_o of_o they_o as_o gold_n be_v best_a try_v in_o the_o fire_n and_o thereby_o prove_v most_o pure_a and_o perfect_a second_o temptation_n serve_v to_o abase_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o down_o in_o his_o own_o conceit_n that_o he_o be_v not_o proud_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o he_o or_o puff_v up_o with_o conceit_n that_o there_o be_v more_o in_o he_o than_o indeed_o there_o be_v this_o we_o see_v in_o paul_n example_n he_o be_v buffet_v of_o satan_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v with_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n we_o may_v see_v a_o type_n hereof_o in_o worldly_a affair_n the_o best_a ship_n that_o float_v on_o the_o sea_n when_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o most_o precious_a jewel_n be_v ballace_v with_o gravel_n or_o sand_n to_o make_v it_o sink_v into_o the_o water_n and_o so_o sail_v more_o sure_o least_o float_v too_o high_a it_o shall_v be_v unstable_a even_o so_o deal_v the_o lord_n with_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o good_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n then_o do_v he_o also_o lay_v temptation_n upon_o they_o to_o humble_v they_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v puff_v up_o in_o themselves_o the_o second_o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o temptation_n be_v the_o greatness_n thereof_o it_o be_v the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v for_o aught_o we_o read_v of_o that_o god_n shall_v command_v he_o to_o kill_v his_o own_o son_n for_o if_o god_n have_v tell_v abraham_n that_o his_o son_n isaac_n must_v have_v die_v it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o grievous_a and_o sorrowful_a news_n unto_o he_o and_o yet_o more_o grievous_a if_o he_o have_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v die_v a_o bloody_a death_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v most_o grievous_a of_o all_o that_o abraham_n himself_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n shall_v sacrifice_v his_o own_o son_n nay_o his_o only_a son_n and_o that_o which_o be_v more_o he_o must_v kill_v his_o only_a child_n in_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v that_o in_o he_o shall_v his_o seed_n be_v call_v this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a wound_n unto_o his_o heart_n and_o yet_o to_o augment_v his_o grief_n he_o must_v not_o do_v it_o present_o nor_o where_o he_o will_v but_o go_v three_o day_n journey_n in_o the_o wilderness_n during_o which_o time_n satan_n undoubted_o wrought_v mighty_o upon_o his_o natural_a affection_n to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o obedience_n which_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o be_v far_o more_o grievous_a unto_o his_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o greevousnesse_n of_o this_o temptation_n we_o may_v learn_v this_o lesson_n that_o god_n in_o tempt_v a_o man_n do_v sometime_o proceed_v thus_o far_o not_o only_o to_o cross_v his_o sin_n and_o corruption_n but_o even_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o nothing_o in_o regard_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o natural_a affection_n for_o this_o commandment_n abraham_n kill_v thy_o son_n may_v have_v make_v abraham_n if_o he_o have_v consult_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n even_o distract_v in_o himself_o and_o without_o reason_n not_o know_v which_o way_n to_o turn_v himself_o and_o according_o let_v all_o god_n child_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v the_o great_a grace_n look_v for_o such_o temptation_n as_o shall_v lay_v their_o humane_a reason_n sâ—at_a upon_o the_o ground_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o point_n even_o utter_o to_o deny_v themselves_o the_o three_o circumstance_n in_o this_o temptation_n be_v this_o what_o abraham_n do_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o faith_n he_o offer_v up_o isaac_n be_v tempt_v abraham_n be_v thus_o tempt_v whether_o he_o will_v obey_v god_n commandment_n or_o not_o obey_v god_n in_o offer_v up_o his_o soon_o and_o yet_o lay_v hold_v upon_o god_n promise_v make_v in_o he_o for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o abraham_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o blessing_n in_o isaac_n and_o be_v now_o command_v to_o kill_v isaac_n he_o do_v not_o now_o cast_v off_o his_o hope_n and_o desperate_o think_v it_o can_v not_o be_v perform_v if_o this_o commandment_n be_v obey_v but_o by_o the_o great_a power_n of_o faith_n he_o both_o obey_v the_o commandment_n and_o yet_o still_o believe_v the_o promise_n for_o so_o say_v the_o text_n by_o faith_n he_o offer_v up_o isaac_n therefore_o in_o the_o very_a action_n of_o kill_a isaac_n he_o believe_v the_o promise_n that_o isaac_n shall_v live_v and_o this_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v with_o his_o own_o voice_n bid_v a_o man_n kill_v his_o son_n it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v be_v find_v that_o will_v do_v it_o but_o to_o do_v it_o and_o still_o to_o believe_v a_o contrary_a promise_n make_v before_o betoken_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o admirable_a faith_n in_o this_o circumstance_n we_o may_v learn_v a_o good_a instruction_n to_o wit_n in_o all_o temptation_n that_o befall_v we_o still_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n though_o in_o the_o devil_n purpose_n they_o tend_v to_o the_o loosen_a of_o our_o hold_n and_o in_o all_o common_a reason_n we_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o let_v they_o go_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o must_v never_o let_v go_v but_o still_o hold_v the_o promise_n fast_o and_o rather_o let_v go_v all_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n than_o god_n promise_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o true_a faith_n but_o even_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n for_o example_n god_n promise_n be_v joh._n 3.16_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v
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
yet_o never_o be_v save_v unless_o therewithal_o we_o have_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v unto_o we_o and_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o seal_v in_o our_o conscience_n by_o god_n holy_a spirit_n again_o consider_v who_o speak_v these_o word_n but_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v we_o shall_v find_v in_o genesis_n 21.12_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o let_v it_o not_o say_v god_n unto_o abraham_n be_v grievous_a in_o thy_o sight_n for_o the_o child_n and_o for_o the_o bondwoman_n in_o all_o that_o sarah_n shall_v say_v unto_o thou_o hear_v her_o voice_n which_o be_v to_o cast_v out_o the_o bondwoman_n and_o her_o son_n ishmael_n for_o say_v god_n in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v here_o observe_v a_o notable_a practice_n of_o abraham_n as_o a_o good_a direction_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n submit_v themselves_o outward_o to_o the_o ministry_n and_o regiment_n thereof_o abraham_n here_o have_v two_o son_n isaac_n and_o ishmael_n he_o circumcise_v they_o both_o and_o instruct_v they_o both_o for_o he_o teach_v all_o his_o household_n to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o fear_v and_o obey_v he_o gen._n 18.19_o he_o judge_v they_o both_o to_o be_v in_o one_o state_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n covenant_n though_o they_o be_v not_o but_o that_o difference_n be_v make_v by_o god_n abraham_n do_v not_o on_o his_o own_o head_n and_o by_o his_o own_o will_n put_v ishmael_n out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o his_o family_n but_o god_n bid_v he_o put_v he_o out_o and_o then_o he_o put_v he_o out_o and_o not_o before_o till_o such_o time_n he_o keep_v he_o in_o and_o hold_v he_o to_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n be_v even_o so_o must_v we_o deal_v towards_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n secret_a judgement_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n and_o till_o god_n manifest_v the_o contrary_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n we_o must_v hold_v they_o all_o elect_v this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o saint_n paul_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o corinth_n 1._o corinth_n 1.2_o he_o call_v they_o all_o sanctify_a and_o to_o the_o galatian_n gal._n 1.2_o he_o call_v they_o all_o elect_v speak_v so_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n although_o he_o know_v that_o among_o they_o there_o be_v many_o profane_a and_o wicked_a man_n and_o though_o he_o reprove_v many_o great_a error_n and_o heinous_a sin_n among_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o argument_n whereby_o abraham_n faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o namely_o the_o great_a impediment_n which_o may_v hinder_v the_o same_o now_o follow_v the_o second_o argument_n or_o reason_n whereby_o his_o faith_n be_v commend_v to_o wit_n abraham_n victory_n over_o these_o impediment_n or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o overcome_v they_o and_o induce_v himself_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o these_o word_n verse_n 19_o for_o he_o consider_v or_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n that_o make_v abraham_n to_o offer_v his_o son_n and_o yet_o believe_v the_o promise_n that_o in_o he_o his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o abraham_n have_v rather_o have_v die_v himself_o if_o it_o may_v have_v stand_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o to_o have_v sacrifice_v his_o son_n how_o then_o do_v he_o induce_v himself_o to_o offer_v he_o up_o ans._n by_o this_o which_o be_v here_o set_v down_o he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v diverse_a point_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o we_o first_o observe_v the_o text_n say_v not_o that_o abraham_n murmur_v or_o reason_v against_o god_n but_o reason_v with_o himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o his_o son_n again_o and_o thereby_o induce_v himself_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n unto_o god_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o when_o god_n lay_v upon_o we_o any_o hard_a commandment_n we_o must_v not_o plead_v the_o case_n with_o god_n or_o murmur_v against_o he_o but_o with_o all_o quietness_n and_o meekness_n obey_v this_o be_v a_o notable_a grace_n of_o god_n commend_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n himself_o in_o rest_n and_o quietness_n say_v god_n isaiah_n 30.15_o shall_v be_v your_o strength_n in_o quietness_n and_o confidence_n shall_v you_o be_v save_v many_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o endure_v or_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o god_n impose_v on_o his_o child_n but_o our_o spiritual_a strength_n stand_v in_o these_o two_o in_o silence_n or_o rest_n and_o in_o quietness_n by_o these_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v when_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n the_o son_n of_o aaron_n offer_v strange_a fire_n before_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v there_o go_v out_o a_o fire_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o devour_v they_o so_o they_o die_v before_o the_o lord_n 10.1.2_o now_o when_o aaron_n their_o father_n ask_v moses_n a_o cause_n hereof_o moses_n say_v it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n speak_v he_o will_v be_v glorify_v in_o all_o that_o come_v near_o he_o which_o when_o aaron_n hear_v the_o text_n say_v he_o heide_v his_o peace_n and_o say_v not_o a_o word_n so_o david_n behave_v himself_o in_o the_o case_n of_o distress_n i_o hold_v my_o peace_n and_o say_v nothing_o because_o thou_o lord_n do_v it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o special_a point_n for_o we_o to_o learn_v and_o practice_n we_o must_v not_o grudge_v or_o repine_v at_o god_n hard_a commandment_n nor_o plead_v the_o case_n with_o he_o but_o in_o all_o quietness_n and_o silence_n obey_v god_n in_o all_o that_o he_o say_v unto_o us._n again_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o abraham_n reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a etc._n etc._n here_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n that_o believe_v to_o have_v good_a knowledge_n in_o god_n word_n that_o when_o a_o temptation_n come_v against_o his_o faith_n by_o knowledge_n and_o reason_v out_o of_o god_n word_n he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o put_v back_o the_o same_o for_o all_o our_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n so_o do_v abraham_n in_o this_o place_n against_o this_o strong_a temptation_n reason_n out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o stay_v himself_o so_o that_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o therefore_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v erroneous_a and_o here_o condemn_v which_o say_v that_o if_o a_o man_n become_v devout_a &_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v though_o he_o know_v not_o what_o the_o church_n believe_v yet_o this_o faith_n will_v save_v he_o but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a device_n of_o their_o own_o and_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o we_o see_v here_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n be_v necessary_a for_o he_o that_o have_v true_a save_v faith_n but_o what_o be_v abraham_n argument_n whereby_o he_o move_v himself_o to_o obey_v god_n sure_o this_o he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a one_o part_n of_o his_o reason_n he_o take_v for_o grant_v which_o here_o he_o conceal_v for_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o he_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v now_o this_o he_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o god_n will_v never_o change_v his_o promise_n from_o whence_o he_o reason_v thus_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n my_o son_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v sacrifice_v my_o son_n according_a to_o his_o commandment_n for_o this_o i_o know_v certain_o that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v my_o seed_n be_v call_v see_v god_n have_v promise_v that_o as_o well_o as_o he_o command_v this_o other_o in_o this_o example_n we_o see_v a_o mean_n set_v down_o unto_o we_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o hard_a and_o difficult_a case_n impose_v by_o god_n which_o be_v a_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v careful_o of_o every_o one_o of_o us._n for_o say_v that_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o touch_v in_o conscience_n for_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o even_o despair_v of_o our_o own_o salvation_n what_o must_v we_o do_v in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v take_v abraham_n course_n and_o dispute_v with_o ourselves_o for_o ourselves_o &_o we_o must_v draw_v our_o argument_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n we_o must_v join_v the_o promise_n and_o power_n of_o god_n together_o as_o for_o example_n thus_o we_o must_v say_v god_n have_v make_v this_o promise_n this_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o i_o do_v believe_v it_o
he_o alone_o three_o whole_a day_n in_o great_a perplexity_n and_o abraham_n go_v forward_o according_a to_o god_n command_n even_o to_o lay_v his_o knife_n to_o his_o son_n throat_n here_o than_o we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o lord_n deal_v with_o his_o servant_n he_o let_v they_o alone_o for_o a_o long_a season_n in_o temptation_n and_o pitiful_a distress_n and_o at_o the_o length_n when_o it_o come_v even_o to_o the_o extremity_n and_o when_o the_o knife_n be_v as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o throat_n then_o he_o show_v himself_o and_o bring_v comfort_n unto_o they_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o a_o true_a christian_a soul_n whether_o you_o will_v for_o it_o be_v true_a both_o in_o the_o general_a and_o particular_a cant._n 3.2.3_o she_o seek_v christ_n every_o where_o in_o the_o street_n and_o open_a place_n but_o she_o find_v he_o not_o then_o she_o go_v to_o the_o watchman_n which_o be_v god_n minister_n and_o there_o inquire_v after_o he_o who_o her_o soul_n love_v and_o they_o can_v tell_v she_o where_o she_o may_v find_v he_o so_o that_o now_o all_o hope_n of_o find_v he_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v pass_v but_o when_o she_o be_v a_o little_a from_o they_o than_o she_o find_v he_o and_o christ_n come_v to_o she_o when_o she_o be_v most_o in_o fear_v not_o to_o have_v find_v he_o at_o all_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v many_o year_n in_o bondage_n in_o egypt_n and_o when_o the_o time_n come_v that_o moses_n be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o fetch_v they_o thence_o and_o to_o be_v their_o guide_n and_o deliverer_n when_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o out_o and_o carry_v they_o to_o the_o red_a sea_n than_o come_v pharaoh_n with_o a_o huge_a army_n after_o they_o to_o destroy_v they_o exod._n 14.25_o before_o they_o have_v be_v in_o great_a affliction_n and_o bondage_n but_o now_o they_o be_v quite_o past_a all_o hope_n of_o recovery_n for_o they_o have_v before_o they_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o on_o each_o side_n of_o they_o great_a hill_n and_o mountain_n and_o behind_o they_o the_o huge_a host_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o therefore_o they_o cry_v out_o unto_o moses_n who_o then_o by_o gods_n commandment_n do_v divide_v the_o red_a sea_n and_o make_v it_o dry_a land_n and_o deliver_v they_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n but_o as_o for_o their_o enemy_n pharaoh_n and_o all_o his_o host_n the_o lord_n drown_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o so_o for_o ourselves_o when_o god_n shall_v exercise_v any_o of_o we_o in_o case_n of_o extremity_n we_o must_v look_v to_o be_v so_o deal_v withal_o at_o god_n hand_n he_o will_v let_v we_o alone_o for_o a_o time_n and_o never_o help_v we_o till_o the_o last_o pinch_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v wait_v for_o his_o good_a pleasure_n with_o patience_n for_o this_o he_o will_v do_v to_o try_v we_o to_o the_o full_a and_o to_o make_v manifest_a the_o grace_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o us._n the_o three_o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v this_o in_o what_o manner_n do_v abraham_n receive_v his_o son_n from_o the_o dead_a this_o we_o may_v read_v of_o gen._n 22.13_o he_o must_v take_v a_o ram_n that_o be_v catch_v behind_o he_o in_o a_o bush_n and_o offer_v he_o in_o stead_n of_o isaac_n so_o isaac_n be_v save_v and_o the_o ram_n be_v sacrifice_v and_o slay_v now_o whereas_o abraham_n offer_v isaac_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o yet_o isaac_n live_v and_o the_o ram_n be_v slay_v in_o his_o stead_n hence_o some_o gather_v this_o use_n and_o we_o may_v profitable_o consider_v of_o the_o same_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o we_o offer_v unto_o god_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v live_a sacrifice_n for_o isaac_n he_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n &_o yet_o he_o live_v and_o die_v not_o but_o the_o ram_n be_v slay_v for_o he_o so_o must_v we_o offer_v ourselves_o in_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n not_o dead_a in_o sin_n but_o live_v unto_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o thus_o shall_v we_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o living_n sacrifice_n unto_o god_n when_o as_o we_o consecrate_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n service_n and_o obey_v he_o in_o our_o life_n and_o calling_n and_o look_v as_o under_o the_o law_n the_o burn_a offering_n be_v burn_v all_o to_o smoke_n and_o ash_n so_o must_v we_o in_o our_o life_n whole_o and_o altogether_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n and_o renounce_v ourselves_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o world_n but_o whole_o dedicate_v to_o god_n neither_o must_v we_o come_v unto_o he_o in_o our_o sin_n for_o sin_n make_v our_o sacrifice_n dead_a lame_a halt_v and_o blind_a which_o god_n do_v abhor_v but_o we_o must_v bring_v ourselves_o living_n sacrifice_n unto_o god_n as_o paul_n say_v ro._n 12.1_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n that_o you_o give_v up_o your_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a &_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v your_o reasonable_a serve_v of_o god_n hence_o also_o some_o gather_v that_o this_o sacrifice_v of_o isaac_n be_v a_o sign_n and_o type_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o as_o isaac_n be_v sacrifice_v and_o live_v so_o do_v christ_n though_o he_o die_v yet_o rise_v again_o and_o now_o live_v for_o ever_o but_o because_o it_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o this_o place_n though_o it_o be_v true_a which_o be_v say_v of_o both_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o urge_v the_o same_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o three_o reason_n whereby_o abraham_n faith_n be_v commend_v with_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a abraham_n faith_n isaac_n faith_n verse_n 20._o by_o faith_n isaac_n bless_v jacob_n and_o esau_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v in_o the_o three_o former_a verse_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v particular_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n now_o in_o this_o verse_n he_o proceed_v to_o set_v down_o unto_o we_o the_o faith_n of_o isaac_n particular_o also_o wherein_o we_o be_v to_o mark_v these_o four_o point_n first_o a_o blessing_n wherewith_o isaac_n bless_v jacob_n and_o esau_n second_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o blessing_n that_o be_v his_o faith_n three_o the_o party_n bless_v which_o be_v jacob_n and_o esau_n four_o the_o nature_n and_o matter_n of_o this_o blessing_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v of_o these_o in_o order_n first_o for_o the_o blessing_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o it_o we_o must_v search_v out_o the_o kind_n of_o blessing_n how_o many_o they_o be_v in_o god_n word_n we_o find_v three_o kind_n of_o blessing_n 1._o whereby_o god_n bless_v man_n now_o god_n bless_v man_n by_o give_v unto_o he_o gift_n and_o benefit_n either_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a and_o so_o he_o bless_v all_o his_o creature_n in_o the_o beginning_n but_o especial_o man_n the_o 2._o kind_n of_o blessing_n be_v that_o whereby_o man_n bless_v god_n and_o this_o man_n do_v by_o praise_v god_n and_o give_v thanks_n unto_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o blessing_n so_o paul_n say_v bless_a be_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o christ_n ephes._n 1.3_o begin_v his_o epistle_n with_o this_o kind_n of_o blessing_n that_o be_v by_o praise_v god_n and_o so_o zachary_n after_o the_o birth_n of_o his_o son_n and_o the_o receive_n of_o his_o sight_n he_o sing_v unto_o god_n this_o song_n of_o praise_n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n luk_n 1.68_o that_o be_v praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v unto_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n the_o three_o kind_n of_o blessing_n be_v that_o whereby_o one_o man_n do_v bless_v another_o and_o under_o this_o kind_n we_o must_v understand_v isaac_n blessing_n in_o this_o place_n now_o further_o this_o kind_n of_o blessing_n whereby_o one_o man_n bless_v another_o be_v either_o private_a or_o public_a a_o private_a blessing_n be_v that_o whereby_o one_o private_a man_n whatsoever_o he_o be_v in_o his_o place_n pray_v to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o another_o and_o this_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n for_o every_o man_n may_v bless_v another_o that_o be_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o another_o but_o especial_o it_o belong_v to_o parent_n thus_o to_o bless_v their_o child_n by_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o commandment_n go_v thus_o honour_v thy_o fa-thy_a father_n and_o thy_o mother_n that_o they_o may_v prolong_v thy_o day_n in_o the_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n give_v thou_o exod._n 20.12_o now_o
in_o regard_n of_o his_o profession_n and_o religion_n for_o mock_v be_v persecution_n gal._n 4.29_o with_o gen._n 21.9_o and_o that_o reproach_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o a_o christian_a be_v cast_v upon_o christ_n and_o christ_n take_v it_o as_o do_v unto_o himself_o the_o persecutor_n wound_v christ_n jesus_n through_o the_o side_n of_o a_o poor_a christian_a which_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n for_o in_o so_o do_v he_o set_v himself_o against_o the_o lord_n jesus_n he_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_v and_o if_o he_o so_o continue_v he_o must_v needs_o look_v for_o some_o fearful_a end_n for_o who_o have_v ever_o be_v fierce_a against_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v prosper_v job._n 9.4_o wherefore_o if_o any_o of_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n in_o this_o kind_n let_v we_o repent_v for_o unless_o we_o turn_v our_o condemnation_n will_v be_v remediless_a again_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v their_o suffering_n for_o christ_n where_o note_n that_o though_o christ_n his_o come_n be_v then_o afar_o off_o yet_o the_o israelite_n than_o know_v of_o christ_n for_o else_o they_o can_v not_o suffer_v for_o he_o this_o confute_v those_o which_o hold_v that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o religion_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v if_o he_o live_v civil_o and_o upright_o therein_o their_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o jew_n who_o they_o say_v have_v only_o the_o knowledge_n of_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o so_o be_v save_v but_o that_o opinion_n be_v here_o disproove_v for_o the_o jew_n know_v christ_n and_o profess_v he_o or_o else_o they_o will_v never_o suffer_v for_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v save_v by_o he_o and_o not_o by_o their_o obedience_n to_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o reason_n which_o move_v moses_n to_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n as_o he_o do_v now_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n be_v add_v a_o reason_n why_o moses_n be_v of_o this_o strange_a judgement_n to_o think_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n namely_o because_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n that_o be_v he_o often_o set_v his_o eye_n to_o behold_v and_o his_o heart_n to_o consider_v how_o god_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n of_o life_n everlasting_a after_o this_o life_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o obey_v he_o and_o trust_v in_o he_o in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o enjoy_n whereof_o he_o prefer_v that_o estate_n wherein_o he_o may_v live_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o reproach_n before_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o where_o we_o see_v what_o it_o be_v that_o will_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o esteem_v affliction_n with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n better_a than_o the_o treasure_n &_o pleasure_n of_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n namely_o as_o we_o set_v the_o bodily_a eye_n to_o behold_v the_o affliction_n so_o we_o must_v lift_v up_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o faith_n to_o behold_v the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n that_o be_v the_o state_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n prepare_v for_o god_n child_n thus_o do_v the_o christian_a hebrew_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n hebrew_n 10.37_o they_o suffer_v with_o joy_n the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n a_o very_a hard_a thing_n but_o yet_o most_o true_a for_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v render_v they_o know_v in_o themselves_o how_o that_o they_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o better_a and_o more_o endure_a substance_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o hebrew_n 12.1_o that_o be_v in_o consideration_n of_o that_o joy_n in_o glory_n whereto_o he_o shall_v be_v advance_v himself_o and_o bring_v all_o his_o member_n this_o we_o must_v make_v use_n of_o for_o if_o we_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n we_o must_v suffer_v affliction_n this_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v not_o yield_v unto_o and_o therefore_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o suffer_v with_o joy_n we_o must_v with_o moses_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n we_o must_v say_v thus_o to_o our_o soul_n the_o day_n will_v come_v wherein_o we_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o we_o now_o serve_v and_o fear_v he_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o for_o his_o sake_n be_v content_a to_o suffer_v a_o short_a affliction_n see_v the_o great_a of_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v roman_n chapter_n 8._o verse_n 18._o question_n but_o why_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v everlasting_a life_n a_o reward_n answer_n it_o be_v not_o so_o call_v because_o moses_n do_v procure_v it_o and_o deserve_v it_o at_o god_n hand_n by_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o work_n in_o suffering_n for_o sure_o no_o man_n can_v merit_v any_o thing_n at_o god_n hand_n the_o case_n be_v plain_a for_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v man_n consider_v his_o manhood_n apart_o from_o his_o godhead_n can_v not_o merit_v any_o thing_n at_o god_n hand_n for_o he_o that_o will_v merit_v of_o god_n by_o any_o work_n must_v do_v three_o thing_n 1._o he_o must_v do_v the_o work_n of_o himself_o and_o by_o himself_o for_o if_o he_o do_v it_o by_o another_o the_o other_o merit_v and_o must_v have_v the_o reward_n and_o praise_n of_o the_o work_n second_o he_o must_v do_v it_o of_o mere_a good_a will_n and_o not_o of_o duty_n for_o that_o which_o be_v of_o duty_n can_v merit_v because_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o 3._o the_o work_n do_v to_o merit_n must_v be_v of_o that_o price_n and_o dignity_n that_o it_o may_v be_v proportionable_a to_o life_n everlasting_a which_o be_v the_o reward_n now_o though_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v man_n be_v above_o all_o man_n &_o all_o angel_n in_o grace_n and_o dignity_n yet_o consider_v his_o manhood_n apart_o from_o his_o godhead_n and_o he_o can_v not_o do_v a_o work_n with_o these_o three_o property_n for_o first_o the_o work_v do_v of_o the_o manhood_n be_v not_o do_v of_o itself_o but_o from_o that_o fullness_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherewith_o he_o be_v endue_v second_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n and_o so_o consider_v his_o work_n be_v of_o duty_n to_o the_o creator_n and_o so_o can_v merit_v three_o christ_n work_n as_o man_n simple_o consider_v be_v finite_a and_o so_o can_v not_o merit_v infinite_a glory_n question_n how_o then_o do_v christ_n merit_v at_o god_n hand_n answer_n partly_o by_o mean_n of_o god_n promise_v make_v in_o the_o law_n which_o be_v this_o do_v this_o and_o thou_o shall_v live_v but_o proper_o and_o chief_o because_o he_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a man_n only_o but_o withal_o true_a and_o very_a god_n for_o because_o his_o obedience_n both_o in_o his_o life_n and_o death_n though_o perform_v in_o his_o manhood_n be_v the_o obedience_n of_o he_o that_o be_v god_n and_o man_n even_o from_o the_o infinite_a excellency_n of_o the_o person_n who_o it_o be_v it_o become_v meritorious_a in_o his_o manhood_n he_o obey_v the_o law_n and_o suffer_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o the_o dignity_n thereof_o come_v from_o his_o godhead_n for_o he_o that_o do_v these_o work_n for_o we_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n now_o if_o christ_n consider_v as_o man_n only_o can_v merit_v then_o much_o less_o can_v any_o other_o man_n merit_n at_o god_n hand_n and_o therefore_o moses_n though_o he_o be_v a_o worthy_a man_n yet_o because_o he_o be_v but_o a_o man_n and_o a_o sinful_a man_n also_o he_o can_v not_o by_o any_o work_n deserve_v life_n everlasting_a at_o god_n hand_n but_o life_n everlasting_a be_v call_v a_o reward_n in_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n promise_v by_o god_n to_o his_o child_n in_o christ_n for_o this_o end_n to_o allure_v and_o draw_v they_o on_o in_o obedience_n and_o it_o must_v not_o seem_v strange_a that_o we_o say_v a_o reward_n be_v a_o free_a gift_n for_o so_o it_o may_v be_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o compare_v two_o place_n of_o scripture_n together_o to_o wit_n matthew_n 5.44_o with_o luke_n 6.32_o for_o whereas_o matthew_n say_v if_o you_o love_v they_o that_o love_v you_o what_o reward_n have_v you_o saint_n luke_n repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n say_v what_o thank_v have_v you_o or_o as_o the_o word_n signify_v what_o favour_n or_o free_a gift_n have_v you_o second_o there_o may_v be_v another_o cause_n render_v why_o life_n everlasting_a be_v call_v a_o reward_n to_o wit_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o work_n do_v but_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o worker_n consider_v in_o christ_n for_o christ_n merit_n make_v life_n everlasting_a to_o be_v a_o
man_n constitution_n may_v help_v forward_o this_o fear_n yet_o many_o time_n it_o come_v from_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n as_o a_o fruit_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o way_n to_o remove_v it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v learn_v namely_o to_o do_v as_o moses_n do_v that_o be_v labour_v to_o be_v resolve_v of_o god_n presence_n with_o we_o and_o providence_n over_o we_o and_o this_o will_v arm_v we_o against_o all_o satanical_a and_o foolish_a fear_n for_o if_o god_n be_v on_o our_o side_n who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o to_o do_v we_o harm_n again_o the_o soldier_n by_o his_o place_n and_o call_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o courage_n for_o else_o the_o state_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o enemy_n will_v much_o affright_v he_o now_o how_o may_v he_o become_v courageous_a they_o use_v to_o sound_v the_o drum_n and_o trumpet_n for_o this_o end_n and_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v they_o be_v good_a incitement_n &_o provocation_n unto_o battle_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o point_n of_o danger_n these_o can_v give_v heart_n other_o use_v against_o the_o battle_n to_o fill_v themselves_o with_o wine_n and_o to_o make_v themselves_o valiant_a by_o strong_a drink_n this_o indeed_o may_v make_v they_o senseless_a and_o so_o desperate_a but_o the_o true_a way_n be_v to_o become_v christian_a soldier_n know_v and_o fear_v god_n and_o with_o their_o bodily_a armour_n to_o bring_v also_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n whereby_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n have_v call_v they_o to_o that_o fight_n &_o that_o he_o be_v present_a with_o they_o to_o cover_v their_o head_n in_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n this_o will_v make_v they_o to_o take_v heart_n and_o courage_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o become_v true_o valorous_a though_o by_o nature_n they_o be_v weak_a and_o timorous_a three_o who_o know_v whether_o god_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o this_o trial_n either_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n or_o forsake_v his_o truth_n for_o he_o may_v just_o take_v from_o we_o these_o golden_a day_n of_o peace_n for_o our_o ingratitude_n now_o if_o such_o time_n come_v upon_o we_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v shall_v we_o deny_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n god_n forbid_v but_o how_o shall_v we_o stand_v out_o in_o such_o a_o trial_n sure_o we_o must_v follow_v moses_n and_o labour_n to_o see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a by_o faith_n this_o will_v make_v we_o courageous_a and_o without_o fear_n in_o god_n cause_n remember_v this_o also_o that_o among_o those_o which_o be_v reckon_v to_o go_v down_o to_o hell_n the_o fearful_a man_n be_v one_o revel_v 21.8_o who_o dare_v not_o stand_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o for_o fear_n of_o man_n deny_v it_o let_v we_o therefore_o now_o begin_v to_o settle_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o protection_n that_o so_o when_o trial_n come_v we_o may_v be_v bold_a in_o the_o case_n of_o god_n he_o that_o be_v invisible_a that_o be_v god_n who_o be_v a_o most_o simple_a essence_n void_a of_o all_o composition_n or_o corporal_a substance_n for_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n john_n 4.24_o and_o therefore_o invisible_a and_o not_o subject_a to_o man_n sense_n but_o some_o will_v say_v god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v head_n heart_n hand_n and_o foot_n with_o other_o part_n of_o man_n body_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v visible_a answ._n the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o speak_v in_o scripture_n of_o god_n by_o way_n of_o resemblance_n of_o he_o unto_o man_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o thereby_o conceive_v of_o his_o work_n for_o therefore_o be_v the_o part_n of_o man_n body_n ascribe_v unto_o god_n in_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o do_v such_o work_n by_o his_o divine_a power_n as_o man_n do_v by_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n man_n show_v his_o strength_n and_o valour_n in_o his_o arm_n and_o by_o resemblance_n unto_o man_n god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o arm_n to_o note_v out_o his_o power_n and_o valiant_a act_n and_o so_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v eye_n because_o we_o shall_v conceive_v that_o by_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o see_v all_o thing_n more_o clear_o than_o man_n do_v any_o thing_n at_o noon_n day_n with_o his_o bodily_a eye_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n but_o moses_n be_v say_v to_o talk_v with_o god_n face_n to_o face_n and_o to_o see_v his_o back_n part_n exod._n 33.11_o 23._o answ._n this_o import_v not_o that_o he_o see_v the_o substance_n of_o god_n but_o only_o that_o god_n do_v after_o a_o familiar_a manner_n reveal_v himself_o unto_o he_o and_o in_o some_o resemblance_n show_v he_o his_o glory_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o moses_n be_v able_a to_o behold_v it_o for_o the_o text_n be_v plain_a my_o face_n can_v not_o be_v see_v there_o shall_v no_o man_n see_v i_o and_o live_v vers_fw-la 20._o here_o we_o learn_v that_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n we_o must_v not_o conceive_v of_o he_o by_o any_o form_n or_o image_n in_o our_o mind_n for_o so_o we_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o god_n quest._n what_o then_o must_v we_o do_v for_o how_o will_n some_o say_v can_v i_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o not_o think_v of_o he_o answ._n when_o we_o think_v of_o god_n or_o pray_v unto_o he_o we_o must_v conceive_v of_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n as_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o in_o scripture_n that_o be_v by_o his_o work_n and_o by_o his_o property_n we_o must_v think_v in_o our_o mind_n of_o a_o eternal_a essence_n most_o holy_a wise_a etc._n etc._n who_o make_v all_o thing_n and_o govern_v they_o by_o his_o mighty_a power_n for_o every_o image_n to_o resemble_v god_n by_o either_o to_o the_o mind_n or_o to_o the_o eye_n be_v a_o plain_a lie_n make_v he_o visible_a who_o be_v invisible_a as_o say_v the_o prophet_n hab._n 2_o 18_o the_o image_n what_o profit_v it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o lie_n which_o flat_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n who_o resemble_v the_o true_a god_n even_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a trinity_n in_o image_n what_o else_o do_v they_o herein_o but_o make_v a_o lie_n of_o god_n but_o the_o papist_n say_v they_o devise_v no_o image_n to_o resemble_v god_n in_o but_o only_o such_o whereby_o he_o have_v show_v himself_o as_o the_o scripture_n testify_v as_o the_o father_n like_o a_o old_a man_n the_o son_n as_o he_o be_v incarnate_a and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n like_o a_o dove_n math._n 3.16_o answ._n we_o must_v not_o conceive_v of_o those_o form_n of_o a_o old_a man_n or_o of_o a_o dove_n to_o have_v be_v ever_o any_o image_n of_o the_o father_n or_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o only_a sign_n and_o pledge_n for_o a_o time_n whereby_o those_o person_n do_v then_o manifest_a their_o presence_n now_o there_o be_v a_o express_a commandment_n against_o all_o representation_n of_o god_n by_o image_n not_o except_v those_o very_a shape_n whereby_o it_o please_v god_n for_o a_o time_n to_o signify_v his_o presence_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v idolatrous_a presumption_n to_o make_v any_o image_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o trinity_n and_o indeed_o god_n be_v invisible_a as_o the_o text_n say_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v any_o true_a image_n or_o resemblance_n of_o he_o verse_n 28._o by_o faith_n he_o ordain_v the_o passeover_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o blood_n lest_o he_o that_o destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v shall_v touch_v they_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n have_v show_v unto_o we_o the_o notable_a faith_n of_o moses_n by_o two_o worthy_a act_n 1_o his_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n 2_o his_o depart_n out_o of_o egypt_n now_o here_o in_o this_o verse_n he_o commend_v his_o faith_n unto_o we_o by_o a_o three_o action_n which_o be_v the_o ordination_n or_o celebrate_v of_o the_o passeover_n this_o verse_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o 12._o chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v this_o after_o that_o god_n have_v send_v nine_o several_a plague_n upon_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n which_o be_v occasion_n to_o harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n at_o last_o he_o send_v moses_n to_o certify_v pharaoh_n that_o unless_o he_o will_v let_v the_o people_n go_v he_o will_v send_v a_o ten_o plague_n which_o shall_v be_v more_o grievous_a to_o they_o than_o all_o the_o former_a even_o the_o slaughter_n of_o all_o the_o first_o bear_v in_o egypt_n both_o of_o man_n and_o beast_n yet_o pharaoh_n heart_n be_v not_o soften_v neither_o do_v he_o let_v the_o people_n go_v therefore_o moses_n depart_v from_o he_o and_o according_a to_o god_n commandment_n assemble_v the_o elder_n of_o israel_n together_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o kill_v every_o
be_v the_o right_a time_n for_o a_o man_n to_o show_v his_o faith_n when_o there_o be_v in_o himself_o no_o cause_n of_o believe_v object_n but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v believe_v answ._n indeed_o to_o believe_v then_o be_v a_o wonderful_a hard_a thing_n and_o a_o miracle_n of_o miracle_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o property_n of_o true_a faith_n so_o to_o do_v and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o dram_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o despair_n howsoever_o it_o may_v for_o a_o time_n lie_v hide_v as_o dead_a yet_o at_o the_o length_n it_o will_v make_v he_o to_o hope_n and_o wait_v for_o mercy_n and_o life_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o almighty_a god._n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n at_o any_o time_n to_o lay_v a_o torment_n upon_o our_o conscience_n so_o as_o we_o shall_v strive_v with_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n think_v that_o he_o have_v cast_v we_o away_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o than_o we_o must_v believe_v gods_n promise_n and_o set_v before_o we_o his_o mercy_n and_o therewith_o refresh_v us._n and_o if_o this_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n many_o sundry_a time_n be_v in_o a_o most_o miserable_a case_n the_o lord_n therefore_o have_v most_o merciful_o provide_v to_o help_v he_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n when_o a_o man_n be_v pass_v all_o hope_n of_o life_n he_o must_v then_o believe_v and_o hope_v for_o life_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o preservation_n and_o undoubted_o this_o be_v a_o comfortable_a sign_n of_o grace_n if_o a_o man_n in_o the_o horror_n of_o conscience_n can_v show_v forth_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o true_a faith_n four_o note_v the_o effect_n and_o issue_n of_o this_o faith_n they_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n we_o say_v usual_o that_o water_n &_o fire_n be_v unmerciful_a creature_n and_o therefore_o the_o natural_a man_n fear_v they_o both_o but_o the_o israelite_n faith_n make_v they_o not_o to_o fear_v the_o water_n but_o it_o make_v they_o bold_a even_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o sea_n the_o like_a we_o may_v see_v for_o fire_n in_o the_o 3._o child_n dan._n 3.16.23_o who_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o the_o hot_a burn_a oven_n but_o be_v as_o bold_a in_o it_o as_o out_o of_o it_o ravenous_a &_o wild_a beast_n be_v terrible_a unto_o man_n but_o faith_n make_v a_o man_n not_o to_o fear_v they_o and_o therefore_o daniel_n fear_v not_o the_o lion_n though_o he_o be_v throw_v into_o their_o den_n to_o be_v devour_v dan._n 6.22_o great_a be_v the_o fruit_n and_o force_n of_o faith_n it_o take_v from_o a_o man_n the_o fear_n of_o those_o creature_n which_o by_o nature_n be_v most_o terrible_a and_o here_o we_o see_v a_o cause_n why_o the_o holy_a martyr_n of_o god_n die_v most_o cheerful_o a_o man_n will_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o one_o shall_v go_v into_o the_o fire_n rejoice_v as_o many_o of_o they_o do_v but_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o have_v faith_n in_o their_o heart_n which_o take_v away_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o most_o fearful_a creature_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o may_z some_z say_v that_o the_o israelite_n by_o faith_n go_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n not_o fear_v the_o water_n why_o may_v not_o we_o that_o believe_v now_o do_v the_o same_o for_o we_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n that_o they_o have_v answ._n we_o have_v indeed_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v pass_v through_o water_n as_o they_o do_v for_o their_o faith_n rest_v on_o two_o promise_n first_o on_o this_o make_v to_o abraham_n i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n second_o on_o a_o particular_a promise_n make_v to_o moses_n for_o when_o he_o command_v he_o to_o go_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n withal_o he_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v they_o and_o this_o they_o believe_v and_o so_o go_v through_o now_o howsoever_o we_o have_v justify_v faith_n have_v the_o same_o general_a promise_n yet_o we_o have_v not_o the_o like_a particular_a promise_n that_o if_o we_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n god_n will_v be_v with_o we_o and_o save_v us._n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v adventure_v to_o do_v so_o let_v he_o look_v for_o nothing_o but_o death_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o action_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o presumption_n and_o therefore_o peter_n sink_v when_o he_o will_v needs_o walk_v unto_o christ_n upon_o the_o sea_n have_v no_o such_o hold_n upon_o god_n special_a promise_n as_o here_o they_o have_v and_o the_o egyptian_n follow_v presumptuous_o be_v drown_v wherefore_o let_v we_o here_o be_v warn_v not_o to_o attempt_v to_o do_v extraordinary_a work_n without_o god_n special_a warrant_n for_o a_o particular_a faith_n require_v a_o particular_a promise_n beside_o the_o general_a promise_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n further_o let_v we_o here_o observe_v a_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o power_n when_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v into_o extremity_n of_o danger_n so_o as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o desperate_a case_n for_o their_o temporal_a life_n yet_o than_o the_o lord_n find_v a_o way_n of_o deliverance_n and_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n consider_v aright_o of_o it_o he_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o israelite_n be_v in_o a_o pitiful_a case_n for_o they_o have_v the_o red_a sea_n before_o they_o and_o mountain_n on_o each_o side_n and_o themselves_o hinder_v from_o flight_n by_o their_o bag_n and_o baggage_n and_o with_o their_o child_n and_o the_o huge_a host_n of_o pharaoh_n behind_o they_o so_o as_o to_o man_n reason_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o present_a death_n to_o be_v look_v for_o yet_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n to_o save_v they_o make_v a_o way_n where_o there_o be_v no_o way_n and_o open_v they_o a_o gap_n to_o life_n when_o natural_a reason_n can_v lay_v before_o they_o nothing_o but_o violent_a death_n which_o show_v the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o his_o own_o people_n and_o servant_n and_o the_o like_a thing_n we_o may_v read_v of_o in_o david_n when_o he_o abide_v in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o maon_n for_o there_o saul_n follow_v he_o and_o he_o and_o his_o man_n compass_v david_n and_o his_o man_n round_o about_o 1._o sam._n 23.26_o 27._o now_o what_o hope_v of_o deliverance_n be_v there_o for_o david_n ans._n sure_o this_o only_a david_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n &_o the_o lord_n preserve_v he_o that_o he_o may_v rule_v his_o people_n after_o saul_n death_n and_o therefore_o he_o escape_v though_o wonderful_o for_o a_o messenger_n come_v to_o saul_n and_o bid_v he_o haste_n for_o the_o philistines_n invade_v the_o land_n and_o so_o saul_n return_v from_o pursue_v david_n and_o go_v against_o the_o philistines_n hence_o we_o learn_v this_o general_a rule_n that_o in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o danger_n god_n have_v mean_n to_o preserve_v and_o save_v his_o own_o child_n and_o people_n which_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o commend_v our_o case_n to_o god_n and_o to_o rest_v on_o he_o in_o all_o danger_n for_o when_o our_o case_n be_v desperate_a in_o our_o sight_n then_o be_v we_o fit_a for_o god_n help_v let_v we_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n learn_v to_o practise_v our_o faith_n and_o then_o especial_o to_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o god._n this_o jehosaphat_n do_v most_o notable_o for_o be_v assault_v with_o the_o huge_a army_n of_o the_o moabite_n ammonite_n etc._n etc._n he_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n most_o fervent_o say_v 2._o chron._n 20.12_o lord_n there_o be_v no_o strength_n in_o we_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v but_o our_o eye_n be_v towards_o thou_o and_o thus_o do_v be_v preserve_v for_o god_n will_v in_o no_o extremity_n forsake_v they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o the_o red_a sea_n in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v call_v the_o sea_n of_o rush_n psal._n 106.7_o 9_o or_o the_o sea_n of_o sedge_n jer._n 49.21_o it_o be_v a_o corner_n of_o the_o arabian_a sea_n that_o part_v egypt_n and_o arabia_n those_o which_o have_v see_v it_o in_o travel_n say_v it_o have_v no_o other_o colour_n than_o all_o other_o sea_n have_v why_o then_o be_v it_o call_v the_o red_a sea_n answ._n to_o omit_v many_o suppose_a cause_n hereof_o there_o be_v two_o especial_o for_o which_o it_o be_v so_o call_v 1_o because_o of_o the_o red_a sand_n for_o both_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o shore_n be_v full_a of_o red_a sand_n than_o ordinary_o be_v elsewhere_o 2_o some_o think_v it_o be_v call_v the_o red_a sea_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o sedge_n and_o bul-rush_n which_o grow_v much_o at_o the_o sea_n side_n and_o be_v of_o a_o red_a colour_n which_o by_o reflection_n may_v
hitherto_o entreat_v now_o here_o and_o sâ—_n forward_o to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v set_v down_o a_o three_o order_n of_o example_n of_o faith_n namely_o of_o such_o as_o live_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o maccabee_n this_o 30._o verse_n contain_v the_o first_o example_n of_o this_o rank_n namely_o the_o example_n of_o josuahs_n faith_n &_o of_o those_o that_o go_v with_o he_o into_o canaan_n and_o their_o faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o by_o a_o notable_a fact_n of_o they_o the_o cause_v to_o fall_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n the_o history_n whereof_o we_o may_v read_v at_o large_a josuah_n 6._o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o whereas_o the_o israelite_n come_v unto_o canaan_n and_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o jericho_n by_o which_o they_o must_v needs_o pass_v nor_o can_v win_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o huge_a wall_n of_o jericho_n the_o lord_n promise_v to_o deliver_v jericho_n into_o their_o hand_n only_o the_o people_n must_v do_v this_o they_o must_v compasse-about_a the_o wall_n seven_o day_n &_o carry_v the_o ark_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o they_o sound_v with_o ram_n horn_n and_o shout_n and_o so_o the_o wall_n shall_v fall_v down_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v this_o promise_n unto_o they_o the_o israelite_n and_o special_o josuah_n obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o believe_v his_o promise_n and_o thus_o do_v by_o faith_n the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o after_o they_o be_v compassed-about_a seven_o doye_n indeed_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o ruin_n of_o the_o wall_n but_o yet_o because_o upon_o their_o believe_v god_n show_v this_o power_n therefore_o be_v the_o downfall_n of_o they_o ascribe_v to_o their_o faith_n here_o be_v many_o notable_a point_n to_o be_v learn_v 1._o whereas_o the_o text_n say_v by_o faith_n the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o true_a faith_n josuah_n and_o the_o israelite_n believe_v god_n promise_n that_o he_o will_v overturn_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n and_o as_o they_o believe_v so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v matthew_n 17.20_o if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o as_o much_o faith_n as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n he_o shall_v say_v unto_o the_o mountain_n remove_v hence_o and_o it_o shall_v remove_v and_o nothing_o shall_v be_v unpossible_a unto_o he_o signify_v that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o true_a faith_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o man_n reason_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v if_o god_n have_v promise_v they_o as_o we_o see_v in_o this_o place_n the_o mighty_a wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o by_o faith_n which_o to_o man_n reason_n be_v impossible_a so_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o abraham_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n yea_o 18.18_o that_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o he_o this_o be_v strange_a but_o abraham_n believe_v it_o and_o as_o he_o believe_v so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o many_o nation_n descend_v from_o he_o and_o after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n ascension_n when_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v bless_v in_o christ_n the_o promise_a seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o therefore_o be_v he_o call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o come_v unto_o ourselves_o to_o miserable_a man_n it_o may_v seem_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o flesh_n shall_v be_v overcome_v in_o we_o yet_o let_v a_o man_n believe_v this_o promise_n of_o god_n god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o who_o so_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n john_n 3.16_o i_o say_v let_v he_o believe_v this_o effectual_o and_o he_o shall_v find_v by_o faith_n the_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n &_o satan_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o conscience_n weaken_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o and_o therefore_o s._n john_n say_v not_o without_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcom_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n 1._o john_n 5.4_o 2._o here_o observe_v that_o among_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o change_n &_o overthrow_v of_o town_n city_n &_o kingdom_n this_o be_v one_o namely_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n many_o man_n have_v write_v of_o the_o change_n of_o kingdom_n &_o do_v give_v diverse_a reason_n thereof_o but_o most_o of_o they_o omit_v the_o principal_a and_o that_o be_v faith_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o many_o time_n kingdom_n and_o town_n be_v bring_v to_o ruin_n and_o overthrow_n god_n promise_v to_o abraham_n &_o to_o his_o seed_n that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o their_o inheritance_n now_o they_o believe_v this_o promise_n &_o here_o we_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o they_o believe_v jericho_n by_o faith_n be_v overturn_v &_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o city_n &_o the_o people_n of_o canaan_n dispossess_v so_o that_o we_o see_v faith_n in_o god_n promise_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o god_n people_n to_o overturn_v city_n &_o kingdom_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o gospel_n god_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n unto_o his_o church_n that_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n revel_v 18.2_o that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n shall_v flourish_v for_o a_o while_n but_o after_o it_o shall_v be_v destroy_v yea_o such_o a_o ruin_n shall_v come_v unto_o it_o that_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o great_a man_n and_o merchant_n shall_v bewail_v the_o destruction_n thereof_o now_o this_o promise_n be_v receive_v by_o faith_n and_o believe_v of_o god_n church_n shall_v undoubted_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v in_o some_o part_n verify_v already_o for_o we_o see_v some_o kingdom_n and_o people_n have_v renounce_v the_o curse_a doctrine_n and_o tyranny_n of_o rome_n and_o many_o christian_a prince_n have_v already_o shake_v off_o the_o pope_n yoke_n yea_o and_o this_o promise_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o let_v all_o the_o king_n of_o that_o sort_n do_v what_o they_o can_v and_o let_v the_o people_n set_v themselves_o never_o so_o much_o against_o god_n church_n yet_o babylon_n shall_v down_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v so_o to_o his_o church_n and_o his_o church_n believe_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o by_o their_o faith_n it_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o despite_n of_o the_o devil_n three_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o when_o any_o city_n town_n or_o kingdom_n be_v to_o make_v war_n either_o in_o defence_n of_o themselves_o or_o in_o lawful_a assault_n upon_o their_o enemy_n a_o special_a mean_n for_o good_a success_n herein_o be_v true_a faith_n christian_n policy_n be_v a_o commendable_a thing_n in_o this_o case_n but_o if_o policy_n be_v sever_v from_o faith_n it_o be_v nothing_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n of_o protection_n and_o assistance_n do_v far_o surpass_v all_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o therefore_o good_a king_n jehosaphat_n when_o he_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o the_o huge_a army_n of_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n give_v this_o counsel_n to_o his_o people_n 2_o chron._n 20.20_o put_v your_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v assure_v believe_v his_o prophet_n and_o you_o shall_v prosper_v give_v a_o most_o notable_a instruction_n and_o show_v that_o the_o best_a help_n for_o our_o defence_n be_v faith_n in_o god_n whereby_o we_o rest_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v help_v we_o yet_o this_o take_v not_o away_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n but_o it_o give_v the_o blessing_n and_o efficacy_n unto_o they_o 6.16_o i'faith_o we_o know_v be_v call_v a_o shield_n among_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n of_o god_n whereby_o a_o man_n award_v the_o blow_n of_o satan_n and_o though_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a virtue_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v it_o also_o a_o notable_a shield_n to_o defend_v man_n even_o against_o their_o outward_a &_o visible_a enemy_n &_o a_o most_o strong_a engine_n against_o they_o to_o work_v their_o overthrow_n hence_o david_n say_v he_o will_v not_o be_v afraid_a for_o ten_o thousand_o of_o the_o people_n that_o shall_v beset_v he_o round_o about_o 3.6_o they_o therefore_o that_o will_v defend_v themselves_o against_o their_o enemy_n yea_o and_o overcome_v they_o in_o lawful_a assault_n must_v embrace_v &_o obey_v true_a religion_n &_o with_o christian_a policy_n join_v faith_n in_o god_n promise_n for_o by_o faith_n we_o make_v god_n our_o captain_n &_o through_o he_o we_o shall_v do_v
keep_n of_o it_o be_v a_o double_n of_o the_o sin_n david_n in_o his_o anger_n have_v swear_v to_o slay_v nabal_n and_o all_o the_o man_n in_o his_o family_n for_o deny_v relief_n unto_o his_o servant_n 1._o sam._n 25.22_o this_o be_v a_o rash_a oath_n and_o therefore_o afterward_o when_o he_o be_v prevent_v by_o abigail_n good_a counsel_n he_o bless_v god_n for_o it_o and_o break_v his_o oath_n which_o he_o have_v make_v vers_fw-la 32._o quest._n 2._o what_o if_o a_o man_n take_v a_o oath_n and_o yet_o afterward_o in_o conscience_n doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v swear_v to_o do_v what_o must_v be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n ans._n so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v he_o must_v defer_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o do_v a_o thing_n doubt_o condemn_v himself_o in_o the_o thing_n he_o do_v because_o he_o do_v it_o not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o quest._n 3._o what_o if_o a_o man_n be_v urge_v by_o fear_n to_o take_v a_o oath_n must_v he_o afterward_o keep_v it_o as_o for_o example_n a_o man_n be_v take_v of_o thief_n now_o want_v money_n they_o charge_v he_o on_o pain_n of_o death_n to_o fetch_v they_o money_n and_o they_o bind_v he_o hereto_o by_o a_o oath_n what_o must_v be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n consider_v there_o must_v such_o great_a care_n be_v have_v in_o keep_v of_o a_o oath_n answ._n so_o long_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o oath_n to_o do_v respect_v his_o private_a damage_n only_o he_o must_v keep_v his_o oath_n yet_o so_o as_o he_o declare_v his_o case_n to_o the_o magistrate_n because_o their_o course_n be_v against_o the_o common_a good_a now_o the_o magistrate_n hear_v of_o it_o be_v according_a to_o equity_n to_o provide_v for_o his_o defence_n &_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o good_n a_o second_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o rahabs_n preservation_n be_v this_o rahab_n escape_v a_o common_a danger_n but_o not_o without_o all_o mean_n only_o stay_v herself_o on_o the_o bare_a promise_n of_o the_o spy_n but_o as_o she_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n so_o she_o use_v mean_n whereby_o she_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o her_o preservation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o she_o bind_v the_o spy_n by_o a_o oath_n to_o save_v her_o life_n and_o to_o spare_v her_o household_n 21._o also_o she_o keep_v within_o and_o tie_v the_o cord_n of_o red_a thread_n in_o her_o window_n according_a to_o their_o mutual_a covenant_n thus_o she_o use_v mean_n for_o her_o temporal_a safety_n and_o so_o have_v other_o of_o gods_n child_n do_v in_o like_a case_n when_o king_n hezekiah_n 2._o king_n 20.6_o be_v sick_a he_o be_v certify_v by_o the_o prophet_n from_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v live_v fifteen_o year_n long_o yet_o he_o neglect_v not_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v heal_v and_o live_v for_o he_o apply_v dry_a fig_n to_o his_o boil_v and_o use_v food_n and_o raiment_n for_o his_o bodily_a life_n during_o the_o whole_a space_n of_o those_o fifteen_o year_n so_o the_o apostle_n s_o paul_n in_o his_o voyage_n by_o sea_n to_o rome_n be_v assure_v by_o a_o vision_n that_o none_o of_o they_o that_o be_v with_o he_o shall_v perish_v but_o all_o come_v safe_a to_o land_n and_o yet_o when_o the_o mariner_n will_v have_v go_v out_o he_o tell_v the_o centurion_n that_o unless_o those_o stay_v in_o the_o ship_n that_o so_o they_o may_v use_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n they_o can_v not_o be_v safe_a now_o as_o it_o fare_v temporal_o for_o the_o save_n of_o the_o body_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o spiritual_a case_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n man_n must_v use_v mean_n to_o come_v by_o grace_n &_o so_o to_o salvation_n but_o many_o in_o this_o regard_n be_v great_a enemy_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n they_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a and_o christ_n be_v a_o saviour_n &_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v save_v i_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o salvation_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v they_o with_o our_o inward_a faith_n we_o must_v join_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o outward_a ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o god_n use_v to_o save_v man_n soul_n as_o namely_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n call_v upon_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o thereby_o our_o sinful_a life_n may_v be_v amend_v and_o our_o faith_n strengthen_v this_o must_v be_v remember_v of_o we_o for_o they_o that_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v the_o mean_n despise_v the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n offer_v therein_o and_o therefore_o paul_n say_v of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o put_v the_o gospel_n from_o they_o that_o they_o do_v judge_v themselves_o unworthy_a eternal_a life_n act._n 13.46_o it_o follow_v with_o they_o that_o disobey_v that_o be_v with_o the_o people_n of_o jericho_n quest._n how_o do_v they_o disobey_v ans._n thus_o when_o josuah_n and_o the_o people_n come_v unto_o they_o and_o offer_v they_o peace_n if_o so_o be_v they_o will_v become_v their_o tributary_n and_o servant_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o jericho_n will_v not_o yield_v unto_o they_o but_o set_v themselves_o against_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o so_o against_o god_n in_o that_o they_o will_v not_o undertake_v that_o estate_n which_o god_n offer_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v here_o esteem_v disobedient_a hence_o we_o learn_v that_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n at_o any_o time_n to_o put_v we_o out_o of_o these_o temporary_a benefit_n which_o we_o enjoy_v in_o good_n and_o possession_n we_o must_v be_v content_v with_o god_n will_v and_o providence_n and_o seek_v to_o obey_v god_n therein_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jericho_n pay_v dear_o for_o their_o disobedience_n in_o this_o case_n god_n set_v the_o israelite_n as_o lord_n over_o they_o and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o become_v their_o servant_n they_o die_v for_o it_o david_n practice_n be_v commendable_a in_o this_o case_n for_o when_o he_o be_v put_v out_o of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n by_o his_o own_o son_n he_o murmur_v not_o but_o say_v thus_o if_o i_o shall_v find_v favour_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v bring_v i_o again_o but_o if_o he_o say_v thus_o i_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o thou_o behold_v here_o i_o be_o let_v he_o do_v to_o i_o as_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o eye_n 2._o sam._n 15.25_o 26._o in_o other_o country_n we_o see_v city_n and_o town_n spoil_v and_o sack_v what_o must_v the_o people_n do_v answ._n they_o must_v submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n pleasure_n know_v that_o he_o permit_v it_o who_o may_v do_v what_o he_o will_n and_o so_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o bring_v we_o into_o the_o like_a case_n as_o to_o suffer_v our_o enemy_n to_o have_v dominion_n over_o we_o and_o to_o dispossess_v we_o of_o our_o place_n we_o must_v submit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n when_o we_o see_v no_o help_n by_o lawful_a mean_n we_o must_v not_o murmur_v or_o rebel_n for_o that_o be_v but_o to_o disobey_v as_o the_o people_n of_o jericho_n do_v and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v destroy_v as_o they_o be_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o point_n the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o example_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o her_o faith_n in_o receive_v the_o spy_n peaceable_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a work_n of_o faith_n as_o saint_n james_n note_v jam._n 2.25_o and_o the_o more_o commendable_a because_o she_o receive_v they_o into_o her_o house_n and_o entertain_v they_o yea_o she_o preserve_v they_o in_o danger_n of_o her_o own_o life_n for_o she_o do_v it_o contrary_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o state_n under_o which_o she_o live_v but_o against_o this_o may_v be_v object_v first_o that_o she_o lie_v in_o this_o fact_n for_o when_o the_o king_n of_o iericho_n messenger_n come_v to_o search_v for_o the_o spy_n who_o she_o have_v hide_v in_o the_o top_n of_o her_o house_n she_o say_v to_o the_o messenger_n they_o be_v go_v another_o way_n now_o how_o can_v it_o be_v a_o good_a work_n which_o be_v do_v with_o lie_v especial_o to_o our_o superior_a who_o have_v power_n to_o ask_v we_o and_o to_o who_o we_o be_v double_o bind_v to_o speak_v the_o truth_n answ._n we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o work_n be_v good_a which_o she_o do_v and_o a_o work_n of_o mercy_n to_o preserve_v god_n people_n although_o she_o fail_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o she_o receive_v they_o by_o faith_n though_o she_o show_v distrust_v in_o lie_v for_o their_o safety_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a work_n of_o rebecca_n gen._n 27._o to_o cause_n her_o son_n jacob_n to_o
therefore_o the_o lord_n forbid_v a_o bastard_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o bear_v any_o office_n unto_o the_o ten_o generation_n deuteronomie_n chapter_n 23._o verse_n 2_o so_o ignominious_a be_v this_o kind_n of_o birth_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n spirit_n unto_o that_o party_n on_o who_o it_o fall_v for_o this_o sin_n of_o fornication_n do_v not_o only_o hurt_v the_o person_n commit_v it_o but_o even_o stain_v the_o child_n base_a bear_v to_o the_o ten_o generation_n yet_o howsoever_o jephte_n be_v base_a bear_v and_o so_o suffer_v for_o it_o great_a reproach_n here_o we_o see_v he_o be_v commend_v unto_o we_o for_o his_o faith_n among_o the_o most_o worthy_a believer_n that_o ever_o be_v indeed_o beside_o jephte_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v the_o like_a example_n in_o scripture_n yet_o in_o jephte_n we_o may_v see_v that_o howsoever_o it_o be_v a_o reproachful_a thing_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o fornication_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o the_o party_n so_o bear_v may_v come_v to_o true_a faith_n and_o so_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o life_n everlasting_a such_o person_n as_o be_v base_a bear_v upon_o view_n of_o that_o reproach_n which_o the_o scripture_n fasten_v upon_o they_o may_v take_v occasion_n to_o think_v miserable_o of_o themselves_o even_o that_o god_n have_v reject_v they_o but_o this_o example_n serve_v to_o show_v that_o it_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v come_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o by_o faith_n get_v honour_n of_o god_n to_o countervail_v that_o discredit_n which_o they_o have_v by_o their_o base_a birth_n further_o whereas_o we_o common_o say_v that_o such_o as_o be_v base_a bear_v be_v wicked_a person_n here_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a in_o jephte_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o for_o this_o cause_n condemn_v any_o for_o wicked_a or_o ungodly_a indeed_o the_o lord_n have_v brand_v this_o estate_n with_o reproach_n that_o man_n shall_v shun_v the_o sin_n of_o fornication_n the_o more_o again_o whereas_o jephte_n be_v here_o commend_v for_o his_o faith_n we_o may_v probable_o gather_v that_o their_o opinion_n be_v not_o true_a who_o hold_v that_o jephte_n sacrifice_v &_o kill_v his_o own_o daughter_n for_o be_v commend_v here_o for_o his_o faith_n certain_a it_o be_v he_o have_v knowledge_n in_o god_n will_v and_o word_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o think_v but_o that_o he_o know_v god_n will_v never_o accept_v of_o such_o a_o vow_n by_o the_o performance_n whereof_o he_o shall_v commit_v wilful_a and_o most_o unnatural_a murder_n this_o his_o faith_n show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o his_o intent_n to_o kill_v the_o first_o person_n that_o meet_v he_o out_o of_o his_o house_n for_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n he_o may_v know_v that_o god_n will_v never_o accept_v thereof_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o like_a he_o so_o make_v his_o vow_n for_o this_o faith_n and_o such_o a_o vow_n can_v stand_v together_o but_o some_o will_v say_v the_o text_n be_v plain_a judg._n 11.31_o that_o he_o vow_v to_o offer_v for_o a_o burn_a offering_n the_o thing_n that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o door_n of_o his_o house_n to_o meet_v he_o when_o he_o come_v home_o ans._n it_o be_v so_o indeed_o in_o some_o translation_n it_o shall_v be_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v offer_v it_o etc._n etc._n but_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n may_v as_o well_o be_v translate_v thus_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o lord_n or_o i_o will_v offer_v it_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o late_a translation_n be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n for_o this_o be_v jephte_n meaning_n that_o whatsoever_o meet_v he_o first_o he_o will_v dedicate_v it_o to_o god_n &_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v sacrifice_v than_o his_o purpose_n be_v to_o offer_v it_o unto_o the_o lord_n in_o sacrifice_n quest._n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o kill_v she_o why_o do_v he_o then_o so_o lament_v for_o she_o ans._n because_o by_o his_o vow_n he_o be_v to_o dedicate_v she_o to_o god_n and_o so_o she_o be_v to_o live_v a_o nazarite_n all_o her_o life_n long_o which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a bitter_a thing_n to_o he_o who_o have_v no_o child_n but_o she_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o reproach_n and_o in_o some_o sort_n a_o curse_n in_o those_o day_n to_o want_v issue_n i_o speak_v not_o here_o how_o well_o or_o ill_a jephte_n do_v in_o make_v she_o a_o nazarite_n but_o this_o may_v no_o way_n be_v admit_v that_o believe_v and_o godly_a jephte_n shall_v advise_o kill_v his_o own_o daughter_n undoubted_o he_o can_v not_o think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v with_o such_o a_o abominable_a sacrifice_n thus_o much_o for_o these_o person_n the_o rest_n i_o pass_v over_o because_o this_o story_n be_v plain_a and_o large_a in_o scripture_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o david_n verse_n 33_o 34_o 35._o which_o through_o faith_n subdue_v kingdom_n wrought_v righteousness_n obtain_v the_o promise_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n quench_v the_o violence_n of_o fire_n escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n of_o weak_a be_v make_v strong_a wax_v valiant_a in_o battle_n turn_v to_o flight_n the_o army_n of_o the_o alien_n the_o woman_n receive_v their_o dead_a raise_v to_o life_n in_o these_o word_n the_o apostle_n propound_v unto_o we_o ten_o several_a fruit_n of_o faith_n the_o nine_o first_o whereof_o be_v the_o particular_a action_n of_o the_o party_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n and_o they_o be_v here_o relate_v for_o the_o commendation_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v subdue_a of_o kingdom_n which_o serve_v chief_o for_o the_o commendation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o four_o judge_n there_o name_v and_o of_o david_n for_o as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n and_o of_o samuel_n all_o these_o subdue_a kingdom_n as_o the_o canaanite_n judg._n 4._o the_o midianite_n judg._n 6._o the_o philistines_n judg._n 15._o and_o 16._o 2._o sam._n 8.1_o the_o ammonite_n judg._n 11._o moabite_n &_o aramite_n 2._o sam._n 8.2.6_o now_o how_o do_v they_o overcome_v and_o subdue_v they_o the_o text_n say_v by_o faith_n which_o we_o must_v not_o not_o thus_o understand_v as_o though_o only_a by_o the_o very_a act_n of_o faith_n they_o subdue_v kingdom_n but_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v that_o they_o believe_v the_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v unto_o they_o of_o deliver_v these_o kingdom_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o according_a to_o their_o faith_n god_n accomplish_v his_o promise_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o they_o subdue_v kingdom_n by_o faith_n in_o this_o work_n of_o faith_n we_o may_v learn_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o christian_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o make_v war_n for_o that_o which_o may_v be_v do_v in_o faith_n be_v lawful_a for_o god_n servant_n but_o war_n may_v be_v make_v in_o faith_n for_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n subdue_v kingdom_n in_o war_n and_o that_o by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o christian_n upon_o just_a cause_n to_o make_v war_n the_o anabaptist_n of_o germany_n say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o a_o christian_a under_o the_o gospel_n to_o carry_v a_o weapon_n or_o to_o make_v war_n but_o this_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o war_n under_o the_o gospel_n if_o it_o be_v use_v according_a to_o god_n will_v &_o word_n when_o the_o soldier_n come_v to_o john_n baptist_n and_o ask_v he_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v he_o bid_v they_o not_o leave_v off_o their_o call_n but_o this_o do_v violence_n to_o no_o man_n neither_o accuse_v any_o false_o and_o be_v content_a with_o your_o wage_n luk._n 3.14_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n report_v of_o a_o centurion_n which_o be_v captain_n of_o a_o band_n when_o he_o come_v to_o have_v his_o son_n heal_v 8.3_o that_o he_o have_v not_o find_v such_o faith_n in_o israel_n and_o he_o be_v not_o a_o centurion_n only_o afore_o he_o believe_v but_o even_o afterward_o when_o christ_n commend_v his_o faith_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o dislike_v his_o call_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o cornelius_n act._n 10._o all_o which_o show_v plain_o that_o upon_o just_a cause_n christian_n may_v lawful_o make_v war_n ob._n 1._o but_o to_o defend_v their_o opinion_n they_o object_n some_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o mat._n 5.39_o resist_v not_o evil_a say_v christ_n therefore_o say_v they_o a_o man_n may_v not_o wear_v a_o weapon_n nor_o use_v a_o sword_n lest_o those_o make_v he_o to_o resist_v and_o so_o to_o break_v this_o commandment_n of_o christ._n ans._n that_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o
and_o lip-faith_n and_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o true_a save_v faith_n whereby_o we_o may_v profitable_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o enjoy_v god_n most_o excellent_a promise_n in_o christ._n man_n may_v lie_v and_o be_v deceive_v but_o god_n be_v truth_n itself_o and_o can_v lie_v and_o therefore_o as_o he_o have_v make_v his_o promise_n of_o life_n to_o believer_n and_o to_o no_o other_o so_o will_n he_o sure_o accomplish_v the_o same_o to_o they_o and_o to_o no_o other_o wherefore_o if_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n and_o desire_v life_n let_v we_o get_v into_o our_o heart_n the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o three_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o four_o and_o five_o effect_n which_o i_o will_v handle_v together_o be_v these_o stopped_n the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n quench_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o fire_n for_o the_o four_o whereas_o some_o of_o these_o person_n be_v say_v to_o have_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o daniel_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 6._o chapter_n of_o that_o book_n for_o daniel_n through_o the_o malice_n of_o other_o that_o incense_v the_o king_n wrath_n against_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o den_n of_o hunger-bit_n lion_n but_o daniel_n even_o then_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o put_v all_o his_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o lord_n by_o his_o angel_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lion_n and_o as_o it_o be_v seal_v up_o their_o paw_n that_o they_o can_v not_o hurt_v he_o the_o five_o effect_n in_o quench_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o fire_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n the_o companion_n of_o daniel_n which_o three_o as_o we_o may_v read_v dan._n 3_o refuse_v to_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o nabuchadnezzar_n have_v set_v up_o for_o which_o cause_n they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o hot_a burn_a oven_n but_o they_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o he_o in_o obedience_n even_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o life_n whereupon_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o omnipotent_a power_n do_v most_o miraculous_o preserve_v they_o by_o stay_v the_o rage_n of_o the_o fire_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n thereof_o that_o it_o have_v no_o power_n over_o their_o body_n nay_o it_o do_v not_o burn_v the_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n nor_o cause_v their_o garment_n to_o smell_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v quench_v the_o violence_n of_o it_o because_o it_o have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o though_o it_o burn_v most_o fierce_o but_o be_v to_o they_o as_o though_o it_o have_v be_v quite_o put_v out_o and_o quench_v now_o join_v these_o two_o effect_n together_o &_o they_o afford_v we_o good_a instruction_n first_o here_o we_o learn_v how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n and_o at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n even_o as_o these_o four_o man_n do_v so_o must_v we_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n forsake_v ourselves_o and_o put_v all_o our_o trust_n in_o christ._n this_o do_v daniel_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o lion_n den_n and_o this_o do_v the_o 3._o child_n in_o the_o hot_a fiery_a furnace_n and_o this_o have_v be_v always_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o god_n child_n in_o all_o age_n at_o the_o very_a point_n of_o death_n and_o in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o danger_n they_o rest_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o the_o merciful_a promise_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o time_n will_v come_v upon_o we_o all_o wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o we_o must_v all_o pass_v the_o door_n of_o death_n &_o once_o lie_v in_o the_o pang_n thereof_o now_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v when_o we_o lie_v half_o dead_a gasp_v &_o pant_v for_o breath_n able_a to_o speak_v to_o no_o man_n nor_o to_o hear_v any_o speak_n to_o we_o when_o all_o comfort_n of_o the_o world_n fail_v we_o sure_o we_o must_v then_o at_o that_o very_a instant_n labour_v to_o leave_v ourselves_o and_o this_o world_n and_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o by_o faith_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o christ_n passion_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o he_o will_v sure_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o danger_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o satan_n that_o roar_a lion_n &_o quench_v the_o fire_n of_o hell_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o touch_v us._n but_o some_o will_v say_v if_o this_o be_v all_o we_o must_v do_v than_o all_o be_v well_o for_o this_o i_o can_v soon_o do_v when_o time_n serve_v and_o therefore_o i_o will_v take_v no_o care_n till_o then_o answer_n beware_v of_o spiritual_a guile_n for_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o most_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n to_o rely_v and_o cast_v himself_o whole_o upon_o christ_n in_o the_o hour_n and_o pang_n of_o death_n for_o then_o above_o all_o time_n be_v the_o devil_n busy_a against_o we_o then_o will_v the_o conscience_n stir_v if_o ever_o and_o the_o body_n be_v torment_v the_o soul_n must_v needs_o be_v wonderful_a heavy_a this_o we_o may_v see_v by_o the_o state_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o his_o agony_n and_o passion_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o reckon_v so_o light_o of_o this_o duty_n question_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o hard_a a_o thing_n how_o can_v daniel_n and_o the_o three_o child_n do_v it_o answer_n they_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o for_o they_o rest_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o so_o be_v enable_v to_o rely_v upon_o he_o in_o time_n of_o peril_n even_o so_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v in_o god_n when_o we_o die_v &_o then_o show_v forth_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v while_o we_o live_v put_v our_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o show_v it_o by_o obedience_n for_o rare_a it_o be_v to_o find_v a_o man_n that_o live_v in_o unbelief_n to_o show_v forth_o faith_n at_o his_o end_n and_o therefore_o while_o we_o have_v health_n strength_n and_o peace_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o believe_v and_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o in_o time_n of_o peril_n and_o of_o death_n second_o from_o these_o two_o effect_n of_o faith_n we_o observe_v further_o that_o god_n divine_a providence_n do_v firm_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o whole_a world_n ordinary_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n by_o secundarie_n cause_n set_v one_o creature_n over_o another_o and_o ordain_v one_o to_o do_v this_o thing_n and_o another_o that_o and_o according_o they_o work_v but_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n but_o be_v most_o free_a to_o use_v they_o or_o not_o to_o use_v they_o ordinary_o he_o execute_v this_o or_o that_o punishment_n by_o this_o or_o that_o creature_n and_o so_o by_o mean_n convey_v his_o blessing_n but_o yet_o he_o can_v work_v without_o they_o as_o here_o we_o see_v for_o he_o preserve_v his_o creature_n against_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n as_o daniel_n from_o the_o lion_n who_o nature_n be_v to_o devour_v and_o against_o the_o nature_n of_o fire_n he_o save_v the_o three_o child_n in_o the_o fire_n so_o that_o god_n work_v by_o mean_n but_o yet_o free_o because_o he_o can_v work_v at_o his_o pleasure_n either_o without_o or_o against_o mean_n and_o his_o powerful_a hand_n save_v against_o mean_n show_v his_o roll_a and_o dispose_v providence_n over_o all_o thing_n three_o by_o these_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n we_o learn_v that_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n towards_o believer_n be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o unspeakable_a than_o ever_o he_o promise_v or_o they_o can_v expect_v this_o point_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o we_o all_o for_o it_o be_v of_o singular_a &_o extraordinary_a use_n especial_o in_o time_n of_o peril_n and_o trouble_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v it_o be_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o paul_n give_v thanks_o and_o praise_n unto_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o we_o exceed_o abundant_o above_o all_o that_o we_o ask_v or_o think_v 3.20_o daniel_n put_v his_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o lion_n den_n and_o what_o do_v he_o obtain_v for_o his_o labour_n the_o lord_n never_o promise_v to_o stop_v the_o lion_n mouth_n neither_o do_v daniel_n ever_o presume_v upon_o that_o deliverance_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n save_v he_o and_o so_o the_o three_o child_n though_o they_o make_v no_o account_n of_o their_o life_n because_o god_n have_v not_o promise_v to_o keep_v they_o from_o burn_v yet_o they_o come_v out_o in_o safety_n for_o god_n in_o mercy_n so_o quench_v the_o heat_n of_o the_o fire_n unto_o they_o that_o though_o it_o burn_v to_o death_n those_o that_o cast_v they_o in_o yet_o
juda_n who_o as_o we_o may_v read_v 2._o king_n 20._o be_v sore_o sick_a even_o unto_o death_n be_v restore_v to_o health_n and_o obtain_v of_o god_n the_o lengthen_v of_o his_o day_n for_o the_o space_n of_o fifteen_o year_n which_o wonderful_a recovery_n he_o obtain_v by_o mean_n of_o his_o faith_n which_o he_o show_v in_o time_n of_o his_o sickness_n by_o a_o prayer_n he_o make_v unto_o god_n the_o substance_n whereof_o stand_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o be_v very_o sick_a he_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n this_o appear_v by_o his_o thanksgiving_n upon_o his_o recovery_n isaiah_n 38.17_o where_o he_o confess_v that_o god_n have_v cast_v all_o his_o sin_n behind_o his_o back_n now_o look_v for_o what_o he_o give_v thanks_o that_o no_o doubt_n he_o have_v before_o beg_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n second_o he_o make_v request_n unto_o god_n for_o prolong_v of_o his_o day_n for_o some_o reason_n which_o do_v concern_v himself_o and_o this_o he_o also_o pray_v for_o in_o faith_n now_o the_o reason_n move_v he_o to_o pray_v for_o long_a life_n be_v these_o first_o he_o have_v then_o no_o issue_n to_o succeed_v he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o therefore_o he_o pray_v for_o life_n to_o beget_v a_o child_n which_o may_v sit_v upon_o his_o throne_n after_o he_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o prayer_n be_v this_o god_n have_v make_v a_o particular_a promise_n unto_o david_n and_o solomon_n 1._o king_n 8.25_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o want_v issue_n after_o they_o to_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o israel_n so_o that_o their_o child_n take_v heed_n to_o their_o way_n to_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n as_o david_n do_v now_o king_n hezekiah_n know_v this_o promise_n have_v regard_n hereunto_o and_o build_v himself_o hereon_o his_o conscience_n bear_v he_o witness_n that_o he_o have_v walk_v before_o the_o lord_n upright_o he_o pray_v for_o issue_n to_o succeed_v he_o and_o for_o that_o cause_n he_o desire_v strength_n of_o body_n and_o length_n of_o day_n this_o appear_v notable_o by_o his_o prayer_n 2._o king_n 20.3_o lord_n say_v he_o i_o beseech_v thou_o now_o remember_v how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n the_o sum_n of_o his_o prayer_n be_v this_o all_o the_o king_n succeed_v david_n and_o solomon_n which_o walk_v in_o god_n commandment_n shall_v have_v issue_n to_o sit_v on_o their_o throne_n after_o they_o now_o from_o hence_o he_o pray_v thus_o oh_o lord_n i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n and_o hereupon_o the_o conclusion_n follow_v grant_v i_o issue_n to_o sit_v upon_o my_o throne_n after_o i_o and_o therefore_o life_n and_o health_n to_o accomplish_v the_o same_o second_o he_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v live_v to_o glorify_v god_n in_o that_o weighty_a call_n wherein_o god_n have_v place_v he_o over_o his_o people_n this_o appear_v likewise_o by_o his_o thanksgiving_n unto_o the_o lord_n upon_o his_o recovery_n where_o he_o say_v isaiah_n 38.20_o â—he_v lord_n be_v ready_a to_o save_v i_o therefore_o we_o will_v sing_v my_o song_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o by_o his_o worthy_a prayer_n he_o show_v forth_o his_o faith_n notable_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o be_v sick_a unto_o death_n he_o obtain_v of_o the_o lord_n the_o prolong_n of_o his_o day_n for_o the_o space_n of_o fifteen_o year_n and_o so_o we_o see_v to_o who_o this_o seven_o effect_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v here_o we_o be_v teach_v a_o special_a duty_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o our_o health_n in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n to_o wit_n before_o we_o use_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o physic_n we_o must_v according_a to_o this_o example_n first_o put_v our_o faith_n in_o practice_n by_o humble_v ourselves_o for_o our_o sin_n past_a confess_v they_o true_o unto_o god_n and_o pray_v for_o pardon_n from_o a_o resolute_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n and_o also_o by_o entreat_v health_n of_o god_n and_o his_o good_a blessing_n upon_o the_o mean_n which_o we_o shall_v use_v for_o our_o recovery_n thus_o have_v other_o of_o god_n servant_n do_v beside_o hezekias_n when_o david_n be_v grievous_o sick_a the_o principal_a thing_n he_o do_v be_v this_o practice_n of_o faith_n in_o humble_v his_o soul_n before_o god_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o entreat_v earnest_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v psa._n 6._o &_o 38._o this_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n which_o in_o those_o psalm_n be_v propound_v of_o david_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n counsel_n jam._n 5.14_o 15_o be_v any_o man_n sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o must_v they_o do_v sure_o first_o pray_v for_o he_o and_o then_o as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o those_o day_n anoint_v he_o with_o oil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o again_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v any_o sin_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o and_o here_o we_o must_v be_v admonish_v to_o beware_v of_o the_o bad_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n in_o this_o case_n the_o most_o man_n in_o their_o sickness_n first_o seek_v to_o the_o physician_n and_o if_o that_o fail_v they_o they_o send_v for_o the_o minister_n this_o be_v king_n asa_n his_o practice_n for_o which_o he_o be_v brand_v to_o all_o posterity_n that_o be_v disease_v in_o his_o foot_n he_o seek_v unto_o physician_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o lord_n 2._o chron._n 16.12_o though_o otherwise_o he_o have_v good_a thing_n in_o he_o as_o 1._o king_n 15.14_o and_o many_o do_v far_o worse_o who_o seek_v to_o witch_n and_o enchanter_n when_o they_o or_o they_o be_v in_o such_o distress_n but_o this_o be_v to_o forsake_v god_n and_o to_o seek_v help_n of_o the_o devil_n like_v to_o ahaziah_n who_o send_v to_o baalzebub_n the_o god_n of_o ekron_n to_o know_v of_o his_o recovery_n when_o he_o be_v sick_a upon_o a_o fall_n 2._o king_n 1.2_o this_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o all_o god_n child_n for_o as_o ahaziahs_n sickness_n become_v deadly_a through_o his_o send_n to_o baalzebub_n so_o undoubted_o many_o disease_n become_v incurable_a by_o the_o bad_a and_o preposterous_a deal_n of_o the_o patient_n who_o either_o use_v unlawful_a mean_n or_o lawful_a mean_n disordered_o or_o trust_v therein_o we_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n must_v remember_v our_o duty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n as_o hezekiah_n do_v the_o eight_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v this_o wax_v valiant_a in_o battle_n this_o effect_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o the_o judge_n before_o name_v and_o of_o all_o the_o good_a king_n in_o juda_n and_o israel_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v two_o especial_o to_o who_o we_o may_v more_o peculiar_o refer_v it_o to_o wit_n samson_n and_o david_n for_o samson_n he_o by_o mean_n of_o faith_n come_v to_o be_v so_o mighty_a judg._n 15.15_o that_o with_o the_o jaw_n bone_n of_o a_o ass_n he_o slay_v a_o thousand_o philistines_n and_o for_o david_n he_o likewise_o be_v so_o encourage_v by_o faith_n that_o with_o the_o same_o sling_n wherewith_o he_o keep_v his_o father_n sheep_n which_o be_v but_o a_o slender_a weapon_n for_o war_n he_o encounter_v with_o goliath_n that_o huge_a philistim_n and_o hit_v he_o with_o a_o stone_n in_o the_o forehead_n and_o slay_v he_o both_o these_o fact_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o make_v they_o bold_a to_o encounter_v with_o these_o mighty_a enemy_n in_o this_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n first_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o true_a fortitude_n and_o manhood_n right_a valour_n and_o courage_n come_v from_o true_a faith_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o many_o heathen_a man_n have_v great_a strength_n and_o courage_n but_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o true_a valour_n for_o right_a valour_n come_v from_o a_o believe_a heart_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o judge_n and_o prince_n of_o israel_n wax_v strong_a in_o battle_n by_o faith_n second_o do_v true_a faith_n make_v man_n valiant_a in_o battle_n then_o shall_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v set_v up_o and_o maintain_v as_o well_o in_o the_o camp_n and_o guarison_n and_o among_o soldier_n on_o the_o sea_n as_o in_o city_n and_o town_n of_o peace_n for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o this_o faith_n which_o give_v valour_n in_o battle_n to_o they_o that_o fight_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n enjoin_v by_o moses_n that_o when_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n go_v out_o to_o battle_n the_o priest_n
aim_v at_o the_o minister_n life_n then_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o flock_n he_o may_v go_v apart_o for_o his_o own_o safety_n for_o a_o time_n so_o it_o be_v with_o paul_n when_o the_o ephesian_n be_v in_o a_o uproar_n about_o their_o diana_n paul_n in_o zeal_n will_v have_v enter_v in_o among_o they_o but_o the_o disciple_n suffer_v he_o not_o act._n 19.30_o this_o they_o do_v for_o paul_n safety_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o know_v those_o idolater_n will_v have_v be_v most_o fierce_a against_o paul_n and_o so_o ought_v every_o particular_a church_n to_o have_v special_a care_n of_o the_o life_n of_o their_o minister_n other_o case_n there_o be_v in_o which_o he_o may_v fly_v but_o i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o recite_v all_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o circumstance_n which_o may_v alter_v the_o case_n as_o well_o respect_v his_o enemy_n as_o himself_o and_o his_o people_n make_v that_o unlawful_a at_o one_o time_n &_o to_o some_o person_n which_o to_o other_o or_o at_o another_o time_n may_v be_v lawful_a second_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v these_o servant_n of_o god_n wander_v up_o and_o down_o we_o do_v learn_v that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o travel_v from_o country_n to_o country_n if_o so_o be_v he_o go_v in_o faith_n as_o these_o man_n do_v again_o their_o go_n be_v to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o for_o the_o same_o end_n may_v any_o man_n lawful_o travel_v from_o place_n to_o place_n but_o when_o man_n go_v not_o in_o faith_n nor_o yet_o for_o this_o end_n the_o better_a to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n there_o undoubted_o their_o travel_n be_v not_o lawful_a by_o this_o then_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o reprove_v the_o bad_a course_n of_o many_o night-wanderer_n among_o we_o as_o first_o of_o our_o common_a beggar_n who_o whole_a life_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o wander_a from_o place_n to_o place_n though_o not_o in_o faith_n nor_o for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o they_o find_v a_o sweetness_n in_o their_o idle_a kind_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o they_o wander_v because_o they_o will_v not_o work_v now_o this_o their_o course_n have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o love_n of_o idleness_n and_o contempt_n of_o pain_n in_o a_o lawful_a calling_n can_v be_v but_o great_o displease_v unto_o god_n who_o enjoin_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v walk_v in_o some_o lawful_a call_n and_o eat_v his_o own_o bread_n this_o they_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n pursue_v they_o for_o general_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o most_o horrible_a sin_n of_o injustice_n and_o uncleanness_n they_o walk_v inordinate_o for_o they_o range_v not_o themselves_o into_o any_o family_n but_o live_v like_a brute_n beast_n than_o man_n they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n but_o excommunicate_v themselves_o from_o all_o church_n and_o so_o live_v as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o god_n no_o christ_n nor_o true_a religion_n and_o herein_o we_o may_v see_v god_n hand_n more_o heavy_a upon_o they_o that_o they_o take_v all_o their_o delight_n in_o that_o course_n of_o wander_v which_o in_o it_o own_o nature_n be_v a_o curse_n &_o a_o punishment_n second_o we_o may_v here_o also_o just_o reprove_v the_o course_n of_o some_o other_o among_o we_o who_o will_v needs_o be_v traveller_n not_o for_o religion_n sake_n for_o that_o be_v commendable_a if_o they_o have_v such_o need_n nor_o yet_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o call_n which_o be_v lawful_a but_o only_o for_o this_o end_n to_o see_v fashion_n and_o strange_a country_n and_o they_o refrain_v not_o from_o such_o place_n as_o rome_n spain_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o that_o cruel_a inquisition_n will_v hardly_o suffer_v any_o to_o pass_v with_o safety_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o this_o their_o travel_n be_v commendable_a no_o sure_o for_o the_o end_n of_o lawful_a travel_n be_v the_o preservation_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n â—r_o the_o bond_n of_o some_o lawful_a call_n now_o these_o man_n travel_v upon_o no_o such_o ground_n but_o only_o upon_o pleasure_n how_o shall_v we_o think_v they_o will_v stand_v to_o the_o truth_n when_o they_o thrust_v themselves_o into_o such_o needless_a danger_n and_o trial_n the_o craze_a conscience_n of_o many_o at_o their_o return_n show_v sufficient_o the_o badness_n of_o that_o course_n further_o note_v the_o state_n of_o these_o believer_n for_o their_o attire_n it_o be_v of_o sheep_n skin_n and_o goat_n skin_n the_o like_a may_v be_v observe_v in_o other_o famous_a prophet_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n eliiah_n wear_v a_o garment_n of_o hair_n and_o thereby_o be_v know_v 2._o king_n 1.8_o and_o so_o do_v john_n baptist_n matth._n 3.4_o yea_o the_o false_a prophet_n go_v so_o array_v that_o they_o may_v the_o rather_o be_v respect_v of_o the_o people_n zach._n 13.4_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v the_o false_a prophet_n shall_v come_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n like_o the_o true_a prophet_n when_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v raven_a wolf_n now_o the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n go_v thus_o base_o attire_v that_o not_o only_o by_o word_n and_o doctrine_n but_o also_o in_o life_n in_o conversation_n they_o may_v preach_v repentance_n unto_o the_o people_n and_o indeed_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o light_n unto_o his_o people_n both_o in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o he_o that_o preach_v well_o and_o do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o his_o doctrine_n build_v with_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o pull_v down_o with_o the_o other_o now_o whereas_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n go_v up_o and_o down_o in_o such_o base_a attire_n as_o sheep_n skin_n and_o goat_n skin_n it_o be_v for_o poverty_n sake_n be_v deprive_v of_o friend_n good_n house_n and_o land_n and_o so_o destitute_a of_o provision_n for_o better_a attire_n in_o their_o example_n we_o may_v note_v that_o god_n servant_n and_o child_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o extreme_a poverty_n and_o necessity_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v want_v ordinary_a food_n and_o raiment_n and_o be_v fain_o to_o cover_v themselves_o with_o beast_n skin_n this_o be_v the_o poor_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o godly_a lazarus_n yea_o christ_n jesus_n for_o our_o sake_n do_v undergo_v a_o mean_a estate_n for_o he_o have_v not_o a_o place_n whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n and_o at_o his_o death_n he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o ground_n of_o his_o own_o as_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o burial_n place_n but_o be_v lay_v in_o josephs_n tomb_n which_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n to_o any_o child_n of_o god_n in_o like_a distress_n for_o why_o shall_v any_o be_v dismay_v with_o that_o estate_n which_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o dear_a servant_n have_v undergo_v for_o his_o example_n here_o some_o may_v ask_v how_o this_o can_v stand_v with_o that_o say_n of_o david_n i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o be_o old_a yet_o i_o never_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_v nor_o his_o seed_n beg_v bread_n psalm_n 37._o verse_n 25._o answer_n david_n saying_n may_v be_v take_v two_o way_n first_o as_o his_o own_o observation_n in_o his_o time_n for_o he_o say_v not_o the_o righteous_a be_v never_o forsake_v but_o that_o he_o never_o see_v it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n to_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_v second_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v david_n meaning_n the_o righteous_a man_n be_v never_o forsake_v and_o his_o seed_n too_o for_o if_o god_n lie_v a_o temporal_a chastisement_n on_o any_o of_o his_o servant_n suffer_v they_o to_o want_v yet_o he_o forsake_v not_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o but_o renew_v his_o mercy_n towards_o they_o if_o they_o walk_v in_o obedience_n before_o he_o he_o may_v make_v trial_n of_o godly_a parent_n by_o want_n but_o their_o godly_a child_n shall_v sure_o be_v bless_v so_o that_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o the_o godly_a may_v be_v in_o want_n further_o whereas_o they_o be_v say_v to_o go_v up_o and_o down_o in_o sheep_n skin_n and_o goat_n skin_n we_o must_v understand_v that_o they_o do_v it_o by_o faith_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v that_o when_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n fail_v than_o the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v by_o faith_n lie_v hold_v upon_o god_n gracious_a promise_n of_o life_n eternal_a and_o stay_v himself_o thereon_o this_o point_n must_v be_v remember_v careful_o for_o say_v we_o shall_v want_v all_o kind_n of_o temporal_a benefit_n must_v we_o thereupon_o despair_v and_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forsake_v we_o god_n forbid_v nay_o when_o all_o mean_n fail_v and_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v against_o we_o yet_o than_o we_o must_v lay_v hold_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n eternal_a in_o
nation_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n john_n chapter_n 16_o verse_n 2_o they_o shall_v excommunicate_v you_o yea_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o shall_v think_v he_o do_v god_n good_a service_n act_n chapter_n 22._o verse_n 22_o away_o say_v the_o jew_n of_o paul_n with_o such_o a_o follow_v from_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o he_o shall_v live_v and_o hence_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o other_o apostle_n 1._o corinthian_n chapter_n 4._o verse_n 13_o they_o be_v make_v the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o any_o common_a calamity_n befall_v the_o people_n or_o state_n as_o famine_n dearth_n pestilence_n or_o such_o like_a they_o straightway_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o christian_n say_v that_o they_o and_o their_o wicked_a religion_n be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o and_o though_o we_o have_v religion_n maintain_v among_o we_o yet_o the_o poor_a servant_n of_o god_n find_v the_o like_a welcome_a in_o the_o world_n for_o thus_o the_o wicked_a censure_n they_o every_o where_o that_o they_o be_v dissemble_a hypocrite_n and_o none_o so_o bad_a and_o vile_a person_n as_o they_o be_v now_o if_o any_o man_n ask_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v slander_v they_o so_o and_o think_v so_o vile_o of_o they_o answer_v first_o because_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n in_o regard_n of_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o grace_n joh._n 15.19_o therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o joh._n 15.19_o second_o the_o world_n know_v they_o not_o 1._o joâ—_a 3.1_o and_o therefore_o speak_v evil_a of_o they_o jude_n 10._o three_o the_o wicked_a measure_n other_o by_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o despise_v the_o godly_a that_o join_v not_o with_o they_o 1._o pet._n 4.3_o last_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a enmity_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o wicked_a &_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o joh._n 3.12_o the_o wicked_a be_v of_o that_o evil_a one_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o hate_v the_o godly_a who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n so_o that_o when_o we_o shall_v see_v or_o hear_v that_o ungodly_a person_n shall_v in_o any_o such_o sort_n abuse_v the_o child_n of_o god_n we_o must_v not_o marvel_v nor_o be_v trouble_v at_o it_o for_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n it_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n but_o we_o must_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v open_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v turn_v from_o their_o sin_n to_o repentance_n and_o then_o no_o doubt_n they_o will_v change_v their_o conceit_n and_o alter_v their_o behaviour_n towards_o they_o as_o paul_n do_v gal._n 1.13_o 15._o act._n 9.1_o 26._o to_o come_v to_o the_o word_n more_o particular_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o they_o that_o be_v the_o company_n of_o ungodly_a liver_n without_o christ_n and_o void_a of_o grace_n be_v not_o worthy_a the_o society_n of_o these_o holy_a one_o &_o for_o this_o cause_n do_v the_o lord_n take_v they_o from_o among_o they_o here_o note_v a_o singular_a fruit_n of_o true_a faith_n it_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o that_o estate_n and_o give_v he_o that_o excellency_n that_o he_o be_v more_o worth_n than_o the_o whole_a world_n i_o mean_v by_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o estate_n of_o all_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o world_n out_o of_o christ._n if_o then_o a_o man_n will_v have_v true_a and_o stable_a dignity_n let_v he_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n for_o faith_n have_v this_o privilege_n to_o advance_v a_o believer_n to_o true_a honour_n &_o excellency_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o by_o faith_n 1.12_o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n or_o prerogative_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o take_v it_o for_o a_o great_a prerogative_n to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n and_o so_o it_o be_v but_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n be_v a_o pre-eminence_n and_o dignity_n above_o all_o dignity_n and_o no_o tongue_n can_v express_v the_o excellency_n thereof_o for_o what_o more_o can_v a_o man_n desire_n than_o to_o be_v heir_n of_o glory_n in_o life_n everlasting_a and_o yet_o true_a faith_n bring_v this_o to_o a_o believer_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a dignity_n to_o be_v match_v with_o angel_n and_o no_o prince_n in_o the_o world_n by_o all_o humane_a wit_n or_o power_n can_v attain_v unto_o it_o but_o yet_o the_o child_n of_o god_n can_v be_v join_v to_o god_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n whereby_o in_o some_o sort_n he_o be_v above_o the_o angel_n themselves_o for_o our_o nature_n in_o christ_n be_v advance_v above_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n honour_n and_o dignity_n in_o politic_a or_o civil_a estate_n be_v the_o good_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o ordinance_n whereby_o man_n be_v in_o high_a place_n and_o in_o account_n be_v above_o another_o but_o yet_o all_o the_o dignity_n honour_n and_o pomp_n of_o the_o world_n sever_v from_o that_o dignity_n which_o faith_n bring_v to_o the_o believer_n be_v nothing_o worth_a indeed_o if_o worldly_a pre-eminence_n be_v join_v with_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o excellent_a prerogative_n for_o faith_n make_v it_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n but_o sever_z faith_n from_o worldly_a dignity_n and_o what_o be_v they_o but_o vanity_n of_o vanity_n which_o will_v turn_v to_o the_o great_a condemnation_n of_o he_o that_o enjoy_v they_o if_o a_o man_n have_v favour_n in_o the_o court_n and_o yet_o want_v the_o king_n favour_n it_o be_v nothing_o and_o such_o be_v all_o temporal_a dignity_n without_o god_n favour_n for_o at_o his_o indignation_n they_o vanish_v away_o now_o his_o favour_n without_o faith_n can_v no_o man_n have_v for_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v vers_fw-la 6._o here_o all_o these_o that_o be_v in_o place_n above_o other_o either_o by_o birth_n or_o special_a call_n must_v learn_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o labour_n for_o the_o dignity_n of_o faith_n when_o we_o have_v such_o thing_n wherein_o we_o delight_v we_o desire_v continuance_n of_o they_o behold_v the_o dignity_n of_o faith_n be_v everlasting_a and_o beside_o it_o sanctify_v all_o civil_a dignity_n and_o make_v the_o owner_n of_o they_o glorious_a &_o acceptable_a both_o before_o god_n and_o man_n when_o as_o otherwise_o without_o faith_n they_o be_v nothing_o and_o they_o that_o have_v they_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o abuse_v they_o again_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o these_o man_n for_o another_o cause_n and_o that_o be_v this_o every_o christian_a man_n by_o his_o faith_n bring_v many_o blessing_n among_o those_o party_n and_o to_o that_o place_n where_o he_o live_v now_o the_o world_n deserve_v no_o such_o blessing_n and_o therefore_o be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o person_n by_o who_o they_o come_v question_n how_o do_v christian_n bring_v blessing_n to_o place_n where_o they_o live_v answer_n first_o by_o their_o presence_n for_o as_o god_n say_v to_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a thou_o shall_v be_v a_o blessing_n gen._n 12.3_o so_o be_v it_o with_o all_o believer_n laban_n confess_v that_o he_o perceive_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v he_o for_o jacob_n sake_n gen._n 30.27_o and_o potiphar_n see_v that_o joseph_n be_v a_o blessing_n in_o his_o house_n for_o the_o lord_n make_v all_o that_o he_o do_v to_o prosper_v gen._n 39.2.3_o while_o lot_n be_v in_o sodom_n the_o angel_n can_v not_o destroy_v it_o gen_n 19.22_o and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v ten_o believer_n in_o sodom_n the_o lord_n will_v have_v spare_v all_o for_o ten_o sake_n gen._n 18.32_o now_o bring_v good_a thing_n and_o keep_v back_o god_n judgement_n by_o their_o presence_n they_o be_v thereby_o blessing_n second_o they_o be_v blessing_n by_o their_o prayer_n abraham_n pray_v for_o abimelech_n gen._n 20.17.18_o and_o god_n heal_v he_o and_o his_o family_n of_o barrenness_n at_o moses_n prayer_n god_n judgement_n be_v take_v from_o egypt_n exod._n 7.12.13.30_o and_o his_o wrath_n appease_v towards_o his_o people_n exod._n 32.11_o 14._o and_o some_o think_v that_o stephen_n prayer_n at_o his_o death_n for_o his_o persecuter_n be_v one_o mean_n for_o mercy_n unto_o saul_n that_o then_o consent_v to_o his_o death_n act_n 7_o 60._o and_o 8.1_o three_o they_o bring_v blessing_n upon_o a_o place_n by_o their_o example_n for_o when_o man_n shall_v see_v godly_a person_n walk_v before_o they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o cause_v other_o to_o turn_v from_o their_o wicked_a way_n to_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o
it_o may_v be_v ask_v who_o they_o be_v that_o here_o pass_v through_o by_o faith_n the_o answer_n be_v the_o israelite_n 12._o but_o some_o will_v say_v we_o read_v in_o the_o history_n that_o when_o the_o people_n come_v to_o the_o red_a sea_n they_o be_v wonderful_o afraid_a and_o murmur_v against_o moses_n say_v that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o have_v live_v in_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n then_o to_o come_v into_o the_o desert_n and_o there_o die_v now_o how_o can_v they_o murmur_v impatient_o and_o fearful_o and_o yet_o pass_v through_o by_o faith_n answer_n at_o the_o first_o indeed_o they_o murmur_v when_o they_o see_v the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o have_v the_o huge_a army_n of_o pharaoh_n follow_v they_o and_o the_o red_a sea_n before_o they_o and_o hill_n and_o mountain_n on_o each_o side_n but_o howsoever_o they_o murmur_v at_o the_o first_o yet_o when_o moses_n speak_v word_n of_o comfort_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n bid_v they_o not_o to_o be_v afraid_a &c_n &c_n and_o when_o he_o hold_v up_o his_o rod_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o red_a sea_n before_o they_o than_o they_o follow_v he_o by_o faith_n and_o hereupon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v unto_o they_o the_o title_n of_o true_a believer_n here_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o true_a faith_n in_o god_n child_n be_v mingle_v with_o unbelief_n the_o israelite_n faith_n be_v true_a faith_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o weak_a for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v perfect_a &_o sound_a faith_n they_o will_v never_o have_v murmur_v nor_o have_v be_v impatient_a and_o fearful_a but_o look_v as_o it_o be_v in_o nature_n so_o it_o be_v in_o grace_n in_o nature_n we_o can_v pass_v from_o one_o contrary_a to_o another_o but_o by_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o contrary_n as_o in_o light_n and_o darkness_n the_o one_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o other_o immediate_o but_o first_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o they_o both_o in_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n and_o close_v of_o the_o night_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o other_o contrary_n even_o in_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o soul_n unbelief_n be_v a_o sin_n faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n and_o grace_n contrary_a to_o it_o now_o unbelief_n can_v be_v expel_v by_o faith_n before_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o they_o both_o and_o so_o when_o faith_n prevail_v unbelief_n decay_v neither_o can_v faith_n be_v ever_o perfect_a because_o it_o be_v ever_o mingle_v more_o or_o less_o with_o unbelief_n this_o plain_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o say_v that_o after_o a_o man_n be_v regenerate_v and_o believe_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o that_o god_n can_v hate_v for_o they_o imagine_v that_o he_o be_v so_o thorough_o sanctify_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o which_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o sin_n but_o here_o we_o see_v their_o doctrine_n be_v false_a see_v faith_n &_o unbelief_n be_v always_o mingle_v together_o second_o as_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n grace_n look_v as_o faith_n be_v not_o perfect_a but_o mix_v with_o unbelief_n so_o be_v all_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v not_o perfect_a in_o a_o man_n nor_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o his_o judgement_n and_o hereby_o many_o be_v deceive_v for_o when_o they_o fear_v god_n for_o his_o punishment_n they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v most_o miserable_a and_o void_a of_o grace_n but_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n upon_o the_o earth_n that_o fear_v god_n only_o for_o his_o mercy_n and_o do_v not_o fear_n god_n also_o for_o his_o punishment_n in_o part_n for_o god_n grace_n in_o this_o life_n be_v ever_o mingle_v with_o their_o contrary_n and_o therefore_o to_o imagine_v that_o a_o man_n may_v fear_v god_n for_o his_o mercy_n only_o and_o not_o for_o judgement_n also_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o such_o a_o man_n as_o none_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o best_a fear_n that_o be_v in_o any_o man_n live_v be_v a_o mix_a fear_n further_o when_o moses_n have_v speak_v word_n of_o comfort_n unto_o they_o the_o unbelieved_n and_o fearful_a israelite_n do_v stir_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o believe_v so_o we_o according_o must_v labour_n and_o strive_v against_o that_o inbred_a unbelief_n which_o be_v in_o we_o for_o every_o man_n have_v innumerable_a sin_n in_o he_o that_o resist_v faith_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o check_v and_o suppress_v they_o will_v master_v his_o faith_n but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v faith_n to_o continue_v and_o last_v must_v strive_v against_o natural_a unbelief_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o this_o place_n and_o as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n mark_n 9.24_o when_o he_o say_v to_o christ_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n know_v that_o his_o unbelief_n do_v suppress_v his_o faith_n and_o so_o do_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n when_o they_o pray_v lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n luk._n 17.5_o and_o david_n be_v oppress_v with_o deadness_n of_o heart_n stir_v up_o his_o faith_n say_v why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o my_o soul_n etc._n etc._n wait_v on_o god_n psalm_n 42._o v._n 11._o for_o he_o that_o have_v faith_n be_v trouble_v with_o unbelief_n and_o the_o more_o it_o trouble_v he_o the_o less_o he_o believe_v unless_o he_o strive_v against_o it_o manful_o 2._o quest._n but_o how_o many_o of_o the_o israelite_n believe_v and_o go_v over_o by_o faith_n ans._n not_o all_o for_o paul_n say_v with_o many_o of_o they_o god_n be_v not_o well_o please_v for_o they_o be_v overthrow_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 1._o cor._n 10.5_o which_o show_v that_o all_o that_o pass_v over_o have_v not_o true_a faith_n for_o some_o believe_v and_o by_o the_o force_n of_o their_o faith_n all_o go_v over_o safe_o hence_o we_o note_v this_o which_o have_v be_v often_o teach_v we_o that_o a_o ungodly_a man_n receive_v many_o temporal_a benefit_n by_o the_o society_n of_o god_n people_n which_o believe_v as_o here_o the_o unbelieve_a israelite_n have_v this_o benefit_n to_o go_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n safe_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o in_o the_o former_a example_n the_o brute_n beast_n be_v free_v from_o kill_v by_o the_o angel_n because_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o host_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n now_o shall_v a_o brute_n beast_n have_v benefit_n by_o be_v with_o gods_n people_n and_o shall_v not_o a_o man_n much_o more_o yes_o undoubted_o for_o so_o we_o may_v read_v that_o for_o paul_n sake_n all_o the_o mariner_n and_o soldier_n that_o be_v in_o the_o ship_n be_v save_v from_o drown_v act._n 27.24_o this_o point_n must_v persuade_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o godly_a for_o our_o society_n and_o company_n with_o who_o we_o live_v and_o converse_v for_o by_o they_o we_o reap_v many_o benefit_n and_o freedom_n also_o from_o many_o heavy_a judgement_n the_o three_o point_n be_v this_o when_o do_v the_o israelite_n believe_v this_o circumstance_n be_v worth_a the_o mark_v they_o believe_v when_o they_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o they_o believe_v not_o only_o in_o general_n that_o god_n be_v their_o god_n as_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o their_o father_n but_o they_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v be_v with_o they_o and_o give_v they_o life_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n a_o notable_a point_n they_o believe_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o their_o grave_n for_o so_o may_v the_o red_a sea_n be_v well_o call_v that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o life_n everlasting_a and_o preserve_v they_o safe_o through_o the_o sea_n and_o from_o their_o enemy_n in_o their_o example_n we_o be_v teach_v the_o same_o duty_n to_o do_v as_o they_o here_o do_v the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n have_v innumerable_a cause_n of_o desperation_n and_o sometime_o his_o own_o conscience_n will_v take_v part_n with_o satan_n in_o charge_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v in_o state_n of_o damnation_n in_o this_o heavy_a case_n what_o must_v be_v do_v sure_o at_o this_o time_n when_o a_o man_n be_v a_o castaway_n in_o himself_o he_o must_v even_o then_o believe_v be_v in_o hell_n as_o it_o be_v he_o must_v believe_v that_o god_n will_v bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n it_o be_v nothing_o for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v in_o prosperity_n and_o peace_n but_o in_o time_n of_o desperation_n to_o believe_v that_o be_v a_o most_o worthy_a faith_n and_o indeed_o then_o
get_v his_o father_n blessing_n for_o so_o god_n have_v determine_v and_o yet_o she_o fail_v in_o the_o manner_n quest._n but_o how_o can_v this_o work_n be_v good_a be_v faulty_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o ans._n it_o may_v for_o rebecca_n person_n stand_v righteous_a before_o god_n in_o christ._n now_o the_o worker_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n the_o work_n must_v needs_o be_v good_a also_o and_o though_o the_o worker_n fail_v in_o the_o circumstance_n yet_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o work_n be_v cover_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o be_v approve_v and_o the_o fault_n thereof_o cover_v the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v twofold_a first_o it_o show_v that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n child_n be_v partly_o good_a and_o partly_o bad_a even_o the_o best_a work_n they_o do_v be_v imperfect_a second_o this_o show_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o saint_n james_n when_o he_o say_v that_o rahab_n be_v justify_v by_o her_o work_n hereby_o he_o mean_v that_o by_o her_o work_n she_o declare_v herself_o to_o be_v just_a for_o that_o she_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o her_o work_n appear_v plain_a because_o the_o work_n which_o she_o do_v be_v faulty_a in_o the_o manner_n and_o not_o perfect_o good_a and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o perfect_a justice_n of_o god_n but_o some_o will_v further_o say_v that_o this_o conceal_n of_o the_o spy_n and_o lie_v to_o the_o king_n messenger_n be_v a_o work_n of_o treachery_n against_o her_o own_o country_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o notorious_a fault_n and_o so_o no_o work_n of_o faith_n answ._n treachery_n indeed_o be_v as_o great_a villainy_n as_o one_o man_n can_v practise_v against_o another_o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v abhor_v and_o detest_a of_o all_o man_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v know_v that_o rahab_n in_o this_o place_n be_v no_o traitor_n for_o she_o have_v a_o plain_a certificate_n in_o her_o conscience_n that_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o city_n jericho_n be_v give_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o right_a lord_n thereof_o and_o shall_v enjoy_v they_o so_o that_o she_o hide_v the_o spy_n not_o in_o treachery_n but_o in_o faith_n thus_o we_o see_v her_o fact_n the_o duty_n which_o we_o learn_v hence_o be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o harlot_n rahab_n be_v by_o call_v a_o hostess_n and_o a_o victualler_n receive_v the_o spy_n peaceable_o hence_o innkeeper_n be_v teach_v their_o duty_n first_o if_o they_o will_v show_v themselves_o faithful_a they_o must_v have_v special_a regard_n and_o respect_n unto_o such_o guest_n of_o they_o as_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o fear_v he_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o rahabs_n faith_n towards_o the_o spy_n of_o god_n people_n david_n make_v this_o the_o property_n of_o every_o godly_a man_n that_o in_o his_o eye_n a_o vile_a person_n be_v contemn_v but_o he_o honour_v they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n psalm_n 15._o verse_n 4_o and_o therefore_o if_o innkeeper_n will_v show_v themselves_o godly_a they_o must_v so_o do_v and_o to_o encourage_v each_o one_o hereto_o our_o saviour_n christ_n make_v this_o notable_a promise_n matthew_n chapter_n 10._o verse_n 41_o he_o that_o receive_v a_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n shall_v receive_v a_o prophet_n reward_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v a_o just_a man_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o just_a man_n shall_v receive_v a_o just_a man_n reward_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v give_v to_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o to_o drink_n a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o shall_v not_o lose_v his_o reward_n also_o stranger_n be_v here_o teach_v that_o in_o seek_v place_n for_o their_o abode_n they_o must_v make_v choice_n to_o be_v with_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n so_o god_n direct_v these_o spy_n to_o do_v and_o when_o christ_n send_v his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v he_o bid_v they_o matthew_n chapter_n 10._o verse_n 11_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o city_n to_o inquire_v who_o be_v worthy_a in_o that_o city_n and_o there_o to_o abide_v till_o they_o depart_v but_o alas_o these_o duty_n be_v little_o perform_v especial_o the_o first_o for_o innkeeper_n and_o such_o as_o entertain_v stranger_n do_v make_v most_o of_o those_o that_o give_v themselves_o to_o ryote_n and_o good_a fellowship_n they_o be_v best_a welcome_n that_o spend_v most_o in_o game_n drink_v and_o lasciviousness_n these_o may_v learn_v otherwise_o of_o rahab_n who_o do_v better_a though_o she_o have_v be_v a_o harlot_n three_o innkeeper_n must_v here_o learn_v that_o when_o a_o man_n come_v into_o their_o house_n if_o he_o be_v no_o malefactor_n they_o must_v give_v he_o protection_n thus_o rahab_n do_v here_o to_o the_o spy_n of_o the_o israelite_n even_o with_o the_o danger_n of_o her_o own_o life_n the_o like_a also_o we_o may_v read_v of_o lot_n for_o when_o two_o angel_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n come_v into_o his_o house_n and_o the_o man_n of_o sodom_n will_v have_v have_v they_o out_o lot_z beseech_v they_o to_o let_v they_o alone_o gen._n 19.8_o and_o his_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o come_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o roof_n again_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v another_o general_a duty_n to_o wit_n that_o a_o christian_a man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n &_o danger_n be_v not_o to_o discover_v his_o fellow_n brethren_n or_o to_o detect_v they_o but_o must_v rather_o endanger_v his_o own_o life_n by_o conceal_v they_o for_o their_o preservation_n this_o be_v practise_v by_o good_a obadiah_n when_o jesabel_n kill_v the_o lord_n prophet_n he_o hide_v they_o by_o fifty_n in_o a_o cave_n which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v know_v will_v have_v cost_v he_o his_o life_n and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o brethren_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v slay_v paul_n in_o damascus_n the_o brethren_n take_v he_o by_o night_n and_o let_v he_o down_o through_o the_o wall_n in_o a_o basket_n to_o save_v his_o life_n act_v 9.25_o and_o since_o those_o time_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v find_v that_o when_o the_o christian_n be_v urge_v by_o persecuter_n to_o reveal_v their_o brethren_n they_o rather_o choose_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o own_o life_n then_o to_o betray_v their_o brethren_n into_o their_o enemy_n hand_n and_o this_o be_v true_a love_n indeed_o such_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n commend_v when_o a_o man_n will_v give_v his_o life_n for_o his_o brother_n 1._o john_n 3.16_o last_o whereas_o rahab_n receive_v the_o spy_n peaceable_o we_o note_v that_o it_o be_v a_o special_a fruit_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v peaceable_a and_o kind_a the_o holy_a ghost_n repeat_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n name_n peace_n and_o meekness_n among_o they_o 4.22_o now_o this_o peace_n be_v when_o a_o man_n be_v kind_a and_o peaceable_a to_o all_o but_o especial_o to_o those_o that_o â—e_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n foretold_v shall_v be_v under_o the_o gospel_n isaiah_n 11.6_o that_o then_o the_o wolf_n shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n lie_v with_o the_o kid_n signify_v that_o howsoever_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v as_o savage_a as_o wolf_n yet_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v become_v gentle_a as_o lamb_n be_v kind_a and_o peaceable_a one_o to_o another_o this_o peaceablenesse_n be_v especial_o to_o be_v show_v in_o the_o place_n and_o call_v where_o a_o man_n live_v for_o there_o do_v rahab_n show_v forth_o she_o when_o the_o spy_n come_v unto_o she_o and_o where_o this_o be_v true_o in_o outward_a action_n there_o be_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o good_a token_n that_o a_o man_n be_v at_o peace_n with_o god_n when_o he_o live_v peaceable_o with_o man_n which_o be_v so_o we_o must_v learn_v not_o to_o give_v place_n to_o our_o heady_a affection_n but_o must_v rather_o bridle_v the_o rage_n of_o malice_n and_o anger_n and_o endeavour_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o especial_o with_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o god_n church_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o example_n the_o judge_n faith_n verse_n 32._o and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o for_o the_o time_n will_v be_v too_o short_a for_o i_o to_o tell_v of_o gedeon_n of_o barac_n and_o of_o samson_n and_o of_o jephte_n also_o of_o david_n and_o samuel_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n which_o through_o faith_n subdue_v kingdom_n wrought_v righteousness_n etc._n etc._n hitherto_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n have_v