the_o arabic_a translation_n though_o not_o in_o our_o last_o print_a copy_n yet_o according_a to_o the_o erpenian_a edition_n seem_v to_o carry_v it_o in_o the_o very_a text._n god_n have_v wrought_v a_o desperate_a thing_n as_o paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o companion_n in_o their_o great_a danger_n in_o asia_n say_v they_o be_v press_v out_o of_o measure_n above_o strength_n insomuch_o that_o they_o despair_v even_o of_o life_n and_o have_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n in_o themselves_o and_o yet_o god_n deliver_v they_o from_o so_o great_a a_o death_n it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o israelite_n redemption_n from_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n psal_n 126.1_o when_o the_o lord_n turn_v again_o the_o captivity_n of_o zion_n we_o be_v like_a to_o they_o that_o dream_n why_o like_o they_o that_o dream_n namely_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o strangeness_n it_o be_v such_o as_o they_o can_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o truth_n or_o reality_n in_o it_o second_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o transaction_n transaction_n 2_o the_o manner_n of_o transaction_n these_o providence_n be_v wonderful_a so_o and_o we_o may_v be_v very_o well_o amaze_v at_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n what_o have_v god_n wrought_v as_o to_o the_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v it_o by_o such_o poor_a and_o contemptible_a instrument_n as_o he_o be_v please_v now_o and_o then_o to_o employ_v and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o his_o people_n and_o then_o three_o person_n 3_o the_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o person_n the_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o person_n which_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o this_o advance_v it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o for_o god_n to_o work_v so_o strong_o and_o powerful_o for_o those_o which_o deserve_v so_o little_a at_o his_o hand_n as_o he_o sometime_o do_v this_o be_v a_o wonder_n of_o wonder_n and_o which_o may_v very_o well_o work_v we_o to_o astonishment_n all_o this_o come_v to_o this_o purpose_n church_n 1_o admire_v god_n providence_n to_o his_o church_n that_o we_o for_o our_o part_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o affect_v with_o his_o deal_n with_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o ordinary_a matter_n but_o as_o thing_n above_o common_a performance_n and_o so_o they_o be_v as_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v admirable_a so_o according_o shall_v they_o be_v admire_v by_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v bless_v and_o praise_v he_o for_o they_o upon_o his_o consideration_n as_o the_o prophet_n esay_n teach_v we_o to_o do_v chap._n 25._o ver_fw-la 1._o o_o lord_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n i_o will_v exalt_v thou_o i_o will_v praise_v thy_o name_n for_o thou_o have_v do_v wonderful_a thing_n etc._n etc._n and_o further_o it_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n difficulty_n 2_o trust_v he_o in_o difficulty_n and_o to_o depend_v upon_o he_o in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n we_o shall_v not_o despair_v in_o the_o great_a extremity_n nor_o limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n for_o god_n he_o work_v wonder_n for_o his_o people_n and_o such_o as_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o able_a to_o pre-conceive_a or_o to_o imagine_v how_o they_o shall_v be_v wrought_v it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o weakness_n in_o we_o when_o we_o shall_v measure_v the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o our_o poor_a and_o shallow_a apprehension_n that_o because_o we_o forsooth_o can_v see_v how_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v in_o our_o reason_n therefore_o they_o can_v be_v do_v at_o all_o o_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o that_o god_n do_v sometime_o bring_v about_o such_o thing_n for_o his_o church_n and_o people_n as_o they_o themselves_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o wonder_n at_o then_o when_o they_o be_v do_v and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o branch_n observable_a in_o this_o second_o general_n viz._n the_o prediction_n or_o celebration_n itself_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o jacob_n and_o of_o israel_n what_o have_v god_n wrought_v the_o second_o be_v the_o qualification_n performance_n the_o regulation_n of_o the_o performance_n or_o particular_a regulation_n of_o it_o according_a to_o this_o time_n now_o this_o again_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v two_o manner_n of_o way_n either_o as_o the_o occasion_n or_o as_o the_o pattern_n according_a to_o this_o time_n that_o be_v derivative_o from_o it_o or_o according_a to_o this_o time_n that_o be_v occasion_n 1_o as_o the_o occasion_n proportionable_o to_o it_o answerable_a to_o god_n goodness_n in_o this_o mercy_n shall_v be_v his_o goodness_n in_o many_o other_o first_o take_v it_o as_o the_o occasion_n according_a to_o this_o time_n that_o be_v with_o respect_n have_v unto_o it_o when_o future_a age_n shall_v reflect_v upon_o the_o mercy_n which_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o his_o people_n in_o their_o deliverance_n from_o this_o conspiracy_n they_o shall_v exceed_o bless_v he_o for_o it_o and_o say_v what_o have_v he_o do_v they_o shall_v not_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o deliverance_n as_o it_o concern_v the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o as_o it_o concern_v god_n himself_o not_o only_o say_v what_o be_v wrought_v as_o to_o the_o mere_a event_n but_o what_o have_v god_n wrought_v as_o point_v out_o the_o worker_n of_o it_o there_o be_v divers_a occasion_n of_o thankfulness_n and_o acknowledgement_n in_o this_o providence_n to_o israel_n as_o fit_a to_o be_v celebrate_v by_o they_o first_o the_o disappointment_n of_o balak_n in_o his_o intendment_n against_o they_o second_o not_o only_o disappoint_v he_o of_o his_o intend_a curse_n but_o also_o vouchsafe_v a_o blessing_n instead_o of_o it_o this_o be_v somewhat_o more_o then_o three_o that_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v so_o public_o and_o with_o so_o much_o solemnity_n as_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v from_o the_o circumstance_n as_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o astonishment_n so_o it_o be_v likewise_o matter_n of_o acknowledgement_n as_o of_o admiration_n so_o also_o of_o thankfulness_n and_o according_a to_o this_o time_n that_o be_v for_o the_o mercy_n that_o be_v wrought_v at_o this_o time_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o jacob_n and_o of_o israel_n what_o have_v god_n wrought_v that_o as_o the_o occasion_n 2_o we_o may_v take_v it_o also_o as_o the_o pattern_n pattern_n 2_o as_o the_o pattern_n according_a to_o this_o time_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v look_v how_o god_n have_v do_v at_o present_a the_o like_a will_v he_o do_v also_o hereafter_o these_o word_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v do_v not_o only_o denote_v the_o acknowledgement_n and_o celebration_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o person_n but_o also_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o thing_n there_o shall_v be_v matter_n for_o this_o say_n afford_v to_o follow_a time_n agreeable_a to_o what_o there_o be_v now_o there_o be_v two_o conclusion_n which_o do_v hence_o natual_o arise_v from_o these_o word_n first_o that_o god_n will_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o to_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o generation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o protection_n and_o preservation_n of_o they_o second_o that_o there_o be_v now_o and_o then_o some_o stand_n and_o more_o eminent_a deliverance_n which_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n and_o which_o he_o propound_v also_o to_o himself_o as_o so_o many_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o the_o rest_n first_o i_o say_v god_n be_v the_o same_o to_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o he_o have_v be_v in_o former_a time_n so_o he_o will_v likewise_o be_v in_o this_o and_o so_o downward_o even_o to_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n god_n be_v as_o careful_a of_o his_o church_n now_o as_o ever_o he_o be_v and_o christ_n have_v as_o great_a a_o regard_n to_o his_o spouse_n now_o as_o ever_o he_o have_v be_v love_n her_o never_o a_o whit_n the_o less_o because_o of_o her_o age_n nay_o rather_o if_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n at_o all_o he_o love_v she_o so_o much_o the_o more_o she_o be_v so_o much_o the_o dear_a with_o he_o as_o she_o have_v longerhad_fw-mi relation_n to_o he_o this_o point_n which_o we_o be_v now_o upon_o unchangeableness_n 2_o from_o god_n unchangeableness_n be_v ground_v upon_o these_o consideration_n first_o the_o unchangeableness_n which_o be_v in_o god_n himself_o consider_v in_o his_o own_o nature_n i_o the_o lord_n change_v not_o therefore_o you_o son_n of_o jacob_n be_v not_o consume_v mal._n 3.6_o god_n be_v the_o same_o in_o himself_o therefore_o the_o same_o also_o in_o his_o deal_n and_o passage_n of_o providence_n towards_o his_o church_n he_o do_v the_o same_o because_o he_o be_v the_o same_o thou_o be_v the_o same_o say_v the_o psalmist_n psal_n 102.27_o as_o the_o same_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o be_v so_o the_o same_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o property_n and_o attribute_n considerable_a in_o themselves_o second_o enemy_n 2_o
like_o so_o many_o spark_n of_o fire_n fall_v into_o the_o main_a ocean_n go_v out_o of_o themselves_o and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o all_o other_o which_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o same_o work_n they_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o success_n soon_o or_o late_a 11.18_o pro._n 11.18_o the_o wicked_a say_v solomon_n work_v a_o deceitful_a work_n and_o they_o never_o work_v it_o more_o true_o than_o in_o their_o endeavour_n against_o the_o church_n here_o it_o be_v a_o deceit_n full_a work_n indeed_o and_o so_o will_v prove_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o disapointment_n which_o it_o be_v subject_a unto_o and_o that_o twofold_a first_o double_a enemy_n miscarriage_n double_a sometime_o in_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o they_o labour_v to_o effect_v second_o at_o least_o and_o always_o as_o to_o the_o evil_a and_o mischeivousnesse_n of_o it_o first_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n itself_o disappointment_n 1_o of_o disappointment_n they_o fail_v now_o and_o then_o here_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o present_a instance_n of_o balaam_n curse_v of_o israel_n he_o can_v not_o proceed_v so_o much_o as_o to_o the_o performance_n though_o he_o endeavour_v it_o and_o go_v about_o it_o yet_o he_o still_o miscarry_v in_o it_o and_o can_v not_o do_v it_o at_o all_o according_a to_o that_o of_o eliphaz_n job_n 5.12_o he_o disappoint_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o crafty_a so_o that_o their_o hand_n can_v perform_v their_o enterprise_n god_n sometime_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o enemy_n to_o effect_v that_o particular_a plot_n which_o they_o design_n and_o propound_v to_o themselves_o but_o second_o if_o they_o chance_v to_o do_v that_o yet_o they_o reach_v not_o what_o they_o intend_v in_o it_o god_n may_v suffer_v a_o plot_n to_o take_v as_o to_o the_o performance_n and_o yet_o to_o fail_v as_o to_o the_o principal_a end_n because_o it_o do_v not_o work_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o party_n which_o it_o be_v lay_v against_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o great_a contriver_n and_o complotter_n of_o all_o satan_n himself_o who_o miscarry_v even_o then_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o succeed_v in_o as_o much_o as_o while_o he_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v material_o prejudicall_a to_o the_o church_n yet_o god_n keep_v they_o from_o that_o absolute_a ruin_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o they_o in_o it_o and_o yet_o that_o be_v not_o all_o which_o be_v considerable_a in_o this_o point_n neither_o there_o be_v somewhat_o more_o as_o pertinent_a to_o this_o purpose_n and_o that_o be_v this_o first_o that_o these_o endeavour_n prove_v at_o last_o to_o the_o church_n advantage_n second_o to_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o enemy_n themselves_o first_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o church_n these_o enchantment_n and_o divination_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v against_o israel_n as_o that_o they_o make_v rather_o for_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v here_o in_o this_o business_n of_o balaam_n dis-advantage_n 2_o of_o dis-advantage_n as_o to_o the_o curse_v of_o god_n people_n instead_o of_o curse_v they_o he_o bless_v they_o he_o do_v not_o only_o not_o do_v that_o which_o balak_n desire_v he_o to_o do_v but_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o it_o so_o far_o from_o subject_v they_o to_o mischief_n as_o that_o he_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o confirm_v good_a upon_o they_o yea_o and_o that_o balak_n himself_o can_v see_v and_o confess_v too_o at_o length_n therefore_o he_o who_o be_v so_o fierce_a at_o first_o to_o persuade_v balaam_n to_o curse_v they_o be_v fain_o at_o last_o to_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o suspend_v and_o to_o do_v nothing_o with_o they_o at_o all_o ver_fw-la 25._o of_o this_o chapter_n and_o balak_n say_v unto_o balaam_n neither_o curse_v they_o at_o all_o nor_o bless_v they_o at_o all_o do_v not_o bless_v they_o lest_o they_o prove_v to_o be_v happy_a do_v not_o curse_v they_o lest_o even_o that_o curse_n itself_o turn_v to_o a_o great_a blessing_n to_o they_o god_n will_v make_v the_o enemy_n of_o his_o church_n before_o he_o have_v do_v with_o they_o weary_a of_o plot_v mischief_n against_o they_o by_o convert_v that_o mischief_n of_o they_o which_o be_v plot_v by_o they_o to_o his_o people_n great_a good_a yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o yet_o there_o be_v something_o further_o in_o it_o still_o god_n do_v not_o only_o convert_v these_o conspiracy_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o the_o church_n but_o moreover_o to_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o enemy_n so_o that_o now_o there_o be_v no_o enchantment_n against_o jacob_n but_o rather_o against_o balak_n nor_o any_o divination_n against_o israel_n but_o rather_o against_o balaam_n himself_o against_o moab_n not_o against_o the_o church_n they_o that_o wish_v ill_a to_o zion_n and_o curse_v that_o their_o curse_n and_o ill_a wish_n shall_v fall_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o those_o from_o who_o they_o proceed_v we_o need_v not_o go_v far_o for_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o have_v enough_o of_o they_o continual_o before_o we_o and_o stand_v upon_o record_n in_o pharaoh_n herod_n achitophel_n julian_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o wicked_a crew_n so_o sure_a and_o certain_a be_v this_o observation_n here_o present_v unto_o we_o that_o no_o endeavour_n against_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v successful_a no_o weapon_n that_o be_v form_v against_o they_o shall_v prosper_v and_o every_o tongue_n that_o rise_v in_o judgement_n against_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v etc._n etc._n isa_n 54.17_o will_v we_o know_v whence_o this_o come_v about_o ground_n the_o ground_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o affection_n 1_o god_n affection_n first_o from_o the_o interest_n which_o they_o have_v in_o god_n affection_n they_o be_v the_o dear_a one_o and_o belove_v of_o the_o lord_n love_v it_o be_v a_o wake_a affection_n which_o be_v anxious_a and_o solicitous_a for_o the_o party_n which_o it_o be_v fasten_v upon_o that_o no_o evil_a may_v at_o any_o time_n betide_v it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o god_n towards_o his_o church_n it_o be_v much_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o in_o his_o preservation_n he_o love_v it_o and_o therefore_o defend_v it_o and_o keep_v it_o from_o wrong_n according_a to_o that_o famous_a place_n isa_n 27.3_o speaking_z concern_v the_o church_n sing_v you_o unto_o her_o a_o vineyard_n of_o red_a wine_n i_o the_o lord_n do_v keep_v it_o i_o will_v water_v it_o every_o morning_n lest_o any_o hurt_n it_o i_o will_v keep_v it_o night_n and_o day_n there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v more_o chary_a of_o a_o vineyard_n or_o orchard_n or_o garden_n of_o his_o own_o plantation_n and_o which_o his_o own_o hand_n have_v set_v than_o the_o lord_n be_v of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n which_o his_o own_o hand_n have_v make_v and_o fashion_v which_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n ephes_n 2.10_o these_o be_v precious_a and_o tender_a in_o his_o eye_n and_o he_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n unto_o they_o for_o the_o preserve_n and_o secure_v of_o they_o his_o bowel_n here_o yern_v in_o he_o as_o queen_n hester_n sometime_o do_v in_o she_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n how_o can_v i_o endure_v to_o see_v the_o evil_a that_o shall_v come_v unto_o my_o people_n or_o how_o can_v i_o endure_v to_o see_v the_o destruction_n of_o my_o kindred_n hest_n 8.6_o second_o covenant_n 2_o his_o covenant_n the_o church_n be_v a_o people_n in_o covenant_n therefore_o a_o people_n preserve_v they_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o and_o therefore_o may_v very_o well_o expect_v to_o be_v secure_v by_o he_o protection_n be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n bargain_n with_o his_o people_n when_o he_o take_v they_o to_o be_v his_o and_o they_o he_o to_o be_v they_o fear_v not_o oh_o jacob_n i_o be_o with_o thou_o be_v not_o dismay_v i_o be_o thy_o god_n isa_n 41.10_o god_n have_v once_o take_v we_o to_o be_v his_o own_o engage_v himself_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_n whatsoever_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v fit_v for_o we_o the_o lord_n will_v preserve_v i_o from_o every_o evil_a work_n say_v paul_n 2_o tim._n 4.18_o whether_o we_o take_v it_o active_o or_o passive_o from_o do_v evil_a or_o suffer_v it_o from_o both_o he_o will_v preserve_v i_o from_o his_o special_a engagement_n to_o i_o three_o interest_n 3_o his_o interest_n god_n own_o honour_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v a_o people_n addict_v to_o he_o and_o keep_v up_o his_o name_n in_o the_o world_n the_o conspiracy_n which_o be_v lay_v at_o any_o time_n against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o much_o against_o the_o person_n as_o the_o cause_n not_o so_o much_o against_o
which_o they_o can_v hinder_v or_o prevent_v but_o when_o god_n laugh_v there_o be_v somewhat_o more_o in_o it_o than_o so_o he_o laugh_v at_o the_o plot_n of_o wicked_a man_n as_o discern_v the_o vanity_n of_o they_o and_o as_o be_v able_a to_o frustrate_v and_o defeat_v they_o and_o while_o he_o laugh_v in_o scorn_n they_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o laugh_v in_o triumph_n his_o laughter_n it_o may_v just_o provoke_v their_o tear_n as_o be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o ruin_n unto_o they_o he_o will_v laugh_v at_o their_o destruction_n and_o mock_v when_o their_o fear_n come_v prov._n 1.26_o yea_o as_o he_o will_v laugh_v himself_o so_o he_o will_v cause_v the_o church_n to_o laugh_v with_o he_o as_o she_o do_v against_o ashur_n isa_n 37.22_o the_o virgin_n the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n have_v despise_v thou_o and_o laugh_v thou_o to_o scorn_v the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v shake_v her_o head_n at_o thou_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n a_o holy_a triumph_n over_o their_o enemy_n while_o they_o think_v to_o insult_v over_o they_o as_o isa_n 8.9_o 10._o associate_v yourselves_o o_o you_o people_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o give_v ear_n all_o you_o of_o far_a country_n gird_v yourselves_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n gird_v yourselves_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n take_v counsel_n together_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o nought_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o it_o shall_v not_o stand_v for_o god_n be_v with_o we_o 8.31_o rom._n 8.31_o if_o god_n be_v with_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o that_o be_v still_o as_o i_o say_v before_o so_o as_o to_o hurt_v we_o if_o we_o speak_v as_o to_o matter_n of_o disaffection_n so_o there_o be_v enough_o against_o we_o and_o more_o than_o can_v be_v wish_v man_n do_v no_o soon_o look_v after_o god_n or_o god_n after_o they_o but_o they_o have_v multitude_n of_o people_n against_o they_o but_o against_o they_o so_o as_o to_o conquer_v they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v how_o much_o do_v this_o then_o surther_o enlarge_v the_o honour_n exultation_n 〈◊〉_d for_o exultation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v to_o draw_v other_o into_o it_o who_o will_v not_o now_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o god_n servant_n and_o in_o love_n with_o the_o state_n of_o god_n people_n who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o privilege_n as_o this_o belong_v unto_o they_o happy_a be_v thou_o o_o israel_n who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o o_o people_n save_v by_o the_o lord_n the_o shield_n of_o thy_o help_n and_o who_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o thy_o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o epiphonema_n of_o moses_n unto_o they_o in_o his_o blessing_n of_o they_o deut._n 33.29_o and_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o truth_n here_o deliver_v both_o in_o the_o proposition_n and_o reduplication_n of_o it_o the_o three_o and_o last_o be_v in_o the_o reflection_n reflection_n iii_o the_o reflection_n as_o come_v from_o balaam_n speech_n they_o have_v regard_v give_v unto_o they_o much_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n from_o who_o they_o proceed_v and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o this_o here_o before_o we_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v more_o wonderful_a from_o the_o party_n that_o utter_v it_o if_o either_o moses_n or_o joshua_n have_v say_v as_o much_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v think_v it_o any_o great_a matter_n but_o for_o balaam_n to_o say_v it_o be_v incredible_a what!_o balaam_n a_o sorcerer_n a_o idolater_n a_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o his_o people_n for_o he_o to_o let_v fall_v such_o a_o speech_n as_o this_o be_v notion_n balaam_n under_o a_o double_a notion_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o expectation_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a notion_n under_o which_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o he_o first_o man_n 1_o a_o wicked_a man_n as_o a_o wicked_a man_n and_o yet_o speak_v that_o which_o be_v good_a second_o as_o a_o enemy_n and_o yet_o speak_v that_o which_o be_v comfortable_a and_o to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o god_n people_n first_o a_o wicked_a man_n and_o yet_o speak_v that_o which_o be_v good_a we_o see_v here_o how_o good_a speech_n may_v sometime_o come_v from_o bad_a man_n those_o which_o be_v themselves_o naught_o and_o rot_a and_o unsavoury_a yet_o they_o may_v now_o and_o then_o utter_a &_o let_v slip_v from_o they_o that_o which_o be_v good_a thus_o do_v balaam_n here_o and_o so_o some_o other_o elsewhere_o as_o caiaphas_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n john_n 11.49_o and_o gamaliel_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 5.35_o when_o man_n shall_v speak_v but_o out_o of_o common_a illumination_n strength_n of_o part_n and_o natural_a sagacity_n or_o at_o the_o best_a but_o out_o of_o divine_a suggestion_n and_o impulse_n and_o the_o like_a here_o balaam_n be_v no_o better_a than_o his_o ass_n which_o upon_o occasion_n speak_v as_o well_o as_o himself_o or_o like_o a_o trunk_n which_o nothing_o savour_v of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v convey_v through_o it_o but_o in_o itself_o be_v still_o the_o same_o this_o be_v a_o good_a item_n to_o we_o especial_o which_o be_v minister_n and_o preacher_n caution_n a_o caution_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o employment_n and_o the_o work_n itself_o which_o we_o be_v exercise_v in_o be_v cast_v upon_o good_a discourse_n as_o i_o may_v say_v before_o we_o be_v aware_a not_o to_o rest_v ourselves_o satisfy_v in_o they_o mere_o as_o such_o but_o to_o labour_v to_o find_v our_o heart_n in_o they_o and_o to_o have_v some_o savour_n upon_o our_o own_o spirit_n of_o that_o which_o come_v from_o we_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o what_o we_o say_v as_o what_o we_o be_v nor_o so_o much_o what_o come_v from_o we_o as_o what_o be_v indeed_o wrought_v in_o we_o when_o we_o impart_v not_o only_o the_o gospel_n but_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o our_o own_o soul_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v then_o be_v sermon_n 8_o 1_o thess_n â—_o 8_o and_o treatise_n and_o good_a speech_n that_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v when_o they_o carry_v upon_o they_o a_o impression_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o they_o come_v from_o and_o that_o savoury_a and_o sanctify_a with_o grace_n otherwise_o they_o may_v profit_v other_o but_o will_v little_o benefit_v those_o themselves_o who_o they_o be_v except_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o aggravate_v and_o increase_v their_o condemnation_n and_o to_o judge_v they_o out_o of_o their_o own_o mouth_n but_o second_o enemy_n 2_o a_o enemy_n as_o balaam_n be_v a_o wicked_a man_n and_o yet_o speak_v that_o which_o be_v good_a so_o a_o enemy_n and_o yet_o that_o which_o be_v comfortable_a god_n will_v not_o only_o confound_v the_o church_n adversary_n in_o their_o plot_n and_o conspiracy_n against_o it_o but_o will_v likewise_o make_v themselves_o to_o be_v proclamer_n and_o publisher_n of_o it_o he_o will_v make_v their_o tongue_n the_o conveyor_n of_o comfort_n where_o their_o head_n be_v the_o contriver_n of_o mischief_n as_o saul_n to_o david_n thou_o shall_v both_o do_v great_a thing_n and_o also_o shall_v still_o prevail_v 1_o sam._n 26.25_o thus_o we_o see_v this_o truth_n also_o in_o the_o reflection_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o party_n that_o utter_v it_o even_o wicked_a balaam_n this_o be_v one_o of_o his_o apophthegm_n sure_o there_o be_v no_o enchantment_n against_o jacob_n etc._n etc._n where_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text_n we_o may_v look_v upon_o jacob_n and_o israel_n in_o one_o notion_n and_o acception_n more_o than_o as_o yet_o we_o have_v do_v moral_a jacob_n and_o israel_n in_o the_o moral_a and_o that_o be_v by_o consider_v it_o in_o its_o moral_a and_o here_o two_o thing_n more_o first_o as_o a_o expression_n of_o integrity_n jacob_n a_o plain_a man_n as_o the_o scripture_n style_v he_o second_o as_o a_o expression_n of_o importunity_n israel_n a_o prince_n with_o god_n which_o give_v we_o a_o double_a qualification_n in_o god_n people_n integrity_n 2_o integrity_n intitle_v they_o to_o this_o protection_n first_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v upright_o and_o sincere_a and_o plainhearted_a no_o enchantment_n against_o jacob._n when_o man_n be_v free_a from_o plotting_n themselves_o they_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o mischief_n of_o the_o plotting_n of_o other_o man_n god_n take_v a_o special_a delight_n in_o a_o simplehearted_n christian_n that_o have_v no_o reach_n importunity_n joh._n 1.47_o 2_o cor._n 1â—_n 3_o 2_o importunity_n nor_o fetch_v in_o he_o a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o be_v no_o guile_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o simplicity_n
which_o be_v in_o christ_n second_o those_o which_o be_v much_o in_o acquaintance_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o which_o be_v israelites_n prince_n with_o god_n to_o wrestle_v and_o contend_v with_o he_o in_o prayer_n these_o do_v stave_v off_o many_o a_o evil_n which_o other_o fall_v into_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v above_o all_o the_o anathemaes_n of_o their_o enemy_n what_o though_o they_o curse_v so_o these_o prey_n what_o though_o they_o as_o we_o see_v in_o popery_n send_v forth_o their_o bull_n and_o execration_n and_o malediction_n against_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o of_o no_o effect_n except_o it_o be_v like_o so_o many_o arrow_n fall_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o those_o that_o shoot_v they_o up_o and_o so_o now_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o general_a part_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v the_o deliverance_n and_o preservation_n itself_o by_o way_n of_o solemn_a declaration_n sure_o there_o be_v no_o enchantment_n against_o jacob_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o be_v the_o celebration_n of_o the_o deliverance_n by_o way_n of_o prophetical_a prediction_n deliverance_n second_o general_n the_o celebration_n of_o the_o deliverance_n according_a to_o this_o time_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o again_o we_o have_v two_o branch_n more_o first_o the_o prediction_n itself_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v what_o have_v god_n wrought_v second_o the_o particular_a regulation_n of_o it_o or_o qualification_n of_o the_o performance_n according_a to_o this_o time_n for_o the_o first_o the_o prediction_n itself_o this_o it_o do_v signify_v to_o we_o what_o account_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o god_n mercy_n and_o deliverance_n of_o his_o church_n in_o future_a age_n that_o they_o shall_v then_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o two_o manner_n of_o way_n first_o by_o way_n of_o acknowledgement_n and_o second_o by_o way_n of_o astonishment_n by_o way_n of_o simple_a acknowledgement_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v and_o by_o way_n of_o great_a astonishment_n what_o have_v god_n wrought_v first_o acknowledgement_n 1_o by_o way_n of_o acknowledgement_n it_o shall_v be_v speak_v of_o and_o acknowledge_v it_o shall_v be_v say_v what_o god_n have_v wrought_v as_o some_o interpreter_n render_v the_o word_n take_v they_o absolute_o and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o in_o it_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n in_o his_o deliverance_n and_o preservation_n of_o they_o it_o be_v such_o as_o even_o succeed_a age_n and_o generation_n shall_v take_v notice_n of_o though_o it_o be_v do_v but_o now_o yet_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v and_o speak_v of_o hereafter_o this_o shall_v be_v write_v for_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v and_o the_o people_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o bear_v shall_v praise_v the_o lord_n psalm_n 102.18_o therefore_o in_o some_o translation_n we_o find_v it_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v in_o time_n what_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o time_n that_o be_v in_o its_o due_a time_n though_o now_o perhaps_o it_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o yet_o than_o it_o shall_v or_o if_o now_o yet_o and_o then_o too_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n micah_n 6.5_o o_o my_o people_n remember_v now_o what_o balak_n the_o king_n of_o moab_n consult_v and_o what_o balaam_n the_o son_n of_o beor_n answer_v he_o from_o shittim_n unto_o gilgal_n that_o you_o may_v know_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o for_o so_o many_o year_n after_o that_o this_o mercy_n and_o deliverance_n be_v past_a yet_o now_o remember_v it_o this_o god_n will_v have_v to_o be_v so_o god_n 1_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n for_o sundry_a end_n first_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n that_o himself_o may_v have_v the_o great_a renown_n and_o his_o attribute_n may_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o world_n therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v know_v through_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n may_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o god_n psal_n 98.3_o god_n get_v himself_o honour_n hereby_o as_o he_o do_v upon_o pharaoh_n second_o enemy_n 2_o for_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o enemy_n for_o the_o shame_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o those_o which_o conspire_v against_o his_o people_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v for_o their_o reproach_n and_o as_o a_o perpetual_a blot_n upon_o they_o to_o all_o posterity_n and_o there_o be_v a_o double_a disgrace_n which_o come_v to_o they_o by_o this_o mean_n first_o a_o disgrace_n from_o their_o attempt_n and_o second_o attempt_n 1_o in_o their_o attempt_n a_o disgrace_n from_o their_o dis-appointment_n disgrace_n from_o both_o from_o their_o attempt_n first_o when_o ever_o it_o shall_v be_v mention_v what_o they_o have_v endeavour_v against_o god_n people_n it_o will_v lie_v as_o a_o reproach_n upon_o they_o that_o it_o shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o their_o heart_n to_o devise_v and_o contrive_v such_o a_o wickedness_n as_o that_o be_v this_o very_a thought_n of_o foolishness_n be_v sin_n and_o a_o blemish_n to_o the_o sinner_n but_o then_o again_o from_o their_o dis-appointment_n disappointment_n 2_o their_o disappointment_n when_o those_o which_o be_v so_o confident_a shall_v be_v confound_v in_o their_o great_a confidence_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o bragging_n and_o boasting_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o accomplish_v so_o little_a what_o a_o disgrace_n will_v this_o be_v to_o they_o for_o ever_o and_o stand_v upon_o record_n as_o you_o know_v it_o be_v with_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o to_o this_o day_n exod._n 15.9_o 10._o the_o enemy_n say_v i_o will_v pursue_v i_o will_v over_o take_v i_o will_v divide_v the_o spoil_n my_o lust_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v upon_o they_o i_o will_v draw_v my_o sword_n my_o hand_n shall_v destroy_v they_o here_o be_v a_o company_n of_o big_a threaten_a word_n but_o whatfollow_v thou_o do_v blow_v with_o thy_o wind_n the_o sea_n cover_v they_o they_o sink_v as_o lead_v in_o the_o mighty_a water_n three_o church_n the_o comfort_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o comfort_n also_o of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v in_o courage_v the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n goodness_n in_o former_a age_n it_o be_v a_o great_a hearten_v to_o posterity_n and_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o time_n to_o come_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o anon_o out_o of_o the_o text._n it_o be_v say_v here_o indefinite_o and_o impersonal_o say_v it_o shall_v be_v say_v it_o shall_v be_v say_v but_o by_o who_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v it_o be_v not_o say_v to_o signify_v indeed_o enemy_n 1_o by_o the_o enemy_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n it_o shall_v be_v in_o every_o one_o mouth_n first_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v by_o the_o enemy_n even_o they_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o from_o the_o eminency_n and_o remarkableness_n which_o be_v in_o it_o the_o contriver_n of_o the_o mischief_n shall_v be_v the_o proclamer_n of_o the_o deliverance_n and_o be_v so_o far_o convince_v of_o god_n vigilancy_n and_o activity_n for_o his_o people_n as_o to_o discourse_v of_o it_o among_o themselves_o thus_o psal_n 126.2_o then_o they_o say_v among_o the_o heathen_a the_o lord_n have_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o they_o and_o psal_n 46.10_o be_v still_o and_o know_v that_o i_o be_o god_n i_o will_v be_v exalt_v among_o the_o heathen_a i_o will_v be_v exalt_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o again_o isa_n 61.9_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v know_v among_o the_o gentile_n and_o their_o offspring_n among_o the_o people_n all_o that_o see_v they_o shall_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v the_o people_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v blessed_v but_o second_o church_n 2_o by_o the_o church_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v by_o the_o church_n and_o their_o posterity_n more_o especial_o as_o those_o which_o be_v most_o especial_o interest_v and_o concern_v in_o it_o because_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o jacob_n and_o israel_n for_o the_o occasion_n therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v by_o jacob_n and_o israel_n for_o the_o celebration_n therefore_o in_o the_o place_n before_o cite_v do_v the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v take_v it_o at_o the_o rebound_n and_o echo_n to_o it_o then_o they_o say_v among_o the_o heathen_a the_o lord_n have_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o they_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o we_o whereof_o we_o be_v glad_a it_o be_v but_o natural_a for_o the_o church_n to_o say_v it_o while_o the_o enemy_n say_v it_o afore_o they_o and_z according_o so_o they_o shall_v and_o so_o they_o ought_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o be_v mindful_a and_o talkative_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o in_o the_o time_n and_o generation_n which_o be_v past_a this_o and_o that_o have_v