watch_n for_o our_o halt_n as_o that_o we_o may_v far_o interest_n god_n in_o our_o protection_n and_o last_o if_o we_o suffer_v may_v have_v the_o comfort_n that_o we_o suffer_v for_o well-doing_n 1_o pet._n 3.17_o again_o it_o unite_v the_o godly_a more_o in_o love_n and_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o as_o the_o shepherd_n dog_n drive_v the_o scatter_a sheep_n together_o when_o the_o band_n of_o the_o wicked_a have_v rob_v david_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n save_o one_o he_o join_v to_o the_o company_n of_o those_o that_o fear_v god_n psal_n 119.61.63_o it_o awaken_v faith_n quicken_v to_o prayer_n psal_n 116.3_o 4._o exercise_v patience_n and_o raise_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o look_v after_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o eternal_a 2_o cor._n 14.16_o 17._o a_o four_o benefit_n which_o the_o trouble_n accompany_v the_o church_n reformation_n bring_v unto_o the_o godly_a be_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o they_o cleave_v to_o christ_n in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n and_o submit_v to_o he_o for_o no_o outward_a respect_n as_o it_o prove_v job_n sincerity_n when_o he_o profess_v his_o resolution_n to_o depend_v on_o god_n though_o he_o shall_v kill_v he_o job_n 13.15_o and_o comfort_v himself_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n wherein_o he_o shall_v see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n with_o joy_n whatsoever_o become_v of_o he_o and_o his_o outward_a condition_n at_o present_a chap._n 19.26_o 27._o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n teach_v heathen_a man_n that_o the_o service_n which_o they_o perform_v to_o their_o god_n with_o peril_n and_o hazard_n to_o themselves_o be_v best_a accept_v of_o they_o the_o family_n of_o the_o fabii_n have_v a_o solemn_a universary_n sacrifice_n to_o be_v offer_v by_o one_o of_o that_o family_n on_o the_o hill_n call_v quirinalis_n now_o when_o the_o gaul_n sack_v and_o burn_v rome_n and_o besiege_v the_o capitol_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o come_n to_o that_o hill_n but_o by_o march_v through_o the_o enemy_n camp_n one_o caius_n fabius_n dorso_n attire_v as_o a_o priest_n with_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o necessary_n in_o his_o hand_n march_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o enemy_n astonish_v at_o his_o resolution_n offer_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o return_n in_o safety_n satis_fw-la sperans_fw-la say_v the_o historian_n propitios_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la quorum_fw-la cultum_fw-la ne_fw-la mortis_fw-la quidem_fw-la metuprohibitus_fw-la intermisisset_fw-la that_o which_o he_o hope_v upon_o uncertain_a and_o false_a ground_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v upon_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n whence_o the_o church_n urge_v this_o before_o god_n as_o a_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n towards_o he_o that_o they_o have_v not_o forsake_v he_o though_o he_o have_v break_v they_o in_o the_o place_n of_o dragon_n and_o cover_v they_o with_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n ps_n 44.18_o 19_o a_o five_o benefit_n which_o the_o church_n receive_v by_o these_o trouble_n in_o the_o church_n reformation_n be_v the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o though_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o god_n word_n which_o assure_v they_o that_o he_o will_v be_v their_o hide_v place_n and_o their_o shield_n psal_n 119.114_o yet_o be_v wonderful_o support_v by_o experiment_n which_o beget_v hope_n rom._n 5.4_o whereof_o the_o godly_a make_v special_a use_n upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o psal_n 44.1_o and_o 77.11_o 12._o now_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a experiment_n of_o god_n almighty_a power_n and_o readiness_n to_o support_v his_o church_n than_o the_o erect_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o enemy_n psal_n 110.2_o yea_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o tumultuous_a and_o violent_a opposition_n psal_n 21.2_o questionless_a if_o all_o satan_n power_n can_v hinder_v the_o erect_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n much_o less_o shall_v it_o overthrow_v it_o when_o it_o be_v establish_v as_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n that_o be_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o mat._n 16.18_o a_o six_o benefit_n that_o accrue_v to_o the_o church_n by_o these_o trouble_n in_o the_o reformation_n thereof_o be_v the_o double_n of_o their_o comfort_n after_o the_o victory_n which_o be_v much_o sweeten_v by_o the_o difficulty_n in_o obtain_v it_o when_o the_o saint_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o michael_n which_o be_v christ_n and_o by_o his_o power_n have_v drive_v the_o dragon_n out_o of_o heaven_n see_v what_o joy_n there_o be_v after_o that_o glorious_a conquest_n rev._n 12.10_o now_o be_v come_v salvation_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n etc._n etc._n last_o the_o more_o brunt_n we_o endure_v for_o christ_n and_o the_o service_n of_o his_o church_n the_o great_a be_v our_o reward_n hereafter_o these_o light_a affliction_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_v and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 4.17_o wherefore_o all_o those_o glorious_a promise_n make_v to_o the_o church_n rev._n 2.7.11.17.26_o and_o 3.5.12.21_o be_v make_v under_o the_o condition_n of_o overcome_v these_o reason_n only_o weigh_v be_v sufficient_a to_o settle_v the_o heart_n of_o any_o godly_a man_n when_o it_o appear_v that_o though_o the_o church_n trouble_n be_v raise_v by_o satan_n malice_n and_o his_o instrument_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o order_v by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v much_o honour_n and_o the_o church_n so_o many_o large_a benefit_n thereby_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o way_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n be_v of_o singular_a use_n sundry_a way_n use_v 1_o first_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o silence_v all_o our_o complaint_n and_o murmur_n against_o the_o afflict_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n when_o it_o appear_v that_o those_o trouble_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n as_o the_o act_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o lord_n himself_o to_o who_o who_o dare_v say_v what_o do_v thou_o dan._n 4.35_o so_o david_n be_v dumb_a and_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n because_o he_o do_v it_o psal_n 39.9_o and_o withal_o it_o be_v the_o decree_n of_o that_o god_n who_o as_o he_o make_v the_o heaven_n by_o wisdom_n so_o he_o order_v his_o way_n towards_o man_n in_o wisdom_n as_o the_o heathen_a poet_n acknowledge_v et_fw-la projucundis_fw-la aptissima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la dabunt_fw-la dii_fw-la who_o in_o his_o wisdom_n give_v not_o so_o much_o pleasant_a as_o fit_a thing_n that_o may_v rather_o do_v we_o good_a then_o delight_v we_o yea_o of_o that_o good_a god_n who_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a psal_n 119.68_o who_o love_v we_o better_o than_o we_o love_v ourselves_o as_o the_o same_o poet_n acknowledge_v charior_fw-la est_fw-la ipsis_fw-la homo_fw-la quam_fw-la sibi_fw-la how_o apt_a be_v man_n to_o quarrel_n at_o their_o estate_n when_o they_o suit_v not_o with_o their_o carnal_a humour_n the_o prophet_n david_n give_v himself_o for_o instance_n acknowledge_v that_o when_o he_o see_v himself_o plague_v every_o morning_n psal_n 73.14_o his_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o envy_n at_o wicked_a man_n prosperity_n by_o which_o he_o gain_v nothing_o but_o the_o grieve_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o prick_v of_o his_o reins_n vers_fw-la 21._o and_o the_o shame_n of_o himself_o for_o his_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n vers_fw-la 22._o indeed_o by_o these_o murmur_n of_o we_o we_o both_o disquiet_v our_o heart_n in_o vain_a and_o wrong_a god_n himself_o as_o if_o there_o want_v wisdom_n or_o compassion_n or_o faithfulness_n in_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o his_o people_n use_v 2_o second_o such_o meditation_n help_v we_o from_o condemn_v of_o the_o cause_n in_o which_o we_o stand_v when_o david_n look_v upon_o his_o chastisement_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o condemn_v his_o own_o way_n ps_n 73.13_o and_o when_o the_o barbarian_n see_v the_o viper_n upon_o paul_n hand_n they_o judge_v he_o a_o murderer_n act_v 28.4_o but_o when_o they_o find_v he_o have_v no_o harm_n by_o it_o they_o take_v he_o for_o a_o god_n v._o 6._o three_o thing_n shall_v move_v we_o to_o think_v well_o of_o the_o church_n cause_n notwithstanding_o the_o trouble_v incident_a thereunto_o first_o that_o those_o trouble_n be_v order_v by_o god_n not_o out_o of_o hatred_n but_o out_o of_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n for_o the_o church_n good_a faithful_a be_v the_o wound_n of_o a_o lover_n prov._n 27.6_o and_o david_n find_v god_n faithfulness_n in_o his_o affliction_n psal_n 119.75_o second_o it_o have_v be_v the_o church_n portion_n in_o all_o age_n the_o lot_n of_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n apostle_n yea_o of_o christ_n himself_o who_o we_o shall_v condemn_v in_o condemn_v the_o cause_n in_o which_o they_o
which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n heb._n 10.27_o 4._o last_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n this_o want_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n leave_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n full_a of_o distraction_n and_o unquietness_n thereby_o so_o that_o one_o become_v uneven_a in_o all_o his_o way_n unsettled_a in_o all_o his_o thought_n raise_v up_o and_o cast_v down_o with_o contrary_a hope_n and_o fear_n as_o the_o outward_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n subject_n to_o continual_a change_n ebb_n and_o flow_v from_o day_n to_o day_n whereof_o we_o have_v too_o many_o evidence_n in_o these_o time_n of_o trouble_n wherein_o man_n fall_v on_o and_o off_o as_o their_o vain_a hope_n and_o fear_n carry_v they_o on_o to_o one_o party_n or_o drive_v to_o the_o other_o to_o the_o shipwreck_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o betray_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n and_o to_o their_o shame_n discover_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v never_o yet_o settle_v upon_o any_o firm_a foundation_n whereas_o one_o that_o have_v build_v his_o faith_n upon_o god_n promise_n be_v like_o a_o ship_n moar_v by_o her_o anchor_n in_o a_o safe_a harbour_n from_o whence_o the_o ebb_n and_o flood_n of_o the_o sea_n can_v remove_v she_o 2._o use_v let_v i_o therefore_o earnest_o beseech_v you_o right_a honourable_a and_o belove_a by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o strengthen_v faith_n have_v such_o a_o firm_a foundation_n to_o build_v it_o on_o not_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o 2_o pet._n 12.16_o not_o the_o word_n of_o man_n who_o may_v deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v but_o a_o faithful_a word_n tit._n 1.29_o a_o sure_a word_n 2._o pet._n 1.29_o the_o word_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o can_v lie_v a_o word_n more_o firm_a than_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n settle_v for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n psal_n 119.89_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v earnest_a and_o serious_a in_o labour_v with_o all_o our_o power_n to_o attain_v to_o this_o firmness_n of_o faith_n not_o only_o because_o otherwise_o we_o despise_v this_o great_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o in_o condescend_v to_o our_o weakness_n and_o abase_v himself_o to_o be_v engage_v to_o we_o by_o his_o word_n his_o oath_n and_o his_o seal_n but_o more_o especial_o upon_o these_o sore_a weighty_a and_o important_a consideration_n 1._o of_o all_o other_o grace_n faith_n be_v most_o necessary_a and_o useful_a unto_o we_o every_o way_n 1._o we_o thereby_o bring_v unto_o god_n the_o great_a glory_n by_o it_o set_v to_o our_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a joh._n 3.33_o as_o abraham_n be_v say_v to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n when_o he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n rom._n 4.20_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o more_o mention_v in_o that_o place_n but_o that_o he_o believe_v and_o thereby_o seal_v to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o he_o which_o have_v promise_v be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o ver_fw-la 21._o but_o without_o believe_v his_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n with_o all_o neither_o have_v he_o any_o sound_a comfort_n nor_o god_n his_o due_a honour_n by_o believe_v wherefore_o it_o express_o testify_v of_o sarah_n that_o she_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v heb._n 11.11_o 2._o ly_o to_o we_o be_v faith_n of_o such_o necessity_n that_o without_o it_o we_o be_v dead_a spiritual_o it_o be_v that_o which_o unite_v we_o unto_o christ_n the_o fountain_n of_o life_n in_o who_o we_o live_v as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v of_o himself_o i_o live_v say_v he_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o and_o the_o life_n which_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n gal._n 2.20_o so_o that_o without_o faith_n we_o be_v without_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n col._n 3.4_o again_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o quicken_v all_o our_o endeavour_n and_o sweeten_v all_o our_o labour_n in_o god_n service_n know_v that_o in_o due_a season_n we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o gal_n 6.9_o three_o it_o be_v faith_n by_o which_o both_o our_o person_n and_o service_n be_v accept_v by_o faith_n abel_n offer_v a_o more_o acceptable_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 heb._n 12.4_o four_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o hold_v up_o our_o spirit_n in_o affliction_n i_o have_v faint_v say_v david_n unless_o i_o have_v believe_v to_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n psal_n 27.13_o whence_o he_o profess_v that_o god_n word_n the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v all_o the_o comfort_n which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o affliction_n psal_n 119.50_o five_o faith_n only_o enable_v we_o to_o withstand_v all_o terror_n by_o faith_n moses_n his_o parent_n fear_v not_o the_o king_n commandment_n heb._n 11.23_o and_o by_o the_o same_o power_n of_o faith_n the_o three_o child_n fear_v neither_o king_n nebuchadnezar_n angry_a countenance_n nor_o his_o threaten_a word_n nor_o his_o preparation_n of_o the_o flame_n of_o fire_n to_o torment_v they_o no_o not_o so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v time_n to_o consider_v what_o to_o answer_v in_o so_o dangerous_a a_o case_n dan._n 3.17_o last_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o supply_v we_o with_o strong_a consolation_n heb._n 6.18_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n as_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n so_o we_o not_o only_o bear_v tribulation_n patient_o but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 5.3_o second_o as_o faith_n of_o all_o grace_n be_v most_o necessary_a and_o useful_a so_o be_v it_o of_o all_o other_o the_o hard_a to_o be_v obtain_v and_o that_o in_o divers_a respect_n for_o first_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o nature_n that_o can_v help_v we_o to_o the_o attain_n of_o faith_n sense_n can_v help_v we_o for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v heb._n 11.1_o that_o be_v thing_n that_o be_v above_o sense_n thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o spiritual_a 2._o cor._n 4.18_o whereas_o sense_n apprehend_v only_a thing_n that_o be_v gross_a and_o earthly_a and_o thing_n whereof_o many_o have_v no_o present_a be_v but_o be_v in_o hope_n and_o expectation_n only_o much_o less_o can_v reason_n help_v faith_n see_v that_o take_v all_o her_o ground_n from_o sense_n wherefore_o abraham_n that_o he_o may_v wax_v strong_a in_o faith_n silence_a reason_n which_o will_v have_v furnish_v he_o with_o argument_n against_o the_o promise_n of_o have_v a_o son_n by_o sarah_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o consider_v not_o that_o be_v do_v not_o so_o much_o admit_v into_o debate_n reason_n draw_v from_o the_o deadness_n of_o his_o own_o body_n and_o of_o sarah_n womb_n rom._n 4.19_o no_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v so_o far_o from_o help_a faith_n that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o other_o mere_n to_o hinder_v it_o or_o overthrow_v it_o where_o it_o be_v when_o david_n judge_v by_o sense_n of_o god_n way_n and_o dispensation_n which_o represent_v unto_o he_o the_o prosperous_a condition_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o his_o own_o affliction_n every_o morning_n it_o so_o shake_v his_o faith_n that_o he_o have_v almost_o slip_v and_o be_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o condemn_v his_o own_o way_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o godly_a too_o as_o himself_o acknowledge_v psal_n 73.2.13.15_o and_o when_o sarah_n begin_v by_o reason_n to_o examine_v the_o promise_n of_o have_v a_o child_n at_o 90._o year_n old_a she_o be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v it_o that_o she_o laugh_v at_o it_o gen._n 18.11_o and_o as_o long_o as_o moses_n make_v use_v of_o his_o reason_n to_o weigh_v god_n promise_n of_o feed_v six_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n with_o flesh_n in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o a_o month_n together_o we_o see_v how_o hardly_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v it_o num._n 11.21_o 22_o 23._o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v conclude_v that_o see_v neither_o sense_n nor_o reason_n nor_o consequent_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n can_v bring_v any_o help_n to_o faith_n nay_o rather_o be_v the_o strong_a mean_n to_o oppose_v and_o hinder_v it_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o difficult_a work_n as_o be_v both_o above_o and_o contrary_a to_o nature_n to_o obtain_v it_o a_o second_o difficulty_n in_o obtain_v faith_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o those_o great_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n which_o it_o apprehend_v and_o believe_v
have_v fail_v hitherto_o as_o it_o appear_v we_o have_v too_o much_o let_v our_o own_o heart_n smite_v we_o in_o secret_a &_o have_v in_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n bewail_v before_o god_n our_o former_a neglect_n engage_v ourselves_o by_o renew_a promise_n strengthen_v with_o firm_a resolution_n after_o david_n example_n psalm_n 132.3_o 4._o to_o make_v this_o great_a work_n which_o god_n have_v call_v we_o unto_o our_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n which_o we_o will_v certain_o do_v if_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n house_n have_v eat_v we_o up_o with_o david_n psal_n 69.9_o that_o the_o fence_n and_o order_v of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o work_n that_o god_n will_v bring_v to_o pass_v i_o have_v show_v already_o and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o he_o therein_o no_o man_n will_v deny_v lest_o the_o curse_n of_o meroz_n fall_n upon_o we_o judg._n 5.23_o three_o that_o the_o great_a weight_n of_o this_o work_n lie_v upon_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o ruler_n appear_v by_o god_n message_n send_v unto_o zerubbabel_n hag._n 1.2_o by_o david_n charge_n to_o his_o son_n solomon_n and_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o israel_n 1_o chron._n 22.6_o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o by_o the_o example_n of_o jehosaphat_n 2_o chron._n 20.8_o 9_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 29.3_o 4.5.11_o and_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n 34._o commend_v and_o set_v before_o we_o as_o pattern_n for_o their_o zeal_n in_o establish_v and_o reform_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o last_o that_o this_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o you_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o head_n stone_n of_o this_o work_n as_o yourselves_o can_v deny_v so_o god_n himself_o make_v it_o evident_a by_o the_o course_n of_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o we_o for_o the_o far_o we_o proceed_v in_o this_o work_n the_o near_a god_n draw_v unto_o we_o in_o way_n of_o mercy_n scatter_v our_o enemy_n and_o crown_v we_o with_o such_o success_n as_o exceed_v our_o own_o hope_n and_o expectation_n let_v i_o therefore_o speak_v unto_o you_o in_o david_n word_n to_o his_o son_n solomon_n 1_o chro._n 22.16_o arise_v right_a honourable_a and_o be_v do_v and_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o or_o a_o little_a more_o full_o in_o the_o noble_n word_n to_o ezra_n chap._n 10.4_o arise_v for_o this_o matter_n appertain_v to_o you_o we_o also_o will_v be_v with_o you_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n and_o do_v it_o not_o only_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o the_o land_n but_o of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o assist_v you_o with_o their_o prayer_n as_o moses_n aaron_n and_o hur_z do_v joshua_n fight_v with_o the_o amalekite_n exod._n 17.10_o 12._o till_o this_o work_n be_v carry_v on_o to_o perfection_n beside_o the_o honourable_a name_n which_o you_o shall_v leave_v behind_o you_o to_o all_o posterity_n to_o be_v call_v the_o repairer_n of_o the_o breach_n and_o restorer_n of_o path_n to_o dwell_v in_o isai_n 58.12_o your_o labour_n will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o and_o will_v be_v find_v upon_o your_o account_n at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o descend_v to_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o you_o in_o this_o great_a work_n of_o the_o church_n reformation_n let_v we_o i_o beseech_v you_o have_v the_o help_n of_o that_o power_n that_o god_n have_v entrust_v you_o with_o to_o protect_v we_o that_o the_o boar_n out_o of_o the_o wood_n waste_v we_o not_o nor_o the_o wild_a beast_n of_o the_o field_n devour_v we_o psal_n 80.13_o that_o enjoy_v abundance_n of_o peace_n under_o you_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v redeem_v from_o deceit_n and_o violence_n psal_n 72.7.14_o which_o must_v be_v do_v either_o by_o cut_v off_o wicked_a doer_n from_o the_o city_n of_o the_o lord_n psal_n 101.8_o or_o by_o break_v their_o jaw_n and_o pluck_v the_o prey_n out_o of_o their_o mouth_n job_n 29.17_o or_o so_o discountenance_v their_o way_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o scorn_n of_o the_o world_n and_o man_n may_v cry_v after_o they_o as_o after_o a_o thief_n job_n 30.5_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v i_o humble_o desire_v that_o the_o build_n of_o the_o inner_a wall_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v hasten_v with_o all_o possible_a speed_n i_o mean_v that_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n may_v be_v establish_v first_o that_o dog_n and_o swine_n profane_a person_n may_v no_o long_o pollute_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n that_o such_o as_o want_v wedding_n garment_n may_v be_v keep_v out_o from_o the_o lord_n feast_n mat._n 22.11.13_o for_o the_o remove_n of_o that_o block_n of_o offence_n from_o such_o as_o upon_o that_o pretence_n separate_v themselves_o from_o our_o assembly_n as_o pollute_v by_o the_o leaven_n as_o the_o apostle_n term_v it_o 1_o cor._n 5.6_o of_o such_o unclean_a person_n who_o be_v mix_v with_o we_o and_o admit_v by_o we_o to_o partake_v of_o our_o holy_a thing_n leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n something_o you_o have_v assay_v to_o do_v that_o way_n already_o my_o prayer_n be_v that_o you_o may_v do_v and_o i_o hope_v the_o lord_n will_v stir_v up_o your_o spirit_n to_o do_v yet_o much_o more_o perhaps_o you_o fear_v to_o commit_v too_o much_o power_n to_o minister_n lest_o the_o undiseneet_a abuse_v it_o liberty_n may_v thereby_o suffer_v prejudice_n let_v i_o answer_v with_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 6.2_o if_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o you_o be_v you_o unworthy_a to_o judge_v the_o small_a matter_n if_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o the_o minister_n alone_o the_o high_a power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v over_o some_o to_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n and_o to_o loose_v other_o and_o acquit_v they_o from_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n as_o you_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v promise_v to_o ratify_v in_o heaven_n what_o they_o do_v on_o earth_n mat._n 16.19_o do_v you_o think_v it_o much_o to_o commit_v unto_o they_o assist_v with_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n matter_n of_o far_o less_o moment_n the_o suspending_a of_o man_n for_o a_o while_n from_o the_o use_n of_o some_o outward_a ordinance_n but_o my_o hope_n be_v you_o purpose_v to_o try_v they_o in_o a_o little_a first_o which_o if_o they_o manage_v well_o you_o intend_v to_o trust_v they_o with_o more_o hereafter_o as_o the_o master_n deal_v with_o his_o servant_n mat._n 25.21.23_o second_o for_o the_o prevent_n or_o repress_v of_o such_o as_o make_v division_n among_o we_o rom._n 16.17_o speak_v and_o teach_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o act_v 20.30_o that_o division_n and_o draw_v into_o party_n be_v the_o most_o destructive_a way_n to_o christian_a society_n beside_o the_o ground_n of_o reason_n the_o constant_a practice_n of_o satan_n who_o both_o know_v and_o pursue_v his_o own_o advantage_n in_o make_v use_n of_o this_o dangerous_a engine_n to_o undermine_v the_o church_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o the_o world_n thus_o he_o labour_v to_o trouble_v the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n own_o time_n as_o both_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n and_o their_o own_o epistle_n testify_v the_o like_a practice_n he_o use_v in_o all_o succeed_a time_n as_o be_v witness_v by_o all_o ecclesiastical_a record_n and_o in_o this_o last_o age_n when_o luther_n begin_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n he_o raise_v up_o first_o the_o anabaptist_n in_o great_a multitude_n in_o germany_n to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o church_n and_o afterward_o by_o divide_v the_o lutheran_n from_o the_o calvinist_n have_v make_v that_o wide_a breach_n between_o the_o reformist_n that_o will_v hardly_o be_v close_v up_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n give_v daily_o infinite_a advantage_n to_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o work_v the_o church_n utter_a ruin_n no_o marvel_n then_o that_o the_o apostle_n adjure_v the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1.10_o by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o afterward_o use_v that_o vehement_a obtestation_n phil._n 2.12_o if_o we_o have_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n any_o comfort_n of_o love_n any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n to_o be_v of_o one_o accord_n and_o of_o one_o mind_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n man_n shall_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n we_o must_v suppose_v they_o to_o be_v one_o man_n while_o we_o be_v divers_a man_n we_o shall_v have_v divers_a mind_n in_o many_o thing_n which_o yet_o need_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o our_o aim_n and_o scope_n god_n honour_n and_o our_o salvation_n by_o christ_n whereunto_o if_o we_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n the_o law_n and_o word_n
shall_v be_v no_o more_o say_v the_o lord_n live_v that_o bring_v up_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n but_o the_o lord_n live_v that_o bring_v up_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o north._n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o work_n so_o far_o above_o all_o possibility_n in_o man_n eye_n that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o conclude_v our_o bone_n be_v dry_v up_o our_o hope_n be_v lose_v we_o be_v cut_v off_o for_o our_o part_n ezech._n 37.1_o a_o work_n in_o itself_o wonderful_a to_o admiration_n but_o make_v more_o wonderful_a by_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v wrought_v a_o troublous_a time_n sufficient_a to_o hinder_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o likely_a work_n much_o more_o to_o make_v a_o work_n in_o itself_o so_o difficult_a and_o improbable_a altogether_o impossible_a in_o man_n judgement_n to_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o near_a examination_n of_o these_o word_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o three_o particular_n worthy_a our_o serious_a consideration_n first_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n imply_v a_o infallibility_n know_v say_v the_o lord_n to_o the_o prophet_n and_o understand_v that_o be_v be_v sure_a of_o it_o and_o make_v account_n of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o thing_n certain_a that_o shall_v not_o fail_v and_o afterward_o the_o street_n shall_v be_v build_v again_o and_o the_o wall_n in_o the_o time_n express_v after_o 7_o week_n that_o be_v account_v every_o day_n for_o a_o year_n after_o 49_o year_n from_o the_o go_v out_o of_o the_o decree_n second_o we_o have_v represent_v unto_o we_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o time_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v build_v a_o troublous_a time_n for_o the_o exact_a period_n of_o the_o time_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v after_o 49_o year_n it_o make_v not_o much_o to_o our_o present_a occasion_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o give_v far_a assurance_n to_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophecy_n that_o god_n limit_n it_o to_o a_o precise_a number_n of_o year_n which_o none_o can_v do_v but_o he_o which_o have_v the_o time_n and_o season_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o our_o purpose_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o troublous_a time_n three_o we_o have_v the_o work_n promise_v to_o be_v perform_v the_o build_n of_o the_o street_n and_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o prophecy_n we_o have_v relate_v especial_o to_o the_o book_n of_o nehemiah_n of_o these_o three_o particular_n as_o i_o have_v lay_v they_o out_o before_o you_o in_o their_o order_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o expression_n consider_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n the_o most_o difficult_a of_o all_o work_n and_o the_o time_n the_o unfit_a of_o all_o time_n iâ—_n worthy_a our_o careful_a observation_n notwithstanding_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o work_n in_o man_n judgement_n and_o the_o impediment_n by_o the_o trouble_v of_o the_o time_n the_o street_n and_o wall_n shall_v be_v build_v yea_o they_o shall_v be_v build_v by_o such_o a_o time_n doubt_v not_o of_o it_o say_v god_n but_o know_v this_o be_v assure_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o thus_o god_n may_v speak_v and_o thus_o he_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o express_v himself_o so_o that_o upon_o this_o particular_a instance_n we_o may_v observe_v in_o general_a that_o god_n promise_n even_o concern_v thing_n most_o difficult_a and_o impossible_a thing_n in_o man_n eye_n be_v notwithstanding_o certain_a and_o infallible_a they_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n all_o of_o they_o yea_o and_o amen_o 2_o cor._n 1.20_o yea_o and_o not_o nay_o as_o he_o explain_v it_o vers_n 18._o that_o be_v true_a in_o the_o event_n and_o real_a performance_n and_o amen_o that_o be_v stable_a and_o firm_a as_o that_o hebrew_a word_n signify_v this_o will_v evident_o appear_v by_o instance_n the_o great_a of_o all_o god_n promise_n be_v that_o of_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o to_o be_v make_v immanuel_n true_o man_n and_o so_o god_n with_o we_o this_o when_o god_n promise_v isa_n 7.14_o he_o prefix_v a_o behold_v before_o it_o behold_v a_o vigin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n which_o be_v a_o note_n not_o only_o of_o admiration_n but_o confirmation_n too_o as_o if_o god_n will_v represent_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n present_v to_o be_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n so_o peremptory_o do_v he_o promise_v that_o wonder_n of_o wonder_n which_o be_v as_o real_o perform_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n gal._n 4.4_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a and_o unlikely_a thing_n that_o israel_n after_o so_o long_a and_o heavy_a a_o bondage_n under_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v be_v wrest_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o a_o mighty_a nation_n that_o keep_v they_o under_o as_o their_o slave_n yet_o god_n not_o only_o promise_v it_o but_o bid_v abraham_n to_o make_v account_n of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o certain_a thing_n know_v say_v he_o of_o a_o surety_n that_o thy_o seed_n shall_v be_v a_o stranger_n in_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v afflict_v they_o 400_o year_n and_o afterward_o they_o shall_v come_v out_o with_o great_a substance_n gen._n 15.13_o 14._o it_o be_v not_o more_o serioussy_n promise_v then_o real_o perform_v and_o that_o in_o the_o point_n of_o time_n limit_v by_o the_o lord_n the_o self_n same_o day_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o the_o host_n of_o the_o lord_n go_v up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n say_v moses_n exod._n 12.41_o it_o seem_v so_o impossible_a at_o hang_v that_o abraham_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n by_o his_o wife_n sarah_n who_o have_v be_v all_o her_o life_n barren_a and_o be_v now_o 90_o year_n old_a and_o her_o husband_n a_o hundred_o and_o both_o their_o body_n dead_a as_o to_o the_o have_v of_o child_n that_o sarah_n laugh_v at_o the_o promise_n gen._n 18.12_o and_o yet_o see_v how_o peremptory_o god_n promise_v it_o i_o will_v certain_o return_v unto_o thou_o according_a to_o the_o time_n of_o life_n and_o lo_o sarah_n thy_o wife_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n ver_fw-la 10._o and_o we_o know_v the_o lord_n make_v it_o good_a god_n promise_v to_o provide_v flesh_n for_o his_o people_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o they_o shall_v eat_v their_o fill_n of_o it_o for_o a_o month_n long_o numb_a 11.19_o 20._o the_o people_n think_v it_o be_v more_o than_o god_n can_v do_v as_o they_o speak_v psal_n 78.19_o 20._o and_o moses_n be_v almost_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o his_o objection_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o feed_v six_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n in_o a_o barren_a wilderness_n that_o yield_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o sustain_n of_o man_n life_n yet_o we_o see_v it_o make_v good_a in_o the_o event_n by_o the_o send_n of_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o quail_n the_o most_o dainty_a of_o all_o flesh_n numb_a 11.31_o many_o more_o instance_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o evidence_n this_o truth_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a let_v we_o see_v what_o ground_n we_o have_v for_o it_o in_o reason_n first_o that_o god_n have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o speak_v peremp_n tory_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v will_v be_v evident_a unto_o we_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o hinder_v man_n that_o they_o can_v speak_v in_o that_o manner_n or_o with_o like_a certainty_n concern_v their_o own_o purpose_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n in_o man_n that_o may_v hinder_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o which_o they_o intend_v 1._o the_o man_n may_v die_v and_o then_o all_o his_o thought_n and_o consequent_o his_o resolution_n and_o purpose_n perish_v with_o he_o psal_n 146.4_o now_o god_n we_o know_v life_n for_o ever_o from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a he_o be_v god_n psal_n 90.2_o the_o earth_n may_v fail_v and_o the_o heaven_n may_v be_v role_v up_o as_o a_o garment_n but_o god_n remain_v the_o same_o and_o his_o year_n fail_v not_o heb._n 1.11_o whence_o the_o apostle_n draw_v a_o strong_a ground_n of_o consolation_n to_o we_o in_o christ_n mediation_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v effectual_a to_o we_o because_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o uâ—_n hev_n 7.25_o 2._o though_o the_o man_n continue_v and_o live_v yet_o his_o mind_n and_o purpose_n may_v alter_v never_o have_v a_o man_n more_o full_a purpose_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n than_o esau_n have_v to_o kill_v his_o brother_n jacob_n gen._n 27.41_o and_o this_o resolution_n continue_v with_o he_o 20_o year_n while_o jacob_n sojourn_v with_o laban_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o his_o gather_n of_o four_o hundred_o man_n to_o come_v against_o he_o when_o he_o hear_v of_o jacobs_n return_n homeward_o gen._n 32.6_o questionless_a to_o do_v that_o which_o jacob_n fear_v with_o the_o sword_n to_o cut_v off_o he_o and_o his_o retinue_n and_o yet_o