although_o god_n never_o take_v away_o the_o gift_n themselves_o whole_o or_o final_o from_o such_o to_o who_o they_o be_v once_o give_v yet_o he_o may_v for_o a_o time_n take_v away_o the_o comfortable_a feel_n and_o lively_a work_n of_o those_o grace_n from_o such_o as_o be_v too_o careless_a in_o employ_v they_o well_o use_v 1_o use_v 1._o beware_v then_o of_o hide_v any_o good_a gift_n bestow_v on_o we_o of_o god_n bury_v not_o thy_o talon_n in_o the_o earth_n with_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n lest_o it_o be_v take_v from_o thou_o as_o it_o be_v from_o he_o live_v not_o idle_o and_o unprofitable_o with_o thy_o gift_n lest_o god_n punish_v thy_o unthankfulness_n by_o deprive_v thou_o of_o those_o gift_n as_o he_o may_v just_o do_v use_v 2_o use_v 2._o if_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o take_v his_o gift_n from_o such_o as_o do_v not_o use_v they_o well_o then_o how_o much_o more_o just_a be_v it_o with_o he_o to_o deprive_v such_o of_o they_o who_o abuse_v they_o to_o his_o dishonour_n god_n will_v be_v honour_v with_o his_o own_o gift_n therefore_o dishonour_v he_o not_o with_o thme_n lest_o he_o severe_o punish_v this_o sin_n in_o thou_o mark_v 4._o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o and_o he_o say_v so_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o if_o a_o man_n etc._n etc._n 1620._o july_n 2._o 1620._o this_o be_v the_o three_o parable_n utter_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o mention_v by_o the_o evangelist_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o main_a scope_n of_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o to_o set_v forth_o unto_o we_o the_o virtue_n power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o to_o show_v how_o god_n do_v by_o mean_n of_o it_o work_n grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o elect._n this_o be_v show_v here_o by_o a_o similitude_n take_v from_o seed_n sow_v in_o the_o ground_n by_o a_o husbandman_n which_o do_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n fructify_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o grow_v up_o after_o a_o secret_a manner_n unknown_a to_o the_o husbandman_n although_o he_o take_v no_o further_a care_n or_o thought_n for_o the_o growth_n of_o it_o after_o it_o be_v sow_v even_o so_o our_o saviour_n mean_v that_o the_o word_n be_v sound_o and_o faithful_o preach_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o spirit_n accompany_v the_o same_o do_v fructify_v and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o that_o after_o a_o secret_a manner_n unknown_a to_o man_n and_o to_o the_o minister_n themselves_o who_o preach_v the_o word_n more_o particular_o in_o this_o parable_n we_o have_v four_o thing_n lay_v down_o 1._o the_o outward_a mean_n by_o which_o the_o work_n of_o save_a grace_n be_v usual_o wrought_v in_o god_n elect_a namely_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n resemble_v here_o by_o the_o husbandman_n cast_v of_o seed_n into_o the_o ground_n verse_n 26._o so_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o if_o a_o man_n etc._n etc._n 2._o from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n preach_v have_v such_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n to_o work_v grace_n in_o the_o elect_n not_o from_o the_o minister_n themselves_o which_o preach_v it_o but_o from_o god_n himself_o bless_v his_o own_o ordinance_n and_o accompany_v it_o with_o the_o powerful_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n this_o be_v employ_v verse_n 27._o where_n it_o be_v say_v that_o though_o the_o husbandman_n sleep_n and_o rise_v up_o night_n and_o day_n that_o be_v do_v pass_v day_n and_o night_n secure_o not_o take_v care_n or_o thought_n how_o to_o make_v the_o seed_n fructify_v yet_o it_o do_v spring_n and_o grow_v of_o itself_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o care_n of_o the_o husbandman_n nor_o any_o mean_n that_o he_o use_v or_o can_v use_v after_o that_o he_o have_v sow_v the_o seed_n that_o can_v make_v it_o to_o fructify_v but_o the_o cause_n hereof_o be_v the_o blessing_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n make_v the_o seed_n to_o spring_v and_o grow_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v further_a employ_v verse_n 28._o when_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o herself_o that_o be_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o of_o herself_o but_o by_o that_o virtue_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o it_o to_o make_v it_o fruitful_a and_o not_o by_o any_o virtue_n which_o it_o have_v from_o the_o husbandman_n that_o sow_v seed_n in_o it_o now_o by_o all_o this_o our_o saviour_n purpose_n be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v in_o work_a grace_n in_o the_o hearer_n be_v not_o from_o the_o minister_n that_o preach_v it_o but_o only_o from_o god_n himself_o give_v a_o blessing_n to_o his_o own_o ordinance_n the_o three_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o manner_n how_o god_n work_v grace_n in_o his_o elect_n by_o the_o word_n preach_v this_o be_v set_v forth_o here_o in_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o he_o do_v work_v it_o after_o a_o hide_a and_o secret_a manner_n unknown_a to_o man_n which_o be_v employ_v verse_n 27._o when_o it_o be_v say_v the_o seed_n sow_v by_o the_o husbandman_n spring_v and_o grow_v up_o he_o know_v not_o how_o by_o which_o our_o saviour_n will_v show_v that_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v in_o work_a grace_n in_o the_o hearer_n do_v exercise_v itself_o after_o a_o manner_n that_o be_v secret_a and_o unknown_a to_o man_n and_o to_o the_o minister_n themselves_o who_o preach_v this_o word_n 2._o that_o god_n do_v work_v grace_n in_o his_o elect_n by_o degree_n in_o tract_n of_o time_n and_o not_o all_o at_o once_o on_o the_o sudden_a this_o be_v employ_v verse_n 28._o when_o the_o earth_n be_v say_v to_o bring_v forth_o first_o the_o blade_n than_o the_o ear_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o our_o saviour_n impli_v that_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v effectual_a by_o degree_n to_o work_v grace_n and_o not_o all_o at_o once_o first_o it_o cause_v a_o small_a and_o weak_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o spring_v in_o they_o and_o then_o afterward_o by_o degree_n cause_v it_o to_o grow_v to_o more_o ripeness_n and_o perfection_n the_o four_o principal_a matter_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o parable_n be_v the_o issue_n or_o consequent_a that_o follow_v after_o that_o the_o word_n preach_v have_v be_v effectual_a to_o work_v grace_n in_o the_o elect_n when_o his_o fruit_n of_o grace_n be_v come_v unto_o due_a ripeness_n in_o they_o that_o be_v unto_o such_o a_o degree_n and_o measure_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v they_o shall_v attain_v to_o in_o this_o life_n then_o god_n do_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o harvest_n reap_v and_o gather_v into_o his_o barn_n as_o it_o be_v this_o fruit_n that_o be_v the_o person_n themselves_o in_o who_o this_o fruit_n of_o save_a grace_n be_v bring_v forth_o by_o the_o word_n preach_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n do_v reap_v and_o gather_v they_o into_o his_o barn_n that_o be_v partly_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o partly_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o time_n of_o the_o lord_n harvest_n he_o do_v translate_v and_o take_v his_o elect_n out_o of_o this_o life_n and_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n verse_n 29._o thus_o we_o see_v the_o principal_a point_n contain_v in_o this_o parable_n now_o to_o speak_v of_o they_o more_o particular_o in_o their_o order_n first_o of_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a outward_a mean_n of_o work_a grace_n viz._n the_o ministry_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n verse_n 26._o so_o be_v the_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n touch_v the_o divers_a signification_n of_o this_o phrase_n of_o speech_n i_o show_v you_o upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n verse_n 15._o in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o not_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o bare_o consider_v in_o itself_o but_o together_o with_o the_o efficacy_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o whereby_o it_o work_v grace_n in_o those_o that_o hear_v it_o preach_v this_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n together_o with_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o by_o mean_n of_o it_o god_n do_v reign_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o elect._n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v east_n seed_v into_o the_o ground_n by_o these_o word_n our_o saviour_n impli_v that_o as_o sow_v of_o seed_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v fruit_n so_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o spiritual_a fruit_n of_o grace_n in_o man_n doctr._n see_v then_o from_o hence_o the_o excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n
be_v the_o ordinary_a and_o principal_a mean_n whereby_o god_n usual_o work_v grace_n in_o his_o elect._n 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o the_o incorruptible_a seed_n of_o our_o new_a birth_n rom._n 10._o 17._o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n gal._n 3._o 2._o quest_n quest_n be_v not_o the_o sacrament_n a_o mean_n to_o work_v grace_n in_o we_o answ_n answ_n touch_v the_o lord_n supper_n that_o be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o confirmation_n to_o strengthen_v and_o nourish_v grace_n in_o we_o and_o not_o to_o work_v grace_n where_o it_o be_v not_o before_o touch_v baptism_n we_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o seal_n of_o grace_n but_o also_o a_o effectual_a mean_n by_o which_o god_n do_v in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o work_v grace_n in_o such_o as_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o according_a to_o that_o tit._n 3._o 5._o we_o be_v save_v by_o the_o wash_n of_o the_o now_o birth_n that_o be_v by_o baptism_n and_o yet_o so_o as_o we_o do_v not_o tie_v this_o effect_n always_o to_o it_o for_o in_o some_o grace_n be_v wrought_v before_o baptism_n in_o some_o at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n and_o in_o some_o after_o baptism_n but_o this_o make_v nothing_o against_o that_o which_o we_o have_v say_v of_o the_o word_n preach_v for_o in_o such_o as_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o principal_a mean_n to_o work_v grace_n especial_o in_o such_o as_o have_v not_o grace_v wrought_v in_o they_o before_o by_o mean_n of_o baptism_n use_v 1_o use_v 1._o this_o shall_v stir_v up_o minister_n which_o be_v as_o the_o lord_n husbandman_n to_o be_v diligent_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o cast_v this_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n into_o the_o ground_n that_o be_v to_o preach_v it_o diligent_o and_o frequent_o to_o their_o people_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n eccles_n 11._o 6._o in_o the_o morning_n sow_v thy_o seed_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n withhold_v not_o thy_o hand_n this_o we_o must_v do_v if_o we_o will_v have_v the_o fruit_n of_o save_a grace_n to_o spring_n and_o grow_v up_o in_o our_o people_n use_v 2_o use_v 2._o to_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o make_v high_a account_n of_o this_o ordinance_n of_o god_n the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o be_v diligent_a in_o hear_v it_o if_o thou_o will_v have_v grace_n to_o spring_n and_o grow_v in_o thou_o thou_o must_v desire_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v often_o cast_v into_o thou_o as_o into_o good_a ground_n etc._n etc._n so_o much_o brief_o of_o the_o first_o point_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o thing_n lay_v down_o in_o this_o parable_n namely_o from_o whence_o the_o word_n preach_v have_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n to_o work_v grace_n not_o from_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n which_o preach_v it_o but_o from_o god_n himself_o this_o be_v employ_v as_o i_o have_v say_v verse_n 27_o 28._o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o husbandman_n have_v sow_v his_o seed_n though_o he_o sleep_v and_o rise_v up_o night_n and_o day_n take_v no_o further_o think_v for_o it_o yet_o it_o spring_v and_o grow_v up_o by_o the_o blessing_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n give_v virtue_n both_o to_o the_o seed_n itself_o to_o grow_v and_o to_o the_o earth_n to_o bring_v it_o forth_o doctr._n doctr._n here_o then_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v for_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o hearer_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o minister_n that_o preach_v it_o but_o upon_o god_n himself_o as_o in_o the_o sow_v of_o seed_n all_o that_o the_o husbandman_n can_v do_v be_v only_o to_o till_o the_o ground_n and_o to_o cast_v the_o seed_n upon_o it_o and_o then_o to_o harrow_v it_o into_o the_o ground_n but_o he_o can_v of_o himself_o nor_o by_o any_o thing_n he_o can_v do_v nor_o by_o any_o care_n that_o he_o can_v further_o take_v i_o say_v he_o can_v of_o himself_o by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n make_v the_o seed_n to_o spring_v and_o grow_v but_o he_o must_v leave_v this_o unto_o god_n providence_n who_o make_v the_o sun_n to_o shine_v on_o it_o and_o the_o rain_n to_o fall_v on_o the_o earth_n that_o the_o seed_n may_v fructify_v and_o grow_v up_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n all_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n can_v do_v be_v to_o be_v diligent_a in_o preach_v the_o word_n open_v and_o unfolding_n the_o sound_a doctrine_n of_o it_o to_o the_o people_n and_o apply_v the_o same_o unto_o they_o by_o zealous_a and_o earnest_a exhortation_n admonition_n reproof_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o have_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n in_o his_o hand_n he_o can_v work_v upon_o their_o heart_n or_o cause_v the_o word_n to_o work_v upon_o they_o to_o enlighten_v they_o to_o work_v faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o they_o etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o must_v do_v this_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n else_o it_o will_v not_o be_v do_v 1_o cor._n 3._o 6._o i_o have_v plant_v say_v paul_n apollo_n water_v but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n so_o then_o neither_o be_v he_o that_o plant_n any_o thing_n neither_o he_o that_o water_v but_o god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n and_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 10._o i_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o they_o all_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o that_o be_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o god_n spirit_n make_v his_o ministry_n effectual_a therefore_o also_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o join_v his_o spirit_n with_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o church_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a esay_n 59_o ult_n use_v 1_o use_v 1._o see_v by_o this_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o contemn_v or_o refuse_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o word_n because_o of_o the_o meanness_n of_o the_o person_n that_o do_v preach_v it_o though_o he_o be_v of_o mean_a place_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n or_o of_o mean_a part_n and_o gift_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o gift_n and_o have_v a_o lawful_a call_n to_o the_o ministry_n we_o be_v not_o to_o contemn_v his_o doctrine_n nor_o to_o refuse_v to_o hear_v and_o embrace_v it_o so_o long_o as_o he_o reach_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n sound_o and_o in_o profitable_a manner_n in_o this_o case_n remember_v that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n be_v from_o god_n and_o not_o from_o the_o person_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o he_o may_v if_o he_o please_v and_o do_v sometime_o give_v as_o great_a a_o blessing_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o man_n of_o mean_a gift_n deal_v sincere_o in_o his_o ministry_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o another_o that_o have_v great_a gift_n he_o that_o be_v powerful_a in_o convert_v the_o world_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v but_o mean_a person_n and_o some_o of_o they_o unlearned_a fisherman_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o first_o call_v his_o arm_n be_v not_o shorten_v but_o he_o can_v still_o work_v mighty_o and_o marvellous_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o mean_a person_n use_v 2_o use_v 2._o this_o may_v teach_v faithful_a minister_n not_o to_o be_v discourage_v or_o trouble_v at_o it_o nor_o too_o much_o to_o vex_v and_o grieve_v their_o mind_n at_o it_o though_o they_o have_v faithful_o labour_v in_o the_o ministry_n and_o yet_o see_v not_o in_o their_o people_n such_o good_a fruit_n of_o their_o pain_n as_o be_v answerable_a to_o their_o desire_n and_o expectation_n here_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o though_o we_o be_v call_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o we_o to_o make_v it_o effectual_a to_o work_v grace_n further_o than_o the_o lord_n give_v a_o blessing_n to_o our_o pain_n and_o accompani_v the_o outward_a teach_v with_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n he_o that_o plant_n and_o water_v be_v nothing_o but_o god_n which_o only_o give_v the_o increase_n faithful_n minister_n be_v but_o the_o lord_n husbandman_n they_o be_v to_o cast_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n into_o the_o ground_n that_o be_v to_o open_v and_o apply_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o to_o the_o hearer_n by_o preach_v but_o they_o can_v of_o themselves_o make_v this_o seed_n to_o spring_n and_o grow_v up_o in_o they_o that_o be_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o they_o this_o god_n alone_o can_v do_v by_o the_o powerful_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n join_v with_o the_o outward_a ministry_n here_o then_o a_o faithful_a minister_n be_v to_o do_v as_o the_o husbandman_n use_v to_o do_v when_o he_o have_v sow_v his_o seed_n and_o harrow_v it_o into_o the_o ground_n he_o
then_o common_o speak_v but_o because_o it_o please_v our_o saviour_n by_o the_o utter_n of_o this_o word_n to_o show_v and_o manifest_v his_o divine_a power_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o miracle_n further_o observe_v that_o these_o word_n be_v thou_o open_v be_v to_o be_v refer_v both_o to_o the_o open_n of_o the_o ear_n of_o he_o that_o be_v deaf_a and_o also_o to_o the_o open_n of_o his_o mouth_n or_o lose_v of_o the_o string_n of_o his_o tongue_n to_o show_v that_o both_o the_o use_n of_o his_o hear_v and_o also_o of_o his_o speech_n shall_v be_v miraculous_o restore_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n observe_v observe_v in_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v use_v his_o word_n as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o to_o manifest_v his_o divine_a power_n in_o work_v this_o miracle_n we_o may_v hence_o learn_v that_o christ_n be_v able_a to_o work_v great_a and_o wonderful_a effect_n by_o mean_n of_o his_o word_n hebr._n 4._o 12._o mighty_a in_o operation_n now_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v twofold_a 1._o that_o word_n which_o he_o utter_v immediate_o with_o his_o own_o voice_n when_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n either_o in_o preach_v or_o otherwise_o 2._o the_o write_a word_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v as_o true_o call_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o which_o he_o speak_v upon_o earth_n with_o his_o own_o mouth_n because_o it_o be_v write_v by_o authority_n from_o christ_n and_o by_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o his_o divine_a spirit_n now_o it_o be_v true_a of_o both_o these_o part_n or_o kind_n of_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v and_o be_v able_a by_o they_o to_o work_v great_a and_o wonderful_a effect_n touch_v his_o immediate_a word_n utter_v with_o his_o own_o mouth_n be_v upon_o earth_n it_o be_v clear_a by_o this_o and_o sundry_a other_o place_n of_o the_o evangelist_n how_o great_a effect_n he_o wrought_v by_o it_o sometime_o by_o it_o cure_v incurable_a disease_n miraculous_o sometime_o cast_v out_o devil_n sometime_o still_v the_o wind_n and_o the_o sea_n sometime_o astonish_v those_o that_o hear_v he_o preach_v sometime_o strike_v terror_n into_o his_o enemy_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v backward_o to_o the_o ground_n as_o we_o may_v see_v joh._n 18._o 6._o and_o touch_v his_o write_a word_n it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o by_o it_o he_o be_v able_a to_o work_v and_o do_v daily_o work_v no_o less_o powerful_a and_o mighty_a effect_n than_o he_o do_v upon_o earth_n by_o the_o immediate_a word_n of_o his_o mouth_n indeed_o he_o do_v not_o now_o work_v such_o extraordinary_a miracle_n upon_o man_n body_n in_o cure_v disease_n cast_v out_o devil_n etc._n etc._n by_o his_o write_a word_n as_o he_o do_v be_v on_o earth_n by_o his_o own_o lively_a voice_n but_o yet_o he_o do_v by_o his_o write_a word_n work_v such_o effect_n upon_o man_n soul_n and_o conscience_n as_o be_v no_o less_o powerful_a and_o wonderful_a in_o themselves_o than_o those_o miracle_n be_v which_o he_o wrought_v be_v upon_o earth_n but_o rather_o more_o powerful_a and_o miraculous_a quest_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o powerful_a effect_n which_o christ_n work_v upon_o man_n soul_n and_o conscience_n by_o his_o write_a word_n answ_n answ_n they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o he_o work_v in_o the_o elect._n 2._o such_o as_o he_o work_v in_o the_o reprobate_n and_o wicked_a in_o the_o elect_a he_o do_v by_o his_o word_n work_v sundry_a powerful_a effect_n especial_o these_o 1._o by_o it_o he_o beat_v down_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o sinful_a lust_n in_o they_o 2_o cor._n 10._o 4._o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n ephes_n 6._o 2._o he_o subdue_v and_o over-throweth_a the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o they_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n and_o not_o suffer_v he_o there_o to_o hold_v possession_n luke_n 10._o 18._o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n satan_n be_v say_v to_o fall_v from_o heaven_n like_o lightning_n see_v act._n 26._o 18._o 3._o he_o set_v up_o his_o own_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n work_v faith_n repentance_n regeneration_n and_o all_o save_a grace_n in_o they_o rom._n 10._o 17._o faith_n be_v by_o hear_v etc._n etc._n 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o it_o be_v call_v the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o our_o new_a birth_n 4._o he_o save_v his_o elect_n by_o it_o rom._n 1._o 16._o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n jam._n 1._o 21_o able_a to_o save_v your_o soul_n in_o the_o reprobate_n also_o christ_n work_v powerful_a effect_n by_o his_o write_a word_n 1._o convince_v their_o conscience_n of_o sin_n by_o it_o and_o so_o make_v they_o more_o inexcusable_a 2._o strike_v terror_n into_o their_o conscience_n as_o we_o see_v in_o foelix_n tremble_v at_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o paul_n act._n 24._o 25._o 3._o harden_v their_o heart_n more_o and_o more_o by_o his_o just_a judgement_n and_o so_o give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n here_o observe_v that_o christ_n work_v these_o mighty_a effect_n by_o his_o word_n not_o simple_o consider_v as_o it_o be_v write_v and_o set_v down_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n but_o chief_o and_o principal_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o word_n be_v true_o open_v and_o effectual_o apply_v to_o man_n conscience_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o his_o faithful_a minister_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v this_o because_o christ_n have_v ordain_v this_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a and_o principal_a mean_n for_o the_o work_n of_o all_o the_o forenamed_a effect_n both_o in_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobate_n use_v 1_o use_v 1._o this_o commend_v unto_o we_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o in_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n by_o which_o christ_n do_v usual_o work_v such_o powerful_a and_o wonderful_a effect_n upon_o man_n soul_n and_o conscience_n beat_v down_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n in_o they_o work_v faith_n repentance_n etc._n etc._n this_o shall_v stir_v up_o all_o minister_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o preach_v this_o word_n and_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v forward_o and_o swift_a to_o hear_v it_o on_o all_o occasion_n especial_o such_o as_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o satan_n bear_v sway_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n let_v such_o come_v diligent_o to_o the_o word_n preach_v which_o be_v able_a by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n spirit_n accompany_v it_o to_o cast_v down_o these_o strong_a hold_n use_v 2_o use_v 2._o labour_v to_o find_v and_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o the_o save_a power_n of_o christ_n divine_a spirit_n manifest_v in_o and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n beat_v down_o the_o power_n of_o all_o sin_n in_o we_o mortify_v and_o crucify_a our_o sinful_a lust_n overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o we_o work_v faith_n repentance_n regeneration_n etc._n etc._n make_v we_o of_o sinful_a man_n to_o become_v new_a creature_n for_o certain_a it_o be_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o feel_v this_o save_a power_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n in_o thou_o thou_o must_v needs_o feel_v a_o contrary_a power_n in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o to_o convince_v and_o harden_v thou_o more_o and_o more_o one_o way_n or_o other_o it_o will_v work_v powerful_o upon_o thy_o soul_n and_o conscience_n one_o way_n or_o other_o christ_n will_v show_v his_o divine_a power_n in_o thou_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n either_o he_o will_v make_v it_o powerful_a to_o soften_v or_o to_o harden_v thy_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o hammer_n jer._n 23._o and_o therefore_o by_o it_o christ_n will_v either_o break_v thy_o stony_a heart_n in_o piece_n or_o else_o make_v it_o hard_o like_o the_o smith_n anvil_n by_o often_o strike_v upon_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v either_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n or_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n unto_o thou_o it_o can_v be_v preach_v in_o vain_a nor_o hear_v of_o thou_o in_o vain_a but_o some_o powerful_a effect_n or_o other_o it_o always_o work_v in_o all_o that_o be_v hearer_n of_o it_o look_v to_o thyself_o therefore_o what_o effect_n it_o work_v in_o thou_o so_o much_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o christ_n work_v this_o miracle_n now_o follow_v the_o miracle_n itself_o ver._n 35._o and_o straightway_o his_o ear_n be_v open_v etc._n etc._n in_o the_o word_n be_v two_o thing_n contain_v first_o the_o miraculous_a effect_n which_o follow_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n utter_v to_o the_o deaf_a and_o dumb_a man_n which_o effect_n
he_o be_v now_o upon_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v say_v luke_n 16._o ult_n that_o such_o as_o will_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o teach_v they_o so_o here_o etc._n etc._n use_v 2_o use_v 2._o to_o exhort_v and_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o conscionable_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o hear_v christ_n speak_v to_o we_o and_o teach_v we_o by_o his_o word_n and_o minister_n to_o this_o end_n search_v the_o scripture_n diligent_o by_o private_a read_n and_o come_v due_o and_o constant_o to_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n etc._n etc._n motive_n hereunto_o 1._o god_n commandment_n enjoin_v we_o to_o hear_v his_o son_n christ_n ut_fw-la supra_fw-la 2._o consider_v the_o fearful_a judgement_n threaten_v against_o all_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o hear_v christ_n deut._n 18._o 18_o 19_o i_o will_v raise_v they_o up_o a_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o my_o word_n which_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v require_v it_o of_o he_o act_v 3._o 23._o every_o soul_n which_o will_v not_o hear_v that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v destroy_v from_o among_o the_o people_n 3._o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o christ_n true_a disciple_n and_o follower_n to_o hear_v he_o and_o his_o word_n joh._n 10._o 27._o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o joh._n 8._o 47._o he_o that_o be_v of_o god_n hear_v god_n word_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o second_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n not_o only_o to_o hear_v christ_n teach_v they_o by_o his_o word_n and_o minister_n but_o also_o to_o yield_v due_a obedience_n to_o his_o doctrine_n they_o must_v not_o only_o be_v outward_a hearer_n but_o obedient_a hearer_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v prove_v not_o only_o by_o those_o place_n before_o allege_v for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o former_a point_n in_o which_o by_o outward_a hear_n obedience_n also_o be_v employ_v but_o also_o by_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n more_o plain_a and_o express_v to_o this_o purpose_n matth._n 7._o 24._o whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n etc._n etc._n luke_n 8._o 15._o those_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v resemble_v by_o the_o good_a ground_n be_v such_o as_o with_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n have_v hear_v the_o word_n keep_v it_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n reas_n 1_o reas_n 1._o obedience_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o outward_a hear_n and_o knowledge_n deut._n 5._o 1._o hear_v o_o israel_n the_o statute_n and_o judgement_n which_o i_o speak_v in_o your_o car_n this_o day_n that_o you_o may_v keep_v and_o do_v they_o reas_n 2_o reas_n 2._o the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n be_v make_v not_o to_o such_o as_o hear_v christ_n word_n and_o doctrine_n but_o to_o such_o as_o yield_v true_a obedience_n to_o the_o same_o joh._n 13._o 17._o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o luke_n 11._o 28._o bless_a be_v they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o now_o in_o this_o obedience_n to_o christ_n doctrine_n some_o special_a property_n be_v require_v 1._o it_o must_v come_v from_o faith_n believe_v that_o our_o person_n be_v accept_v in_o christ_n etc._n etc._n hebr._n 11._o 6._o rom._n 16._o 26._o 2._o it_o must_v be_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n both_o inward_a and_o outward_a 1._o inward_a of_o the_o heart_n which_o stand_v in_o believe_v and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o submit_v our_o inward_a man_n to_o it_o viz._n our_o mind_n will_n affection_n conscience_n rom._n 6._o 17._o you_o have_v obey_v from_o the_o heart_n that_o form_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o you_o 2._o outward_a obedience_n stand_v in_o a_o conformity_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o of_o all_o our_o outward_a carriage_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o teach_v of_o christ_n 3._o it_o must_v be_v universal_a not_o to_o some_o but_o to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n teach_v we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o act._n 3._o 22._o he_o shall_v you_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n what_o soever_o he_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o though_o our_o obedience_n can_v be_v entire_a and_o perfect_a in_o this_o life_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v entire_a 4._o it_o must_v be_v constant_a extend_v itself_o to_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n not_o for_o a_o time_n only_o or_o now_o and_o then_o by_o fit_n not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o one_o or_o two_o good_a action_n but_o by_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o our_o life_n joh._n 8._o 31._o if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o use_v 1_o use_v 1._o to_o reprove_v such_o as_o be_v outward_a hearer_n of_o christ_n word_n and_o doctrine_n but_o make_v little_a or_o no_o conscience_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o same_o there_o be_v many_o such_o who_o give_v christ_n and_o his_o minister_n the_o hear_n and_o this_o be_v all_o for_o in_o life_n and_o practice_n they_o do_v as_o they_o listen_v walk_v after_o their_o lust_n and_o go_v on_o in_o their_o old_a sin_n without_o reformation_n like_o those_o ezek._n 33._o 31._o who_o come_v and_o sit_v before_o the_o prophet_n and_o hear_v his_o word_n but_o will_v not_o do_v they_o for_o their_o heart_n go_v after_o covetousness_n many_o live_v quite_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n as_o if_o they_o know_v a_o better_a way_n to_o heaven_n other_o yield_v some_o kind_n of_o obedience_n to_o christ_n doctrine_n but_o not_o such_o as_o they_o ought_v no_o true_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n some_o yield_v outward_a obedience_n in_o their_o word_n action_n and_o outward_a behaviour_n but_o no_o true_a inward_a subjection_n of_o heart_n mind_n and_o conscience_n they_o obey_v not_o from_o the_o heart_n but_o only_o show_v some_o outward_a conformity_n to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v gross_a hypocrisy_n and_o hateful_a to_o christ_n other_o obey_v christ_n in_o some_o thing_n but_o not_o in_o all_o part_n of_o his_o word_n like_o herod_n so_o far_o as_o this_o obedience_n will_v stand_v with_o their_o carnal_a lust_n and_o with_o their_o worldly_a profit_n and_o pleasure_n they_o be_v content_a to_o yield_v it_o but_o when_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n do_v cross_v they_o or_o cut_v they_o short_a in_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o so_o much_o affect_v here_o they_o withdraw_v their_o obedience_n other_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o a_o time_n but_o be_v not_o constant_a therein_o they_o begin_v a_o good_a course_n but_o hold_v not_o out_o in_o it_o they_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o end_n in_o the_o flesh_n such_o there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o have_v for_o a_o time_n make_v show_v of_o obedience_n to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n afterward_o fall_v away_o and_o embrace_v this_o world_n with_o demas_n etc._n etc._n like_o the_o stony_a ground_n they_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n with_o joy_n at_o the_o first_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n for_o a_o time_n but_o because_o they_o have_v no_o root_n they_o fall_v away_o thus_o among_o many_o that_o be_v outward_a hearer_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n how_o few_o do_v yield_v true_a obedience_n to_o it_o now_o what_o be_v such_o the_o better_a for_o their_o outward_a hear_v of_o christ_n nothing_o at_o all_o they_o reap_v no_o true_a good_a by_o it_o they_o be_v never_o the_o near_o to_o salvation_n their_o estate_n before_o god_n never_o the_o better_a nay_o it_o be_v the_o worse_o because_o the_o more_o mean_n of_o teach_v they_o have_v have_v if_o they_o be_v not_o answerable_a in_o obedience_n the_o great_a be_v their_o sin_n and_o condemnation_n joh._n 15._o 22._o think_v of_o it_o thou_o that_o be_v a_o outward_a hearer_n of_o christ_n word_n and_o have_v perhaps_o be_v so_o for_o a_o long_a time_n but_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o yield_v true_a obedience_n to_o it_o thou_o may_v for_o all_o this_o be_v a_o gross_a hypocrite_n yea_o a_o reprobate_a judas_n be_v a_o outward_a hearer_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o go_v to_o hell_n so_o luke_n 13._o 25_o 26._o many_o of_o those_o in_o who_o street_n christ_n have_v preach_v shall_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o heaven_n at_o the_o last_o day_n use_v 2_o use_v 2._o to_o exhort_v and_o stir_v we_o up_o not_o to_o rest_v in_o outward_a hear_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n
touch_n of_o conscience_n or_o true_a humiliation_n for_o sin_n go_v before_o 2._o the_o affection_n of_o the_o good_a hearer_n be_v constant_a though_o not_o always_o in_o like_a measure_n their_o love_n and_o desire_v to_o the_o word_n and_o their_o joy_n in_o it_o continue_v and_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o contrariwise_o the_o love_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o temporary_a as_o it_o come_v sudden_o so_o it_o go_v and_o vanish_v as_o sudden_o according_a to_o the_o proverb_n soon_o ripe_a soon_o rot_v his_o affection_n to_o the_o word_n come_v by_o fit_n as_o it_o be_v now_o and_o then_o and_o afterward_o decay_v and_o vanish_v thus_o we_o see_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o sincere_a affection_n to_o the_o word_n which_o be_v in_o good_a hearer_n and_o those_o hypocritical_a and_o counterfeit_a affection_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o temporary_a hearer_n now_o than_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v our_o affection_n to_o the_o word_n whether_o they_o be_v sound_a and_o sincere_a and_o to_o labour_v that_o they_o may_v be_v so_o labour_n to_o love_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o word_n even_o for_o the_o holiness_n of_o it_o and_o not_o for_o sinister_a respect_n and_o to_o be_v constant_a in_o our_o love_n and_o joy_n use_v 4_o use_v 4._o if_o man_n may_v go_v so_o far_o in_o the_o property_n of_o the_o good_a hearer_n and_o yet_o be_v still_o unprofitable_a hearer_n and_o no_o better_a than_o hypocrite_n this_o must_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o be_v discourage_v in_o our_o love_n to_o the_o word_n nor_o to_o give_v over_o our_o joy_n in_o it_o though_o we_o see_v some_o fall_n away_o who_o have_v former_o be_v forward_o in_o hear_v it_o and_o show_v much_o love_n to_o it_o and_o seem_v to_o rejoice_v in_o it_o though_o we_o be_v to_o grieve_v at_o this_o yet_o not_o so_o to_o be_v offend_v or_o dismay_v at_o it_o as_o to_o be_v thereby_o hinder_v in_o our_o good_a and_o christian_a course_n no_o marvel_n if_o such_o fall_n away_o from_o their_o faith_n see_v they_o be_v never_o sound_a in_o faith_n no_o marvel_n if_o they_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n to_o the_o word_n and_o their_o joy_n which_o they_o have_v in_o it_o see_v these_o affection_n be_v never_o sound_a in_o they_o we_o wonder_v not_o to_o see_v a_o dog_n return_v to_o his_o vomit_n or_o the_o swine_n be_v wash_v to_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n again_o no_o more_o shall_v we_o wonder_v to_o see_v hypocrite_n and_o counterfeit_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o fall_v from_o their_o first_o profession_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 19_o they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o have_v remain_v with_o we_o so_o much_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v commendable_a in_o these_o hearer_n mark_v 4._o 17._o and_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o etc._n etc._n 1620._o may_v 7._o 1620._o now_o follow_v those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o fail_v 1._o they_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o that_o be_v the_o word_n which_o they_o hear_v be_v not_o root_v in_o their_o heart_n now_o by_o this_o root_n of_o it_o in_o they_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o effectual_a apply_v of_o it_o unto_o they_o which_o application_n be_v make_v by_o a_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n in_o their_o heart_n this_o be_v call_v by_o st._n james_n the_o engraff_n of_o the_o word_n jam._n 1._o 21._o see_v col._n 2._o 7._o observe_v observe_v though_o hearer_n be_v affect_v in_o heart_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o root_v in_o they_o that_o be_v true_o and_o effectual_o apply_v by_o faith_n it_o can_v true_o profit_v they_o this_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o main_a cause_n why_o these_o hearer_n signify_v by_o the_o stony_a ground_n do_v not_o bring_v forth_o true_a and_o last_a fruit_n because_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o root_v in_o they_o by_o faith_n it_o may_v have_v a_o shallow_a root_n as_o it_o be_v in_o they_o in_o that_o their_o heart_n be_v in_o some_o sort_n affect_v with_o joy_n in_o it_o but_o have_v no_o true_a root_n in_o they_o it_o be_v not_o root_v deep_o enough_o in_o they_o by_o true_a faith_n as_o seed_v in_o stony-ground_n may_v enter_v a_o little_a but_o not_o deep_a enough_o etc._n etc._n heb._n 4._o 2._o the_o word_n which_o the_o old_a israelite_n hear_v do_v not_o profit_v they_o because_o not_o mingle_v with_o faith_n in_o those_o that_o hear_v it_o reas_n 1_o reason_n 1._o till_o the_o word_n be_v root_v and_o apply_v by_o faith_n the_o heart_n can_v be_v true_o and_o sincere_o affect_v with_o it_o for_o all_o sound_n and_o sincere_a affection_n of_o the_o heart_n unto_o the_o word_n as_o true_a love_n to_o it_o and_o sound_a joy_n in_o it_o etc._n etc._n do_v flow_v from_o true_a faith_n as_o effect_n of_o it_o they_o may_v be_v affect_v but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o have_v their_o heart_n renew_v reas_n 2_o reas_n 2._o without_o faith_n effectual_o apply_v the_o word_n there_o will_v be_v no_o sincere_a obedience_n yield_v unto_o it_o for_o this_o be_v also_o a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n rom._n 16._o 26._o use_v 1_o use_v 1._o see_v the_o reason_n why_o many_o profit_n not_o by_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o hear_v because_o they_o want_v true_a faith_n whereby_o it_o shall_v be_v root_v in_o their_o heart_n they_o have_v no_o root_n of_o faith_n whereby_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v thorough_o and_o effectual_o apply_v unto_o they_o and_o ingraff_v in_o their_o heart_n they_o be_v stony-ground_n which_o have_v only_o a_o little_a shallow_a mould_n for_o the_o seed_n to_o enter_v into_o etc._n etc._n so_o there_o be_v many_o hearer_n who_o give_v the_o word_n only_o some_o shallow_a entrance_n into_o their_o heart_n by_o some_o sudden_a and_o light_a joy_n in_o it_o for_o a_o time_n or_o by_o a_o false_a temporary_a faith_n only_o believe_v and_o slight_o apply_v it_o for_o a_o time_n but_o there_o be_v no_o depth_n of_o earth_n in_o they_o no_o sound_n save_v faith_n in_o they_o effectual_o to_o apply_v the_o word_n and_o to_o root_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o without_o this_o all_o their_o affection_n of_o love_n and_o desire_v to_o the_o word_n and_o of_o joy_n in_o it_o for_o a_o time_n be_v vain_a and_o come_v to_o nothing_o at_o length_n and_o they_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o all_o their_o hear_n use_v 2_o use_v 2._o if_o we_o will_v true_o profit_v by_o the_o word_n and_o have_v it_o fruitful_a in_o we_o unto_o eternal_a life_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n affect_v with_o joy_n and_o delight_n in_o it_o when_o we_o hear_v it_o etc._n etc._n for_o all_o this_o while_o it_o have_v but_o a_o shallow_a entrance_n like_o seed_n in_o stony-ground_n but_o labour_n above_o all_o to_o have_v it_o thorough_o and_o deep_o root_v in_o we_o by_o true_a and_o effectual_a faithful_a apply_v it_o unto_o ourselves_o so_o as_o it_o may_v work_v thorough_o upon_o our_o heart_n cause_v we_o not_o only_o to_o be_v true_o and_o sincere_o affect_v to_o it_o but_o also_o to_o yield_v unfeigned_a obedience_n unto_o it_o for_o this_o will_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o word_n work_n upon_o we_o if_o it_o be_v once_o root_v in_o we_o true_o by_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o root_v in_o we_o it_o will_v not_o only_o spring_v up_o in_o we_o and_o be_v fruitful_a for_o a_o time_n but_o even_o forever_o and_o this_o fruit_n shall_v never_o die_v in_o we_o but_o as_o the_o seed_n be_v immortal_a so_o shall_v the_o fruit_n be_v oh_o therefore_o labour_n for_o this_o true_a and_o effectual_a faith_n whereby_o to_o apply_v every_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n every_o reproof_n and_o threaten_a every_o comfort_n and_o promise_v unto_o thyself_o particular_o and_o effectual_o so_o as_o every_o part_n of_o the_o word_n may_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o thou_o and_o may_v work_v thorough_o and_o effectual_o upon_o thou_o not_o only_o affect_v thy_o heart_n but_o renew_v and_o change_v it_o and_o frame_v both_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o sincere_a obedience_n of_o it_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o give_v thou_o some_o measure_n of_o this_o true_a save_a faith_n whereby_o his_o word_n may_v be_v thus_o root_v in_o thou_o so_o as_o to_o bring_v forth_o save_v fruit_n in_o thou_o rom._n 1._o 16._o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o to_o all_o but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o 1_o thessaly_n 2._o 13._o the_o word_n work_v effectual_o in_o such_o as_o believe_v so_o much_o true_a faith_n as_o thou_o have_v in_o hear_v true_o to_o believe_v and_o particular_o to_o apply_v
the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o they_o hear_v his_o word_n but_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o etc._n etc._n these_o utter_o deceive_v themselves_o if_o they_o think_v themselves_o any_o thing_n the_o better_a for_o hear_v the_o word_n so_o long_o as_o they_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o practise_v what_o they_o hear_v jam._n 1._o 22._o again_o other_o though_o they_o make_v show_v of_o some_o kind_n of_o obedience_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o true_a and_o sincere_a it_o fail_v in_o the_o property_n of_o true_a obedience_n some_o make_v show_v of_o outward_a obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o word_n in_o their_o outward_a action_n but_o do_v not_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n yield_v subjection_n to_o the_o word_n by_o believe_v and_o embrace_v it_o inward_o and_o by_o frame_v all_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n to_o it_o nay_o their_o heart_n go_v still_o after_o their_o old_a sin_n on_o the_o other_o side_n some_o profess_v to_o have_v obedient_a and_o religious_a heart_n towards_o god_n and_o yet_o their_o outward_a carriage_n be_v profane_a and_o wicked_a such_o must_v know_v that_o true_a obedience_n must_v be_v of_o the_o whole_a man_n both_o outward_a and_o inward_a else_o god_n accept_v it_o not_o 1_o cor._n 6._o ult_n glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n other_o do_v good_a duty_n but_o not_o in_o faith_n and_o so_o not_o please_v to_o god_n other_o yield_v obedience_n to_o some_o part_n of_o the_o word_n but_o not_o to_o all_o as_o herod_n do_v some_o thing_n at_o the_o preach_n of_o john_n baptist_n mar._n 6._o but_o he_o will_v not_o do_v all_o that_o be_v require_v he_o will_v not_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o seven_o commandment_n in_o forbear_v to_o commit_v incest_n with_o his_o brother_n wife_n so_o many_o make_v show_v of_o obedience_n in_o some_o good_a duty_n but_o will_v not_o be_v obedient_a in_o all_o that_o be_v require_v some_o be_v conformable_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n they_o come_v to_o church_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n in_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n they_o be_v unconscionable_a unjust_a etc._n etc._n contrariwise_o some_o make_v great_a show_n of_o upright_a deal_n with_o man_n but_o in_o duty_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v negligent_a not_o care_v for_o they_o not_o regard_v the_o sabbath_n etc._n etc._n some_o refrain_v some_o sin_n and_o live_v in_o other_o one_o abhor_v pride_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o covetousness_n another_o abhor_v theft_n adultery_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o malice_n or_o slander_v of_o his_o neighbour_n these_o be_v far_o from_o true_a obedience_n to_o the_o word_n this_o be_v no_o better_a fruit_n than_o that_o which_o herod_n bring_v forth_o jam._n 2._o 10._o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o again_o another_o sort_n make_v show_v of_o obedience_n for_o a_o time_n but_o be_v not_o constant_a in_o it_o they_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o end_n in_o the_o flesh_n like_o the_o galatian_n chap._n 3._o verse_n 3._o they_o begin_v a_o course_n of_o practise_v good_a duty_n but_o afterward_o fall_v from_o it_o again_o and_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n such_o must_v remember_v that_o ezek._n 18._o 24._o when_o the_o righteous_a turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n all_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v to_o he_o in_o his_o trespass_n that_o he_o have_v trespass_v shall_v he_o die_v so_o other_o make_v show_v of_o reform_v and_o leave_v some_o sin_n for_o a_o time_n but_o at_o length_n with_o the_o dog_n return_v to_o their_o vomit_n etc._n etc._n the_o end_n of_o such_o be_v worse_a than_o their_o begin_n the_o obedience_n of_o such_o be_v counterfeit_a who_o thus_o take_v liberty_n to_o withdraw_v it_o when_o they_o listen_v thus_o we_o we_o see_v how_o far_o short_a many_o come_v of_o be_v good_a hearer_n in_o that_o so_o many_o fail_n in_o bring_v forth_o this_o fruit_n of_o true_a and_o sincere_a obedienc_n to_o the_o word_n use_v 2_o use_v 2._o let_v all_o examine_v themselves_o by_o this_o whether_o they_o be_v good_a hearer_n or_o not_o if_o we_o will_v know_v this_o look_v whether_o we_o bring_v forth_o the_o true_a fruit_n of_o it_o look_v what_o sincere_a obedience_n thou_o yielde_v to_o it_o in_o thy_o heart_n and_o life_n if_o thou_o be_v careful_a and_o do_v constant_o labour_v to_o frame_v thy_o heart_n and_o life_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n which_o thou_o have_v be_v teach_v this_o show_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o good_a hearer_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o unfeigned_a care_n and_o endeavour_v in_o thou_o thou_o be_v a_o barren_a and_o fruitless_a hearer_n never_o the_o better_a for_o all_o that_o thou_o have_v hear_v never_o the_o near_o to_o god_n kingdom_n nay_o thou_o may_v perish_v for_o ever_o and_o go_v to_o hell_n for_o all_o this_o if_o thou_o live_v and_o die_v in_o this_o estate_n look_v to_o it_o therefore_o every_o one_o there_o be_v but_o two_o sort_n of_o hearer_n in_o general_a one_o fruitful_a the_o other_o unfruitful_a one_o of_o these_o two_o thou_o be_v examine_v thorough_o which_o of_o the_o two_o thou_o be_v as_o a_o good_a tree_n be_v know_v by_o the_o fruit_n and_o good_a ground_n by_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o seed_n sow_v in_o it_o so_o be_v a_o good_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n know_v by_o the_o true_a fruit_n of_o obedience_n yield_v to_o it_o look_v that_o this_o be_v in_o thou_o else_o thou_o be_v no_o good_a hearer_n use_v 3_o use_v 3_o labour_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o true_a fruit_n of_o the_o word_n by_o yield_v all_o conscionable_a obedience_n to_o it_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n so_o shall_v we_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o be_v good_a hearer_n motive_n to_o stir_v we_o up_o hereunto_o 1._o consider_v that_o obedience_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o hear_v and_o of_o all_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n without_o which_o all_o hear_n and_o knowledge_n be_v vain_a and_o unprofitable_a deut._n 5._o 1._o hear_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o take_v heed_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v they_o jerem._n 11._o 6._o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o do_v they_o 2._o without_o obedience_n our_o hear_n and_o know_v of_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v we_o good_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o witness_n agha_v we_o and_o shall_v aggravate_v our_o condemnation_n matth._n 11._o easy_a for_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o capernaum_n and_o other_o city_n which_o have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o and_o do_v not_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o 3._o the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n be_v make_v nor_o to_o such_o as_o hear_v or_o know_v the_o word_n but_o to_o such_o as_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o joh._n 13._o 17._o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o luk._n 11._o 28._o bless_a be_v they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o 4._o consider_v the_o danger_n of_o be_v find_v unfruitful_a heareas_n matth._n 3._o 10._o every_o tree_n that_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n our_o saviour_n curse_v the_o barren_a figtree_n matth._n 21._o to_o show_v we_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o barren_a christian_n that_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o hear_v preach_v unto_o they_o see_v hebr._n 6._o 8._o it_o follow_v some_o thirty_o fold_n some_o sixty_o etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o allude_v unto_o the_o great_a fruitfullness_n of_o judea_n in_o which_o he_o now_o live_v where_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o some_o ground_n be_v so_o fruitful_a as_o to_o yield_v not_o only_o thirty_o and_o sixty_o but_o also_o a_o hundred_o fold_n of_o increase_n gen._n 26._o 12._o isaac_n sow_v in_o the_o land_n of_o gerar_n which_o be_v border_v upon_o judaea_n and_o receive_v in_o the_o same_o year_n a_o hundred_o fold_n doct._n doctr._n here_o we_o learn_v that_o as_o seed_n sow_o in_o good_a ground_n be_v not_o alike_o fruitful_a in_o all_o sort_n of_o good_a ground_n but_o in_o some_o more_o in_o some_o less_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o goodness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o ground_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o fruitful_a in_o like_a measure_n in_o all_o good_a hearer_n but_o in_o some_o more_o in_o some_o less_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o they_o reas_n 1_o reas_n the_o spirit_n
son_n of_o abraham_n so_o also_o lydia_n and_o those_o act._n 2._o who_o be_v sudden_o convert_v at_o peter_n sermon_n but_o ordinary_o it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o in_o those_o that_o be_v ordinary_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n it_o distil_v by_o little_a and_o little_a into_o their_o heart_n for_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o we_o may_v see_v the_o seed_n sow_o be_v spring_v up_o and_o grow_v though_o we_o can_v know_v the_o time_n when_o it_o begin_v first_o to_o spring_v up_o so_o theâ—e_n may_v know_v that_o they_o have_v grace_n and_o yet_o not_o know_v the_o particular_a time_n when_o it_o be_v first_o wrought_v in_o they_o use_v 1_o use_v 1._o see_v the_o reason_n why_o many_o good_a christian_n which_o excel_v in_o grace_n be_v despise_v and_o mean_o account_v of_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v because_o the_o world_n see_v not_o what_o be_v in_o they_o carnal_a man_n have_v not_o eye_n to_o discern_v those_o excellent_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v secret_o wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o good_a christian_n therefore_o they_o think_v mean_o and_o base_o of_o they_o oftentimes_o whereas_o if_o they_o do_v but_o see_v and_o know_v the_o excellent_a spiritual_a grace_n of_o faith_n humility_n meekness_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o the_o wonderful_a manner_n how_o they_o be_v wrought_v they_o will_v admire_v and_o reverence_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a person_n on_o the_o earth_n use_v 2_o use_v 2._o see_v also_o one_o reason_n why_o carnal_a man_n wonder_v and_o think_v so_o strange_a of_o it_o that_o god_n child_n differ_v so_o much_o from_o they_o in_o outward_a conversation_n and_o will_v not_o do_v as_o they_o do_v and_o as_o the_o common_a sort_n do_v in_o follow_v sinful_a course_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 4._o they_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o you_o run_v not_o with_o they_o to_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n speak_v evil_a of_o you_o etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o neither_o see_v nor_o know_v the_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v secret_o wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n whereby_o he_o have_v so_o alter_v and_o change_v they_o that_o they_o can_v do_v as_o the_o common_a sort_n do_v nor_o follow_v the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n as_o they_o do_v before_o their_o effectual_a call_v use_v 3_o use_v 3_o this_o serve_v to_o comfort_n and_o stay_v the_o mind_n of_o such_o who_o be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o they_o have_v no_o soundness_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o because_o they_o can_v remember_v or_o set_v down_o the_o particular_a time_n when_o it_o be_v first_o wrought_v in_o they_o neither_o can_v they_o sensible_o and_o plain_o discern_v the_o manner_n of_o work_v it_o at_o that_o time_n such_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v secret_a and_o hide_a and_o that_o the_o spring_v up_o of_o it_o in_o the_o heart_n be_v like_o the_o spring_a up_o of_o grass_n or_o corn_n in_o the_o ground_n which_o though_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v spring_v yet_o can_v we_o not_o know_v the_o very_a time_n when_o it_o begin_v first_o to_o spring_n quest_n quest_n how_o can_v grace_n be_v true_o wrought_v and_o yet_o not_o feel_v and_o discernible_a at_o the_o time_n of_o work_v it_o answ_n answ_n it_o be_v feel_v in_o some_o measure_n but_o that_o feel_n at_o the_o first_o be_v so_o small_a and_o weak_a usual_o that_o it_o be_v not_o perceive_v plain_o nor_o take_v notice_n of_o use_v 4_o use_v 4._o to_o comfort_v such_o as_o can_v always_o sensible_o feel_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o it_o in_o themselves_o etc._n etc._n so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v here_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o lord_n work_v of_o grace_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o thing_n namely_o that_o grace_n be_v wrought_v by_o degree_n in_o tract_n of_o time_n and_o not_o all_o at_o once_o which_o be_v employ_v verse_n 28._o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o first_o the_o blade_n than_o the_o ear_n and_o then_o full_a corn_n in_o the_o ear_n but_o of_o this_o we_o shall_v have_v more_o fit_a occasion_n to_o speak_v in_o handle_v the_o next_o parable_n touch_v the_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n etc._n etc._n hitherto_o then_o of_o the_o three_o principal_a matter_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o parable_n viz._n the_o manner_n how_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o man_n by_o the_o word_n preach_v now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o four_o and_o last_o point_n which_o be_v the_o issue_n or_o consequent_a that_o follow_v after_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v thus_o in_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n namely_o this_o that_o the_o fruit_n or_o grace_n be_v grow_v up_o in_o they_o unto_o ripeness_n that_o be_v unto_o that_o due_a measure_n which_o god_n see_v fit_a for_o his_o child_n to_o attain_v to_o in_o thiâ—_n life_n than_o the_o time_n of_o the_o lord_n harvest_n be_v come_v which_o be_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n the_o lord_n reap_v and_o gather_v this_o fruit_n into_o his_o barn_n that_o be_v he_o take_v his_o elect_n in_o who_o this_o fruit_n of_o grace_n be_v bring_v forth_o out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o eternal_a life_n in_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n this_o be_v employ_v verse_n 29._o when_v our_o saviour_n say_v when_o the_o fruit_n be_v bring_v forth_o immediate_o he_o put_v in_o the_o sickle_n because_o the_o harvest_n be_v come_v when_o the_o fruit_n be_v bring_v forth_o that_o be_v when_o it_o be_v come_v unto_o due_a ripeness_n so_o as_o it_o be_v ready_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v reap_v he_o put_v in_o the_o sickle_n that_o be_v the_o husbandman_n reap_v the_o fruit_n and_o by_o this_o reap_v be_v further_a employ_v the_o gather_n of_o the_o fruit_n into_o the_o barn_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o reap_v now_o by_o the_o husbandman_n we_o be_v here_o to_o understand_v the_o lord_n himself_o who_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v to_o reap_v and_o gather_v his_o elect_n into_o his_o barn_n that_o be_v into_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n after_o this_o life_n object_n object_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o parable_n by_o this_o husbandman_n sow_v seed_n be_v mean_v the_o minister_n etc._n etc._n answ_n answ_n not_o they_o only_a but_o the_o lord_n himself_o also_o who_o minister_n they_o be_v observe_v 1_o observe_v 1._o here_o first_o we_o learn_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o happy_a end_n and_o issue_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o god_n elect_a in_o this_o life_n namely_o this_o that_o all_o those_o in_o who_o this_o work_n of_o save_a grace_n be_v wrought_v shall_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v those_o in_o who_o the_o fruit_n of_o grace_n be_v bring_v forth_o and_o grow_v up_o to_o ripeness_n shall_v at_o length_n in_o due_a time_n be_v reap_v of_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o gather_v into_o his_o barn_n that_o be_v they_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o hence_o by_o death_n or_o by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o god_n heavenly_a kingdom_n act._n 26._o 18._o paul_n be_v send_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o his_o preach_n their_o eye_n be_v open_v and_o they_o be_v turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n may_v at_o length_n receive_v inheritance_n among_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o place_n it_o be_v plain_o employ_v that_o those_o in_o who_o the_o word_n preach_v have_v be_v effectual_a in_o this_o life_n to_o work_v grace_n they_o shall_v after_o this_o life_n end_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o this_o purpose_n may_v that_o be_v apply_v 1_o pet._n 1._o 9_o where_o the_o faithful_a be_v say_v to_o receive_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n as_o the_o end_n of_o their_o faith_n those_o in_o who_o the_o grace_n of_o true_a faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o this_o life_n shall_v after_o this_o life_n be_v partaker_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o the_o fruit_n and_o end_n of_o their_o faith_n use_v 1_o use_v 1._o this_o be_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o all_o those_o who_o feel_v the_o work_n of_o true_a and_o save_a grace_n wrought_v in_o themselves_o in_o this_o life_n they_o may_v hence_o conclude_v certain_o that_o they_o shall_v also_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v psal_n 84._o 11._o the_o lord_n will_v
etc._n hereby_o our_o saviour_n impli_v that_o after_o they_o have_v see_v this_o transfiguration_n they_o shall_v taste_v of_o death_n in_o the_o time_n appoint_v of_o god_n this_o he_o presuppose_v whence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o even_o the_o faithful_a saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v subject_a to_o bodily_a death_n and_o shall_v at_o length_n in_o their_o due_a time_n taste_v and_o have_v experience_n of_o it_o as_o they_o can_v by_o before_o the_o time_n appoint_v of_o god_n so_o when_o that_o time_n come_v they_o must_v and_o shall_v certain_o taste_v of_o death_n this_o be_v true_a of_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o faithful_a even_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o excellent_a christ_n own_o disciple_n yea_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o chief_a of_o they_o for_o grace_n as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n who_o be_v here_o particular_o mean_v must_v at_o length_n come_v unto_o death_n joh._n 21._o 19_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v peter_n of_o his_o death_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 14._o he_o prophecy_v of_o his_o own_o death_n short_o i_o must_v put_v off_o this_o my_o tabernacle_n even_o as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v show_v i_o touch_v the_o death_n of_o james_n we_o read_v act_n 12._o 2._o that_o herod_n put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o touch_v john_n although_o some_o have_v erroneous_o imagine_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v at_o all_o but_o remain_v alive_a till_o christ_n second_o come_v ground_v this_o their_o error_n upon_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n joh._n 21._o 22._o yet_o that_o the_o contrary_n be_v true_a may_v appear_v not_o only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o john_n himself_o ver_fw-la 23._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n and_o by_o our_o saviour_n word_n in_o this_o place_n but_o also_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o sundry_a ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o report_n that_o he_o die_v and_o be_v bury_v at_o ephesus_n about_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n now_o as_o it_o be_v true_a of_o these_o three_o disciple_n of_o christ_n here_o speak_v of_o that_o in_o their_o due_a time_n they_o taste_v of_o death_n so_o be_v it_o also_o true_a of_o the_o rest_n of_o christ_n disciple_n and_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n mention_v in_o scripture_n that_o as_o they_o live_v unto_o the_o time_n appoint_v of_o god_n so_o when_o that_o time_n be_v come_v they_o die_v or_o taste_v of_o death_n so_o all_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n prophet_n religious_a king_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n live_v and_o dye_v etc._n etc._n so_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n esay_n 57_o 1._o the_o righteous_a perish_v and_o merciful_a man_n be_v take_v away_o etc._n etc._n viz._n by_o death_n they_o be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o earth_n reas_n 1_o reas_n 1._o bodily_a death_n be_v the_o common_a condition_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o all_o man_n to_o pass_v through_o hebr._n 9_o 27._o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n that_o be_v unto_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v therefore_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o other_o job_n 30._o 23._o i_o know_v that_o thou_o will_v bring_v i_o to_o death_n and_o to_o the_o house_n appoint_v for_o all_o live_n reas_n 2_o reas_n 2._o the_o saint_n of_o god_n be_v taint_v with_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o other_o therefore_o they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v liable_a to_o death_n as_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n rom._n 5._o 12._o death_n pass_v upon_o all_o man_n for_o that_o all_o have_v sin_v object_n 1_o object_n 1._o joh._n 8._o 51._o if_o a_o man_n keep_v my_o say_n he_o shall_v never_o see_v death_n answ_n answ_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o eternal_a death_n not_o of_o temporal_a object_n 2_o object_n 2._o henoch_n and_o eliah_n die_v not_o but_o be_v take_v away_o from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n extraordinary_o hebr._n 11._o 5._o henoch_n be_v translate_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n eliah_n take_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o a_o fiery_a chariot_n etc._n etc._n 2_o king_n 2._o 11._o answ_n answ_n these_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o special_a example_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n for_o special_a cause_n do_v vouchsafe_v this_o privilege_n which_o therefore_o make_v nothing_o against_o the_o general_a and_o ordinary_a course_n which_o god_n do_v take_v with_o all_o other_o his_o saint_n viz._n to_o bring_v they_o unto_o death_n and_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o taste_v of_o it_o every_o one_o in_o their_o time_n object_n 3_o object_n 3._o 1_o cor._n 15._o 51._o we_o shall_v not_o all_o sleep_n but_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v change_v answ_n answ_n that_o change_n of_o the_o saint_n find_v alive_a at_o christ_n second_o come_v shall_v be_v in_o stead_n of_o death_n unto_o they_o quest_n quest_n why_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n abolish_v temporal_a death_n as_o well_o as_o eternal_a unto_o his_o saint_n and_o whole_o free_v they_o from_o the_o former_a as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o latter_a see_v he_o have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v answ_n answ_n the_o lord_n will_v have_v temporal_a death_n to_o remain_v and_o that_o his_o saint_n and_o child_n shall_v taste_v of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o other_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o that_o they_o may_v be_v conformable_a to_o christ_n their_o head_n who_o first_o taste_v of_o death_n and_o so_o be_v crown_v with_o glory_n hebr._n 2._o 9_o 2._o to_o humble_v they_o the_o more_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o meritorious_a and_o procure_a cause_n of_o death_n in_o they_o 3._o the_o lord_n have_v think_v it_o fit_a that_o as_o sin_n bring_v death_n into_o the_o world_n so_o death_n shall_v carry_v sin_n out_o of_o the_o world_n that_o his_o saint_n shall_v be_v free_v from_o all_o remnant_n of_o sinful_a corruption_n by_o mean_n of_o death_n use_v 1_o use_v 1._o for_o admonition_n to_o the_o saint_n and_o faithful_a as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o make_v account_n of_o death_n and_o to_o prepare_v and_o fit_v themselves_o to_o undergo_v and_o taste_v of_o it_o make_v a_o virtue_n of_o necessity_n see_v they_o must_v die_v therefore_o daily_o prepare_v to_o do_v this_o great_a and_o last_o work_n of_o a_o christian_a job_n 14._o 14._o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o appoint_a time_n will_v i_o wait_v till_o my_o change_n come_v object_n object_n the_o saint_n and_o faithful_n can_v but_o be_v fit_a and_o well_o prepare_v for_o death_n therefore_o this_o admonition_n be_v needless_a etc._n etc._n answ_n answ_n there_o be_v degree_n of_o fitness_n and_o preparedness_n for_o death_n and_o though_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n prepare_v for_o it_o yet_o because_o this_o their_o preparation_n be_v mingle_v with_o much_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n therefore_o they_o have_v need_v daily_o to_o fit_v and_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o death_n in_o a_o far_a degree_n and_o measure_n quest_n quest_n how_o be_v this_o to_o be_v do_v answ_n answ_n 1._o by_o frequent_a and_o often_o meditation_n of_o death_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o by_o god_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n deut._n 32._o 29._o oh_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o latter_a end_n this_o be_v call_v number_v of_o our_o day_n psal_n 90._o 12._o so_o teach_v we_o to_o number_v our_o day_n etc._n etc._n make_v death_n present_a to_o we_o by_o meditation_n before_o it_o come_v 2._o by_o often_o meditation_n of_o those_o ground_n of_o comfort_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n afford_v to_o the_o saint_n against_o death_n as_o 1._o the_o death_n of_o christ_n whereby_o he_o have_v satisfy_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o take_v away_o the_o sting_n and_o curse_v of_o their_o death_n so_o as_o now_o it_o be_v not_o hurtful_a to_o they_o nor_o to_o be_v fear_v at_o all_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 55._o o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n &_o c_o 2._o the_o bless_a estate_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o saint_n immediate_o after_o death_n rest_v from_o their_o labour_n etc._n etc._n rev._n 14._o 13._o their_o soul_n carry_v by_o the_o angel_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n etc._n etc._n 3._o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n which_o we_o hope_v and_o certain_o look_v for_o at_o the_o last_o day_n etc._n etc._n 3._o by_o daily_o renew_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o assure_v of_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v die_v in_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n use_v 2_o use_v 2._o a_o motive_n to_o we_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v and_o to_o encourage_v we_o thereunto_o whensoever_o the_o lord_n shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o see_v death_n be_v such_o a_o condition_n and_o
desire_v he_o to_o touch_v they_o or_o put_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o ancient_a custom_n and_o manner_n of_o blessing_n child_n or_o of_o pray_v for_o they_o viz._n to_o do_v it_o with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n for_o parent_n to_o desire_n and_o seek_v to_o have_v their_o child_n in_o this_o manner_n bless_v by_o such_o person_n as_o be_v their_o ancestor_n in_o year_n and_o by_o such_o as_o be_v of_o eminent_a gift_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n thus_o gen._n 48._o 12._o joseph_n bring_v his_o two_o son_n ephraim_n and_o manasseh_n to_o be_v bless_v by_o jacob_n his_o father_n in_o time_n of_o his_o sickness_n quest_n quest_n what_o move_v the_o parent_n of_o these_o child_n thus_o to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o desire_v that_o he_o shall_v put_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o answ_n answ_n no_o doubt_n but_o they_o be_v hereunto_o move_v by_o the_o good_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n they_o have_v of_o his_o persuasion_n they_o have_v of_o his_o person_n that_o he_o be_v both_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o do_v their_o child_n much_o good_a by_o his_o pray_v for_o they_o in_o this_o manner_n for_o they_o have_v see_v or_o hear_v at_o least_o that_o he_o have_v former_o do_v so_o much_o good_a to_o such_o as_o be_v of_o year_n they_o hope_v he_o will_v be_v no_o less_o forward_o to_o do_v good_a also_o to_o infant_n and_o young_a child_n and_o see_v he_o be_v so_o able_a and_o ready_a to_o cure_v the_o disease_a by_o touch_v they_o and_o to_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o his_o word_n speak_v they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o he_o be_v no_o less_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o do_v good_a alâ—o_o to_o the_o whole_a and_o sound_a by_o his_o prayer_n and_o lay_v hand_n upon_o they_o thereby_o to_o preserve_v they_o from_o bodily_a disease_n and_o from_o satan_n power_n as_o also_o to_o obtain_v for_o they_o all_o needful_a blessing_n both_o bodily_a and_o spiritual_a as_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n god_n favour_n etc._n etc._n observe_v 1_o observe_v 1._o the_o practice_n of_o these_o in_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v bless_v of_o he_o be_v commendable_a and_o shall_v teach_v all_o christian_a parent_n to_o be_v careful_a of_o the_o good_a of_o their_o child_n to_o procure_v and_o seek_v it_o by_o all_o mean_n especial_o their_o spiritual_a good_a that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n they_o have_v not_o only_a charge_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n but_o of_o their_o child_n and_o so_o must_v take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o thus_o they_o be_v to_o do_v by_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o further_a the_o spiritual_a good_a and_o salvation_n of_o their_o child_n especial_o by_o be_v careful_a to_o bring_v and_o present_v their_o child_n unto_o christ_n as_o these_o parent_n do_v to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v bless_v of_o he_o especial_o with_o spiritual_a blessing_n as_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n and_o eternal_a life_n etc._n etc._n quest_n quest_n but_o how_o can_v parent_n now_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v bless_v of_o he_o see_v he_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o they_o on_o earth_n answ_n answ_n 1._o though_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n according_a to_o his_o humane_a nature_n yet_o as_o god_n he_o be_v still_o on_o earth_n and_o present_a with_o his_o church_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o good_a of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28._o ult_n 2._o christian_n parent_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o christ_n be_v now_o in_o heaven_n sundry_a way_n as_o 1._o by_o labour_v to_o get_v true_a faith_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o so_o their_o child_n be_v within_o god_n covenant_n may_v have_v part_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o his_o death_n they_o must_v first_o see_v that_o themselves_o be_v true_o bring_v unto_o christ_n before_o they_o can_v be_v fit_a to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o he_o 2._o by_o be_v careful_a to_o desire_v and_o seek_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n for_o they_o whereby_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o their_o first_o plant_v or_o engraff_n into_o christ_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n be_v signify_v and_o seal_v rom._n 6._o 5._o therefore_o parent_n be_v to_o desire_v this_o sacrament_n for_o their_o child_n so_o soon_o as_o may_v be_v convenient_o after_o they_o be_v bear_v i_o say_v so_o soon_o as_o may_v be_v convenient_o that_o be_v so_o soon_o as_o the_o congregation_n shall_v public_o meet_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o other_o public_a duty_n of_o god_n worship_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v do_v in_o most_o decent_a and_o orderly_a manner_n 3._o by_o often_o and_o earnest_a prayer_n unto_o god_n for_o their_o child_n that_o they_o may_v be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_v by_o grace_n and_o so_o become_v god_n adopt_a child_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n jesus_n and_o consequent_o fellow-he_a be_v of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n 4._o by_o godly_a and_o religious_a education_n of_o they_o bring_v they_o up_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n ephes_n 6._o 4._o be_v careful_a from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n by_o he_o give_v they_o good_a counsel_n and_o exhortation_n and_o go_v before_o they_o by_o holy_a example_n of_o life_n use_v all_o mean_n to_o further_a the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o etc._n etc._n use_v 1_o use_v 1._o for_o reproof_n of_o all_o such_o parent_n as_o be_v negligent_a or_o careless_a this_o way_n in_o procure_v and_o see_v the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o their_o child_n and_o in_o bring_v they_o unto_o christ_n to_o be_v bless_v of_o he_o with_o spiritual_a blessing_n many_o have_v no_o care_n to_o bring_v themselves_o to_o christ_n or_o to_o come_v to_o he_o true_o by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o that_o so_o their_o child_n may_v be_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o partaker_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o many_o do_v neglect_v pray_v for_o their_o child_n or_o if_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v but_o formal_o or_o now_o and_o then_o not_o feel_o earnest_o or_o constant_o some_o also_o will_v pray_v for_o temporal_a blessing_n to_o be_v bestow_v on_o their_o child_n but_o not_o so_o often_o or_o earnest_o for_o spiritual_a as_o for_o christian_a education_n of_o their_o child_n how_o much_o be_v it_o neglect_v how_o few_o parent_n be_v careful_a thus_o to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o christ_n by_o religious_a education_n by_o christian_a instruction_n of_o they_o by_o christian_a exhortation_n good_a example_n etc._n etc._n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o many_o do_v whole_o neglect_v these_o duty_n suffer_v their_o child_n to_o live_v in_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n of_o life_n void_a of_o all_o grace_n and_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n more_o careful_a of_o their_o cattle_n then_o of_o their_o child_n so_o parent_n be_v so_o far_o from_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o christ_n by_o religious_a education_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o rather_o keep_v they_o from_o christ_n or_o drive_v they_o away_o from_o he_o and_o drive_v they_o unto_o the_o devil_n so_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o they_o by_o teach_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o sin_n as_o to_o lie_v swear_v break_v the_o sabbath_n by_o run_v after_o vain_a sport_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o give_v they_o ill_a example_n how_o much_o have_v such_o to_o answer_v to_o god_n etc._n etc._n vide_fw-la chrysost_n tom_fw-mi 6._o orat_fw-la 16._o ad_fw-la patrem_fw-la fidelem_fw-la use_v 2_o use_v 2._o for_o exhortation_n to_o stir_v up_o all_o parent_n to_o be_v careful_a of_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o their_o child_n especial_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o christ_n etc._n etc._n labour_v first_o to_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v within_o god_n covenant_n then_o seek_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n in_o due_a time_n for_o their_o child_n after_o they_o be_v bear_v also_o to_o commend_v they_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n yea_o daily_a etc._n etc._n and_o by_o religious_a education_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o christ_n by_o christian_a instruction_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o ground_n of_o religion_n also_o by_o christian_a admonition_n exhortation_n counsel_n stir_v they_o up_o to_o holy_a and_o religious_a duty_n labour_v not_o only_a to_o inform_v their_o mind_n but_o to_o work_v it_o upon_o their_o heart_n and_o affection_n etc._n etc._n deut._n 6._o 7._o and_o to_o do_v all_o this_o betimes_o unto_o their_o child_n even_o while_o they_o be_v young_a that_o
and_o weakness_n of_o thy_o faith_n that_o this_o may_v cause_v thou_o to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o more_o faith_n and_o to_o desire_v the_o sacrament_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o confirm_v thy_o faith_n mark_v 11._o 23._o for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v say_v unto_o this_o mountain_n be_v thou_o remove_v and_o be_v 1630._o mar._n 28._o 1630._o thou_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o shall_v not_o doubt_v in_o his_o heart_n but_o shall_v believe_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v shall_v come_v to_o pass_v he_o shall_v have_v whatsoever_o he_o say_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n our_o saviour_n exhort_v his_o disciple_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n in_o put_v their_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o they_o desire_v and_o be_v necessary_a and_o expedient_a for_o they_o now_o in_o this_o 23th_o verse_n be_v lay_v down_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n by_o which_o our_o saviour_n enforce_v that_o exhortation_n the_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n or_o excellent_a effect_n which_o it_o have_v in_o true_a believer_n in_o that_o it_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v great_a and_o wonderful_a matter_n even_o work_v above_o and_o beyond_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v lay_v down_o by_o way_n of_o a_o promise_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o make_v to_o his_o disciple_n or_o apostle_n principal_o and_o in_o some_o sort_n to_o all_o believer_n that_o if_o they_o can_v by_o true_a faith_n believe_v and_o rest_v upon_o god_n as_o he_o before_o exhort_v they_o they_o shall_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v enable_v to_o do_v great_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n even_o as_o great_a and_o great_a than_o that_o miracle_n of_o he_o in_o curse_v the_o figtree_n which_o they_o so_o much_o admire_v consider_v 1._o the_o manner_n of_o our_o saviour_n propound_v this_o promise_n with_o a_o vehement_a asseveration_n which_o he_o often_o use_v in_o like_a case_n of_o weight_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o 2._o the_o promise_n itself_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v whosoever_o shall_v say_v unto_o this_o mountain_n etc._n etc._n first_o to_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n whosoever_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v principal_o of_o the_o disciple_n or_o apostle_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v these_o word_n q._n d._n whosoever_o among_o you_o my_o disciple_n etc._n etc._n so_o matth._n 21._o 21._o if_o you_o have_v faith_n and_o doubt_v not_o etc._n etc._n yet_o so_o as_o withal_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o other_o true_a believer_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v shall_v say_v to_o this_o mountain_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o our_o saviour_n in_o utter_v these_o word_n do_v direct_o point_v at_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n which_o be_v now_o so_o near_o at_o hand_n be_v in_o the_o way_n from_o bethany_n to_o jerusalem_n where_o now_o they_o be_v go_v be_v thou_o remove_v and_o be_v thou_o cast_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v literal_o or_o in_o proper_a sense_n as_o if_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v his_o disciple_n or_o other_o believer_n to_o go_v about_o to_o remove_v mountain_n indeed_o by_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o bid_v they_o to_o remove_v etc._n etc._n for_o then_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v do_v this_o one_o time_n or_o other_o which_o we_o never_o read_v that_o they_o do_v but_o it_o be_v a_o figurative_a speech_n whereby_o be_v signify_v the_o enterprise_v or_o take_v in_o hand_n to_o do_v any_o great_a or_o difficult_a work_n above_z and_z beyond_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n which_o may_v seem_v as_o hard_o to_o do_v as_o the_o remove_n of_o a_o mountain_n with_o one_o word_n speak_v note_v further_o that_o our_o saviour_n here_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o shall_v rash_o of_o their_o own_o head_n and_o without_o a_o due_a call_n from_o god_n go_v about_o such_o a_o difficult_a or_o miraculous_a work_n but_o of_o such_o as_o shall_v by_o a_o lawful_a call_n and_o warrant_n from_o god_n undertake_v such_o a_o great_a and_o difficult_a work_n and_o shall_v not_o doubt_v in_o his_o heart_n this_n be_v not_o simple_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o kind_n or_o degree_n of_o doubt_v or_o unbelief_n for_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o doubt_v which_o may_v stand_v with_o true_a faith_n but_o of_o such_o doubt_v as_o be_v yield_v unto_o and_o not_o resist_v but_o suffer_v to_o prevail_v against_o faith_n not_o such_o doubt_v as_o impli_v weakness_n of_o faith_n but_o such_o as_o impli_v a_o total_a want_n of_o faith_n our_o saviour_n do_v not_o oppose_v it_o against_o strength_n of_o faith_n but_o against_o faith_n itself_o simple_o shall_v not_o doubt_v but_o shall_v believe_v etc._n etc._n q._n d._n if_o he_o shall_v true_o and_o indeed_o believe_v that_o be_v rest_n and_o be_v persuade_v by_o faith_n that_o the_o work_n or_o action_n which_o he_o undertake_v shall_v be_v effect_v quest_n quest_n of_o what_o faith_n do_v our_o saviour_n here_o speak_v whether_o of_o that_o which_o divine_n call_v the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o the_o apostle_n and_o some_o other_o believer_n in_o those_o time_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o belief_n of_o god_n power_n and_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o miraculous_a work_n above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n or_o whether_o he_o speak_v of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o believer_n whereby_o they_o shall_v believe_v in_o god_n and_o rest_n on_o he_o for_o the_o enable_v of_o they_o to_o do_v great_a and_o difficult_a work_n above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n answ_n answ_n he_o seem_v to_o speak_v most_o proper_o and_o principal_o of_o the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o some_o other_o of_o those_o time_n this_o may_v appear_v 1._o by_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v the_o disciple_n admire_v of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o the_o day_n before_o in_o curse_v the_o figtree_n and_o cause_v it_o so_o sudden_o to_o wither_v whereupon_o he_o show_v they_o that_o if_o they_o can_v by_o faith_n depend_v upon_o god_n they_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v as_o great_a and_o great_a miracle_n 2._o by_o the_o manner_n of_o speak_v use_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 21._o 21._o where_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o if_o they_o have_v faith_n and_o doubt_v not_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v do_v to_o the_o figtree_n but_o also_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o mountain_n be_v thou_o remove_v etc._n etc._n 3._o by_o compare_v this_o place_n with_o matth._n 17._o 20._o where_o our_o saviour_n use_v the_o like_a speech_n in_o like_a case_n viz._n in_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o cast_v out_o devil_n which_o be_v a_o miraculous_a work_n yet_o withal_o it_o seem_v that_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v only_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o some_o other_o believer_n in_o those_o time_n but_o to_o be_v extend_v in_o general_a to_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o believer_n reason_n reason_n 1._o because_o the_o word_n go_v before_o do_v run_v so_o general_o whosoever_o shall_v say_v to_o this_o mountain_n etc._n etc._n 2._o because_o it_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n here_o to_o stir_v up_o his_o disciple_n to_o labour_n for_o a_o further_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o be_v already_o endue_v with_o now_o they_o be_v not_o only_o endue_v with_o that_o special_a faith_n of_o miracle_n but_o also_o with_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o all_o other_o believer_n 3._o this_o sense_n agree_v well_o with_o the_o verse_n follow_v where_o our_o saviour_n speak_v plain_o of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o believer_n which_o do_v show_v itself_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n he_o shall_v have_v whatsoevor_n he_o say_v that_o be_v by_o mean_n of_o this_o faith_n he_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o effect_v that_o which_o he_o undertake_v though_o never_o so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a be_v above_o and_o beyond_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n not_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v this_o power_n of_o himself_o but_o from_o god_n upon_o who_o he_o shall_v rest_v and_o rely_v by_o faith_n the_o word_n be_v thus_o explain_v consider_v in_o they_o two_o thing_n 1._o what_o our_o saviour_n promise_v here_o to_o his_o apostle_n and_o other_o true_a believer_n viz._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v enable_v or_o have_v power_n to_o do_v thing_n most_o hard_a
of_o god_n work_v not_o alike_o measure_v of_o grace_n in_o all_o that_o be_v good_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o in_o some_o a_o great_a in_o some_o a_o less_o measure_n of_o grace_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 4._o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n now_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o make_v the_o word_n fruitful_a in_o all_o good_a hearer_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o fruit_n in_o they_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o they_o by_o that_o spirit_n reas_n 2_o reas_n 2._o all_o good_a hearer_n have_v not_o like_a help_n and_o mean_n of_o profit_v by_o the_o word_n and_o of_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o it_o but_o some_o more_o some_o less_o some_o have_v better_a help_n of_o nature_n as_o quick_a capacity_n strong_a memory_n etc._n etc._n then_o other_o have_v some_o have_v help_v of_o learning_n which_o other_o want_v and_o some_o have_v the_o word_n more_o often_o and_o more_o profitable_o preach_v to_o they_o than_o other_o some_o also_o have_v better_a private_a help_n by_o private_a instruction_n reading_n and_o conference_n than_o other_o have_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o even_o among_o good_a hearer_n some_o bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n than_o other_o according_a to_o the_o different_a mean_n and_o help_n which_o they_o have_v to_o make_v they_o fruitful_a reas_n 3_o reason_n 3._o even_o among_o good_a hearer_n there_o be_v a_o different_a measure_n of_o care_n to_o profit_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o the_o word_n this_o care_n and_o endeavour_n be_v more_o earnest_a and_o more_o constant_a in_o some_o then_o in_o other_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o be_v more_o fruitful_a than_o other_o as_o seed_v sow_v in_o good_a ground_n be_v more_o or_o less_o fruitful_a according_a to_o the_o care_n and_o pain_n of_o the_o husbandman_n in_o till_v they_o for_o a_o careful_a husbandman_n by_o good_a tillage_n will_v raise_v a_o better_a crop_n from_o a_o mean_a soil_n than_o another_o shall_v do_v from_o a_o rich_a soil_n because_o he_o use_v less_o care_n and_o pain_n in_o till_v it_o use_v 1_o use_v 1._o this_o be_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o those_o hearer_n who_o complain_v of_o the_o small_a measure_n of_o fruit_n which_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o be_v discourage_v because_o of_o the_o weak_a measure_n of_o obedience_n which_o they_o yield_v to_o the_o word_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o labour_a and_o strive_v to_o yield_v better_a obedience_n and_o more_o fruit_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n for_o such_o to_o be_v discourage_v if_o they_o remember_v this_o that_o the_o word_n be_v not_o alike_o fruitful_a in_o all_o that_o be_v good_a hearer_n neither_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v a_o like_a measure_n of_o grace_n in_o all_o there_o may_v be_v foundness_n of_o grace_n in_o thou_o though_o it_o be_v in_o weak_a measure_n and_o thou_o ma_fw-fr yeast_n be_v a_o fruitful_a and_o good_a hearer_n though_o not_o in_o such_o measure_n as_o some_o other_o be_v look_v more_o to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o thy_o obedience_n to_o the_o word_n then_o to_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o if_o there_o be_v but_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o a_o unfeigned_a heart_n true_o desirous_a and_o careful_a to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o his_o word_n it_o be_v accept_v of_o he_o though_o there_o be_v many_o fail_n and_o much_o weakness_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o obedience_n though_o thou_o can_v not_o attain_v to_o a_o hundred_o fold_n or_o sixty_o fold_n yet_o it_o be_v well_o if_o thou_o yield_v thirty_o though_o thou_o be_v not_o the_o best_a ground_n it_o be_v well_o that_o thou_o be_v good_a ground_n praise_v god_n for_o it_o and_o know_v that_o he_o reject_v thou_o not_o for_o the_o small_a measure_n of_o thy_o fruit_n if_o it_o be_v good_a and_o sound_a fruit_n as_o the_o husbandman_n do_v not_o reject_v the_o ground_n that_o yield_v but_o thirty_o fold_n or_o less_o but_o take_v even_o the_o least_o crop_n of_o good_a corn_n in_o good_a part_n and_o be_v glad_a of_o it_o so_o the_o lord_n take_v in_o good_a part_n even_o our_o small_a fruit_n of_o obedience_n if_o it_o be_v sound_a and_o sincere_a see_v joh._n 15._o 2._o use_v 2_o use_v 2._o to_o teach_v those_o that_o have_v great_a measure_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o and_o be_v able_a to_o yield_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o word_n yet_o not_o to_o despise_v such_o as_o have_v a_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n see_v god_n accept_v even_o those_o that_o bring_v forth_o but_o thirty_o fold_n and_o not_o those_o only_a that_o bring_v sixty_o or_o a_o hundred_o fold_n consider_v also_o that_o if_o thou_o be_v more_o fruitful_a than_o some_o other_o this_o be_v not_o from_o thyself_o but_o from_o god_n what_o have_v thou_o which_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v therefore_o despise_v not_o such_o as_o have_v mean_a gift_n but_o labour_v to_o cherish_v the_o small_a measure_n of_o sound_a grace_n in_o any_o quench_v not_o the_o smoke_a flax_n etc._n etc._n use_v 3_o use_v 3._o see_v there_o be_v degree_n of_o fruitfulness_n in_o good_a hearer_n let_v we_o not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o this_o that_o we_o be_v fruitful_a but_o labour_v more_o and_o more_o to_o grow_v in_o fruitfulness_n that_o be_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o word_n if_o we_o have_v bring_v forth_o thirty_o fold_n labour_v to_o bring_v forth_o sixty_o if_o sixty_o then_o labour_v to_o bring_v forth_o a_o hundred_o fold_n though_o all_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o fruitfulness_n yet_o all_o must_v aim_v at_o it_o and_o strive_v after_o it_o not_o rest_v in_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o obedience_n which_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v to_o but_o labour_v to_o grow_v therein_o especial_o such_o as_o have_v most_o help_n and_o plentiful_a mean_n of_o grow_v they_o must_v look_v that_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o obedience_n be_v answerable_a to_o the_o mean_n they_o have_v for_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v much_o of_o he_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v luke_n 12._o 48._o now_o the_o more_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o labour_n to_o grow_v in_o fruitfulness_n consider_v what_o our_o saviour_n say_v joh._n 15._o 8._o herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n where_o he_o use_v a_o twofold_a reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o labour_n not_o only_o to_o be_v fruitful_a but_o to_o bear_v much_o fruit_n 1._o because_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o shall_v bring_v more_o glory_n to_o god_n 2._o by_o this_o mean_n they_o shall_v approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o true_a disciple_n that_o be_v good_a scholar_n in_o his_o school_n not_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n but_o proceed_v forward_o to_o more_o and_o more_o fruitfullness_n thus_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o description_n both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n in_o this_o parable_n let_v it_o be_v our_o care_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o good_a who_o be_v true_o fruitful_a in_o obedience_n to_o the_o word_n that_o so_o we_o bring_v forth_o true_a fruit_n of_o the_o word_n in_o this_o life_n may_v after_o this_o life_n reap_v the_o everlasting_a fruit_n of_o all_o our_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o our_o obedience_n to_o it_o in_o god_n heavenly_a kingdom_n mark_v 4._o 21_o 22_o 23._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o be_v a_o candle_n bring_v to_o be_v put_v under_o a_o bushel_n or_o under_o a_o bed_n 1621._o jun._n 18._o 1621._o and_o not_o to_o be_v set_v on_o a_o candlestick_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o hide_v which_o shall_v not_o be_v manifest_v neither_o be_v any_o thing_n keep_v secret_a but_o that_o it_o shall_v come_v abroad_o if_o any_o man_n have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v hitherto_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o first_o parable_n utter_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o this_o chapter_n namely_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a in_o which_o be_v show_v the_o different_a effect_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v in_o sundry_a sort_n of_o hearer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o true_o fruitful_a in_o all_o but_o only_o in_o some_o and_o those_o the_o small_a number_n now_o follow_v a_o second_o parable_n brief_o lay_v down_o in_o these_o verse_n where_o we_o have_v these_o particular_n lay_v down_o 1._o the_o parable_n itself_o ver_fw-la 21._o 2._o a_o reason_n to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n teach_v in_o that_o parable_n ver_fw-la 22._o 3._o the_o conclusion_n or_o wind_v up_o of_o the_o parable_n ver_fw-la 23._o touch_v the_o parable_n itself_o be_v a_o candle_n bring_v &_o c_o this_o short_a parabolicall_a sentence_n