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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
faith_n church_n true_a visible_a 19,269 5 9.3685 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A09376 A cloud of faithfull witnesses, leading to the heauenly Canaan, or, A commentarie vpon the 11 chapter to the Hebrewes preached in Cambridge by that godly, and iudicious divine, M. William Perkins ; long expected and desired, and therefore published at the request of his executours, by Will. Crashawe and Tho. Pierson, preachers of Gods Word, who heard him preach it, and wrote it from his mouth. Perkins, William, 1558-1602. 1607 (1607) STC 19677.5; ESTC S2273 415,205 614

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it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o save_v they_o another_o way_n even_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n for_o it_o teach_v they_o many_o thing_n first_o it_o be_v a_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n unto_o their_o soul_n for_o if_o he_o be_v so_o careful_a to_o save_v their_o body_n from_o the_o flood_n they_o thereby_o assure_v themselves_o he_o will_v be_v as_o good_a unto_o their_o soul_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v far_o more_o precious_a and_o excellent_a second_o it_o show_v they_o how_o to_o be_v save_v for_o as_o they_o see_v no_o safety_n nothing_o but_o present_a death_n out_o of_o the_o ark_n so_o it_o teach_v they_o that_o out_o of_o god_n church_n and_o out_o of_o god_n favour_n no_o salvation_n can_v be_v expect_v and_o so_o it_o teach_v they_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n and_o member_n of_o his_o true_a church_n three_o they_o see_v they_o be_v save_v from_o the_o flood_n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o first_o noah_n believe_v god_n word_n that_o the_o flood_n shall_v come_v then_o he_o obey_v god_n commandment_n and_o make_v the_o ark_n as_o he_o be_v command_v and_o thus_o he_o and_o he_o by_o believe_v &_o obey_v be_v save_v through_o the_o ark_n and_o without_o these_o the_o ark_n can_v not_o have_v save_v they_o this_o teach_v they_o more_o particular_o how_o to_o be_v save_v namely_o by_o believe_v god_n and_o obey_v god_n and_o else_o no_o salvation_n for_o when_o they_o see_v their_o body_n can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o they_o it_o assure_v they_o much_o less_o can_v their_o soul_n be_v save_v without_o faith_n and_o obedience_n last_o this_o deliverance_n by_o the_o ark_n be_v a_o pawn_n unto_o they_o from_o god_n assure_v they_o of_o salvation_n if_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n for_o see_v god_n so_o full_o perform_v his_o promise_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o bodily_a deliverance_n upon_o their_o believe_v they_o thereby_o may_v assure_v themselves_o he_o will_v perform_v his_o promise_n of_o salvation_n unto_o they_o upon_o their_o faith_n and_o true_a obedience_n moreover_o it_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n for_o when_o ever_o after_o any_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o they_o or_o any_o word_n of_o god_n come_v unto_o they_o they_o then_o remember_v god_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n unto_o they_o in_o their_o deliverance_n by_o the_o ark_n and_o therefore_o believe_v unto_o these_o and_o many_o other_o spiritual_a use_n do_v the_o ark_n serve_v unto_o noah_n and_o to_o his_o household_n as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o be_v believer_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o indeed_o the_o ark_n serve_v they_o for_o a_o temporal_a deliverance_n it_o save_v their_o life_n therefore_o they_o also_o have_v reason_n to_o make_v spiritual_a use_n of_o it_o but_o it_o save_v not_o we_o it_o serve_v we_o to_o no_o use_n corporal_a therefore_o how_o can_v we_o make_v any_o spiritual_a use_n of_o it_o i_o answer_v though_o we_o have_v no_o corporal_a use_n of_o the_o ark_n yet_o there_o arise_v a_o excellent_a spiritual_a use_n out_o of_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n and_o our_o baptism_n be_v figure_n correspondent_a one_o to_o the_o other_o that_o that_o noah_n ark_n be_v to_o they_o baptism_n be_v to_o us._n thus_o teach_v s._n peter_n 1.3.20.21_o to_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n the_o figure_n which_o now_o save_v we_o even_o baptism_n agree_v the_o same_o that_o s._n paul_n here_o ascribe_v to_o the_o ark_n s._n peter_n ascribe_v to_o baptism_n the_o ark_n save_v they_o baptism_n save_v us._n now_o the_o resemblance_n betwixt_o these_o two_o figure_n have_v two_o branch_n first_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v in_o the_o flood_n to_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n and_o out_o of_o the_o ark_n no_o possibility_n to_o escape_v so_o be_v it_o for_o they_o that_o will_v have_v their_o soul_n save_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n they_o must_v be_v mystical_a member_n of_o christ_n and_o visible_a member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o out_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n no_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n that_o this_o be_v true_a for_o christ_n s._n peter_n prove_v apparent_o act_v 4.12_o among_o man_n there_o be_v no_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o to_o be_v save_v but_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o and_o that_o this_o be_v true_a for_o the_o church_n he_o prove_v act_n 2.47_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v see_v how_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v save_v must_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n when_o they_o see_v where_o it_o be_v and_o all_o this_o be_v signify_v &_o teach_v in_o baptism_n for_o the_o outward_a use_n of_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n &_o the_o inward_a &_o powerful_a use_n of_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o use_n and_o consideration_n hereof_o shall_v make_v we_o all_o more_o careful_a to_o be_v true_a member_n of_o christ_n &_o of_o his_o church_n by_o make_v not_o only_o a_o bare_a profession_n of_o religion_n but_o by_o seek_v to_o be_v incorporate_a into_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n for_o this_o must_v save_v we_o when_o nothing_o else_o can_v as_o they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n no_o gold_n nor_o silver_n can_v buy_v out_o their_o safety_n no_o land_n nor_o live_n no_o house_n nor_o building_n no_o hill_n nor_o mountain_n nothing_o in_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o whole_a world_n itself_o can_v save_v they_o but_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n they_o perish_v so_o if_o a_o man_n be_v out_o of_o christ_n &_o out_o of_o his_o church_n no_o gold_n nor_o silver_n no_o honour_n nor_o glory_n no_o wit_n nor_o policy_n no_o estimation_n nor_o authority_n no_o friend_n nor_o favour_n no_o wisdom_n nor_o learning_n no_o hill_n of_o happiness_n nor_o mountain_n of_o gold_n can_v save_v his_o soul_n but_o he_o must_v perish_v in_o the_o flood_n of_o god_n eternal_a wrath_n for_o as_o it_o prove_v folly_n in_o they_o that_o trust_v to_o their_o high_a house_n or_o catch_v hold_v on_o the_o hill_n if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n so_o will_v it_o prove_v much_o great_a folly_n to_o they_o that_o shall_v trust_v to_o any_o mean_n of_o salvation_n if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o christ._n and_o contrariwise_o as_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v save_v do_v the_o water_n wind_n and_o weather_n storm_n and_o tempest_n all_o they_o can_v so_o that_o still_o the_o more_o the_o water_n rise_v the_o ark_n rise_v also_o and_o be_v ever_o high_o than_o they_o and_o the_o high_a it_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o water_n the_o safe_a it_o be_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o hill_n and_o rock_n and_o so_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o danger_n they_o be_v out_o of_o danger_n and_o be_v save_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n so_o he_o that_o be_v once_o true_o in_o christ_n be_v sure_a of_o salvation_n nothing_o can_v hinder_v it_o flood_n of_o calamity_n may_v assault_v he_o and_o humble_v he_o but_o they_o hurt_v not_o his_o salvation_n he_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n he_o be_v in_o christ_n nay_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o overthrow_v he_o but_o through_o all_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n &_o through_o all_o tempest_n of_o temptation_n the_o bless_a ark_n of_o christ_n love_n and_o merit_n shall_v carry_v he_o up_o and_o at_o last_o convey_v he_o to_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o bless_a assurance_n of_o all_o they_o that_o be_v true_o baptize_v into_o christ._n but_o as_o for_o such_o as_o out_o of_o their_o profaneness_n either_o care_v not_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o contemn_v baptism_n let_v they_o assure_v themselves_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n &_o they_o perish_v certain_o this_o be_v the_o 1._o part_n of_o the_o resemblance_n the_o second_o be_v this_o noah_n body_n go_v into_o the_o ark_n he_o seem_v therein_o a_o dead_a man_n go_v into_o a_o grave_n or_o a_o tomb_n to_o be_v bury_v for_o he_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o ark_n &_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o water_n &_o he_o deprive_v of_o the_o fresh_a air●_n &_o gladsome_a light_n yet_o by_o god_n appointment_n it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o save_v noah_n which_o in_o all_o reason_n seem_v to_o be_v his_o grave_n &_o if_o noah_n will_v be_v save_v he_o must_v go_v into_o this_o grave_n so_o they_o that_o will_v escape_v hell_n and_o damnation_n by_o christ_n the_o true_a ark_n of_o holiness_n must_v be_v bury_v and_o mortify_v in_o their_o flesh_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o come_v
one_o and_o beside_o that_o the_o greek_a construction_n do_v well_o bear_v it_o the_o judgement_n of_o almost_o all_o interpreter_n refer_v it_o to_o the_o ark_n and_o further_o in_o all_o reason_n that_o that_o save_v he_o and_o his_o household_n condemn_v the_o world_n also_o but_o the_o ark_n be_v say_v to_o have_v save_v they_o therefore_o by_o it_o he_o condemn_v the_o world_n neither_o be_v this_o any_o derogation_n but_o a_o commendation_n of_o faith_n for_o by_o faith_n he_o make_v that_o ark_n which_o ark_n condemn_v the_o world_n now_o by_o the_o ark_n noah_n condemn_v the_o world_n two_o way_n 1._o by_o his_o obedience_n in_o build_v it_o 2._o by_o his_o preach_n in_o build_v it_o for_o the_o first_o god_n bad_a noah_n build_v a_o ark_n so_o great_a and_o to_o such_o a_o use_n as_o in_o all_o reason_n no_o man_n will_v have_v do_v it_o yet_o noah_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o faith_n believe_v god_n word_n and_o obey_v and_o therefore_o build_v the_o ark_n this_o faith_n and_o this_o obedience_n of_o noah_n to_o this_o commandment_n of_o god_n condemn_v the_o unbelieved_a and_o disobedient_a world_n and_o make_v they_o without_o excuse_n so_o say_v christ_n the_o ninivites_fw-la who_o believe_v at_o the_o preach_n of_o jonas_n shall_v rise_v in_o judgement_n against_o the_o jew_n and_o condemn_v they_o because_o they_o repent_v not_o at_o christ_n preach_v and_o the_o queen_n of_o saba_n who_o come_v so_o far_o to_o hear_v solomon_n shall_v condemn_v they_o who_o then_o will_v not_o hear_v christ_n math._n 12.42.43_o even_o so_o noah_n obedience_n shall_v condemn_v they_o for_o noah_n be_v tell_v of_o a_o miraculous_a thing_n and_o believe_v it_o and_o be_v command_v so_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n as_o the_o make_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o obey_v shall_v condemn_v that_o wicked_a world_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n ordinary_a promise_n nor_o obey_v his_o ordinary_a and_o most_o holy_a commandment_n and_o as_o the_o saint_n be_v say_v to_o condemn_v the_o world_n 1._o corinth_n 6.2_o by_o be_v witness_n against_o they_o and_o approver_n of_o god_n just_a sentence_n so_o noah_n fact_n and_o faith_n condemn_v that_o world_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o obedience_n and_o godly_a example_n of_o good_a man_n do_v condemn_v the_o ungodly_a the_o use_n whereof_o be_v to_o encourage_v we_o all_o to_o embrace_v christian_a religion_n and_o not_o be_v daunt_v by_o the_o scorn_v or_o other_o evil_a behaviour_n of_o profane_a man_n which_o can_v abide_v the_o gospel_n for_o he_o that_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o keep_v good_a conscience_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o wicked_a generation_n if_o his_o godliness_n do_v not_o overcome_v their_o evil_n and_o convert_v they_o it_o shall_v more_o demonstrate_v their_o wickedness_n and_o condemn_v they_o our_o church_n be_v full_a of_o mocker_n and_o they_o discourage_v many_o from_o christ_n &_o religion_n but_o let_v they_o know_v this_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o their_o obedience_n who_o they_o contemn_v and_o laugh_v at_o will_v be_v their_o condemnation_n and_o thus_o noah_n by_o his_o obedience_n in_o build_v the_o ark_n condemn_v the_o world_n second_o so_o do_v he_o also_o by_o his_o preach_n as_o he_o build_v it_o for_o the_o build_n of_o the_o ark_n be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o prophetical_a ministry_n the_o prophet_n preach_v two_o way_n in_o word_n &_o in_o action_n for_o beside_o their_o verbal_a preach_n and_o deliver_v of_o god_n word_n they_o preach_v in_o their_o life_n and_o action_n especial_o in_o such_o action_n as_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o such_o be_v noah_n building_n of_o the_o ark_n it_o be_v a_o actual_a preach_n yea_o every_o stroke_n upon_o the_o ark_n be_v a_o loud_a sermon_n to_o the_o eye_n and_o ear_n of_o that_o wicked_a world_n for_o by_o make_v it_o he_o signify_v some_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o the_o rest_n drown_v namely_o all_o that_o will_v believe_v and_o repent_v shall_v be_v save_v in_o it_o and_o all_o that_o will_v not_o shall_v out_o of_o it_o be_v drown_v &_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o this_o therefore_o by_o it_o he_o condemn_v they_o from_o this_o ground_n we_o may_v learn●_n first_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o true_a and_o sincere_a minister_n lawful_o call_v by_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o yet_o not_o turn_v many_o unto_o god_n nor_o by_o his_o ministry_n bring_v many_o to_o repentance_n for_o here_o noah_n a_o prophet_n call_v immediate_o yet_o in_o 120._o year_n preach_v both_o in_o word_n and_o action_n he_o can_v turn_v one_o to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n a_o most_o fearful_a thing_n if_o we_o well_o consider_v it_o that_o both_o by_o preach_v and_o make_v the_o ark_n he_o shall_v not_o turn_v one_o of_o the_o son_n of_o lamech_n methushelah_n or_o henoch_n to_o believe_v he_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v all_o rather_o choose_v to_o be_v mislead_v in_o the_o general_a vanity_n of_o that_o wicked_a world_n then_o to_o serve_v god_n with_o noah_n this_o be_v a_o most_o uncomfortable_a thing_n unto_o he_o as_o can_v be_v yet_o this_o have_v be_v the_o case_n and_o lot_n of_o many_o holy_a prophet_n isaiah_n must_v go_v and_o preach_v unto_o they_o and_o yet_o his_o doctrine_n must_v harden_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v save_v isaiah_n 6.10_o and_o ezekiel_n must_v go_v and_o speak_v and_o yet_o be_v tell_v aforehand_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o nor_o repent_v ezek._n 3.4.7_o and_o when_o s._n paul_n himself_o preach_v unto_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n some_o believe_v not_o act_n 28.24_o there_o be_v nothing_o will_v more_o discourage_v a_o man_n and_o cast_v down_o his_o heart_n then_o to_o see_v that_o his_o labour_n be_v not_o only_o in_o vain_a but_o do_v take_v a_o contrary_a effect_n that_o whereas_o they_o be_v bestow_v to_o have_v save_v they_o they_o be_v mean_n of_o their_o deep_a condemnation_n therefore_o as_o when_o their_o labour_n bring_v man_n to_o god_n they_o may_v great_o rejoice_v and_o account_v those_o people_n as_o s._n paul_n do_v the_o thessalonian_n his_o crown_n his_o joy_n and_o glory_n 2.20.21_o so_o when_o they_o do_v no_o good_a as_o noah_n here_o but_o that_o man_n be_v worse_o and_o worse_o this_o must_v humble_v and_o abase_v they_o in_o themselves_o &_o let_v they_o know_v the_o power_n and_o virtue_n be_v not_o in_o they_o but_o god_n so_o say_v s._n paul_n to_o the_o ungodly_a &_o impenitent_a among_o the_o corinthian_n i_o fear_v say_v he_o when_o i_o come_v 1_o my_o god_n abase_v i_o among_o you_o &_o i_o shall_v bewail_v many_o of_o they_o which_o have_v sin_v &_o not_o repent_v and_o sure_o this_o or_o nothing_o will_v abase_v a_o minister_n &_o minister_v matter_n of_o great_a bewail_v yet_o not_o so_o but_o as_o still_o there_o be_v matter_n of_o true_a comfort_n &_o contentment_n unto_o all_o godly_a &_o faithful_a teacher_n for_o whether_o thy_o labour_n be_v the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n 2.15.16_o or_o of_o death_n unto_o death_n to_o thy_o hearer_n it_o be_v to_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n in_o christ._n again_o we_o may_v here_o learn_v that_o those_o who_o be_v condemn_v before_o god_n have_v their_o condemnation_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o secret_n of_o all_o the_o world_n say_v the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o here_o the_o preach_n of_o noah_n and_o his_o actual_a preach_v by_o prepare_v the_o ark_n condemn_v the_o world_n such_o be_v the_o power_n and_o might_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o god_n word_n upon_o all_o they_o that_o resist_v it_o which_o be_v so_o shall_v teach_v all_o man_n when_o they_o come_v to_o hear_v god_n word_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o power_n of_o it_o to_o obey_v it_o and_o become_v penitent_a for_o otherwise_o so_o many_o sermon_n as_o a_o man_n hear_v so_o many_o inditement_n be_v present_v to_o god_n against_o he_o and_o if_o at_o the_o last_o day_n there_o be_v no_o devil_n to_o accuse_v those_o bill_n of_o inditement_n will_v both_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v he_o and_o this_o judgement_n be_v begin_v in_o this_o life_n as_o their_o conscience_n do_v often_o tell_v they_o and_o be_v accomplish_v at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o there_o be_v no_o dally_v with_o god●_n word_n if_o it_o can_v save_v it_o kill_v it_o be_v the_o fire_n which_o if_o it_o can_v soften_v it_o harden_v let_v then_o all_o impenitent_a man_n make_v conscience_n to_o obey_v god_n word_n for_o if_o now_o they_o abuse_v it_o it_o will_v be_v even_o with_o they_o both_o here_o and_o in_o another_o world_n for_o as_o the_o very_a same_o ark_n which_o save_v noah_n and_o his_o household_n condemn_v
the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o faith_n alone_o and_o no_o other_o virtue_n nor_o spiritual_a power_n in_o man_n soul_n be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o and_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o compare_v it_o with_o all_o the_o principal_a virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o among_o all_o there_o be_v none_o that_o may_v come_v into_o comparison_n with_o faith_n but_o hope_v and_o love_n both_o which_o especial_o love_n have_v their_o several_a and_o special_a excellency_n yet_o have_v neither_o of_o they_o nor_o both_o of_o they_o this_o virtue_n to_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v christ_n righteousness_n the_o property_n of_o love_n be_v to_o extend_v itself_o and_o with_o itself_o to_o carry_v many_o passion_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o place_v they_o upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v love_v yet_o can_v love_n be_v say_v proper_o to_o apprehend_v christ_n for_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v apprehend_v before_o he_o can_v be_v love_v and_o the_o proper_a action_n of_o hope_n be_v to_o wait_v and_o expect_v for_o a_o blessing_n to_o come_v so_o hope_n wait_v for_o salvation_n but_o proper_o apprehend_v it_o not_o for_o salvation_n must_v first_o be_v believe_v and_o then_o hope_v or_o expect_v so_o say_v jeremie_n lament_n 3.26_o it_o be_v good_a both_o to_o trust_v and_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o trust_v that_o be_v to_o believe_v assure_o it_o will_v come_v there_o be_v the_o action_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o wait_v till_o it_o do_v come_v that_o be_v the_o action_n of_o hope_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o several_a nature_n and_o action_n of_o these_o two_o worthy_a virtue_n but_o the_o proper_a action_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o apprehend_v and_o lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n and_o that_o be_v do_v then_o come_v love_n and_o hope_n &_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o so_o though_o love_n last_v long_o than_o faith_n do_v yet_o faith_n be_v afore_o love_n and_o make_v the_o way_n for_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o second_o point_n faith_n be_v a_o hand_n to_o take_v hold_n on_o christ_n &_o his_o benefit_n love_n be_v a_o hand_n to_o give_v out_o token_n of_o faith_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n for_o 1._o cor._n 13.5_o love_n seek_v not_o her_o own_o but_o other_o good_a namely_o the_o good_a of_o they_o that_o be_v love_v hope_n be_v a_o eye_n look_v out_o and_o wait_v for_o the_o good_a thing_n promise_v so_o that_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o love_n be_v the_o hand_n and_o hope_n be_v the_o eye_n of_o faith_n love_v the_o hand_n whereby_o it_o work_v and_o hope_v the_o eye_n whereby_o it_o wait_v and_o look_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o faith_n have_v apprehend_v and_o believe_v if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n think_v this_o any_o wrong_n to_o this_o holy_a virtue_n of_o love_n to_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o faith_n let_v they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o we_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o say_v faith_n work_v by_o love_n if_o faith_n work_n by_o it_o then_o sure_o love_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o faith_n thus_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n wait_v by_o hope_n but_o believe_v by_o itself_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o righteousness_n that_o make_v we_o righteous_a before_o god_n be_v rather_o call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n then_o of_o any_o other_o christian_a virtue_n or_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o for_o the_o same_o cause_n be_v it_o that_o so_o often_o in_o s._n paul_n epistle_n it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o name_n as_o philipp_n 3.9_o the_o three_o and_o last_o point_n concern_v noah_n faith_n be_v that_o noah_n be_v make_v heir_n of_o this_o righteousness_n a_o special_a commendation_n of_o his_o faith_n it_o make_v he_o heir_n of_o true_a and_o save_a righteousness_n that_o be_v it_o give_v he_o a_o true_a title_n unto_o it_o &_o make_v he_o heir_n apparent_a of_o that_o glory_n which_o it_o assure_v every_o one_o that_o apprehend_v it_o by_o this_o true_a faith_n and_o so_o he_o be_v make_v as_o certain_o and_o as_o true_o partaker_n of_o it_o as_o the_o young_a prince_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n at_o his_o time_n or_o the_o heir_n of_o his_o father_n land_n here_o two_o most_o worthy_a doctrine_n do_v offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o view_n 1._o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n estate_n the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n appear_v thus_o it_o make_v a_o holy_a man_n assure_v &_o certain_a of_o his_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v it_o be_v presumption_n in_o any_o man_n to_o think_v so_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n but_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v true_a faith_n that_o be_v able_a to_o assure_v he_o of_o salvation_n for_o faith_n make_v he_o a_o heir_n of_o true_a righteousness_n and_o of_o salvation_n thereby_o now_o we_o know_v the_o heir_n be_v most_o sure_a and_o certain_a of_o his_o inheritance_n whatever_o he_o get_v or_o lose_v he_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o but_o this_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n by_o it_o be_v his_o inheritance_n therefore_o he_o may_v be_v and_o be_v by_o faith_n assure_v of_o it_o the_o papist_n therefore_o do_v wrong_a unto_o this_o doctrine_n and_o derogate_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o true_a faith_n but_o this_o be_v their_o custom_n they_o will_v extol_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o much_o extoll_v namely_o true_a faith_n for_o if_o they_o know_v what_o it_o be_v true_o to_o know_v christ_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o by_o that_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n they_o will_v then_o know_v that_o faith_n make_v a_o man_n heir_n of_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o most_o assure_v of_o it_o second_o here_o we_o may_v see_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n estate_n he_o be_v not_o naked_a nor_o destitute_a of_o comfort_n but_o be_v heir_n of_o a_o glorious_a inheritance_n by_o mean_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o a_o christian_a man_n inheritance_n be_v christ_n righteousness_n out_o of_o which_o we_o learn_v first_o that_o no_o man_n by_o any_o good_a work_n do_v by_o or_o in_o himself_o can_v merit_v true_a and_o justify_v righteousness_n the_o pharisaical_a papist_n teach_v so_o but_o their_o conceit_n be_v here_o overthrow_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o save_v righteousness_n be_v his_o inheritance_n which_o we_o know_v be_v always_o get_v by_o the_o father_n and_o descends_z from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n as_o a_o free_a token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o it_o be_v scornful_a and_o absurd_a to_o see_v a_o son_n offer_v to_o buy_v his_o inheritance_n of_o his_o father_n it_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o inheritance_n to_o come_v any_o other_o way_n but_o by_o free_a gift_n from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n therefore_o our_o righteousness_n that_o must_v save_v we_o be_v as_o we_o see_v here_o our_o inheritance_n let_v we_o resolve_v of_o it_o we_o can_v buy_v nor_o merit_v it_o again_o here_o be_v sure_a and_o solid_a comfort_n against_o all_o the_o grie●●s_n and_o cross_n and_o loss_n of_o this_o world_n god_n child_n must_v needs_o have_v their_o portion_n of_o affliction_n in_o this_o life_n but_o here_o be_v their_o comfort_n they_o may_v lose_v their_o good_n live_n possession_n their_o good_a name_n their_o health_n their_o life_n but_o their_o inheritance_n stand_v sure_a and_o firm_a and_o can_v be_v lose_v let_v they_o therefore_o here_o learn_v not_o to_o grieve_v out_o of_o measure_n for_o a_o holy_a man_n may_v say_v thus_o to_o himself_o and_o that_o most_o true_o my_o father_n may_v frown_v on_o i_o for_o my_o fault_n and_o chastise_v i_o for_o my_o sin_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o will_v not_o disenherite_v i_o for_o i_o be_o heir_n by_o faith_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o i_o may_v lose_v many_o thing_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o lose_v that_o three_o and_o last_o here_o must_v god_n child_n learn_v their_o duty_n they_o be_v heir_n to_o a_o godly_a and_o glorious_a inheritance_n and_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v their_o inheritance_n therefore_o they_o must_v learn_v to_o set_v and_o settle_v all_o their_o affection_n on_o this_o inheritance_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n more_o worthy_a to_o be_v affect_v than_o a_o fair_a inheritance_n we_o must_v therefore_o first_o labour_n above_o all_o worldly_a thing_n for_o this_o inheritance_n namely_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o righteousness_n this_o be_v that_o pearl_n which_o we_o have_v find_v must_v sell_v all_o we_o have_v to_o
for_o example_n we_o have_v too_o many_o to_o some_o god_n say_v leave_v thy_o private_a care_n which_o be_v for_o none_o but_o thyself_o be_v a_o magistrate_n and_o undertake_v the_o public_a care_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o they_o as_o though_o they_o be_v bear_v for_o themselves_o will_v not_o employ_v themselves_o in_o public_a service_n to_o some_o god_n say_v leave_v thy_o ease_n and_o thy_o care_n of_o worldly_a credit_n and_o undertake_v the_o teach_n of_o my_o people_n and_o care_v not_o for_o the_o contempt_n of_o that_o call_n so_o thou_o may_v save_v soul_n but_o their_o carnal_a carnal_a credit_n and_o ease_n be_v more_o dear_a unto_o they_o than_o abraham_n kindred_n be_v to_o he_o they_o will_v not_o forsake_v they_o these_o and_o all_o that_o do_v so_o may_v make_v what_o show_n they_o will_v but_o they_o be_v not_o child_n of_o abraham_n see_v they_o want_v his_o faith_n and_o they_o want_v in_o his_o faith_n because_o they_o fail_v in_o his_o obedience_n they_o must_v therefore_o learn_v to_o yield_v when_o god_n call_v and_o not_o to_o stand_v upon_o such_o base_a allegation_n of_o worldly_a matter_n when_o abraham_n leave_v country_n and_o kindred_n to_o obey_v god_n second_o such_o man_n as_o respect_v not_o god_n calling_n but_o look_v what_o the_o swinge_n of_o their_o nature_n or_o the_o course_n of_o the_o wicked_a world_n carry_v they_o unto_o they_o present_o yield_v and_o obey_v not_o regard_v whether_o it_o be_v god_n call_v or_o no._n three_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v most_o faulty_a in_o this_o kind_n first_o such_o as_o be_v content_a to_o grow_v in_o wealth_n either_o by_o oppression_n as_o usury_n or_o extortion_n or_o by_o craft_n and_o dissemble_a or_o by_o any_o other_o such_o indirect_a course_n whereby_o their_o brother_n be_v hurt_v look_v only_o at_o gain_n but_o not_o regard_v whence_o it_o come_v second_o such_o as_o live_v by_o dice_v card_v or_o by_o play_n and_o interlude_n think_v any_o trade_n lawful_a that_o bring_v in_o wealth_n or_o that_o get_v money_n never_o care_v whether_o god_n allow_v the_o call_n or_o no._n three_o such_o as_o live_v in_o no_o call_n but_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o eat_v drink_v sleep_a and_o sport_v because_o they_o have_v living_n of_o their_o own_o and_o land_n leave_v by_o their_o parent_n all_o these_o and_o all_o such_o like_a do_v obey_v indeed_o but_o whereunto_o not_o unto_o god_n calling_n for_o alas_o he_o never_o call_v they_o to_o these_o course_n but_o have_v often_o recall_v they_o from_o it_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o obedience_n not_o of_o faith_n but_o of_o corruption_n and_o of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a disobedience_n unto_o god_n for_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n rom._n 8_o so_o obedience_n to_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o world_n be_v disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n all_o such_o man_n must_v know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n because_o they_o be_v not_o child_n of_o his_o faith_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v heir_n of_o his_o faith_n because_o they_o practise_v not_o his_o obedience_n for_o god_n call_v and_o no_o other_o rule_n for_o our_o life_n must_v christian_a man_n admit_v when_o he_o call_v they_o must_v obey_v and_o when_o he_o call_v not_o or_o allow_v not_o a_o course_n of_o gain_v or_o a_o trade_n of_o life_n though_o all_o the_o world_n allow_v it_o we_o must_v not_o follow_v it_o this_o will_v honour_v they_o and_o their_o profession_n before_o god_n abraham_n faith_n justify_v he_o before_o god_n but_o his_o obedience_n justify_v his_o faith_n obedience_n say_v samuel_n 1._o sam._n 25.22.23_o be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n but_o disobedience_n be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n therefore_o let_v all_o christian_n approve_v their_o faith_n by_o their_o obedience_n hang_v on_o god_n mouth_n and_o attend_v on_o god_n calling_n for_o direction_n of_o their_o whole_a life_n and_o resolve_v with_o david_n psal._n 119.105_o thy_o word_n be_v a_o lantern_n to_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n to_o my_o path_n when_o king_n may_v not_o live_v but_o by_o this_o light_n of_o god_n calling_n and_o god_n word_n it_o be_v shameful_a presumption_n for_o ordinary_a man_n to_o frame_v their_o life_n by_o light_n of_o their_o own_o make_n in_o the_o second_o place_n out_o of_o ahrahams_n obedience_n let_v we_o mark_v by_o what_o mean_v obey_v he_o by_o faith_n learn_v here_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o true_a faith_n it_o bring_v forth_o true_a obedience_n where_o ever_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o christian_a obedience_n be_v call_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n rom._n 1.5_o and_o these_o two_o can_v be_v separate_v no_o more_o then_o light_a from_o the_o sun_n or_o heat_n from_o fire_n for_o as_o the_o sun_n natural_o and_o necessary_o give_v light_n and_o the_o fire_n heat_n no_o less_o do_v true_a faith_n yield_v true_a obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n which_o be_v so_o it_o teach_v we_o for_o the_o use_n first_o how_o our_o church_n and_o doctrine_n be_v slander_v by_o the_o papist_n who_o please_v themselves_o in_o say_v we_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o sole_a faith_n and_o without_o work_n for_o we_o teach_v that_o though_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v without_o respect_n to_o his_o work_n yet_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o justify_v who_o faith_n do_v not_o bring_v forth_o good_a and_o holy_a work_n and_o we_o teach_v that_o none_o be_v heir_n of_o abraham_n faith_n which_o be_v not_o also_o of_o his_o obedience_n therefore_o god_n will_v reward_v their_o lie_a tongue_n second_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v rare_a in_o these_o day_n many_o make_v profession_n of_o abraham_n religion_n but_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v as_o far_o deceive_v as_o the_o jew_n be_v john_n 8.39_o the_o jew_n will_v be_v abraham_n child_n because_o they_o be_v of_o his_o flesh_n and_o man_n now_o will_v be_v so_o because_o they_o be_v of_o his_o profession_n but_o both_o be_v far_o wide_a for_o we_o must_v be_v child_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v like_o he_o in_o faith_n we_o must_v be_v like_o he_o in_o obedience_n also_o when_o god_n call_v we_o to_o any_o duty_n we_o must_v forsake_v our_o own_o nature_n and_o deny_v our_o own_o affection_n and_o cross_v our_o own_o corruption_n to_o follow_v god_n calling_n and_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n so_o shall_v we_o be_v true_a child_n of_o abraham_n when_o we_o be_v like_o our_o father_n in_o his_o best_a virtue_n thus_o we_o see_v his_o obedience_n lay_v down_o general_o particular_o in_o his_o obedience_n there_o be_v lay_v down_o three_o point_n 1._o the_o matter_n of_o his_o obedience_n all_o which_o be_v lay_v down_o direct_o in_o the_o text._n 2._o the_o end_n of_o his_o obedience_n all_o which_o be_v lay_v down_o direct_o in_o the_o text._n 3._o the_o manner_n of_o his_o obedience_n all_o which_o be_v lay_v down_o direct_o in_o the_o text._n for_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o obedience_n it_o follow_v in_o these_o word_n to_o go_v out_o into_o a_o place_n etc._n etc._n the_o particular_a matter_n wherein_o abraham_n obedience_n consist_v be_v this_o at_o god_n commandment_n he_o go_v out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n into_o another_o for_o one_o which_o he_o shall_v inherit_v he_o leave_v that_o which_o he_o do_v inherit_v here_o many_o point_n of_o good_a instruction_n may_v be_v learned_a first_o see_v here_o the_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o true_a faith_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a hard_a thing_n for_o abraham_n to_o do_v thus_o for_o first_o he_o be_v well_o strike_v in_o year_n 75._o year_n old_a young_a man_n delight_v to_o be_v stir_v but_o man_n grow_v into_o year_n do_v love_n to_o settle_v themselves_o as_o bird_n in_o their_o nest_n and_o it_o be_v grievous_a unto_o they_o to_o think_v of_o remove_v or_o take_v long_a journey_n second_o he_o must_v leave_v his_o own_o country_n where_o he_o be_v breed_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o which_o all_o man_n general_o do_v love_n by_o nature_n three_o he_o must_v leave_v his_o good_n and_o land_n and_o live_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v great_a for_o have_v live_v so_o long_o in_o his_o native_a country_n and_o be_v bear_v as_o he_o be_v his_o estate_n doubtless_o be_v very_o great_a four_o he_o must_v leave_v his_o acquaintance_n with_o which_o he_o have_v live_v all_o his_o life_n yea_o his_o own_o kindred_n and_o must_v go_v live_v among_o stranger_n these_o four_o consideration_n be_v so_o many_o hindrance_n to_o his_o obedience_n and_o strong_a temptation_n to_o make_v he_o have_v look_v backward_o but_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o be_v command_v of_o god_n therefore_o he_o obay_v and_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
yet_o never_o be_v save_v unless_o therewithal_o we_o have_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v unto_o we_o and_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o seal_v in_o our_o conscience_n by_o god_n holy_a spirit_n again_o consider_v who_o speak_v these_o word_n but_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v we_o shall_v find_v in_o genesis_n 21.12_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o let_v it_o not_o say_v god_n unto_o abraham_n be_v grievous_a in_o thy_o sight_n for_o the_o child_n and_o for_o the_o bondwoman_n in_o all_o that_o sarah_n shall_v say_v unto_o thou_o hear_v her_o voice_n which_o be_v to_o cast_v out_o the_o bondwoman_n and_o her_o son_n ishmael_n for_o say_v god_n in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v here_o observe_v a_o notable_a practice_n of_o abraham_n as_o a_o good_a direction_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n submit_v themselves_o outward_o to_o the_o ministry_n and_o regiment_n thereof_o abraham_n here_o have_v two_o son_n isaac_n and_o ishmael_n he_o circumcise_v they_o both_o and_o instruct_v they_o both_o for_o he_o teach_v all_o his_o household_n to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o fear_v and_o obey_v he_o gen._n 18.19_o he_o judge_v they_o both_o to_o be_v in_o one_o state_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n covenant_n though_o they_o be_v not_o but_o that_o difference_n be_v make_v by_o god_n abraham_n do_v not_o on_o his_o own_o head_n and_o by_o his_o own_o will_n put_v ishmael_n out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o his_o family_n but_o god_n bid_v he_o put_v he_o out_o and_o then_o he_o put_v he_o out_o and_o not_o before_o till_o such_o time_n he_o keep_v he_o in_o and_o hold_v he_o to_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n be_v even_o so_o must_v we_o deal_v towards_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n secret_a judgement_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n and_o till_o god_n manifest_v the_o contrary_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n we_o must_v hold_v they_o all_o elect_v this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o saint_n paul_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o corinth_n 1._o corinth_n 1.2_o he_o call_v they_o all_o sanctify_a and_o to_o the_o galatian_n gal._n 1.2_o he_o call_v they_o all_o elect_v speak_v so_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n although_o he_o know_v that_o among_o they_o there_o be_v many_o profane_a and_o wicked_a man_n and_o though_o he_o reprove_v many_o great_a error_n and_o heinous_a sin_n among_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o argument_n whereby_o abraham_n faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o namely_o the_o great_a impediment_n which_o may_v hinder_v the_o same_o now_o follow_v the_o second_o argument_n or_o reason_n whereby_o his_o faith_n be_v commend_v to_o wit_n abraham_n victory_n over_o these_o impediment_n or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o overcome_v they_o and_o induce_v himself_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o these_o word_n verse_n 19_o for_o he_o consider_v or_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n that_o make_v abraham_n to_o offer_v his_o son_n and_o yet_o believe_v the_o promise_n that_o in_o he_o his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o abraham_n have_v rather_o have_v die_v himself_o if_o it_o may_v have_v stand_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o to_o have_v sacrifice_v his_o son_n how_o then_o do_v he_o induce_v himself_o to_o offer_v he_o up_o ans._n by_o this_o which_o be_v here_o set_v down_o he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v diverse_a point_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o we_o first_o observe_v the_o text_n say_v not_o that_o abraham_n murmur_v or_o reason_v against_o god_n but_o reason_v with_o himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o his_o son_n again_o and_o thereby_o induce_v himself_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n unto_o god_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o when_o god_n lay_v upon_o we_o any_o hard_a commandment_n we_o must_v not_o plead_v the_o case_n with_o god_n or_o murmur_v against_o he_o but_o with_o all_o quietness_n and_o meekness_n obey_v this_o be_v a_o notable_a grace_n of_o god_n commend_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n himself_o in_o rest_n and_o quietness_n say_v god_n isaiah_n 30.15_o shall_v be_v your_o strength_n in_o quietness_n and_o confidence_n shall_v you_o be_v save_v many_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o endure_v or_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o god_n impose_v on_o his_o child_n but_o our_o spiritual_a strength_n stand_v in_o these_o two_o in_o silence_n or_o rest_n and_o in_o quietness_n by_o these_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v when_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n the_o son_n of_o aaron_n offer_v strange_a fire_n before_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v there_o go_v out_o a_o fire_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o devour_v they_o so_o they_o die_v before_o the_o lord_n 10.1.2_o now_o when_o aaron_n their_o father_n ask_v moses_n a_o cause_n hereof_o moses_n say_v it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n speak_v he_o will_v be_v glorify_v in_o all_o that_o come_v near_o he_o which_o when_o aaron_n hear_v the_o text_n say_v he_o heide_v his_o peace_n and_o say_v not_o a_o word_n so_o david_n behave_v himself_o in_o the_o case_n of_o distress_n i_o hold_v my_o peace_n and_o say_v nothing_o because_o thou_o lord_n do_v it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o special_a point_n for_o we_o to_o learn_v and_o practice_n we_o must_v not_o grudge_v or_o repine_v at_o god_n hard_a commandment_n nor_o plead_v the_o case_n with_o he_o but_o in_o all_o quietness_n and_o silence_n obey_v god_n in_o all_o that_o he_o say_v unto_o us._n again_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o abraham_n reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a etc._n etc._n here_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n that_o believe_v to_o have_v good_a knowledge_n in_o god_n word_n that_o when_o a_o temptation_n come_v against_o his_o faith_n by_o knowledge_n and_o reason_v out_o of_o god_n word_n he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o put_v back_o the_o same_o for_o all_o our_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n so_o do_v abraham_n in_o this_o place_n against_o this_o strong_a temptation_n reason_n out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o stay_v himself_o so_o that_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o therefore_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v erroneous_a and_o here_o condemn_v which_o say_v that_o if_o a_o man_n become_v devout_a &_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v though_o he_o know_v not_o what_o the_o church_n believe_v yet_o this_o faith_n will_v save_v he_o but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a device_n of_o their_o own_o and_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o we_o see_v here_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n be_v necessary_a for_o he_o that_o have_v true_a save_v faith_n but_o what_o be_v abraham_n argument_n whereby_o he_o move_v himself_o to_o obey_v god_n sure_o this_o he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a one_o part_n of_o his_o reason_n he_o take_v for_o grant_v which_o here_o he_o conceal_v for_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o he_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v now_o this_o he_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o god_n will_v never_o change_v his_o promise_n from_o whence_o he_o reason_v thus_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n my_o son_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v sacrifice_v my_o son_n according_a to_o his_o commandment_n for_o this_o i_o know_v certain_o that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v my_o seed_n be_v call_v see_v god_n have_v promise_v that_o as_o well_o as_o he_o command_v this_o other_o in_o this_o example_n we_o see_v a_o mean_n set_v down_o unto_o we_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o hard_a and_o difficult_a case_n impose_v by_o god_n which_o be_v a_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v careful_o of_o every_o one_o of_o us._n for_o say_v that_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o touch_v in_o conscience_n for_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o even_o despair_v of_o our_o own_o salvation_n what_o must_v we_o do_v in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v take_v abraham_n course_n and_o dispute_v with_o ourselves_o for_o ourselves_o &_o we_o must_v draw_v our_o argument_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n we_o must_v join_v the_o promise_n and_o power_n of_o god_n together_o as_o for_o example_n thus_o we_o must_v say_v god_n have_v make_v this_o promise_n this_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o i_o do_v believe_v it_o
they_o otherwhile_o his_o holy_a angel_n bring_v they_o message_n from_o god_n and_o sometime_o they_o have_v his_o will_n reveal_v unto_o they_o by_o dream_n and_o vision_n all_o which_o be_v notable_a help_n and_o mean_n both_o to_o begin_v and_o to_o increase_v faith_n in_o they_o but_o joseph_n want_v all_o these_o mean_n or_o at_o least_o many_o of_o they_o for_o read_v his_o whole_a history_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o find_v that_o either_o angel_n appear_v unto_o he_o or_o else_o that_o god_n by_o dream_n and_o vision_n speak_v unto_o he_o and_o no_o marvel_n for_o he_o live_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n where_o gods_n presence_n be_v in_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a egypt_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o be_v here_o match_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o three_o worthy_a patriarch_n it_o be_v then_o a_o good_a question_n how_o joseph_n shall_v come_v by_o this_o faith_n answer_n we_o must_v know_v this_o that_o though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o like_a extraordinary_a mean_n with_o the_o patriarch_n yet_o he_o want_v not_o all_o mean_n for_o in_o his_o young_a day_n he_o be_v train_v up_o in_o his_o father_n jacob_n family_n and_o by_o he_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o his_o late_a day_n also_o he_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o father_n company_n and_o instruction_n in_o egypt_n now_o jacob_n be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a father_n but_o a_o notable_a patriarch_n and_o a_o holy_a prophet_n in_o who_o family_n god_n have_v place_v his_o visible_a church_n in_o those_o day_n wherein_o jacob_n be_v the_o lord_n prophet_n and_o minister_n now_o joseph_n both_o in_o his_o young_a age_n and_o also_o after_o his_o father_n come_v to_o egypt_n do_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o he_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n come_v to_o this_o excellent_a faith_n for_o which_o he_o be_v so_o commend_v here_o and_o match_v with_o his_o father_n the_o holy_a patriarch_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o preach_n of_o god_n word_n by_o his_o minister_n though_o extraordinary_a mean_n as_o revelation_n and_o vision_n be_v want_v be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o faith_n yea_o to_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o the_o three_o patriarch_n have_v indeed_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n he_o which_o speak_v unto_o we_o be_v but_o a_o man_n as_o other_o be_v but_o yet_o the_o word_n which_o he_o deliver_v be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o the_o mighty_a word_n of_o god_n and_o look_v what_o be_v true_o pronounce_v by_o he_o unto_o we_o out_o of_o god_n word_n the_o same_o be_v as_o certain_o seal_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n as_o if_o god_n himself_o from_o heaven_n shall_v extraordinary_o reveal_v the_o same_o and_o howsoever_o in_o former_a time_n man_n have_v vision_n and_o dream_n and_o angel_n from_o god_n himself_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o they_o yet_o this_o ministry_n of_o god_n word_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v as_o sufficient_a a_o mean_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o increase_n of_o true_a faith_n as_o that_o be_v then_o this_o plain_o confute_v all_o those_o that_o neglect_n or_o contemn_v the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n &_o look_v for_o extraordinary_a revelation_n and_o for_o vision_n &_o dream_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v notable_o check_v all_o such_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n by_o the_o word_n of_o abraham_n to_o dives_fw-la 16._o saying_n of_o dives_fw-la brethren_n that_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o neither_o will_v they_o believe_v though_o one_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o dead_a again_o verse_n 31_o insinuate_v that_o if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n will_v make_v he_o to_o believe_v neither_o revelation_n nor_o vision_n no_o not_o the_o word_n of_o they_o that_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a second_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n ordinance_n in_o the_o holy_a ministry_n to_o beget_v and_o to_o increase_v true_a faith_n must_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n not_o only_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v unto_o we_o but_o to_o profit_v by_o it_o both_o in_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v handle_v be_v the_o commendation_n of_o josephs_n faith_n by_o two_o action_n thereof_o to_o wit_n 1._o his_o mention_n of_o the_o departure_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n 2._o his_o commandment_n concern_v his_o bone_n of_o both_o which_o we_o will_v speak_v brief_o because_o the_o special_a point_n herein_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n for_o the_o first_o joseph_n when_o he_o die_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o depart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v out_o of_o egypt_n into_o canaan_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v a_o most_o notable_a work_n of_o faith_n it_o make_v a_o man_n to_o keep_v in_o memory_n the_o merciful_a promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v unto_o he_o this_o be_v it_o which_o commend_v josephs_n faith_n for_o a_o lively_a faith_n that_o be_v about_o to_o die_v he_o remember_v this_o merciful_a promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o his_o forefather_n touch_v their_o posterity_n to_o wit_n that_o after_o they_o have_v continue_v as_o servant_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n 400._o year_n they_o shall_v then_o have_v a_o good_a issue_n and_o a_o happy_a deliverance_n and_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n gen._n 15.13_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a work_n of_o faith_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o two_o notable_a effect_n hereof_o in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o first_o by_o this_o remembrance_n of_o god_n merciful_a promise_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o distress_n and_o extremity_n do_v find_v comfort_n unto_o his_o soul_n this_o bring_v to_o his_o memory_n the_o wonderful_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o be_v comfort_v when_o david_n be_v in_o a_o most_o desperate_a case_n so_o as_o he_o cry_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o affliction_n and_o temptation_n will_v the_o lord_n absent_v himself_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o show_v no_o more_o favour_n be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v do_v his_o mercy_n fail_v for_o evermore_o psal._n 77_o with_o such_o like_o most_o fearful_a speech_n how_o do_v he_o then_o comfort_v himself_o in_o this_o distress_n answ._n sure_o by_o remember_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o wonder_n of_o old_a and_o by_o meditate_v in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o gracious_a act_n which_o he_o have_v do_v for_o he_o so_o likewise_o in_o another_o place_n in_o great_a anguish_n of_o spirit_n he_o say_v to_o his_o soul_n why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o psalm_n 43.5_o yet_o in_o the_o next_o word_n he_o thus_o stay_v himself_o wait_v on_o god_n for_o i_o will_v yet_o give_v thanks_n unto_o he_o he_o be_v my_o present_a help_n and_o my_o god_n how_o come_v david_n to_o say_v so_o in_o this_o distress_n answer_n by_o mean_n of_o faith_n which_o do_v revive_v and_o refresh_v the_o dead_a heart_n of_o man_n by_o bring_v to_o his_o remembrance_n the_o merciful_a promise_n of_o god_n saint_n paul_n press_v with_o corruption_n cry_v out_o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n rom._n 7.24_o yet_o in_o the_o next_o word_n he_o say_v i_o thank_v my_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n then_o i_o myself_o in_o my_o mind_n serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n how_o come_v the_o latter_a word_n to_o follow_v on_o the_o former_a answer_n in_o the_o first_o word_n indeed_o he_o be_v cast_v down_o with_o the_o view_n and_o sight_n of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n which_o draw_v he_o headlong_o into_o sin_n but_o yet_o the_o late_a word_n be_v a_o remembrance_n of_o the_o merciful_a deliverance_n from_o sin_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o he_o by_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o break_v out_o to_o this_o say_n i_o thank_v my_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n second_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n promise_n serve_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o sin_n for_o man_n nature_n be_v as_o ready_a and_o prone_a to_o sin_n as_o fire_n be_v to_o burn_v when_o fuel_n be_v put_v to_o it_o but_o when_o by_o faith_n he_o call_v to_o mind_n god_n merciful_a promise_n especial_o those_o which_o be_v
set_v down_o unto_o we_o example_n of_o faith_n more_o at_o large_a but_o from_o this_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o heap_n up_o brief_o together_o many_o example_n of_o faith_n one_o upon_o another_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v first_o because_o the_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v very_o great_a and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o here_o stand_v to_o set_v they_o down_o in_o order_n one_o by_o one_o second_o by_o handle_v all_o the_o example_n at_o large_a which_o the_o author_n propound_v in_o this_o short_a epistle_n he_o shall_v have_v seem_v to_o have_v restrain_v the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o faith_n to_o a_o very_a few_o for_o all_o that_o be_v here_o name_v and_o commend_v for_o their_o faith_n be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o all_o that_o true_o believe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o he_o heap_n up_o the_o rest_n together_o to_o intimate_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v more_o than_o he_o can_v record_v and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o a_o rhetorical_a preterition_n or_o pass_v over_o call_v in_o school_n paralepsis_n whereby_o matter_n be_v brief_o dispatch_v and_o pass_v over_o with_o the_o very_o name_v only_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o that_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o have_v propound_v diverse_a worthy_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v also_o many_o more_o but_o the_o time_n of_o write_v a_o epistle_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o handle_v they_o all_o at_o large_a first_o in_o this_o particular_a quick_a dispatch_n of_o believer_n by_o our_o apostle_n we_o may_v observe_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o infinite_a understanding_n of_o god_n and_o the_o create_a understanding_n that_o be_v in_o man_n mind_n man_n indeed_o understand_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v to_o he_o of_o god_n but_o yet_o in_o a_o manner_n and_o order_n far_o different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v in_o god_n for_o man_n can_v conceive_v in_o his_o mind_n all_o the_o thing_n he_o know_v at_o once_o by_o one_o act_n of_o his_o understanding_n but_o must_v have_v distinct_a time_n to_o conceive_v of_o they_o one_o by_o one_o distinct_o for_o look_v as_o he_o utter_v they_o distinct_o one_o by_o one_o as_o we_o see_v in_o this_o place_n so_o likewise_o do_v he_o apprehend_v they_o in_o conceit_n and_o understanding_n but_o with_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o god_n at_o once_o by_o one_o act_n of_o understanding_n without_o distinction_n of_o time_n do_v conceive_v of_o all_o thing_n at_o once_o both_o past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v and_o so_o can_v utter_v and_o express_v they_o if_o any_o creature_n be_v able_a in_o conceit_n so_o to_o comprehend_v they_o second_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v the_o time_n will_v be_v too_o short_a etc._n etc._n he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v very_o great_a and_o that_o a_o long_a time_n will_v not_o serve_v to_o repeat_v they_o or_o to_o write_v of_o they_o this_o direct_v we_o unto_o a_o good_a answer_n to_o a_o question_n which_o much_o trouble_v our_o common_a people_n to_o wit_n how_o great_a be_v the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v whether_o be_v it_o great_a than_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v damn_v ans._n we_o must_v consider_v the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_v 2._o way_n 1._o in_o comparison_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v condemn_v second_o in_o themselves_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o elect_a with_o the_o reprobate_n the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n for_o in_o most_o age_n the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v be_v but_o a_o handful_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n this_o likewise_o be_v true_a many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o that_o be_v call_v but_o yet_o consider_v the_o elect_a as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o they_o be_v a_o huge_a great_a number_n yea_o innumerable_a as_o saint_n john_n say_v speak_v of_o the_o elect_a among_o the_o gentile_n beside_o the_o choose_a jew_n for_o all_o that_o do_v true_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v now_o believer_n be_v innumerable_a this_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n will_v insinuate_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o phrase_n of_o speech_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o etc._n etc._n in_o handle_v these_o example_n we_o must_v observe_v the_o order_n here_o use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o in_o this_o 32._o verse_n he_o set_v down_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n that_o believe_v all_o joint_o together_o rehearse_v they_o one_o by_o one_o and_o in_o the_o 33_o 34_o 45_o verse_n he_o lay_v down_o brief_o the_o fruit_n of_o all_o their_o faith_n in_o number_n ten_o most_o notable_a action_n serve_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o most_o worthy_o to_o commend_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o they_o we_o will_v follow_v the_o order_n observe_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o first_o speak_v of_o the_o person_n then_o of_o their_o action_n the_o four_o first_o be_v these_o gedeon_n barac_n samson_n and_o jephte_n these_o four_o be_v judge_n in_o israel_n the_o five_o be_v david_n who_o be_v both_o a_o prophet_n and_o a_o king_n the_o six_o be_v samuel_n both_o a_o judge_n and_o a_o prophet_n last_o the_o prophet_n general_o by_o who_o we_o must_v understand_v especial_o these_o three_o elias_n eliseus_n and_o daniel_n in_o speak_v of_o these_o person_n here_o commend_v unto_o we_o first_o we_o will_v entreat_v of_o they_o general_o and_o then_o in_o particular_a in_o general_n let_v we_o first_o observe_v the_o order_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o use_v in_o name_v they_o gedeon_n for_o time_n be_v after_o barac_n and_o yet_o here_o he_o be_v first_o name_v so_o samson_n be_v after_o jephte_n and_o yet_o here_o he_o be_v put_v before_o he_o this_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v never_o do_v without_o some_o special_a cause_n we_o therefore_o must_v know_v that_o the_o scripture_n use_v a_o twofold_a order_n in_o reckon_v up_o of_o person_n to_o wit_n the_o order_n of_o time_n when_o as_o he_o that_o live_v first_o be_v first_o name_v and_o the_o order_n of_o dignity_n when_o the_o most_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a be_v name_v first_o though_o he_o be_v late_a in_o time_n now_o the_o scripture_n account_v best_a of_o they_o that_o do_v excel_v in_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o so_o in_o this_o place_n whereas_o gedeon_n be_v set_v before_o barac_n &_o samson_n before_o jephte_n the_o holy_a ghost_n observe_v not_o the_o order_n of_o time_n but_o the_o order_n of_o dignity_n according_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o faith_n name_v they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o be_v most_o famous_a for_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o do_v exceed_v the_o other_o in_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o here_o we_o learn_v this_o special_a point_n that_o the_o more_o man_n excel_v in_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o more_o god_n will_v honour_v they_o for_o look_v who_o most_o honour_n god_n shall_v be_v most_o honour_v of_o he_o but_o the_o more_o a_o man_n excel_v in_o grace_n the_o more_o he_o honour_v god_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v gedeon_n prefer_v before_o barac_n and_o samson_n before_o jephte_n because_o they_o be_v more_o plentiful_a in_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n this_o must_v move_v we_o not_o only_o to_o seek_v to_o have_v faith_n but_o to_o labour_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n for_o the_o more_o a_o man_n abound_v in_o grace_n before_o god_n the_o more_o will_v god_n honour_v he_o both_o here_o and_o in_o heaven_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o order_n wherein_o they_o be_v propound_v second_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n these_o be_v gedeon_n barac_n and_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v extraordinary_a man_n in_o their_o time_n raise_v up_o by_o god_n for_o the_o special_a good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o may_v help_v and_o defend_v they_o in_o distress_n and_o therefore_o as_o their_o call_n be_v extraordinary_a so_o god_n endue_v they_o with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n strength_n zeal_n and_o authority_n for_o which_o they_o be_v here_o renown_v in_o this_o catalogue_n of_o most_o worthy_a believer_n in_o their_o example_n we_o may_v observe_v this_o point_n that_o who_o god_n do_v raise_v up_o extraordinary_o for_o some_o special_a good_a in_o his_o church_n they_o he_o endue_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n to_o discharge_v that_o call_n and_o withal_o he_o give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n with_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n
whereof_o we_o must_v all_o labour_n diligent_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o get_v true_a faith_n in_o christ_n that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v approbation_n at_o god_n hand_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o second_o here_o also_o learn_v the_o right_a way_n to_o get_v testimony_n approbation_n and_o credit_n with_o man_n a_o thing_n whereof_o many_o be_v exceed_v glad_a and_o which_o the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v not_o contemn_v now_o the_o way_n be_v this_o he_o must_v first_o labour_n to_o get_v approbation_n at_o gods_n hand_n which_o indeed_o he_o can_v do_v any_o other_o way_n save_v only_o by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v before_o now_o the_o lord_n god_n approve_v of_o he_o he_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n in_o his_o hand_n incline_v they_o whither_o he_o will_v and_o if_o it_o do_v stand_v with_o his_o glory_n he_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o like_v and_o to_o speak_v well_o of_o he_o that_o do_v believe_v many_o indeed_o get_v great_a applause_n in_o the_o world_n which_o little_a regard_n true_a faith_n but_o in_o the_o end_n this_o their_o glory_n and_o applause_n will_v be_v their_o shame_n for_o they_o that_o honour_v i_o will_v i_o honour_v say_v the_o lord_n but_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o shall_v be_v despise_v 1._o sam._n 2.30_o last_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o all_o these_o worthy_a man_n obtain_v testimony_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n we_o be_v hereby_o teach_v that_o we_o which_o now_o live_v in_o the_o church_n be_v much_o more_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o believe_v than_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n they_o receive_v it_o not_o and_o yet_o believe_v wherefore_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n let_v we_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n but_o some_o will_v say_v what_o shall_v we_o hear_v so_o much_o of_o faith_n we_o do_v all_o believe_v answ._n indeed_o we_o say_v so_o much_o with_o our_o mouth_n but_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n to_o find_v true_a and_o sound_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n for_o gros●e_n and_o palpable_a ignorance_n abound_v every_o where_o and_o yet_o man_n will_v needs_o be_v good_a believer_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o how_o shall_v faith_n be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o as_o man_n be_v ignorant_a so_o they_o have_v no_o care_n to_o learn_v nor_o to_o get_v knowledge_n that_o so_o they_o may_v come_v by_o true_a faith_n their_o heart_n be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o world_n for_o matter_n of_o profit_n and_o delight_n that_o they_o can_v spare_v no_o time_n to_o seek_v for_o this_o precious_a gift_n of_o faith_n again_o many_o have_v knowledge_n with_o who_o true_a faith_n be_v rare_a for_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v join_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o show_v itself_o by_o obedience_n through_o love_n now_o to_o leave_v the_o heart_n to_o god_n where_o almost_o be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v answerable_a to_o his_o knowledge_n may_v we_o not_o true_o say_v of_o many_o that_o as_o the_o word_n come_v in_o at_o the_o one_o ear_n it_o go_v out_o at_o the_o other_o and_o among_o those_o which_o learn_v and_o bear_v away_o something_o there_o be_v little_a care_n to_o practise_v it_o in_o life_n but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v approve_v of_o god_n we_o must_v believe_v now_o so_o long_o as_o we_o remain_v ignorant_a or_o else_o have_v knowledge_n do_v not_o join_v practice_n therewith_o in_o obedience_n from_o a_o good_a conscience_n undoubted_o we_o have_v no_o spark_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o us._n we_o may_v make_v a_o show_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n we_o believe_v but_o certain_o this_o will_v prove_v a_o very_a dead_a faith_n and_o in_o the_o end_n and_o finish_v of_o all_o appear_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o bare_a lip-faith_n and_o mere_a presumption_n now_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n we_o must_v know_v that_o unless_o we_o get_v true_a faith_n as_o these_o believer_n have_v which_o we_o must_v show_v by_o good_a fruit_n as_o they_o do_v even_o they_o shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o to_o condemn_v we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o they_o believe_v though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n so_o lay_v before_o they_o as_o we_o have_v wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o want_v knowledge_n labour_n for_o it_o and_o they_o which_o have_v it_o let_v they_o join_v obedience_n with_o their_o knowledge_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o life_n for_o true_a faith_n can_v be_v hide_v but_o will_v break_v out_o in_o good_a work_n verse_n 40._o god_n provide_v a_o better_a thing_n for_o we_o that_o they_o without_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v make_v perfect_a because_o some_o man_n may_v much_o marvel_v that_o such_o man_n as_o receive_a testimony_n of_o god_n for_o their_o faith_n shall_v not_o yet_o receive_v the_o promise_n therefore_o here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n render_v a_o reason_n thereof_o to_o wit_n the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n appoint_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v incarnate_a at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o perfect_a consummation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n consist_v of_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n for_o though_o these_o ancient_a believer_n be_v in_o time_n long_o before_o we_o yet_o god_n provide_v christ_n incarnation_n so_o fit_o for_o we_o that_o they_o without_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v perfect_a consummation_n in_o glory_n the_o exposition_n god_n provide_v a_o better_a thing_n for_o us._n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n translate_v provide_v signify_v proper_o foreseeing_a wherein_o be_v likewise_o include_v god_n decree_n and_o ordination_n now_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a prerogative_n belong_v to_o the_o true_a god_n alone_o to_o be_v able_a to_o foresee_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o that_o many_o thousand_o year_n before_o no_o creature_n of_o himself_o can_v do_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o property_n to_o foresee_v be_v ascribe_v unto_o god_n not_o proper_o but_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o capacity_n for_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n proper_o god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o foresee_v any_o thing_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v present_a to_o he_o whether_o past_a or_o to_o come_v this_o prescience_n or_o foreknowledge_n in_o god_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o all_o false_a god_n yea_o between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o all_o creature_n for_o the_o true_a god_n foresee_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v so_o can_v no_o creature_n do_v indeed_o some_o creature_n foresee_v and_o foretell_v some_o thing_n yet_o herein_o they_o come_v short_a of_o the_o divine_a property_n for_o god_n foresee_v all_o thing_n by_o himself_o without_o sign_n or_o cause_n or_o outward_a mean_n but_o creature_n only_o foresee_v some_o thing_n not_o of_o themselves_o but_o by_o mean_n of_o sign_n and_o outward_a cause_n or_o by_o revelation_n from_o god_n otherwise_o can_v no_o creature_n foresee_v thing_n to_o come_v now_o as_o we_o say_v before_o this_o foresight_n in_o god_n include_v his_o decree_n and_o ordination_n for_o therefore_o do_v these_o thing_n so_o come_v to_o pass_v because_o god_n ordain_v they_o whereby_o we_o see_v that_o god_n prescience_n of_o foreknowledge_n be_v not_o idle_a but_o operative_a and_o join_v with_o his_o will_n for_o math._n 10.29_o 30_o a_o hair_n can_v fall_v from_o our_o head_n nor_o a_o sparrow_n light_n upon_o the_o ground_n without_o his_o will_n as_o all_o thing_n in_o time_n come_v to_o pass_v so_o god_n before_o all_o world_n will_v that_o be_v decree_v and_o appoint_v they_o and_o under_o this_o large_a extent_n of_o god_n will_v or_o decree_n we_o must_v include_v the_o sinful_a action_n of_o man_n for_o god_n do_v not_o bare_o foresee_v they_o but_o decree_v the_o be_v of_o they_o and_o so_o will_v they_o after_o a_o sort_n though_o not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o himself_o yet_o by_o other_o when_o judas_n betray_v christ_n and_o pilate_n with_o the_o wicked_a jew_n condemn_v and_o revile_v he_o they_o sin_v grievous_o &_o yet_o herein_o they_o do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o god_n hand_n and_o counsel_n have_v determine_v before_o to_o be_v do_v this_o point_n well_o consider_v confute_v their_o opinion_n who_o indeed_o enlarge_v god_n prescience_n or_o before_o knowledge_n over_o all_o thing_n both_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o yet_o exclude_v sin_n from_o without_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o decree_n and_o ordination_n but_o here_o we_o see_v god_n foresight_n include_v his_o decree_n and_o nothing_o
witness_n but_o rather_o be_v except_v against_o as_o altogether_o unworthy_a and_o so_o will_v prove_v a_o discredit_n to_o his_o friend_n cause_n &_o a_o shame_n to_o himself_o so_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o christ_n cause_n if_o we_o profess_v in_o word_n &_o deny_v indeed_o we_o discredit_v christ_n and_o his_o profession_n &_o shame_v ourselves_o for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o only_o in_o word_n and_o judgement_n but_o in_o life_n &_o conversation_n to_o make_v a_o true_a &_o constant_a confession_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o exhortation_n now_o follow_v the_o 2._o point_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o verse_n namely_o the_o manner_n how_o god_n church_n &_o people_n may_v put_v in_o practice_n this_o worthy_a exhortation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o three_o duty_n 1._o they_o must_v cast_v away_o that_o which_o press_v down_o 2._o they_o must_v cast_v away_o that_o sin_n that_o hang_v so_o fast_o on_o or_o sin_n which_o so_o ready_o do_v compass_v we_o about_o 3._o they_o must_v run_v the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o they_o with_o patience_n whosoever_o in_o god_n church_n either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n can_v perform_v these_o 3._o thing_n shall_v be_v able_a no_o doubt_n to_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o continue_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o these_o 3._o in_o order_n the_o 1._o thing_n then_o to_o be_v do_v be_v this_o we_o must_v cast_v away_o that_o which_o press_v down_o or_o thus_o cast_v away_o the_o weight_n or_o burden_n for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n signify_v even_o that_o burden_n which_o so_o press_v down_o the_o poor_a christian_a that_o he_o can_v go_v on_o forward_o in_o the_o course_n of_o godliness_n and_o christianity_n by_o burden_n or_o weight_n here_o we_o must_v understand_v 5._o thing_n 1._o the_o love_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n 2._o care_v for_o earthly_a thing_n 3._o riches_n &_o temporal_a wealth_n 4._o worldly_n honour_n &_o preferment_n 5._o worldly_n delight_n and_o pleasure_n all_o these_o be_v thing_n which_o lie_v heavy_a on_o man_n soul_n as_o weighty_a burden_n which_o press_v it_o down_o especial_o then_o when_o the_o soul_n shall_v lift_v up_o itself_o to_o seek_v heavenly_a thing_n so_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a riches_n pleasure_n &_o care_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v call_v thorn_n which_o choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o man_n heart_n and_o make_v it_o unfruitful_a and_o surfeit_v &_o drunkenness_n be_v say_v to_o be_v thing_n which_o oppress_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o heavy_a and_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o show_v by_o many_o testimony_n that_o all_o these_o five_o thing_n do_v press_v down_o the_o heart_n especial_o then_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v lift_v up_o in_o the_o seek_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n now_o in_o this_o that_o these_o 5._o thing_n be_v weighty_a burden_n we_o may_v learn_v first_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o in_o these_o our_o day_n every_o where_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v publish_v preach_v &_o expound_v take_v so_o little_a place_n in_o man_n heart_n whether_o we_o regard_v knowledge_n &_o understanding_n or_o affection_n and_o obedience_n for_o god_n word_n be_v a_o word_n of_o power_n mighty_a in_o operation_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v then_o that_o the_o ground_n be_v barren_a where_o it_o be_v cast_v why_o make_v it_o not_o man_n learned_a &_o religious_a ans._n sure_o in_o every_o place_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v especial_o among_o we_o these_o five_o thing_n possess_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n &_o exercise_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o after_o long_o preach_v there_o be_v little_a fruit_n or_o profit_n either_o for_o knowledge_n or_o obedience_n for_o where_o the_o heart_n be_v press_v down_o with_o the_o weight_n of_o these_o earthly_a thing_n there_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v take_v no_o place_n nor_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o this_o be_v general_o true_a among_o we_o though_o we_o hear_v god_n word_n from_o year_n to_o year_n and_o thereby_o may_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n &_o obedience_n if_o we_o will_v yet_o in_o many_o there_o be_v little_a show_n of_o either_o and_o the_o cause_n be_v in_o these_o worldly_a care_n which_o take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n for_o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o so_o long_o as_o our_o heart_n be_v addict_v to_o the_o greedy_a seek_v after_o these_o earthly_a thing_n honour_n pleasure_n etc._n etc._n so_o long_o will_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v barren_a the_o good_a seed_n of_o god_n word_n may_v be_v sow_v therein_o but_o little_a fruit_n shall_v come_v thereof_o save_o brier_n and_o weed_n which_o will_v increase_v our_o damnation_n again_o whereas_o the_o love_n of_o temporal_a life_n &_o care_n of_o earthly_a thing_n etc._n etc._n be_v sore_a burden_n press_v down_o a_o man_n heart_n from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n and_o make_v it_o heavy_a and_o sad_a and_o dead_a in_o regard_n of_o all_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o contemplation_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v oftentimes_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o elevate_v and_o lift_v up_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n to_o god_n partly_o by_o meditation_n in_o his_o word_n partly_o by_o invocation_n on_o his_o name_n and_o partly_o by_o thanksgiving_n and_o to_o do_v these_o thing_n the_o better_a we_o must_v remember_v to_o set_v apart_o some_o special_a time_n every_o day_n for_o this_o special_a work_n so_o as_o we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n psal._n 25.1_o lord_n i_o lift_v up_o my_o heart_n unto_o thou_o david_n be_v well_o acquint_v with_o this_o exercise_n and_o so_o be_v daniel_n for_o both_o of_o they_o use_v this_o as_o we_o may_v read_v psa._n 55.17_o evening_n and_o morning_n say_v david_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v &_o make_v a_o noise_n and_o daniel_n use_v to_o pray_v unto_o god_n 3._o time_n a_o day_n wherein_o 6.10_o he_o will_v hearty_o &_o unfeigned_o call_v upon_o god_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o great_a reason_n we_o shall_v do_v so_o for_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n wherein_o be_v innumerable_a weighty_a thing_n which_o press_v down_o our_o heart_n from_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n &_o therefore_o we_o must_v often_o practise_v ourselves_o in_o holy_a meditation_n &_o prayer_n unto_o god_n that_o so_o we_o may_v lift_v up_o our_o soul_n unto_o god_n from_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o use_v a_o fit_a comparison_n we_o know_v that_o those_o who_o keep_v clock_n if_o they_o will_v have_v the_o clock_n still_o go_v must_v once_o or_o twice_o a_o day_n wind_v up_o the_o plummet_n which_o cause_n the_o wheel_n to_o go_v about_o because_o they_o be_v still_o draw_v downward_o even_o so_o see_v our_o heart_n have_v plummet_n of_o lead_n which_o be_v worldly_a care_n and_o desire_n to_o press_v they_o down_o from_o seek_v up_o to_o heaven_n we_o must_v do_v with_o our_o heart_n as_o the_o clock-keeper_n do_v with_o his_o plummet_n wind_v they_o up_o unto_o god_n every_o day_n &_o for_o this_o end_n must_v set_v apart_o some_o particular_a time_n to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o holy_a duty_n why_o do_v god_n command_v the_o 7._o day_n to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o set_v apart_o from_o all_o bodily_a exercise_n &_o worldly_a care_n undoubted_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n to_o cause_n man_n to_o elevate_v their_o heart_n from_o all_o worldly_a thing_n to_o seek_v the_o thing_n above_o else_o if_o the_o mind_n shall_v be_v always_o press_v down_o with_o worldly_a care_n it_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o heaven_n joy_n he_o that_o have_v not_o conscience_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o lift_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o heaven_n by_o prayer_n and_o hear_v god_n word_n with_o meditation_n thereon_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o soundness_n in_o religion_n nor_o his_o heart_n firm_o settle_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n three_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o the_o hebrew_n must_v cast_v away_o the_o weight_n that_o press_v down_o here_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o what_o manner_n and_o how_o far_o forth_o we_o must_v use_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o riches_n honour_n and_o lawful_a pleasure_n yea_o and_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n whatsoever_o namely_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o will_v further_o we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o no_o further_o but_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o these_o temporal_a thing_n be_v a_o burden_n unto_o we_o press_v we_o down_o and_o make_v we_o unfit_a for_o
and_o we_o seem_v present_o to_o enjoy_v they_o we_o can_v enjoy_v any_o of_o they_o full_o but_o save_v faith_n have_v this_o power_n to_o give_v they_o all_o a_o present_a be_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o we_o such_o a_o real_a possession_n of_o they_o as_o great_o delight_v a_o christian_a soul_n insomuch_o as_o the_o feel_n of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o glory_n though_o it_o be_v to_o come_v overwhelm_v the_o feel_n of_o a_o worldly_a misery_n though_o it_o be_v present_a four_o it_o be_v add_v and_o the_o evidence_n this_o word_n signify_v and_o teach_v we_o two_o thing_n concern_v faith_n 1._o faith_n be_v a_o evidence_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v faith_n so_o convince_v the_o mind_n understanding_n and_o judgement_n as_o that_o it_o can_v but_o must_v needs_o yea_o it_o compel_v it_o by_o force_n of_o reason_n unanswerable_a to_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n certain_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o be_v whereas_o life_n everlasting_a and_o all_o other_o thing_n hope_v for_o be_v invisible_a and_o be_v never_o see_v of_o any_o believer_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v this_o save_a faith_n have_v this_o power_n and_o property_n to_o take_v that_o thing_n in_o itself_o invisible_a and_o never_o yet_o see_v and_o so_o lively_a to_o represent_v it_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o that_o after_o a_o sort_n he_o present_o see_v and_o enjoy_v that_o invisible_a thing_n and_o rejoice_v in_o that_o sight_n and_o enjoy_v of_o it_o and_o so_o the_o judgement_n be_v not_o only_o convince_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v though_o it_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v but_o the_o mind_n as_o far_o as_o god_n word_n have_v reveal_v and_o as_o it_o be_v able_a conceive_v of_o that_o thing_n as_o be_v real_o present_a to_o the_o view_n of_o it_o let_v one_o example_n serve_v for_o all_o life_n everlasting_a be_v a_o thing_n hope_v for_o now_o faith_n not_o only_o by_o infallible_a argument_n ground_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n convince_v a_o man_n judgement_n that_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v insomuch_o as_o he_o dare_v say_v that_o he_o know_v as_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o life_n everlasting_a as_o that_o he_o live_v and_o move_v but_o this_o faith_n also_o as_o much_o as_o god_n word_n have_v reveal_v and_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o conceive_v of_o it_o so_o represent_v this_o life_n everlasting_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o that_o the_o soul_n seem_v to_o apprehend_v and_o enjoy_v this_o life_n everlasting_a yea_o &_o often_o in_o such_o measure_n as_o that_o he_o contemn_v the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o present_a felicity_n of_o it_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o measure_n of_o the_o joy_n thereof_o which_o faith_n represent_v to_o his_o soul_n and_o thus_o faith_n make_v that_o present_a which_o be_v absent_a and_o make_v that_o manifest_a and_o visible_a which_o in_o itself_o be_v invisible_a invisible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n it_o make_v visible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o sight_n of_o which_o eye_n be_v both_o give_v and_o continue_v and_o daily_o sharpen_v by_o save_v faith_n and_o thus_o faith_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v so_o then_o the_o whole_a sum_n of_o this_o first_o effect_n be_v brief_o thus_o much_o whereas_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v as_o perfection_n of_o sanctification_n resurrection_n glorification_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o yet_o see_v neither_o can_v be_v in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o pass_v yet_o if_o a_o man_n have_v grace_n certain_o to_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n these_o thing_n shall_v have_v a_o be_v to_o his_o soul_n in_o that_o both_o his_o judgement_n know_v assure_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o his_o soul_n in_o most_o lively_a and_o joyful_a representation_n seem_v to_o enjoy_v they_o hitherto_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o effect_n now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n let_v we_o see_v what_o instruction_n this_o first_o effect_n thus_o unfold_v do_v minister_v unto_o us._n first_o whereas_o faith_n give_v a_o substance_n and_o be_v to_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o father_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o live_v afore_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n be_v true_o partaker_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ._n if_o any_o allege_v that_o this_o be_v strange_a consider_v that_o christ_n have_v they_o no_o body_n &_o blood_n neither_o have_v he_o any_o until_o the_o incarnation_n &_o how_o they_o can_v they_o receive_v that_o which_o they_o be_v not_o i_o grant_v it_o be_v true_a they_o they_o have_v no_o be_v and_o yet_o the_o father_n receive_v they_o but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v i_o answer_v by_o the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o save_v faith_n which_o make_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o nature_n to_o have_v in_o some_o sort_n a_o be_v &_o subsistence_n and_o so_o be_v christ_n though_o he_o be_v to_o come_v present_v to_o the_o believer_n of_o the_o old_a time_n for_o apoc._n 13.8_o christ_n be_v a_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v slay_v as_o well_o then_o as_o now_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o counsel_n &_o decree_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o be_v bear_v &_o slay_v in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n nor_o only_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o eternal_a power_n efficacy_n and_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n but_o also_o even_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o believer_n who_o faith_n make_v that_o that_o be_v local_o absent_a after_o a_o sort_n true_o and_o real_o present_a even_o so_o also_o be_v christ_n a_o lamb_n slay_v even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n see_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n hereof_o in_o joh._n 8.5.6_o abraham_n see_v i_o say_v christ_n and_o rejoice_v how_o can_v this_o be_v when_o as_o christ_n be_v not_o bear_v of_o 1000_o year_n after_o ans._n this_o can_v not_o be_v in_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v indeed_o to_o abraham_n faith_n whereby_o he_o see_v christ_n more_o lively_a and_o more_o to_o his_o joy_n &_o consolation_n so_o many_o 100_o year_n afore_o he_o be_v they_o many_o which_o live_v in_o christ_n time_n and_o see_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o and_o conver●ed_v with_o he_o for_o they_o live_v with_o he_o yet_o be_v as_o good_a as_o absent_v from_o he_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o in_o he_o and_o abraham_n though_o christ_n be_v so_o far_o from_o he_o yet_o by_o his_o faith_n be_v present_a with_o he_o again_o 1._o cor._n 10.3_o the_o ancient_a believe_v israelite_n eat_v the_o same_o spiritual_a bread_n and_o drink_v the_o same_o spiritual_a rock_n and_o that_o rock_n be_v christ_n how_o can_v they_o eat_v and_o drink_n christ_n so_o long_o afore_o he_o be_v i_o answer_v they_o do_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o wonderful_a power_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v a_o thing_n absent_a present_a to_o the_o believer_n by_o that_o faith_n they_o receive_v christ_n as_o lively_o as_o effectual_o as_o much_o to_o their_o profit_n and_o comfort_n as_o we_o do_v since_o his_o come_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v how_o can_v their_o faith_n apprehend_v that_o that_o then_o be_v not_o i_o answer_v by_o give_v they_o interest_n &_o title_n to_o it_o and_o so_o the_o father_n be_v say_v by_o faith_n to_o have_v receive_v christ_n because_o their_o faith_n give_v they_o right_a and_o title_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o feel_v the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n &_o resurrection_n whereby_o they_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o we_o be_v now_o by_o the_o same_o efficacy_n second_o whereas_o faith_n make_v thing_n absent_a present_a here_o they_o be_v confute_v that_o teach_v that_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v no_o sacrament_n unless_o the_o body_n &_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v either_o true_o turn_v into_o the_o bread_n &_o wine_n or_o at_o least_o be_v in_o or_o about_o the_o bread_n &_o that_o so_o he_o be_v local_o present_a &_o must_v local_o and_o substantial_o be_v receive_v and_o this_o say_v they_o be_v the_o most_o comfortable_a receive_v of_o christ_n for_o what_o comfort_n be_v it_o to_o receive_v one_o absent_a but_o these_o man_n know_v not_o this_o notable_a prerogative_n of_o true_a faith_n faith_n give_v be_v to_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o and_o make_v thing_n present_a which_o be_v absent_a they_o therefore_o that_o will_v have_v christ_n local_o present_a they_o take_v this_o noble_a prerogative_n from_o faith_n for_o here_o be_v nothing_o absent_a which_o faith_n shall_v make_v present_a we_o need_v not_o go_v in_o this_o sacrament_n to_o require_v a_o
the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o our_o elder_n obey_v this_o commandment_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n find_v the_o end_n of_o it_o everlasting_a life_n if_o we_o will_v attain_v the_o same_o end_n of_o the_o journey_n we_o must_v walk_v the_o same_o way_n but_o the_o world_n will_v say_v this_o be_v a_o needless_a exhortation_n for_o we_o walk_v this_o way_n we_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o look_v to_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n only_o by_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o can_v a_o man_n walk_v in_o a_o way_n and_o not_o leave_v mark_n &_o step_n behind_o he_o even_o so_o he_o that_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n follow_v he_o &_o you_o shall_v see_v step_n of_o his_o continual_a die_v unto_o sin_n &_o live_v unto_o holiness_n insomuch_o that_o a_o man_n that_o follow_v he_o &_o mark_v the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n in_o this_o way_n may_v evident_o say_v see_v where_o he_o have_v cast_v off_o &_o leave_v behind_o he_o this_o &_o that_o sin_n see_v where_o he_o have_v take_v up_o &_o carry_v with_o he_o these_o &_o those_o virtue_n &_o grace_n of_o god_n mark_v here_o be_v a_o print_n of_o his_o faith_n here_o be_v a_o print_n of_o his_o hope_n here_o be_v print_n of_o his_o love_n and_o thus_o may_v a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v follow_v &_o trace_v all_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n even_o until_o he_o come_v to_o his_o death_n which_o be_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n how_o mighty_o they_o be_v they_o deceive_v which_o think_v they_o have_v walk_v all_o their_o life_n in_o this_o way_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o one_o step_n to_o be_v see_v for_o assure_o this_o way_n be_v so_o beat●n_a and_o tread_v that_o no_o man_n ever_o tread_v in_o it_o since_o the_o world_n begin_v but_o he_o leave_v behind_o he_o manifest_a &_o visible_a step_n that_o all_o man_n that_o will_v look_v at_o he_o may_v see_v he_o have_v go_v that_o way_n as_o therefore_o we_o all_o desire_n to_o come_v to_o heaven_n &_o as_o we_o profess_v we_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n thither_o so_o let_v we_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o leave_v behind_o we_o our_o step_n namely_o token_n &_o print_n of_o our_o faith_n our_o hope_n and_o love_n which_o if_o we_o do_v then_o mark_v the_o excellent_a use_n of_o those_o step_n 1._o they_o testify_v unto_o all_o that_o see_v they_o that_o we_o walk_v the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o second_o they_o will_v serve_v for_o mark_n &_o direction_n for_o they_o that_o shall_v walk_v in_o the_o same_o way_n after_o us._n by_o the_o 1._o we_o shall_v leave_v a_o honourable_a testimony_n of_o ourselves_o behind_o we_o by_o the_o 2._o we_o shall_v move_v other_o to_o magnify_v god_n name_n to_o who_o our_o step_n have_v be_v mark_n &_o direction_n help_n &_o furtherance_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n second_o for_o what_o be_v these_o elder_n approve_v for_o their_o faith_n for_o nothing_o else_o among_o these_o elder_n samson_n be_v wonderful_a in_o strength_n solomon_n in_o wisdom_n joshua_n in_o courage_n moses_n in_o learning_n many_o of_o they_o in_o the_o honour_n and_o pomp_n of_o the_o world_n in_o beauty_n riches_n and_o other_o external_a gift_n and_o the_o most_o of_o they_o all_o in_o long_a life_n yet_o not_o for_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o be_v any_o of_o they_o say_v to_o be_v regard_v of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v plain_o say_v that_o for_o their_o faith_n god_n do_v approve_v they_o here_o then_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o thing_n among_o all_o thing_n that_o must_v make_v we_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n even_o this_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o rest_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n this_o will_v do_v it_o &_o nothing_o else_o have_v thou_o strength_n so_o have_v goliath_n as_o well_o as_o samson_n have_v thou_o beauty_n so_o have_v absalon_n as_o well_o or_o more_o they_o david_n have_v thou_o wisdom_n so_o have_v achitophel_n though_o not_o like_o solomon_n yet_o above_o ordinary_a man_n have_v thou_o riches_n esau_n 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of_o all_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o make_v a_o man_n accept_v of_o god_n four_o here_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o god_n child_n how_o to_o bestow_v &_o measure_v out_o their_o love_n &_o estimation_n in_o the_o world_n god_n love_v solomon_n more_o for_o his_o faith_n then_o for_o all_o his_o glory_n and_o wisdom_n and_o esteem_v more_o of_o moses_n for_o his_o faith_n they_o for_o all_o his_o learning_n so_o deal_v thou_o with_o thy_o wife_n thy_o child_n thy_o servant_n thy_o friend_n &_o with_o all_o man_n have_v thou_o a_o wife_n never_o so_o beautiful_a love_a honest_a &_o thrifty_a never_o so_o towards_o
it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o name_n which_o common_o be_v get_v in_o the_o world_n because_o man_n first_o seek_v not_o a_o good_a name_n with_o god_n but_o that_o good_a name_n which_o be_v obtain_v by_o faith_n will_v stand_v &_o continue_v all_o a_o man_n life_n and_o at_o his_o death_n leave_v behind_o it_o a_o sweet_a perfume_n &_o abide_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v second_o this_o maintain_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o religion_n against_o atheist_n and_o all_o enemy_n of_o it_o which_o esteem_n &_o call_v it_o a_o base_a &_o contemptible_a religion_n &_o of_o which_o can_v follow_v no_o credit_n nor_o estimation_n but_o see_v their_o malice_n be_v here_o control_v our_o religion_n be_v a_o most_o glorious_a &_o excellent_a profession_n it_o be_v the_o high_a way_n to_o get_v true_a credit_n &_o estimation_n it_o make_v a_o man_n honourable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n &_o man_n for_o by_o it_o our_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n which_o continue_v fresh_a to_o this_o day_n in_o the_o four_o place_n be_v they_o well_o report_v of_o for_o their_o faith_n therefore_o their_o faith_n be_v not_o hide_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o manifest_v in_o their_o life_n for_o the_o world_n can_v see_v nor_o commend_v they_o for_o their_o faith_n but_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n here_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o man_n must_v not_o be_v content_a to_o keep_v their_o faith_n close_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o they_o must_v exercise_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o then_o both_o these_o together_o will_v make_v a_o man_n true_o commendable_a thy_o faith_n approve_v thou_o unto_o god_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v that_o that_o honour_v thou_o and_o thy_o profession_n in_o the_o world_n last_o in_o that_o faith_n be_v that_o which_o approve_v our_o elder_n unto_o god_n here_o be_v a_o storehouse_n of_o comfort_n for_o all_o true_a professor_n of_o this_o faith_n be_v thou_o poor_a thy_o faith_n do_v make_v thou_o rich_a in_o god_n be_v thou_o simple_a and_o of_o mean_a reach_n thy_o faith_n be_v true_a wisdom_n before_o god_n be_v thou_o any_o way_n deform_v faith_n make_v thou_o beautiful_a unto_o god_n be_v thou_o weak_a feeble_a or_o sick_a thy_o faith_n do_v make_v thou_o strong_a in_o god_n be_v thou_o base_a in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o no_o account_n thy_o faith_n make_v thou_o honourable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n thus_o thou_o be_v poor_a and_o foolish_a and_o deform_v and_o sick_a and_o base_a in_o the_o world_n but_o mark_v how_o god_n have_v recompense_v thou_o he_o have_v give_v thou_o faith_n whereby_o thou_o be_v rich_a and_o beautiful_a &_o wise_a and_o strong_a &_o honourable_a in_o heaven_n with_o god_n say_v therefore_o with_o david_n the_o lot_n be_v fall_v unto_o thou_o in_o a_o fair_a ground_n and_o thou_o have_v a_o goodly_a heritage_n namely_o 16.6_o thy_o faith_n which_o thou_o will_v not_o change_v for_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n faith_n be_v the_o true_a riches_n the_o sound_a strength_n the_o last_a beauty_n the_o true_a wisdom_n the_o true_a honour_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n therefore_o take_v thyself_o 10000_o time_n more_o beholden_a unto_o god_n then_o if_o he_o have_v give_v thou_o the_o uncertain_a riches_n the_o crafty_a and_o yet_o foolish_a wisdom_n the_o decay_a strength_n the_o vanish_v beauty_n the_o transitory_a honour_n of_o this_o world_n if_o thou_o have_v true_a faith_n thou_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v many_o enemy_n 1._o the_o wicked_a of_o the_o world_n will_v never_o brook_v thou_o but_o open_o or_o privy_o hate_v &_o hurt_v thou_o then_o the_o devil_n be_v thy_o swear_a enemy_n how_o can_v thou_o deal_v with_o so_o powerful_a a_o enemy_n and_o all_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n here_o be_v sound_a comfort_n if_o thou_o have_v faith_n thou_o have_v god_n thy_o friend_n labour_v therefore_o for_o this_o true_a faith_n and_o then_o care_v not_o for_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o power_n night_n and_o day_n sleep_v and_o wake_v by_o land_n &_o sea_n thou_o be_v safe_a and_o secure_a the_o devil_n can_v hurt_v thou_o thy_o faith_n make_v thou_o accept_v of_o god_n and_o bring_v thou_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o protection_n that_o same_o little_a spark_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o thy_o heart_n be_v strong_a they_o all_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o sathan_n as_o for_o the_o malice_n which_o his_o instrument_n wicked_a man_n in_o this_o world_n show_v against_o thou_o in_o mock_n and_o abuse_n much_o less_o care_n for_o they_o for_o their_o nature_n be_v to_o speak_v evil_a and_o can_v do_v otherwise_o look_v not_o therefore_o at_o they_o but_o look_v up_o into_o heaven_n by_o the_o eye_n of_o thy_o soul_n where_o thy_o faith_n make_v thou_o belove_v and_o approve_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o honourable_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o second_o action_n or_o effect_n of_o faith_n the_o three_o follow_v verse_n 3._o through_o faith_n we_o understand_v that_o the_o world_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v be_v not_o make_v of_o thing_n which_o do_v appear_v in_o this_o verse_n be_v contain_v the_o three_o action_n or_o effect_n of_o faith_n namely_o this_o faith_n make_v a_o man_n to_o understand_v thing_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o man_n reason_n this_o three_o effect_n be_v set_v out_o in_o these_o word_n by_o the_o instance_n of_o a_o notable_a exsample_n namely_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o of_o nothing_o both_o which_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v let_v we_o consider_v of_o the_o word_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o order_n through_o faith_n 1._o by_o faith_n in_o this_o place_n as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v not_o mean_v that_o save_a faith_n which_o justify_v a_o man_n before_o god_n but_o a_o general_a faith_n whereby_o a_o man_n embrace_v christian_a religion_n or_o whereby_o a_o man_n believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v true_a my_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o man_n that_o never_o have_v justify_v and_o save_v faith_n and_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n nor_o child_n of_o god_n may_v have_v this_o gift_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n by_o his_o word_n make_v the_o world_n of_o nothing_o therefore_o i_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o action_n of_o a_o general_a and_o not_o of_o save_v faith_n we_o understand_v that_o be_v whereas_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o by_o reason_n can_v be_v apprehend_v or_o understand_v yet_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o faith_n a_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o understand_v they_o and_o to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a now_o than_o whereas_o general_a faith_n bring_v understand_v of_o many_o thing_n which_o reason_n can_v reach_v unto_o here_o such_o as_o be_v student_n in_o humane_a learning_n &_o which_o labour_n to_o attain_v to_o the_o deepness_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o be_v teach_v with_o their_o travel_n in_o humane_a study_n to_o have_v care_n to_o join_v faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n for_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o our_o understanding_n by_o reason_n can_v conceive_v and_o many_o truth_n which_o philosophy_n can_v reach_v unto_o nay_o many_o also_o which_o it_o deny_v but_o faith_n be_v able_a to_o persuade_v and_o demonstrate_v they_o all_o and_o it_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o rectify_v the_o judgement_n when_o as_o philosophy_n have_v leave_v the_o mind_n in_o darkness_n and_o the_o judgement_n in_o error_n now_o in_o who_o sound_a knowledge_n in_o philosophy_n and_o this_o faith_n in_o religion_n do_v concur_v together_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o most_o rectify_a judgement_n and_o of_o a_o deep_a reach_n in_o the_o great_a matter_n but_o separate_a faith_n from_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o he_o will_v stumble_v at_o many_o truth_n though_o he_o have_v the_o wit_n of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n in_o his_o own_o head_n for_o exsample_n that_o god_n shall_v make_v the_o world_n of_o nothing_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v beginning_n &_o end_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v eternal_a and_o not_o the_o world_n that_o man_n soul_n be_v create_v be_v immortal_a these_o &_o many_o other_o truth_n reason_n can_v see_v &_o therefore_o philosophy_n will_v not_o admit_v but_o join_v faith_n to_o it_o &_o then_o that_o crooked_a understanding_n be_v rectify_v &_o make_v to_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v therefore_o good_a counsel_n to_o join_v both_o these_o together_o religion_n hinder_v not_o humane_a learning_n as_o some_o fond_o think_v but_o be_v
of_o all_o creature_n and_o according_a as_o he_o will_v they_o present_o be_v and_o that_o his_o will_n be_v his_o word_n here_o mention_v here_o than_o first_o mark_v a_o special_a point_n that_o set_v out_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o creator_n he_o use_v no_o labour_n no_o motion_n no_o pain_n no_o servant_n no_o instrument_n no_o mean_n as_o man_n do_v he_o only_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v make_v he_o command_v and_o they_o be_v create_v psal._n 148.5_o this_o show_v how_o glorious_a a_o god_n he_o be_v and_o his_o power_n how_o omnipotent_a it_o be_v who_o at_o his_o own_o will_n and_o word_n produce_v such_o a_o glorious_a frame_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o many_o 1000_o sort_n and_o kind_n of_o creature_n in_o their_o order_n and_o due_a place_n david_n most_o serious_o consider_v of_o this_o when_o he_o make_v the_o 104._o psalm_n as_o appear_v if_o we_o read_v it_o we_o ought_v also_o so_o deep_o to_o meditate_v of_o this_o his_o glorious_a power_n manifest_v in_o this_o miraculous_a creation_n as_o that_o we_o see_v it_o may_v acknowledge_v with_o the_o psalmist_n psal._n 115.3_o our_o god_n sit_v in_o heaven_n and_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o will_n 2._o do_v the_o lord_n make_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o word_n learn_v we_o then_o for_o our_o instruction_n thus_o much_o ever_o when_o we_o see_v what_o be_v god_n will_v concern_v ourselves_o in_o any_o cross_n or_o affliction_n whatsoever_o let_v we_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o it_o and_o bear_v it_o because_o it_o come_v from_o so_o mighty_a a_o god_n as_o who_o there_o be_v no_o resist_v for_o see_v he_o that_o command_v all_o the_o world_n to_o be_v and_o it_o present_o be_v so_o and_o nothing_o can_v disobey_v then_o if_o he_o command_v any_o cross_n to_o seize_v upon_o thou_o will_v thou_o resist_v he_o nay_o rather_o take_v saint_n peter_n holy_a counsel_n 1._o pet._n 5.5_o humble_a thyself_o under_o this_o so_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v exalt_v thou_o in_o due_a time_n if_o thou_o then_o see_v his_o cross_n come_v towards_o thou_o meet_v it_o receive_v it_o with_o both_o hand_n bear_v it_o with_o both_o shoulder_n if_o he_o will_v humble_v thou_o resist_v not_o thou_o for_o when_o again_o he_o please_v to_o exalt_v thou_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v he_o it_o follow_v so_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v be_v not_o make_v of_o thing_n which_o do_v appear_v the_o four_o &_o last_o point_n be_v the_o matter_n whereof_o the_o world_n be_v make_v the_o text_n say_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o see_v that_o be_v all_o the_o world_n be_v make_v of_o thing_n never_o see_v that_o be_v of_o a_o flat_a nothing_o which_o here_o be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v see_v or_o not_o to_o appear_v because_o how_o can_v that_o appear_v or_o be_v see_v which_o be_v not_o so_o the_o meaning_n be_v when_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n than_o god_n make_v the_o world_n to_o be_v this_o be_v the_o strange_a thing_n of_o all_o in_o this_o four_o effect_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o strange_a that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v create_v in_o excellent_a order_n or_o that_o god_n shall_v make_v it_o by_o his_o word_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v make_v it_o of_o nothing_o reason_n deny_v it_o philosophy_n dispute_v against_o it_o as_o absurd_a and_o never_o will_v yield_v unto_o it_o but_o here_o be_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n manifest_a for_o it_o make_v we_o believe_v and_o know_v it_o be_v so_o hence_o we_o learn_v 1._o if_o he_o create_v the_o world_n and_o we_o of_o nothing_o than_o he_o can_v preserve_v we_o also_o by_o nothing_o that_o be_v without_o mean_n or_o by_o weak_a mean_n or_o contrary_a to_o mean_n he_o that_o do_v the_o one_o can_v do_v the_o other_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v of_o both_o this_o be_v a_o special_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n not_o to_o tie_v god_n providence_n unto_o mean_n man_n use_v never_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o but_o with_o mean_n but_o that_o be_v no_o work_n of_o faith_n but_o we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o see_v god_n providence_n when_o we_o see_v no_o mean_n but_o even_o when_o other_o mean_n be_v against_o we_o then_o to_o see_v it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v our_o duty_n though_o it_o be_v hard_a give_v man_n health_n wealth_n liberty_n peace_n let_v they_o be_v guard_v about_o with_o god_n blessing_n then_o they_o will_v magnify_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o take_v these_o away_o and_o lay_v upon_o they_o penury_n sickness_n or_o any_o cross_n than_o they_o rage_n and_o rail_v and_o distrust_n yea_o blaspheme_v and_o say_v no_o providence_n no_o god_n and_o thus_o god_n be_v behold_v to_o the_o mean_n for_o else_o man_n will_v flat_o deny_v he_o but_o this_o argue_v the_o want_n of_o faith_n for_o have_v we_o that_o faith_n in_o we_o whereby_o we_o believe_v steadfast_o that_o god_n make_v all_o the_o world_n without_o mean_n that_o faith_n will_v also_o persuade_v we_o that_o he_o can_v preserve_v we_o be_v make_v though_o mean_n be_v want_v or_o though_o they_o be_v against_o us._n this_o we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o necessity_n and_o will_v be_v relieve_v or_o in_o any_o peril_n and_o will_v be_v succour_v or_o in_o what_o extremity_n soever_o when_o mean_n do_v fail_v us._n second_o if_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o then_o he_o be_v able_a also_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o promise_n make_v in_o christ_n to_o call_v such_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v rom._n 4.17_o as_o a_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o child_n of_o grace_n this_o may_v teach_v we_o 1._o not_o to_o despair_v of_o any_o man_n salvation_n though_o he_o seem_v almost_o past_a all_o grace_n for_o god_n can_v make_v any_o thing_n of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o can_v put_v grace_n into_o that_o heart_n wherein_o afore_o be_v none_o and_o 2._o this_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o all_o they_o which_o through_o weakness_n of_o faith_n can_v persuade_v themselves_o of_o their_o election_n for_o suppose_v thou_o be_v full_a of_o want_n and_o imperfection_n &_o have_v a_o rebellious_a and_o froward_a heart_n what_o then_o remember_v god_n make_v thou_o once_o a_o creature_n of_o nothing_o he_o can_v now_o again_o make_v thou_o a_o new_a creature_n of_o nothing_o he_o create_v thou_o without_o mean_n he_o can_v save_v thou_o though_o never_o so_o many_o mean_n do_v seem_v to_o be_v against_o thou_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o these_o three_o effect_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n contain_v a_o description_n of_o faith_n in_o general_n abel_n faith_n verse_n 4._o by_o faith_n abel_n offer_v unto_o god_n a_o great_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n by_o which_o he_o obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a god_n testify_v of_o his_o gift_n by_o which_o faith_n he_o also_o be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n contain_v a_o illustration_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o former_a description_n by_o a_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n and_o exsample_n of_o faith_n which_o flourish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n these_o exsample_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v set_v down_o several_o one_o by_o one_o from_o the_o 4._o verse_n to_o the_o 32._o 2._o such_o as_o be_v set_v down_o joint_o many_o together_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o end_n the_o exsample_n set_v down_o several_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v natural_a israelite_n and_o bear_v member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a 2._o such_o as_o be_v not_o natural_o member_n but_o stranger_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n till_o they_o be_v call_v extraordinary_o exsample_n of_o such_o as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v also_o of_o 2._o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o live_v about_o the_o flood_n or_o 2._o after_o the_o flood_n first_o of_o such_o as_o live_v afore_o or_o about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o flood_n there_o be_v three_o faithful_a man_n who_o faith_n be_v here_o record_v 1._o abel_n before_o &_o 2._o enoch_n before_o 3._o no_o both_o before_o &_o after_o all_o these_o three_o in_o order_n these_o excellent_a &_o most_o worthy_a exsample_n be_v all_o ground_a on_o some_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o be_v continue_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n almost_o to_o christ_n incarnation_n for_o he_o begin_v with_o abel_n which_o be_v so_o near_o the_o beginning_n that_o he_o be_v the_o second_o good_a man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o
gold_n silver_n or_o promotion_n but_o reconciliation_n with_o my_o god_n and_o his_o favour_n in_o jesus_n christ_n if_o thou_o have_v these_o two_o than_o thou_o go_v beyond_o cain_n then_o shall_v thou_o stand_v before_o god_n with_o abel_n and_o be_v accept_v remember_v these_o two_o humiliation_n for_o sin_n and_o desire_v of_o reconciliation_n these_o two_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o religion_n if_o thou_o have_v these_o thou_o be_v bless_v with_o abel_n if_o not_o curse_a with_o cain_n howsoever_o thou_o live_v in_o the_o world_n if_o thou_o say_v cain_n kill_v his_o brother_n and_o so_o will_v not_o i_o do_v for_o all_o the_o world_n i_o will_v do_v no_o man_n hurt_v in_o body_n or_o good_n this_o will_v not_o serve_v for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v no_o respect_n to_o cain_n afore_o he_o kill_v his_o brother_n even_o when_o he_o offer_v his_o sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o this_o duty_n be_v most_o necessary_a and_o there_o be_v no_o shift_v it_o off_o 2._o cain_n offer_v as_o well_o as_o abel_n yea_o cain_n offer_v afore_o abel_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o genesis_n 4.3_o and_o yet_o abel_n sacrifice_n be_v better_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n and_o be_v accept_v &_o not_o cain_n which_o come_v first_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v more_o forward_o than_o many_o other_o in_o many_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n another_o may_v be_v not_o so_o forward_o to_o the_o duty_n and_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v be_v better_o accept_v whence_o come_v this_o what_o be_v forwardness_n in_o good_a duty_n a_o fault_n nothing_o less_o but_o hence_o it_o be_v he_o that_o outward_o be_v most_o forward_o may_v come_v in_o hypocrisy_n &_o without_o faith_n the_o want_n whereof_o make_v his_o forwardness_n nothing_o worth_a many_o such_o have_v we_o in_o our_o church_n great_a frequenter_n of_o place_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o they_o come_v but_o as_o cain_n do_v or_o it_o may_v be_v in_o worse_a intent_n thy_o forwardness_n be_v to_o be_v commend_v but_o take_v this_o with_o thou_o also_o care_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v first_o at_o the_o sermon_n or_o to_o be_v there_o often_o they_o other_o as_o to_o go_v with_o true_a faith_n repentance_n &_o a_o heart_n hunger_a for_o grace_n if_o not_o boast_v not_o in_o thy_o forwardness_n cain_n offer_v afore_o abel_n &_o yet_o not_o accept_v &_o so_o there_o may_v come_v a_o able_a after_o thou_o &_o bring_v faith_n with_o he_o &_o be_v accept_v when_o thou_o with_o thy_o hypocritical_a forwardness_n shall_v be_v reject_v as_o cain_n be_v three_o do_v cain_n offer_v as_o well_o as_o abel_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v a_o mix_v &_o compound_a company_n of_o man_n not_o of_o one_o sort_n but_o true_a believer_n &_o hypocrite_n mingle_v together_o as_o here_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n here_o be_v a_o cain_n worship_v in_o show_n as_o well_o as_o abel_n that_o worship_v in_o truth_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o infancy_n so_o in_o her_o perpetual_a growth_n &_o so_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o good_a shall_v never_o be_v quite_o separate_v from_o the_o bad_a until_o christ_n himself_o do_v it_o at_o the_o last_o judgement_n goat_n shall_v always_o be_v mingle_v among_o the_o sheep_n till_o christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n do_v separate_v they_o himself_o math._n 25.34_o and_o he_o that_o imagine_v a_o perfect_a separation_n till_o then_o imagine_v a_o fancy_n in_o his_o brain_n and_o such_o a_o church_n as_o can_v be_v find_v upon_o the_o earth_n this_o be_v so_o let_v no_o man_n therefore_o be_v afraid_a to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n neither_o let_v any_o that_o be_v in_o it_o go_v out_o of_o it_o because_o the_o bad_a be_v mingle_v with_o the_o good_a for_o so_o it_o have_v be_v always_o &_o ever_o will_v be_v he_o than_o that_o will_v go_v out_o of_o a_o church_n because_o there_o be_v hypocrite_n in_o it_o must_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o such_o a_o church_n be_v not_o find_v but_o triumphant_a in_o heaven_n four_o 〈◊〉_d that_o cain_n &_o abel_n offer_v hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o true_o profess_v his_o name_n have_v be_v ever_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o church_n be_v in_o the_o household_n of_o adam_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o but_o it_o in_o the_o world_n for_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o &_o beside_o the_o sacrifice_n they_o have_v a_o place_n appoint_v where_o adam_n &_o his_o family_n come_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n for_o so_o much_o cain_n intimate_v gen._n 4.14_o &_o 16._o cain_n go_v out_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v not_o only_o out_o of_o his_o favour_n &_o protection_n but_o from_o the_o place_n of_o his_o solemn_a service_n &_o where_o he_o wont_v to_o manifest_v his_o special_a presence_n to_o his_o child_n serve_v he_o and_o therefore_o cain_n as_o be_v excomunicate_a complain_v verse_n 14_o because_o he_o must_v leave_v it_o thus_o the_o church_n have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n &_o therefore_o be_v true_o call_v catholic_a the_o papist_n abuse_v this_o place_n notorious_o for_o whereas_o the_o church_n have_v be_v so_o ancient_a they_o argue_v therefore_o it_o be_v above_o the_o scripture_n yea_o &_o that_o we_o can_v not_o know_v it_o to_o be_v scripture_n but_o by_o the_o ancient_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n we_o must_v know_v the_o scripture_n be_v two_o way_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o as_o it_o be_v write_v &_o pen_v by_o holy_a man_n and_o so_o it_o be_v late_a than_o the_o church_n for_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o penman_n of_o scripture_n but_o second_o as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o substance_n sense_n and_o truth_n thereof_o be_v much_o more_o ancient_a they_o the_o church_n yea_o without_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n for_o without_o faith_n be_v no_o church_n because_o the_o church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o without_o the_o word_n it_o be_v no_o faith_n therefore_o no_o word_n no_o faith_n no_o faith_n no_o church_n so_o then_o the_o scripture_n be_v afore_o the_o church_n but_o pen_v after_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o cain_n and_o abel_n offer_v now_o second_o what_o offer_v they_o sacrifice_n sacrifice_n be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o two_o end_n 1._o when_o a_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v especial_o of_o beast_n when_o a_o man_n see_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o beast_n pour_v out_o it_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o desert_n of_o they_o &_o teach_v he_o to_o say_v thus_o eve_n as_o this_o creature_n be_v here_o slay_v &_o his_o blood_n distil_v &_o drop_v away_o so_o my_o sin_n deserve_v that_o my_o blood_n shall_v be_v s●●ed_v and_o my_o soul_n be_v drench_v in_o hell_n for_o ever_o this_o creature_n can_v die_v but_o one_o death_n for_o it_o sin_v not_o but_o my_o sin_n deserve_v both_o the_o 1._o and_o 2._o death_n second_o sacrifice_n serve_v to_o put_v the●●_n in_o mind_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v and_o the_o slay_v of_o the_o beast_n show_v they_o how_o the_o messiah_n shall_v shed_v his_o blood_n &_o give_v his_o life_n for_o the_o ●ir●s_n of_o the_o people_n these_o be_v the_o 2._o principal_a end_n of_o sacrifice_n &_o for_o these_o 2._o end_n do_v cain_n &_o abel_n offer_v cain_n in_o hypocrisy_n and_o for_o fashion_n sake_n abel_n in_o truth_n conscience_n and_o sincerity_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o old_a sacrifice_n so_o be_v it_o in_o our_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n whereof_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v all_o type_n 1._o in_o baptism_n sprinkle_v of_o the_o water_n serve_v to_o show_v we_o how_o filthy_o we_o be_v defile_v with_o our_o own_o sin_n 2._o it_o signify_v the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n for_o his_o sanctification_n from_o sin_n 2._o in_o the_o supper_n the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n signify_v 1._o how_o we_o shall_v be_v break_v in_o humiliation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o wine_n how_o our_o blood_n and_o life_n shall_v be_v shed_v and_o pour_v out_o for_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o have_v that_o that_o we_o deserve_v and_o second_o they_o represent_v unto_o we_o how_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v break_v &_o his_o blood_n pour_v out_o for_o our_o sin_n which_o he_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v under_o the_o wrath_n of_o his_o father_n for_o our_o sake_n so_o that_o we_o see_v both_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o
it_o be_v needless_a for_o the_o man_n be_v good_a already_o else_o the_o work_n can_v not_o have_v be_v good_a we_o may_v therefore_o say_v work_n be_v rather_o justify_v by_o the_o person_n of_o a_o man_n than_o his_o person_n by_o the_o work_n and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o vain_a thing_n to_o look_v for_o justification_n from_o that_o which_o thou_o thyself_o must_v first_o justify_v afore_o it_o be_v just_a if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n against_o justification_n by_o work_n but_o this_o this_o be_v sufficient_a second_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o till_o a_o man_n be_v call_v and_o his_o person_n justify_v and_o sanctify_v all_o that_o ever_o he_o do_v be_v sin_n 1._o his_o common_a action_n his_o eat_n drink_v sleep_a walk_a talk_a be_v all_o sin_n yea_o 2._o the_o work_n of_o his_o call_n &_o his_o labour_n in_o the_o same_o though_o never_o so_o just_a equal_a and_o upright_o 3._o further_o his_o civil_a action_n namely_o the_o practice_n of_o civil_a virtue_n his_o outward_a gravity_n meekness_n sobriety_n temperance_n quietness_n uprightness_n and_o all_o outward_a conformity_n be_v all_o sin_n yea_o more_o than_o all_o this_o his_o best_a action_n namely_o his_o practise_v of_o the_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o his_o deed_n of_o charity_n his_o prayer_n his_o hear_v the_o word_n his_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n his_o give_v of_o alm_n they_o be_v all_o sin_n unto_o he_o if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o believe_a and_o penitent_a heart_n yea_o such_o sin_n as_o shall_v condemn_v h●m_n if_o he_o have_v no_o other_o object_n this_o shall_v seem_v strange_a divinity_n that_o the_o most_o holy_a action_n as_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v damnable_a sin_n i_o answer_v they_o be_v in_o themselves_o holy_a and_o good_a and_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o god_n have_v command_v they_o yet_o in_o the_o doer_n they_o be_v sin_n because_o he_o do_v they_o from_o a_o foul_a &_o unholy_a heart_n for_o the_o same_o action_n may_v be_v holy_a in_o itself_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o a_o sin_n in_o he_o that_o be_v the_o doer_n of_o it_o as_o clear_a water_n pure_a in_o the_o fountain_n be_v corrupt_v or_o poison_v by_o run_v through_o a_o filthy_a and_o pollute_a channel_n so_o be_v even_o the_o best_a action_n sin_n as_o even_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n to_o a_o minister_n who_o heart_n be_v not_o cleanse_v by_o faith_n and_o his_o person_n accept_v of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o he_o and_o if_o he_o repent_v not_o shall_v be_v his_o condemnation_n cain_n sin_v not_o only_o in_o hate_v and_o murder_v his_o brother_n in_o lie_v and_o dissemble_v with_o god_n but_o cain_n sin_v also_o even_o in_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o abel_n sacrifice_n have_v be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n but_o that_o his_o person_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o in_o the_o work_n be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o action_n acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o 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all_o thy_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a deprive_v thy_o flesh_n of_o all_o delight_n build_v church_n college_n bridge_n highway_n etc._n etc._n and_o there_o may_v come_v a_o poor_a shepherd_n and_o for_o his_o keep_n of_o his_o sheep_n be_v accept_v when_o thou_o with_o all_o this_o pomp_n of_o outward_a holiness_n may_v be_v reject_v and_o why_o this_o only_o because_o he_o have_v faith_n &_o thou_o have_v none_o his_o person_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o thou_o be_v not_o therefore_o let_v this_o be_v my_o counsel_n from_o abel_n labour_v not_o so_o much_o to_o work_v glorious_a work_n as_o that_o which_o thou_o do_v do_v it_o in_o faith_n faith_n make_v the_o mean_a work_n accept_v and_o want_v of_o faith_n make_v the_o most_o glorious_a work_v reject_v for_o so_o faith_n the_o text._n abel_n must_v be_v accept_v else_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v not_o thus_o we_o see_v abel_n be_v just_a and_o god_n so_o account_v he_o the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o god_n give_v testimony_n he_o be_v so_o in_o these_o word_n god_n give_v testimony_n what_o testimony_n it_o be_v that_o god_n give_v of_o abel_n and_o his_o gift_n it_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o word_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a but_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o when_o he_o &_o cain_n offer_v god_n in_o special_a mercy_n send_v fire_n from_o heaven_n and_o burn_v up_o abel_n sacrifice_n but_o not_o cain_n for_o so_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n often_o afterward_o when_o he_o will_v show_v that_o he_o accept_v any_o man_n or_o his_o work_n he_o answer_v they_o by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n so_o he_o burn_v up_o the_o first_o sacrifice_n that_o aaron_n offer_v levit._n 9.24_o so_o he_o answer_v solomon_n 2._o chron._n 7.1_o and_o so_o elias_n 2._o king_n 18.28_o and_o so_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o he_o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o he_o accept_v abel_n and_o his_o offering_n this_o be_v a_o great_a prerogative_n that_o abel_n and_o the_o father_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v we_o have_v not_o this_o but_o we_o have_v a_o great_a for_o we_o have_v that_o that_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o truth_n and_o body_n of_o this_o for_o we_o have_v also_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n that_o be_v his_o spirit_n come_v down_o into_o our_o heart_n every_o day_n not_o visible_o but_o spiritual_o and_o burn_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o believer_n his_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o light_v the_o light_n of_o true_a faith_n that_o shall_v never_o be_v put_v out_o the_o use_n hereof_o be_v this_o as_o no_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o old_a law_n please_v god_n but_o such_o as_o be_v burn_v by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n send_v down_o either_o then_o or_o afore_o so_o our_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v our_o invocation_n of_o god_n name_n our_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n our_o duty_n of_o religion_n our_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o love_n never_o please_v god_n unless_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o heart_n purge_v by_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o be_v from_o a_o believe_v and_o repentant_a heart_n both_o which_o be_v kindle_v and_o light_v and_o daily_o continue_v by_o that_o fire_n of_o god_n spirit_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o paul_n say_v 1._o tim._n 1.4_o that_o love_n must_v come_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o work_n of_o love_n come_v from_o this_o purge_a heart_n ascend_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o a_o smoke_n of_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n and_o be_v as_o a_o sweet_a perfume_n in_o the_o nostril_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o of_o what_o do_v god_n thus_o testify_v of_o his_o gift_n it_o may_v here_o be_v ask_v at_o the_o first_o how_o can_v abel_n give_v a_o gift_n to_o god_n have_v the_o lord_n need_v of_o any_o thing_n and_o be_v not_o all_o thing_n his_o i_o answer_v god_n be_v sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o creature_n yet_o have_v he_o so_o give_v his_o creature_n unto_o man_n to_o use_v as_o that_o they_o become_v man_n own_o and_o so_o he_o may_v esteem_v &_o use_v they_o and_o be_v man_n a_o man_n may_v in_o token_n of_o his_o thankfulness_n return_v they_o again_o to_o god_n especial_o see_v god_n accept_v they_o be_v so_o offer_v as_o most_o free_a gift_n this_o show_v we_o first_o the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n that_o whereas_o we_o can_v offer_v he_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o accept_v a_o gift_n offer_v of_o his_o own_o even_o as_o though_o we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o to_o offer_v 2._o see_v here_o a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o old_a and_o
holy_a and_o frequent_a use_n of_o god_n word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o to_o none_o else_o and_o sure_o if_o the_o papist_n be_v as_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v with_o their_o own_o forge_a revelation_n they_o will_v never_o deny_v it_o by_o force_n of_o this_o testimony_n a_o christian_a man_n know_v as_o assure_o as_o that_o god_n be_v god_n that_o the_o pope_n as_o now_o he_o be_v and_o as_o he_o exercise_v his_o place_n and_o power_n can_v be_v the_o true_a vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o popery_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o teach_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o their_o side_n can_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n nor_o the_o safe_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o when_o question_n be_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o place_n there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v say_v the_o contrary_a a_o christian_a man_n will_v know_v and_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o more_o mediator_n to_o god_n but_o christ_n or_o of_o that_o place_n that_o christ_n be_v offer_v for_o our_o sin_n once_o for_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n can_v purchase_v we_o pardon_n but_o he_o let_v papist_n colour_v the_o matter_n by_o unsound_a distinction_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v &_o the_o same_o may_v be_v show_v in_o diverse_a other_o point_n and_o place_n and_o if_o any_o ask_v how_o this_o can_v be_v i_o answer_v noah_n be_v warn_v of_o god_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v so_o god_n child_n be_v warn_v and_o assure_v of_o god_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v their_o salvation_n though_o they_o be_v thing_n beyond_o sense_n and_o reason_n god_n secret_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o the_o use_n of_o exhortation_n be_v that_o if_o god_n warn_v his_o child_n of_o his_o will_n &_o reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o they_o this_o shall_v move_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o become_v true_o and_o indeed_o god_n servant_n for_o we_o serve_v not_o a_o lord_n that_o be_v strange_a and_o austere_a unto_o we_o that_o will_v not_o give_v we_o a_o good_a look_n or_o a_o fair_a word_n nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o he_o call_v we_o to_o his_o holy_a counsel_n and_o make_v we_o know_v his_o secret_n and_o communicate_v his_o own_o self_n unto_o we_o by_o his_o bless_a spirit_n and_o by_o that_o spirit_n reveal_v unto_o we_o many_o excellent_a mystery_n of_o salvation_n which_o the_o carnal_a and_o profane_a man_n of_o the_o world_n never_o dream_v of_o in_o the_o second_o place_n let_v we_o observe_v that_o noah_n be_v thus_o warn_v of_o god_n in_o this_o particular_a matter_n as_o he_o have_v be_v former_o warn_v &_o teach_v of_o salvation_n by_o a_o messiah_n to_o come_v believe_v not_o only_o the_o general_a promise_n of_o salvation_n but_o also_o this_o particular_a promise_n of_o his_o preservation_n and_o deliverance_n out_o of_o which_o his_o practice_n we_o may_v learn_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o faith_n be_v a_o supernatural_a work_n of_o god_n in_o those_o man_n heart_n that_o have_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n it_o appear_v in_o that_o it_o always_o acknowledge_v and_o believe_v god_n word_n that_o it_o be_v supernatural_a it_o appear_v in_o that_o it_o apprehend_v and_o believe_v whatsoever_o god_n word_n deliver_v be_v it_o never_o so_o incredible_a to_o reason_n or_o sense_n but_o how_o do_v god_n work_v this_o faith_n by_o his_o word_n for_o as_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o worker_n of_o faith_n so_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o mean_n whereby_o he_o work_v it_o and_o that_o be_v his_o word_n which_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a outward_a mean_n to_o work_v faith_n and_o that_o word_n of_o god_n be_v two_o way_n to_o be_v consider_v either_o as_o reveal_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o to_o noah_n here_o or_o else_o be_v write_v by_o god_n be_v either_o preach_v by_o his_o minister_n or_o read_v by_o a_o man_n self_n in_o want_n of_o preach_v and_o these_o be_v all_o one_o and_o be_v all_o mean_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o work_v faith_n and_o that_o not_o only_o to_o begin_v it_o where_o it_o be_v want_v but_o to_o augment_v it_o where_o it_o be_v begin_v which_o be_v so_o it_o must_v teach_v we_o all_o not_o only_o with_o special_a care_n and_o reverence_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n by_o whosoever_o it_o be_v preach_v but_o also_o to_o hear_v it_o read_v yea_o to_o read_v it_o ourselves_o with_o all_o diligence_n so_o do_v it_o will_v work_v out_o and_o make_v perfect_a in_o we_o that_o holy_a faith_n which_o will_v make_v we_o bless_v in_o ourselves_o and_o accept_v of_o god_n as_o it_o do_v noah_n in_o this_o place_n second_o here_o we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o whole_a object_n of_o faith_n or_o what_o be_v all_o that_o that_o faith_n believe_v namely_o nothing_o but_o god_n word_n and_o all_o and_o every_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o faith_n have_v two_o object_n differ_v not_o in_o nature_n but_o in_o degree_n principal_a and_o inferior_a the_o principal_a object_n of_o true_a faith_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ._n the_o inferior_a object_n thereof_o be_v all_o other_o particular_a promise_n of_o safety_n deliverance_n providence_n help_n assistance_n comfort_n or_o what_o other_o benefit_n soever_o be_v make_v either_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o inclusive_o to_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o which_o be_v personal_o make_v unto_o he_o for_o save_v faith_n believe_v not_o only_o the_o grand_a promise_n of_o salvation_n but_o all_o other_o promise_n either_o of_o spiritual_a or_o corporal_a blessing_n which_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o great_a promise_n and_o do_v depend_v of_o it_o and_o be_v therefore_o apprehend_v by_o the_o same_o faith_n so_o noah_n here_o have_v already_o apprehend_v the_o main_a promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n and_o have_v hide_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o afterward_o when_o this_o particular_a promise_n of_o his_o deliverance_n be_v make_v by_o the_o same_o faith_n he_o lay_v hold_v on_o it_o also_o and_o it_o be_v good_a reason_n that_o faith_n shall_v do_v so_o for_o if_o it_o apprehend_v the_o great_a promise_n than_o no_o marvel_n though_o it_o take_v hold_v of_o all_o other_o inferior_a promise_n which_o be_v but_o dependence_n upon_o the_o principal_a by_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o be_v wrongful_o charge_v by_o they_o who_o say_v we_o teach_v that_o save_a faith_n believe_v only_a salvation_n by_o christ_n or_o apprehend_v only_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n in_o christ_n for_o we_o say_v &_o teach_v it_o apprehend_v also_o other_o particular_a promise_n &_o even_o the_o promise_n of_o outward_a and_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o appear_v in_o this_o exsample_n of_o noah_n last_o in_o that_o noah_n a_o faithful_a man_n be_v here_o warn_v of_o god_n of_o the_o danger_n ensue_v that_o so_o he_o may_v avoid_v they_o we_o may_v learn_v the_o love_a care_n that_o god_n have_v over_o they_o who_o have_v a_o care_n to_o fear_v and_o serve_v he_o thus_o deal_v he_o with_o his_o child_n in_o all_o age_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o preservation_n to_o encourage_v all_o man_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n as_o here_o noah_n do_v for_o so_o do_v they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o of_o god_n care_n and_o providence_n over_o they_o even_o then_o when_o his_o wrath_n smoke_v against_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o furthermore_o in_o all_o exigent_n and_o extremity_n he_o will_v ●each_v they_o either_o from_o his_o word_n or_o by_o the_o counsel_n of_o some_o other_o of_o his_o child_n or_o else_o by_o his_o own_o secret_a inspiration_n what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v and_o what_o course_n to_o take_v for_o their_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n how_o often_o shall_v a_o christian_a man_n find_v in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n that_o god_n put_v into_o his_o mind_n to_o answer_v thus_o or_o thus_o or_o to_o foresee_v this_o or_o that_o by_o which_o his_o so_o do_v he_o escape_v some_o great_a danger_n so_o that_o though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o noah_n be_v all_o faithful_a man_n do_v daily_o find_v that_o they_o be_v warn_v by_o god_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v concern_v they_o but_o what_o be_v those_o thing_n whereof_o noah_n be_v warn_v from_o god_n the_o text_n say_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o yet_o not_o see_v this_o have_v not_o relation_n to_o the_o time_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n write_v these_o word_n but_o when_o god_n give_v the_o warning_n to_o noah_n for_o than_o they_o be_v not_o see_v but_o be_v to_o
god_n have_v appoint_v to_o the_o use_n whereof_o he_o have_v annex_v his_o promise_n of_o help_n against_o sin_n let_v they_o therefore_o lie_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n unto_o their_o conscience_n in_o holy_a and_o frequent_a meditation_n let_v they_o careful_o use_v the_o mean_n god_n have_v appoint_v hear_v and_o read_v his_o word_n receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n earnest_n and_o frequent_a prayer_n crave_v also_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o and_o let_v they_o sharpen_v these_o holy_a exercise_n by_o fast_v watch_v holy_a conference_n with_o other_o visitation_n of_o other_o afflict_v like_o themselves_o oft_o reveal_v their_o estate_n to_o their_o godly_a pastor_n let_v they_o continue_v thus_o do_v and_o rest_v confident_o on_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n with_o the_o steadfast_a foot_n of_o faith_n and_o they_o shall_v see_v that_o old_a sarah_n shall_v have_v strength_n to_o conceive_v that_o be_v that_o their_o poor_a soul_n shall_v receive_v strength_n to_o tread_v upon_o satan_n to_o conquer_v their_o corruption_n &_o to_o conceive_v &_o bring_v forth_o many_o worthy_a fruit_n of_o holiness_n to_o their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o their_o late_a experience_n as_o isaac_n be_v to_o sarah_n in_o her_o elder_a age_n the_o next_o doctrine_n we_o may_v here_o learn_v be_v that_o whereas_o sarah_n by_o her_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o therefore_o child_n be_v the_o immediate_a blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o sarah_n bare_a isaac_n not_o by_o any_o ordinary_a strength_n or_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o through_o faith_n she_o receive_v strength_n to_o conceive_v etc._n etc._n neither_o be_v this_o so_o in_o she_o only_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n power_n but_o in_o all_o some_o be_v indeed_o barren_a by_o constitution_n and_o these_o can_v conceive_v unless_o by_o god_n power_n as_o sarah_n do_v but_o some_o have_v no_o child_n who_o in_o all_o natural_a reason_n may_v conceive_v for_o as_o god_n give_v the_o law_n and_o thereby_o a_o gift_n and_o power_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v genesis_n 1.22_o so_o he_o reserve_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o and_o power_n to_o alter_v or_o dispense_v to_o add_v or_o diminish_v as_o it_o please_v he_o therefore_o say_v the_o psalmist_n psal._n 127.3_o lo_o child_n be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o womb_n be_v his_o reward_n and_o speak_v of_o they_o psal._n 128.4_o he_o say_v loe_o thus_o shall_v he_o be_v bless_v that_o fear_v the_o lord_n the_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v parent_n therefore_o to_o bring_v they_o up_o as_o god_n blessing_n and_o not_o only_o to_o give_v they_o corporal_a necessity_n for_o so_o they_o do_v their_o beast_n but_o to_o nurture_n they_o in_o holy_a discipline_n by_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o heart_n if_o this_o they_o want_v they_o have_v nothing_o though_o you_o leave_v they_o earldom_n and_o herein_o be_v the_o say_n true_a better_a unborn_a than_o untaught_a the_o law_n and_o power_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v be_v give_v to_o beast_n in_o their_o kind_n as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o genesis_n 1._o verse_n 22._o therefore_o unless_o we_o do_v more_o than_o provide_v for_o their_o body_n we_o differ_v little_a from_o they_o but_o make_v they_o know_v god_n and_o so_o we_o make_v they_o fellow_n with_o the_o angel_n if_o parent_n do_v thus_o it_o can_v be_v express_v what_o blessing_n will_v come_v thereby_o to_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n three_o and_o last_o let_v we_o here_o know_v and_o learn_v that_o this_o holy_a matron_n sarah_n figure_v unto_o we_o mystical_o the_o spiritual_a jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o god._n allegory_n be_v chary_o and_o spare_o to_o be_v teach_v else_o much_o unsounde_a doctrine_n may_v cumber_v man_n conscience_n but_o this_o be_v sound_a and_o sure_a for_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n galath_n 4.23_o etc._n etc._n by_o agar_n and_o sarah_n other_o thing_n be_v mean_v for_o these_o two_o mother_n be_v two_o testament_n agar_n she_o which_o gender_v unto_o bondage_n sarah_n jerusalem_n which_o be_v free_a and_o from_o above_o and_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o now_o the_o resemblance_n betwixt_o natural_a sarah_n the_o wife_n of_o abraham_n and_o mystical_a sarah_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o god_n stand_v in_o this_o that_o as_o she_o not_o by_o power_n in_o herself_o but_o by_o god_n power_n and_o faith_n in_o his_o promise_n bare_a isaac_n so_o the_o church_n our_o mother_n bring_v forth_o child_n to_o god_n only_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o as_o isaac_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o promise_n and_o say_v to_o be_v bear_v by_o promise_n galath_n 4.23_o so_o man_n regenerate_v and_o bear_v to_o the_o church_n be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n john_n 1.13_o and_o s._n james_n say_v 1.18_o god_n of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n thus_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o the_o will_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n these_o two_o together_o beget_v child_n to_o the_o church_n the_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o all_o to_o honour_v the_o church_n as_o our_o mother_n but_o to_o worship_n god_n alone_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o church_n can_v make_v herself_o our_o mother_n no●_n we_o her_o child_n when_o she_o will_v but_o it_o be_v god_n that_o must_v speak_v the_o word_n and_o then_o we_o be_v make_v he_o must_v beget_v we_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o further_o let_v we_o learn_v here_o what_o account_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o god_n holy_a word_n which_o be_v the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o our_o regeneration_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v god_n child_n and_o heir_n of_o immortality_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o two_o first_o effect_n of_o her_o faith_n the_o three_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n which_o because_o it_o be_v much_o stand_v upon_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o will_v put_v it_o off_o till_o then_o be_v therefore_o worthy_a our_o deep_a consideration_n and_o now_o follow_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o verse_n the_o five_o and_o last_o point_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o her_o faith_n because_o she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v the_o foundation_n whereon_o she_o build_v this_o her_o faith_n that_o she_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n be_v barren_a and_o past_a age_n be_v not_o the_o bare_a promise_n of_o god_n so_o much_o as_o the_o conceit_n or_o opinion_n she_o have_v of_o he_o that_o promise_v for_o promise_n be_v not_o of_o value_n so_o much_o by_o the_o thing_n promise_v though_o never_o so_o great_a or_o excellent_a for_o they_o may_v promise_v much_o who_o can_v perform_v nothing_o or_o though_o they_o can_v yet_o will_v recall_v their_o word_n in_o lightness_n and_o inconstancy_n as_o by_o the_o worthiness_n of_o the_o party_n promise_v we_o say_v in_o this_o world_n we_o have_v rather_o have_v some_o man_n word_n than_o other_o man_n bond_n and_o rather_o have_v a_o little_a promise_v of_o some_o then_o much_o of_o other_o now_o such_o be_v the_o judgement_n that_o sarah_n hold_v of_o he_o that_o promis●●_n namely_o god_n she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v faithful_n that_o be_v she_o judge_v he_o able_a &_o willing_a to_o accomplish_v whatever_o he_o promise_v to_o she_o so_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o all_o his_o promise_n must_v be_v a_o sure_a apprehension_n and_o knowledge_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n in_o god_n 1._o his_o ability_n to_o make_v good_a whatever_o pass_v he_o in_o word_n 2._o his_o carefulness_n to_o do_v it_o when_o he_o have_v say_v it_o some_o will_v promise_v any_o thing_n though_o their_o ability_n stretch_v not_o to_o perform_v other_o be_v able_a enough_o but_o have_v no_o care_n of_o their_o word_n but_o both_o these_o be_v in_o god_n all-sufficient_a ability_n and_o most_o careful_a willingness_n so_o sarah_n judge_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o she_o believe_v against_o reason_n and_o so_o must_v we_o do_v if_o we_o will_v believe_v god_n word_n aright_o we_o may_v read_v and_o hear_v and_o know_v god_n word_n and_o have_v the_o point_n therein_o swim_v in_o our_o head_n but_o if_o we_o will_v constant_o believe_v with_o our_o heart_n his_o bless_a promise_n &_o in_o our_o conscience_n fear_v his_o threaten_n we_o must_v be_v full_o persuade_v of_o these_o two_o to_o be_v in_o he_o so_o be_v we_o teach_v by_o christ_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n afore_o we_o pray_v for_o
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 ●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 wi●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 a●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 tha●_n sleep_n i●_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
word_n and_o promise_n god_n speak_v plain_o and_o deceive_v not_o abraham_n and_o after_o at_o the_o time_n perform_v it_o so_o must_v we_o deal_v plain_o and_o simple_o in_o our_o word_n and_o bargain_n and_o think_v that_o to_o deceive_v and_o overreach_v by_o crafty_a word_n and_o double_a meaning_n and_o equivocal_a phrase_n be_v not_o beseem_v christianity_n and_o we_o must_v make_v conscience_n of_o a_o lie_n else_o we_o be_v like_o the_o devil_n and_o not_o god_n also_o a_o christian_a man_n must_v take_v heed_n what_o how_o and_o to_o who_o he_o promise_v but_o have_v promise_v he_o must_v perform_v though_o it_o be_v loss_n or_o harm_n to_o himself_o if_o it_o be_v not_o wrong_v to_o god_n or_o to_o the_o church_n or_o state_n wrong_v to_o himself_o must_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o performance_n christian_n man_n word_n must_v not_o be_v vain_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o good_a as_o bond_n though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v lawful_a and_o very_o convenient_a in_o regard_n of_o mortality_n to_o take_v such_o kind_n of_o assurance_n last_o abraham_n have_v the_o promise_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v so_o gen._n 15.8_o and_o here_o we_o see_v it_o be_v so_o but_o he_o himself_o see_v it_o not_o so_o that_o abraham_n have_v the_o promise_n and_o we_o the_o performance_n so_o adam_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o we_o see_v it_o perform_v the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o we_o see_v it_o perform_v see_v here_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n above_o the_o old_a this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v so_o much_o better_a than_o they_o as_o god_n be_v better_a to_o we_o than_o he_o be_v to_o they_o and_o to_o excel_v they_o in_o faith_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n of_o holiness_n or_o else_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o holy_a obedience_n shall_v turn_v to_o our_o great_a condemnation_n which_o have_v have_v so_o far_o great_a cause_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v god_n and_o so_o far_o better_a mean_n than_o they_o which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o alas_o what_o will_v become_v of_o they_o who_o come_v behind_o they_o nay_o have_v no_o care_n to_o follow_v they_o in_o their_o faith_n nor_o holiness_n nor_o any_o duty_n of_o holy_a obedience_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o example_n of_o this_o holy_a woman_n faith_n and_o of_o the_o commendation_n thereof_o now_o before_o he_o come_v to_o any_o more_o particular_a example_n of_o faith_n the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v a_o general_a commendation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o those_o joint_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o already_o verse_n 13._o all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o believe_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o thankful_o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n hitherto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v particular_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o diverse_a holy_a believer_n now_o from_o this_o verse_n to_o the_o 17._o he_o do_v general_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n together_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o their_o faith_n as_o the_o durance_n and_o constancy_n of_o their_o faith_n particular_o the_o point_n be_v two_o 1._o be_v lay_v down_o their_o constancy_n and_o continuance_n all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n 2._o that_o constancy_n be_v set_v four_o by_o four_o effect_n 1._o they_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o 2._o they_o believe_v they_o 3._o receive_v they_o thankful_o 4._o profess_a themselves_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o first_o point_n touch_v these_o believer_n be_v that_o as_o they_o begin_v so_o they_o hold_v on_o as_o they_o live_v so_o they_o die_v in_o faith_n all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o word_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o all_o afore_o go_v save_v enoch_n who_o die_v not_o yet_o he_o continue_v also_o constant_a in_o his_o faith_n and_o in_o that_o faith_n be_v take_v up_o but_o as_o for_o abel_n and_o noah_n they_o die_v in_o faith_n yet_o i_o take_v it_o that_o principal_o and_o direct_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v no_o more_o than_o these_o four_o i_o name_v and_o my_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o particular_a effect_n in_o this_o verse_n and_o the_o point_n whereby_o this_o their_o constancy_n be_v amplify_v in_o the_o three_o verse_n follow_v ado_n all_o agree_v especial_o with_o these_o four_o and_o not_o so_o proper_o with_o abel_n or_o noah_n so_o that_o i_o take_v he_o mean_v by_o all_o these_o all_o these_o man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o second_o world_n since_o the_o flood_n all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o assurance_n that_o the_o promise_n make_v unto_o they_o shall_v be_v perform_v in_o god_n good_a time_n these_o promise_n be_v principal_o these_o two_o 1._o salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n 2._o the_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n in_o this_o faith_n they_o die_v that_o be_v they_o hold_v it_o through_o all_o assault_n and_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a even_o to_o the_o last_o gasp_n and_o die_v therein_o in_o this_o their_o practice_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o a_o most_o worthy_a lesson_n of_o christianity_n namely_o that_o we_o must_v so_o live_v that_o we_o may_v die_v in_o faith_n many_o say_v they_o live_v in_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o do_v so_o but_o the_o main_a point_n be_v to_o die_v in_o faith_n there_o be_v none_o so_o ill_a but_o howsoever_o he_o live_v yet_o he_o will_v die_v well_o if_o he_o will_v die_v well_o he_o must_v die_v in_o faith_n for_o miserable_a be_v the_o death_n that_o be_v without_o faith_n and_o herein_o faith_n and_o hope_n differ_v from_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n love_n joy_n zeal_n holiness_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v imperfect_a here_o and_o be_v perfect_v in_o heaven_n but_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v perfect_v at_o our_o death_n they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o other_o world_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o then_o to_o be_v believe_v nor_o hope_v for_o see_v we_o then_o do_v enjoy_v all_o thing_n but_o as_o they_o be_v begin_v in_o our_o life_n at_o our_o regeneration_n so_o they_o be_v make_v perfect_a when_o we_o die_v and_o they_o shine_v most_o glorious_o in_o the_o last_o and_o great_a combat_n of_o all_o which_o be_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n so_o that_o the_o death_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v the_o gate_n to_o glory_n be_v to_o die_v in_o faith_n beside_o as_o life_n leave_v we_o death_n find_v we_o and_o as_o death_n leave_v we_o the_o last_o judgement_n find_v we_o and_o as_o it_o leave_v we_o so_o we_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o without_o recovery_n or_o alteration_n now_o to_o die_v in_o faith_n be_v to_o die_v in_o a_o assure_a estate_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n which_o be_v that_o that_o every_o man_n desire_v therefore_o as_o we_o all_o desire_v it_o so_o let_v we_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o we_o shall_v attain_v unto_o it_o saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o 1._o corinth_n 15.55_o death_n be_v a_o terrible_a serpent_n for_o he_o have_v a_o poison_a sting_n now_o when_o we_o die_v we_o be_v to_o encounter_v with_o this_o hideous_a and_o fearful_a serpent_n he_o be_v fearful_a every_o way_n but_o especial_o for_o his_o sting_n that_o sting_n be_v our_o sin_n and_o this_o sting_n be_v not_o take_v away_o nor_o the_o force_n of_o it_o quench_v but_o by_o true_a faith_n which_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n ephes._n 6._o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v be_v able_a to_o encounter_v with_o this_o great_a enemy_n in_o the_o conquer_a of_o who_o who_o stand_v our_o happiness_n and_o by_o who_o to_o be_v conquer_v be_v our_o eternal_a misery_n we_o must_v then_o so_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v die_v in_o faith_n for_o he_o that_o die_v in_o faith_n that_o faith_n of_o he_o kill_v his_o sin_n and_o conquer_v death_n but_o he_o that_o die_v without_o faith_n death_n and_o sin_n seize_v on_o he_o and_o his_o sin_n live_v for_o ever_o and_o his_o misery_n by_o they_o now_o if_o we_o will_v die_v in_o faith_n we_o must_v live_v in_o faith_n else_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v for_o so_o these_o holy_a patriarch_n live_v long_o in_o this_o faith_n wherein_o they_o die_v for_o their_o holy_a life_n show_v plain_o that_o they_o live_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v do_v purify_v our_o heart_n act._n 15.9_o now_o if_o we_o will_v live_v in_o true_a faith_n the_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o set_v down_o by_o god_n word_n be_v these_o first_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o get_v knowledge_n of_o
the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n of_o god_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o fall_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o two_o covenant_n of_o work_n by_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o mediator_n and_o such_o other_o substantial_a point_n touch_v god_n his_o word_n sacrament_n law_n gospel_n prayer_n good_a work_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o creed_n and_o catechism_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n do_v yield_v unto_o us._n herein_o the_o case_n of_o the_o common_a people_n of_o all_o nation_n be_v miserable_a in_o popery_n their_o clergy_n be_v so_o fat_a and_o full_a they_o will_v not_o in_o our_o church_n the_o ministry_n a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o so_o poor_a and_o ill_o provide_v for_o they_o can_v teach_v betwixt_o both_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n do_v perish_v for_o lack_v of_o knowledge_n for_o how_o can_v they_o but_o perish_v that_o die_v not_o in_o faith_n how_o can_v they_o die_v so_o that_o live_v not_o in_o faith_n and_o how_o can_v they_o ever_o have_v faith_n that_o have_v no_o knowledge_n see_v knowledge_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n therefore_o it_o need_v the_o help_n of_o those_o that_o may_v and_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o that_o our_o church_n may_v have_v teacher_n and_o our_o people_n catechiser_n for_o without_o learn_v the_o catechism_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o learn_v religion_n second_o when_o we_o have_v get_v knowledge_n and_o so_o lay_v the_o foundation_n then_o must_v we_o learn_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o salvation_n and_o we_o must_v hide_v they_o in_o our_o heart_n as_o the_o jewel_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n we_o must_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a and_o effectual_a to_o all_o that_o will_v take_v hold_n of_o they_o and_o we_o ourselves_o must_v therefore_o take_v hold_n of_o they_o and_o apply_v they_o to_o our_o soul_n three_o after_o both_o these_o we_o must_v conform_v ourselves_o throughout_o heart_n and_o life_n unto_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n we_o must_v leave_v all_o bad_a way_n and_o ungodly_a course_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o dear_a unto_o we_o or_o so_o common_a in_o the_o world_n and_o must_v make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v all_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n the_o second_o be_v faith_n itself_o the_o last_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o a_o assure_a testimony_n of_o it_o to_o god_n to_o his_o church_n and_o to_o a_o man_n own_o conscience_n and_o to_o do_v these_o three_o thing_n be_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o old_a and_o holy_a way_n consecrate_v by_o christ_n blood_n and_o tread_v in_o by_o all_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o popery_n nor_o any_o other_o religion_n can_v appoint_v so_o ●a●e_a so_o sure_a nor_o so_o direct_a a_o way_n thus_o live_v abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n and_o after_o this_o course_n they_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o now_o live_v in_o glory_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o with_o they_o if_o we_o will_v live_v in_o faith_n as_o they_o do_v but_o else_o we_o may_v long_o look_v for_o heaven_n before_o we_o come_v there_o indeed_o god_n can_v make_v a_o man_n that_o live_v not_o in_o faith_n die_v in_o faith_n but_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o what_o he_o can_v do_v but_o what_o be_v his_o ordinary_a course_n &_o that_o be_v this_o they_o that_o live_v in_o faith_n die_v in_o faith_n therefore_o let_v we_o take_v the_o ordinary_a course_n and_o repent_v and_o turn_v betimes_o and_o live_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o leave_v late_a repentance_n to_o they_o that_o think_v it_o but_o a_o sport_n to_o venture_v a_o soul_n that_o course_n may_v speed_v but_o this_o course_n be_v sure_a to_o speed_v he_o that_o live_v in_o sin_n may_v happen_v to_o die_v in_o faith_n but_o he_o that_o live_v in_o faith_n be_v sure_o to_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o to_o live_v in_o glory_n for_o ever_o second_o observe_v how_o it_o be_v say_v all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n not_o some_o but_o all_o abraham_n the_o father_n and_o the_o root_n and_o with_o he_o the_o wife_n the_o child_n and_o the_o grandchild_n behold_v a_o true_a noble_a blood_n a_o holy_a kindred_n a_o bless_a generation_n worthy_a be_v abraham_n of_o all_o the_o honour_n he_o have_v who_o be_v the_o root_n of_o such_o a_o noble_a and_o bless_a brood_n and_o worthy_a be_v isaac_n and_o jaacob_n of_o so_o good_a a_o father_n who_o stain_v not_o their_o blood_n by_o forsake_v their_o faith_n but_o hold_v it_o as_o they_o receive_v it_o and_o live_v and_o die_v in_o it_o let_v this_o teach_v we_o first_o if_o we_o be_v father_n to_o shine_v before_o our_o child_n in_o a_o holy_a religion_n true_a faith_n and_o good_a life_n and_o it_o be_v great_a hope_n that_o our_o wife_n and_o child_n will_v follow_v we_o in_o the_o same_o second_o if_o we_o be_v son_n to_o look_v which_o of_o our_o forefather_n and_o ancestor_n embrace_v the_o most_o holy_a religion_n and_o to_o choose_v and_o live_v and_o die_v in_o their_o faith_n most_o of_o our_o young_a papist_n can_v say_v no_o more_o for_o their_o religion_n but_o this_o my_o father_n and_o grandfather_n be_v of_o that_o religion_n but_o they_o must_v look_v to_o all_o their_o forefather_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n will_v not_o be_v of_o their_o great_a grandfather_n nahors_n or_o terahs_n religion_n but_o of_o their_o father_n abraham_n and_o abraham_n himself_o will_v not_o be_v of_o his_o father_n terahs_n or_o his_o grand_a father_n nahors_n religion_n but_o he_o go_v up_o a_o great_a deal_n high_o to_o his_o forefather_n to_o the_o ten_o generation_n noah_n and_o shem_n and_o embrace_v their_o religion_n so_o that_o we_o see_v it_o be_v nothing_o to_o say_v i_o be_o of_o my_o father_n or_o grandfather_n religion_n unless_o first_o i_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o then_o he_o be_v a_o noble_a christian_a man_n which_o know_v that_o will_v not_o forsake_v it_o but_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o it_o three_o see_v here_o true_a honour_n and_o gentry_n be_v to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o holy_a religion_n of_o our_o ancestor_n here_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o honour_n to_o do_v as_o these_o do_v abraham_n perceive_v he_o be_v wrong_a and_o err_v with_o his_o father_n he_o therefore_o leave_v his_o father_n and_o grandfather_n religion_n &_o go_v up_o high_a and_o take_v a_o better_a isaac_n his_o son_n make_v himself_o heir_n not_o of_o his_o land_n alone_o but_o of_o his_o father_n religion_n also_o jaacob_n the_o grandchild_n follow_v both_o and_o die_v in_o faith_n with_o they_o behold_v here_o jaacob_n a_o true_a gentleman_n in_o blood_n his_o holiness_n and_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o three_o descent_n let_v we_o all_o learn_v to_o adorn_v our_o gentility_n and_o nobility_n with_o these_o ensign_n of_o true_a honour_n and_o let_v all_o they_o that_o shame_n to_o stain_v their_o blood_n by_o treason_n or_o misdemeanour_n shame_n also_o to_o let_v their_o forefather_n religion_n holiness_n or_o virtue_n fail_v in_o they_o but_o let_v they_o all_o so_o live_v in_o they_o that_o with_o jaacob_n they_o may_v die_v in_o their_o father_n faith_n last_o observe_v how_o it_o be_v say_v they_o die_v in_o faith_n they_o afore_o live_v in_o it_o but_o now_o their_o principal_a commendation_n be_v they_o die_v in_o it_o let_v we_o learn_v here_o to_o hold_v on_o in_o a_o good_a course_n when_o we_o have_v enter_v into_o it_o for_o constancy_n and_o continuance_n be_v the_o true_a commendation_n he_o that_o die_v in_o faith_n be_v he_o that_o receive_v the_o crown_n to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o with_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n galath_n 6.9_o let_v we_o not_o be_v weary_a of_o well_o do_v for_o in_o due_a time_n we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o and_o further_o let_v this_o teach_v we_o all_o to_o choose_v that_o faith_n to_o live_v in_o with_o these_o holy_a patriarch_n that_o we_o may_v bold_o die_v in_o it_o be_v a_o true_a observation_n that_o popery_n be_v a_o good_a religion_n to_o live_v in_o but_o we_o to_o die_v in_o the_o papist_n usurp_v this_o say_n and_o turn_v it_o the_o contrary_a way_n but_o they_o have_v as_o much_o right_n to_o it_o as_o the_o thief_n to_o the_o true_a man_n purse_n the_o liberty_n the_o pardon_n dispensation_n sanctuary_n the_o pomp_n and_o outward_a glory_n of_o their_o church_n and_o their_o fast_n &_o outward_a austerity_n be_v foul_a and_o feign_a hypocrisy_n and_o indeed_o open_a licentiousness_n these_o and_o many_o thing_n more_o may_v allure_v any_o natural_a man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o live_v in_o their_o religion_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v than_o
they_o all_o know_v and_o some_o confess_v it_o be_v sure_a and_o safe_a to_o die_v in_o our_o religion_n let_v we_o therefore_o cheerful_o and_o comfortable_o live_v in_o that_o religion_n and_o faith_n wherein_o we_o may_v so_o bold_o die_v that_o even_o our_o adversary_n confess_v it_o to_o be_v safe_a now_o follow_v the_o four_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o by_o promise_n we_o understand_v first_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n second_o the_o spiritual_a promise_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n these_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v that_o be_v full_o though_o in_o part_n they_o do_v for_o true_a faith_n do_v always_o receive_v apprehend_v and_o apply_v unto_o itself_o true_o though_o not_o full_o the_o thing_n promise_v god_n say_v he_o will_v give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o they_o do_v not_o full_o enjoy_v and_o possess_v it_o so_o likewise_o the_o messiah_n be_v promise_v unto_o they_o but_o they_o never_o see_v his_o come_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o yet_o they_o believe_v god_n promise_n and_o die_v in_o that_o faith_n where_o we_o may_v see_v the_o invincible_a force_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n even_o unto_o death_n though_o they_o never_o enjoy_v the_o thing_n promise_v in_o this_o life_n which_o plain_o condemn_v our_o age_n of_o unbelief_n for_o we_o have_v more_o accomplish_v unto_o we_o than_o ever_o they_o have_v abraham_n never_o see_v christ_n but_o afar_o off_o yet_o we_o have_v he_o exhibit_v in_o the_o flesh_n we_o see_v and_o know_v he_o live_v and_o die_v rise_v again_o and_o ascend_v and_o now_o make_v continual_a intercession_n for_o we_o and_o we_o have_v the_o true_a sacrament_n which_o shall_v last_v for_o ever_o pledge_n of_o he_o and_o of_o life_n everlasting_a by_o he_o and_o for_o temporal_a promise_n we_o have_v far_o more_o accomplish_v unto_o we_o than_o ever_o he_o have_v but_o though_o we_o go_v before_o abraham_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n promise_n yet_o we_o come_v far_o behind_o he_o in_o belief_n for_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n and_o love_n be_v see_v in_o true_a obedience_n but_o general_o this_o be_v too_o true_a man_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o obedience_n which_o show_v undoubted_o that_o there_o be_v little_a sound_a faith_n among_o us._n and_o it_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o these_o notable_a man_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n shall_v stand_v in_o judgement_n against_o we_o to_o our_o further_a condemnation_n for_o they_o never_o receive_v the_o accomplish_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o yet_o they_o believe_v but_o we_o do_v see_v the_o same_o fulfil_v &_o exhibit_v unto_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o here_o be_v the_o property_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o promise_n be_v afar_o off_o and_o yet_o they_o see_v they_o the_o phrase_n here_o use_v be_v borrow_v from_o mariner_n who_o be_v far_o on_o the_o sea_n can_v descry_v town_n and_o coast_n afar_o off_o but_o only_o by_o help_n of_o some_o tower_n or_o high_a place_n which_o their_o eye_n will_v soon_o discern_v though_o it_o be_v afar_o off_o and_o so_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n be_v long_o before_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n can_v not_o other_o way_n see_v christ_n but_o afar_o off_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n for_o this_o be_v the_o property_n of_o faith_n to_o make_v a_o thing_n absent_a to_o be_v present_a after_o a_o sort_n faith_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v here_o than_o we_o may_v learn_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a we_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n more_o lively_a discern_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o a_o clear_a light_n of_o understanding_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o christ_n than_o the_o church_n have_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n howsoever_o they_o excel_v in_o faith_n yet_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o discern_v of_o christ_n they_o be_v inferior_a unto_o us._n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n make_v this_o promise_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n long_o before_o that_o they_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o water_n that_o cover_v the_o sea_n and_o saint_n paul_n prove_v this_o perform_v when_o he_o affirm_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 2._o corinth_n 3.18_o but_o all_o we_o as_o in_o a_o mirror_n behold_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o open_a face_n and_o christ_n joh._n 6.45_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o knowledge_n shall_v so_o abound_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o all_o ignorant_a person_n of_o this_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n must_v know_v that_o they_o have_v much_o to_o answer_v for_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v make_v his_o church_n to_o abound_v in_o knowledge_n so_o that_o their_o ignorance_n for_o which_o they_o think_v god_n will_v hold_v they_o excuse_v shall_v be_v a_o bill_n of_o indictment_n against_o they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o their_o further_a condemnation_n because_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o clear_o and_o plentiful_o reveal_v in_o these_o day_n that_o whereas_o the_o most_o excellent_a patriarch_n of_o all_o can_v then_o but_o see_v christ_n afar_o off_o the_o most_o simple_a may_v now_o see_v he_o near_o unto_o they_o again_o where_o be_v more_o knowledge_n there_o shall_v be_v more_o obedience_n therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o those_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n &_o submit_v themselves_o to_o hear_v and_o learn_v the_o word_n of_o god_n teach_v unto_o they_o not_o content_v themselves_o with_o bare_a knowledge_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o but_o withal_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n in_o their_o life_n &_o conversation_n for_o though_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o regard_n of_o faith_n do_v go_v far_o before_o we_o yet_o see_v we_o have_v more_o knowledge_n than_o they_o have_v in_o the_o messiah_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o become_v like_a unto_o they_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o life_n their_o faith_n be_v strong_a than_o we_o but_o our_o obedience_n shall_v be_v great_a than_o they_o because_o we_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o believe_v than_o they_o s._n paul_n say_v we_o all_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o mirror_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o open_a face_n 3.18_o and_o the_o end_n thereof_o be_v this_o that_o we_o may_v be_v transform_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o the_o more_o knowledge_n we_o have_v the_o more_o sanctification_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o the_o more_o hatred_n of_o sin_n &_o more_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n but_o the_o more_o be_v the_o pity_n the_o case_n go_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o world_n for_o even_o many_o among_o we_o that_o be_v no_o student_n by_o profession_n have_v great_a and_o commendable_a knowledge_n in_o religion_n but_o where_o be_v the_o fruit_n hereof_o in_o holy_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n god_n by_o call_v have_v make_v we_o a_o pleasant_a vine_n but_o the_o sour_a grape_n of_o sin_n be_v our_o ordinary_a fruit_n they_o be_v the_o grape_n of_o gall_n as_o moses_n say_v 32.33_o for_o atheism_n blasphemy_n contempt_n of_o god_n word_n and_o worship_n with_o open_a profane_v of_o god_n sabaoth_n do_v every_o where_o abound_v to_o omit_v the_o heinous_a crime_n against_o the_o second_o table_n as_o oppression_n adultery_n and_o blood_n touch_v blood_n for_o all_o which_o we_o may_v just_o fear_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v either_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o we_o and_o so_o of_o a_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n make_v we_o no_o church_n or_o else_o sweep_v we_o away_o by_o some_o fearful_a judgement_n as_o with_o the_o bosom_n of_o destruction_n because_o we_o withhold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n rom._n 1.18_o for_o better_a it_o be_v not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n then_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n give_v unto_o we_o let_v we_o therefore_o join_v with_o our_o knowledge_n obedience_n that_o so_o we_o may_v show_v forth_o our_o faith_n in_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n unto_o god_n and_o of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o christianity_n unto_o our_o brethren_n thus_o much_o of_o
not_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o our_o sake_n now_o further_o god_n tempt_v man_n three_o way_n first_o by_o judgement_n and_o calamity_n in_o this_o world_n so_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o israelite_n deut._n 8.2_o thou_o shall_v remember_v all_o the_o way_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n lead_v thou_o this_o forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o to_o humble_v thou_o for_o to_o prove_v and_o to_o know_v what_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o journey_n may_v have_v be_v go_v in_o forty_o day_n but_o god_n do_v lead_v they_o in_o it_o forty_o year_n to_o prove_v and_o try_v by_o this_o unwoonted_a calamity_n whether_o they_o will_v obey_v he_o or_o not_o so_o likewise_o god_n suffer_v false_a prophet_n and_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n to_o come_v among_o the_o people_n for_o this_o end_n to_o prove_v they_o and_o to_o know_v whether_o they_o love_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o soul_n deut._n 13.3_o now_o this_o first_o kind_n of_o temptation_n by_o outward_a judgement_n be_v most_o grievous_a when_o the_o lord_n lay_v his_o own_o hand_n upon_o his_o servant_n so_o heavy_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v themselves_o to_o be_v quite_o forsake_v in_o this_o temptation_n be_v david_n as_o we_o may_v read_v at_o large_a psal._n the_o 6_o and_o psal._n 38_o and_o job_n be_v afflict_v not_o only_o outward_o in_o body_n but_o inward_o in_o mind_n cry_v out_o that_o the_o arrow_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v in_o he_o job_n 6.4_o and_o through_o the_o whole_a chapter_n he_o bewail_v his_o grievous_a estate_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o temptation_n second_o god_n tempt_v his_o servant_n by_o withdraw_a his_o grace_n from_o they_o and_o by_o forsake_v they_o in_o part_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o temptation_n be_v as_o grievous_a as_o the_o former_a herewith_o be_v good_a king_n hezekias_n tempt_v for_o as_o we_o may_v read_v god_n leave_v he_o to_o a_o sin_n of_o vain_a glory_n and_o the_o end_n be_v to_o try_v he_o and_o to_o prove_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n 2._o chron._n 32.31_o three_o god_n tempt_v his_o servant_n by_o give_v unto_o they_o some_o strange_a and_o extraordinary_a commandment_n as_o in_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o young_a man_n come_v to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o ask_v he_o what_o good_a thing_n he_o may_v do_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n math._n 19.16_o christ_n bid_v he_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a this_o commandment_n have_v this_o use_n to_o be_v a_o commandment_n of_o trial_n unto_o the_o young_a man_n whereby_o god_n will_v prove_v what_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v manifest_a both_o to_o himself_o &_o unto_o other_o and_o under_o this_o kind_n we_o must_v comprehend_v this_o temptation_n of_o abraham_n for_o when_o god_n say_v abraham_n offer_v up_o thy_o son_n in_o sacrifice_n it_o be_v not_o a_o commandment_n require_v actual_a obedience_n for_o god_n mean_v not_o that_o abraham_n shall_v kill_v his_o son_n but_o only_a of_o trial_n to_o see_v what_o he_o will_v do_v and_o these_o be_v god_n temptation_n whereby_o he_o prove_v his_o servant_n yet_o far_o the_o temptation_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o tempt_v his_o child_n have_v two_o end_n 1._o they_o serve_v to_o disclose_v and_o make_v evident_a the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o servant_n so_o s._n james_n say_v my_o brethren_n count_v it_o exceed_v great_a joy_n when_o you_o fall_v into_o diverse_a tentation_n jame_v 1.2_o the_o reason_n follow_v know_v that_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o faith_n bring_v forth_o patience_n verse_n 3_o where_o we_o see_v this_o end_n of_o temptation_n set_v down_o to_o manifest_v the_o gift_n of_o patience_n wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o saint_n peter_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v in_o heaviness_n through_o manifold_a tentation_n that_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v much_o more_o precious_a than_o gold_n that_o perish_v though_o it_o be_v try_v with_o fire_n may_v be_v find_v unto_o their_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o the_o lord_n jesu_n 1._o peter_n 1.6.7_o where_o temptation_n have_v this_o use_n to_o make_v manifest_a the_o soundness_n of_o man_n faith_n in_o god_n as_o the_o fire_n do_v prove_v the_o gold_n to_o be_v good_a and_o precious_a so_o in_o this_o place_n the_o temptation_n of_o abraham_n serve_v for_o this_o end_n to_o make_v manifest_a his_o notable_a faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n with_o a_o reverend_a fear_n of_o his_o majesty_n as_o the_o lord_n himself_o testify_v say_v now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n see_v for_o my_o sake_n thou_o have_v not_o spare_v thy_o only_a son_n genesis_n 22.12_o mean_v this_o now_o i_o have_v make_v thy_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o fear_v of_o i_o so_o manifest_a that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v see_v it_o and_o speak_v of_o it_o second_o god_n temptation_n serve_v to_o manifest_v hide_a sin_n and_o corruption_n partly_o to_o a_o man_n own_o self_n and_o partly_o to_o the_o world_n and_o for_o this_o end_n god_n tempt_v hezekias_n for_o be_v recover_v of_o his_o sickness_n after_o that_o the_o king_n of_o ashur_n his_o great_a enemy_n be_v vanquish_v especial_o when_o the_o ambassador_n of_o the_o king_n of_o babel_n come_v to_o inquire_v of_o the_o wonder_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o land_n 32.31_o god_n leave_v he_o that_o he_o may_v see_v his_o sin_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n wherewith_o he_o be_v puff_v up_o at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o ambassador_n to_o he_o and_o thus_o he_o who_o little_a thought_n that_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n can_v have_v take_v such_o hold_n on_o he_o perceive_v how_o his_o heart_n be_v lift_v up_o in_o he_o be_v doubtless_o much_o humble_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o his_o so_o great_a corruption_n for_o when_o the_o prophet_n come_v unto_o he_o he_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o word_n of_o reproof_n isaiah_n 39.8_o first_o whereas_o abraham_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v tempt_v that_o be_v be_v prove_v and_o try_v by_o god_n himself_o here_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o if_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n as_o abraham_n be_v than_o we_o must_v look_v to_o have_v temptation_n at_o god_n own_o hand_n for_o his_o example_n be_v a_o pattern_n for_o we_o and_o therefore_o in_o he_o we_o must_v see_v that_o which_o we_o must_v look_v to_o have_v for_o it_o can_v not_o be_v needful_a for_o abraham_n but_o it_o may_v be_v also_o needful_a to_o us._n in_o regard_n whereof_o saint_n peter_n count_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n necessary_a that_o man_n shall_v fall_v into_o sundry_a temptation_n 1.16_o that_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v unto_o their_o praise_n so_o that_o in_o this_o life_n we_o must_v look_v for_o trial_n and_o the_o more_o glorious_a our_o faith_n be_v and_o the_o more_o like_a to_o our_o father_n abraham_n the_o more_o trial_n shall_v we_o undergo_v again_o see_v we_o must_v be_v try_v therefore_o every_o one_o of_o we_o must_v labour_v for_o soundness_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n as_o of_o faith_n repentance_n hope_v and_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n though_o they_o be_v but_o little_a in_o measure_n for_o we_o must_v come_v to_o trial_n &_o it_o must_v appear_v whether_o we_o be_v hot_a or_o cold_a now_o if_o we_o have_v not_o soundness_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o in_o the_o time_n of_o trial_n then_o look_v as_o dross_n consume_v in_o the_o fire_n when_o as_o gold_n come_v out_o more_o clear_a so_o shall_v hypocrisy_n formality_n and_o all_o temporize_a profession_n come_v to_o nothing_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o tentation_n when_o sound_a grace_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n shall_v pass_v through_o and_o shine_v more_o pure_a and_o perfect_a after_o than_o before_o three_o consider_v we_o be_v to_o look_v for_o trial_n and_o temptation_n from_o god_n therefore_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o remember_v and_o practise_v that_o counsel_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n before_o his_o passion_n watch_n and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n math._n 26.41_o and_o because_o they_o be_v careless_a in_o practise_v this_o duty_n therefore_o they_o fall_v into_o temptation_n especial_o peter_n fall_v most_o grievous_o by_o deny_v his_o master_n we_o must_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o the_o same_o commandment_n be_v give_v to_o we_o for_o god_n will_v prove_v we_o by_o temptation_n to_o make_v manifest_a the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o therefore_o consider_v our_o own_o estate_n must_v pray_v for_o god_n assist_v and_o strengthen_v grace_n
their_o heart_n and_o cleanse_v the_o corruption_n thereof_o and_o bring_v forth_o obedience_n in_o life_n second_o this_o power_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o man_n heart_n must_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o general_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o go_v further_o and_o to_o get_v a_o sound_a faith_n that_o may_v purify_v the_o heart_n at_o least_o in_o some_o true_a measure_n for_o save_v faith_n will_v cleanse_v a_o man_n in_o every_o part_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n &_o strengthen_v his_o soul_n in_o temptation_n quest._n here_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o it_o can_v be_v true_o say_v that_o isaac_n be_v abraham_n only_o beget_v son_n see_v ishmael_n be_v also_o his_o son_n and_o be_v bear_v before_o isaac_n as_o be_v evident_a gen._n 16_o i_o answer_v two_o way_n first_o that_o ishmael_n by_o god_n appointment_n be_v put_v out_o of_o abraham_n house_n for_o it_o be_v the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n to_o put_v forth_o the_o bondwoman_n and_o her_o son_n gen._n 21.10_o and_o so_o be_v make_v no_o child_n of_o abraham_n second_o ishmael_n be_v his_o child_n indeed_o yet_o not_o by_o sarah_n but_o by_o agar_n a_o bond_n woman_n and_o so_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v base_a bear_v whereupon_o he_o be_v repute_v for_o no_o son_n but_o isaac_n be_v the_o only_o beget_v lawful_o which_o may_v be_v a_o item_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o bed_n defile_v see_v such_o offspring_n be_v so_o debase_v with_o the_o lord_n now_o follow_v the_o three_o impediment_n of_o abraham_n faith_n which_o be_v also_o a_o notable_a circumstance_n whereby_o the_o same_o faith_n be_v commend_v and_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o person_n of_o abraham_n in_o these_o word_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n who_o this_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o person_n of_o abraham_n of_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o speak_v receive_v the_o promise_n that_o be_v by_o faith_n for_o when_o god_n make_v his_o promise_n unto_o abraham_n he_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v they_o but_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n of_o all_o he_o believe_v they_o and_o apply_v the_o same_o effectual_o unto_o his_o own_o soul_n so_o much_o do_v the_o word_n receive_v import_n now_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o receive_v not_o one_o promise_n but_o the_o promise_v plural_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o god_n have_v make_v one_o main_a promise_n unto_o he_o touch_v christ_n do_v repeat_v and_o renew_v the_o same_o diverse_a time_n second_o because_o god_n have_v make_v diverse_a particular_a promise_n unto_o he_o as_o first_o that_o he_o will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o seed_n gen._n 17.7_o second_o that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o a_o child_n in_o his_o old_a age_n gen._n 17.16_o three_o that_o unto_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n he_o will_v give_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o ever_o gen._n 13.15_o four_o that_o in_o isaac_n he_o will_v bless_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n genesis_n 21.12_o and_o because_o the_o receive_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o general_n can_v seem_v no_o great_a impediment_n to_o abraham_n work_n of_o faith_n therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n annex_v his_o receive_n of_o a_o particular_a promise_n in_o isaac_n in_o the_o 18._o verse_n to_o who_o it_o be_v say_v in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v which_o may_v seem_v impossible_a to_o stand_v with_o the_o do_v of_o this_o work_n in_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n and_o therefore_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o in_o abraham_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a impediment_n to_o he_o in_o this_o work_n for_o he_o go_v about_o to_o kill_v isaac_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n command_n in_o who_o life_n he_o believe_v to_o receive_v the_o blessing_n promise_v of_o god_n here_o then_o observe_v a_o most_o wonderful_a impediment_n to_o abraham_n faith_n which_o above_o all_o may_v have_v hinder_v he_o from_o obey_v god_n for_o how_o can_v he_o choose_v but_o reason_n thus_o with_o himself_o god_n have_v make_v unto_o i_o many_o gracious_a promise_n and_o that_o which_o be_v more_o he_o have_v say_v that_o in_o my_o son_n isaac_n the_o same_o must_v he_o accomplish_v and_o in_o he_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n must_v be_v bless_v now_o then_o if_o i_o shall_v kill_v and_o sacrifice_v my_o son_n how_o shall_v these_o promise_n be_v accomplish_v and_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n will_v say_v i_o see_v no_o way_n but_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v go_v and_o all_o hope_v lose_v but_o what_o do_v abraham_n in_o this_o case_n for_o all_o this_o he_o do_v sacrifice_v his_o son_n and_o that_o by_o faith_n still_o believe_v and_o hold_v assure_o that_o though_o isaac_n be_v sacrifice_v and_o slay_v yet_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v here_o than_o we_o note_v this_o special_a point_n wherein_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n do_v notable_o appear_v that_o when_o abraham_n case_n in_o respect_n of_o enjoy_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n may_v seem_v desperate_a and_o void_a of_o all_o hope_n and_o comfort_n than_o he_o believe_v for_o when_o isaac_n be_v dead_a in_o all_o reason_n he_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o the_o accomplish_n of_o god_n promise_n unto_o he_o because_o they_o be_v make_v to_o he_o in_o isaac_n isaac_n be_v the_o man_n in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v and_o yet_o when_o all_o hope_n be_v pass_v in_o man_n reason_n then_o good_a abraham_n set_v his_o heart_n to_o believe_v this_o practice_n of_o abraham_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n for_o we_o to_o observe_v and_o follow_v all_o our_o life_n long_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o salvation_n if_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o our_o salvation_n and_o feel_v many_o thing_n in_o we_o that_o will_v carry_v we_o to_o despair_v when_o we_o be_v in_o this_o case_n and_o feel_v no_o comfort_n then_o let_v we_o call_v to_o mind_n abraham_n practice_n who_o believe_v god_n promise_n when_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o be_v take_v away_o even_o so_o let_v we_o do_v at_o the_o same_o instant_n when_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v frustrate_a and_o we_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o than_o we_o must_v cast_v our_o soul_n upon_o it_o for_o we_o must_v not_o only_o believe_v when_o we_o feel_v comfort_n in_o our_o conscience_n concern_v god_n mercy_n but_o even_o then_o when_o god_n seem_v to_o stand_v against_o we_o and_o when_o we_o feel_v in_o our_o soul_n the_o very_a gall_n of_o hell_n then_o i_o say_v we_o must_v believe_v in_o paul_n dangerous_a voyage_n towards_o rome_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o ship_n with_o the_o mariner_n and_o centurion_n there_o arise_v a_o great_a tempest_n and_o neither_o sun_n nor_o star_n appear_v for_o many_o day_n so_o that_o as_o the_o text_n say_v all_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v take_v away_o act_n 27.20_o now_o what_o say_v paul_n in_o this_o extremity_n of_o danger_n now_o i_o exhort_v you_o to_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n for_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o loss_n of_o any_o man_n life_n save_v of_o the_o ship_n only_o verse_n 22._o and_o so_o persuade_v they_o to_o take_v bread_n even_o so_o when_o our_o case_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v this_o that_o either_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n or_o else_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o outward_a calamity_n and_o trouble_n we_o feel_v our_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o sorrow_n and_o even_o enter_v into_o destruction_n and_o can_v neither_o see_v as_o it_o be_v light_n of_o sun_n or_o star_n then_o we_o must_v set_v before_o we_o god_n promise_n and_o labour_n to_o believe_v the_o same_o so_o david_n be_v in_o great_a affliction_n and_o grievous_a temptation_n say_v thus_o of_o himself_o psal._n 77.2_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o trouble_n i_o seek_v the_o lord_n my_o sore_n run_v and_o cease_v not_o in_o the_o night_n my_o soul_n refuse_v comfort_n yet_o at_o the_o very_a same_o instant_n he_o pray_v when_o his_o spirit_n be_v full_a of_o anguish_n and_o though_o he_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o despair_v when_o he_o say_v will_v the_o lord_n absent_v himself_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o show_v no_o more_o favour_n be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o and_o have_v god_n forget_v to_o be_v merciful_a etc._n etc._n yet_o he_o check_n himself_o and_o say_v this_o be_v my_o death_n and_o my_o weakness_n even_o so_o every_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o temptation_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o desperation_n be_v bind_v
during_o prime_n of_o his_o age_n be_v give_v to_o nothing_o but_o to_o his_o pleasure_n that_o be_v as_o good_a to_o he_o as_o jacob_n red_a broth_n be_v to_o esau_n take_v this_o pleasure_n from_o he_o and_o take_v away_o his_o life_n herein_o be_v all_o his_o joy_n and_o he_o delight_v in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o to_o spend_v his_o time_n in_o hunt_v hawk_v dice_a game_a wantonness_n and_o drink_v now_o know_v for_o certain_a this_o be_v a_o right_a esau_n and_o yet_o many_o such_o have_v we_o among_o we_o who_o think_v of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v they_o jolly_a fellow_n and_o they_o only_o carry_v the_o brave_a mind_n but_o as_o for_o jaacob_n and_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o way_n and_o word_n those_o alas_o be_v silly_a fellow_n now_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v or_o think_v of_o these_o sure_o this_o if_o they_o do_v not_o and_o that_o in_o time_n look_v to_o their_o estate_n and_o to_o themselves_o it_o will_v cost_v they_o their_o life_n even_o the_o life_n of_o their_o soul_n esau_n lose_v his_o birthright_n by_o his_o profaneness_n and_o so_o will_v these_o man_n do_v if_o they_o continue_v in_o this_o estate_n they_o will_v blot_v their_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o root_v themselves_o quite_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o let_v all_o young_a man_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v high_a or_o low_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o go_v on_o in_o their_o wickedness_n for_o if_o they_o take_v esau_n course_n and_o continue_v in_o profaneness_n doubtless_o they_o will_v have_v esau_n end_n how_o wonderful_o do_v satan_n bewitch_v they_o that_o while_o they_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n they_o shall_v think_v so_o high_o of_o themselves_o and_o so_o base_o of_o those_o that_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o way_n wherefore_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n let_v such_o betimes_o redress_v their_o way_n and_o course_n lest_o when_o god_n curse_n be_v upon_o they_o they_o cry_v too_o late_o for_o mercy_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o party_n bless_v the_o four_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o nature_n or_o matter_n of_o this_o blessing_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o that_o old_a isaac_n their_o father_n do_v pronounce_v blessing_n upon_o his_o son_n not_o only_o for_o the_o time_n present_a but_o also_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v in_o blessing_n temporal_a and_o spiritual_a as_o we_o may_v read_v gen._n 27._o vers_fw-la 28_o 39_o where_o he_o give_v to_o they_o both_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o land_n and_o plenty_n of_o wheat_n and_o wine_n and_o especial_o to_o jaacob_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v lord_n over_o his_o brethren_n but_o some_o will_v say_v it_o may_v seem_v to_o prove_v otherwise_o for_o while_o jaacob_n live_v he_o be_v always_o humble_a and_o subject_a to_o esau_n and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o country_n from_o among_o the_o aramite_n as_o he_o meet_v with_o esau_n he_o send_v present_n to_o he_o and_o when_o he_o see_v he_o he_o go_v before_o 33.3_o and_o bow_v himself_o to_o the_o ground_n 7._o time_n until_o he_o come_v near_o to_o his_o brother_n answ._n that_o prophecy_n of_o jaacob_n and_o esau_n that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a must_v not_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o person_n of_o jaacob_n and_o esau_n but_o refer_v to_o their_o posterity_n especial_o in_o the_o day_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n for_o than_o be_v the_o edomite_n who_o come_v of_o esau_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o israelite_n the_o posterity_n of_o old_a ishmael_n whereupon_o david_n speak_v as_o a_o king_n sai_z psal._n 60.8_o moab_n shall_v be_v my_o wash-pot_n over_o edom_n will_v i_o cast_v my_o shoe_n mean_v thereby_o that_o he_o will_v bring_v the_o posterity_n of_o esau_n into_o a_o base_a and_o low_a estate_n of_o subjection_n unto_o he_o according_a as_o we_o may_v see_v verify_v 2._o sam._n 8.14_o but_o some_o will_v say_v that_o isaac_n when_o he_o bless_v esau_n pronounce_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o fertile_a soil_n and_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v his_o dwell_a place_n gen._n 27.39_o whereas_o in_o malachi_n the_o lord_n say_v mal._n 1.3_o he_o hate_v esau._n and_o a_o token_n thereof_o be_v this_o that_o he_o have_v make_v his_o mountain_n waste_n and_o his_o heritage_n a_o wilderness_n for_o dragon_n meaning_n that_o he_o shall_v dwell_v in_o a_o barren_a land_n how_o can_v these_o two_o agree_v answ._n first_o we_o may_v say_v thus_o that_o the_o land_n of_o edom_n be_v a_o fertile_a land_n but_o yet_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o a_o barren_a and_o waste_a land_n second_o isaac_n speak_v here_o of_o idumea_n as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o time_n not_o as_o it_o be_v afterward_o for_o it_o may_v be_v fertile_a in_o isaac_n time_n 〈◊〉_d yet_o after_o become_v barren_a for_o god_n will_v curse_v a_o land_n by_o turn_v fruitfulness_n into_o barrenness_n for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o psal._n 107.34_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o example_n of_o isaac_n faith_n now_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o jacob_n jacob_n faith_n verse_n 21._o by_o faith_n jacob_n when_o he_o be_v die_v bless_a both_o the_o son_n of_o joseph_n and_o worship_v on_o the_o end_n of_o his_o staff_n in_o these_o word_n the_o holy_a ghost_n lay_v down_o the_o notable_a and_o worthy_a example_n of_o jacob_n faith_n which_o be_v here_o commend_v by_o two_o action_n first_o his_o blessing_n of_o the_o two_o son_n of_o joseph_n second_o his_o adore_a or_o worship_v of_o god_n in_o the_o first_o action_n consider_v these_o point_n 1._o the_o blessing_n itself_o 2._o the_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o the_o same_o as_o 1._o the_o time_n when_o jacob_n bless_v they_o that_o be_v when_o he_o be_v die_v second_o by_o what_o mean_n do_v he_o bless_v they_o namely_o by_o faith_n three_o the_o party_n bless_v ephraim_n and_o manasses_n of_o these_o in_o order_n first_o for_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o blessing_n we_o entreat_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n in_o the_o example_n of_o isaac_n faith_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o now_o repeat_v the_o same_o only_o this_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o this_o blessing_n of_o jacob_n be_v not_o the_o common_a or_o ordinary_a blessing_n of_o a_o father_n but_o the_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o a_o holy_a patriarch_n and_o prophet_n of_o god_n the_o blessing_n itself_o stand_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o jacob_n make_v the_o son_n of_o joseph_n his_o own_o son_n adopt_v they_o and_o take_v they_o into_o his_o family_n and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n in_o genesis_n where_o jacob_n say_v as_o he_o be_v bless_v they_o let_v my_o name_n be_v name_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o name_n of_o my_o father_n abraham_n and_o isaac_n gen._n 48.16_o that_o be_v they_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o my_o family_n and_o be_v my_o child_n call_v after_o my_o name_n 2._o he_o give_v they_o two_o portion_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o jacob_n be_v make_v a_o instrument_n of_o god_n by_o way_n of_o prophecy_n to_o distinguish_v and_o divide_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n among_o his_o child_n 3._o he_o do_v as_o a_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n foretell_v the_o condition_n and_o estate_n of_o ephraim_n and_o manasses_n in_o their_o posterity_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v great_a nation_n and_o of_o they_o shall_v come_v two_o great_a people_n in_o these_o three_o thing_n do_v jacob_n blessing_n consist_v out_o of_o this_o blessing_n of_o jacob_n we_o learn_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o god_n allow_v this_o liberty_n to_o a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n to_o adopt_v and_o choose_v for_o the_o uphold_v of_o his_o house_n a_o child_n or_o child_n in_o the_o want_n of_o issue_n from_o his_o own_o body_n for_o here_o old_a jacob_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o enlarge_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n adopt_v his_o son_n son_n into_o his_o own_o family_n to_o be_v his_o own_o son_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o a_o lord_n and_o master_n in_o his_o family_n may_v do_v the_o like_a but_o yet_o with_o this_o caveat_n he_o must_v ever_o take_v heed_n that_o in_o this_o adopt_v he_o do_v not_o unjust_o hinder_v his_o own_o issue_n or_o kindred_n again_o whereas_o jacob_n bless_v these_o two_o son_n of_o joseph_n by_o foretell_v the_o particular_a estate_n of_o their_o posterity_n for_o their_o portion_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n here_o we_o learn_v that_o in_o many_o thing_n god_n do_v vouchsafe_v to_o reveal_v his_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 26._o esteem_v the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n for_o he_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v to_o the_o commendation_n of_o moses_n faith_n and_o in_o these_o three_o verse_n propound_v a_o most_o notable_a example_n hereof_o by_o moses_n faith_n in_o this_o place_n we_o must_v understand_v save_v faith_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o gift_n of_o god_n whereby_o moses_n receive_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n touch_v salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n and_o of_o the_o promise_a land_n make_v to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o and_o apply_v the_o same_o unto_o himself_o particular_o now_o in_o the_o first_o entrance_n of_o this_o example_n the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v down_o a_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o moses_n namely_o that_o moses_n have_v faith_n and_o by_o it_o do_v this_o great_a work_n this_o i_o say_v be_v strange_a because_o he_o be_v bring_v up_o by_o pharaoh_n daughter_n in_o the_o court_n of_o pharaoh_n where_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o but_o idolatry_n wantonness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o yet_o here_o it_o be_v testify_v of_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o can_v lie_v that_o he_o have_v faith_n which_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n and_o the_o like_a be_v record_v of_o other_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o in_o ahab_n court_n who_o be_v a_o king_n that_o have_v sell_v himself_o to_o work_v wickedness_n yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n testify_v that_o even_o there_o be_v good_a obadiah_n a_o man_n that_o fear_v god_n great_o 8.3_o and_o herod_n be_v a_o most_o deadly_a enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o yet_o joanna_n the_o wife_n of_o chuza_n herod_n friend_n minister_v of_o her_o good_n unto_o christ._n and_o paul_n say_v the_o saint_n which_o be_v of_o caesar_n household_n salute_v you_o where_o by_o caesar_n house_n be_v mean_v the_o court_n of_o nero_n who_o be_v a_o most_o bloody_a man_n and_o a_o wicked_a persecuter_n and_o yet_o in_o his_o house_n be_v the_o professor_n of_o christ_n gospel_n by_o these_o example_n we_o learn_v that_o christ_n have_v his_o child_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o middle_n among_o his_o enemy_n for_o these_o 3._o court_n of_o pharaoh_n herod_n and_o nero_n may_v be_v call_v a_o kind_n of_o hell_n &_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o of_o god_n servant_n in_o they_o all_o which_o show_v we_o clear_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n which_o say_v of_o christ_n that_o he_o reign_v in_o the_o middle_n among_o his_o enemy_n 110.2_o howsoever_o they_o rage_n and_o seek_v to_o blot_v out_o his_o name_n and_o to_o root_v out_o his_o kingdom_n yet_o maugre_o their_o throat_n he_o will_v rule_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o their_o kingdom_n &_o there_o have_v those_o which_o true_o serve_v he_o &_o fear_v his_o name_n revel_v 2.13_o god_n have_v his_o church_n in_o pergamus_n where_o satan_n throne_n be_v again_o this_o faith_n of_o moses_n serve_v to_o check_v many_o a_o man_n in_o this_o age_n that_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o under_o godly_a parent_n &_o governor_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o hater_n and_o mocker_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o christ._n sure_o moses_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v stand_v up_o against_o all_o such_o and_o condemn_v they_o for_o he_o have_v faith_n though_o he_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o most_o profane_a place_n and_o they_o be_v void_a of_o faith_n nay_o enemy_n unto_o it_o though_o they_o live_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o strange_a fact_n which_o moses_n do_v for_o which_o his_o faith_n be_v so_o commend_v the_o text_n say_v of_o he_o first_o of_o all_o that_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o age_n he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n how_o moses_n become_v her_o son_n we_o may_v read_v at_o large_a exod._n 2_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o she_o have_v find_v moses_n in_o the_o basket_n preserve_v he_o alive_a and_o bring_v he_o up_o as_o her_o own_o child_n purpose_v to_o make_v he_o her_o own_o son_n &_o heir_n but_o this_o honour_n of_o she_o he_o will_v not_o accept_v this_o he_o refuse_v by_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v that_o notable_a and_o famous_a act_n for_o which_o his_o faith_n be_v here_o commend_v unto_o us._n but_o some_o will_v say_v this_o fact_n of_o moses_n may_v seem_v rather_o worthy_a of_o blame_n then_o praise_n as_o be_v a_o practice_n of_o great_a rudeness_n and_o ingratitude_n for_o she_o preserve_v his_o life_n from_o death_n and_o bring_v he_o up_o as_o her_o own_o child_n and_o vouchsafe_v he_o this_o special_a favour_n to_o make_v he_o her_o heir_n and_o therefore_o moses_n shall_v not_o thus_o have_v contemn_v her_o favour_n answer_n indeed_o it_o have_v be_v moses_n part_v to_o have_v show_v himself_o thankful_a in_o accept_v this_o favour_n at_o her_o hand_n and_o also_o in_o enjoy_v the_o same_o if_o he_o may_v have_v do_v it_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n but_o that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v for_o if_o he_o have_v dwell_v still_o with_o she_o and_o be_v her_o son_n and_o heir_n he_o shall_v have_v be_v undutiful_a unto_o god._n now_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o be_v remember_v and_o practise_v always_o that_o in_o duty_n of_o like_a nature_n 〈◊〉_d the_o commandment_n of_o the_o second_o table_n do_v bind_v we_o no_o further_o than_o our_o obedience_n thereto_o may_v stand_v with_o obedience_n unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o first_o table_n and_o when_o these_o two_o can_v stand_v together_o than_o we_o be_v free_v from_o obedience_n unto_o the_o second_o table_n as_o from_o perform_v honour_n and_o thankfulness_n unto_o man_n when_o we_o can_v therewithal_o perform_v obedience_n and_o service_n unto_o god_n and_o this_o be_v moses_n case_n because_o he_o can_v not_o both_o serve_v god_n and_o continue_v his_o thankfulness_n to_o pharaoh_n daughter_n for_o in_o stay_v with_o she_o he_o shall_v have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o true_a religion_n therefore_o he_o forsake_v her_o favour_n and_o honour_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v here_o commend_v unto_o us._n the_o like_a do_v our_o saviour_n christ_n for_o when_o the_o people_n will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n he_o refuse_v it_o and_o flee_v from_o among_o they_o john_n 6.15_o because_o it_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o that_o call_n for_o which_o he_o be_v sanctify_v and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n therefore_o moses_n fact_n be_v commendable_a and_o do_v great_o set_v forth_o unto_o we_o his_o holy_a faith_n in_o this_o fact_n of_o moses_n thus_o general_o consider_v observe_v a_o notable_a fruit_n of_o true_a faith_n it_o make_v a_o man_n to_o esteem_v more_o of_o the_o state_n of_o adoption_n to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n then_o to_o be_v the_o child_n or_o heir_n of_o any_o earthly_a prince_n this_o be_v plain_a in_o moses_n in_o this_o place_n and_o the_o like_a we_o may_v see_v in_o david_n for_o though_o he_o be_v a_o king_n yet_o he_o set_v all_o his_o royalty_n and_o majesty_n at_o nought_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n blessing_n of_o adoption_n &_o therefore_o say_v the_o lord_n not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n be_v my_o portion_n 16._o and_o again_o when_o he_o be_v keep_v from_o the_o lord_n tabernacle_n &_o the_o company_n of_o god_n saint_n through_o persecution_n he_o say_v the_o sparrow_n and_o swallow_n be_v more_o happy_a than_o he_o psalm_n 84_o because_o they_o have_v nest_n where_o they_o may_v keep_v their_o young_a and_o sit_v and_o sing_v but_o he_o can_v not_o come_v near_o the_o lord_n altar_n and_o yet_o more_o full_o to_o express_v the_o earnestness_n of_o his_o affection_n this_o way_n he_o say_v he_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o base_a office_n even_o a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n than_o a_o man_n of_o renown_n in_o the_o tent_n of_o wickedness_n but_o howsoever_o these_o man_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n herein_o yet_o come_v to_o our_o age_n and_o seek_v in_o town_n country_n and_o people_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v this_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v rare_a to_o be_v find_v for_o general_o though_o i_o will_v not_o say_v all_o the_o most_o of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o good_a parentage_n as_o the_o son_n of_o knight_n or_o squire_n and_o especial_o of_o noble_n be_v so_o bewitch_v with_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o earthly_a parentage_n that_o they_o have_v scarce_o a_o thought_n after_o adoption_n in_o christ._n god_n heavenly_a grace_n will_v take_v no_o place_n in_o their_o heart_n
but_o they_o utter_o contemn_v all_o other_o estate_n of_o life_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o own_o and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o at_o earthly_a preferment_n man_n will_v stand_v amaze_v but_o seldom_o shall_v you_o find_v a_o man_n that_o be_v ravish_v with_o joy_n in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n do_v but_o his_o practice_n must_v be_v a_o precedent_n for_o we_o to_o follow_v we_o must_v learn_v to_o have_v more_o joy_n in_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n then_o to_o be_v heir_n of_o any_o worldly_a kingdom_n and_o to_o take_v more_o delight_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o adoption_n through_o jesus_n christ_n then_o in_o the_o sonship_n of_o any_o earthly_a prince_n it_o be_v a_o great_a prerogative_n to_o be_v heir_n to_o a_o king_n or_o emperor_n but_o yet_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n go_v far_o beyond_o it_o even_o above_o comparison_n for_o the_o son_n of_o the_o great_a potentate_n may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o grace_n have_v christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v his_o elder_a brother_n with_o who_o he_o be_v fellow_n heir_n in_o heaven_n he_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n also_o for_o his_o comforter_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o his_o everlasting_a inheritance_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v learn_v of_o moses_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o prefer_v this_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n before_o all_o earthly_a thing_n either_o pleasure_n riches_n or_o any_o other_o prerogative_n whatsoever_o now_o more_o particular_o in_o this_o fact_n of_o moses_n note_v two_o circumstance_n 1._o the_o manner_n how_o 2._o the_o time_n when_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n for_o the_o first_o his_o refusal_n be_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n for_o if_o we_o read_v the_o whole_a history_n of_o moses_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v that_o either_o he_o speak_v to_o pharaoh_n or_o to_o his_o daughter_n or_o to_o any_o other_o to_o this_o effect_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v her_o heir_n nor_o call_v her_o son_n but_o we_o find_v that_o he_o do_v it_o in_o deed_n for_o when_o he_o come_v to_o age_n he_o leave_v the_o court_n oftentimes_o and_o go_v to_o visit_v his_o brethren_n to_o comfort_v they_o to_o defend_v they_o and_o to_o take_v part_n with_o they_o and_o hence_o we_o must_v learn_v not_o so_o much_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o know_v and_o to_o talk_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o do_v and_o practise_v the_o same_o both_o before_o god_n and_o man_n this_o do_v moses_n it_o be_v the_o common_a fault_n of_o our_o age_n that_o we_o can_v be_v content_a to_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n teach_v unto_o we_o yea_o many_o will_v learn_v it_o and_o often_o speak_v thereof_o but_o few_o there_o be_v that_o make_v conscience_n to_o do_v the_o thing_n they_o hear_v and_o speak_v of_o but_o let_v we_o learn_v of_o moses_n to_o put_v those_o thing_n in_o practice_n which_o we_o learn_v and_o profess_v and_o in_o silence_n do_v they_o for_o the_o few_o word_n the_o better_a unless_o our_o deed_n be_v answerable_a if_o any_o of_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o some_o high_a mountain_n we_o will_v leave_v off_o talk_v and_o look_v unto_o our_o step_n for_o fear_n of_o fall_v behold_v when_o we_o enter_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n we_o be_v set_v upon_o a_o high_a mountain_n for_o the_o way_n of_o life_n be_v on_o high_a and_o christianity_n be_v the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n 3.14_o we_o therefore_o must_v be_v wise_a as_o solomon_n say_v pro._n 15.24_o &_o look_v well_o to_o our_o conversation_n have_v a_o straight_a watch_n over_o all_o our_o way_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n &_o not_o stand_v so_o much_o on_o speak_v &_o talk_v as_o on_o do_v for_o the_o doer_n of_o the_o work_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o deed_n jam._n 1.25_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o must_v look_v unto_o as_o the_o only_a ornament_n of_o our_o profession_n declare_v that_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o if_o deed_n be_v want_v our_o religion_n be_v vain_a we_o be_v like_o the_o figtree_n which_o christ_n curse_v 21.19_o have_v leaf_n but_o no_o fruit_n the_o 2._o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o time_n when_o he_o refuse_v this_o honour_n namely_o when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o year_n and_o discretion_n a_o man_n in_o common_a reason_n will_v judge_v thus_o of_o moses_n fact_n moses_n have_v rare_a fortune_n offer_v he_o he_o may_v have_v be_v son_n &_o heir_n to_o a_o princess_n sure_o this_o be_v a_o rash_a fact_n of_o he_o &_o void_a of_o consideration_n to_o refuse_v it_o undoubted_o he_o far_o overshoot_v himself_o herein_o either_o through_o rashness_n or_o ignorance_n but_o to_o prevent_v such_o carnal_a surmise_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n set_v down_o this_o circumstance_n of_o time_n say_v that_o he_o do_v not_o refuse_v it_o in_o his_o youth_n but_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o age_n that_o be_v to_o perfect_a year_n of_o discretion_n and_o by_o reason_n thereof_o must_v needs_o have_v consideration_n and_o judgement_n to_o know_v what_o he_o do_v then_o do_v he_o refuse_v this_o honour_n to_o be_v pharaoh_n daughter_n son_n and_o heir_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o the_o act_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o he_o be_v forty_o year_n old_a when_o he_o do_v this_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v true_a which_o be_v here_o say_v that_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o age_n and_o staidness_n then_o he_o refuse_v this_o honour_n for_o forty_o year_n be_v a_o time_n not_o only_o of_o ripeness_n for_o strength_n but_o of_o staidness_n in_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n out_o of_o this_o circumstance_n we_o learn_v two_o point_n 1_o that_o it_o be_v a_o common_a fault_n of_o young_a year_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o inconsideration_n and_o rashness_n for_o moses_n do_v not_o refuse_v the_o honour_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n when_o he_o be_v young_a lest_o it_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o point_n of_o rashness_n but_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o age_n as_o the_o text_n say_v insinuate_a that_o if_o he_o have_v do_v it_o when_o he_o be_v young_a it_o may_v have_v be_v esteem_v but_o a_o rash_a part_n and_o do_v in_o some_o hasty_a passion_n of_o youth_n every_o age_n of_o man_n have_v his_o fault_n &_o this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o youth_n to_o be_v heady_a and_o rash_a in_o their_o affair_n for_o want_v of_o consideration_n and_o experience_n and_o therefore_o all_o young_a person_n must_v have_v care_n of_o these_o sin_n of_o youth_n and_o watch_v the_o more_o against_o they_o because_o they_o be_v so_o incident_a to_o their_o year_n now_o the_o way_n to_o avoid_v they_o be_v to_o follow_v christ_n example_n luk._n 2.52_o to_o labour_v to_o grow_v as_o in_o year_n so_o in_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o counsel_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n 2._o timoth._n 2.22_o to_o fly_v the_o lust_n of_o youth_n follow_v after_o justice_n faith_n charity_n and_o peace_n with_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o pure_a heart_n second_o this_o circumstance_n of_o time_n note_v moses_n deliberate_a staidness_n in_o this_o fact_n do_v plain_o advertise_v we_o what_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v the_o virtue_n of_o old_a age_n and_o the_o ornament_n of_o year_n namely_o staidness_n &_o discretion_n whereby_o i_o mean_v not_o only_o that_o natural_a temper_n of_o affection_n which_o old_a age_n bring_v with_o it_o but_o such_o religious_a discretion_n whereby_o man_n of_o year_n do_v all_o thing_n in_o faith_n so_o as_o their_o work_n may_v be_v acceptable_a and_o please_a unto_o god_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v grow_v in_o year_n &_o have_v have_v experience_n &_o observation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n he_o must_v not_o only_o have_v a_o general_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n but_o a_o particular_a wisdom_n whereby_o he_o may_v do_v in_o faith_n whatsoever_o he_o take_v in_o hand_n and_o therein_o please_v god_n but_o alas_o this_o may_v be_v speak_v of_o old_a man_n in_o these_o day_n that_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o wisdom_n they_o be_v very_a babe_n a_o thing_n great_o disgraceful_a to_o their_o condition_n for_o paul_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n 1._o cor._n 14.20_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v child_n in_o understanding_n but_o of_o ripe_a age_n yea_o and_o he_o forbid_v the_o ephesian_n eph._n 4.14_o to_o be_v child_n still_o waver_a and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n whereby_o we_o may_v see_v that_o age_a person_n do_v
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 3●_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
call_n eccles._n 10.4_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o rule_v rise_v up_o against_o thou_o leave_v not_o thy_o place_n second_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o magistrate_n which_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o people_n aught_o to_o be_v man_n of_o courage_n in_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_n when_o too_o heavy_a a_o burden_n lie_v on_o moses_n in_o judge_v all_o the_o congregation_n himself_o jethro_n his_o father_n in_o law_n bid_v he_o provide_v among_o all_o the_o people_n man_n of_o courage_n fear_v god_n to_o be_v ruler_n exod._n 18.13_o 21._o now_o their_o courage_n must_v not_o be_v a_o proud_a haughtiness_n or_o a_o indiscreet_a cruelty_n but_o a_o godly_a boldness_n which_o may_v enable_v they_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_n without_o fear_n of_o man_n to_o this_o end_n the_o lord_n put_v of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o seventie_o which_o be_v to_o rule_v with_o moses_n numb_a 11.17_o now_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o spirit_n of_o fear_n but_o of_o power_n and_o of_o love_n &_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n 2._o tim._n 1.7_o which_o show_v that_o in_o a_o magistrate_n must_v be_v courage_n to_o call_v and_o if_o need_v be_v to_o compel_v other_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_n how_o great_a soever_o they_o be_v and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n &_o moment_n in_o god_n church_n for_o the_o minister_n may_v teach_v and_o speak_v as_o much_o as_o he_o will_v or_o can_v yet_o unless_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v join_v the_o temporal_a sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o reform_v man_n life_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o open_a sin_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o to_o urge_v they_o to_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o minister_n teach_v sure_o their_o teach_n and_o preach_v will_v be_v to_o small_a effect_n last_o moses_n go_v with_o courage_n out_o of_o egypt_n this_o departure_n of_o he_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o our_o spiritual_a depart_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n for_o so_o paul_n apply_v it_o 1._o cor._n 10._o and_o therefore_o after_o moses_n example_n we_o must_v with_o courage_n come_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n march_v forward_o with_o courageous_a faith_n and_o heavenly_a boldness_n towards_o our_o bless_a canaan_n the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n we_o must_v not_o leave_v this_o to_o the_o last_o breath_n and_o then_o think_v to_o have_v heaven_n gate_n ready_a open_a for_o we_o but_o we_o must_v enter_v into_o god_n kingdom_n in_o this_o life_n look_v as_o moses_n by_o his_o faith_n do_v depart_v bold_o out_o of_o egypt_n so_o must_v we_o in_o heart_n by_o faith_n depart_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n this_o we_o shall_v do_v when_o we_o use_v mean_n to_o establish_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o do_v forsake_v the_o work_n of_o sin_n and_o darkness_n for_o look_v where_o there_o be_v no_o depart_n from_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o faith_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o show_v ourselves_o to_o have_v true_a faith_n by_o depart_a more_o and_o more_o bold_o and_o joyful_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v we_o love_v the_o light_n and_o hate_v darkness_n and_o in_o this_o journey_n let_v we_o not_o fear_v any_o contrary_a commandment_n nor_o the_o furious_a wrath_n of_o spiritual_a pharaoh_n the_o devil_n nor_o all_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n for_o christ_n jesus_n be_v our_o guide_n because_o a_o man_n may_v think_v at_o the_o first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o rash_a and_o desperate_a part_n in_o moses_n thus_o bold_o to_o take_v away_o the_o israelite_n not_o regard_v pharaoh_n commandment_n therefore_o in_o the_o late_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v down_o a_o reason_n that_o move_v moses_n to_o do_v so_o in_o these_o word_n for_o he_o endure_v or_o be_v courageous_a that_o be_v he_o take_v heart_n to_o himself_o why_o so_o because_o he_o see_v god_n that_o be_v invisible_a that_o be_v he_o cast_v the_o eye_n of_o faith_n upon_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o power_n and_o presence_n in_o their_o deliverance_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o moses_n faith_n lay_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o protection_n from_o the_o rage_n of_o pharaoh_n that_o make_v he_o thus_o confident_a and_o bold_a hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o true_a valour_n and_o manhood_n that_o be_v in_o moses_n and_o be_v in_o all_o god_n child_n like_v unto_o he_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o grace_n among_o many_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n pour_v upon_o our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o spirit_n of_o strength_n or_o courage_n be_v one_o isaiah_n 11.2_o and_o jethroes_n counsel_n to_o moses_n be_v notable_a this_o way_n he_o bid_v he_o provide_v for_o governor_n man_n of_o courage_n fear_v god_n exod._n 18.21_o insinuate_v that_o true_a courage_n be_v always_o join_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o grace_n but_o some_o will_v say_v that_o many_o heathen_a man_n who_o never_o know_v the_o true_a god_n nor_o what_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n mean_v have_v that_o courage_n answ._n true_a it_o be_v they_o have_v courage_n indeed_o but_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o carnal_a boldness_n not_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o courage_n be_v only_o a_o shadow_n of_o true_a fortitude_n arise_v from_o ambition_n pride_n and_o other_o fleshly_a humour_n whereas_o moses_n his_o courage_n spring_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o merciful_a promise_n of_o god_n make_v unto_o he_o concern_v his_o deliverance_n &_o safety_n and_o indeed_o howsoever_o wicked_a man_n have_v a_o notable_a show_n of_o diverse_a virtue_n yet_o in_o the_o trial_n they_o prove_v but_o shadow_n for_o true_a valour_n and_o other_o virtue_n do_v always_o accompany_v regeneration_n as_o he_o that_o see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a here_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o make_v moses_n thus_o courageous_a and_o this_o will_v make_v any_o man_n bold_a if_o he_o can_v be_v persuade_v in_o his_o conscience_n of_o god_n special_a presence_n with_o he_o and_o of_o his_o providence_n and_o protection_n over_o he_o here_o then_o observe_v a_o singular_a fruit_n of_o faith_n it_o make_v god_n who_o be_v indeed_o invisible_a to_o be_v after_o a_o sort_n visible_a unto_o us._n moses_n by_o faith_n see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a for_o by_o faith_n he_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n providence_n and_o special_a protection_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o his_o people_n though_o pharaoh_n shall_v rage_v never_o so_o much_o so_o enoch_n be_v say_v to_o have_v walk_v with_o god_n 5.22_o because_o he_o see_v he_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o his_o affair_n and_o when_o joseph_n be_v allure_v to_o sin_n with_o his_o mistress_n what_o stay_v he_o sure_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n who_o he_o see_v by_o faith_n how_o can_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n say_v joseph_n &_o so_o sin_n against_o god_n 39.9_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o be_o always_o where_o god_n be_v present_a how_o then_o shall_v i_o do_v so_o wicked_o &_o god_n see_v it_o and_o the_o same_o be_v the_o state_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n their_o faith_n make_v the_o invisible_a god_n to_o be_v after_o a_o sort_n visible_a unto_o they_o so_o as_o a_o faithful_a man_n may_v say_v god_n be_v present_a with_o i_o and_o protect_v i_o whereby_o we_o may_v see_v what_o little_a faith_n be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o few_o can_v true_o say_v they_o see_v god_n which_o faith_n enable_v a_o man_n to_o do_v yea_o most_o man_n care_v so_o little_a to_o see_v god_n that_o he_o be_v far_o from_o their_o very_a thought_n many_o have_v make_v mean_n to_o see_v the_o devil_n but_o where_o be_v he_o that_o labour_v for_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v see_v the_o invisible_a god_n if_o wicked_a man_n run_v to_o conjurer_n to_o see_v the_o devil_n who_o they_o shall_v once_o see_v to_o their_o sorrow_n let_v we_o labour_v for_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o this_o faith_n will_v make_v we_o so_o to_o endure_v in_o all_o tribulation_n as_o though_o we_o see_v god_n furthermore_o see_v moses_n by_o faith_n endure_v as_o he_o that_o see_v god_n we_o learn_v that_o the_o see_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n take_v away_o fear_v and_o give_v spiritual_a boldness_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o special_a use_n for_o natural_o man_n be_v fearful_a some_o can_v endure_v the_o dark_a nor_o solitary_a place_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o devil_n yea_o the_o shake_n of_o a_o leaf_n or_o the_o crawl_a of_o a_o worm_n do_v terrify_v other_o now_o howsoever_o some_o
of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n which_o be_v a_o notable_a rite_n &_o ceremony_n use_v in_o this_o first_o passove_a after_o this_o manner_n the_o blood_n of_o every_o lamb_n be_v put_v into_o a_o basin_n &_o sprinkle_v with_o a_o bunch_n of_o hyssop_n upon_o the_o door_n post_v of_o every_o man_n house_n among_o the_o jew_n now_o this_o rite_n do_v not_o continue_v always_o but_o be_v peculiar_a &_o proper_a to_o this_o first_o passove_a keep_v in_o egypt_n at_o the_o institution_n thereof_o be_v then_o practise_v but_o not_o after_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o special_a deliverance_n then_o at_o hand_n whereof_o it_o be_v a_o assurance_n for_o it_o signify_v unto_o they_o that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v of_o egypt_n &_o see_v that_o blood_n so_o sprink_v shall_v pass_v over_o their_o house_n and_o touch_v none_o of_o their_o first_o bear_v of_o man_n nor_o beast_n this_o end_n of_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o this_o blood_n be_v here_o likewise_o set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n lest_o he_o that_o destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v shall_v touch_v they_o he_o that_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v send_v to_o destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v throughout_o all_o egypt_n both_o of_o man_n and_o beast_n save_v only_o of_o those_o who_o have_v their_o door_n post_v sprinkle_v with_o blood_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n first_o observe_v what_o the_o h._n ghost_n say_v of_o this_o fact_n of_o moses_n in_o ordain_v the_o passove_a namely_o that_o he_o do_v it_o by_o faith_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v celebrate_v in_o faith_n for_o herein_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o moses_n be_v the_o l._n supper_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n succeed_v the_o passove_a in_o the_o old_a for_o that_o be_v a_o sign_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o immaculate_a lamb_n of_o god_n shall_v afterward_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v to_o we_o a_o sign_n of_o christ_n already_o sacrifice_v now_o look_v as_o that_o be_v ordain_v &_o receive_v under_o the_o law_n so_o must_v this_o be_v administer_v &_o receive_v under_o the_o gospel_n but_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n moses_n celebrate_v the_o passove_a through_o faith_n &_o enjoine_v the_o israelite_n so_o to_o do_v therefore_o according_o must_v we_o by_o faith_n celebrate_v and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n under_o the_o gospel_n cain_n sacrifice_n be_v fruitless_a to_o he_o and_o odious_a to_o god_n because_o he_o offer_v not_o in_o faith_n &_o no_o less_o be_v all_o other_o faithless_a sacrifice_n even_o so_o every_o sacrament_n and_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n receive_v or_o offer_v in_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v unprofitable_a to_o man_n and_o unacceptable_a unto_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v in_o faith_n in_o every_o sacrament_n we_o receive_v some_o thing_n from_o god_n as_o in_o every_o sacrifice_n we_o give_v some_o thing_n to_o god_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o the_o minister_n give_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o receiver_n so_o the_o lord_n god_n give_v his_o son_n unto_o their_o heart_n now_o if_o faith_n be_v want_v christ_n crucify_v be_v not_o receive_v for_o faith_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o soul_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o receive_n of_o christ_n &_o his_o benefit_n but_o contrariwise_o a_o heavy_a and_o fearful_a sin_n heap_v up_o god_n wrath_n against_o us._n hereby_o we_o learn_v how_o sundry_a sort_n of_o people_n sin_n most_o grievous_o against_o god_n for_o many_o come_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n who_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a in_o the_o nature_n &_o use_n thereof_o not_o know_v what_o the_o sacrament_n mean_v &_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n they_o will_v receive_v at_o least_o once_o a_o year_n though_o they_o know_v nothing_o therein_o as_o they_o ought_v now_o such_o person_n must_v know_v they_o ought_v to_o come_v in_o faith_n which_o they_o can_v do_v because_o they_o want_v knowledge_n and_o therefore_o in_o receive_v it_o so_o they_o commit_v a_o grievous_a sin_n &_o so_o endanger_v their_o own_o soul_n because_o they_o receive_v it_o unworthy_o and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o young_a one_o only_o but_o of_o many_o who_o year_n may_v shame_v they_o for_o their_o ignorance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o pass_v all_o feel_n of_o spiritual_a want_n a_o second_o sort_n there_o be_v who_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n &_o say_v they_o will_v do_v so_o because_o they_o have_v faith_n but_o these_o be_v like_o the_o former_a for_o their_o faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o honest_a deal_n among_o man_n think_v that_o if_o they_o bring_v that_o to_o the_o l._n supper_n though_o they_o have_v no_o more_o yet_o all_o be_v well_o the_o great_a sort_n be_v of_o this_o mind_n take_v fidelity_n for_o true_a faith_n &_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a point_n of_o popery_n so_o common_a as_o almost_o in_o every_o place_n man_n do_v embrace_v it_o but_o these_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o another_o kind_n of_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o those_o that_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n worthy_o namely_o such_o a_o faith_n whereby_o we_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n in_o christ_n blood_n but_o also_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o bread_n &_o wine_n receive_v worthy_o be_v sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o same_o blessing_n exhibit_v unto_o we_o by_o christ._n he_o that_o come_v only_o in_o a_o good_a meaning_n deceive_v himself_o &_o receive_v to_o his_o condemnation_n and_o yet_o alas_o many_o even_a of_o the_o ancient_a sort_n have_v no_o other_o faith_n but_o their_o good_a meaning_n a_o three_o sort_n there_o be_v who_o yet_o go_v further_o and_o know_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o opinion_n that_o a_o man_n fidelity_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o man_n shall_v be_v his_o faith_n to_o commend_v he_o unto_o god_n they_o hold_v &_o know_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v to_o believe_v their_o own_o salvation_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o former_a but_o herein_o they_o fail_v that_o come_v to_o receive_v they_o bring_v not_o with_o they_o a_o lively_a faith_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o require_v in_o a_o communicant_a that_o he_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n aright_o but_o a_o worthy_a receiver_n must_v look_v to_o his_o own_o heart_n that_o his_o faith_n therein_o be_v a_o live_a faith_n such_o as_o work_v by_o love_n and_o show_v itself_o by_o obedience_n now_o herein_o many_o that_o have_v good_a knowledge_n do_v grievous_o offend_v that_o howsoever_o they_o make_v a_o show_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o orderly_a and_o religious_a carriage_n of_o themselves_o on_o the_o communion_n day_n yet_o when_o that_o time_n be_v a_o little_a past_a they_o return_v to_o their_o former_a sin_n again_o never_o else_o have_v any_o care_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v any_o show_n of_o lay_v away_o their_o sin_n save_v only_o at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o thus_o do_v too_o many_o of_o those_o who_o make_v a_o fair_a profession_n these_o man_n bring_v faith_n in_o profession_n but_o yet_o their_o faith_n be_v dead_a for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o lively_a faith_n it_o will_v purify_v their_o heart_n &_o cause_v a_o change_n in_o they_o from_o evil_a to_o good_a and_o from_o good_a to_o better_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n by_o who_o mercy_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v some_o in_o his_o church_n who_o come_v with_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o thereby_o communicate_v acceptable_o to_o god_n and_o fruitful_o to_o themselves_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n but_o as_o for_o all_o the_o other_o three_o sort_n of_o people_n they_o sin_v grievous_o because_o they_o bring_v not_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o receive_v those_o thing_n which_o their_o god_n offer_v unto_o they_o we_o therefore_o in_o this_o example_n be_v admonish_v to_o celebrate_v &_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o moses_n do_v namely_o in_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o idle_a or_o dead_a but_o in_o a_o lively_a faith_n which_o may_v both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n to_o the_o reform_v of_o our_o life_n in_o continual_a obedience_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o our_o own_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n in_o christ._n 2_o observe_v further_o moses_n ordain_v and_o make_v the_o passove_a we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o moses_n kill_v all_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v
hitherto_o entreat_v now_o here_o and_o s●_n forward_o to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v set_v down_o a_o three_o order_n of_o example_n of_o faith_n namely_o of_o such_o as_o live_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o maccabee_n this_o 30._o verse_n contain_v the_o first_o example_n of_o this_o rank_n namely_o the_o example_n of_o josuahs_n faith_n &_o of_o those_o that_o go_v with_o he_o into_o canaan_n and_o their_o faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o by_o a_o notable_a fact_n of_o they_o the_o cause_v to_o fall_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n the_o history_n whereof_o we_o may_v read_v at_o large_a josuah_n 6._o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o whereas_o the_o israelite_n come_v unto_o canaan_n and_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o jericho_n by_o which_o they_o must_v needs_o pass_v nor_o can_v win_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o huge_a wall_n of_o jericho_n the_o lord_n promise_v to_o deliver_v jericho_n into_o their_o hand_n only_o the_o people_n must_v do_v this_o they_o must_v compasse-about_a the_o wall_n seven_o day_n &_o carry_v the_o ark_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o they_o sound_v with_o ram_n horn_n and_o shout_n and_o so_o the_o wall_n shall_v fall_v down_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v this_o promise_n unto_o they_o the_o israelite_n and_o special_o josuah_n obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o believe_v his_o promise_n and_o thus_o do_v by_o faith_n the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o after_o they_o be_v compassed-about_a seven_o doye_n indeed_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o ruin_n of_o the_o wall_n but_o yet_o because_o upon_o their_o believe_v god_n show_v this_o power_n therefore_o be_v the_o downfall_n of_o they_o ascribe_v to_o their_o faith_n here_o be_v many_o notable_a point_n to_o be_v learn_v 1._o whereas_o the_o text_n say_v by_o faith_n the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v 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let_v he_o believe_v this_o effectual_o and_o he_o shall_v find_v by_o faith_n the_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n &_o satan_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o conscience_n weaken_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o and_o therefore_o s._n john_n say_v not_o without_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcom_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n 1._o john_n 5.4_o 2._o here_o observe_v that_o among_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o change_n &_o overthrow_v of_o town_n city_n &_o kingdom_n this_o be_v one_o namely_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n many_o man_n have_v write_v of_o the_o change_n of_o kingdom_n &_o do_v give_v diverse_a reason_n thereof_o but_o most_o of_o they_o omit_v the_o principal_a and_o that_o be_v faith_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o many_o time_n kingdom_n and_o town_n be_v bring_v to_o ruin_n and_o overthrow_n god_n promise_v to_o abraham_n &_o to_o his_o seed_n that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o their_o inheritance_n now_o they_o believe_v this_o 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award_v the_o blow_n of_o satan_n and_o though_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a virtue_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v it_o also_o a_o notable_a shield_n to_o defend_v man_n even_o against_o their_o outward_a &_o visible_a enemy_n &_o a_o most_o strong_a engine_n against_o they_o to_o work_v their_o overthrow_n hence_o david_n say_v he_o will_v not_o be_v afraid_a for_o ten_o thousand_o of_o the_o people_n that_o shall_v beset_v he_o round_o about_o 3.6_o they_o therefore_o that_o will_v defend_v themselves_o against_o their_o enemy_n yea_o and_o overcome_v they_o in_o lawful_a assault_n must_v embrace_v &_o obey_v true_a religion_n &_o with_o christian_a policy_n join_v faith_n in_o god_n promise_n for_o by_o faith_n we_o make_v god_n our_o captain_n &_o through_o he_o we_o shall_v do_v
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compass_v on_o the_o seven_o day_n be_v not_o reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o curious_o pry_v into_o it_o nor_o yet_o as_o some_o do_v hence_o gather_v that_o seven_o be_v a_o perfect_a number_n but_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o very_a time_n wherein_o the_o wall_n fall_v down_o we_o may_v learn_v this_o that_o if_o we_o will_v have_v god_n to_o accomplish_v his_o promise_n unto_o we_o we_o must_v wait_v for_o that_o time_n &_o season_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n will_v accomplish_v they_o when_o we_o appoint_v but_o we_o must_v believe_v god_n promise_n and_o also_o wait_v his_o good_a leisure_n and_o then_o will_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o israelite_n compass_v about_o jericho_n one_o day_n and_o the_o wall_n never_o stir_v yea_o they_o do_v so_o six_o day_n together_o and_o six_o time_n more_o on_o the_o seven_o day_n &_o yet_o they_o stand_v fast_o the_o reason_n be_v 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exception_n thou_o shall_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o unless_o i_o the_o lord_n command_v thou_o otherwise_o for_o god_n be_v a_o absolute_a lord_n and_o so_o above_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o may_v lawful_o command_v that_o which_o the_o law_n forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n he_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o thyself_o any_o grave_a image_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o moses_n by_o god_n special_a appointment_n set_v up_o a_o brazen_a serpent_n which_o be_v a_o figure_n of_o christ._n upon_o such_o a_o special_a command_n abraham_n lawful_o offer_v to_o kill_v isaac_n the_o israelite_n at_o their_o departure_n spoil_v and_o rob_v the_o egyptian_n and_o josuah_n with_o the_o people_n here_o compass_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n on_o the_o sabbaoth_n day_n rahabs_n faith_n verse_n 31._o by_o faith_n rahab_n the_o harlot_n perish_v not_o with_o they_o which_o obey_v not_o when_o she_o have_v receive_v the_o spy_n peaceable_o in_o this_o verse_n the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v further_a in_o declare_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n and_o for_o this_o end_n commend_v unto_o we_o the_o faith_n of_o rahab_n the_o word_n contain_v the_o sum_n and_o abbridgement_n of_o the_o second_o and_o six_o chapter_n of_o josua_n the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v plain_a the_o point_n herein_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v three_o 1._o the_o person_n believe_v to_o wit_n rahab_n 2._o the_o reward_n of_o her_o faith_n give_v by_o josuah_n she_o perish_v not_o but_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o jericho_n 3._o the_o testimony_n of_o her_o faith_n so_o call_v by_o saint_n james_n chapter_n 2._o verse_n 25_o and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o verse_n when_o she_o have_v receive_v the_o spy_n peaceable_o for_o the_o person_n rahab_n be_v a_o woman_n of_o canaan_n dwell_v in_o jericho_n as_o we_o may_v read_v josuah_n 2_o there_o she_o live_v and_o have_v her_o abode_n she_o be_v no_o israelite_n but_o a_o foreigner_n in_o regard_n of_o her_o birth_n and_o a_o stranger_n from_o gods_n church_n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o she_o be_v commend_v for_o her_o faith_n and_o here_o put_v into_o the_o catalogue_n of_o these_o renown_a believer_n why_o be_v not_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o canaanite_n prefer_v to_o this_o honour_n as_o well_o as_o she_o answer_n we_o must_v know_v this_o that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n ascension_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v small_a sometime_o shut_v up_o in_o some_o few_o family_n as_o from_o the_o flood_n to_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o after_o limit_v to_o a_o small_a kingdom_n and_o people_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n where_o the_o lord_n people_n dwell_v during_o which_o time_n all_o other_o nation_n and_o people_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o this_o little_a company_n be_v no_o people_n of_o god_n but_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n and_o as_o pau●_n say_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o howsoever_o god_n church_n be_v thus_o shut_v up_o 2.12_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o corner_n yet_o now_o and_o then_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reach_v out_o his_o merciful_a hand_n to_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_a call_v they_o into_o his_o church_n and_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o covenant_n and_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n proselyte_n in_o abraham_n family_n 17.27_o his_o bondman_n and_o servant_n be_v circumcise_v and_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god._n and_o in_o moses_n day_n jethro_n moses_n father_n in_o law_n 1●.12_n a_o priest_n of_o midian_a obtain_v this_o at_o god_n hand_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o god_n church_n and_o so_o be_v ruth_n the_o moabite_n ruth_n 1.16_o and_o naaman_n the_o assyrian_a 2._o king_n 5.17_o and_o as_o some_o think_v nabuchadonozer_n daniel_n 4.3_o but_o that_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a and_o so_o be_v the_o eunuch_n of_o ethiopia_n candace_v the_o queen_n of_o ethiopias_n chief_a governor_n act_v 8.27_o now_o as_o god_n in_o mercy_n deal_v with_o these_o so_o do_v he_o in_o like_a mercy_n call_v rahab_n the_o harlot_n above_o all_o the_o people_n of_o jericho_n for_o they_o trust_v to_o their_o strong_a wall_n and_o therefore_o die_v but_o rahab_n believe_v that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o so_o have_v mercy_n show_v unto_o she_o now_o after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n ascension_n god_n deal_v more_o bountiful_o with_o the_o world_n for_o he_o send_v the_o light_n of_o his_o gospel_n into_o all_o nation_n and_o as_o the_o scripture_n say_v their_o sound_n go_v through_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o word_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n rom._n 10.18_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o limit_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n serve_v to_o discover_v unto_o we_o the_o error_n of_o those_o that_o maintain_v and_o hold_v universal_a call_n of_o all_o and_o every_o man_n to_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n but_o if_o that_o be_v so_o then_o in_o former_a age_n the_o gentile_n will_v have_v believe_v whereas_o we_o see_v that_o before_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v but_o a_o small_a remnant_n among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n only_o and_o not_o one_o of_o ten_o thousand_o believe_v among_o the_o gentile_n now_o if_o all_o man_n have_v be_v effectual_o call_v than_o all_o will_v have_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o many_o nation_n in_o former_a age_n never_o hear_v of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v never_o in_o all_o age_n a_o general_a effectual_a call_n of_o all_o man_n object_n paul_n say_v god_n reconcile_v the_o world_n unto_o himself_o by_o christ_n 2._o cor._n 5.19_o and_o if_o that_o
get_v his_o father_n blessing_n for_o so_o god_n have_v determine_v and_o yet_o she_o fail_v in_o the_o manner_n quest._n but_o how_o can_v this_o work_n be_v good_a be_v faulty_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o ans._n it_o may_v for_o rebecca_n person_n stand_v righteous_a before_o god_n in_o christ._n now_o the_o worker_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n the_o work_n must_v needs_o be_v good_a also_o and_o though_o the_o worker_n fail_v in_o the_o circumstance_n yet_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o work_n be_v cover_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o be_v approve_v and_o the_o fault_n thereof_o cover_v the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v twofold_a first_o it_o show_v that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n child_n be_v partly_o good_a and_o partly_o bad_a even_o the_o best_a work_n they_o do_v be_v imperfect_a second_o this_o show_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o saint_n james_n when_o he_o say_v that_o rahab_n be_v justify_v by_o her_o work_n hereby_o he_o mean_v that_o by_o her_o work_n she_o declare_v herself_o to_o be_v just_a for_o that_o she_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o her_o work_n appear_v plain_a because_o the_o work_n which_o she_o do_v be_v faulty_a in_o the_o manner_n and_o not_o perfect_o good_a and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o perfect_a justice_n of_o god_n but_o some_o will_v further_o say_v that_o this_o conceal_n of_o the_o spy_n and_o lie_v to_o the_o king_n messenger_n be_v a_o work_n of_o treachery_n against_o her_o own_o country_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o notorious_a fault_n and_o so_o no_o work_n of_o faith_n answ._n treachery_n indeed_o be_v as_o great_a villainy_n as_o one_o man_n can_v practise_v against_o another_o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v abhor_v and_o detest_a of_o all_o man_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v know_v that_o rahab_n in_o this_o place_n be_v no_o traitor_n for_o she_o have_v a_o plain_a certificate_n in_o her_o conscience_n that_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o city_n jericho_n be_v give_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o right_a lord_n thereof_o and_o shall_v enjoy_v they_o so_o that_o she_o hide_v the_o spy_n not_o in_o treachery_n but_o in_o faith_n thus_o we_o see_v her_o fact_n the_o duty_n which_o we_o learn_v hence_o be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o harlot_n rahab_n be_v by_o call_v a_o hostess_n and_o a_o victualler_n receive_v the_o spy_n peaceable_o hence_o innkeeper_n be_v teach_v their_o duty_n first_o if_o they_o will_v show_v themselves_o faithful_a they_o must_v have_v special_a regard_n and_o respect_n unto_o such_o guest_n of_o they_o as_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o fear_v he_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o rahabs_n faith_n towards_o the_o spy_n of_o god_n people_n david_n make_v this_o the_o property_n of_o every_o godly_a man_n that_o in_o his_o eye_n a_o vile_a person_n be_v contemn_v but_o he_o honour_v they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n psalm_n 15._o verse_n 4_o and_o therefore_o if_o innkeeper_n will_v show_v themselves_o godly_a they_o must_v so_o do_v and_o to_o encourage_v each_o one_o hereto_o our_o saviour_n christ_n make_v this_o notable_a promise_n matthew_n chapter_n 10._o verse_n 41_o he_o that_o receive_v a_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n shall_v receive_v a_o prophet_n reward_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v a_o just_a man_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o just_a man_n shall_v receive_v a_o just_a man_n reward_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v give_v to_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o to_o drink_n a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o shall_v not_o lose_v his_o reward_n also_o stranger_n be_v here_o teach_v that_o in_o seek_v place_n for_o their_o abode_n they_o must_v make_v choice_n to_o be_v with_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n so_o god_n direct_v these_o spy_n to_o do_v and_o when_o christ_n send_v his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v he_o bid_v they_o matthew_n chapter_n 10._o verse_n 11_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o city_n to_o inquire_v who_o be_v worthy_a in_o that_o city_n and_o there_o to_o abide_v till_o they_o depart_v but_o alas_o these_o duty_n be_v little_o perform_v especial_o the_o first_o for_o innkeeper_n and_o such_o as_o entertain_v stranger_n do_v make_v most_o of_o those_o that_o give_v themselves_o to_o ryote_n and_o good_a fellowship_n they_o be_v best_a welcome_n that_o spend_v most_o in_o game_n drink_v and_o lasciviousness_n these_o may_v learn_v otherwise_o of_o rahab_n who_o do_v better_a though_o she_o have_v be_v a_o harlot_n three_o innkeeper_n must_v here_o learn_v that_o when_o a_o man_n come_v into_o their_o house_n if_o he_o be_v no_o malefactor_n they_o must_v give_v he_o protection_n thus_o rahab_n do_v here_o to_o the_o spy_n of_o the_o israelite_n even_o with_o the_o danger_n of_o her_o own_o life_n the_o like_a also_o we_o may_v read_v of_o lot_n for_o when_o two_o angel_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n come_v into_o his_o house_n and_o the_o man_n of_o sodom_n will_v have_v have_v they_o out_o lot_z beseech_v they_o to_o let_v they_o alone_o gen._n 19.8_o and_o his_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o come_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o roof_n again_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v another_o general_a duty_n to_o wit_n that_o a_o christian_a man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n &_o danger_n be_v not_o to_o discover_v his_o fellow_n brethren_n or_o to_o detect_v they_o but_o must_v rather_o endanger_v his_o own_o life_n by_o conceal_v they_o for_o their_o preservation_n this_o be_v practise_v by_o good_a obadiah_n when_o jesabel_n kill_v the_o lord_n prophet_n he_o hide_v they_o by_o fifty_n in_o a_o cave_n which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v know_v will_v have_v cost_v he_o his_o life_n and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o brethren_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v slay_v paul_n in_o damascus_n the_o brethren_n take_v he_o by_o night_n and_o let_v he_o down_o through_o the_o wall_n in_o a_o basket_n to_o save_v his_o life_n act_v 9.25_o and_o since_o those_o time_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v find_v that_o when_o the_o christian_n be_v urge_v by_o persecuter_n to_o reveal_v their_o brethren_n they_o rather_o choose_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o own_o life_n then_o to_o betray_v their_o brethren_n into_o their_o enemy_n hand_n and_o this_o be_v true_a love_n indeed_o such_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n commend_v when_o a_o man_n will_v give_v his_o life_n for_o his_o brother_n 1._o john_n 3.16_o last_o whereas_o rahab_n receive_v the_o spy_n peaceable_o we_o note_v that_o it_o be_v a_o special_a fruit_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v peaceable_a and_o kind_a the_o holy_a ghost_n repeat_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n name_n peace_n and_o meekness_n among_o they_o 4.22_o now_o this_o peace_n be_v when_o a_o man_n be_v kind_a and_o peaceable_a to_o all_o but_o especial_o to_o those_o that_o ●e_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n foretold_v shall_v be_v under_o the_o gospel_n isaiah_n 11.6_o that_o then_o the_o wolf_n shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n lie_v with_o the_o kid_n signify_v that_o howsoever_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v as_o savage_a as_o wolf_n yet_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v become_v gentle_a as_o lamb_n be_v kind_a and_o peaceable_a one_o to_o another_o this_o peaceablenesse_n be_v especial_o to_o be_v show_v in_o the_o place_n and_o call_v where_o a_o man_n live_v for_o there_o do_v rahab_n show_v forth_o she_o when_o the_o spy_n come_v unto_o she_o and_o where_o this_o be_v true_o in_o outward_a action_n there_o be_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o good_a token_n that_o a_o man_n be_v at_o peace_n with_o god_n when_o he_o live_v peaceable_o with_o man_n which_o be_v so_o we_o must_v learn_v not_o to_o give_v place_n to_o our_o heady_a affection_n but_o must_v rather_o bridle_v the_o rage_n of_o malice_n and_o anger_n and_o endeavour_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o especial_o with_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o god_n church_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o example_n the_o judge_n faith_n verse_n 32._o and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o for_o the_o time_n will_v be_v too_o short_a for_o i_o to_o tell_v of_o gedeon_n of_o barac_n and_o of_o samson_n and_o of_o jephte_n also_o of_o david_n and_o samuel_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n which_o through_o faith_n subdue_v kingdom_n wrought_v righteousness_n etc._n etc._n hitherto_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n have_v
this_o beside_o the_o instance_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n appear_v plain_o in_o christ_n apostle_n they_o be_v call_v by_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o plant_v his_o church_n universal_o and_o thereupon_o howsoever_o they_o be_v simple_a man_n before_o be_v furnish_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n zeal_n &_o knowledge_n and_o with_o this_o excellent_a grace_n of_o save_v faith_n which_o do_v sanctify_v their_o other_o gift_n for_o howsoever_o judas_n be_v number_v among_o they_o have_v be_v a_o disciple_n yet_o he_o never_o come_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o apostleship_n but_o go_v astray_o from_o that_o ministration_n act_v 1.25_o and_o in_o these_o late_a day_n when_o god_n restore_v his_o gospel_n to_o light_v out_o of_o the_o dark_a mist_n of_o popery_n he_o raise_v up_o extraordinary_a man_n who_o he_o endue_v with_o wisdom_n zeal_n and_o judgement_n which_o gift_n also_o he_o seal_v up_o in_o they_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n which_o they_o testify_v by_o their_o piety_n and_o godliness_n in_o life_n &_o conversation_n and_o this_o course_n he_o observe_v usual_o in_o all_o those_o who_o he_o raise_v up_o extraordinary_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n this_o we_o must_v observe_v to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o a_o special_a difference_n between_o those_o who_o god_n raise_v up_o extraordinary_o for_o special_a good_a and_o all_o arch_a heretic_n and_o traitor_n that_o set_v up_o themselves_o unsent_a of_o god_n for_o many_o such_o wretch_n have_v excel_v in_o wisdom_n in_o worldly_a policy_n in_o zeal_n and_o authority_n whereupon_o they_o have_v pretend_v and_o persuade_v many_o that_o they_o be_v call_v of_o god_n but_o hereby_o especial_o they_o be_v to_o be_v discover_v that_o they_o be_v void_a of_o this_o rare_a gift_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n for_o look_v at_o their_o life_n and_o ordinary_o for_o impiety_n they_o have_v be_v and_o be_v arch-divel_n so_o that_o though_o they_o want_v not_o authority_n or_o outward_a zeal_n and_o wisdom_n yet_o they_o want_v faith_n which_o shall_v purify_v their_o heart_n or_o else_o they_o will_v never_o have_v live_v in_o such_o notorious_a sin_n as_o they_o be_v discover_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o trial_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n direct_v we_o unto_o saying_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n math._n 7.16_o let_v they_o therefore_o pretend_v what_o knowledge_n what_o zeal_n or_o authority_n soever_o they_o will_v if_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n appear_v not_o in_o their_o life_n by_o obedience_n they_o be_v not_o call_v of_o god_n for_o the_o special_a good_a of_o his_o church_n thus_o much_o of_o these_o man_n in_o general_a now_o we_o come_v to_o entreat_v of_o they_o several_o as_o they_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o text._n the_o first_o person_n here_o commend_v unto_o we_o be_v gedeon_n the_o history_n of_o who_o act_n be_v lay_v down_o at_o large_a judge_n chap._n 6._o in_o his_o example_n note_v one_o point_n especial_o to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o manner_n which_o god_n use_v in_o beget_v and_o increase_a true_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n if_o we_o read_v the_o story_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o angel_n call_v gedeon_n once_o twice_o 6.12.14.16_o yea_o thrice_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n to_o his_o people_n but_o gedeon_n great_o doubt_v of_o his_o call_n &_o therefore_o desire_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o god_n give_v he_o for_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v be_v burn_v up_o with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n yet_o still_o he_o doubt_v and_o be_v in_o a_o great_a fear_n than_o before_o even_o of_o death_n itself_o but_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o angel_n and_o set_v a-work_o he_o break_v down_o the_o altar_n of_o baal_n and_o build_v one_o to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o thereon_o offer_v sacrifice_n as_o god_n command_v though_o with_o some_o fear_n and_o when_o the_o midianite_n and_o amalekite_n come_v arm_v against_o israel_n he_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o their_o defence_n but_o yet_o still_o he_o doubt_v of_o his_o call_n and_o therefore_o again_o ask_v a_o sign_n at_o god_n hand_n and_o have_v it_o and_o after_o that_o ask_v another_o which_o god_n also_o grant_v now_o have_v all_o these_o one_o in_o the_o neck_n of_o another_o at_o length_n he_o know_v his_o call_n and_o so_o go_v in_o faith_n and_o defend_v israel_n so_o that_o he_o get_v the_o assurance_n of_o his_o call_n by_o sundry_a particular_a sign_n and_o confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o though_o he_o doubt_v great_o at_o the_o first_o yet_o after_o he_o believe_v not_o only_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o judge_n and_o deliverer_n of_o god_n people_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n but_o this_o principal_o that_o god_n be_v his_o god_n and_o will_v give_v unto_o he_o everlasting_a life_n here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a precedent_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n work_v true_a and_o sound_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n they_o receive_v not_o this_o grace_n at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n god_n work_v it_o in_o they_o by_o little_a and_o little_a when_o a_o man_n be_v first_o call_v of_o god_n he_o have_v much_o doubt_v and_o fear_n but_o then_o god_n send_v sundry_a help_n to_o weaken_v this_o fear_n and_o doubt_v and_o as_o they_o decrease_v so_o be_v faith_n increase_v no_o man_n believe_v sound_o at_o the_o first_o but_o weak_o even_o as_o he_o grow_v in_o year_n so_o he_o must_v grow_v in_o faith_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v by_o continuance_n in_o the_o mean_n and_o by_o experience_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n and_o indeed_o the_o more_o faith_n increase_v the_o more_o we_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o grow_v therein_o and_o the_o more_o we_o delight_v in_o the_o mean_n and_o at_o length_n after_o long_a experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n we_o shall_v have_v wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n this_o gift_n of_o true_a &_o lively_a faith_n which_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o all_o fear_n and_o doubt_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o person_n of_o gedeon_n the_o second_o person_n commend_v unto_o we_o be_v barac_n of_o who_o we_o may_v read_v judge_n 4._o his_o story_n be_v large_a and_o plain_a enough_o and_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o stand_v upon_o it_o the_o three_o person_n be_v samson_n of_o who_o we_o may_v also_o read_v judge_n 13.14_o etc._n etc._n now_o touch_v samson_n this_o question_n may_v well_o be_v ask_v how_o he_o can_v be_v just_o commend_v for_o his_o faith_n see_v it_o may_v seem_v he_o kill_v himself_o answer_n samson_n do_v not_o kill_v himself_o for_o he_o be_v call_v extraordinary_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n over_o israel_n for_o their_o defence_n and_o delivery_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o philistimes_fw-la now_o when_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o philistimes_fw-la be_v gather_v together_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n he_o cast_v the_o house_n down_o upon_o their_o head_n to_o kill_v they_o therein_o because_o be_v blind_a he_o can_v not_o pursue_v they_o in_o battle_n and_o therefore_o have_v they_o by_o god_n providence_n in_o his_o hand_n he_o destroy_v they_o as_o his_o call_n be_v albeit_o he_o lose_v his_o own_o life_n in_o the_o same_o action_n again_o samson_n in_o pull_v down_o the_o house_n purpose_v not_o direct_o and_o wilful_o to_o kill_v himself_o but_o to_o adventure_v his_o own_o life_n by_o take_v just_a revenge_n upon_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o god_n servant_n he_o pray_v first_o unto_o god_n and_o so_o do_v no_o more_o than_o the_o soldier_n in_o the_o field_n ought_v to_o do_v who_o bear_v a_o love_a mind_n towards_o his_o country_n be_v content_a to_o adventure_v his_o own_o life_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o country_n and_o be_v resolve_v that_o if_o he_o die_v in_o that_o defence_n he_o die_v in_o his_o lawful_a place_n and_o calling_n and_o die_v god_n servant_n yea_o god_n champion_n this_o do_v samson_n and_o therefore_o may_v just_o be_v commend_v for_o his_o faith_n neither_o be_v this_o fact_n of_o his_o any_o disgrace_n but_o rather_o a_o notable_a commendation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o a_o evidence_n of_o great_a zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o of_o singular_a love_n to_o his_o people_n the_o four_o person_n commend_v here_o be_v jephte_n of_o who_o we_o may_v read_v judge_n 11._o jephte_n be_v the_o base_a son_n of_o gilead_n bear_v of_o a_o harlot_n to_o be_v base_a bear_v be_v note_v in_o scripture_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o reproach_n and_o
private_a revenge_n and_o so_o it_o make_v nothing_o against_o lawful_a war_n for_o what_o though_o a_o private_a man_n may_v not_o revenge_v himself_o nor_o make_v war_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o a_o magistrate_n who_o bear_v the_o sword_n may_v lawful_o use_v it_o again_o it_o be_v frivolous_a to_o imagine_v that_o resist_v be_v only_o by_o a_o weapon_n for_o the_o chief_a resistance_n that_o god_n respect_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n and_o a_o private_a man_n may_v resist_v that_o be_v break_v this_o commandment_n by_o unlawful_a resistance_n though_o he_o carry_v no_o weapon_n and_o the_o public_a person_n break_v it_o not_o though_o he_o make_v war_n object_n 2._o second_o they_o object_n the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n say_v that_o then_o they_o shall_v turn_v their_o sword_n into_o scithe_n and_o their_o spear_n into_o mattock_n therefore_o say_v they_o there_o must_v be_v no_o war_n under_o the_o gospel_n ans._n that_o prophecy_n signify_v that_o in_o christ_n kingdom_n there_o must_v be_v great_a love_n and_o peace_n &_o wonderful_a concord_n among_o all_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n but_o here_o they_o take_v advantage_n &_o say_v if_o this_o be_v so_o what_o then_o need_v any_o war_n ans._n we_o must_v know_v that_o as_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o kingdom_n a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n and_o a_o politic_a so_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o peace_n spiritual_a and_o politic_a spiritual_a peace_n be_v inward_a in_o the_o church_n and_o politic_a peace_n be_v outward_a in_o the_o common_a wealth_n spiritual_a peace_n i●_n begin_v and_o preserve_v by_o spiritual_a mean_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n but_o war_n be_v a_o ordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o establish_n and_o preserve_v of_o politic_a peace_n second_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n people_n may_v make_v war_n not_o only_o by_o way_n of_o defence_n but_o also_o in_o assault_n upon_o their_o enemy_n &_o that_o according_a to_o god_n word_n for_o here_o it_o be_v say_v that_o gedeon_n samson_n david_n &_o the_o rest_n by_o faith_n subdue_v kingdom_n make_v war_n against_o they_o by_o way_n of_o assault_n and_o not_o in_o defence_n only_o indeed_o special_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v that_o offensive_a war_n in_o assault_v a_o enemy_n be_v make_v upon_o just_a &_o good_a ground_n one_o special_a ground_n or_o cause_n be_v here_o imply_v in_o this_o work_n of_o faith_n to_o wit_n the_o recovery_n of_o just_a right_n in_o matter_n of_o importance_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o canaan_n be_v give_v to_o the_o israelite_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o they_o they_o make_v war_n by_o way_n of_o assault_n so_o when_o lot_n be_v take_v captive_n by_o kederlaom_a &_o the_o king_n of_o the_o nation_n 14._o abraham_n lot_n kinsman_n gather_v his_o servant_n together_o and_o pursue_v the_o king_n and_o overtake_v they_o destroy_v they_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o lot_n and_o his_o good_n other_o respect_n there_o be_v for_o which_o offensive_a war_n in_o assault_n may_v be_v make_v but_o because_o they_o be_v not_o here_o mention_v i_o will_v not_o propound_v they_o the_o second_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v this_o they_o wrought_v righteousness_n that_o be_v some_o of_o these_o man_n in_o their_o place_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v they_o give_v to_o every_o man_n his_o own_o this_o work_n of_o righteousness_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o give_v reward_n to_o such_o as_o deserve_v they_o second_o in_o inflict_v due_a punishment_n according_a to_o man_n desert_n in_o both_o these_o the_o man_n before_o name_v do_v all_o excellent_a but_o especial_o two_o of_o they_o david_n and_o samuel_n for_o david_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o see_v how_o righteous_a he_o be_v for_o when_o he_o be_v anoint_v king_n in_o saul_n steed_n and_o saul_n reject_v how_o do_v he_o behave_v himself_o towards_o saul_n do_v he_o seek_v saul_n blood_n no_o but_o when_o saul_n hunt_v he_o as_o the_o hunter_n do_v the_o partridge_n david_n even_o then_o give_v himself_o to_o study_v and_o practice_n righteousness_n yea_o when_o saul_n be_v fall_v into_o his_o hand_n both_o in_o the_o cave_n and_o asleep_a in_o the_o camp_n 1._o samuel_n chapter_n 24._o verse_n 5_o 6._o etc._n etc._n and_o chapter_n 26._o verse_n 7_o 8_o he_o will_v not_o touch_v he_o nor_o suffer_v other_o to_o do_v he_o hurt_v because_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n anoint_v yea_o so_o righteous_a be_v david_n towards_o saul_n that_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o for_o cut_v off_o but_o the_o lap_n of_o his_o coat_n therefore_o david_n be_v here_o commend_v especial_o for_o this_o effect_n of_o faith_n the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n to_o apply_v this_o unto_o our_o time_n if_o this_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n thus_o to_o work_v righteousness_n then_o what_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o the_o popish_a sort_n among_o we_o they_o pretend_v the_o ancient_a faith_n and_o none_o must_v be_v so_o good_a believer_n and_o catholic_n as_o they_o but_o how_o do_v they_o show_v this_o their_o faith_n be_v it_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o righteousness_n do_v they_o give_v to_o every_o one_o his_o due_n nay_o very_o but_o they_o set_v themselves_o to_o work_v the_o ruin_n of_o kingdom_n that_o join_v not_o with_o they_o in_o religion_n this_o witness_v their_o manifold_a &_o devilish_a plot_n against_o our_o state_n from_o time_n to_o time_n this_o do_v not_o david_n no_o not_o against_o saul_n though_o he_o be_v reject_v of_o god_n and_o also_o most_o unjust_o seek_v his_o death_n but_o they_o have_v many_o time_n seek_v the_o death_n of_o the_o lord_n anoint_v over_o we_o whereby_o they_o declare_v their_o state_n to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v no_o spark_n of_o true_a faith_n at_o all_o for_o true_a faith_n will_v make_v a_o man_n practice_n righteousness_n and_o innocence_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o they_o and_o all_o their_o adherent_n that_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n to_o allow_v such_o practice_n that_o they_o have_v none_o other_o but_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n which_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v true_a this_o the_o devil_n do_v with_o tremble_v and_o as_o their_o faith_n be_v devilish_a so_o be_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o namely_o treachery_n and_o falsehood_n such_o as_o the_o devil_n most_o approve_v but_o we_o must_v learn_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v especial_o commend_v by_o these_o fruit_n the_o study_n and_o practice_n of_o innocency_n and_o the_o maintain_n of_o peace_n in_o christian_a estate_n for_o true_a faith_n and_o treachery_n and_o contention_n will_v no_o more_o stand_v together_o than_o light_n and_o darkness_n second_o samuel_n also_o wrought_v righteousness_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o protestatio_fw-la before_o all_o israel_n when_o he_o give_v up_o his_o office_n of_o government_n over_o they_o unto_o saul_n 1._o sam._n 12.3_o behold_v say_v he_o here_o be_o i_o bear_v record_n of_o i_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o before_o his_o anointed_n who_o ox_n have_v i_o take_v or_o who_o ass_n have_v i_o take_v or_o who_o have_v i_o do_v wrong_n to_o or_o who_o have_v i_o hurt_v or_o of_o who_o hand_n have_v i_o receive_v any_o bribe_n to_o blind_v my_o eye_n therewith_o and_o i_o will_v restore_v it_o now_o as_o these_o two_o samuel_n and_o david_n be_v famous_a for_o this_o fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o work_a righteousness_n so_o likewise_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o prophet_n before_o name_v in_o their_o place_n careful_a of_o this_o virtue_n and_o do_v practise_v the_o same_o partly_o in_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o partly_o in_o punish_v the_o wicked_a but_o some_o will_v say_v to_o work_v righteousness_n can_v be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o very_a heathen_a which_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v do_v justice_n and_o be_v high_o commend_v by_o heathen_a writer_n for_o the_o same_o now_o that_o which_o the_o heathen_a can_v do_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o thus_o to_o be_v extol_v as_o a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n answer_n true_a it_o be_v the_o heathen_a have_v do_v many_o work_n of_o justice_n but_o we_o must_v wise_o consider_v that_o every_o just_a work_n be_v not_o a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n unless_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o righteous_a person_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o for_o his_o glory_n but_o in_o all_o these_o the_o heathen_a fail_v in_o their_o work_n for_o though_o the_o thing_n they_o do_v be_v good_a in_o themselves_o yet_o see_v the_o heathen_a be_v corrupt_a tree_n remain_v in_o the_o sinful_a state_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n their_o work_n
juda_n who_o as_o we_o may_v read_v 2._o king_n 20._o be_v sore_o sick_a even_o unto_o death_n be_v restore_v to_o health_n and_o obtain_v of_o god_n the_o lengthen_v of_o his_o day_n for_o the_o space_n of_o fifteen_o year_n which_o wonderful_a recovery_n he_o obtain_v by_o mean_n of_o his_o faith_n which_o he_o show_v in_o time_n of_o his_o sickness_n by_o a_o prayer_n he_o make_v unto_o god_n the_o substance_n whereof_o stand_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o be_v very_o sick_a he_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n this_o appear_v by_o his_o thanksgiving_n upon_o his_o recovery_n isaiah_n 38.17_o where_o he_o confess_v that_o god_n have_v cast_v all_o his_o sin_n behind_o his_o back_n now_o look_v for_o what_o he_o give_v thanks_o that_o no_o doubt_n he_o have_v before_o beg_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n second_o he_o make_v request_n unto_o god_n for_o prolong_v of_o his_o day_n for_o some_o reason_n which_o do_v concern_v himself_o and_o this_o he_o also_o pray_v for_o in_o faith_n now_o the_o reason_n move_v he_o to_o pray_v for_o long_a life_n be_v these_o first_o he_o have_v then_o no_o issue_n to_o succeed_v he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o therefore_o he_o pray_v for_o life_n to_o beget_v a_o child_n which_o may_v sit_v upon_o his_o throne_n after_o he_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o prayer_n be_v this_o god_n have_v make_v a_o particular_a promise_n unto_o david_n and_o solomon_n 1._o king_n 8.25_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o want_v issue_n after_o they_o to_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o israel_n so_o that_o their_o child_n take_v heed_n to_o their_o way_n to_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n as_o david_n do_v now_o king_n hezekiah_n know_v this_o promise_n have_v regard_n hereunto_o and_o build_v himself_o hereon_o his_o conscience_n bear_v he_o witness_n that_o he_o have_v walk_v before_o the_o lord_n upright_o he_o pray_v for_o issue_n to_o succeed_v he_o and_o for_o that_o cause_n he_o desire_v strength_n of_o body_n and_o length_n of_o day_n this_o appear_v notable_o by_o his_o prayer_n 2._o king_n 20.3_o lord_n say_v he_o i_o beseech_v thou_o now_o remember_v how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n the_o sum_n of_o his_o prayer_n be_v this_o all_o the_o king_n succeed_v david_n and_o solomon_n which_o walk_v in_o god_n commandment_n shall_v have_v issue_n to_o sit_v on_o their_o throne_n after_o they_o now_o from_o hence_o he_o pray_v thus_o oh_o lord_n i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n and_o hereupon_o the_o conclusion_n follow_v grant_v i_o issue_n to_o sit_v upon_o my_o throne_n after_o i_o and_o therefore_o life_n and_o health_n to_o accomplish_v the_o same_o second_o he_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v live_v to_o glorify_v god_n in_o that_o weighty_a call_n wherein_o god_n have_v place_v he_o over_o his_o people_n this_o appear_v likewise_o by_o his_o thanksgiving_n unto_o the_o lord_n upon_o his_o recovery_n where_o he_o say_v isaiah_n 38.20_o ●he_v lord_n be_v ready_a to_o save_v i_o therefore_o we_o will_v sing_v my_o song_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o by_o his_o worthy_a prayer_n he_o show_v forth_o his_o faith_n notable_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o be_v sick_a unto_o death_n he_o obtain_v of_o the_o lord_n the_o prolong_n of_o his_o day_n for_o the_o space_n of_o fifteen_o year_n and_o so_o we_o see_v to_o who_o this_o seven_o effect_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v here_o we_o be_v teach_v a_o special_a duty_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o our_o health_n in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n to_o wit_n before_o we_o use_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o physic_n we_o must_v according_a to_o this_o example_n first_o put_v our_o faith_n in_o practice_n by_o humble_v ourselves_o for_o our_o sin_n past_a confess_v they_o true_o unto_o god_n and_o pray_v for_o pardon_n from_o a_o resolute_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n and_o also_o by_o entreat_v health_n of_o god_n and_o his_o good_a blessing_n upon_o the_o mean_n which_o we_o shall_v use_v for_o our_o recovery_n thus_o have_v other_o of_o god_n servant_n do_v beside_o hezekias_n when_o david_n be_v grievous_o sick_a the_o principal_a thing_n he_o do_v be_v this_o practice_n of_o faith_n in_o humble_v his_o soul_n before_o god_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o entreat_v earnest_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v psa._n 6._o &_o 38._o this_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n which_o in_o those_o psalm_n be_v propound_v of_o david_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n counsel_n jam._n 5.14_o 15_o be_v any_o man_n sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o must_v they_o do_v sure_o first_o pray_v for_o he_o and_o then_o as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o those_o day_n anoint_v he_o with_o oil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o again_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v any_o sin_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o and_o here_o we_o must_v be_v admonish_v to_o beware_v of_o the_o bad_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n in_o this_o case_n the_o most_o man_n in_o their_o sickness_n first_o seek_v to_o the_o physician_n and_o if_o that_o fail_v they_o they_o send_v for_o the_o minister_n this_o be_v king_n asa_n his_o practice_n for_o which_o he_o be_v brand_v to_o all_o posterity_n that_o be_v disease_v in_o his_o foot_n he_o seek_v unto_o physician_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o lord_n 2._o chron._n 16.12_o though_o otherwise_o he_o have_v good_a thing_n in_o he_o as_o 1._o king_n 15.14_o and_o many_o do_v far_o worse_o who_o seek_v to_o witch_n and_o enchanter_n when_o they_o or_o they_o be_v in_o such_o distress_n but_o this_o be_v to_o forsake_v god_n and_o to_o seek_v help_n of_o the_o devil_n like_v to_o ahaziah_n who_o send_v to_o baalzebub_n the_o god_n of_o ekron_n to_o know_v of_o his_o recovery_n when_o he_o be_v sick_a upon_o a_o fall_n 2._o king_n 1.2_o this_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o all_o god_n child_n for_o as_o ahaziahs_n sickness_n become_v deadly_a through_o his_o send_n to_o baalzebub_n so_o undoubted_o many_o disease_n become_v incurable_a by_o the_o bad_a and_o preposterous_a deal_n of_o the_o patient_n who_o either_o use_v unlawful_a mean_n or_o lawful_a mean_n disordered_o or_o trust_v therein_o we_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n must_v remember_v our_o duty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n as_o hezekiah_n do_v the_o eight_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v this_o wax_v valiant_a in_o battle_n this_o effect_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o the_o judge_n before_o name_v and_o of_o all_o the_o good_a king_n in_o juda_n and_o israel_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v two_o especial_o to_o who_o we_o may_v more_o peculiar_o refer_v it_o to_o wit_n samson_n and_o david_n for_o samson_n he_o by_o mean_n of_o faith_n come_v to_o be_v so_o mighty_a judg._n 15.15_o that_o with_o the_o jaw_n bone_n of_o a_o ass_n he_o slay_v a_o thousand_o philistines_n and_o for_o david_n he_o likewise_o be_v so_o encourage_v by_o faith_n that_o with_o the_o same_o sling_n wherewith_o he_o keep_v his_o father_n sheep_n which_o be_v but_o a_o slender_a weapon_n for_o war_n he_o encounter_v with_o goliath_n that_o huge_a philistim_n and_o hit_v he_o with_o a_o stone_n in_o the_o forehead_n and_o slay_v he_o both_o these_o fact_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o make_v they_o bold_a to_o encounter_v with_o these_o mighty_a enemy_n in_o this_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n first_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o true_a fortitude_n and_o manhood_n right_a valour_n and_o courage_n come_v from_o true_a faith_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o many_o heathen_a man_n have_v great_a strength_n and_o courage_n but_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o true_a valour_n for_o right_a valour_n come_v from_o a_o believe_a heart_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o judge_n and_o prince_n of_o israel_n wax_v strong_a in_o battle_n by_o faith_n second_o do_v true_a faith_n make_v man_n valiant_a in_o battle_n then_o shall_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v set_v up_o and_o maintain_v as_o well_o in_o the_o camp_n and_o guarison_n and_o among_o soldier_n on_o the_o sea_n as_o in_o city_n and_o town_n of_o peace_n for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o this_o faith_n which_o give_v valour_n in_o battle_n to_o they_o that_o fight_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n enjoin_v by_o moses_n that_o when_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n go_v out_o to_o battle_n the_o priest_n
many_o parent_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o whereas_o they_o shall_v first_o seek_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o come_v to_o his_o prophet_n they_o either_o run_v first_o to_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o physic_n or_o be_v worse_o dispose_v seek_v help_n of_o wizard_n &_o blesser_n by_o their_o charm_n and_o sorcery_n forsake_v god_n and_o run_v to_o the_o devil_n indeed_o the_o use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n be_v not_o to_o be_v discommend_v simple_o but_o this_o preposterous_a course_n be_v blame-worthy_a and_o deprive_v many_o of_o god_n blessing_n in_o the_o mean_n that_o they_o seek_v help_v of_o physic_n before_o they_o have_v seek_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o holy_a practice_n of_o faith_n quest._n but_o how_o can_v the_o parent_n faith_n benefit_n the_o child_n answ._n it_o can_v procure_v unto_o it_o eternal_a life_n for_o every_o one_o must_v be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o yet_o the_o child_n receive_v many_o a_o good_a blessing_n at_o god_n hand_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o parent_n faith_n as_o namely_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o seal_v thereof_o beside_o the_o fruition_n of_o many_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o life_n itself_o in_o this_o place_n the_o consideration_n hereof_o must_v move_v all_o parent_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n for_o by_o the_o practice_n hereof_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o bring_v the_o great_a blessing_n upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n and_o upon_o the_o lawful_a mean_n which_o they_o shall_v use_v for_o their_o good_a say_v the_o lord_n shall_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o child_n and_o servant_n in_o a_o family_n what_o must_v parent_n and_o master_n do_v sure_o the_o best_a way_n for_o help_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o faith_n in_o true_a humiliation_n for_o sin_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o mercy_n and_o for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o mean_n which_o they_o shall_v use_v in_o all_o society_n this_o be_v true_a that_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o governor_n many_o curse_n be_v remove_v and_o many_o blessing_n procure_v god_n send_v his_o judgement_n among_o we_o daily_o and_o we_o know_v not_o when_o other_o more_o shall_v befall_v we_o but_o for_o the_o removeall_n and_o prevent_v of_o they_o we_o must_v give_v ourselves_o to_o true_a humiliation_n and_o prayer_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o lord_n mercy_n towards_o we_o as_o these_o two_o woman_n do_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o ten_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o they_o all_o several_o now_o from_o they_o all_o joint_o together_o observe_v this_o special_a point_n that_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o do_v bring_v down_o from_o heaven_n upon_o every_o believer_n all_o god_n blessing_n that_o be_v needful_a for_o he_o who_o be_v he_o that_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o gods_n blessing_n needful_a for_o he_o both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n well_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n hereto_o be_v to_o get_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n and_o to_o put_v the_o same_o in_o practice_n in_o all_o such_o duty_n as_o god_n shall_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n the_o worthy_a man_n before_o name_v obtain_v all_o the_o former_a most_o wonderful_a blessing_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o it_o they_o escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n they_o quench_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o fire_n wax_v mighty_a in_o battle_n etc._n etc._n as_o we_o have_v hear_v now_o if_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o notable_a grace_n of_o god_n then_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n let_v we_o labour_v for_o it_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o lip-faith_n and_o so_o presume_v upon_o god_n mercy_n but_o we_o must_v labour_v for_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n which_o may_v purify_v our_o heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o our_o life_n here_o be_v strong_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o hereunto_o for_o what_o do_v we_o desire_v riches_n honour_n or_o favour_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o world_n will_v we_o have_v health_n and_o strength_n nay_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o in_o all_o then_o look_v to_o get_v true_a faith_n for_o in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o thou_o shall_v obtain_v of_o god_n all_o needful_a blessing_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a many_o toil_n themselves_o exceed_o by_o worldly_a mean_n to_o get_v temporal_a blessing_n as_o health_n wealth_n honour_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o never_o attain_v thereto_o because_o they_o seek_v they_o not_o by_o faith_n i_o confess_v natural_a man_n get_v many_o good_a thing_n but_o to_o they_o they_o be_v no_o blessing_n because_o they_o want_v faith_n both_o in_o get_v and_o keep_v of_o they_o for_o they_o lay_v all_o religion_n aside_o and_o toil_v themselves_o whole_o in_o worldly_a mean_n this_o course_n the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v beware_v of_o say_v that_o a_o prince_n bid_v one_o of_o his_o servant_n go_v to_o his_o treasury_n and_o there_o enrich_v himself_o with_o jewel_n with_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o with_o whatsoever_o he_o lack_v what_o will_v this_o man_n do_v sure_o first_o he_o will_v call_v for_o the_o key_n whereby_o he_o may_v unlock_v the_o door_n and_o chest_n for_o else_o he_o can_v get_v nothing_o behold_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n god_n show_v we_o his_o full_a treasury_n wherein_o we_o may_v enrich_v ourselves_o with_o all_o his_o blessing_n now_o we_o must_v not_o with_o the_o fool_n run_v without_o the_o key_n but_o labour_n first_o for_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v that_o key_n whereby_o god_n heavenly_a treasure_n be_v open_v unto_o we_o and_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v a_o sound_a key_n that_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a faith_n which_o may_v strong_o turn_v about_o the_o lock_n of_o god_n treasury_n for_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a he_o that_o do_v unfeigned_o believe_v shall_v never_o want_v any_o thing_n either_o in_o body_n or_o soul_n that_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o have_v every_o one_o will_v say_v he_o believe_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v rare_a for_o man_n heart_n be_v not_o purify_v nor_o their_o life_n change_v but_o they_o remain_v as_o sinful_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v which_o cause_v god_n judgement_n to_o be_v rife_o among_o us._n wherefore_o as_o we_o desire_v our_o own_o good_a both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o let_v we_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o our_o life_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o these_o judge_n and_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n believer_n under_o the_o maccabee_n verse_n 35._o other_o also_o be_v rack_v and_o will_v not_o be_v deliver_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v a_o better_a resurrection_n in_o these_o word_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n proceed_v to_o the_o four_o order_n of_o example_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o this_o chapter_n wherein_o as_o in_o the_o former_a last_o handle_v he_o proceed_v brief_o heap_v up_o in_o few_o word_n many_o worthy_a example_n of_o faith_n conceal_v the_o name_n of_o the_o party_n &_o only_o set_v down_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o us._n and_o this_o four_o and_o last_o order_n of_o example_n comprehend_v such_o believer_n as_o live_v under_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o maccabee_n and_o afterward_o to_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o of_o believer_n in_o former_a time_n it_o can_v be_v understand_v because_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a distinction_n put_v between_o these_o believer_n and_o the_o former_a judge_n king_n and_o prophet_n in_o these_o word_n other_o also_o whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o here_o he_o propound_v example_n of_o believer_n different_a from_o those_o which_o he_o mention_v before_o and_o it_o be_v also_o plain_a that_o these_o believer_n live_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o howsoever_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v rack_v scourge_v and_o torment_v after_o this_o sort_n yet_o of_o they_o this_o place_n can_v be_v understand_v because_o they_o enjoy_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o these_o here_o mention_v enjoy_v not_o that_o promise_n in_o their_o day_n but_o wait_v for_o it_o by_o faith_n and_o therein_o die_v verse_n 39_o and_o indeed_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v wonderful_o persecute_v by_o antiochus_n about_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n as_o we_o may_v see_v 2._o maccabee_n 4._o and_o 6._o chapter_n question_n where_o have_v the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n this_o large_a narration_n of_o these_o strange_a persecution_n see_v they_o be_v not_o register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n answer_n we_o may_v judge_v that_o he_o
gather_v it_o out_o of_o the_o story_n and_o record_n of_o man_n which_o howsoever_o they_o be_v not_o now_o extant_a yet_o in_o his_o day_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v extant_a know_v and_o approve_a neither_o must_v this_o seem_v strange_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n speak_v of_o man_n have_v oftentimes_o reference_n and_o relation_n therein_o to_o humane_a write_n as_o this_o phrase_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n of_o such_o and_o such_o be_v they_o not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n so_o often_o use_v in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n and_o chronicle_n do_v evident_o declare_v now_o those_o book_n of_o chronicle_n be_v not_o parcelle_v of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a story_n like_v to_o our_o book_n of_o martyr_n and_o chronicle_n 2._o timothy_n chapter_n 3._o verse_n 8_o saint_n paul_n say_v jannes_n and_o jambre_n resist_v moses_n now_o in_o the_o book_n of_o exodus_fw-la we_o shall_v not_o find_v the_o sorcerer_n that_o withstand_v moses_n once_o name_v and_o saint_n jude_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o prophecy_n of_o enoch_n jude_n verse_n 14_o which_o in_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v not_o record_v and_o it_o be_v like_a that_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o penne-manne_n of_o holy_a scripture_n whence_o then_o have_v these_o apostle_n these_o thing_n answer_n no_o doubt_n the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v reveal_v such_o thing_n unto_o they_o though_o they_o have_v be_v unknowen_a in_o those_o time_n but_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n have_v they_o out_o of_o some_o jewish_a writer_n or_o record_v then_o extant_a and_o approve_v among_o the_o jew_n so_o paul_n preach_v to_o the_o athenian_n allege_v the_o say_n of_o aratus_n a_o athenian_a poet_n for_o 17.28_o we_o be_v his_o generation_n and_o to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o propound_v a_o sentence_n of_o menander_n evil_a word_n corrupt_v good_a manner_n 1._o cor._n 15._o and_o to_o titus_n he_o allege_v epimenides_n a_o cretian_a poet_n the_o cretan_n be_v always_o liar_n evil_a beast_n slow_a belly_n titus_n 1.12_o now_o whereas_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n take_v these_o sentence_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o man_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o to_o read_v the_o write_n of_o man_n be_v not_o unlawful_a but_o a_o thing_n of_o good_a use_n to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n but_o whereas_o some_o will_v hence_o prove_v that_o their_o authority_n may_v be_v allege_v ordinary_o at_o every_o man_n pleasure_n in_o the_o public_a ministry_n it_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o these_o place_n for_o first_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o their_o public_a ministry_n that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v but_o no_o minister_n at_o this_o day_n have_v such_o a_o privilege_n second_o the_o apostle_n allege_v or_o record_v the_o say_n of_o man_n in_o their_o sermon_n or_o write_n do_v thereby_o sanctify_v they_o and_o make_v they_o to_o become_v a_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n this_o no_o ordinary_a minister_n can_v do_v but_o let_v he_o allege_v a_o humane_a testimony_n ten_o thousand_o time_n yet_o still_o it_o remain_v humane_a and_o be_v not_o god_n word_n three_o they_o that_o will_v warrant_v their_o practice_n in_o allege_v humane_a testimony_n in_o their_o sermon_n by_o the_o apostle_n aught_o to_o follow_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o manner_n of_o allegation_n now_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o spare_v herein_o that_o in_o many_o book_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v one_o for_o there_o be_v only_o three_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n again_o the_o apostle_n do_v it_o without_o ostentation_n for_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n be_v conceal_v whence_o they_o take_v their_o testimony_n and_o last_o the_o apostle_n do_v it_o upon_o weighty_a cause_n and_o just_a occasion_n to_o wit_n when_o they_o be_v persuade_v in_o conscience_n that_o those_o testimony_n will_v convince_v the_o conscience_n of_o their_o hearer_n in_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o allege_v they_o now_o how_o far_o many_o differ_v from_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o allegation_n let_v the_o world_n judge_v yet_o before_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o these_o example_n of_o faith_n in_o particular_a there_o be_v sundry_a general_a point_n to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o three_o former_a verse_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v set_v down_o the_o prosperous_a success_n of_o believer_n through_o faith_n but_o hear_v he_o come_v to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o a_o different_a estate_n of_o other_o believer_n under_o grievous_a persecution_n and_o torment_n even_o unto_o most_o cruel_a and_o bitter_a kind_n of_o death_n from_o this_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o observe_v we_o may_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o god_n church_n and_o people_n here_o in_o this_o world_n for_o god_n vouchsafe_v peace_n and_o prosperous_a success_n to_o some_o as_o a_o just_a reward_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o other_o must_v want_v the_o comfort_n of_o outward_a peace_n and_o welfare_n and_o undergo_v most_o grievous_a trial_n and_o persecution_n look_v as_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a interchange_n between_o day_n and_o night_n and_o the_o one_o do_v constant_o follow_v the_o other_o so_o as_o it_o be_v one_o while_o day_n and_o a_o other_o while_o night_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o with_o true_a believer_n in_o this_o world_n sometime_o they_o have_v peace_n and_o prosperity_n and_o this_o continue_v not_o always_o but_o another_o while_o they_o be_v in_o trouble_n misery_n and_o persecution_n to_o make_v this_o point_n more_o plain_a because_o it_o be_v of_o some_o importance_n we_o may_v behold_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o the_o beginning_n adam_n family_n be_v gods_n church_n and_o therein_o be_v first_o notable_a peace_n but_o when_o god_n accept_v abel_n sacrifice_n and_o refuse_v cain_n than_o persecution_n begin_v and_o cain_n slay_v his_o brother_n abel_n abraham_n be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o his_o family_n in_o those_o day_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o may_v notable_o see_v this_o changeable_a estate_n for_o god_n call_v he_o out_o of_o charran_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n exod._n 12.1_o 10._o but_o within_o a_o while_n the_o family_n be_v so_o great_a in_o the_o land_n that_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o go_v down_o into_o egypt_n to_o sojourn_v there_o and_o there_o the_o lord_n bless_v he_o exceed_o and_o enrich_v he_o so_o great_o that_o he_o become_v a_o mighty_a prince_n able_a to_o encounter_v with_o the_o king_n of_o those_o nation_n in_o battle_n after_o his_o return_n to_o canaan_n exod._n 14._o the_o israelite_n god_n choose_a people_n be_v 400._o year_n in_o bondage_n in_o egypt_n but_o at_o the_o appoint_a time_n god_n give_v they_o a_o glorious_a deliverance_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v try_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 40._o year_n after_o which_o time_n they_o be_v plant_v safe_o in_o the_o fruitful_a land_n of_o canaan_n a_o land_n that_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n and_o there_o also_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v in_o this_o case_n sometime_o in_o prosperity_n and_o otherwhiles_o in_o adversity_n for_o when_o it_o be_v rule_v by_o judge_n as_o in_o that_o book_n appear_v for_o ten_o twenty_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n together_o the_o israelite_n for_o their_o sin_n be_v in_o subjection_n &_o bondage_n to_o the_o nation_n about_o they_o as_o the_o moabite_n the_o philistines_n the_o ammonite_n etc._n etc._n yet_o then_o when_o they_o cry_v to_o god_n he_o send_v they_o some_o mighty_a judge_n to_o deliver_v they_o for_o so_o long_a time_n again_o this_o be_v the_o interchangeable_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o afterward_o when_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o king_n it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n for_o one_o while_o god_n give_v they_o good_a king_n who_o will_v advance_v religion_n and_o maintain_v and_o cherish_v the_o priest_n and_o prophet_n of_o god_n and_o for_o their_o time_n the_o church_n prosper_v but_o otherwhiles_o for_o their_o sin_n god_n will_v send_v they_o wicked_a prince_n which_o persecute_v the_o prophet_n and_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o chronicle_n after_o the_o reign_n of_o good_a king_n josias_n come_v the_o captivity_n into_o babylon_n &_o 70_o year_n expire_v the_o lord_n by_o k._n cyrus_n return_v they_o again_o after_o their_o return_n they_o be_v one_o while_n in_o peace_n and_o another_o while_n in_o distress_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n and_o nehemias_n but_o above_o all_o other_o that_o persecution_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n be_v
most_o notorious_a which_o be_v foretell_v by_o daniel_n in_o his_o prophecy_n dan._n 11.36_o and_o be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n to_o come_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o primitive_a church_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n suffer_v ten_o most_o bloody_a &_o grievous_a persecution_n betwixt_o each_o of_o which_o she_o yet_o have_v some_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o as_o it_o be_v respite_n to_o breath_n in_o and_o after_o the_o ten_o persecution_n end_v the_o lord_n raise_v up_o the_o good_a emperor_n constantine_n who_o bring_v peace_n &_o welfare_n unto_o the_o church_n but_o soon_o after_o he_o the_o heresy_n of_o arrius_n raise_v up_o by_o the_o devil_n bring_v as_o grievous_a persecution_n upon_o the_o church_n as_o ever_o the_o pagan_n do_v be_v a_o most_o blasphemous_a heresy_n deny_v the_o eternal_a deity_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o prevail_v in_o the_o church_n for_o 80._o year_n not_o long_o after_o the_o suppression_n of_o that_o heresy_n begin_v the_o idolatry_n and_o tyranny_n of_o antichrist_n to_o prevail_v in_o the_o church_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o now_o about_o some_o fourscore_o year_n ago_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n raise_v up_o worthy_a instrument_n by_o who_o mean_n he_o deliver_v his_o church_n from_o that_o idolatry_n and_o blindness_n yet_o so_o as_o still_o the_o church_n have_v feel_v the_o bloody_a hand_n of_o antichrist_n in_o grievous_a persecution_n all_o which_o show_v this_o to_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o god_n church_n be_v interchangeable_a have_v one_o while_o peace_n and_o another_o while_n grievous_a persecution_n to_o apply_v this_o to_o ourselves_o god_n have_v plant_v his_o church_n among_o we_o in_o this_o land_n and_o for_o many_o year_n together_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o prosperity_n and_o peace_n which_o in_o great_a mercy_n he_o have_v give_v we_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o servant_n which_o be_v among_o we_o and_o during_o this_o time_n we_o have_v have_v great_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n in_o god_n holy_a ministry_n for_o the_o word_n prayer_n &_o sacrament_n but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o state_n of_o god_n church_n for_o peace_n and_o trouble_n be_v interchangeable_a as_o day_n and_o night_n for_o light_n and_o darkness_n wherefore_o we_o must_v be_v advertise_v to_o look_v unto_o ourselves_o for_o our_o estate_n in_o peace_n must_v not_o last_v always_o these_o golden_a day_n will_v have_v a_o end_n and_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n will_v undoubted_o come_v indeed_o god_n only_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o affliction_n shall_v befall_v and_o the_o particular_a time_n thereof_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o time_n appoint_v of_o god_n we_o may_v resolve_v ourselves_o by_o the_o reason_n follow_v first_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n be_v this_o that_o the_o curse_n do_v follow_v the_o transgression_n so_o that_o when_o any_o man_n family_n or_o people_n live_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o god_n commandment_n they_o must_v look_v for_o god_n judgement_n to_o be_v pour_v upon_o they_o now_o we_o may_v too_o true_o assume_v that_o this_o our_o nation_n and_o people_n abound_v with_o grievous_a sin_n in_o all_o estate_n for_o in_o the_o civil_a estate_n to_o omit_v manifold_a practice_n of_o oppression_n where_o be_v justice_n without_o bribery_n or_o bargain_v without_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n and_o in_o the_o ministry_n beside_o many_o abuse_n where_o be_v that_o care_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o the_o build_n of_o god_n church_n and_o for_o the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n beside_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o superstition_n what_o fearful_a blasphemy_n whoredom_n swear_v and_o sabbaoth-breaking_a do_v every_o where_o abound_v beside_o fearful_a atheism_n which_o be_v a_o mother_n of_o abomination_n whether_o we_o respect_v natural_a atheism_n whereby_o many_o deny_v god_n by_o their_o work_n or_o learned_a atheism_n in_o some_o who_o dispute_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o sin_n among_o we_o cry_v loud_o for_o gods_n judgement_n upon_o we_o even_o for_o that_o fearful_a judgement_n the_o remooveall_v of_o god_n kingdom_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n second_o consider_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n of_o place_n and_o note_n both_o in_o church_n and_o common_a wealth_n god_n take_v from_o we_o by_o death_n even_o in_o their_o best_a time_n be_v they_o not_o such_o as_o excel_v among_o we_o for_o great_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n and_o for_o true_a piety_n and_o good_a conscience_n now_o howsoever_o this_o may_v seem_v but_o a_o small_a thing_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o many_o yet_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o god_n judgement_n for_o the_o righteous_a perish_v and_o no_o man_n consider_v it_o in_o heart_n and_o merciful_a man_n be_v take_v away_o and_o no_o man_n understand_v that_o the_o righteous_a be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v isa._n 57.1_o three_o god_n have_v set_v his_o fearful_a judgement_n among_o we_o and_o about_o we_o war_n and_o sword_n in_o our_o neighbour_n nation_n which_o also_o have_v be_v oft_o shake_v at_o we_o also_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n throughout_o our_o own_o land_n by_o intercourse_n and_o long_a continuance_n levit._n 26._o now_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o when_o god_n send_v his_o judgement_n upon_o a_o people_n if_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v one_o judgement_n be_v but_o the_o forerunner_n of_o another_o more_o grievous_a and_o terrible_a than_o the_o former_a but_o little_a or_o no_o repentance_n appear_v among_o we_o nay_o rather_o we_o fall_v away_o more_o and_o more_o and_o so_o stand_v still_o in_o danger_n of_o more_o fearful_a judgement_n last_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o god_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o his_o own_o servant_n as_o he_o do_v sometime_o reward_v their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n with_o peace_n so_o otherwhiles_o he_o will_v try_v their_o faith_n by_o affliction_n thus_o he_o deal_v with_o his_o servant_n job_n though_o there_o be_v none_o for_o piety_n like_o he_o in_o his_o time_n through_o all_o the_o world_n now_o god_n have_v his_o servant_n among_o we_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o who_o faith_n we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o some_o tribulation_n shall_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v tribulation_n 2._o tim._n 3.12_o this_o be_v so_o that_o our_o peace_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o trouble_n as_o by_o the_o former_a reason_n which_o direct_o fasten_v themselves_o upon_o our_o church_n and_o state_n may_v evident_o appear_v let_v we_o then_o here_o learn_v our_o duty_n first_o we_o must_v cast_v with_o ourselves_o what_o may_v be_v the_o worst_a that_o can_v befall_v we_o when_o trial_n and_o persecution_n shall_v come_v this_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o those_o that_o will_v follow_v he_o constant_o as_o good_a disciple_n they_o must_v as_o good_a builder_n consider_v of_o the_o cost_n before_o they_o lie_v the_o foundation_n and_o like_o good_a warrior_n consider_v of_o their_o strength_n before_o they_o go_v out_o into_o the_o field_n lest_o they_o leave_v off_o &_o turn_v back_o like_o fool_n and_o coward_n luk._n 14.28_o etc._n etc._n we_o by_o god_n mercy_n do_v now_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n with_o hope_n to_o be_v save_v thereby_o therefore_o we_o must_v cast_v with_o ourselves_o what_o our_o religion_n may_v cost_v we_o and_o see_v before_o hand_n what_o be_v the_o worst_a thing_n that_o may_v befall_v we_o for_o our_o profession_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n if_o we_o have_v not_o do_v this_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o profession_n we_o must_v now_o do_v it_o for_o better_a late_o than_o never_o lest_o go_v on_o secure_o without_o this_o account_n make_v we_o shameful_o forsake_v christ_n when_o trial_n come_v in_o former_a time_n the_o constant_a profession_n of_o christ_n have_v cost_v man_n loss_n of_o friend_n loss_n of_o good_n and_o liberty_n yea_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o heart_n blood_n and_o the_o same_o case_n may_v befall_v us._n wherefore_o we_o must_v cast_v with_o ourselves_o and_o see_v whether_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o good_n and_o friend_n yea_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o life_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o christ_n true_a religion_n again_o as_o this_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n must_v move_v we_o to_o make_v this_o account_n for_o resolution_n in_o suffer_v so_o it_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o those_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o may_v enable_v we_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o all_o temptation_n trouble_n &_o persecution_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o blaze_a lamp_n as_o the_o
peter_n exhort_v the_o christian_n to_o have_v their_o conversation_n honest_a among_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o which_o speak_v evil_a of_o they_o as_o of_o evil_a doer_n may_v by_o their_o good_a work_n which_o they_o shall_v see_v glorify_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o visitation_n 1._o pet._n 2.12_o and_o he_o bid_v godly_a wife_n so_o walk_v that_o their_o husband_n may_v be_v win_v without_o the_o word_n by_o behold_v their_o pure_a conversation_n which_o be_v with_o fear_n 1._o pet._n 3.1.2_o and_o paul_n bid_v the_o philippian_n to_o walk_v blameless_a in_o the_o middle_n of_o a_o wicked_a and_o crooked_a nation_n as_o light_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o world_n phil._n 2.15_o that_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v by_o their_o good_a conversation_n may_v be_v win_v to_o the_o truth_n god_n send_v a_o flood_n upon_o the_o world_n for_o the_o greevousnesse_n of_o man_n sin_n now_o why_o do_v he_o not_o still_o send_v more_o flood_n be_v not_o man_n now_o as_o wicked_a as_o they_o be_v then_o yes_o undoubted_o man_n for_o his_o part_n deserve_v it_o now_o as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v then_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n so_o that_o every_o day_n we_o deserve_v a_o new_a flood_n but_o yet_o the_o lord_n stay_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o judgement_n for_o a_o time_n that_o his_o elect_a may_v be_v gather_v and_o convert_v and_o so_o soon_o as_o that_o be_v do_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v go_v together_o and_o god_n will_v not_o stay_v one_o moment_n for_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o so_o that_o every_o nation_n and_o people_n in_o the_o world_n have_v benefit_n by_o god_n child_n because_o for_o their_o sake_n do_v the_o lord_n stay_v his_o wrath_n and_o defer_v his_o judgement_n even_o the_o great_a judgement_n of_o fire_n wherewith_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v consume_v at_o the_o last_o day_n these_o thing_n the_o world_n shall_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o well_o to_o move_v they_o to_o repentance_n of_o their_o sin_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v unworthy_a the_o presence_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n as_o also_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o better_a behaviour_n and_o carriage_n towards_o the_o godly_a by_o who_o they_o be_v so_o many_o way_n bless_v the_o holy_a ghost_n add_v that_o they_o wander_v in_o wilderness_n and_o mountain_n and_o donne_n and_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n these_o be_v desolate_a place_n and_o not_o inhabit_v and_o yet_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n god_n will_v have_v these_o believer_n here_o to_o wander_v we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o they_o betake_v themselves_o voluntary_o to_o this_o solitary_a life_n but_o only_o upon_o necessity_n be_v constrain_v by_o persecution_n to_o fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n this_o serve_v to_o descry_v unto_o we_o the_o blind_a error_n of_o many_o age_n afore_o we_o wherein_o it_o have_v be_v think_v and_o be_v by_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n to_o live_v a_o monk_n or_o hermit_n out_o of_o all_o society_n in_o some_o desert_n place_n and_o there_o to_o spend_v the_o whole_a life_n in_o contemplation_n only_o &_o that_o voluntary_o and_o they_o magnify_v this_o estate_n so_o much_o that_o hereby_o they_o think_v to_o merit_v eternal_a life_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o these_o believer_n do_v neither_o voluntary_o nor_o with_o opinion_n of_o merit_n betake_v themselves_o to_o this_o solitary_a life_n but_o on_o necessity_n and_o indeed_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n have_v no_o warrant_n in_o god_n word_n for_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o two_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o that_o particular_a state_n where_o he_o dwell_v and_o by_o reason_n hereof_o have_v a_o twofold_a call_n a_o temporal_a and_o a_o spiritual_a call_n in_o both_o of_o which_o he_o must_v walk_v diligent_o so_o long_o as_o he_o can_v do_v the_o duty_n both_o of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o member_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n where_o he_o live_v now_o when_o a_o man_n go_v voluntary_o to_o lead_v a_o solitary_a life_n he_o forsake_v his_o temporal_a call_n altogether_o and_o perform_v the_o other_o but_o negligent_o for_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o many_o duty_n of_o piety_n whereby_o the_o people_n may_v be_v further_v to_o god-ward_o which_o none_o can_v do_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n further_o observe_v the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o wander_v to_o wit_n in_o wilderness_n cave_n and_o den_n place_n where_o wild_a beast_n have_v abode_n and_o recourse_n and_o yet_o here_o they_o live_v when_o as_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v among_o they_o where_o note_n that_o many_o time_n more_o mercy_n may_v be_v find_v among_o wild_a and_o savage_a beast_n than_o with_o some_o man_n so_o merciless_a be_v the_o wicked_a when_o god_n forsake_v they_o and_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o the_o lion_n entreat_v daniel_n better_a than_o darius_n courtier_n and_o servant_n do_v daniel_n chapter_n 6._o and_o lazarus_n find_v more_o kindness_n with_o the_o dog_n at_o dives_fw-la gate_n then_o with_o he_o and_o all_o his_o family_n beside_o luke_n chapter_n 16._o verse_n 21._o the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o nip_n sin_n in_o the_o head_n at_o the_o beginning_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o grow_v for_o if_o it_o get_v a_o head_n and_o reign_v in_o we_o it_o will_v make_v we_o worse_o than_o brute_n or_o savage_a beast_n and_o cruel_a as_o the_o devil_n himself_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o world_n usage_n of_o these_o believer_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o state_n of_o true_a believer_n under_o many_o and_o grievous_a misery_n which_o we_o must_v well_o observe_v to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o the_o time_n of_o adversity_n which_o god_n may_v send_v upon_o us._n we_o must_v not_o judge_v it_o a_o curse_a estate_n to_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n for_o here_o we_o see_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v commend_v for_o suffer_v nine_o several_a kind_n of_o misery_n if_o we_o shall_v think_v that_o these_o be_v but_o a_o few_o we_o must_v know_v that_o in_o they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v down_o the_o state_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o ensample_n unto_o us._n and_o therefore_o if_o calamity_n come_v and_o such_o misery_n befall_v we_o as_o do_v drive_v ur_fw-la towards_o distrust_n as_o though_o god_n have_v forsake_v we_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o god_n do_v not_o forsake_v these_o his_o child_n in_o their_o calamity_n and_o therefore_o also_o will_v not_o forsake_v us._n and_o thus_o much_o for_o this_o last_o example_n verse_n 39_o and_o these_o all_o through_o faith_n obtain_v good_a report_n and_o recei-not_a the_o promise_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v down_o at_o large_a a_o worthy_a and_o notable_a catalogue_n of_o example_n of_o faith_n in_o sundry_a believer_n that_o live_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n do_v now_o for_o a_o further_a commendation_n of_o their_o faith_n rehearse_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o before_o he_o have_v say_v in_o the_o 2._o and_o 13._o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n in_o say_v that_o by_o faith_n they_o all_o receive_v good_a report_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o look_v for_o salvation_n in_o he_o alone_o whereupon_o they_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n himself_o who_o give_v testimony_n hereof_o partly_o by_o his_o word_n and_o partly_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o partly_o by_o his_o church_n by_o all_o which_o they_o be_v commend_v and_o assure_v to_o be_v god_n servant_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o good_a report_n they_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n in_o their_o day_n they_o receive_v christ_n true_o by_o faith_n and_o so_o see_v his_o day_n but_o his_o actual_a incarnation_n in_o the_o flesh_n they_o live_v not_o to_o see_v whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o by_o faith_n they_o obtain_v testimony_n here_o first_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o man_n that_o make_v he_o acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o faith_n only_o god_n regard_v no_o man_n person_n he_o accept_v not_o of_o a_o man_n because_o he_o be_v a_o king_n or_o because_o he_o be_v wise_a or_o rich_a or_o strong_a etc._n etc._n but_o if_o a_o man_n believe_v than_o the_o lord_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v testimony_n of_o he_o that_o he_o like_v well_o of_o he_o in_o regard_v
the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o the_o believer_n live_v in_o these_o last_o day_n may_v have_v time_n of_o be_v in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v call_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v glorify_v with_o they_o that_o live_v before_o for_o put_v the_o case_n that_o christ_n have_v suffer_v in_o the_o day_n of_o abraham_n or_o david_n or_o thereabout_a then_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o have_v come_v the_o soon_o for_o so_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o late_a age_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o pet_n 1_o 20._o now_o if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v soon_o cut_v off_o then_o have_v there_o not_o be_v time_n of_o birth_n and_o calling_n for_o all_o the_o elect_a that_o now_o live_v and_o shall_v live_v therefore_o for_o their_o sake_n be_v christ_n come_n defer_v till_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n now_o in_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o say_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v perfect_v with_o all_o the_o ancient_a believer_n in_o the_o old_a we_o must_v hereby_o be_v admonish_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o unto_o these_o ancient_a father_n in_o the_o participation_n of_o grace_n &_o practice_n of_o obedience_n in_o this_o life_n for_o how_o can_v we_o look_v to_o be_v glorify_v with_o they_o after_o this_o life_n if_o here_o we_o be_v not_o like_o they_o in_o grace_n christ_n tell_v his_o follower_n that_o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n to_o sit_v with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n math_n 8.11_o 12_o because_o they_o be_v follower_n of_o these_o patriarch_n in_o the_o faith_n when_o as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v many_o jew_n by_o birth_n bear_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n now_o if_o christ_n deny_v to_o glorify_v the_o child_n and_o posterity_n of_o these_o ancient_a believer_n because_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v they_o in_o grace_n and_o in_o obedience_n how_o can_v we_o which_o be_v by_o nature_n sinner_n of_o the_o gentile_n look_v to_o be_v glorify_v with_o they_o unless_o in_o grace_n and_o obedience_n we_o conform_v ourselves_o unto_o they_o thus_o much_o for_o these_o example_n of_o faith_n now_o something_o must_v be_v add_v out_o of_o the_o next_o chapter_n because_o there_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v use_v of_o all_o these_o worthy_a example_n a_o commentary_n upon_o part_n of_o the_o 12._o chapter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n verse_n 1._o wherefore_o let_v we_o also_o see_v we_o be_v compass_v with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n cast_v away_o every_o thing_n that_o press_v down_o and_o that_o sin_n that_o hang_v so_o fast_o on_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o us._n in_o these_o word_n the_o holy_a ghost_n propound_v a_o worthy_a exhortation_n to_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o they_o shall_v labour_v to_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o hold_v embracing_z and_o beeleeve_v true_a christian_a religion_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v frame_v thus_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v likewise_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n that_o live_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v lay_v down_o in_o all_o the_o example_n of_o the_o former_a chapter_n the_o conclusion_n or_o sequel_n be_v contain_v in_o this_o 1._o verse_n wherein_o we_o may_v observe_v two_o point_n a_o exhortation_n unto_o constancy_n in_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o way_n or_o mean_n to_o attain_v thereunto_o the_o exhortation_n be_v infer_v upon_o the_o former_a example_n which_o be_v all_o here_o apply_v as_o precedent_n and_o direction_n unto_o we_o for_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n in_o these_o word_n wherefore_o see_v we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n that_o be_v see_v abel_n enoch_n no_o abraham_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n who_o be_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n unto_o we_o that_o be_v light_n and_o leader_n before_o we_o be_v constant_a in_o true_a religion_n whether_o we_o respect_v their_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n or_o obedience_n to_o his_o commandment_n therefore_o we_o also_o must_v be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n the_o way_n or_o mean_n hereunto_o stand_v in_o three_o duty_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v let_v we_o cast_v away_o etc._n etc._n for_o the_o exhortation_n first_o in_o general_a the_o very_a infer_v of_o it_o from_o the_o former_a example_n teach_v we_o this_o special_a duty_n that_o every_o one_o in_o god_n church_n must_v apply_v unto_o himself_o those_o instruction_n that_o be_v lay_v down_o either_o general_o in_o doctrine_n or_o particular_o in_o example_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o say_v not_o let_v the_o galatian_n or_o the_o corinthian_n which_o be_v renown_v church_n be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n but_o let_v we_o that_o be_v you_o hebrew_n with_o myself_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o your_o ancient_a father_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n that_o many_o of_o they_o hear_v god_n word_n but_o it_o be_v not_o profitable_a unto_o they_o 4.2_o because_o it_o be_v not_o mingle_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o what_o be_v it_o to_o mingle_v the_o word_n with_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o receive_v it_o by_o faith_n believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a but_o also_o by_o the_o same_o hand_n of_o faith_n to_o apply_v it_o to_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n to_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o undoubted_o god_n word_n thus_o apply_v to_o a_o man_n particular_a person_n have_v in_o it_o great_a power_n and_o fruit_n whether_o we_o regard_v information_n of_o judgement_n or_o reformation_n of_o life_n but_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o do_v and_o rare_a to_o find_v a_o man_n that_o do_v sincere_o apply_v unto_o himself_o either_o general_a doctrine_n or_o particular_a example_n we_o be_v all_o prone_a to_o shift_v it_o from_o ourselves_o and_o to_o lay_v it_o upon_o other_o say_v this_o be_v a_o good_a item_n or_o a_o good_a lesson_n for_o such_o a_o one_o or_o such_o a_o one_o if_o he_o be_v here_o or_o if_o he_o will_v mark_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n what_o benefit_n reap_v we_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o word_n not_o apply_v to_o ourselves_o do_v we_o no_o good_a it_o be_v like_a physic_n not_o take_v or_o food_n not_o eat_v and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o we_o hear_v much_o yet_o we_o profit_v little_a by_o the_o ministry_n of_o god_n word_n we_o must_v therefore_o learn_v to_o follow_v mary_n example_n who_o ponder_v christ_n word_n and_o lay_v they_o up_o in_o she_o own_o heart_n when_o a_o exhortation_n be_v give_v we_o must_v not_o post_v it_o off_o and_o lay_v it_o upon_o other_o man_n shoulder_n but_o apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o and_o lay_v it_o to_o our_o own_o heart_n say_v this_o instruction_n be_v for_o i_o hereby_o no_o doubt_n we_o shall_v feel_v great_a blessing_n upon_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n than_o yet_o we_o do_v and_o to_o move_v we_o hereunto_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o satan_n our_o utter_a enemy_n who_o seek_v nothing_o but_o our_o destruction_n be_v most_o busy_a to_o hinder_v this_o application_n of_o the_o word_n either_o by_o the_o minister_n or_o by_o a_o man_n own_o conscience_n as_o for_o example_n when_o the_o minister_n by_o occasion_n out_o of_o god_n word_n shall_v confute_v either_o error_n in_o judgement_n or_o misdemeanour_n in_o life_n then_o man_n that_o hear_v and_o be_v guilty_a thereof_o shall_v say_v this_o be_v my_o error_n or_o my_o fault_n now_o be_o i_o confute_v or_o reprove_v and_o god_n no_o doubt_n if_o man_n will_v thus_o do_v will_v make_v it_o effectual_a unto_o they_o at_o the_o length_n but_o in_o stead_n of_o this_o apply_v to_o ourselves_o either_o through_o our_o own_o corruption_n or_o satan_n suggestion_n or_o both_o we_o shift_v it_o from_o ourselves_o and_o say_v now_o he_o reprove_v such_o a_o one_o and_o such_o a_o one_o and_o speak_v against_o such_o and_o such_o and_o indeed_o satan_n by_o his_o good_a will_n will_v never_o have_v a_o man_n to_o apply_v the_o word_n right_o to_o himself_o therefore_o see_v satan_n be_v so_o busy_a and_o this_o be_v his_o deceit_n to_o make_v a_o man_n shift_v off_o a_o exhortation_n or_o reproof_n from_o himself_o and_o to_o lay_v it_o on_o other_o we_o must_v be_v as_o careful_a to_o apply_v it_o to_o
to_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o that_o be_v the_o fit_a time_n for_o faith_n to_o show_v itself_o in_o for_o faith_n as_o we_o have_v before_o hear_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o subsist_v of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v now_o further_o it_o be_v say_v abraham_n receive_v god_n promise_n that_o be_v he_o apply_v they_o to_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o conscience_n and_o believe_v they_o and_o make_v they_o his_o own_o by_o faith_n this_o be_v a_o notable_a point_n and_o worthy_a the_o mark_v god_n make_v his_o promise_n to_o abraham_n now_o abraham_n he_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v and_o learn_v the_o promise_n but_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o and_o by_o faith_n make_v they_o his_o own_o and_o thus_o ought_v we_o to_o do_v with_o all_o the_o gracious_a promise_n make_v in_o christ._n but_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o day_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o when_o the_o merciful_a promise_n of_o god_n be_v lay_v down_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n we_o be_v content_a to_o hear_v and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o learn_v and_o know_v the_o same_o but_o where_o be_v the_o man_n to_o be_v find_v that_o will_v apply_v they_o to_o his_o ow_v conscience_n and_o by_o faith_n make_v they_o his_o own_o man_n common_o be_v like_a unto_o way-faring_a man_n or_o traveller_n on_o the_o sea_n that_o pass_v by_o many_o goodly_a fair_a building_n rich_a town_n and_o island_n which_o when_o they_o behold_v they_o admire_v and_o wonder_v at_o and_o so_o go_v their_o way_n without_o make_v purchase_n of_o any_o of_o they_o and_o thus_o deal_v the_o most_o man_n with_o god_n merciful_a promise_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n god_n lay_v open_a unto_o they_o his_o rich_a mercy_n and_o bountiful_a promise_n in_o christ_n and_o man_n approve_v thereof_o and_o like_o they_o well_o whereupon_o many_o do_v willing_o apply_v themselves_o to_o know_v the_o same_o but_o for_o all_o this_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v they_o by_o faith_n and_o so_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o own_o soul_n but_o we_o must_v take_v a_o better_a course_n and_o when_o we_o hear_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v unto_o we_o in_o christ_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o labour_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o apply_v they_o unto_o ourselves_o to_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n and_o so_o by_o faith_n make_v they_o our_o own_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o abraham_n and_o in_o he_o of_o all_o the_o faithful_a the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n come_v on_o the_o gentile_n through_o jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o faith_n gal._n 3.14_o further_o observe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v down_o that_o particular_a promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n in_o his_o son_n isaac_n to_o who_o it_o be_v say_v in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v gen._n 21.12_o rom._n 9.7_o in_o which_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v his_o seed_n be_v call_v the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v plain_a and_o thus_o much_o in_o effect_n ishmael_n shall_v not_o be_v thy_o son_n &_o heir_n but_o isaac_n be_v the_o child_n which_o shall_v be_v thy_o heir_n he_o it_o be_v in_o who_o i_o will_v accomplish_v the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n make_v to_o thou_o from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v first_o we_o must_v observe_v paul_n collection_n gather_v from_o god_n deal_v with_o those_o two_o person_n roman_n 9.7_o namely_o that_o god_n before_o all_o world_n have_v choose_v some_o man_n to_o salvation_n in_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n to_o manifest_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o have_v refuse_v and_o reject_v other_o leave_v they_o unto_o themselves_o to_o show_v forth_o his_o justice_n upon_o they_o this_o doctrine_n be_v gather_v out_o of_o this_o place_n after_o this_o manner_n such_o as_o be_v god_n practice_n and_o deal_n towards_o man_n in_o time_n such_o be_v his_o eternal_a counsel_n and_o decree_n for_o as_o god_n before_o all_o time_n determine_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n so_o in_o time_n he_o deal_v with_o they_o now_o god_n practice_n and_o deal_n with_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n be_v this_o ishmael_n be_v vouchsafe_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n but_o yet_o he_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o spiritual_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o isaac_n be_v the_o man_n that_o must_v receive_v the_o covenant_n and_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o life_n everlasting_a and_o so_o according_o it_o be_v with_o other_o god_n have_v decree_v to_o choose_v some_o man_n to_o salvation_n and_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n other_o he_o have_v decree_v to_o reject_v and_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o covenant_n and_o from_o life_n everlasting_a these_o two_o person_n isaac_n &_o ishmael_n be_v two_o type_n of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o god_n do_v elect_v and_o reject_v isaac_n represent_v those_o that_o be_v choose_v to_o salvation_n who_o become_v the_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n and_o ishmael_n be_v a_o type_n of_o those_o that_o be_v reject_v now_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o different_a deal_n of_o god_n with_o mankind_n choose_v some_o and_o refuse_v other_o we_o must_v all_o put_v in_o practice_n saint_n peter_n lesson_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a even_o careful_a above_o all_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o election_n sure_a 2._o peter_n 1.10_o for_o all_o be_v not_o elect_v to_o salvation_n but_o some_o be_v reject_v all_o be_v not_o isaac_n but_o some_o be_v ismaelite_n if_o all_o be_v elect_v and_o choose_v to_o salvation_n than_o no_o man_n need_v to_o care_n for_o it_o but_o see_v some_o be_v reject_v and_o never_o vouchsafe_v to_o come_v within_o the_o covenant_n indeed_o therefore_o it_o stand_v we_o great_o in_o hand_n to_o take_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o election_n sure_a second_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v not_o in_o ishmael_n but_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v we_o may_v note_v the_o state_n of_o god_n church_n in_o this_o world_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n that_o live_v therein_o for_o abraham_n family_n be_v gods_n church_n in_o those_o day_n and_o therein_o be_v both_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n though_o both_o his_o child_n yet_o far_o differ_v in_o estate_n before_o god_n ishmael_n indeed_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o there_o bring_v up_o teach_v and_o circumcise_v but_o yet_o he_o be_v without_o the_o covenant_n in_o god_n sight_n now_o isaac_n be_v not_o only_o bear_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n and_o circumcise_v but_o also_o receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n and_o herein_o differ_v far_o from_o ishmael_n for_o he_o be_v that_o son_n of_o abraham_n in_o who_o god_n will_v continue_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o life_n everlasting_a to_o his_o posterity_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o gods_n church_n at_o this_o day_n in_o it_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o man_n one_o which_o be_v baptize_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o yet_o be_v not_o save_v because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n effectual_o root_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o other_o sort_n be_v they_o which_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n hear_v the_o word_n effectual_o and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n worthy_o to_o their_o salvation_n because_o god_n do_v establish_v his_o covenant_n in_o their_o heart_n this_o difference_n be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o draw-net_n math._n 13._o of_o the_o sour_a and_o of_o the_o tare_n as_o also_o by_o christ_n behaviour_n at_o the_o last_o judgement_n math._n 25.32_o sever_a the_o sheep_n from_o the_o goat_n both_o which_o live_v together_o in_o the_o church_n and_o by_o saint_n paul_n who_o speak_v of_o those_o which_o be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n say_v that_o some_o be_v child_n of_o the_o flesh_n &_o some_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n rom._n 9.8_o this_o be_v so_o that_o every_o one_o which_o live_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v be_v not_o a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o true_a child_n of_o abraham_n it_o must_v make_v we_o all_o careful_a to_o use_v all_o holy_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v full_o assure_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v unto_o we_o for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n for_o so_o do_v ishmael_n and_o