people_n or_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v entrust_v with_o this_o business_n will_v choose_v simple_a and_o unwise_a preacher_n i_o answer_v brief_o their_o rule_n in_o this_o business_n prevent_v this_o objection_n for_o they_o must_v be_v wise_a that_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o preach_v and_o the_o church_n must_v not_o only_o be_v simple_a and_o ignorant_a but_o undutiful_a and_o disobedient_a to_o christ_n command_n or_o else_o this_o danger_n be_v avoid_v and_o though_o babylon_n builder_n be_v blind_a in_o this_o matter_n yet_o christ_n church_n be_v wise_a and_o see_v and_o the_o spiritual_a man_n discern_v all_o thing_n 1_o cor._n 2.15_o 2_o thess_n 2.15_o and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o objection_n the_o second_o use_n be_v of_o caution_n second_o let_v this_o use_n be_v a_o word_n of_o caution_n to_o all_o such_o as_o either_o design_n or_o be_v already_o engage_v in_o preaching-work_n look_v to_o this_o doctrine_n that_o you_o be_v in_o god_n as_o well_o as_o his_o people_n account_n wise_a true_o wise_a rich_o wise_a with_o the_o spiritual_a heavenly_a gospel-wisdom_n oh_o beloved_n undertake_v not_o this_o weighty_a glorious_a honourable_a work_n or_o employment_n of_o preach_v without_o suitable_a aptness_n and_o fitness_n thereunto_o run_v not_o before_o jesus_n christ_n send_v you_o remember_v rom._n 10.15_o how_o can_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o be_v send_v 〈◊〉_d take_v not_o this_o honour_n this_o undue_a honour_n to_o yourselves_o to_o be_v judge_n of_o your_o sufficiency_n for_o it_o be_v write_v heb._n 5.14_o no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n tâ—_n himself_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n as_o be_v aaron_n be_v of_o the_o temper_n and_o spirit_n of_o jeremiah_n have_v loâ—_n thought_n of_o yourselves_o and_o ability_n and_o upright_o say_v as_o he_o do_v ah_o lord_n god_n behold_v i_o can_v speak_v for_o i_o be_o a_o child_n jer._n 1.6_o and_o with_o moses_n say_v oh_o my_o lord_n i_o be_o not_o eloquent_a neither_o heretofore_o nor_o since_o thou_o have_v speak_v to_o thy_o servant_n but_o i_o be_o slow_a of_o speech_n and_o of_o a_o slow_a tongue_n exod._n 4._o oh_o you_o belove_a to_o who_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v in_o this_o use_n be_v mindful_a of_o that_o word_n eccles_n 5.2_o be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o it_o be_v soul-work_n you_o be_v to_o do_v therefore_o be_v wise_a it_o be_v christ_n work_n therefore_o be_v wise_a it_o be_v honourable_a work_n therefore_o be_v wise_a it_o be_v hard_a work_n very_o difficult_a work_n therefore_o be_v wise_a for_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v dangerous_a work_n yea_o most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o work_n if_o we_o do_v this_o deceitful_o or_o negligent_o or_o foolish_o think_v on_o that_o word_n eccles_n 5.6_o suffer_v not_o thy_o mouth_n to_o cause_v thy_o flesh_n to_o sin_n neither_o say_v thou_o it_o be_v a_o error_n wherefore_o shall_v god_n be_v angry_a at_o thy_o voice_n and_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n oh_o remember_v ezek._n 3.17_o 18._o if_o thou_o warn_v not_o the_o wicked_a from_o his_o wicked_a way_n the_o same_o wicked_a man_n shall_v sure_o die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n but_o his_o blood_n will_v i_o require_v at_o thy_o hand_n be_v therefore_o wise_a true_o wise_a heavenly_a wise_a spiritual_o wise_a rich_o wise_a in_o all_o the_o reveal_v wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o god_n have_v say_v he_o will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o they_o that_o draw_v nigh_o he_o and_o before_o all_o the_o people_n he_o will_v be_v glorify_v numb_a 10.3_o but_o that_o you_o may_v be_v wise_a take_v these_o few_o direction_n and_o help_n as_o sufficient_a for_o the_o attainment_n of_o preachers-wisdom_n direct_v 1._o first_o and_o above_o all_o be_v much_o in_o communion_n with_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o wisdom_n for_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o your_o way_n to_o have_v it_o be_v by_o prayer_n so_o say_v james_n if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n who_o give_v liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o chap._n 1.5_o belove_a all_o we_o that_o preach_v and_o all_o you_o that_o desire_v this_o great_a work_n of_o breach_a we_o do_v all_o of_o we_o lack_v wisdom_n yea_o very_o much_o lack_v wisdom_n therefore_o pray_v oh_o pray_v abundant_o for_o wisdom_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v it_o thus_o do_v solomon_n and_o please_v god_n and_o obtain_v his_o request_n 1_o king_n 3.7_o 8_o 9_o and_o this_o paul_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n desire_v the_o thessalonian-church_n do_v do_v for_o he_o even_o to_o pray_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v have_v free_a course_n and_o be_v glorify_v by_o he_o and_o his_o companion_n on_o brethren_n and_o belove_v pray_v much_o and_o fervent_o for_o yourselves_o and_o beg_v also_o the_o constant_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o you_o and_o all_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n may_v be_v true_o rich_o spiritual_o wise_a direct_v 2._o second_o will_v you_o be_v spiritual_o wise_a be_v diligent_a painful_a and_o abundant_a in_o the_o study_n and_o search_v into_o the_o scripture_n for_o this_o be_v able_a only_o able_a of_o outward_a help_n to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n wise_a even_o thorough_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o with_o 1_o tim._n 4.15_o 16._o meditate_v on_o these_o thing_n give_v thyself_o whole_o to_o they_o that_o thy_o profit_v may_v appear_v to_o all_o continue_v in_o they_o that_o thou_o may_v save_v thyself_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v oh_o my_o dear_a brethren_n and_o friend_n this_o be_v a_o preacher_n study_v and_o work_v to_o search_v and_o study_v the_o scripture_n not_o father_n commentator_n or_o schoolman_n as_o his_o business_n this_o be_v but_o a_o by-study_n it_o be_v scripture-study_n even_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v our_o great_a business_n even_o our_o all_o to_o study_v for_o it_o be_v scripture_n and_o gospel_n that_o you_o must_v preach_v not_o book_n nor_o man_n opinion_n therefore_o study_v the_o scripture_n diligent_o and_o humble_o direct_v 3._o three_o be_v very_o much_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n walk_v much_o with_o god_n if_o you_o will_v be_v wise_a and_o know_v much_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n thus_o god_n act_v towards_o abraham_n gen._n 18.17_o he_o will_v not_o hide_v his_o counsel_n from_o he_o because_o he_o be_v godly_a and_o will_v command_v and_o reach_v his_o family_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o in_o danel_n case_n so_o our_o lord_n also_o promise_v john_n 7.17_o say_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n direct_v 4._o four_o be_v much_o in_o communion_n with_o saint_n for_o with_o the_o well-advised_a be_v wisdom_n therefore_o if_o preacher_n will_v be_v wise_a they_o must_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o good_a man_n and_o keep_v the_o path_n of_o the_o righteous_a prov._n 2.20_o paul_n sit_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n and_o thus_o apollo_n become_v wise_a through_o converse_n with_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n and_o thus_o mary_n may_v be_v say_v to_o become_v wise_a by_o sit_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n act_v 22.3_o with_o chap._n 18.25_o 26._o and_o luke_n 10.25_o so_o that_o if_o a_o preacher_n desire_v to_o be_v wise_a his_o way_n be_v to_o hold_v and_o maintain_v much_o christian-fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o saint_n even_o with_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o experience_a among_o they_o this_o may_v serve_v for_o direction_n in_o this_o matter_n therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o that_o be_v gospel-preacher_n to_o strive_v to_o be_v wise_a by_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o holy_a mean_n for_o by_o so_o do_v you_o may_v obtain_v to_o be_v such_o preacher_n of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v say_v moreover_o because_o the_o preacher_n be_v wise_a he_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o this_o verse_n concern_v what_o the_o preacher_n be_v and_o his_o qualification_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o text_n which_o contain_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o wise_a preacher_n act_n or_o work_n he_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n first_o these_o word_n contain_v either_o the_o preacher_n persistency_n or_o go_v on_o with_o his_o work_n or_o second_o his_o proficiency_n or_o ripen_v at_o or_o in_o his_o work_n he_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n not_o as_o one_o that_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n or_o height_n but_o as_o
32.3_o where_o we_o have_v it_o that_o zedekiah_n king_n of_o judah_n have_v shut_v he_o up_o say_v wherefore_o dosâ—_n thou_o prophesy_v and_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n sinner_n can_v endure_v that_o god_n minister_n shall_v say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n thus_o deal_v those_o with_o amos_n which_o say_v o_o thou_o seer_n go_v flee_v thy_o way_n into_o the_o land_n of_o judah_n and_o there_o eat_v bread_n and_o prophesy_v but_o prophesy_v no_o more_o at_o bethel_n for_o it_o be_v the_o king_n chapel_n and_o it_o be_v the_o king_n court_n amos_n 7.12_o 13._o oh_o that_o such_o gospel-opposer_n will_v but_o consider_v the_o two_o last_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o tremble_v and_o not_o any_o more_o oppose_v and_o persecute_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o faithful_a preacher_n thereof_o it_o be_v neither_o man_n greatness_n in_o authority_n or_o excellency_n of_o part_n will_v secure_v they_o from_o god_n dreadful_a displeasure_n except_o they_o repent_v oh_o how_o great_a be_v their_o sin_n and_o how_o inexcusable_a will_v they_o one_o day_n be_v that_o pretend_v love_n to_o christ_n and_o friendship_n to_o the_o gospel_n yet_o forbid_v the_o pure_a preach_v thereof_o these_o be_v sinner_n of_o a_o double_a die_n and_o it_o be_v well_o that_o they_o will_v all_o view_n and_o consider_v what_o paul_n say_v concern_v they_o 1_o thes_n 2.16_o forbid_v we_o to_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v to_o fill_v up_o their_o sin_n allway_o for_o the_o wrath_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o cry_n but_o a_o fill_a sin_n sure_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o romish_a prelate_n and_o power_n be_v full_a near_o the_o uttermost_a that_o have_v so_o long_o persecute_v forbid_v god_n faithful_a labourer_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v only_o offer_v one_o scripture_n to_o such_o man_n consideration_n and_o so_o leave_v they_o under_o this_o reproof_n isa_n 30.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o now_o go_v write_v it_o before_o they_o in_o a_o table_n and_o note_v it_o in_o a_o book_n that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o time_n to_o come_v for_o ever_o and_o for_o ever_o that_o this_o be_v a_o rebellious_a people_n lie_v child_n child_n that_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o say_v to_o the_o seer_n see_v not_o and_o to_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v not_o unto_o we_o right_a thing_n speak_v to_o we_o smooth_a thing_n prophesy_v deceit_n get_v you_o out_o of_o the_o way_n turn_z aside_o out_o of_o the_o path_n cause_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n to_o cease_v from_o before_o we_o therefore_o thus_o say_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n because_o you_o despise_v this_o word_n and_o trust_v in_o oppression_n and_o perverseness_n and_o stay_v thereon_o therefore_o this_o inquity_n shall_v be_v unto_o you_o as_o a_o breach_n ready_a to_o fall_v swell_v out_o in_o a_o high_a wall_n who_o break_v come_v sudden_o at_o a_o instant_n and_o he_o shall_v break_v it_o as_o the_o break_n of_o 〈◊〉_d potter_n vessel_n that_o be_v break_v in_o piece_n he_o shall_v not_o spare_v so_o that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bursting_n of_o it_o a_o shred_v to_o take_v fire_n from_o the_o hearth_n or_o to_o take_v water_n withal_o out_o of_o the_o pit_n three_o use_v of_o reproof_n a_o three_o use_v of_o reproof_n from_o this_o consideration_n that_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v god_n ordinance_n shall_v be_v to_o reprove_v all_o such_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o though_o not_o forbid_v of_o man_n yet_o forbid_v themselves_o and_o neglect_v this_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o ordinance_n as_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n such_o idle_a drone_n among_o the_o bee_n have_v need_n consider_v that_o word_n 1_o cor._n 9.16_o for_o though_o i_o preach_v the_o gospel_n i_o have_v nothing_o to_o glory_n of_o for_o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o i_o yea_o woe_n be_v unto_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n and_o woe_n will_v be_v unto_o such_o as_o be_v able_a and_o may_v but_o do_v not_o preach_v the_o gospel_n yea_o though_o man_n do_v forbid_v yet_o woe_n unto_o he_o that_o will_v be_v forbid_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o do_v not_o faithful_o and_o full_o preach_v the_o gospel_n such_o sleepy_a idle_a timorous_a or_o unprofitable_a preacher_n that_o do_v not_o as_o the_o good_a preacher_n do_v in_o my_o text_n and_o every_o good_a preacher_n in_o the_o world_n ought_v to_o do_v that_o be_v to_o give_v good_a heed_n and_o diligent_o set_v in_o order_n parable_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o these_o man_n repoof_n hope_v that_o a_o word_n to_o the_o wise_a will_v be_v sufficient_a which_o every_o preacher_n as_o my_o text_n imply_v ought_v to_o be_v but_o to_o they_o or_o so_o many_o preacher_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n as_o be_v otherwise_o spirit_v i_o will_v commend_v a_o scripture_n or_o two_o to_o their_o consideration_n the_o first_o be_v woe_n to_o the_o idol_n shepheard_n that_o leave_v the_o flock_n the_o sword_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o arm_n and_o upon_o his_o right_a eye_n his_o arm_n shall_v be_v clean_o dry_v up_o and_o his_o right_a eye_n utter_o darken_v but_o why_o o_o lord_n mark_v because_o he_o have_v not_o visit_v those_o that_o be_v cut_v off_o neither_o do_v seek_v the_o young_a one_o nor_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v break_v nor_o feed_v that_o which_o stand_v still_o but_o do_v eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o fat_a and_o tear_v their_o claw_n in_o piece_n zach._n 11.16_o 17._o with_o ezek._n 13.4_o 5._o o_o israel_n thy_o prophet_n be_v as_o the_o fox_n in_o the_o desert_n yea_o have_v not_o go_v up_o into_o the_o gap_n neither_o make_v up_o the_o hedge_n for_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n to_o stand_v in_o the_o battle_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n therefore_o hear_v what_o the_o lord_n say_v vers_fw-la 9_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o my_o people_n neither_o shall_v they_o be_v write_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n four_o use_v of_o reproof_n but_o a_o four_o use_v of_o reproof_n be_v to_o such_o and_o so_o many_o as_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n ordinance_n and_o yet_o make_v not_o due_a and_o suitable_a improvement_n of_o it_o god_n will_v one_o day_n say_v to_o these_o without_o repentance_n as_o to_o those_o of_o old_a forasmuch_o as_o this_o people_n draw_v near_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o and_o their_o fear_n to_o i_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n therefore_o behold_v i_o will_v proceed_v to_o do_v a_o marvellous_a work_n and_o a_o wonder_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n shall_v perish_v and_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a man_n shall_v be_v hide_v isa_n 29.13_o 14._o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o person_n to_o who_o this_o reproof_n belong_v first_o such_o as_o be_v careless_a in_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v second_o such_o as_o be_v careless_a of_o do_v of_o that_o which_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v teach_v they_o ought_v to_o do_v as_o well_o as_o know_v and_o i_o fear_v how_o many_o soever_o there_o may_v be_v find_v under_o the_o first_o reproof_n or_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n there_o be_v yet_o many_o more_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n even_o forgetful_a hearer_n deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n jam._n 1.22_o 25._o first_o such_o sleepy_a worldly_a carnal_a idle_a person_n that_o seldom_o can_v find_v time_n and_o as_o seldom_o find_v a_o heart_n to_o come_v to_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n preach_v though_o god_n bring_v it_o even_o to_o the_o door_n yet_o they_o can_v scarce_o move_v their_o foot_n over_o the_o threshold_n to_o come_v to_o it_o but_o cry_v out_o what_o need_v so_o much_o expense_n of_o time_n or_o attendance_n upon_o preach_v or_o else_o compliment_n over_o their_o neglect_n as_o those_o do_v that_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o feast_n make_v light_n of_o these_o opportunity_n or_o invitation_n and_o cry_v pray_v you_o have_v i_o excuse_v i_o have_v buy_v a_o piece_n of_o ground_n and_o i_o must_v needs_o go_v see_v it_o and_o another_o i_o have_v buy_v ox_n and_o i_o must_v needs_o go_v prove_v they_o and_o a_o three_o sort_n i_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v come_v luke_n 14.15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o but_o will_v these_o excuse_n serve_v to_o leave_v such_o man_n excusable_a that_o neglect_n or_o omit_v to_o come_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n oh_o
spirit_n say_v to_o hear_v and_o receive_v even_o still_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n rev._n 6.7_o so_o much_o for_o this_o five_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v come_v now_o to_o a_o second_o particular_a offer_v from_o this_o first_o act_n of_o the_o wise_a preacher_n that_o he_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n that_o be_v he_o go_v forward_o and_o make_v progression_n in_o preach_v he_o do_v not_o stick_v or_o remain_v upon_o first_o principle_n but_o rise_v high_a and_o high_o in_o his_o preach_v he_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n that_o be_v high_a measure_n and_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n as_o he_o be_v wise_o diligent_a so_o be_v he_o wise_o proceed_v and_o go_v forward_o from_z step_z to_z step_z in_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o preach_v the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n hence_o be_v doct._n that_o wise_a preacher_n be_v prosper_v or_o thrive_a preacher_n they_o be_v not_o only_o diligent_a and_o constant_a preacher_n but_o also_o they_o be_v grow_v preacher_n he_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n that_o be_v more_o and_o high_a knowledge_n this_o be_v shadow_v out_o in_o the_o water_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n which_o rise_v first_o to_o the_o ankle_n then_o to_o the_o knee_n then_o to_o the_o loin_n afterward_o to_o a_o river_n that_o can_v not_o be_v pass_v over_o even_o so_o do_v preach_v qualification_n in_o a_o wise_a and_o painful_a preacher_n who_o as_o paul_n say_v when_o in_o their_o childhood_n or_o first_o entrance_n may_v speak_v like_o child_n and_o act_n like_o child_n yet_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o be_v man_n they_o will_v speak_v preach_v and_o act_n like_o man_n 1_o cor._n 13.11_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v promise_v psal_n 1._o where_o david_n tell_v we_o the_o blessedness_n of_o the_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o ungodly_a but_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o that_o law_n do_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n he_o shall_v be_v like_o a_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n that_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o season_n his_o leaf_n shall_v not_o wither_v but_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v shall_v prosper_v this_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o not_o only_o the_o godly_a christian_a but_o especial_o of_o the_o true_o wise_a and_o godly_a preacher_n he_o shall_v grow_v and_o flourish_v the_o like_a promise_n we_o have_v in_o psalm_n 92.12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o where_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o how_o it_o will_v fare_v with_o righteous_a and_o wise_a preacher_n they_o shall_v flourish_v like_o the_o palmtree_n and_o grow_v like_o the_o cedar_n in_o lebanon_n those_o that_o be_v plaut_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v flourish_v in_o the_o court_n of_o our_o god_n they_o shall_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o old_a age_n they_o shall_v be_v fat_a and_o flourish_a to_o show_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v upright_o this_o also_o paul_n imply_v in_o that_o say_n of_o he_o to_o timothy_n 1_o epist_n 4.15_o that_o thy_o profit_v may_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o point_n a_o little_a confirm_v but_o because_o this_o truth_n have_v in_o part_n already_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o will_v necessary_o fall_v under_o consideration_n in_o another_o place_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o but_o only_o make_v one_o use_v from_o it_o and_o that_o be_v for_o encouragement_n to_o all_o wise_a and_o painful_a preacher_n the_o four_o use_n be_v of_o encouragement_n know_v assure_o the_o lord_n will_v bless_v your_o seed_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o your_o increase_n you_o may_v reckon_v yourselves_o child_n that_o can_v speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o the_o lord_n have_v tell_v you_o he_o will_v be_v with_o you_o and_o make_v you_o as_o a_o defence_a city_n and_o a_o iron_n pillar_n and_o a_o brazen_a wall_n jer._n 1.6_o 7._o compare_v with_o vers_n 18._o oh_o be_v encourage_v to_o be_v sound_a faithful_a and_o diligent_a for_o though_o you_o may_v go_v out_o to_o preach_v as_o jacob_n go_v forth_o from_o his_o father_n house_n when_o he_o say_v with_o my_o staff_n i_o pass_v over_o this_o jordan_n but_o now_o i_o be_o become_v two_o band_n gen._n 32.10_o even_o so_o you_o faithful_a preacher_n shall_v have_v a_o time_n to_o say_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o freegrace_n i_o be_o become_v two_o band_n the_o lord_n have_v promise_v that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v lead_v you_o not_o only_o unto_o truth_n but_o from_o truth_n to_o truth_n till_o you_o be_v guide_v into_o all_o truth_n john_n 16.13_o therefore_o be_v encourage_v to_o persist_v and_o go_v on_o in_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o and_o he_o will_v uphold_v your_o go_n in_o his_o path_n oh_o beloved_n be_v neither_o discourage_v at_o your_o own_o weakness_n nor_o your_o many_o discouragement_n for_o the_o righteous_a shall_v flourish_v like_o the_o palm_n therefore_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n guide_v they_o by_o the_o skilfulness_n of_o the_o lord_n hand_n upon_o you_o from_o truth_n to_o truth_n from_o first_o principle_n to_o high_a and_o more_o ennoble_a conclusion_n be_v not_o child_n in_o your_o knowledge_n but_o go_v on_o towards_o perfection_n as_o good_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n preacher_n that_o receive_v free_o or_o large_o of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v give_v forth_o as_o free_o and_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n as_o preacher_n grow_v in_o knowledge_n they_o shall_v seek_v that_o the_o people_n may_v grow_v in_o knowledge_n also_o as_o water_n of_o knowledge_n flow_v into_o they_o so_o shall_v they_o flow_v forth_o unto_o the_o people_n for_o as_o your_o day_n be_v so_o shall_v your_o strength_n be_v jesus_n christ_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o you_o always_o in_o such_o work_n matth._n 28._o and_o to_o conclude_v take_v the_o counsel_n of_o solomon_n eccles_n 9.10_o whatsoever_o thy_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v do_v it_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n for_o there_o be_v no_o work_n nor_o device_n nor_o knowledge_n nor_o wisdom_n in_o the_o grave_a whither_o thou_o go_v you_o labour_a one_o in_o this_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n feed_v on_o that_o promise_n mat._n 13.12_o for_o whosoever_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundance_n and_o to_o close_o take_v that_o good_a word_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o therefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o next_o particular_a in_o the_o text_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n which_o the_o preacher_n preach_v that_o be_v knowledge_n he_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n it_o be_v knowledge_n the_o preacher_n teach_v he_o preach_v not_o to_o make_v himself_o know_v or_o his_o knowledge_n know_v but_o to_o make_v the_o people_n know_v for_o he_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n one_o question_n may_v from_o hence_o be_v ask_v and_o that_o be_v what_o knowledge_n be_v or_o second_o what_o knowledge_n this_o be_v the_o wise_a preacher_n teach_v the_o people_n to_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o the_o first_o query_n what_o knowledge_n be_v it_o be_v the_o opposite_a to_o ignorance_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o enlighten_v or_o inform_v the_o understanding_n either_o concern_v the_o author_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o thing_n i_o say_v knowledge_n be_v a_o enrich_a excellency_n enable_v man_n to_o make_v true_a judgement_n concern_v thing_n he_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o knowledge_n know_v not_o how_o to_o discern_v thing_n or_o to_o difference_n one_o thing_n from_o a_o other_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v here_o though_o i_o may_v add_v there_o be_v a_o double_a sort_n of_o knowledge_n natural_a and_o supernatural_a or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n or_o object_n divine_a and_o heavenly_a or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n or_o object_n natural_a this_o supernatural_a knowledge_n consist_v either_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o his_o will_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o or_o other_o but_o second_o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v what_o this_o knowledge_n in_o particular_a be_v which_o the_o preacher_n teach_v the_o people_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n i_o answer_v not_o humane_a knowledge_n or_o understanding_n and_o skill_n in_o worldly_a thing_n but_o it_o be_v knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n or_o heavenly_a thing_n more_o particular_o it_o may_v be_v distinguish_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o in_o himself_o attribute_n and_o word_n consider_v second_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o
the_o wise_a gospel-preacher_n his_o praise_n and_o practice_n duty_n and_o dignity_n open_v in_o a_o sermon_n on_o eccles_n 12.9_o by_o s._n m._n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n isa_n 52.7_o how_o beautiful_a upon_o the_o mountain_n be_v the_o foot_n of_o he_o that_o bring_v good_a tiding_n that_o publish_v peace_n etc._n etc._n print_a for_o the_o author_n to_o that_o congregation_n over_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v i_o a_o overseer_n increase_v of_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o brethren_n and_o beloved_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n these_o sermon_n as_o they_o be_v preach_v among_o you_o even_o so_o be_v their_o publication_n earnest_o solicit_v by_o some_o of_o you_o at_o who_o request_n i_o have_v yield_v to_o that_o i_o design_v not_o in_o their_o preach_v nor_o intend_v to_o have_v do_v long_o since_o that_o task_n be_v finish_v but_o remember_v i_o be_o not_o only_o a_o debtor_n to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o more_o especial_o to_o you_o also_o not_o only_o by_o one_o mean_n but_o by_o every_o mean_n to_o endeavour_v your_o furtherance_n in_o the_o faith_n i_o judge_v myself_o oblige_v to_o help_v you_o with_o that_o print_a which_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o in_o preach_v and_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v so_o near_o as_o i_o can_v your_o eye_n now_o have_v only_o what_o once_o your_o ear_n hear_v as_o to_o you_o my_o belove_a who_o importunity_n prevail_v upon_o i_o to_o undertake_v this_o work_n know_v two_o argument_n prevail_v upon_o i_o to_o answer_v your_o request_n the_o one_o my_o love_n towards_o you_o the_o other_o my_o desire_n of_o your_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o if_o my_o labour_n of_o love_n for_o your_o sake_n may_v providential_o extend_v or_o reach_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o any_o other_o that_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n i_o therein_o shall_v and_o will_v rejoice_v i_o need_v not_o here_o give_v you_o any_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o treatise_n you_o well_o know_v it_o be_v to_o open_v both_o the_o wise-preacher_n and_o the_o wise-hearer_n work_v and_o business_n you_o know_v i_o need_v the_o one_o and_o i_o also_o judge_v you_o want_v not_o need_v sufficient_a to_o learn_v the_o other_o as_o to_o the_o method_n it_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v plain_a as_o best_o become_v gospel-mystery_n it_o be_v truth_n not_o humane_a wisdom_n or_o eloquence_n that_o i_o design_v to_o manifest_v and_o sure_o shall_v i_o thus_o have_v act_v i_o shall_v have_v pull_v down_o with_o one_o hand_n what_o i_o be_v set_v up_o with_o the_o other_o and_o so_o shall_v have_v be_v find_v a_o transgressor_n as_o to_o my_o often_o hint_v of_o any_o thing_n mind_v in_o this_o discourse_n know_v the_o nearness_n of_o the_o phrase_n in_o the_o text_n one_o to_o another_o constrain_v it_o except_o i_o shall_v have_v break_v the_o bound_n and_o deal_v partial_o with_o the_o text_n and_o my_o thought_n be_v that_o plenty_n may_v even_o conduce_v to_o profit_n and_o as_o for_o those_o phrase_n title_n and_o denomination_n of_o person_n which_o in_o this_o discourse_n may_v seem_v unto_o any_o tender_a ear_n to_o be_v plain_a harsh_a or_o reproachful_a to_o any_o know_v this_o i_o have_v wary_o consider_v to_o fasten_v they_o only_o on_o person_n real_o deserve_v such_o name_n and_o although_o i_o have_v herein_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o the_o saint_n &_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o have_v i_o abate_v rather_o than_o exceed_v their_o practice_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a if_o you_o consider_v of_o some_o expression_n wherein_o how_o great_a or_o learned_a or_o seem_o pious_a soever_o some_o sinner_n be_v yet_o both_o christ_n himself_o and_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v speak_v very_o home_o and_o hard_a against_o such_o person_n still_v they_o hypocrite_n devil_n child_n wolf_n dog_n lion_n fox_n viper_n painted-sepulchre_n white_v wall_n prince_n of_o sodom_n ruler_n of_o gomorrah_n adulterer_n adulteress_n and_o such_o like_a as_o the_o scripture_n witness_v wherefore_o marvel_v not_o at_o my_o freedom_n of_o expression_n to_o sinner_n of_o the_o same_o dye_n and_o last_o my_o resolution_n be_v to_o avoid_v the_o reproof_n due_a to_o such_o as_o give_v flatter_a title_n unto_o man_n and_o as_o elihu_n say_v let_v i_o not_o i_o pray_v you_o accept_v any_o man_n person_n neither_o let_v i_o give_v flatter_a title_n unto_o man_n for_o i_o know_v not_o to_o give_v flatter_a title_n forin_o so_o do_v my_o maker_n will_v soon_o take_v i_o away_o job_n 32.21_o 22._o and_o further_o if_o any_o suppose_v i_o have_v in_o this_o discourse_n affect_v and_o discover_v a_o spirit_n of_o singularity_n and_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n from_o the_o most_o of_o even_o pious_a judicious_a and_o sober_a man_n of_o this_o age._n i_o answer_v in_o uprightness_n it_o be_v not_o affect_o but_o constrain_o do_v and_o i_o suppose_v even_o such_o objector_n will_v not_o deny_v it_o be_v better_o differ_v from_o man_n how_o wise_a soever_o than_o from_o christ_n and_o since_o all_o man_n know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o prophesy_v but_o in_o part_n that_o may_v be_v christ_n truth_n which_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v or_o understand_v by_o many_o be_v it_o not_o write_v thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a neither_o shall_v thou_o speak_v in_o a_o cause_n to_o decline_v after_o many_o to_o wrest_v judgement_n exod._n 23.2_o and_o as_o paul_n say_v i_o believe_v therefore_o have_v i_o speak_v 2_o cor._n 4.13_o i_o shall_v willing_o receive_v better_a information_n and_o then_o speedy_o change_v my_o present_a apprehension_n last_o if_o any_o object_n against_o the_o largeness_n of_o this_o tract_n my_o answer_n be_v it_o be_v my_o desire_n to_o have_v prevent_v it_o can_v i_o with_o fidelity_n and_o prudence_n have_v effect_v it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v i_o have_v deny_v myself_o and_o slip_v over_o some_o particular_n which_o may_v more_o largel_n have_v be_v insist_v on_o that_o this_o exception_n may_v have_v be_v spare_v and_o now_o my_o dear_o belove_a who_o importunity_n beget_v i_o this_o labour_n let_v i_o now_o crave_v leave_n before_o i_o conclude_v this_o epistle_n to_o request_v a_o few_o thing_n of_o you_o first_o my_o brethren_n if_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o advantage_n content_a or_o comfort_n by_o peruse_v these_o line_n pray_v give_v all_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n who_o hand_n alone_o have_v wrought_v it_o and_o who_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v it_o and_o think_v often_o upon_o 1_o chron._n 29.10_o to_o 16._o second_o pray_v be_v not_o only_a knower_n of_o these_o truth_n but_o doer_n of_o the_o same_o oh_o be_v not_o only_o so_o principled_a but_o so_o practise_v also_o let_v the_o height_n of_o holiness_n in_o this_o discourse_n discover_v be_v your_o main_a business_n to_o attain_v so_o shall_v i_o not_o want_v a_o good_a reward_n for_o this_o my_o labour_n three_o labour_v to_o train_v up_o and_o educate_v your_o family_n in_o this_o good_a knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o show_v they_o the_o good_a old_a way_n wherein_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o god_n as_o moses_n advise_v deut._n 4.9.10_o say_n only_o take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o and_o keep_v thy_o soul_n diligent_o lest_o thou_o forget_v the_o thing_n which_o thy_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o lest_o they_o depart_v from_o thy_o heart_n all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n but_o teach_v they_o thy_o son_n and_o thy_o son_n son_n especial_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o stand_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o horeb_n when_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o i_o gather_v i_o the_o people_n together_o and_o i_o will_v make_v they_o hear_v my_o word_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v i_o all_o the_o day_n that_o they_o shall_v live_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o they_o may_v teach_v their_o child_n with_o 11_o 19_o four_o wonder_v not_o neither_o be_v stumble_v if_o you_o find_v these_o truth_n evil_a speak_v of_o scorn_v traduce_v but_o remember_v this_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o such_o a_o day_n as_o this_o and_o last_o forget_v not_o he_o that_o you_o have_v prevail_v upon_o but_o in_o all_o your_o supplication_n remember_v i_o and_o pray_v for_o i_o both_o night_n and_o day_n that_o i_o may_v be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n that_o i_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n that_o i_o may_v be_v abundant_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o my_o labour_n may_v be_v acceptable_a and_o successful_a among_o the_o saint_n that_o so_o i_o may_v finish_v my_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o with_o my_o prayer_n for_o you_o also_o i_o commend_v you_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v
of_o the_o sole_n of_o my_o foot_n i_o will_v dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n for_o ever_o and_o my_o holy_a name_n shall_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n no_o more_o defile_v neither_o they_o nor_o their_o king_n in_o their_o high_a place_n in_o their_o set_n of_o their_o threshold_n by_o my_o threshold_n and_o their_o post_n by_o my_o post_n and_o the_o wall_n between_o i_o and_o they_o they_o have_v even_o defile_v my_o holy_a name_n by_o their_o abomination_n they_o have_v commit_v wherefore_o i_o have_v consume_v they_o in_o my_o anger_n chap._n 43.7_o 8._o so_o much_o for_o this_o first_o use_n or_o for_o information_n the_o second_o use_n be_v vindication_n or_o justification_n a_o second_o use_v of_o this_o point_n may_v be_v for_o vindication_n or_o justification_n of_o all_o such_o gospel-minister_n and_o ministration_n as_o proceed_v from_o the_o will_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n manifest_a by_o his_o word_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o warrantable_a notwithstanding_o they_o be_v unapprove_v by_o humane_a authority_n nay_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v by_o they_o forbid_a my_o reason_n be_v this_o if_o such_o ministries_n minister_n and_o ministration_n be_v give_v and_o allow_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o alone_o god_n the_o father_n have_v entrust_v with_o these_o affair_n then_o they_o have_v allowance_n and_o approbation_n from_o he_o who_o allowance_n and_o approbation_n be_v only_o essential_a and_o sufficient_a for_o their_o encouragement_n and_o vindication_n and_o it_o very_o little_a matter_n as_o to_o their_o justification_n whether_o such_o person_n which_o be_v unconcern_v in_o this_o affair_n do_v approve_v or_o disapprove_v while_o the_o lord_n though_o not_o man_n have_v approve_v they_o this_o the_o lord_n tell_v ezekiel_n chap._n 2._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o son_n of_o man_n i_o send_v thou_o to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o a_o rebellious_a nation_n that_o have_v rebel_v against_o i_o and_o their_o father_n have_v transgress_v against_o i_o unto_o this_o very_a day_n for_o they_o be_v impudent_a child_n and_o stiff-hearted_n i_o do_v send_v thou_o unto_o they_o and_o thou_o shall_v speak_v my_o word_n unto_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v hear_v or_o whether_o they_o will_v forbear_v verse_n 2_o 3_o with_o 5_o 7._o to_o the_o vindication_n of_o a_o minister_n in_o his_o work_n it_o little_a matter_n whether_o man_n of_o what_o rank_n or_o degree_n soever_o they_o be_v do_v allow_v permit_v or_o discourage_v he_o whilst_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v but_o send_v and_o commissionated_a he_o he_o need_v not_o much_o be_v trouble_v with_o the_o prohibition_n and_o opposition_n of_o his_o fellow_n servant_n nay_o if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v rebellious_a like_o they_o he_o must_v go_v on_o his_o errand_n and_o neither_o fear_n they_o or_o be_v prohibit_v by_o they_o but_o remember_v what_o be_v further_o add_v in_o that_o passage_n of_o ezekiel_n but_o thou_o son_n of_o man_n hear_v what_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o be_v not_o thou_o rebellious_a like_o that_o rebellious_a house_n open_v thy_o mouth_n and_o eat_v that_o i_o give_v thou_o vers_n 8._o and_o therefore_o christ_n gospel-minister_n may_v warrantable_o answer_v any_o that_o inquire_v by_o what_o authority_n do_v you_o thus_o administer_v be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o that_o by_o the_o alone_a name_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n we_o thus_o administer_v and_o if_o any_o of_o their_o mother_n child_n shall_v be_v angry_a with_o they_o and_o threaten_v they_o with_o their_o thorney_n argument_n of_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n they_o may_v as_o other_o have_v do_v before_o they_o say_v o_o nabuchadnezzar_n we_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o answer_v thou_o in_o this_o matter_n dan._n 3.16_o with_o act_n 4._o query_n but_o some_o may_v say_v how_o shall_v a_o state_n or_o people_n know_v who_o be_v such_o minister_n and_o what_o be_v such_o ministration_n as_o be_v true_o christ_n and_o arise_v from_o he_o minister_v to_o he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o answer_n i_o answer_v by_o do_v that_o which_o god_n enjoin_v all_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n to_o do_v in_o deut._n 17._o and_o it_o shall_v be_v when_o he_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o he_o shall_v write_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n in_o a_o book_n out_o of_o that_o which_o be_v before_o the_o priest_n the_o levite_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v read_v therein_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n to_o keep_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n and_o these_o statute_n to_o do_v they_o vers_n 18_o 19_o by_o thus_o do_v by_o read_v and_o learn_v what_o god_n have_v write_v in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v they_o come_v to_o know_v who_o be_v the_o true_a spiritual_a gospel-minister_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n thus_o do_v that_o great_a reformer_n nehemiah_n when_o he_o will_v know_v who_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v true_a priest_n and_o minister_n he_o search_v into_o the_o register_n and_o such_o of_o the_o priest_n as_o can_v not_o produce_v and_o show_v their_o genealogy_n he_o put_v as_o pollute_v from_o the_o priesthood_n chap._n 7.64_o 65._o therefore_o if_o any_o profess_v themselves_o minister_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o you_o will_v know_v whether_o they_o be_v christ_n or_o antichrist_n minister_n ask_v for_o their_o genealogy_n and_o let_v they_o show_v their_o line_n from_o judah_n not_o from_o levi_n i_o mean_v from_o christ_n and_o not_o from_o man_n whether_o pope_n or_o presbyter_n for_o our_o lord_n take_v care_n of_o this_o concern_v when_o he_o spend_v forty_o day_n with_o his_o disciple_n in_o settle_v the_o thing_n of_o his_o kingdom_n act_v 1.3_o and_o before_o he_o ascend_v upon_o high_a he_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n some_o teacher_n ephes_n 4.8_o 11._o but_o we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o pope_n or_o vicar-general_n no_o cardinal_n arch-bishop_n lord-bishop_n friar_n monk_n dean_n doctor_n bachelor_n parson_n curate_n or_o the_o residue_n of_o these_o locust_n these_o never_o come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n charter_n or_o deed_n of_o gift_n make_v over_o to_o the_o church_n before_o his_o ascension_n no_o no_o these_o come_v in_o the_o back_n way_n through_o the_o open_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n rev._n 9.1_o 2_o 3._o that_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n even_o our_o lord_n jesus_n who_o buil_v his_o house_n kill_v his_o fatling_n also_o provide_v his_o own_o maiden_n or_o virgin-servant_n which_o be_v but_o few_o yet_o not_o too_o few_o to_o do_v all_o his_o work_n as_o his_o house_n stand_v upon_o seven_o pillar_n even_o so_o he_o provide_v but_o seven_o sort_n of_o minister_n or_o ministry_n beside_o the_o widow_n those_o help_n to_o government_n as_o the_o new_a testament_n testify_v and_o a_o old_a testament_n inistitution_n can_v give_v no_o be_v to_o a_o new_a testament_n ministration_n and_o in_o all_o the_o record_n of_o christ_n act_n and_o institution_n we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o other_o ministry_n ordain_v for_o the_o church_n than_o the_o ministry_n of_o apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n which_o three_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a and_o be_v cease_v and_o there_o remain_v only_o now_o to_o be_v enjoy_v the_o ministry_n of_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n and_o deacon_n with_o the_o forenamed_a help_n to_o government_n as_o sufficient_a to_o all_o end_n and_o purpose_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o of_o these_o we_o read_v rom._n 12._o have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n give_v to_o we_o whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o ministry_n he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n he_o that_o give_v let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o simplicity_n he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n verse_n 6_o 7_o 8._o now_o such_o who_o have_v neither_o name_n nor_o nature_n of_o these_o ministries_n can_v be_v none_o of_o christ_n but_o man_n or_o antichrist_n but_o again_o ask_v all_o such_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n by_o what_o door_n or_o way_n they_o come_v into_o the_o ministry_n for_o they_o who_o ever_o they_o be_v that_o come_v not_o in_o by_o christ_n door_n into_o his_o sheepfold_n be_v thief_n and_o robber_n john_n 10.1_o now_o christ_n way_n for_o man_n to_o become_v his_o minister_n be_v by_o first_o join_v and_o accompany_v themselves_o with_o the_o church_n or_o congregation_n who_o minister_n they_o be_v to_o be_v as_o appear_v by_o act_n 1.21_o where_o we_o read_v peter_n tell_v the_o church_n
good_a will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 3._o in_o what_o sense_n i_o intend_v they_o be_v free_o give_v 4._o and_o last_o why_o i_o say_v free_o give_v for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n first_o let_v i_o speak_v to_o the_o first_o by_o minister_n i_o mean_v all_o and_o only_o all_o such_o person_n as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n admit_v into_o ministry_n or_o office_n in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v disterence_v and_o distinguish_v from_o the_o memoral_a part_n thereof_o or_o such_o who_o be_v only_a member_n therein_o i_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o minister_n or_o officer_n civil_a or_o belong_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n nor_o of_o antichristian_a or_o national_a minister_n but_o only_o of_o such_o as_o be_v or_o pretend_v to_o be_v christ_n minister_n i_o say_v all_o these_o must_v spring_v from_o he_o who_o god_n have_v make_v both_o lord_n and_o christ_n and_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n act._n 2.36_o with_o revel_v 2.1_o by_o ministries_n i_o mean_v not_o officer_n but_o office_n or_o those_o institution_n and_o appointment_n for_o make_v of_o minister_n second_o these_o also_o spring_n from_o the_o headship_n authority_n will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n only_o it_o be_v not_o allowable_a in_o any_o kingdom_n free-state_n or_o commonwealth_n that_o any_o but_o the_o head_n and_o supreme_a power_n thereof_o shall_v assume_v the_o appoint_v or_o make_v office_n or_o ministry_n therein_o even_o so_o none_o save_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v allow_v to_o institute_v and_o appoint_v what_o office_n and_o ministry_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o his_o church_n and_o kingdom_n for_o although_o the_o father_n have_v give_v all_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o the_o son_n to_o appoint_v ministry_n for_o his_o church_n yet_o have_v not_o the_o son_n give_v or_o commit_v any_o such_o power_n as_o to_o institute_v or_o appoint_v any_o office_n or_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n to_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n under_o the_o sun_n but_o have_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o make_v exod._n 20._o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o jeroboam_n that_o he_o make_v priest_n 1_o king_n 12.31_o but_o three_o let_v i_o open_v what_o i_o mean_v or_o intend_v by_o a_o ministration_n or_o by_o ministration_n to_o wit_n such_o act_n or_o work_v as_o person_n make_v officer_n over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v to_o perform_v in_o and_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o i_o say_v that_o as_o none_o can_v appoint_v christ_n a_o minister_n or_o determine_v by_o what_o ministry_n he_o shall_v be_v serve_v but_o himself_o no_o more_o can_v or_o ought_v any_o but_o the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n heavenly_a to_o appoint_v what_o work_n or_o ministration_n these_o shall_v perform_v to_o christ_n but_o the_o true_a alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n rev._n 22.13_o but_o as_o all_o ministry_n come_v from_o he_o even_o so_o from_o he_o must_v proceed_v all_o gospel-ministration_n or_o performance_n but_o again_o when_o i_o say_v in_o the_o doctrine_n that_o they_o spring_v from_o the_o alone_a good_a will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n i_o intend_v not_o to_o exclude_v god_n consider_v as_o the_o father_n who_o be_v god_n over_o all_o bless_v for_o evermore_o but_o only_o i_o will_v exclude_v all_o the_o child_n of_o man_n from_o have_v any_o part_n or_o portion_n in_o the_o beget_n or_o give_v be_v to_o any_o gospel_n ministry_n or_o ministration_n this_o under_o the_o father_n proceed_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o when_o he_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a give_v gift_n unto_o man_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n ephes_n 4._o it_o be_v good_a will_n none_o can_v have_v constrain_v he_o so_o to_o have_v do_v and_o it_o be_v his_o own_o wisdom_n without_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n contrive_v and_o conclude_v the_o mode_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o own_o service_n mat._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o with_o act_n the_o first_o abundant_o declare_v and_o further_o when_o i_o say_v minister_n ministry_n and_o ministration_n be_v free_o give_v i_o intend_v that_o as_o the_o church_n have_v never_o be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n but_o that_o he_o free_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o so_o no_o more_o have_v the_o church_n ever_o attain_v or_o enjoy_v any_o ministry_n or_o institution_n and_o appointment_n about_o gospel-minister_n and_o gospel-ministrations_a but_o only_o through_o the_o good_a will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o bush_n for_o indeed_o all_o institution_n spring_v only_o from_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o institutor_n as_o not_o be_v moral_a but_o institute_v being_n further_o i_o mean_v no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o be_v one_o of_o christ_n minister_n but_o by_o the_o free_a will_n of_o christ_n he_o can_v neither_o attain_v grace_n or_o gift_n to_o qualify_v and_o fit_v he_o nor_o choice_n into_o any_o ministry_n under_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o freewill_n and_o good-pleasure_n of_o christ_n as_o paul_n acknowledge_v say_v whereof_o i_o be_v make_v a_o minister_n according_a to_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n give_v unto_o i_o by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o his_o power_n ephes_n 3.7_o 8._o and_o as_o to_o choice_n solomon_n tell_v we_o the_o lot_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o lap_n but_o the_o whole_a disposition_n thereof_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n prov._n 16.33_o but_o further_a i_o mean_v by_o this_o expression_n free_o of_o the_o lord_n that_o when_o such_o a_o people_n attain_v such_o a_o ministry_n and_o such_o a_o minister_n such_o a_o congregation_n this_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o last_o when_o i_o tie_v up_o all_o ministries_n ministration_n or_o minister_n only_o to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n as_o give_v and_o provide_v for_o they_o i_o mean_v exclusive_o they_o be_v neither_o institute_v nor_o appoint_v for_o the_o use_n and_o service_n of_o the_o world_n but_o of_o the_o church_n and_o elect_n of_o god_n further_a then_o accidental_o and_o by_o way_n of_o redundancy_n as_o paul_n tell_v we_o in_o 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o i_o say_v further_o then_o accidental_o it_o be_v child_n bread_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v give_v to_o dog_n mat._n 15.26_o thus_o much_o for_o explication_n let_v i_o now_o confirm_v this_o by_o argument_n or_o reason_n to_o wit_n that_o all_o minister_n ministry_n and_o ministration_n meet_v to_o be_v own_v for_o christ_n or_o evangelical_n do_v all_o spring_n from_o the_o alone_a will_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o be_v free_o give_v for_o the_o service_n of_o himself_o and_o people_n reason_n 1._o first_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v thus_o because_o it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n that_o god_n have_v high_o exalt_v he_o and_o give_v he_o a_o name_n which_o be_v above_o every_o name_n that_o at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v of_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o thing_n in_o earth_n and_o thing_n under_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o lord_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n phil._n 2.9_o 10_o 11._o but_o this_o can_v not_o be_v affirm_v of_o christ_n if_o he_o have_v not_o this_o privilege_n and_o prerogative_n which_o prince_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o deny_v even_o to_o give_v a_o be_v to_o his_o own_o minister_n and_o their_o ministration_n that_o this_o privilege_n earthly_a power_n have_v assume_v and_o be_v allow_v witness_n pharaoh_n gen._n 41.38_o 39_o 40_o 41._o the_o like_a we_o read_v do_v by_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 2.35_o thus_o do_v ahasuerus_n hester_n 10.2_o 3._o and_o the_o like_a do_v darius_n dan._n 6.1_o 2._o with_o many_o other_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o shall_v not_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n be_v allow_v the_o same_o privilege_n which_o other_o subordinate_a and_o inferior_a prince_n be_v allow_v even_o to_o institute_v nominate_v and_o appoint_v his_o own_o servant_n or_o minister_n and_o their_o ministration_n yes_o doubtless_o for_o as_o the_o text_n allege_v tell_v we_o he_o be_v exalt_v to_o a_o name_n above_o every_o name_n and_o david_n speak_v of_o the_o lord_n christ_n tell_v we_o this_o must_v be_v his_o privilege_n that_o god_n the_o father_n will_v make_v he_o his_o first_o bear_v high_a than_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n psal_n 89.27_o therefore_o this_o prerogative_n must_v needs_o be_v allow_v he_o reason_n 2._o second_o i_o conclude_v this_o must_v be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v the_o rise_n and_o be_v to_o his_o own_o minister_n and_o their_o ministration_n because_o none_o of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n be_v wise_a
enough_o for_o so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o undertake_n paul_n speak_v but_o of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o work_n of_o one_o of_o christ_n minister_n say_v and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n then_o sure_o much_o less_o sufficient_a to_o institute_v a_o frame_n &_o constitution_n for_o minister_n and_o ministration_n which_o require_v a_o great_a capacity_n or_o sufficiency_n then_o the_o former_a wherefore_o john_n tell_v we_o no_o man_n in_o heaven_n nor_o in_o earth_n neither_o under_o the_o earth_n be_v able_a to_o open_v this_o book_n neither_o to_o look_v thereon_o rev._n 5.3_o 4._o wherefore_o this_o concern_n must_v be_v let_v alone_o to_o he_o to_o who_o of_o right_n it_o do_v appertain_v even_o to_o the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n our_o lord_n jesus_n for_o he_o only_o be_v worthy_a and_o capable_a thereof_o as_o we_o read_v vers_fw-la 5._o compare_v with_o vers_n 9_o but_o to_o proceed_v reason_n 3._o three_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o christ_n to_o appoint_v his_o own_o minister_n and_o worship_n or_o service_n because_o it_o be_v his_o own_o it_o be_v for_o himself_o it_o be_v for_o his_o own_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o who_o shall_v appoint_v he_o servant_n or_o impose_v servant_n and_o service_n upon_o he_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o his_o honour_n or_o faithfulness_n to_o admit_v it_o but_o again_o reason_v 4._o last_o ministry_n and_o ministration_n spiritual_a ecclesiastical_a appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n must_v spring_v from_o the_o freewill_n and_o royal-pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n because_o that_o as_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o his_o honour_n greatness_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o commit_v this_o concern_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o angel_n or_o man_n be_v below_o true_a fitness_n or_o capacity_n for_o the_o work_n so_o neither_o can_v any_o create_a power_n snatch_v authority_n or_o exercise_v power_n of_o impose_v minister_n and_o ministration_n upon_o he_o against_o his_o royal_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o if_o they_o but_o attempt_v to_o do_v it_o let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o for_o he_o will_v one_o day_n dash_v they_o in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n ps_n 2._o and_o however_o the_o son_n of_o man_n may_v attempt_v to_o encroach_v this_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n into_o their_o hand_n yet_o let_v i_o say_v to_o these_o as_o the_o prophet_n in_o a_o like_a case_n do_v what_o be_v the_o chaff_n to_o the_o wheat_n say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 23.28_o even_o so_o what_o be_v the_o will_n or_o power_n of_o man_n to_o the_o will_n and_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o he_o shall_v oppose_v he_o or_o impose_v upon_o he_o it_o be_v truth_n man_n may_v impose_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o who_o can_v impose_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n samson_n and_o peter_n be_v both_o impose_v upon_o and_o carry_v whither_o they_o will_v not_o but_o none_o can_v impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o christ_n against_o his_o will_n for_o he_o will_v and_o can_v refuse_v to_o drink_v such_o gall_n and_o vinegar_n however_o they_o be_v that_o offer_v it_o to_o he_o therefore_o it_o remain_v most_o clear_a and_o visible_a from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v offer_v that_o this_o be_v the_o alone_a glory_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o fountaneous_n cause_n of_o all_o ministries_n minister_n and_o ministration_n belong_v to_o his_o own_o church_n upon_o who_o he_o free_o bestow_v they_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o confirm_v and_o clear_v of_o the_o doctrine_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o application_n of_o this_o great_a point_n use_v of_o information_n first_o this_o serve_v for_o information_n in_o two_o or_o three_o particular_n first_o it_o inform_v we_o how_o much_o such_o be_v mistake_v that_o conceive_v and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v leave_v free_a and_o arbitrary_a to_o state_n and_o prince_n to_o judge_v and_o conclude_v what_o ministry_n and_o ministration_n the_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v enjoy_v in_o their_o dominion_n whereas_o in_o truth_n it_o nothing_o at_o all_o appertain_v to_o they_o but_o only_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o appoint_v and_o determine_v what_o kind_n of_o minister_n and_o ministration_n his_o people_n shall_v fall_v under_o as_o the_o argument_n before_o allege_v do_v manifest_a man_n have_v liberty_n and_o freedom_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v for_o themselves_o but_o no_o power_n to_o impose_v or_o determine_v for_o other_o as_o paul_n say_v who_o be_v thou_o o_o man_n that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v yea_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v up_o for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o to_o stand_v rom._n 14.4_o but_o again_o to_o proceed_v second_o this_o inform_v we_o how_o far_o that_o assertion_n be_v from_o be_v a_o scripture-truth_n which_o maintain_v that_o ministries_n and_o ministration_n depend_v upon_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n for_o confirmation_n whereas_o indeed_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o none_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o thing_n i_o suppose_v in_o this_o case_n i_o may_v say_v with_o truth_n what_o korah_n and_o his_o complice_n say_v with_o falsehood_n you_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o you_o whoever_o you_o be_v that_o thus_o affirm_v and_o practice_v numb_a 16.3_o three_o this_o acquaint_v we_o that_o such_o minister_n and_o ministry_n and_o ministration_n that_o spring_v not_o from_o the_o will_n wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v none_o of_o his_o minister_n ministry_n or_o ministration_n but_o man_n either_o their_o own_o or_o other_o man_n creation_n or_o create_v let_v they_o be_v dignify_v or_o distinguish_v by_o what_o name_n or_o title_n soever_o even_o from_o the_o pope_n to_o the_o parator_n and_o if_o such_o will_v not_o be_v call_v antichristian_a minister_n yet_o must_v they_o suffer_v i_o to_o call_v they_o man_n ministerâ—_n and_o let_v all_o such_o minister_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n hear_v their_o doom_n my_o hand_n shall_v be_v upon_o the_o prophet_n that_o see_v vanity_n and_o divine_a lie_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o my_o people_n neither_o shall_v they_o be_v write_v in_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n neither_o shall_v they_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n of_o israel_n and_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n god_n zech._n 13.9_o further_o this_o inform_v we_o that_o all_o such_o ministration_n as_o spring_v not_o from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n neither_o be_v institute_v by_o he_o nor_o find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v none_o of_o christ_n ordinance_n but_o man_n sinful_a invention_n and_o superstition_n concern_v which_o our_o lord_n long_a time_n since_o give_v his_o judgement_n say_v but_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n mat._n 15.9_o four_o and_o last_o this_o acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o innovation_n or_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n such_o minister_n and_o ministration_n as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n never_o institute_v neither_o spring_n from_o nor_o depend_v upon_o he_o be_v no_o small_a but_o a_o magnify_a transgression_n if_o it_o be_v treason_n against_o a_o king_n for_o any_o in_o his_o dominion_n to_o introduce_v office_n officer_n law_n and_o ordinance_n without_o his_o consent_n o_o what_o high_a treason_n be_v it_o against_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n king_n jesus_n the_o king_n or_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n rev._n 1.5_o i_o say_v what_o treason_n be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n or_o number_n of_o man_n to_o make_v and_o appoint_v minister_n and_o ordinance_n in_o his_o church_n and_o kingdom_n without_o he_o let_v all_o such_o traitor_n against_o the_o lord_n jesus_n think_v serious_o on_o two_o or_o three_o text_n of_o scripture_n i_o shall_v commend_v unto_o they_o one_o be_v that_o of_o isaiah_n wherefore_o the_o lord_n say_v forasmuch_o as_o this_o people_n draw_v near_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o and_o their_o fear_n towards_o i_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n therefore_o behold_v i_o will_v proceed_v to_o do_v a_o marvellous_a work_n among_o this_o people_n even_o a_o marvellous_a work_n and_o a_o wonder_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n shall_v perish_v and_o the_o understanding_n of_o their_o prudent_a man_n shall_v be_v hide_v chap._n 29.13_o 14._o again_o think_v on_o that_o passage_n of_o ezekiel_n and_o he_o say_v to_o i_o son_n of_o man_n the_o place_n of_o my_o throne_n and_o the_o place_n