law_n of_o charity_n to_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o his_o neighbour_n when_o his_o estate_n or_o his_o life_n be_v concern_v or_o any_o thing_n of_o his_o interest_n and_o every_o subject_a take_v himself_o more_o high_o concern_v to_o give_v his_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o prince_n or_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o master_n because_o there_o be_v a_o relation_n betwixt_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o subject_a and_o betwixt_o the_o master_n and_o the_o servant_n certain_o there_o must_v needs_o lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o every_o christian_a who_o ow_v christ_n as_o his_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o master_n to_o give_v a_o testimony_n unto_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o testimony_n for_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o he_o who_o we_o call_v our_o father_n who_o we_o own_o as_o our_o master_n every_o testimony_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o testimony_n to_o christ_n every_o testimony_n for_o christ_n be_v a_o testimony_n for_o he_o who_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o who_o we_o own_o and_o avow_v to_o be_v our_o lord_n 3._o this_o obligation_n arise_v from_o that_o gratitude_n which_o we_o all_o owe_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n every_o one_o look_v upon_o himself_o indebt_v unto_o he_o who_o have_v do_v he_o good_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a in_o that_o case_n then_o to_o promise_v a_o requital_n and_o to_o express_v a_o trouble_n that_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o make_v he_o or_o her_o amends_o and_o to_o express_v our_o willingness_n to_o it_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o he_o who_o leave_v his_o father_n throne_n and_o come_v down_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o clothe_v himself_o with_o our_o nature_n and_o die_v in_o our_o stead_n that_o we_o may_v not_o perish_v for_o ever_o &_o ever_o he_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n have_v leave_v we_o in_o charge_n with_o his_o truth_n philip._n 1.27_o strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n judas_n v._o 3._o that_o you_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n now_o which_o of_o you_o if_o you_o have_v but_o a_o ordinary_a friend_n like_o yourselves_o who_o have_v do_v you_o some_o great_a and_o eminent_a kindness_n and_o leave_v you_o in_o charge_n but_o to_o give_v a_o testimony_n unto_o he_o and_o for_o he_o shall_v not_o think_v yourselves_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o it_o oh_o how_o great_a be_v the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o christian_a that_o live_v in_o the_o world_n to_o bear_v his_o testimony_n for_o christ_n if_o he_o do_v but_o consider_v what_o jesus_n christ_n have_v do_v for_o he_o shall_v christ_n come_v and_o die_v for_o we_o love_v not_o his_o life_n unto_o death_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o give_v a_o testimony_n unto_o he_o or_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o dear_a lord_n this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v if_o the_o kindness_n of_o a_o man_n lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o do_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o serve_v he_o sure_o the_o kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o saviour_n lay_v a_o much_o high_a obligation_n upon_o we_o 4._o another_o thing_n from_o whence_o this_o obligation_n do_v arise_v be_v from_o the_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o we_o to_o be_v conformable_a unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o ought_v to_o study_v a_o conformity_n to_o he_o in_o his_o life_n and_o in_o his_o death_n in_o his_o life_n he_o command_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a in_o his_o death_n thus_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o a_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n for_o this_o cause_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n do_v i_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o may_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v particular_o say_v of_o he_o that_o before_o pontius_n pilate_n he_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n 1_o tim._n 6.13_o he_o endure_v affliction_n in_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o be_v the_o testimony_n christ_n give_v but_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o people_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v very_o dear_a to_o he_o choose_v unto_o eternal_a life_n for_o he_o though_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o clothe_v himself_o with_o flesh_n and_o to_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n that_o he_o may_v redeem_v this_o people_n unto_o himself_o now_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o be_v conformable_a to_o christ_n conformable_a to_o this_o testimony_n not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o testimonony_n conformable_a also_o in_o not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o affliction_n this_o yet_o be_v advantage_v by_o another_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v to_o fill_v up_o the_o affliction_n of_o christ_n col._n 1.24_o who_o now_o rejoice_v in_o my_o suffering_n for_o you_o and_o fill_v up_o that_o which_o be_v behind_o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o christ_n the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v either_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o suffer_v in_o his_o own_o person_n now_o concern_v they_o he_o say_v all_o be_v finish_v the_o papist_n vain_o dream_v of_o the_o fill_n up_o of_o those_o suffering_n or_o else_o those_o suffering_n which_o every_o good_a christian_a shall_v suffer_v in_o his_o mystical_a body_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v much_o behind_o of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o be_v to_o fill_v up_o and_o fill_v they_o up_o we_o act_n both_o in_o a_o conformity_n unto_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o head_n and_o also_o unto_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o who_o have_v taste_v of_o this_o cup_n and_o drink_v a_o little_a of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v much_o more_o of_o these_o that_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v fill_v up_o 5._o the_o obligation_n arise_v upon_o christian_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o which_o we_o give_v our_o testimony_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o in_o this_o discourse_n that_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v a_o debtor_n to_o truth_n no_o man_n ought_v to_o decline_v a_o testimony_n unto_o truth_n but_o now_o by_o how_o much_o any_o truth_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n by_o so_o much_o we_o be_v the_o great_a debtor_n to_o they_o you_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o that_o one_o text_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n he_o say_v true_a who_o say_v that_o christian_n can_v better_a want_v the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n than_o that_o one_o piece_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o that_o high_a importance_n that_o the_o comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o all_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o people_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v do_v depend_v upon_o the_o stability_n of_o they_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o stand_v firm_a and_o fix_v the_o soul_n of_o christian_n be_v undo_v to_o all_o eternity_n there_o be_v no_o foundation_n of_o peace_n for_o they_o in_o this_o life_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o a_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o they_o in_o that_o life_n which_o be_v to_o come_v we_o stand_v therefore_o high_o concern_v to_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o these_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o affliction_n in_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o those_o truth_n and_o to_o that_o gospel_n upon_o which_o so_o much_o of_o our_o eternal_a interest_n and_o concern_v do_v lie_v there_o be_v no_o truth_n but_o we_o owe_v a_o testimony_n to_o it_o but_o there_o be_v some_o proposition_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v not_o of_o that_o moment_n that_o we_o shall_v endure_v affliction_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o they_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o no_o testimony_n we_o can_v give_v to_o they_o can_v be_v too_o high_a no_o affliction_n we_o can_v suffer_v for_o they_o can_v be_v too_o great_a 6._o a_o six_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o christian_n be_v from_o the_o station_n they_o take_v up_o in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v here_o enlarge_v upon_o three_o thing_n 1._o they_o be_v god_n witness_n 2._o they_o be_v god_n soldier_n 3._o they_o be_v god_n child_n and_o servant_n and_o christ_n member_n 1._o every_o christian_a be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n the_o member_n of_o christ_n now_o shall_v a_o child_n be_v ashamed_a to_o attest_v the_o truth_n for_o
to_o a_o fact_n every_o man_n be_v a_o debtor_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v bind_v as_o a_o man_n to_o bear_v testimony_n christ_n tell_v pilate_n john_n 18.37_o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n but_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o testimony_n that_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v i_o understand_v it_o not_o thus_o large_o for_o though_o it_o be_v that_o every_o good_a man_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o testify_v the_o truth_n in_o any_o cause_n yet_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v under_o a_o more_o special_a obligation_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o some_o truth_n and_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n that_o relate_v to_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v that_o the_o text_n call_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n 1._o either_o for_o that_o testimony_n which_o our_o lord_n bare_a of_o himself_o 2._o or_o the_o testimony_n which_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n bear_v a_o testimony_n of_o himself_o he_o testify_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o zion_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n but_o i_o understand_v it_o yet_o large_a every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o relate_v to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n there_o be_v a_o testimony_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o bear_v to_o those_o proposition_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o gospel_n contain_v and_o relate_v concern_v jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v considerable_a in_o a_o testimony_n be_v the_o way_n of_o give_v it_o the_o proper_a give_v a_o testimony_n be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o our_o mouth_n either_o with_o a_o oath_n or_o without_o a_o oath_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v a_o proposition_n and_o another_o thing_n for_o he_o to_o give_v testimony_n to_o a_o proposition_n he_o believe_v a_o proposition_n that_o hear_v it_o do_v in_o heart_n consent_n and_o agree_v to_o it_o that_o the_o predicate_v be_v well_o fit_v to_o the_o subject_a whether_o he_o speak_v a_o word_n yea_o or_o no_o but_o he_o testify_v that_o with_o his_o word_n ow_v and_o declare_v his_o faith_n rom._n 10.10_o for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o christian_a secret_o in_o his_o heart_n to_o agree_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o testimony_n if_o thou_o shall_v therefore_o confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v you_o may_v observe_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n make_v necessary_a to_o to_o salvation_n 1._o a_o heart_n believe_v the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o a_o external_a confession_n or_o profession_n there_o be_v a_o double_a confession_n a_o christian_n duty_n 1._o a_o confession_n of_o sin_n 2._o a_o confession_n of_o truth_n either_o confession_n be_v a_o open_a acknowledgement_n with_o our_o lip_n thus_o you_o read_v in_o scripture_n frequent_o of_o confess_v of_o christ_n only_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o testimony_n and_o confession_n any_o open_a assert_v vindicate_a and_o defend_v christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n be_v give_v a_o testimony_n but_o when_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o face_n of_o enemy_n in_o despite_n of_o opposition_n this_o be_v confession_n matth._n 10.32_o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n luke_n 12.8_o whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n thus_o john_n 12.42_o many_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o because_o of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o so_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n signify_v that_o open_a acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n relate_v to_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a christian_n qu._n 2._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o original_a do_v something_o differ_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d suffer_v thou_o evil_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o person_n by_o a_o figure_n a_o person_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o evil_n timothy_n be_v exhort_v to_o suffer_v evil_a with_o the_o gospel_n this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o consideration_n what_o those_o affliction_n be_v what_o those_o evil_n be_v to_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v subject_v there_o be_v several_a evil_n to_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v subject_v or_o rather_o evil_n from_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o from_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o it_o such_o as_o own_o christ_n in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n 2._o from_o the_o false_a and_o seem_a professor_n of_o it_o 3._o from_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o it_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o affliction_n which_o man_n be_v subject_v to_o from_o their_o own_n and_o profess_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o i_o say_v be_v from_o 3_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o from_o such_o as_o be_v the_o true_a and_o sincere_a professor_n of_o it_o they_o may_v bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o and_o be_v thorn_n and_o goad_n in_o one_o another_o side_n these_o common_o be_v so_o from_o one_o of_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o from_o a_o overheat_v zeal_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n 2._o from_o such_o corruption_n as_o do_v attend_v god_n people_n consider_v as_o man_n make_v up_o of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n 1._o from_o a_o immoderate_a zeal_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n truth_n be_v a_o uniform_a thing_n and_o be_v but_o one_o two_o contradictory_n proposition_n can_v be_v true_a but_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n none_o have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n concern_v truth_n it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o guide_v we_o and_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n but_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o promise_n must_v not_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o that_o because_o all_o christian_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v guide_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v misapprehension_n in_o a_o proposition_n of_o truth_n they_o shall_v be_v guide_v into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n they_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v in_o any_o apprehension_n of_o truth_n upon_o which_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n depend_v but_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v as_o to_o a_o multitude_n of_o particular_a proposition_n one_o may_v judge_v one_o thing_n and_o another_o another_o thing_n yet_o they_o all_o hold_v the_o foundation_n the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o may_v have_v very_o different_a apprehension_n as_o to_o some_o particular_a truth_n now_o through_o a_o overweening_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o apprehension_n there_o be_v very_o great_a difference_n and_o also_o hard_a censuring_n and_o condemning_n of_o one_o another_o and_o these_o be_v great_a affliction_n but_o such_o as_o have_v attend_v the_o gospel_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n they_o be_v such_o different_a apprehension_n that_o cause_v the_o first_o christian_a synod_n act_n 15.1_o some_o come_v and_o teach_v the_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n such_o difference_n there_o be_v rom._n 14.2_o for_o one_o believe_v he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n another_o who_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n hence_o they_o judge_v despise_v condemn_a and_o censure_v one_o another_o and_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v to_o a_o friendly_a carriage_n one_o towards_o another_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n one_o of_o another_o in_o these_o different_a apprehension_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n of_o a_o light_a nature_n mens_fw-la immoderate_a zeal_n for_o their_o own_o opinion_n have_v in_o all_o time_n beget_v great_a heat_n and_o have_v cause_v great_a affliction_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o have_v be_v a_o great_a root_n of_o bitterness_n among_o god_n own_o people_n we_o have_v see_v enough_o of_o it_o in_o the_o age_n
and_o agree_v to_o so_o out_o of_o a_o burn_a love_n and_o zeal_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 3._o our_o testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o judicious_a testimony_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o god_n require_v when_o we_o swear_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n swear_v be_v a_o attestation_n a_o solemn_a attestation_n of_o a_o truth_n the_o testimony_n which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v to_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o oath_n though_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o refuse_v if_o call_v to_o that_o but_o as_o it_o must_v be_v to_o the_o truth_n in_o righteousness_n so_o it_o must_v be_v in_o judgement_n the_o judgement_n that_o i_o will_v have_v attend_v the_o testimony_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v be_v not_o a_o judgement_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a the_o truth_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o will_v bear_v the_o weight_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n too_o as_o it_o must_v bear_v if_o it_o bear_v any_o for_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o though_o truth_n all_o truth_n be_v a_o very_a sacred_a pin_n yet_o every_o such_o pin_n have_v not_o a_o equal_a degree_n of_o strength_n and_o will_v not_o bear_v a_o like_a weight_n i_o be_o afraid_a we_o have_v too_o loud_a a_o testimony_n to_o some_o truth_n which_o though_o they_o may_v have_v speak_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o love_n yet_o have_v not_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n of_o christian_n such_o testimony_n be_v those_o the_o christian_n give_v rom._n 14._o for_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o yet_o christian_n on_o either_o side_n be_v too_o warm_a any_o christian_a be_v thus_o far_o bind_v to_o give_v his_o testimony_n to_o every_o truth_n as_o not_o to_o deny_v it_o 2._o in_o his_o own_o particular_a practice_n to_o own_o it_o but_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v a_o party_n for_o every_o truth_n now_o this_o depend_v upon_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o own_o and_o be_v convince_v of_o to_o practise_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o to_o which_o god_n will_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v contentious_a for_o god_n have_v give_v his_o people_n a_o latitude_n in_o they_o without_o hazard_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v give_v our_o testimony_n to_o truth_n with_o prudence_n a_o prudential_a judge_v of_o the_o weight_n and_o value_n of_o a_o truth_n before_o we_o give_v a_o zealous_a testimony_n to_o it_o 4._o our_o testimony_n must_v be_v with_o prudence_n prov._n 8.12_o i_o wisdom_n dwell_v with_o prudence_n wisdom_n do_v often_o signify_v grace_n and_o true_o all_o true_a grace_n in_o a_o soul_n shall_v dwell_v with_o prudence_n we_o be_v command_v to_o be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n and_o to_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n 10.16_o matth._n 10.16_o but_o as_o wise_a there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o prudence_n to_o be_v use_v in_o give_v our_o testimony_n to_o our_o lord_n our_o lord_n himself_o if_o you_o observe_v he_o do_v it_o with_o prudence_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o let_v our_o wisdom_n dwell_v with_o prudence_n this_o prudence_n must_v not_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o deny_v any_o necessary_a truth_n or_o to_o dissemble_v so_o as_o to_o declare_v ourselves_o against_o it_o or_o not_o to_o own_v it_o for_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o prudencâ—_n as_o be_v oppose_v to_o impiety_n if_o there_o be_v a_o failure_n in_o piety_n there_o can_v be_v no_o prudence_n prudence_n do_v not_o so_o much_o respect_v the_o do_v or_o the_o not_o do_v of_o the_o thing_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o do_v of_o it_o in_o general_n we_o then_o give_v our_o testimony_n with_o prudence_n when_o we_o give_v it_o without_o any_o just_a offence_n to_o jew_n gentile_n or_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n may_v be_v spoil_v by_o the_o height_n of_o our_o spirit_n through_o pride_n show_v in_o judge_v contemn_v and_o despise_v of_o other_o or_o through_o the_o boisterousness_n and_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o spirit_n or_o by_o our_o noise_n and_o clamour_n so_o that_o to_o the_o prudence_n of_o a_o testimony_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n require_v 1._o humility_n in_o opposition_n to_o pride_n pride_n be_v a_o coloquintida_n that_o make_v all_o our_o mess_n of_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o god_n bitter_a god_n abhor_v the_o proud_a he_o abhor_v a_o haughty_a and_o contentious_a spirit_n he_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o he_o accept_v his_o testimony_n paul_n say_v act_v 20.19_o he_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o humility_n of_o mind_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o put_v on_o humility_n of_o mind_n col._n 3.12_o and_o 1_o pet._n 5.5_o to_o be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n humility_n be_v our_o garment_n a_o christian_a must_v do_v nothing_o but_o in_o humility_n in_o what_o he_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o vein_n of_o humility_n and_o in_o that_o part_n of_o our_o service_n to_o god_n where_o humility_n be_v want_v in_o that_o part_n a_o christian_a always_o walk_v naked_a and_o man_n see_v his_o shame_n a_o fastidious_a scornful_a contemn_v sufferer_n be_v no_o christian_a sufferer_n â—_o another_o thing_n be_v meekness_n with_o respect_n to_o passion_n this_o be_v often_o call_v for_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o put_v it_o on_o col._n 3.12_o and_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o instruct_v in_o meekness_n those_o that_o be_v without_o the_o apostle_n beseech_v you_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o christ_n meekness_n be_v oppose_v to_o frowardness_n and_o passion_n a_o passionate_a testimony_n to_o a_o truth_n be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o imprudent_a and_o indiscreet_a testimony_n the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n 3._o a_o three_o thing_n that_o commend_v a_o testimony_n be_v courtesy_n in_o opposition_n to_o morosity_n and_o soureness_n when_o festus_n tell_v paul_n that_o much_o learning_n have_v make_v he_o mad_a he_o answer_v i_o be_o not_o mad_a most_o noble_a festus_n observe_v with_o how_o much_o compliment_n paul_n speak_v to_o festus_n and_o other_o while_o he_o be_v bear_v testimony_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o soureness_n and_o morosity_n of_o a_o christian_n behaviour_n in_o bear_v his_o testimony_n make_v his_o testimony_n more_o unlovely_a and_o not_o so_o prudent_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v 4._o a_o four_o thing_n be_v peaceableness_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n must_v not_o strive_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o asperse_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o than_o the_o imprudence_n of_o a_o professor_n of_o it_o in_o the_o managery_n of_o his_o business_n 5._o your_o testimony_n unto_o god_n must_v be_v uniform_a and_o sincere_a it_o can_v be_v uniform_a if_o it_o be_v not_o sincere_a the_o testimony_n of_o the_o life_n must_v agree_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lip_n you_o know_v a_o witness_n that_o contradict_v his_o testimony_n do_v by_o it_o make_v his_o testimony_n invalid_a he_o that_o live_v contrary_a to_o his_o profession_n give_v himself_o the_o lie_n he_o testify_v with_o his_o lip_n but_o he_o deni_v in_o his_o life_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o some_o titus_n 1.16_o they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a and_o disobedient_a and_o to_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a you_o shall_v observe_v therefore_o that_o when_o the_o devil_n at_o any_o time_n give_v a_o testimony_n to_o a_o truth_n concern_v christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n they_o constant_o refuse_v and_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o speak_v the_o testimony_n of_o one_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v rather_o a_o dishonour_n and_o weaken_n of_o the_o truth_n than_o any_o strengthen_n and_o credit_n and_o confirmation_n a_o man_n that_o be_v holy_a in_o his_o life_n bear_v testimony_n with_o his_o lip_n be_v a_o great_a servant_n of_o god_n he_o by_o his_o mouth_n declare_v what_o he_o believe_v and_o by_o his_o life_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o do_v indeed_o not_o mock_v and_o dissemble_v with_o the_o world_n but_o he_o believe_v what_o he_o profess_v to_o believe_v you_o shall_v see_v in_o some_o case_n some_o foolish_a witness_n do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a so_o a_o christian_a may_v do_v more_o mischief_n than_o good_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o own_n of_o it_o and_o profess_v to_o it_o 6._o let_v it_o be_v a_o bold_a and_o undaunted_a testimony_n he_o be_v a_o good_a witness_n in_o a_o cause_n who_o speak_v modest_o and_o with_o all_o
due_a respect_n to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v his_o testimony_n and_o who_o agree_v and_o do_v not_o contradict_v himself_o and_o yet_o be_v bold_a and_o courageous_a speak_v with_o freedom_n hence_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v often_o use_v about_o the_o testimony_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v bear_v to_o the_o truth_n a_o free_a bold_a testimony_n in_o any_o cause_n do_v it_o great_a service_n while_o the_o stammer_n lisp_a witness_n that_o use_v no_o freedom_n in_o his_o speech_n rather_o hurt_v a_o cause_n than_o do_v it_o good_a the_o scripture_n speak_v much_o of_o and_o commend_v a_o christian_n boldness_n a_o boldness_n in_o faith_n and_o prayer_n and_o a_o boldness_n in_o a_o bear_a testimony_n to_o our_o lord_n when_o we_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o the_o face_n of_o man_n that_o will_v outface_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n a_o christian_a shall_v be_v bold_a in_o the_o faith_n bold_a in_o prayer_n and_o bold_a in_o his_o confession_n 7._o let_v your_o testimony_n be_v a_o hearty_a testimony_n a_o free_a ready_a cheerful_a testimony_n god_n love_v a_o cheerful_a giver_n say_v the_o apostle_n indeed_o in_o all_o our_o gift_n unto_o god_n it_o be_v so_o god_n love_v a_o freedom_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o spirit_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v subpoena_v into_o a_o testimony_n to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n indeed_o we_o be_v subpoena_v by_o that_o dreadful_a text_n matth._n 9_o a_o christian_n shall_v give_v a_o testimony_n free_o not_o to_o provoke_v and_o challenge_v danger_n and_o dare_v a_o trial_n but_o when_o he_o see_v suffer_v at_o hand_n so_o that_o god_n call_v he_o to_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o he_o and_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o cheerfulness_n become_v a_o christian_n cheerfulness_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o grudge_v 8._o i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o patient_a testimony_n rev._n 19_o st._n john_n give_v this_o character_n of_o himself_o i_o john_n who_o also_o be_o your_o brother_n and_o companion_n in_o tribulation_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o patience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n patience_n under_o evil_n be_v what_o be_v often_o call_v for_o in_o scripture_n and_o press_v upon_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n with_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o argument_n by_o a_o patient_a testimony_n i_o understand_v three_o thing_n 1._o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n a_o flit_a and_o incertain_a christian_a in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n who_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n to_o day_n and_o another_o mind_n to_o morrow_n be_v no_o good_a witness_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n semper_fw-la idem_fw-la be_v the_o true_a motto_n of_o every_o christian_a of_o every_o such_o witness_n he_o that_o be_v one_o day_n of_o one_o mind_n another_o day_n of_o another_o like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n toss_v about_o may_v possible_o get_v to_o heaven_n at_o last_o as_o through_o fire_n but_o he_o be_v no_o good_a witness_n for_o christ_n you_o know_v among_o man_n a_o good_a witness_n must_v abide_v by_o his_o testimony_n if_o he_o vari_v his_o testimony_n be_v weaken_v therefore_o christian_n be_v high_o concern_v to_o examine_v proposition_n well_o before_o they_o profess_v they_o and_o when_o they_o profess_v they_o to_o think_v well_o with_o themselves_o before_o they_o part_v with_o they_o a_o man_n never_o be_v a_o good_a witness_n for_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o point_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v incertain_a himself_o 2._o it_o must_v be_v a_o patient_a testimony_n with_o respect_n unto_o those_o affront_n which_o he_o may_v suffer_v from_o man_n while_o he_o be_v give_v his_o testimony_n a_o good_a and_o steady_a witness_n in_o your_o court_n be_v not_o move_v by_o the_o affront_v of_o any_o lawyer_n that_o set_v himself_o to_o baffle_v he_o out_o of_o his_o testimony_n he_o that_o be_v a_o good_a witness_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n must_v not_o be_v affect_v at_o the_o affront_v of_o man_n that_o will_v baffle_v he_o out_o of_o his_o testimony_n he_o must_v be_v patient_a both_o as_o to_o the_o flattery_n and_o enticement_n of_o enemy_n and_o also_o as_o to_o their_o frown_n and_o menace_n 3._o a_o patient_a testimony_n must_v be_v a_o testimony_n attend_v with_o that_o patience_n which_o they_o have_v need_n of_o who_o may_v suffer_v for_o give_v their_o testimony_n for_o though_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o suffer_v for_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a then_o for_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o suffer_v for_o give_v a_o testimony_n unto_o truth_n and_o thus_o now_o i_o have_v show_v you_o what_o kind_n of_o testimony_n it_o be_v that_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v unto_o the_o lord_n i_o have_v but_o two_o thing_n more_o to_o do_v first_o to_o encourage_v you_o to_o it_o by_o some_o argument_n then_o to_o direct_v you_o in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o now_o for_o argument_n to_o persuade_v you_o not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n you_o have_v hear_v enough_o already_o i_o have_v show_v you_o a_o tenfold_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o you_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n 2._o remember_v christ_n be_v your_o lord_n 3._o you_o can_v otherwise_o show_v your_o gratitude_n to_o he_o for_o that_o testimony_n which_o he_o give_v for_o you_o 4._o thus_o you_o shall_v be_v conformable_a unto_o christ_n and_o what_o be_v behind_o of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v fill_v up_o in_o you_o 5._o remember_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 6._o consider_v the_o station_n which_o you_o take_v up_o in_o the_o world_n of_o a_o witness_n a_o soldier_n a_o child_n to_o our_o heavenly_a father_n a_o servant_n to_o a_o heavenly_a master_n 7._o remember_v the_o private_a law_n that_o you_o have_v lay_v upon_o yourselves_o 8._o remember_v the_o duty_n which_o lie_v upon_o you_o to_o be_v conformable_a to_o your_o fellow_n member_n 9_o remember_v the_o danger_n of_o forbear_v and_o the_o reward_n of_o your_o give_v this_o testimony_n 10._o consider_v your_o oneness_n with_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n after_o all_o these_o what_o need_v any_o further_a argument_n yet_o because_o we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o not_o forward_o unto_o this_o our_o heart_n be_v awk_n and_o backward_o to_o the_o partake_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o averse_a to_o the_o give_v of_o this_o testimony_n let_v i_o by_o way_n of_o a_o further_a argument_n in_o this_o cause_n name_n to_o you_o and_o press_v upon_o you_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v in_o this_o place_n and_o by_o which_o he_o himself_o press_v this_o exhortation_n 1._o the_o first_o lie_v in_o those_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n one_o great_a discouragement_n that_o be_v upon_o our_o spirit_n to_o keep_v we_o in_o a_o day_n of_o testimony_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o testify_v be_v the_o fear_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v and_o to_o give_v our_o testimony_n to_o give_v a_o testimony_n for_o our_o lord_n be_v a_o noble_a thing_n to_o receive_v a_o crown_n the_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n be_v a_o great_a dignity_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o providence_n seek_v out_o for_o we_o to_o set_v this_o crown_n upon_o our_o head_n we_o too_o frequent_o hide_v ourselves_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v we_o distrust_v ourselves_o but_o christian_n fear_v not_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o observe_v that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n have_v be_v so_o see_v in_o no_o other_o thing_n as_o in_o this_o you_o read_v of_o a_o testimony_n that_o stephen_n give_v to_o the_o gospel_n first_o a_o vocal_a than_o a_o real_a testimony_n act_v 6.9_o 10._o and_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v stephen_n have_v then_o a_o dispute_n with_o the_o libertine_n the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v see_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o god_n assistance_n of_o his_o witness_n you_o have_v a_o promise_n luke_n 12.12_o for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v teach_v you_o in_o the_o same_o hour_n what_o you_o ought_v to_o say_v matth._n 10.19_o 20._o but_o when_o they_o deliver_v you_o up_o take_v no_o thought_n how_o or_o what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o same_o hour_n what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o heavenly_a father_n which_o speak_v in_o you_o luke_n say_v when_o they_o bring_v you_o unto_o the_o synagogue_n and_o unto_o
hold_v 5._o last_o consider_v you_o shall_v overcome_v by_o your_o testimony_n rev._n 12.11_o john_n see_v the_o devil_n overcome_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n magna_fw-la est_fw-la veritas_fw-la truth_n be_v a_o great_a thing_n and_o it_o will_v prevail_v look_v back_o upon_o the_o former_a age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o witness_n which_o god_n raise_v up_o to_o his_o truth_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o few_o the_o person_n seem_v contemptible_a yet_o god_n overcome_v the_o whole_a world_n by_o they_o and_o bring_v the_o whole_a world_n into_o some_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n often_o before_o the_o church_n have_v degenerate_v many_o error_n prevail_v at_o last_o popery_n prevail_v then_o stand_v up_o luther_n in_o germany_n those_o that_o look_v upon_o that_o story_n will_v have_v think_v it_o impossible_a that_o luther_n doctrine_n shall_v have_v prevail_v in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o overcome_v by_o the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o to_o that_o victory_n they_o hold_v do_v the_o protestant_a religion_n owe_v itself_o now_o this_o shall_v great_o encourage_v we_o not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n it_o have_v ever_o be_v victorious_a and_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o last_o it_o be_v by_o the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o stand_v close_o to_o their_o opposer_n and_o manage_v their_o spiritual_a fight_n that_o the_o gospel_n have_v obtain_v and_o they_o ought_v still_o to_o hold_v fast_o for_o they_o be_v sure_a of_o victory_n so_o long_o as_o christ_n remain_v king_n in_o zion_n i_o shall_v add_v but_o a_o few_o word_n more_o and_o that_o be_v to_o direct_v christian_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o testimony_n 1._o look_v that_o you_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o truth_n a_o tree_n that_o be_v not_o well_o root_v you_o know_v be_v very_o easy_o shake_v col._n 1.23_o if_o say_v the_o apostle_n you_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n ground_v and_o settle_v the_o truth_n be_v to_o make_v a_o christian_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o have_v need_n of_o a_o double_a ground_n he_o have_v need_n be_v ground_v in_o faith_n according_a to_o that_o text_n col._n 1.23_o and_o he_o have_v need_n be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n according_a to_o that_o text_n eph._n 3.17_o that_o you_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n col._n 2.7_o root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o he_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n christian_n look_v to_o this_o every_o witness_n ought_v to_o understand_v the_o cause_n well_o to_o which_o he_o be_v to_o give_v his_o testimony_n many_o a_o poor_a creature_n bear_v a_o testimony_n to_o they_o know_v not_o what_o labour_v to_o be_v root_v in_o the_o faith_n root_v in_o love_n and_o root_v in_o christ_n that_o soul_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o warm_v with_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n never_o fail_v in_o a_o hour_n of_o testimony_n that_o soul_n that_o be_v either_o ignorant_a of_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o own_o and_o defend_v or_o that_o want_v a_o love_n for_o god_n never_o hold_v long_a than_o till_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o contradiction_n 2._o look_v up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o your_o assistance_n i_o tell_v you_o these_o word_n in_o the_o text_n according_a to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n may_v be_v take_v as_o a_o argument_n to_o persuade_v christian_n not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v manifest_v for_o they_o but_o they_o may_v also_o be_v interpret_v as_o signify_v that_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o in_o our_o testimony_n and_o in_o our_o suffer_a affliction_n we_o have_v no_o spiritual_a enemy_n we_o can_v prevail_v against_o in_o our_o own_o strength_n our_o enemy_n you_o know_v be_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o flesh_n the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 8.13_o if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v never_o yet_o be_v lust_n mortify_v by_o mere_a moral_a argument_n and_o for_o the_o devil_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o take_v upon_o we_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n to_o resist_v he_o strong_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o for_o the_o world_n our_o help_n be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v that_o none_o in_o a_o hour_n of_o testimony_n have_v come_v off_o worse_o than_o those_o who_o have_v be_v most_o confident_a our_o book_n of_o martyr_n tell_v we_o of_o two_o that_o be_v in_o prison_n together_o the_o one_o be_v very_o confident_a and_o courageous_a and_o tell_v the_o other_o that_o his_o fat_n shall_v fry_v in_o the_o fire_n next_o day_n the_o other_o be_v very_o timorous_a and_o fearful_a the_o first_o recant_v and_o deny_v the_o truth_n the_o second_o be_v burn_v at_o the_o stake_n david_n may_v possible_o mean_v it_o of_o his_o external_a enemy_n but_o he_o repeat_v it_o thrice_o my_o enemy_n compass_v i_o about_o but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v destroy_v they_o they_o compass_v i_o about_o yea_o they_o compass_v i_o about_o but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v destroy_v they_o they_o compass_v i_o about_o like_o bee_n they_o be_v quench_v as_o the_o fire_n of_o thorn_n for_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v destroy_v they_o it_o must_v be_v so_o as_o to_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n we_o shall_v never_o prevail_v but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 3._o remember_v in_o your_o testimony_n there_o be_v more_o with_o you_o than_o there_o be_v against_o you_o while_o we_o bear_v testimony_n to_o christ_n god_n be_v with_o we_o christ_n be_v with_o we_o the_o spirit_n be_v with_o we_o all_o the_o holy_a martyr_n be_v with_o we_o there_o be_v none_o but_o sinful_a man_n against_o we_o christ_n the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n be_v with_o you_o rev._n 1.5_o from_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a witness_n he_o be_v the_o first_o witness_n the_o apostle_n st._n john_n say_v 1_o john_n 5.7_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o do_v the_o father_n witness_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v this_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n what_o do_v christ_n witness_v he_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n before_o pontius_n pilate_n he_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a he_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n the_o spirit_n testify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n for_o we_o and_o in_o we_o 4._o four_o will_v you_o not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o your_o testimony_n love_v not_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o thing_n thereof_o nor_o the_o person_n therein_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o love_n of_o creature_n comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n in_o he_o that_o dote_v on_o the_o world_n the_o world_n take_v off_o christ_n witness_n both_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n you_o must_v be_v fond_a of_o none_o of_o these_o 5._o take_v upon_o you_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n of_o which_o you_o read_v eph._n 6.14_o stand_v therefore_o have_v your_o loin_n gird_v about_o with_o truth_n and_o have_v on_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o your_o foot_n shod_a with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n final_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o spirit_n watch_v thereunto_o with_o all_o perseverance_n serm._n 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o matthew_z 5.10_o 11_o 12._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n v._o 11._o bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o shall_v say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o sake_n v._o 12._o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n for_o so_o persecute_v they_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v before_o you_o the_o evangelist_n
4._o the_o command_n of_o the_o superior_a do_v not_o excuse_v the_o inferior_a agent_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o persecution_n nor_o yet_o deprive_v the_o sufferer_n from_o the_o blessing_n of_o he_o that_o be_v persecute_v if_o a_o person_n be_v pursue_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n sake_n for_o do_v that_o which_o god_n oblige_v he_o to_o do_v the_o persecution_n be_v as_o well_o persecution_n in_o the_o inferior_a agent_n as_o in_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o the_o more_o superior_a agent_n the_o jew_n accuse_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n they_o bring_v he_o before_o pilate_n pilate_n condemn_v he_o the_o jew_n nail_v he_o to_o the_o cross_n do_v not_o they_o who_o nail_v he_o to_o the_o cross_n persecute_v he_o paul_n be_v but_o a_o inferior_a agent_n against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 9_o act._n 9_o the_o letter_n be_v from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o chief_a priest_n of_o damascus_n the_o guilt_n lie_v in_o the_o act_n in_o the_o inflict_a of_o punishment_n upon_o such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v real_o free_v from_o punishment_n it_o be_v true_a he_o that_o command_v he_o that_o counsel_v and_o advise_v be_v not_o excuse_v but_o much_o less_o the_o next_o immediate_a actor_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o the_o law_n of_o man_n thus_o deal_v with_o offender_n nay_o when_o it_o excuse_v the_o principal_a agent_n it_o think_v it_o justice_n to_o punish_v severe_o the_o inferior_a minister_n for_o be_v there_o no_o minister_n in_o wickedness_n superior_n can_v do_v no_o hurt_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o think_v they_o be_v excuse_v because_o they_o be_v but_o minister_n and_o do_v but_o execute_v the_o will_n or_o sentence_n of_o other_o they_o be_v mistake_v paul_n hold_v the_o clothes_n when_o stephen_n be_v stone_v bring_v he_o into_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o death_n 5._o they_o be_v not_o only_o persecute_v who_o resist_v sin_n unto_o blood_n and_o choose_v death_n rather_o than_o sin_n but_o they_o who_o be_v revile_v and_o reproach_v our_o saviour_n you_o see_v put_v all_o together_o bless_v be_v you_o when_o you_o be_v revile_v and_o persecute_v and_o when_o they_o shall_v speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n of_o you_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n gal._n 4.29_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n persecute_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n if_o you_o look_v into_o the_o story_n of_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n it_o be_v say_v ishmael_n mock_v he_o thus_o paul_n complain_v rom._n 8.39_o for_o thy_o sake_n we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o all_o kind_n of_o suffer_v to_o avoid_v sin_n be_v persecution_n and_o those_o that_o make_v they_o to_o suffer_v be_v persecutor_n those_o that_o be_v sufferer_n be_v so_o persecute_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v degree_n both_o of_o this_o and_o of_o other_o sin_n but_o he_o that_o smite_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o tongue_n persecute_v as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o smite_v with_o a_o sword_n that_o be_v make_v of_o iron_n and_o he_o who_o be_v so_o smite_v be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n persecute_v as_o well_o as_o he_o who_o life_n be_v take_v from_o he_o now_o i_o say_v this_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n to_o suffer_v persecution_n to_o be_v pursue_v by_o wicked_a and_o malicious_a man_n both_o with_o their_o tongue_n revile_v they_o and_o with_o their_o hand_n endeavour_v to_o do_v they_o mischief_n either_o spoil_v they_o of_o their_o good_n or_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o life_n and_o that_o because_o they_o will_v not_o sin_v against_o god_n 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n how_o this_o do_v appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o also_o all_o ecclesiastical_a story_n take_v adam_n family_n immediate_o after_o the_o fall_n abel_n be_v persecute_v by_o cain_n indeed_o he_o do_v not_o suffer_v because_o he_o will_v not_o sin_v but_o because_o he_o be_v more_o righteous_a and_o have_v offer_v up_o a_o better_a sacrifice_n consider_v abraham_n family_n of_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v gal._n 4.29_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n persecute_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n act_n 7.52_o which_o of_o the_o prophet_n have_v not_o your_o father_n persecute_v but_o if_o you_o come_v unto_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o consider_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o that_o state_n you_o shall_v find_v it_o be_v persecute_v at_o all_o hand_n first_o by_o the_o jew_n then_o by_o the_o heathen_n then_o by_o false_a and_o pretend_a christian_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o example_n of_o stephen_n the_o proto-martyr_n and_o of_o christian_n ever_o since_o first_o by_o the_o jew_n of_o which_o you_o read_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n then_o by_o the_o heathen_n which_o persecution_n last_v 300_o hundred_o year_n till_o constantine_n the_o great_a then_o by_o false_a christian_n the_o papist_n and_o other_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n always_o persecute_v they_o who_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n it_o may_v therefore_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n rather_o to_o fathom_v the_o bottom_n of_o this_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v the_o mark_n and_o but_o of_o the_o world_n envy_n reas_n 1._o the_o original_a cause_n must_v be_v fetch_v from_o that_o text_n gen._n 3.15_o where_o god_n say_v i_o will_v put_v enmity_n betwixt_o thou_o and_o the_o woman_n and_o between_o thy_o seed_n and_o her_o seed_n that_o text_n give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o threefold_a antipathy_n or_o enmity_n which_o you_o find_v in_o the_o world_n 1._o you_o see_v there_o be_v a_o natural_a antipathy_n between_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o a_o serpent_n though_o we_o have_v little_a experience_n of_o it_o in_o england_n in_o egypt_n and_o africa_n they_o be_v mortal_a enemy_n unto_o man_n and_o though_o we_o have_v no_o such_o exceed_o mischievous_a serpent_n yet_o we_o see_v man_n general_o averse_a to_o they_o and_o shun_v they_o and_o seek_v to_o destroy_v they_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o antipathy_n betwixt_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o you_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o destroyer_n though_o man_n serve_v he_o yet_o he_o destroy_v they_o witch_n be_v the_o worst_a of_o people_n they_o be_v his_o slave_n he_o be_v their_o ruin_n and_o destroyer_n at_o last_o and_o for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n he_o be_v continual_o molest_v they_o here_o be_v the_o reason_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o antipathy_n betwixt_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n who_o be_v the_o woman_n seed_n but_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o wicked_a man_n you_o be_v of_o your_o father_n the_o devil_n say_v christ_n john_n 8.44_o for_o his_o work_n you_o do_v but_o although_o this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o more_o remote_a cause_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o proximate_n and_o immediate_a cause_n and_o some_o of_o they_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o 2._o the_o next_o cause_n be_v that_o innate_a hatred_n of_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o every_o man_n since_o the_o fall_n rom._n 1.30_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o heathen_a that_o they_o be_v backbiter_n hater_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o fall_n when_o man_n lose_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o which_o he_o be_v create_v no_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a love_n for_o god_n or_o for_o the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o they_o say_v of_o the_o basilisk_n that_o it_o have_v such_o a_o hatred_n to_o a_o man_n that_o it_o will_v fly_v upon_o the_o picture_n of_o a_o man_n so_o it_o be_v true_a that_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n by_o nature_n be_v basilisk_n they_o fly_v upon_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n where_o ever_o they_o see_v it_o now_o persecution_n be_v but_o the_o daughter_n of_o hatred_n and_o though_o every_o one_o have_v not_o the_o like_a rough_a and_o harsh_a nature_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o furious_a as_o some_o man_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o no_o man_n natural_o love_v yea_o every_o man_n natural_o hate_v god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n hence_o the_o more_o any_o one_o have_v of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o soul_n the_o more_o he_o be_v the_o object_n of_o hatred_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o hatred_n lie_v in_o