though_o he_o receive_v it_o with_o a_o hand_n shake_v with_o the_o palsy_n so_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o our_o faith_n though_o disease_v with_o infirmity_n and_o bestow_v grace_n on_o a_o believe_a soul_n though_o shake_v with_o many_o temptation_n in_o a_o word_n god_n accept_v soundness_n of_o faith_n though_o it_o be_v but_o small_a and_o more_o look_n at_o in_o his_o mercy_n a_o man_n little_a faith_n than_o his_o many_o fault_n he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n isaiah_n 42_o 3_o when_o a_o man_n be_v break_v in_o heart_n and_o deject_a in_o soul_n in_o fight_n of_o his_o many_o sin_n and_o little_a grace_n god_n will_v not_o break_v this_o bruise_a reed_n but_o will_n comfort_n and_o strengthen_v he_o and_o when_o any_o life_n of_o grace_n appear_v in_o a_o man_n as_o flax_n that_o smoke_v but_o will_v not_o burn_v out_o god_n will_v not_o quench_v it_o but_o will_v rather_o kindle_v it_o and_o give_v life_n unto_o it_o let_v this_o teach_v we_o to_o take_v in_o good_a part_n the_o holy_a and_o honest_a endeavour_n of_o our_o brethren_n though_o they_o can_v do_v so_o well_o as_o they_o will_v or_o shall_v let_v we_o not_o exact_v too_o much_o and_o too_o hasty_o upon_o they_o but_o expect_v in_o meekness_n the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n think_v well_o of_o sarahs_n faith_n though_o it_o be_v with_o laugh_v second_o here_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o god_n rather_o observe_v and_o regard_v good_a thing_n in_o his_o child_n than_o their_o fault_n and_o imperfection_n he_o write_v up_o sarahs_n faith_n he_o name_v not_o her_o laugh_n this_o be_v from_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v goodness_n itself_o and_o therefore_o most_o easy_o apprehend_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o least_o goodness_n wherever_o he_o find_v it_o thus_o shall_v we_o deal_v one_o with_o another_o what_o good_a thing_n we_o see_v in_o any_o man_n we_o shall_v observe_v &_o commend_v it_o his_o fault_n we_o shall_v not_o see_v but_o cover_v and_o omit_v they_o but_o the_o course_n be_v contrary_a the_o common_a table_n talk_v of_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o but_o of_o man_n fault_n and_o to_o rip_v up_o their_o imperfection_n but_o if_o they_o have_v never_o so_o many_o good_a property_n we_o can_v bury_v they_o all_o or_o pass_v they_o over_o in_o silence_n this_o argue_v the_o malice_n and_o the_o naughtiness_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o be_v evil_a do_v delight_n in_o nothing_o but_o evil_a and_o be_v corrupt_a feed_v as_o do_v the_o filthy_a horseflie_a on_o nothing_o but_o corruption_n but_o let_v we_o remember_v the_o practice_n of_o god_n and_o learn_v to_o conceal_v fault_n and_o use_v our_o tongue_n to_o talk_v of_o the_o good_a thing_n and_o virtue_n in_o our_o brethren_n so_o shall_v we_o resemble_v the_o lord_n who_o though_o sarah_n laugh_v not_o in_o a_o holy_a admiration_n but_o in_o unbelief_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o afterward_o she_o believe_v god_n have_v match_v she_o with_o the_o notable_a believer_n and_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n the_o person_n and_o her_o action_n she_o believe_v now_o the_o second_o be_v what_o she_o believe_v include_v and_o necessary_o imply_v in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o verse_n she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v the_o thing_n she_o believe_v be_v the_o word_n or_o promise_n of_o god_n particular_o his_o promise_n that_o she_o shall_v bear_v isaac_n in_o her_o old_a age_n of_o which_o promise_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o we_o may_v read_v gen._n 18.13_o etc._n etc._n here_o the_o only_a question_n be_v by_o what_o faith_n she_o believe_v this_o and_o the_o answer_n be_v by_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o it_o be_v prove_v thus_o abraham_n believe_v this_o promise_n by_o the_o faith_n that_o justify_v he_o rom._n 4.10.11_o but_o abraham_n and_o sarah_n believe_v it_o both_o by_o one_o faith_n therefore_o sarah_n believe_v that_o promise_n by_o the_o faith_n that_o also_o justify_v she_o where_o we_o learn_v that_o save_v faith_n apprehend_v not_o only_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o redemption_n by_o christ_n but_o all_o other_o inferior_a promise_n that_o depend_v upon_o it_o for_o here_o we_o see_v abraham_n and_o sarah_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o temporal_a blessing_n by_o the_o same_o faith_n whereby_o former_o they_o have_v lay_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n so_o that_o the_o object_n of_o true_a faith_n be_v 1._o principal_a the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ._n 2._o secondary_a all_o inferior_a promise_n annex_v thereunto_o the_o main_a promise_n be_v so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n to_o the_o end_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 3.16_o now_o true_a faith_n first_o of_o all_o direct_o and_o plain_o fasten_v itself_o on_o this_o but_o after_o and_o with_o this_o on_o all_o other_o promise_n that_o concern_v soul_n or_o body_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o pray_v for_o temporal_a blessing_n health_n peace_n competency_n of_o wealth_n &_o all_o other_o under_o the_o name_n of_o daily_a bread_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o if_o we_o ask_v in_o faith_n neither_o be_v this_o faith_n constrain_v but_o free_a and_o voluntary_a and_o on_o a_o good_a foundation_n for_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n accept_v we_o in_o christ_n for_o salvation_n we_o can_v but_o withal_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o all_o thing_n else_o needful_a for_o us._n this_o we_o here_o note_v again_o because_o we_o be_v wrongful_o charge_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o hold_v that_o faith_n apprehend_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n alone_o but_o we_o pass_v it_o over_o for_o that_o we_o have_v already_o speak_v something_o of_o it_o now_o follow_v the_o three_o point_n namely_o the_o impediment_n of_o her_o faith_n in_o these_o word_n when_o she_o be_v past_o age_n the_o promise_n be_v to_o have_v a_o child_n she_o believe_v it_o now_o against_o childbearing_n there_o be_v two_o impediment_n 1._o barrenness_n 2._o age._n if_o one_o be_v age_v or_o past_o the_o ordinary_a time_n it_o be_v hard_a and_o unlikely_a but_o if_o one_o be_v very_o age_a and_o far_o past_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a she_o shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o child_n thus_o it_o stand_v in_o reason_n beside_o though_o one_o be_v not_o past_a age_n yet_o if_o she_o be_v barren_a as_o some_o by_o secret_a reason_n in_o nature_n be_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v she_o shall_v conceive_v now_o both_o these_o lay_n in_o sarahs_n way_n for_o here_o it_o be_v say_v she_o be_v past_o age_n and_o another_o place_n namely_o gen._n 16.1.2_o say_v she_o be_v barren_a but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v against_o sarahs_n age_n that_o in_o the_o old_a time_n they_o have_v child_n till_o they_o be_v of_o great_a age_n eva_n have_v her_o son_n sheth_o at_o 130._o year_n old_a gen._n 5.3_o for_o adam_n and_o eve_n must_v needs_o be_v both_o of_o one_o age_n and_o after_o that_o eve_n bear_v many_o son_n and_o daughter_n therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o sarah_n be_v not_o past_a age_n at_o 90._o year_n old_a but_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o they_o who_o begin_v to_o bear_v at_o that_o age_n live_v eight_o or_o nine_o hundred_o year_n but_o sarah_n live_v after_o the_o flood_n when_o age_n be_v bring_v down_o to_o 200._o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o 100_o year_n abraham_n live_v but_o 175._o year_n and_o sarah_n but_o 127._o she_o therefore_o who_o live_v 127._o year_n and_o die_v a_o old_a woman_n must_v needs_o be_v past_a age_n of_o childbearing_n at_o 90._o year_n old_a and_o beside_o her_o age_n she_o be_v also_o barren_a by_o her_o natural_a constitution_n as_o many_o be_v and_o have_v be_v and_o bring_v abraham_n no_o child_n yet_o unto_o this_o woman_n come_v a_o word_n from_o god_n sarah_n shall_v bear_v a_o son_n and_o behold_v this_o age_a and_o barren_a woman_n do_v not_o object_n desperate_o these_o her_o two_o hindrance_n the_o one_o whereof_o in_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a against_o child-bearing_a but_o beyond_o all_o impediment_n and_o above_o reason_n believe_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o rest_v and_o rely_v only_o and_o whole_o on_o god_n word_n for_o it_o the_o use_n of_o which_o notable_a and_o faithful_a practice_n so_o wonderful_a in_o a_o woman_n must_v teach_v we_o to_o rest_v on_o god_n word_n &_o promise_n though_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n so_o to_o do_v for_o example_n when_o we_o see_v our_o
the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o second_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n and_o believe_v they_o where_o by_o believe_v we_o must_v understand_v not_o so_o much_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o be_v note_v before_o as_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o the_o word_n import_v a_o confirmation_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o a_o resolution_n in_o assurance_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v not_o unusual_a in_o scripture_n for_o paul_n pray_v for_o the_o church_n who_o have_v true_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o love_n that_o they_o may_v increase_v and_o abound_v therein_o more_o and_o more_o ephesian_n 3.16.17_o philippian_n 1.9.11_o colossian_n 1.9.11_o here_o than_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o example_n of_o these_o patriarch_n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o property_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n to_o go_v forward_o and_o increase_v in_o faith_n till_o he_o come_v to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n in_o god_n promise_n all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o faith_n be_v the_o lord_n talent_n and_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v the_o lord_n servant_n call_v to_o occupy_v therewith_o now_o god_n have_v put_v his_o talon_n into_o any_o man_n hand_n do_v require_v the_o increase_n thereof_o as_o the_o parable_n show_v luke_n 19.13_o and_o this_o paul_n teach_v for_o pray_v for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o and_o be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n ephesian_n 3.16_o he_o signify_v that_o he_o that_o do_v true_o believe_v in_o christ_n must_v go_v on_o from_o grace_n to_o grace_n till_o he_o be_v a_o tall_a man_n in_o christ_n as_o a_o child_n grow_v from_o year_n to_o year_n till_o he_o come_v to_o be_v a_o strong_a man_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v like_a unto_o fire_n which_o will_v not_o go_v out_o so_o long_o as_o wood_n or_o other_o fuel_n be_v put_v unto_o it_o but_o will_v take_v hold_v thereof_o and_o grow_v unto_o a_o great_a flame_n and_o so_o will_v faith_n grow_v up_o to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n in_o all_o those_o that_o conscionablie_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o worde_n and_o prayer_n but_o go_v the_o case_n thus_o with_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n nay_o very_o general_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o many_o among_o we_o have_v no_o regard_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o think_v they_o may_v live_v as_o they_o lust_n their_o good_a meaning_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n other_o and_o those_o not_o a_o few_o be_v so_o far_o from_o go_v forward_o in_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v every_o day_n worse_o and_o worse_o and_o still_o go_v backward_o more_o and_o more_o a_o three_o sort_n we_o have_v that_o will_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o yet_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v very_o slender_a they_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n and_o profit_v little_a now_o howsoever_o it_o may_v be_v think_v but_o a_o small_a fault_n not_o to_o profit_v in_o religion_n yet_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n when_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n in_o any_o congregation_n be_v daily_o teach_v and_o do_v not_o profit_v thereby_o and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n note_v those_o woman_n to_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n which_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2._o timoth._n 3.7_o if_o a_o child_n late_o bear_v like_v not_o well_o nor_o grow_v when_o it_o have_v good_a keep_n the_o common_a say_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o changeling_n so_o if_o a_o man_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n we_o may_v most_o true_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o spiritual_a changeling_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n we_o must_v first_o labour_n for_o faith_n &_o have_v faith_n increase_v therein_o and_o in_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n till_o we_o come_v to_o be_v strong_a man_n in_o christ._n it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o those_o patriarch_n increase_v in_o faith_n but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o do_v attain_v hereto_o answer_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n we_o may_v find_v three_o way_n whereby_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o do_v grow_v up_o in_o grace_n the_o first_o mean_n be_v from_o god_n himself_o for_o when_o he_o have_v make_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n merciful_o renew_v the_o same_o during_o his_o life_n as_o occasion_n serve_v sundry_a time_n he_o stay_v not_o there_o suffer_v it_o to_o die_v with_o abraham_n but_o when_o abraham_n be_v dead_a god_n renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o isaac_n and_o rebecka_n and_o with_o jacob_n also_o after_o they_o now_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n can_v utter_v what_o a_o wonderful_a furtherance_n it_o be_v unto_o their_o faith_n to_o have_v the_o lord_n himself_o to_o renew_v his_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o they_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o increase_a their_o faith_n be_v their_o holy_a converse_v one_o with_o another_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o to_o nurture_n they_o up_o in_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o do_v not_o only_o implant_v god_n promise_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o child_n but_o be_v themselves_o confirm_v in_o the_o same_o for_o he_o that_o teach_v another_o from_o a_o feel_a heart_n great_o strengthen_v his_o own_o soul_n now_o god_n himself_o do_v testify_v this_o thing_n of_o abraham_n 18.19_o say_v i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o son_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v righteousness_n and_o judgement_n now_o look_v what_o abraham_n herein_o do_v to_o isaac_n that_o no_o doubt_n do_v isaac_n unto_o jacob_n the_o three_o mean_n to_o increase_v their_o faith_n be_v from_o each_o one_o to_o himself_o for_o they_o give_v themselves_o often_o time_n in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o muse_n &_o meditate_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n 24.63_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o isaac_n that_o he_o go_v out_o to_o pray_v or_o to_o meditate_v in_o the_o field_n towards_o evening_n and_o we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o it_o be_v concern_v this_o and_o other_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o and_o we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o abraham_n and_o jaacob_n do_v the_o like_a these_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o these_o godly_a patriarch_n be_v strengthen_v in_o their_o faith_n all_o which_o must_v be_v mark_v of_o we_o diligent_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n for_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n often_o and_o yet_o profit_v little_a by_o it_o be_v chief_o this_o because_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o man_n shall_v grow_v up_o in_o faith_n be_v so_o slender_o use_v among_o us._n for_o the_o first_o mean_n which_o be_v on_o god_n behalf_n to_o man_n be_v through_o his_o great_a and_o unspeakable_a mercy_n plentiful_o afford_v in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o land_n in_o the_o holy_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o god_n gracious_a promise_n of_o mercy_n be_v open_v and_o apply_v to_o man_n heart_n and_o his_o judgement_n against_o sin_n be_v sharp_o denounce_v to_o drive_v man_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ._n but_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o second_o mean_n which_o be_v mutual_a instruction_n of_o father_n to_o child_n of_o master_n to_o servant_n and_o of_o one_o neighbour_n to_o another_o together_o with_o mutual_a conference_n about_o that_o we_o be_v teach_v or_o else_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o three_o mean_n which_o be_v private_a meditation_n upon_o god_n word_n and_o promise_n teach_v unto_o we_o which_o meditation_n be_v to_o a_o christian_a soul_n like_o the_o chew_v of_o the_o cud_n unto_o a_o beast_n for_o as_o chew_v the_o cud_n turn_v that_o which_o be_v eat_v into_o true_a feed_n so_o do_v holy_a meditation_n make_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n spiritual_a refresh_n by_o digest_v they_o in_o the_o heart_n if_o i_o say_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o these_o two_o latter_a we_o shall_v find_v they_o seldom_o use_v of_o very_a many_o or_o not_o at_o all_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o use_v these_o mean_n with_o care_n and_o reverence_n but_o alas_o these_o some_o be_v very_o few_o and_o because_o this_o duty_n be_v so_o slack_o perform_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o though_o the_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v oft_o repeat_v yet_o man_n reap_v little_a profit_n by_o it_o so_o that_o we_o
with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o might_n and_o for_o that_o he_o be_v prefer_v afore_o all_o king_n afore_o or_o after_o he_o not_o that_o josias_n can_v fulfil_v the_o law_n perfect_o as_o it_o require_v but_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o endeavour_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n by_o which_o he_o strave_v with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v his_o exsample_n be_v we_o we_o profess_v religion_n we_o must_v look_v that_o our_o heart_n affect_v it_o we_o profess_v a_o turn_n from_o sin_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n it_o be_v not_o formal_a and_o from_o the_o lip_n but_o from_o the_o heart_n so_o when_o we_o practise_v any_o duty_n of_o religion_n whether_o we_o pray_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n this_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n that_o we_o can_v offer_v we_o must_v not_o do_v they_o cold_o and_o careless_o but_o with_o zealous_a affection_n and_o resolution_n from_o the_o heart_n otherwise_o if_o we_o serve_v 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to_o himself_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v whereby_o he_o may_v stand_v just_a before_o god_n this_o be_v his_o righteousness_n which_o he_o have_v by_o faith_n for_o he_o trust_v not_o to_o any_o holiness_n of_o his_o own_o though_o it_o be_v out_o of_o question_n he_o know_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o that_o man_n who_o once_o be_v perfect_o righteous_a but_o the_o trust_n and_o confidence_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o that_o bless_a seed_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n this_o promise_n he_o know_v believe_v it_o apply_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o this_o faith_n make_v he_o righteous_a here_o we_o learn_v a_o worthy_a lesson_n of_o christianity_n namely_o that_o the_o true_a and_o the_o undoubted_a way_n to_o heaven_n be_v a_o holy_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o this_o faith_n make_v a_o man_n righteous_a &_o that_o righteousness_n open_v he_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n to_o this_o end_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n but_o by_o who_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n 5.1_o for_o the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n we_o must_v renew_v our_o former_a exhortation_n which_o indeed_o can_v be_v too_o often_o presle_v to_o the_o conscience_n there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o so_o vile_a none_o so_o profane_a but_o we_o desire_v salvation_n if_o we_o do_v than_o we_o must_v tread_v the_o beat_a way_n to_o it_o for_o we_o be_v not_o bear_v heir_n of_o it_o neither_o can_v we_o come_v thither_o by_o chance_n but_o there_o be_v a_o way_n that_o must_v be_v take_v &_o that_o way_n be_v but_o one_o all_o other_o be_v mislead_v byway_n again_o that_o way_n must_v be_v take_v in_o this_o life_n else_o it_o be_v too_o late_o now_o this_o way_n be_v to_o be_v a_o just_a &_o righteous_a man_n with_o this_o never_o man_n fail_v and_o without_o this_o never_o man_n attain_v to_o salvation_n for_o 21.27_o no_o 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show_v your_o step_n of_o holiness_n of_o devotion_n of_o charity_n etc._n etc._n these_o must_v show_v your_o faith_n leave_v these_o step_n behind_o you_o and_o then_o your_o faith_n be_v good_a thus_o do_v holy_a abel_n believe_v thou_o it_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o follow_v thou_o after_o he_o and_o renounce_v all_o by_o path_n which_o the_o papist_n or_o thy_o own_o brain_n imagine_v let_v this_o one_o doctrine_n sink_v into_o thy_o heart_n in_o stead_n of_o many_o and_o let_v not_o the_o devil_n strike_v it_o out_o for_o if_o thou_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n my_o soul_n for_o thou_o it_o will_v bring_v thou_o to_o heaven_n if_o not_o at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o doctrine_n will_v condemn_v thou_o because_o it_o show_v thou_o this_o way_n and_o thou_o will_v not_o walk_v in_o it_o second_o observe_v he_o say_v abel_n be_v approve_v and_o accept_v of_o god_n how_o prove_v he_o that_o because_o his_o work_n please_v god_n as_o who_o say_v his_o work_n can_v please_v god_n unless_o his_o person_n do_v therefore_o in_o that_o his_o work_n do_v thence_o he_o conclude_v that_o his_o person_n do_v it_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o infallible_a in_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o reason_n the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v we_o a_o great_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n namely_o that_o first_o a_o man_n person_n must_v please_v god_n afore_o his_o action_n can_v and_o after_o the_o person_n than_o the_o action_n this_o be_v plain_a in_o these_o word_n for_o it_o be_v say_v he_o first_o obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a himself_n and_o then_o god_n testify_v of_o his_o gift_n so_o likewise_o more_o plain_o genesis_n 4._o 4_o god_n have_v respect_n first_o to_o abel_n and_o then_o to_o his_o offering_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n be_v manifest_a no_o work_n please_v god_n afore_o the_o worker_n do_v this_o be_v so_o have_v excellent_a use_n first_o it_o overthrow_v a_o main_a pillar_n of_o romish_a religion_n justification_n by_o 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friend_n or_o child_n body_n cast_v into_o the_o earth_n to_o feed_v worm_n burn_v by_o fire_n or_o eat_v by_o fish_n reason_n say_v they_o be_v go_v they_o can_v never_o be_v again_o we_o have_v god_n word_n and_o assure_a promise_n the_o dead_a shall_v rise_v with_o their_o body_n shall_v they_o rise_v isaiah_n we_o must_v therefore_o believe_v it_o if_o we_o will_v be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o sarah_n god_n say_v to_o she_o age_n and_o barronnesse_n shall_v have_v a_o child_n she_o believe_v it_o he_o say_v to_o we_o dust_n and_o rottenness_n shall_v live_v again_o nay_o he_o have_v often_o say_v it_o and_o shall_v not_o our_o faith_n acknowledge_v the_o voice_n of_o our_o god_n and_o believe_v it_o as_o she_o do_v but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o personal_a promise_n as_o she_o be_v for_o this_o be_v general_a god_n have_v promise_v grace_n and_o pardon_n to_o every_o penitent_a and_o believe_a soul_n yet_o no_o man_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o sweetness_n hereof_o without_o the_o 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wherein_o in_o reason_n or_o in_o feeling_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o hope_n of_o salvation_n what_o must_v thou_o do_v despair_n god_n forbid_v for_o that_o be_v the_o downfall_n into_o hell_n no_o but_o hope_v when_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n keep_v faith_n when_o there_o be_v no_o feel_n and_o to_o strengthen_v we_o herein_o remember_v the_o faith_n of_o job_n try_v and_o sift_v so_o as_o few_o have_v be_v who_o though_o the_o arrow_n of_o the_o almighty_a stick_v in_o he_o and_o the_o venom_n thereof_o drink_v up_o his_o spirit_n job_n 6.4_o yet_o even_o then_o he_o believe_v and_o will_v not_o give_v over_o nor_o let_v go_v his_o hold_n and_o say_v though_o thou_o bring_v i_o to_o dust_n yet_o will_v i_o not_o forsake_v thou_o no_o though_o thou_o kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o thou_o so_o in_o the_o fury_n of_o temptation_n when_o the_o venom_n of_o god_n wrath_n seem_v to_o drink_v up_o our_o spirit_n then_o must_v we_o believe_v and_o in_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n when_o god_n seem_v ready_a to_o kill_v we_o then_o must_v we_o trust_v in_o he_o in_o such_o case_n be_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v show_v when_o reason_n and_o feeling_n say_v god_n be_v a_o terrible_a judge_n faith_n must_v say_v he_o be_v a_o merciful_a father_n in_o our_o health_n and_o welfare_n and_o feel_v of_o god_n favour_n this_o exhortation_n may_v seem_v tedious_a but_o if_o we_o belong_v to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o pass_v already_o the_o time_n be_v sure_a to_o come_v when_o this_o doctrine_n will_v be_v needful_a for_o the_o best_a of_o we_o all_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o woman_n faith_n which_o be_v the_o more_o commend_v by_o reason_n of_o these_o two_o so_o great_a hindrance_n now_o follow_v the_o effect_n of_o her_o faith_n which_o be_v diverse_a some_o lay_v down_o in_o this_o verse_n and_o some_o in_o the_o next_o receive_v strength_n to_o conceive_v seed_n and_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o child_n in_o these_o word_n be_v two_o effect_n first_o by_o power_n of_o her_o faith_n she_o be_v enable_v to_o conceive_v which_o afore_o she_o do_v not_o though_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n in_o nature_n why_o she_o shall_v second_o she_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o child_n in_o her_o old_a age_n and_o that_o child_n be_v isaac_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o promise_a seed_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n out_o of_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o two_o we_o may_v learn_v diverse_a good_a instruction_n for_o see_v they_o be_v so_o near_o akin_a in_o their_o nature_n we_o will_v speak_v of_o they_o both_o joint_o together_o first_o here_o we_o may_v see_v that_o nothing_o be_v so_o hard_a or_o difficult_a which_o god_n have_v promise_v but_o faith_n can_v compass_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o to_o performance_n christ_n bâ—d_v the_o blind_a see_v the_o lame_a to_o go_v he_o speak_v they_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v heal_v so_o here_o god_n promise_v a_o barren_a old_a woman_n a_o child_n she_o believe_v and_o lo_o she_o conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o a_o son_n the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v for_o two_o sort_n of_o people_n first_o many_o in_o our_o church_n be_v ignorant_a when_o they_o be_v move_v to_o learn_v religion_n answer_n alas_o they_o be_v simple_a or_o not_o booke-learned_n or_o they_o be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a witted_a or_o they_o be_v old_a and_o weak_a and_o therefore_o they_o can_v learn_v nothing_o or_o if_o they_o do_v they_o can_v remember_v it_o but_o here_o be_v nothing_o but_o vain_a excuse_n for_o they_o want_v not_o wit_n to_o learn_v religion_n if_o they_o have_v wit_n to_o buy_v and_o sell_v to_o know_v a_o fair_a day_n from_o a_o foul_a good_a meat_n from_o ill_a dear_a from_o cheap_a winter_n from_o summer_n if_o they_o have_v wit_n to_o practise_v the_o civil_a action_n of_o the_o world_n they_o have_v wit_n enough_o to_o conceive_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o get_v so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o may_v suffice_v for_o a_o 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beginning_n this_o their_o faith_n will_v so_o content_a and_o please_v their_o heart_n that_o it_o will_v urge_v they_o forward_o to_o get_v more_o and_o will_v make_v they_o both_o desirous_a &_o capable_a of_o more_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n and_o will_v make_v they_o even_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n whereas_o he_o that_o know_v no_o promise_n nor_o believe_v it_o content_v himself_o in_o ignorance_n and_o error_n and_o this_o shall_v every_o one_o find_v that_o will_v careful_o use_v the_o mean_n that_o god_n appoint_v and_o will_v begin_v to_o learn_v but_o one_o lesson_n at_o the_o first_o for_o as_o old_a barren_a sarah_n believe_v god_n promise_n conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o so_o old_a simple_a plain_a dull_a countryman_n believe_v but_o one_o promise_n of_o god_n word_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o bless_a fruit_n of_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n second_o other_o who_o have_v make_v better_a proceed_n in_o religion_n do_v see_v their_o sin_n and_o do_v much_o bewail_v they_o but_o they_o can_v overcome_v their_o corruption_n yea_o many_o there_o be_v to_o who_o their_o sin_n and_o inward_a corruption_n be_v more_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a than_o all_o bodily_a want_n or_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v they_o not_o how_o to_o conquer_v their_o corruption_n but_o alas_o be_v oftentimes_o foil_v by_o they_o to_o their_o great_a discomfort_n let_v these_o man_n know_v the_o want_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o cause_n hereof_o for_o that_o they_o do_v not_o sufficient_o ruminate_v and_o consider_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v in_o that_o behalf_n nor_o use_v the_o mean_n
any_o thing_n to_o be_v resolve_v of_o god_n power_n and_o will_v to_o hear_v and_o help_v us._n he_o be_v our_o father_n therefore_o careful_a and_o willing_a he_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o able_a to_o hear_v we_o and_o to_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n math._n 6.9_o and_o the_o same_o commendation_n here_o give_v to_o sarah_n be_v also_o give_v to_o abraham_n rom._n 4_o 21._o he_o doubt_v not_o but_o believe_v above_o hope_n etc._n etc._n be_v full_o assure_v that_o he_o which_o have_v promise_v be_v also_o able_a to_o do_v it_o the_o use_n hereof_o unto_o we_o be_v double_a first_o to_o advise_v and_o guide_v we_o for_o our_o promise_n not_o to_o be_v too_o reckless_a as_o some_o be_v what_o we_o promise_v but_o to_o consider_v aforehand_o and_o if_o it_o be_v beyond_o our_o power_n not_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n for_o christian_a man_n word_n must_v not_o be_v vain_a and_o if_o we_o have_v promise_v any_o thing_n lawful_a and_o in_o our_o power_n to_o be_v careful_a to_o perform_v it_o thus_o to_o do_v be_v to_o be_v a_o faithful_a man_n and_o be_v a_o good_a sign_n of_o a_o holy_a man_n and_o god_n child_n provide_v this_o be_v so_o first_o of_o all_o towards_o god_n that_o we_o make_v conscience_n of_o perform_v the_o great_a vow_n we_o make_v in_o our_o baptism_n and_o all_o other_o serious_a &_o holy_a purpose_n of_o our_o heart_n make_v to_o god_n for_o otherwise_o he_o that_o break_v his_o vow_n to_o god_n careless_o by_o live_v profane_o he_o may_v in_o worldly_a policy_n keep_v â—is_n word_n but_o he_o can_v do_v it_o in_o conscience_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v foul_o faulty_a in_o this_o point_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o break_v promise_n and_o faith_n with_o we_o or_o any_o of_o our_o religion_n their_o nakedness_n herein_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o face_n of_o all_o christendom_n let_v they_o that_o be_v wiâ—e_o be_v warn_v of_o it_o they_o make_v great_a ostentation_n of_o their_o vow_n and_o of_o their_o care_n to_o perform_v they_o above_o any_o other_o religion_n but_o it_o appear_v hereby_o to_o be_v vile_a hypocrisy_n for_o if_o they_o be_v conscionable_o and_o not_o politic_o and_o formal_o careful_a of_o their_o vow_n of_o chastity_n poverty_n &_o other_o make_v to_o god_n they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v likewise_o careful_a of_o their_o promise_n make_v to_o man_n for_o the_o one_o of_o these_o be_v the_o fountain_n aâ—d_v root_v of_o the_o other_o but_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o one_o show_v the_o formality_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o the_o other_o let_v all_o that_o fear_n god_n learn_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o both_o these_o in_o their_o religion_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o in_o all_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o so_o the_o world_n may_v judge_v we_o faithful_a man_n when_o we_o have_v promise_v second_o let_v we_o here_o learn_v how_o to_o help_v and_o strengthen_v our_o weak_a faith_n in_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o god_n we_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o salvation_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v life_n everlasting_a of_o our_o resurrection_n dan._n 12._o they_o thaâ—_n sleep_n iâ—_n the_o dust_n shall_v rise_v again_o of_o our_o glorification_n philip._n 3.21_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v change_v our_o vile_a body_n and_o make_v they_o like_v to_o his_o own_o glorious_a body_n of_o a_o new_a world_n 2._o pet_n 3.13_o we_o look_v for_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n these_o be_v as_o s._n peter_n call_v they_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n 2._o pet._n 1.4_o and_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a &_o precious_a faith_n that_o can_v constant_o believe_v these_o no_o better_a help_n of_o our_o faith_n can_v there_o be_v than_o often_o and_o serious_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o mercy_n and_o power_n of_o he_o that_o make_v they_o if_o he_o be_v willing_a and_o able_a what_o can_v let_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o let_v we_o therefore_o often_o say_v with_o holy_a paul_n faithful_n be_v he_o which_o have_v promise_v who_o will_v also_o do_v it_o 1._o thess._n 5_o and_o with_o sarah_n here_o we_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v now_o follow_v the_o last_o effect_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n and_o therefore_o spring_v there_o of_o one_o even_o of_o one_o which_o be_v as_o dead_a as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n of_o the_o sky_n in_o multitude_n and_o as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o seashore_n which_o be_v innumerable_a the_o three_o and_o last_o effect_n of_o sarahs_n effect_n be_v that_o by_o this_o son_n isaac_n who_o she_o conceive_v &_o bring_v forth_o by_o faith_n she_o have_v a_o wonderful_a great_a issue_n and_o a_o posterity_n almost_o without_o number_n this_o effect_n consist_v not_o of_o itself_o but_o depend_v upon_o the_o former_a her_o faith_n give_v her_o strength_n to_o conceive_v isaac_n though_o she_o be_v barren_a and_o to_o bring_v he_o forth_o though_o she_o be_v old_a and_o weak_a and_o so_o her_o faith_n bring_v he_o out_o by_o who_o she_o be_v make_v the_o mother_n of_o many_o million_o of_o man_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o three_o effect_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o man_n that_o come_v of_o abraham_n and_o sarah_n by_o isaac_n this_o posterity_n or_o multitude_n be_v describe_v by_o two_o argument_n 1._o by_o the_o beginning_n or_o root_n of_o it_o one_o that_o be_v as_o dead_a 2._o the_o quantity_n or_o greatness_n lay_v down_o 1._o general_o to_o be_v a_o multitude_n and_o innumerable_a 2._o particular_o by_o two_o comparison_n 1._o as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n in_o the_o sky_n 2._o as_o the_o sand_n by_o the_o seashore_n the_o first_o point_n be_v the_o root_n and_o beginning_n of_o this_o multitude_n in_o these_o word_n and_o therefore_o spring_v there_o of_o one_o even_o one_o that_o be_v as_o dead_a one_o that_o be_v one_o woman_n sarah_n or_o at_o the_o most_o one_o couple_n abraham_n and_o sarah_n and_o this_o one_o be_v no_o better_a than_o dead_a not_o dead_a proper_o and_o full_o for_o none_o be_v so_o dead_a who_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v not_o separate_v but_o as_o dead_a that_o be_v as_o good_a as_o dead_a or_o half_a dead_a meaning_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a for_o generation_n of_o child_n the_o strength_n of_o nature_n be_v decay_v in_o they_o abraham_n be_v 100_o and_o sarah_n 90._o year_n old_a and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a of_o abraham_n who_o be_v past_o age_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o of_o sarah_n who_o be_v both_o past_a age_n and_o be_v also_o barren_a in_o her_o best_a age_n here_o we_o be_v to_o note_v and_o learn_v many_o thing_n first_o multitude_n come_v of_o one_o see_v here_o the_o powerful_a and_o yet_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o god_n to_o rear_v up_o goodly_a &_o huge_a building_n upon_o small_a and_o weak_a foundation_n so_o do_v he_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o ever_o since_o indeed_o he_o make_v at_o the_o first_o thousand_o of_o star_n because_o they_o must_v be_v no_o more_o then_o at_o the_o first_o they_o be_v and_o million_o of_o angel_n intend_v they_o shall_v not_o multiply_v he_o can_v also_o have_v make_v million_o of_o man_n in_o a_o moment_n he_o will_v not_o but_o only_o one_o couple_n adam_n and_o eue._n and_o of_o they_o come_v the_o infinite_a race_n of_o mankind_n when_o sin_n have_v make_v a_o end_n of_o that_o world_n he_o found_v not_o the_o second_o that_o yet_o continue_v upon_o a_o thousand_o couple_n but_o by_o three_o man_n and_o their_o wife_n he_o multiply_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n which_o since_o have_v grow_v from_o three_o to_o million_o of_o million_o and_o so_o here_o of_o one_o old_a man_n and_o a_o barren_a old_a woman_n spring_v innumerable_a multitude_n this_o god_n do_v to_o magnify_v his_o own_o power_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o so_o he_o do_v also_o in_o matter_n heavenly_a the_o number_n of_o christian_n since_o christ_n that_o have_v grow_v to_o million_o begin_v in_o a_o poor_a number_n at_o the_o first_o for_o when_o christ_n himself_o be_v ascend_v the_o number_n of_o know_v believer_n be_v but_o 120._o act_n 1.15_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o shall_v teach_v we_o all_o these_o duty_n first_o not_o to_o measure_n god_n by_o our_o lengthe_n nor_o to_o tie_v he_o to_o our_o rule_n but_o to_o esteem_v of_o his_o power_n and_o might_n as_o we_o see_v it_o deserve_v and_o to_o entertain_v high_a and_o honourable_a thought_n of_o he_o &_o his_o majesty_n who_o can_v rear_v up_o so_o great_a work_n upon_o so_o poor_a foundation_n second_o not_o to_o despair_v of_o ourselves_o or_o our_o estate_n though_o we_o think_v ourselves_o never_o so_o weak_a so_o poor_a so_o sick_a
quite_o degenerate_a from_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v when_o they_o be_v babe_n in_o knowledge_n void_a of_o spiritual_a wisdom_n indeed_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o our_o age_a person_n be_v worldly_a wise_n &_o he_o must_v have_v a_o cunning_a head_n and_o as_o we_o say_v rise_v early_o that_o herein_o go_v beyond_o they_o but_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o action_n that_o they_o be_v do_v in_o faith_n herein_o they_o be_v mere_a babe_n and_o ignorant_a neither_o can_v they_o tell_v what_o it_o be_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n in_o faith_n so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n herein_o many_o that_o be_v young_a in_o year_n do_v quite_o outstrip_v they_o what_o will_v we_o think_v or_o say_v of_o a_o child_n that_o be_v set_v to_o a_o good_a school_n shall_v still_o be_v in_o the_o low_a form_n though_o he_o have_v long_o continue_v at_o it_o sure_o we_o will_v judge_v he_o either_o exceed_a negligent_a or_o destitute_a of_o ordinary_a capacity_n behold_v the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o school_n of_o christ_n &_o if_o a_o man_n have_v live_v long_o therein_o as_o twenty_o or_o forty_o year_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o wise_a in_o religion_n than_o a_o young_a child_n be_v it_o not_o a_o shame_n unto_o he_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o condemn_v he_o of_o great_a negligence_n wherefore_o let_v all_o age_a person_n here_o learn_v their_o duty_n which_o be_v to_o grow_v to_o ripeness_n in_o spiritual_a wisdom_n that_o so_o their_o age_n may_v be_v to_o they_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n prou._n 16.31_o verse_n 25._o and_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v adversity_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o moses_n cast_v with_o himself_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v yield_v to_o become_v heir_n to_o pharaoh_n daughter_n he_o must_v live_v with_o she_o and_o please_v she_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o altogether_o leave_v god_n church_n and_o people_n and_o god_n holy_a religion_n which_o thing_n to_o do_v he_o abhor_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o withal_o he_o must_v leave_v and_o lose_v the_o eternal_a blessedness_n of_o god_n child_n for_o the_o honour_n &_o sinful_a pleasure_n of_o the_o court_n which_o be_v but_o momentany_a these_o thing_n consider_v he_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v in_o affliction_n and_o misery_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o upon_o these_o condition_n to_o live_v in_o pharaoh_n court_n &_o to_o become_v his_o daughter_n son_n and_o heir_n and_o because_o this_o may_v seem_v a_o strange_a choice_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v afterward_o render_v a_o reason_n hereof_o which_o be_v this_o because_o moses_n like_v rather_o to_o enjoy_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n church_n though_o it_o be_v in_o misery_n than_o to_o enjoy_v any_o honour_n in_o a_o wicked_a court_n such_o as_o indeed_o pharaoh_n be_v in_o this_o verse_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o note_v a_o second_o fruit_n of_o moses_n faith_n to_o wit_n that_o he_o prefer_v the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o god_n saint_n before_o all_o other_o society_n in_o the_o world_n the_o same_o also_o be_v david_n practice_n psal._n 16.3_o all_o my_o delight_n say_v he_o be_v in_o the_o saint_n that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n this_o fruit_n of_o moses_n faith_n do_v discover_v unto_o we_o a_o grievous_a fault_n which_o reign_v in_o this_o age_n to_o wit_n the_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o communion_n and_o society_n of_o saint_n there_o be_v a_o society_n and_o fellowship_n that_o be_v love_v and_o magnify_v among_o we_o but_o what_o manner_n of_o society_n be_v that_o sure_o of_o such_o as_o give_v themselves_o to_o drink_v jest_a scoff_a riot_n mirth_n and_o game_n this_o be_v the_o common_a and_o general_a good_a fellowship_n through_o which_o god_n be_v great_o dishonour_v for_o most_o man_n set_v their_o delight_n therein_o and_o be_v never_o merry_a but_o in_o such_o company_n wherein_o indeed_o they_o delight_v themselves_o in_o their_o sensuality_n true_a it_o be_v man_n plead_v that_o this_o good_a fellowship_n be_v a_o virtue_n but_o than_o be_v moses_n far_o overseen_a for_o in_o pharaoh_n court_n he_o may_v have_v have_v all_o kind_n of_o such_o good_a fellowship_n and_o company_n yet_o he_o like_v it_o not_o but_o rather_o choose_v affliction_n and_o misery_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n then_o to_o enjoy_v such_o fellowship_n in_o pharaoh_n court_n and_o as_o for_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v neither_o so_o esteem_v nor_o call_v by_o any_o but_o by_o they_o that_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a we_o see_v moses_n a_o man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n act_v 7.23_o no_o child_n but_o a_o man_n of_o xl_o year_n old_a hate_v and_o abhor_v this_o good_a fellowship_n as_o the_o worst_a estate_n in_o the_o world_n rather_o choose_v the_o society_n of_o a_o miserable_a and_o persecute_a church_n than_o the_o best_a of_o that_o fellowship_n which_o a_o king_n court_n can_v yield_v let_v we_o therefore_o learn_v more_o wisdom_n out_o of_o his_o practice_n some_o say_v this_o good_a fellowship_n be_v harmless_a and_o such_o man_n who_o thus_o merry_o pass_v their_o time_n do_v no_o such_o hurt_n as_o many_o other_o do_v but_o i_o answer_v man_n be_v bear_v to_o do_v good_a again_o to_o misspend_v time_n wealth_n and_o wit_n be_v not_o these_o evil_a &_o harmful_a both_o in_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o example_n and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o it_o be_v no_o fellowship_n with_o god_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n but_o rather_o a_o fellowship_n with_o satan_n therefore_o let_v all_o that_o will_v like_o true_a christian_n have_v true_a comfort_n in_o that_o article_n of_o their_o creed_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n esteem_v the_o fellowship_n of_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n above_o all_o other_o for_o by_o this_o communion_n with_o god_n saint_n a_o man_n reap_v great_a profit_n when_o as_o the_o other_o bring_v to_o a_o man_n the_o ruin_n both_o of_o his_o body_n and_o soul_n by_o the_o society_n of_o the_o godly_a we_o be_v first_o make_v partaker_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o holy_a grace_n and_o second_o of_o their_o prayer_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o which_o thing_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o may_v move_v we_o to_o embrace_v this_o bless_a society_n before_o all_o other_o and_o yet_o further_o by_o be_v of_o this_o society_n a_o man_n avoid_v many_o of_o god_n judgment_n if_o there_o have_v be_v ten_o righteous_a man_n in_o sodom_n they_o have_v all_o be_v spare_v from_o destruction_n wherein_o we_o may_v see_v 3â—_n that_o they_o that_o cleave_v to_o such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n indeed_o never_o receive_v harm_n by_o they_o but_o rather_o much_o good_a for_o for_o the_o elect_v sake_n it_o be_v that_o the_o world_n yet_o stand_v and_o if_o they_o be_v gather_v heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v go_v together_o but_o for_o the_o call_n of_o the_o elect_n the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o stay_v why_o then_o shall_v not_o moses_n example_n be_v our_o rule_n above_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o society_n of_o god_n saint_n thus_o much_o in_o general_a now_o in_o the_o particular_a word_n be_v many_o notable_a point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o we_o will_v touch_v in_o their_o order_n and_o choose_v rather_o etc._n etc._n mark_v here_o a_o rare_a and_o strange_a choice_n as_o ever_o we_o shall_v read_v of_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n propound_v to_o moses_n the_o first_o be_v honour_n and_o preferment_n in_o pharaoh_n court_n to_o be_v son_n and_o heir_n to_o pharahs_n daughter_n wherewith_o he_o may_v have_v enjoy_v all_o earthly_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n the_o second_o be_v the_o miserable_a afflict_a condition_n of_o gods_n church_n and_o people_n and_o of_o these_o two_o moses_n must_v needs_o choose_v the_o one_o well_o what_o choose_v he_o sure_o he_o refuse_v the_o prerogative_n and_o dignity_n that_o he_o may_v have_v have_v in_o pharaoh_n court_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o gods_n people_n in_o adversity_n that_o so_o he_o may_v enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o gods_n church_n a_o wonderful_a choice_n for_o which_o his_o faith_n be_v here_o commend_v and_o he_o renown_v to_o all_o posterity_n the_o same_o choice_n have_v god_n set_v before_o man_n in_o all_o age_n in_o former_a time_n god_n set_v before_o esau_n two_o thing_n a_o mess_n of_o red_a broth_n and_o his_o birthright_n but_o profane_a esau_n choose_v the_o worse_a he_o forego_v his_o birthright_n so_o he_o may_v have_v the_o broth_n but_o far_o worse_a
do_v the_o gadaren_n there_o be_v set_v before_o they_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o their_o hog_n and_o cattle_n now_o they_o prefer_v their_o hog_n before_o christ_n a_o most_o miserable_a and_o senseless_a choice_n and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o ill_o with_o we_o there_o be_v set_v before_o we_o on_o the_o one_o side_n heaven_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n hell_n but_o man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n choose_v hell_n &_o forsake_v heaven_n civil_a worldly_a man_n who_o delight_n be_v all_o in_o riches_n they_o prefer_v earth_n before_o heaven_n the_o service_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o great_a slavery_n before_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v perfect_a freedom_n and_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o thus_o do_v all_o man_n without_o god_n special_a grace_n whereupon_o paul_n pray_v in_o his_o epistle_n for_o the_o church_n that_o god_n will_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n 1.10_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v and_o this_o wisdom_n we_o must_v labour_v for_o that_o when_o these_o different_a thing_n be_v set_v before_o we_o we_o may_v make_v a_o wise_a choice_n otherwise_o we_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v like_o brute_n beast_n without_o understanding_n &_o do_v quite_o overturn_v our_o own_o salvation_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n we_o have_v life_n and_o death_n good_a &_o evil_n set_v before_o we_o as_o moses_n say_v to_o the_o people_n deut._n 30.15_o 19_o let_v we_o therefore_o endeavour_n ourselves_o to_o choose_v life_n by_o embrace_v and_o obey_v the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o so_o shall_v we_o follow_v both_o his_o precept_n and_o practice_n to_o suffer_v adversity_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v what_o be_v the_o ordinary_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o god_n church_n and_o people_n in_o this_o world_n namely_o to_o be_v in_o affliction_n and_o under_o the_o cross_n hence_o paul_n say_v that_o we_o must_v come_v to_o heaven_n through_o manifold_a affliction_n act_n 14.23_o the_o lord_n know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o his_o servant_n and_o child_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v set_v down_o this_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n 2._o tim._n 3.12_o thus_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n for_o special_a cause_n for_o first_o all_o cross_n as_o loss_n of_o good_n friend_n liberty_n or_o good_a name_n they_o be_v mean_n to_o stir_v up_o and_o awake_v god_n people_n out_o of_o the_o slumber_a fit_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o godly_a be_v many_o time_n overtake_v this_o way_n the_o wise_a virgin_n sleep_v as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a now_o affliction_n rouse_v they_o out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o security_n see_v this_o in_o josephs_n brethren_n who_o go_v on_o a_o long_a time_n without_o any_o remorse_n for_o sell_v their_o brother_n but_o when_o they_o be_v stay_v in_o egypt_n than_o they_o be_v rouse_v up_o and_o can_v say_v genesis_n 42.21_o this_o trouble_n be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o sell_v our_o brother_n second_o affliction_n serve_v to_o humble_a god_n child_n leviticus_fw-la 26.41_o so_o the_o church_n of_o god_n speak_v i_o will_v bear_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o i_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o micah_n 7.9_o three_o they_o serve_v to_o wean_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o to_o drive_v they_o from_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n for_o if_o man_n may_v always_o live_v in_o ease_n they_o will_v make_v their_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n which_o may_v not_o be_v and_o herein_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n like_o a_o nurse_n when_o she_o will_v wean_v her_o child_n she_o lay_v some_o bitter_a thing_n upon_o the_o pap_n head_n to_o make_v the_o child_n to_o loathe_v the_o pap_n so_o the_o lord_n to_o draw_v our_o heart_n from_o the_o world_n and_o to_o cause_v we_o to_o love_n and_o seek_v after_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n he_o make_v we_o to_o taste_v of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o affliction_n in_o tâ—is_n world_n four_o affliction_n ferâ—e_v to_o make_v god_n child_n to_o go_v out_o of_o themselves_o to_o seek_v sincere_o unto_o god_n and_o to_o rely_v only_o upon_o he_o which_o in_o prosperity_n they_o will_v not_o do_v this_o paul_n confess_v of_o himself_o and_o other_o we_o say_v he_o receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n in_o ourselves_o because_o we_o shall_v not_o trust_v in_o ourselves_o but_o in_o god_n 2._o corinthian_n chapter_n 1._o verse_n 9_o so_o good_a king_n jehosaphat_n when_o he_o be_v compass_v of_o his_o enemy_n he_o cry_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v lord_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v but_o our_o eye_n be_v towards_o thou_o 2._o chronicle_n chapter_n 20._o verse_n 12._o yea_o the_o rebellious_a jew_n be_v hereby_o drive_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n who_o in_o prosperity_n they_o forsake_v as_o we_o may_v see_v at_o large_a psal._n 107.6.12.13.19_o last_o affliction_n serve_v to_o make_v manifest_a the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o his_o child_n the_o lord_n say_v job_n know_v my_o way_n and_o try_v i_o job_n 23.10_o deuteronomie_n 8.2_o remember_v all_o the_o way_n say_v moses_n to_o the_o israelite_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n lead_v thou_o this_o forty_o year_n for_o to_o prove_v thou_o and_o to_o know_v what_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n hence_o james_n call_v temptation_n the_o trial_n of_o faith_n james_n chapter_n 1._o verse_n 2.3_o and_o paul_n make_v patience_n the_o fruit_n of_o tribulation_n roman_n chapter_n 5._o verse_n 3._o for_o look_v as_o the_o shower_n in_o the_o spring_n time_n cause_v the_o bud_n to_o appear_v so_o do_v affliction_n make_v manifest_a god_n grace_n in_o his_o child_n patience_n hope_v and_o other_o virtue_n lie_v close_o in_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o day_n of_o peace_n but_o when_o tribulation_n come_v than_o they_o break_v forth_o and_o show_v themselves_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o a_o token_n of_o god_n wrath_n to_o suffer_v affliction_n if_o any_o man_n or_o people_n be_v lade_v with_o cross_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o as_o peter_n say_v judgement_n begin_v at_o god_n house_n 1._o peter_n chapter_n 4._o verse_n 17_o and_o any_o cross_n upon_o a_o people_n family_n or_o particular_a person_n if_o it_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o be_v a_o true_a sign_n they_o belong_v to_o god._n yea_o when_o man_n wander_v from_o god_n by_o a_o evil_a way_n these_o affliction_n be_v mean_n to_o call_v they_o home_o to_o god._n psalm_n 119.67_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o and_o they_o that_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o return_v to_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n be_v certain_o god_n people_n for_o the_o wicked_a man_n fret_v and_o murmure_v against_o god_n when_o a_o cross_n come_v and_o he_o can_v abide_v it_o but_o the_o godly_a man_n be_v humble_v thereby_o and_o it_o make_v he_o more_o obedient_a in_o all_o duty_n unto_o god_n this_o we_o shall_v consider_v for_o by_o a_o outward_a profession_n we_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n and_o therefore_o we_o come_v to_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o to_o learn_v how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o beseem_v his_o child_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v know_v to_o be_v god_n child_n indeed_o then_o when_o any_o of_o god_n judgement_n do_v befall_v we_o we_o must_v make_v this_o use_n of_o they_o namely_o labour_v thereby_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o bad_a way_n for_o ever_o afterward_o and_o then_o we_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v god_n child_n indeed_o but_o if_o under_o the_o cross_n or_o after_o the_o cross_n we_o be_v as_o dissolute_a as_o ever_o we_o be_v and_o still_o follow_v our_o old_a sin_n than_o we_o can_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v god_n people_n and_o child_n but_o rather_o a_o wicked_a and_o stubborn_a generation_n which_o the_o more_o they_o be_v correct_v the_o worse_o they_o be_v like_o a_o stithy_n the_o more_o it_o be_v beat_v the_o hard_a it_o be_v let_v we_o therefore_o by_o the_o use_n of_o god_n judgement_n show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v god_n child_n so_o shall_v we_o say_v with_o david_n with_o much_o joy_n and_o comfort_n it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o that_o we_o have_v be_v in_o trouble_n psal._n 119.71_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o moses_n choose_v now_o come_v we_o to_o the_o thing_n he_o refuse_v to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n by_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o riches_n and_o dignity_n that_o moses_n
keep_n of_o it_o be_v a_o double_n of_o the_o sin_n david_n in_o his_o anger_n have_v swear_v to_o slay_v nabal_n and_o all_o the_o man_n in_o his_o family_n for_o deny_v relief_n unto_o his_o servant_n 1._o sam._n 25.22_o this_o be_v a_o rash_a oath_n and_o therefore_o afterward_o when_o he_o be_v prevent_v by_o abigail_n good_a counsel_n he_o bless_v god_n for_o it_o and_o break_v his_o oath_n which_o he_o have_v make_v vers_fw-la 32._o quest._n 2._o what_o if_o a_o man_n take_v a_o oath_n and_o yet_o afterward_o in_o conscience_n doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v swear_v to_o do_v what_o must_v be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n ans._n so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v he_o must_v defer_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o do_v a_o thing_n doubt_o condemn_v himself_o in_o the_o thing_n he_o do_v because_o he_o do_v it_o not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14.23_o quest._n 3._o what_o if_o a_o man_n be_v urge_v by_o fear_n to_o take_v a_o oath_n must_v he_o afterward_o keep_v it_o as_o for_o example_n a_o man_n be_v take_v of_o thief_n now_o want_v money_n they_o charge_v he_o on_o pain_n of_o death_n to_o fetch_v they_o money_n and_o they_o bind_v he_o hereto_o by_o a_o oath_n what_o must_v be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n consider_v there_o must_v such_o great_a care_n be_v have_v in_o keep_v of_o a_o oath_n answ._n so_o long_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o oath_n to_o do_v respect_v his_o private_a damage_n only_o he_o must_v keep_v his_o oath_n yet_o so_o as_o he_o declare_v his_o case_n to_o the_o magistrate_n because_o their_o course_n be_v against_o the_o common_a good_a now_o the_o magistrate_n hear_v of_o it_o be_v according_a to_o equity_n to_o provide_v for_o his_o defence_n &_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o good_n a_o second_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o rahabs_n preservation_n be_v this_o rahab_n escape_v a_o common_a danger_n but_o not_o without_o all_o mean_n only_o stay_v herself_o on_o the_o bare_a promise_n of_o the_o spy_n but_o as_o she_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n so_o she_o use_v mean_n whereby_o she_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o her_o preservation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o she_o bind_v the_o spy_n by_o a_o oath_n to_o save_v her_o life_n and_o to_o spare_v her_o household_n 21._o also_o she_o keep_v within_o and_o tie_v the_o cord_n of_o red_a thread_n in_o her_o window_n according_a to_o their_o mutual_a covenant_n thus_o she_o use_v mean_n for_o her_o temporal_a safety_n and_o so_o have_v other_o of_o gods_n child_n do_v in_o like_a case_n when_o king_n hezekiah_n 2._o king_n 20.6_o be_v sick_a he_o be_v certify_v by_o the_o prophet_n from_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v live_v fifteen_o year_n long_o yet_o he_o neglect_v not_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v heal_v and_o live_v for_o he_o apply_v dry_a fig_n to_o his_o boil_v and_o use_v food_n and_o raiment_n for_o his_o bodily_a life_n during_o the_o whole_a space_n of_o those_o fifteen_o year_n so_o the_o apostle_n s_o paul_n in_o his_o voyage_n by_o sea_n to_o rome_n be_v assure_v by_o a_o vision_n that_o none_o of_o they_o that_o be_v with_o he_o shall_v perish_v but_o all_o come_v safe_a to_o land_n and_o yet_o when_o the_o mariner_n will_v have_v go_v out_o he_o tell_v the_o centurion_n that_o unless_o those_o stay_v in_o the_o ship_n that_o so_o they_o may_v use_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n they_o can_v not_o be_v safe_a now_o as_o it_o fare_v temporal_o for_o the_o save_n of_o the_o body_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o spiritual_a case_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n man_n must_v use_v mean_n to_o come_v by_o grace_n &_o so_o to_o salvation_n but_o many_o in_o this_o regard_n be_v great_a enemy_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n they_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a and_o christ_n be_v a_o saviour_n &_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v save_v i_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o salvation_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v they_o with_o our_o inward_a faith_n we_o must_v join_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o outward_a ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o god_n use_v to_o save_v man_n soul_n as_o namely_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n call_v upon_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o thereby_o our_o sinful_a life_n may_v be_v amend_v and_o our_o faith_n strengthen_v this_o must_v be_v remember_v of_o we_o for_o they_o that_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v the_o mean_n despise_v the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n offer_v therein_o and_o therefore_o paul_n say_v of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o put_v the_o gospel_n from_o they_o that_o they_o do_v judge_v themselves_o unworthy_a eternal_a life_n act._n 13.46_o it_o follow_v with_o they_o that_o disobey_v that_o be_v with_o the_o people_n of_o jericho_n quest._n how_o do_v they_o disobey_v ans._n thus_o when_o josuah_n and_o the_o people_n come_v unto_o they_o and_o offer_v they_o peace_n if_o so_o be_v they_o will_v become_v their_o tributary_n and_o servant_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o jericho_n will_v not_o yield_v unto_o they_o but_o set_v themselves_o against_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o so_o against_o god_n in_o that_o they_o will_v not_o undertake_v that_o estate_n which_o god_n offer_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v here_o esteem_v disobedient_a hence_o we_o learn_v that_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n at_o any_o time_n to_o put_v we_o out_o of_o these_o temporary_a benefit_n which_o we_o enjoy_v in_o good_n and_o possession_n we_o must_v be_v content_v with_o god_n will_v and_o providence_n and_o seek_v to_o obey_v god_n therein_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jericho_n pay_v dear_o for_o their_o disobedience_n in_o this_o case_n god_n set_v the_o israelite_n as_o lord_n over_o they_o and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o become_v their_o servant_n they_o die_v for_o it_o david_n practice_n be_v commendable_a in_o this_o case_n for_o when_o he_o be_v put_v out_o of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n by_o his_o own_o son_n he_o murmur_v not_o but_o say_v thus_o if_o i_o shall_v find_v favour_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v bring_v i_o again_o but_o if_o he_o say_v thus_o i_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o thou_o behold_v here_o i_o be_o let_v he_o do_v to_o i_o as_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o eye_n 2._o sam._n 15.25_o 26._o in_o other_o country_n we_o see_v city_n and_o town_n spoil_v and_o sack_v what_o must_v the_o people_n do_v answ._n they_o must_v submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n pleasure_n know_v that_o he_o permit_v it_o who_o may_v do_v what_o he_o will_n and_o so_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o bring_v we_o into_o the_o like_a case_n as_o to_o suffer_v our_o enemy_n to_o have_v dominion_n over_o we_o and_o to_o dispossess_v we_o of_o our_o place_n we_o must_v submit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n when_o we_o see_v no_o help_n by_o lawful_a mean_n we_o must_v not_o murmur_v or_o rebel_n for_o that_o be_v but_o to_o disobey_v as_o the_o people_n of_o jericho_n do_v and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v destroy_v as_o they_o be_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o point_n the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o example_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o her_o faith_n in_o receive_v the_o spy_n peaceable_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a work_n of_o faith_n as_o saint_n james_n note_v jam._n 2.25_o and_o the_o more_o commendable_a because_o she_o receive_v they_o into_o her_o house_n and_o entertain_v they_o yea_o she_o preserve_v they_o in_o danger_n of_o her_o own_o life_n for_o she_o do_v it_o contrary_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o state_n under_o which_o she_o live_v but_o against_o this_o may_v be_v object_v first_o that_o she_o lie_v in_o this_o fact_n for_o when_o the_o king_n of_o iericho_n messenger_n come_v to_o search_v for_o the_o spy_n who_o she_o have_v hide_v in_o the_o top_n of_o her_o house_n she_o say_v to_o the_o messenger_n they_o be_v go_v another_o way_n now_o how_o can_v it_o be_v a_o good_a work_n which_o be_v do_v with_o lie_v especial_o to_o our_o superior_a who_o have_v power_n to_o ask_v we_o and_o to_o who_o we_o be_v double_o bind_v to_o speak_v the_o truth_n answ._n we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o work_n be_v good_a which_o she_o do_v and_o a_o work_n of_o mercy_n to_o preserve_v god_n people_n although_o she_o fail_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o she_o receive_v they_o by_o faith_n though_o she_o show_v distrust_v in_o lie_v for_o their_o safety_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a work_n of_o rebecca_n gen._n 27._o to_o cause_n her_o son_n jacob_n to_o
and_o lip-faith_n and_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o true_a save_v faith_n whereby_o we_o may_v profitable_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o enjoy_v god_n most_o excellent_a promise_n in_o christ._n man_n may_v lie_v and_o be_v deceive_v but_o god_n be_v truth_n itself_o and_o can_v lie_v and_o therefore_o as_o he_o have_v make_v his_o promise_n of_o life_n to_o believer_n and_o to_o no_o other_o so_o will_n he_o sure_o accomplish_v the_o same_o to_o they_o and_o to_o no_o other_o wherefore_o if_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n and_o desire_v life_n let_v we_o get_v into_o our_o heart_n the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o three_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o four_o and_o five_o effect_n which_o i_o will_v handle_v together_o be_v these_o stopped_n the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n quench_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o fire_n for_o the_o four_o whereas_o some_o of_o these_o person_n be_v say_v to_o have_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o daniel_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 6._o chapter_n of_o that_o book_n for_o daniel_n through_o the_o malice_n of_o other_o that_o incense_v the_o king_n wrath_n against_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o den_n of_o hunger-bit_n lion_n but_o daniel_n even_o then_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o put_v all_o his_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o lord_n by_o his_o angel_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lion_n and_o as_o it_o be_v seal_v up_o their_o paw_n that_o they_o can_v not_o hurt_v he_o the_o five_o effect_n in_o quench_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o fire_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n the_o companion_n of_o daniel_n which_o three_o as_o we_o may_v read_v dan._n 3_o refuse_v to_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o nabuchadnezzar_n have_v set_v up_o for_o which_o cause_n they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o hot_a burn_a oven_n but_o they_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o he_o in_o obedience_n even_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o life_n whereupon_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o omnipotent_a power_n do_v most_o miraculous_o preserve_v they_o by_o stay_v the_o rage_n of_o the_o fire_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n thereof_o that_o it_o have_v no_o power_n over_o their_o body_n nay_o it_o do_v not_o burn_v the_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n nor_o cause_v their_o garment_n to_o smell_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v quench_v the_o violence_n of_o it_o because_o it_o have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o though_o it_o burn_v most_o fierce_o but_o be_v to_o they_o as_o though_o it_o have_v be_v quite_o put_v out_o and_o quench_v now_o join_v these_o two_o effect_n together_o &_o they_o afford_v we_o good_a instruction_n first_o here_o we_o learn_v how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n and_o at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n even_o as_o these_o four_o man_n do_v so_o must_v we_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n forsake_v ourselves_o and_o put_v all_o our_o trust_n in_o christ._n this_o do_v daniel_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o lion_n den_n and_o this_o do_v the_o 3._o child_n in_o the_o hot_a fiery_a furnace_n and_o this_o have_v be_v always_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o god_n child_n in_o all_o age_n at_o the_o very_a point_n of_o death_n and_o in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o danger_n they_o rest_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o the_o merciful_a promise_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o time_n will_v come_v upon_o we_o all_o wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o we_o must_v all_o pass_v the_o door_n of_o death_n &_o once_o lie_v in_o the_o pang_n thereof_o now_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v when_o we_o lie_v half_o dead_a gasp_v &_o pant_v for_o breath_n able_a to_o speak_v to_o no_o man_n nor_o to_o hear_v any_o speak_n to_o we_o when_o all_o comfort_n of_o the_o world_n fail_v we_o sure_o we_o must_v then_o at_o that_o very_a instant_n labour_v to_o leave_v ourselves_o and_o this_o world_n and_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o by_o faith_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o christ_n passion_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o he_o will_v sure_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o danger_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o satan_n that_o roar_a lion_n &_o quench_v the_o fire_n of_o hell_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o touch_v us._n but_o some_o will_v say_v if_o this_o be_v all_o we_o must_v do_v than_o all_o be_v well_o for_o this_o i_o can_v soon_o do_v when_o time_n serve_v and_o therefore_o i_o will_v take_v no_o care_n till_o then_o answer_n beware_v of_o spiritual_a guile_n for_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o most_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n to_o rely_v and_o cast_v himself_o whole_o upon_o christ_n in_o the_o hour_n and_o pang_n of_o death_n for_o then_o above_o all_o time_n be_v the_o devil_n busy_a against_o we_o then_o will_v the_o conscience_n stir_v if_o ever_o and_o the_o body_n be_v torment_v the_o soul_n must_v needs_o be_v wonderful_a heavy_a this_o we_o may_v see_v by_o the_o state_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o his_o agony_n and_o passion_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o reckon_v so_o light_o of_o this_o duty_n question_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o hard_a a_o thing_n how_o can_v daniel_n and_o the_o three_o child_n do_v it_o answer_n they_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o for_o they_o rest_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o so_o be_v enable_v to_o rely_v upon_o he_o in_o time_n of_o peril_n even_o so_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v in_o god_n when_o we_o die_v &_o then_o show_v forth_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v while_o we_o live_v put_v our_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o show_v it_o by_o obedience_n for_o rare_a it_o be_v to_o find_v a_o man_n that_o live_v in_o unbelief_n to_o show_v forth_o faith_n at_o his_o end_n and_o therefore_o while_o we_o have_v health_n strength_n and_o peace_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o believe_v and_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o in_o time_n of_o peril_n and_o of_o death_n second_o from_o these_o two_o effect_n of_o faith_n we_o observe_v further_o that_o god_n divine_a providence_n do_v firm_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o whole_a world_n ordinary_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n by_o secundarie_n cause_n set_v one_o creature_n over_o another_o and_o ordain_v one_o to_o do_v this_o thing_n and_o another_o that_o and_o according_o they_o work_v but_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n but_o be_v most_o free_a to_o use_v they_o or_o not_o to_o use_v they_o ordinary_o he_o execute_v this_o or_o that_o punishment_n by_o this_o or_o that_o creature_n and_o so_o by_o mean_n convey_v his_o blessing_n but_o yet_o he_o can_v work_v without_o they_o as_o here_o we_o see_v for_o he_o preserve_v his_o creature_n against_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n as_o daniel_n from_o the_o lion_n who_o nature_n be_v to_o devour_v and_o against_o the_o nature_n of_o fire_n he_o save_v the_o three_o child_n in_o the_o fire_n so_o that_o god_n work_v by_o mean_n but_o yet_o free_o because_o he_o can_v work_v at_o his_o pleasure_n either_o without_o or_o against_o mean_n and_o his_o powerful_a hand_n save_v against_o mean_n show_v his_o roll_a and_o dispose_v providence_n over_o all_o thing_n three_o by_o these_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n we_o learn_v that_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n towards_o believer_n be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o unspeakable_a than_o ever_o he_o promise_v or_o they_o can_v expect_v this_o point_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o we_o all_o for_o it_o be_v of_o singular_a &_o extraordinary_a use_n especial_o in_o time_n of_o peril_n and_o trouble_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v it_o be_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o paul_n give_v thanks_o and_o praise_n unto_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o we_o exceed_o abundant_o above_o all_o that_o we_o ask_v or_o think_v 3.20_o daniel_n put_v his_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o lion_n den_n and_o what_o do_v he_o obtain_v for_o his_o labour_n the_o lord_n never_o promise_v to_o stop_v the_o lion_n mouth_n neither_o do_v daniel_n ever_o presume_v upon_o that_o deliverance_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n save_v he_o and_o so_o the_o three_o child_n though_o they_o make_v no_o account_n of_o their_o life_n because_o god_n have_v not_o promise_v to_o keep_v they_o from_o burn_v yet_o they_o come_v out_o in_o safety_n for_o god_n in_o mercy_n so_o quench_v the_o heat_n of_o the_o fire_n unto_o they_o that_o though_o it_o burn_v to_o death_n those_o that_o cast_v they_o in_o yet_o