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christian_n church_n communion_n universal_a 2,106 5 9.1629 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34165 A Compleat collection of farewel sermons preached by Mr. Calamy, Dr. Manton, Mr. Caryl ... [et al.] ; together with Mr. Ash his funeral sermon, Mr. Nalton's funeral sermon, Mr. Lye's rehearsal ... with their several prayers. Calamy, Edmund, 1600-1666.; Manton, Thomas, 1620-1677.; Caryl, Joseph, 1602-1673.; Nalton, James, 1600-1662.; Lye, Thomas, 1621-1684.; Ashe, Simeon, d. 1662. 1663 (1663) Wing C5638; ESTC R8646 623,694 660

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heart_n that_o the_o sanctify_a knowledge_n of_o god_n have_v warm_v your_o affection_n captivate_v your_o soul_n that_o god_n be_v in_o throne_v in_o your_o heart_n by_o the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n of_o your_o mind_n know_v yourselves_o so_o as_o to_o be_v humble_a know_v christ_n so_o as_o he_o may_v be_v sweet_a unto_o you_o and_o exalt_v by_o you_o set_v up_o christ_n in_o your_o soul_n near_o to_o your_o heart_n know_v sin_n so_o as_o to_o hate_v it_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o will_n that_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o your_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o lamentable_a consequence_n in_o all_o your_o life_n when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sound_a work_n at_o the_o heart_n how_o little_a life_n will_v there_o be_v from_o any_o truth_n in_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n must_v be_v so_o receive_v as_o not_o only_o to_o have_v a_o old_a heart_n mend_v but_o a_o new_a 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the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o god_n be_v of_o a_o gracious_a disposition_n towards_o they_o provide_v to_o that_o end_n christ_n shall_v take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o to_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n 3._o it_o be_v expedient_a this_o person_n shall_v die_v though_o the_o great_a shepherd_n nay_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o much_o more_o verify_v and_o manifest_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n that_o he_o shall_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o flock_n 4._o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a that_o christ_n shall_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o that_o he_o shall_v die_v therefore_o his_o continuance_n be_v but_o a_o temporary_a nay_o a_o momentary_a time_n to_o he_o now_o christ_n be_v rise_v yea_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o and_o if_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o people_n before_o much_o more_o now_o 5._o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n do_v arise_v partly_o from_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o man_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o virtue_n and_o benefit_n that_o be_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n god_n put_v himself_o into_o a_o covenant_n christ_n be_v mediator_n of_o it_o and_o in_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant_n sinner_n must_v be_v save_v but_o the_o saviour_n must_v first_o save_v himself_o raise_v himself_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o then_o have_v all_o power_n commit_v to_o his_o hand_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v have_v you_o further_o observe_v and_o carry_v away_o 1._o that_o christ_n be_v indeed_o the_o only_a great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n whatsoever_o other_o there_o be_v they_o make_v to_o his_o own_o interest_n whosoever_o there_o be_v that_o may_v possible_o entitle_v themselves_o under_o the_o name_n and_o notion_n yet_o this_o be_v undeniable_a that_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n therefore_o in_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v none_o christian_n shall_v honour_v as_o christ_n and_o who_o voice_n they_o ought_v to_o hear_v before_o he_o or_o by_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v rule_v and_o govern_v but_o by_o he_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a shepherd_n than_o the_o church_n must_v hear_v his_o voice_n for_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o he_o be_v the_o great_a shepherd_n than_o the_o church_n must_v be_v rule_v by_o he_o for_o the_o shepherd_n must_v have_v the_o order_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o the_o flock_n must_v be_v at_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o shepherd_n and_o then_o three_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v careful_a to_o please_v he_o for_o fear_n he_o set_v his_o dog_n upon_o he_o that_o we_o provoke_v he_o not_o to_o exercise_v his_o correct_a power_n he_o have_v his_o correct_a power_n he_o have_v his_o rod_n of_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o his_o staff_n and_o crook_n which_o be_v to_o perform_v by_o other_o as_o seem_v good_a to_o he_o for_o he_o have_v many_o way_n to_o let_v loose_a the_o devil_n on_o his_o own_o child_n satan_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o afflict_v job_n and_o god_n give_v way_n to_o it_o etc._n etc._n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v god_n spouse_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o love_n between_o the_o husband_n and_o the_o wife_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n yet_o psal_n 4.5_o this_o she_o be_v solemn_o charge_v withal_o god_n have_v make_v christ_n a_o head_n to_o his_o church_n therefore_o his_o church_n must_v be_v rule_v by_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o church_n to_o say_v the_o inferior_a shepherd_n will_v order_v i_o thus_o and_o thus_o we_o must_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n say_v but_o what_o do_v christ_n say_v in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o church_n to_o go_v aside_o by_o the_o flock_n of_o his_o companion_n cant._n 1.7_o the_o companion_n of_o christ_n pretend_v to_o be_v shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n as_o well_o as_o he_o but_o have_v not_o that_o power_n christ_n have_v they_o have_v their_o society_n and_o will_v have_v the_o order_n of_o they_o but_o the_o church_n desire_v to_o know_v where_o she_o may_v hold_v communion_n with_o christ_n that_o she_o may_v not_o turn_v aside_o by_o the_o flock_n of_o her_o companion_n there_o be_v many_o disputation_n among_o inferior_a shepherd_n but_o this_o be_v out_o of_o all_o dispute_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n that_o great_a man_n at_o rome_n never_o pretend_v high_a then_o to_o be_v the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o successor_n of_o peter_n now_o we_o know_v that_o the_o principal_a be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v regard_v then_o the_o vicar_n therefore_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a shepherd_n sure_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n must_v hear_v his_o voice_n before_o all_o other_o shepherd_n especial_o since_o christ_n have_v speak_v so_o signal_o in_o the_o case_n my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o they_o follow_v i_o a_o stranger_n will_v they_o not_o follow_v for_o they_o know_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n and_o god_n have_v so_o solemn_o command_v mat._n 17.5_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v you_o he_o the_o great_a shepherd_n must_v be_v hear_v before_o all_o little_a shepherd_n the_o little_a shepherd_n have_v their_o division_n act_n 20.29_o after_o my_o departure_n shall_v grievous_a wolf_n enter_v in_o among_o you_o not_o spare_v the_o flock_n also_o of_o your_o own_o self_n shall_v man_n arise_v speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o true_a shepherd_n be_v always_o careful_a to_o make_v disciple_n for_o christ_n and_o to_o bring_v all_o disciple_n to_o christ_n all_o john_n work_n be_v to_o make_v disciple_n to_o put_v they_o over_o to_o christ_n not_o to_o make_v disciple_n to_o he_o but_o to_o make_v over_o all_o his_o disciple_n unto_o christ_n if_o any_o man_n will_v gather_v he_o must_v gather_v for_o christ_n not_o himself_o other_o will_v draw_v man_n to_o any_o matter_n or_o manner_n of_o doctrine_n government_n etc._n etc._n but_o our_o eye_n must_v be_v upon_o christ_n and_o our_o ear_n open_a to_o his_o voice_n and_o our_o heart_n awe_v with_o his_o will_n and_o mind_n in_o scripture_n make_v know_v to_o his_o church_n and_o they_o love_v not_o christ_n as_o they_o ought_v that_o desire_v not_o to_o hear_v his_o voice_n before_o any_o other_o in_o the_o world_n for_o he_o be_v the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n 2._o though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n you_o he_o die_v and_o though_o he_o die_v yet_o because_o he_o be_v the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n he_o be_v raise_v again_o the_o great_a shepherd_n die_v the_o little_a shepherd_n must_v not_o think_v much_o of_o it_o if_o they_o be_v call_v to_o die_v we_o must_v be_v content_v if_o it_o be_v exemplify_v in_o we_o if_o occasion_n serve_v for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o great_a shepherd_n what_o have_v the_o little_a shepherd_n to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v spare_v if_o the_o case_n fall_v out_o while_o harbour_n to_o serve_v the_o church_n as_o i_o can_v i_o come_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o church_n in_o the_o end_n i_o do_v rejoice_v and_o i_o will_v rejoice_v and_o true_o we_o have_v need_v to_o pray_v for_o such_o a_o spirit_n as_o this_o for_o if_o this_o be_v in_o the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n it_o will_v very_o well_o become_v the_o little_a shepherd_n but_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n here_o be_v the_o comfort_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n die_v yet_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a so_o shall_v the_o little_a one_o not_o one_o member_n of_o the_o flock_n death_n can_v always_o triumph_v over_o he_o in_o this_o respect_n christ_n will_v have_v all_o his_o member_n to_o be_v raise_v in_o that_o he_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o death_n for_o christ_n arise_v as_o the_o first_o fruit_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n as_o a_o forerunner_n though_o we_o may_v have_v denial_n as_o to_o the_o advance_n of_o christ_n service_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a be_v that_o we_o must_v take_v into_o our_o thought_n and_o it_o be_v our_o solid_a comfort_n god_n will_v one_o day_n bring_v all_o the_o sheep_n together_o into_o one_o fold_n and_o david_n shall_v be_v their_o king_n and_o have_v the_o roll_a and_o order_v of_o they_o to_o all_o eternity_n there_o be_v a_o resurrection_n to_o little_a shepherd_n when_o we_o come_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o natural_a life_n we-can_a look_n for_o no_o other_o recompense_n for_o
it_o but_o our_o resurrection_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o must_v be_v our_o comfort_n and_o oh_o how_o do_v this_o encourage_v we_o to_o come_v unto_o god_n though_o sin_n be_v heavy_a upon_o we_o remember_v there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o peace_n that_o take_v to_o himself_o his_o name_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o sinner_n may_v know_v for_o their_o encouragement_n that_o reconciliation_n be_v wrought_v out_o between_o god_n and_o they_o through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o if_o they_o will_v but_o come_v and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n christ_n have_v say_v they_o shall_v have_v all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n can_v procure_v for_o they_o they_o shall_v have_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n therefore_o when_o we_o consider_v christ_n have_v dye_v to_o have_v a_o flock_n and_o for_o save_v of_o the_o flock_n and_o to_o make_v himself_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n through_o his_o blood_n this_o shall_v com●●●_n it_o remain_v we_o come_v to_o confider_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n this_o be_v very_o full_a make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o you_o that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o apostle_n desire_v second_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o desire_n be_v that_o the_o hebrew_n may_v be_v make_v perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n i._n e._n that_o they_o may_v be_v full_o and_o thorough_o regenerate_v sanctify_a throughout_o both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o all_o grace_n and_o enable_v for_o every_o duty_n take_v notice_n of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o expression_n first_o make_v you_o perfect_a it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o perfect_v every_o good_a work_n to_o cleanse_v themselves_o from_o all_o the_o impurity_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o second_o in_o every_o good_a work_n in_o matter_n of_o piety_n righteousness_n charity_n sobriety_n for_o within_o these_o head_n most_o of_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v comprehend_v that_o belong_v to_o christian_n they_o will_v go_v a_o very_a great_a way_n to_o make_v a_o perfect_a christian_a but_o that_o christian_n can_v be_v perfect_a that_o be_v not_o sanctify_v in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o three_o to_o do_v his_o will_n that_o you_o may_v be_v ready_a cheerful_o willing_a to_o do_v his_o will_n on_o all_o occasion_n but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a flesh_n and_o blood_n shall_v attain_v to_o this_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n why_o say_v the_o apostle_n work_v in_o you_o that_o which_o be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n work_v in_o you_o you_o see_v thereby_o all_o our_o work_n depend_v on_o god_n and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o we_o to_o build_v on_o any_o foundation_n but_o this_o for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n etc._n etc._n col._n 2.12_o through_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n work_v in_o you_o or_o do_v in_o you_o or_o cause_v in_o you_o or_o make_v in_o you_o that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n our_o work_n be_v to_o depend_v on_o god_n work_n our_o outward_a work_n depend_v on_o god_n inward_a work_n again_o that_o which_o be_v acceptable_a in_o god_n sight_n but_o it_o be_v only_o through_o jesus_n christ_n good_a work_n themselves_o though_o never_o so_o good_a agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n yet_o if_o god_n look_v not_o on_o our_o person_n and_o work_n through_o christ_n they_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n you_o can_v be_v accept_v work_v in_o you_o that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n will_v god_n be_v please_v with_o nothing_o but_o only_o for_o christ_n jesus_n his_o sake_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o please_v christ_n it_o will_v not_o please_v god_n it_o be_v true_o plain_o very_o so_o that_o which_o god_n can_v accept_v of_o through_o christ_n he_o do_v not_o accept_v at_o all_o but_o now_o thing_n be_v so_o order_v that_o god_n have_v put_v all_o thing_n into_o christ_n hand_n christ_n jesus_n have_v the_o order_n of_o the_o worship_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n he_o have_v the_o make_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_n creed_n a_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o christ_n teach_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o that_o in_o christ_n we_o be_v complete_a if_o we_o believe_v as_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o if_o we_o worship_v god_n as_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o have_v such_o order_n and_o government_n concern_v his_o house_n and_o walk_v so_o as_o we_o desire_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o have_v he_o before_o our_o eye_n then_o be_v we_o return_v unto_o christ_n the_o shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o if_o we_o present_a god_n with_o any_o kind_n of_o creed_n model_n of_o worship_n or_o government_n that_o have_v not_o christ_n image_n and_o stamp_n upon_o it_o god_n will_v say_v as_o christ_n concern_v the_o money_n who_o image_n or_o superscription_n do_v it_o bear_v if_o we_o can_v say_v christ_n the_o way_n of_o worship_n we_o have_v learn_v from_o christ_n that_o order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n we_o have_v learn_v from_o christ_n than_o the_o father_n and_o son_n will_v own_v it_o if_o it_o have_v man_n superscription_n upon_o it_o not_o god_n or_o christ_n i_o can_v tell_v how_o we_o shall_v presume_v it_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o god_n have_v so_o confine_v himself_o he_o will_v not_o be_v please_v but_o through_o christ_n and_o that_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v be_v order_v according_a to_o christ_n mind_n as_o the_o old_a according_a to_o moses_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o inquire_v after_o christ_n mind_n in_o what_o we_o do_v if_o we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n and_o in_o do_v it_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n through_o christ_n well_o and_o good_a otherwise_o not_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n prayer_n that_o god_n will_v make_v they_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a wark_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o they_o that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n the_o doxology_n whether_o we_o refer_v it_o to_o god_n or_o christ_n it_o be_v all_o all_o one_o we_o have_v no_o body_n to_o honour_n and_o glorify_v in_o the_o church_n but_o god_n through_o christ_n we_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o divide_v those_o that_o be_v so_o near_o unite_v therefore_o when_o we_o glorify_v god_n we_o glorify_v christ_n and_o this_o i_o must_v observe_v god_n have_v order_v all_o man_n concomment_n so_o that_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o plead_v for_o our_o soul_n salvation_n but_o god_n grace_n the_o rule_n in_o his_o word_n his_o gospel_n that_o he_o have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o do_v in_o god_n church_n about_o this_o and_o that_o he_o that_o must_v determine_v the_o business_n be_v christ_n and_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n the_o determine_a thing_n for_o the_o present_a and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v hereafter_o by_o question_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o the_o present_a by_o make_v of_o our_o rule_n when_o the_o question_n come_v concern_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n there_o he_o receive_v our_o rule_n what_o have_v christ_n say_v how_o have_v christ_n provide_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v plain_o so_o and_o so_o but_o in_o dubious_a matter_n and_o custom_n and_o the_o like_a i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o answer_v they_o when_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o auswer_v christ_n when_o he_o shall_v put_v the_o question_n do_v you_o not_o know_v who_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o fear_v do_v i_o speak_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o the_o case_n neither_o general_o nor_o particular_o can_v you_o not_o by_o any_o mean_n come_v to_o understand_v my_o mind_n i_o doubt_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v this_o but_o we_o must_v say_v we_o find_v a_o certain_a state_n in_o the_o word_n but_o have_v law_n and_o custom_n among_o ourselves_o therein_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n why_o say_v
that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o receive_v doct._n 3._o that_o continue_a repentance_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o initial_a repentance_n remember_v therefore_o how_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o and_o repent_v the_o first_o of_o these_o doctrine_n i_o apply_v myself_o to_o and_o apply_v to_o the_o people_n last_o lordsday_n and_o shall_v not_o now_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o but_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o receive_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v on_o timothy_n in_o proportion_n the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o whole_a entire_a body_n of_o divine_a truth_n hold_v it_o fast_o against_o all_o opposition_n whatsoever_o now_o if_o they_o that_o be_v themselves_o teacher_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o other_o must_v hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o platform_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o then_o much_o more_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o private_a christian_n who_o be_v suppose_v not_o to_o have_v that_o latitude_n of_o part_n and_o gift_n that_o teacher_n have_v and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o christ_n require_v this_o not_o only_o of_o the_o pastor_n but_o of_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n rev._n 2.24_o speak_v not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n but_o to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o you_o i_o say_v and_o to_o the_o rest_n in_o thyatira_n as_o many_o as_o have_v not_o this_o doctrine_n and_o which_o have_v not_o know_v the_o depth_n of_o satan_n as_o they_o speak_v i_o will_v put_v upon_o you_o none_o other_o burden_n but_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o bold_a fast_o till_o i_o come_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v this_o be_v all_o i_o require_v of_o you_o my_o people_n keep_v yourselves_o and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o you_o have_v till_o i_o come_v and_o so_o in_o rev._n 3.11_o behold_v i_o come_v quick_o hold_v that_o fast_o which_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v away_o thy_o crown_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o divine_a truth_n that_o thou_o have_v hear_v and_o receive_v it_o be_v thy_o crown_n thy_o excellency_n therefore_o hold_v it_o fast_o this_o duty_n of_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v thy_o crown_n thy_o excellency_n therefore_o hold_v it_o fast_o this_o duty_n of_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n be_v urge_v in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n under_o other_o expression_n as_o that_o of_o continue_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n christ_n say_v if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o and_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n act_v 14.22_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n visit_v the_o church_n exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o those_o term_n of_o be_v root_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o stand_v and_o stand_v fast_o and_o many_o other_o they_o all_o enforce_v this_o duty_n now_o for_o the_o better_a handle_n of_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o i_o will_v show_v you_o what_o christian_n be_v to_o hold_v fast_o second_o how_o they_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o three_o why_o they_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o receive_v four_o i_o will_v apply_v it_o first_o what_o christian_n be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n say_v they_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v receive_v now_o truth_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o some_o be_v natural_a and_o moral_a 2._o some_o be_v supernatural_a and_o divine_a truth_n call_v truth_n of_o god_n because_o they_o come_v from_o god_n and_o conform_v the_o mind_n and_o soul_n that_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n 2._o now_o though_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v good_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v right_a in_o moral_a thing_n and_o to_o know_v and_o cleave_v to_o that_o which_o be_v truth_n in_o morality_n yet_o the_o truth_n that_o we_o be_v here_o call_v upon_o to_o hold_v fast_o they_o be_v divine_a truth_n supernatural_a truth_n truth_n in_o religion_n truth_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n second_o again_o religious_a and_o divine_a truth_n truth_n of_o god_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v so_o in_o name_n and_o in_o the_o estimation_n of_o some_o man_n or_o else_o they_o be_v such_o truth_n as_o be_v truth_n of_o god_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n now_o when_o i_o say_v that_o christian_n be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v receive_v the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o whatever_o any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n offer_v as_o truth_n shall_v be_v receive_v and_o hold_v fast_o for_o than_o we_o must_v hold_v fast_o many_o error_n but_o whatever_o man_n call_v truth_n or_o offer_v as_o truth_n we_o must_v examine_v it_o by_o the_o un-erring_a rule_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o clear_a canon_n which_o we_o have_v 1_o thess_n 5.21_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a prove_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o they_o hold_v truth_n by_o that_o then_o receive_v they_o and_o hold_v they_o fast_o divine_a scripture-truths_n we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o three_o scripture-truths_n truth_n that_o be_v ground_v and_o warrant_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_o and_o express_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o such_o as_o be_v mediate_o contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o by_o deduction_n draw_v thence_o now_o those_o truth_n be_v immediate_o and_o express_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n we_o be_v without_o dispute_n to_o receive_v and_o hold_v but_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v draw_v thence_o we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o our_o reason_n to_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o word_n and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o see_v they_o to_o be_v draw_v from_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o hold_v they_o fast_o four_o divine_a truth_n from_o scripture_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n which_o we_o call_v fundamental_a truth_n or_o else_o they_o be_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o less_o weight_n than_o religion_n and_o yet_o truth_n of_o god_n now_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o hold_v fast_o those_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o fundamental-truths_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o but_o one_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o unity_n of_o essence_n father_n son_n and_o holy-ghost_n and_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o he_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n and_o that_o he_o have_v give_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n for_o all_o that_o by_o faith_n close_o with_o he_o and_o the_o like_a these_o be_v the_o great_a point_n in_o religion_n these_o we_o must_v be_v fure_z to_o hold_v fast_o and_o not_o only_o these_o but_o even_o the_o lesser_a those_o truth_n of_o religion_n that_o comparative_o be_v far_o less_o than_o these_o we_o must_v hold_v they_o fast_o you_o know_v what_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o the_o command_n there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v the_o lesser_a but_o whosoever_o shall_v break_v one_o of_o the_o least_o of_o god_n commandment_n and_o shall_v teach_v man_n so_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o whosoever_o shall_v renounce_v the_o least_o truth_n god_n will_v be_v even_o with_o he_o for_o it_o for_o those_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o be_v little_a and_o small_a comparative_o they_o may_v be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o consequence_n in_o their_o sphere_n luther_n say_v let_v heaven_n run_v together_o as_o a_o scroll_n rather_o than_o one_o file_v of_o truth_n shall_v be_v part_v with_o sure_o those_o servant_n of_o god_n the_o martyr_n be_v not_o so_o prodigal_a of_o their_o life_n but_o they_o know_v what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o suffer_v for_o such_o truth_n as_o man_n now_o call_v trifle_n and_o not_o worth_a stand_n for_o the_o least_o truth_n of_o god_n must_v be_v hold_v fast_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o we_o must_v hold_v fast_o divine_a truth_n scripture_n truth_n whether_o great_a or_o lesser_a we_o must_v hold_v fast_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v i_o shall_v but_o
to_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o duty_n that_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v but_o why_o be_v it_o say_v the_o faith_n that_o be_v once_o deliver_v that_o be_v invariable_o irrevocable_o once_o for_o all_o to_o the_o saint_n respect_v the_o privilege_n the_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v in_o the_o faith_n that_o god_n have_v leave_v it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n commit_v as_o a_o treasure_n and_o the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o candlestick_n not_o only_o to_o hold_v out_o the_o light_n but_o to_o hold_v the_o light_n whence_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o pillar_n or_o the_o ground_n of_o truth_n not_o that_o they_o be_v to_o make_v doctrine_n but_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n even_o as_o table_n and_o pillar_n upon_o which_o proclamation_n be_v hang_v and_o hold_v forth_o to_o be_v make_v public_a so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v that_o in_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v keep_v and_o will_v be_v keep_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o but_o what_o be_v the_o import_n of_o the_o word_n earnest_o contend_v it_o be_v a_o word_n use_v only_o once_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o composition_n the_o word_n in_o the_o root_n be_v frequent_o use_v and_o import_v a_o struggle_n with_o might_n and_o main_a as_o those_o that_o use_v to_o run_v at_o game_n it_o be_v use_v for_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o suffering_n he_o be_v in_o a_o agony_n the_o same_o word_n from_o whence_o this_o word_n be_v compound_v the_o apostle_n will_v imply_v such_o a_o contention_n such_o a_o struggle_a to_o keep_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o one_o word_n in_o the_o english_a be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v it_o and_o interpreter_n very_o much_o differ_v what_o be_v the_o import_n the_o best_a do_v centre_n in_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v contend_v for_o the_o faith_n as_o man_n that_o will_v contend_v to_o keep_v their_o very_a life_n the_o proposition_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n to_o maintain_v a_o earnest_a contention_n to_o struggle_v for_o and_o to_o keep_v the_o faith_n that_o be_v betrust_v with_o they_o wherein_o do_v this_o contention_n consist_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o a_o carnal_a contention_n the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a the_o saint_n be_v not_o call_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n with_o carnal_a weapon_n with_o carnal_a power_n and_o force_v not_o by_o might_n and_o power_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n force_n and_o power_n and_o a_o fleshly_a arm_n prison_n pillar_n and_o chain_n and_o take_v away_o of_o man_n comfort_n and_o estate_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v the_o usual_a way_n of_o error_n be_v detend_v itself_o prayer_n and_o tear_n be_v the_o church_n weapon_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o a_o contention_n of_o uncharitableness_n this_o contention_n allow_v no_o murder_n either_o of_o the_o body_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n christian_n be_v so_o to_o contend_v against_o error_n and_o sinful_a practice_n as_o to_o love_v their_o person_n and_o pity_v those_o they_o contend_v with_o there_o be_v some_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o show_v a_o holy_a way_n of_o zeal_n against_o nor_o to_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v they_o but_o by_o a_o holy_a separate_n from_o the_o person_n there_o be_v such_o to_o who_o it_o be_v not_o lawlul_a to_o say_v god_n speed_n or_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o house_n but_o yet_o this_o in_o order_n to_o the_o save_v their_o soul_n save_v some_o pluck_v they_o as_o brand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n but_o positive_o this_o holy_a contention_n it_o consist_v in_o these_o four_o thing_n 1._o in_o manage_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o error_n and_o sinful_a practice_n to_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v they_o mighty_o as_o apollo_n do_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n show_v the_o jew_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n 2._o by_o prayer_n for_o to_o pray_v down_o sinful_a opinion_n and_o practice_n that_o we_o mean_v when_o we_o pray_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v that_o the_o gospel_n may_v run_v on_o and_o be_v glorify_v that_o these_o night_n of_o darkness_n may_v be_v dispel_v that_o truth_n may_v shine_v to_o the_o perfect_a day_n 3._o by_o holy_a practise_v against_o they_o by_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n o●_n life_n in_o your_o conversation_n by_o strive_v together_o by_o a_o mutual_a provocation_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o respect_n of_o holy_a walk_n 4._o by_o be_v able_a to_o suffer_v for_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n i_o give_v you_o i_o shall_v now_o sum_v up_o all_o in_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n to_o press_v every_o one_o that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o a_o saint_n to_o take_v up_o this_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v to_o 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be_v suffer_v to_o continue_v among_o they_o as_o when_o a_o die_a father_n or_o husband_n commend_v his_o wife_n and_o child_n to_o some_o survive_a intimate_a friend_n it_o be_v a_o leave_v a_o commit_v they_o to_o that_o friend_n to_o deal_v and_o to_o do_v for_o they_o which_o he_o will_v have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v live_v now_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o a_o faithful_a minister_n design_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o do_v for_o that_o congregation_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o charge_n these_o four_o thing_n especial_o every_o faithful_a minister_n endeavour_n to_o do_v while_o he_o be_v among_o his_o people_n 1._o their_o conversion_n and_o sanctification_n 2._o their_o building_n and_o edification_n 3._o their_o protection_n and_o preservation_n 4._o their_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n first_o their_o conversion_n and_o turn_n to_o god_n this_o be_v that_o a_o faithful_a minister_n heart_n be_v set_v upon_o that_o he_o may_v convert_v poor_a soul_n that_o be_v in_o a_o sinful_a state_n that_o he_o may_v turn_v poor_a soul_n to_o god_n that_o by_o often_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o counsel_n he_o may_v bring_v they_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n rom._n 10.1_o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v of_o the_o roman_n that_o they_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o profession_n ah_o but_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o fain_o he_o will_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o people_n of_o god-in_a truth_n that_o be_v the_o hearty_a desire_n of_o every_o faithful_a minister_n not_o only_o to_o bring_v his_o people_n to_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o godliness_n but_o to_o the_o work_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o their_o heart_n not_o only_o to_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christian_a but_o christianity_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o his_o study_v to_o get_v they_o to_o god_n by_o little_a and_o little_a till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o they_o gal._n 4.11_o my_o little_a child_n say_v the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n s._n paul_n travel_v in_o birth_n with_o the_o galathian_o from_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n he_o will_v get_v grace_n wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n he_o will_v get_v they_o ingraff_v into_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o commend_v they_o to_o god_n which_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v do_v if_o he_o may_v have_v be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o a_o minister_n heart_n lord_n lord_n thou_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o my_o soul_n that_o every_o one_o of_o this_o people_n shall_v be_v make_v holy_a by_o thy_o word_n i_o will_v fain_o have_v beget_v they_o by_o the_o ministry_n to_o jesus_n christ_n but_o now_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n i_o be_o take_v off_o before_o my_o work_n be_v do_v and_o thou_o see_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n in_o a_o state_n of_o death_n and_o i_o be_o now_o likely_a not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n more_o now_o it_o be_v my_o care_n that_o those_o that_o belong_v to_o thy_o election_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v gather_v home_o to_o thou_o 2._o to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n he_o endeavour_v that_o those_o that_o be_v already_o sanctify_v may_v be_v further_o build_v up_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n where_o there_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n lack_v the_o apostle_n give_v great_a commendation_n of_o the_o thessalonans_fw-la 1_o thess_n 3.10_o they_o be_v a_o famous_a church_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o eminent_a christian_n yet_o there_o be_v something_o lack_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o in_o their_o knowledge_n christ_n speak_v to_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a apostle_n oh_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n though_o the_o foundation-stone_n be_v lay_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o superstructure_n behind_o and_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n the_o building_n they_o up_o eph._n 4.12_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o every_o faithful_a minister_n to_o make_v his_o people_n fit_a for_o heaven_n he_o will_v be_v feed_v of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v grow_v to_o the_o full_a measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o every_o godly_a minister_n desire_v that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o finisher_n as_o well_o as_o the_o author_n under_o god_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o they_o may_v be_v build_v up_o to_o christ_n heavenly_a kingdom_n 3._o a_o minister_n aim_n be_v that_o his_o people_n may_v be_v keep_v from_o danger_n the_o people_n of_o god_n after_o they_o be_v effectual_o call_v they_o be_v