ignorant_a of_o god_n will_v his_o will_n be_v sufficient_o reveal_v in_o his_o word_n but_o we_o can_v discern_v it_o to_o be_v his_o word_n till_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n do_v inlighten_v our_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 2._o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2.13_o 1_o cor._n 2.13_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n and_o present_o after_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n but_o the_o natural_a man_n say_v he_o perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v now_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v that_o because_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n only_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o therefore_o till_o his_o spirit_n do_v work_v faith_n in_o our_o heart_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n be_v but_o vaâ—n_n and_o needless_a we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o god_n spirit_n do_v ordinary_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o godly_a by_o these_o outward_a mean_n for_o first_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o word_n invite_v we_o to_o come_v with_o the_o rest_n to_o hear_v it_o and_o while_o we_o be_v diligent_a and_o attentive_a in_o hear_v it_o god_n spirit_n do_v ordinary_o beget_v faith_n in_o our_o heart_n whereby_o we_o believe_v it_o and_o when_o faith_n have_v once_o take_v root_n in_o our_o heart_n than_o we_o be_v so_o full_o resolve_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o all_o those_o argument_n whereof_o before_o we_o make_v but_o light_a account_n be_v now_o like_o infallible_a demonstration_n unto_o we_o for_o than_o we_o see_v plain_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o we_o and_o that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o reveal_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n he_o have_v reveal_v it_o not_o where_o but_o that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n these_o reason_n will_v confirm_v we_o first_o in_o that_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n spirit_n do_v appear_v in_o every_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o savour_v of_o humane_a wisdom_n but_o every_o thing_n therein_o be_v heavenly_a and_o divine_a for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n thereof_o it_o far_o exceed_v all_o humane_a invention_n for_o who_o can_v tell_v we_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o fall_n of_o angel_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o man_n through_o the_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n these_o thing_n and_o many_o other_o which_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v do_v so_o far_o go_v beyond_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n that_o have_v not_o god_n reveal_v they_o in_o his_o word_n they_o can_v never_o have_v be_v know_v second_o if_o we_o consider_v who_o pen_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o be_v simple_a man_n and_o therefore_o of_o themselves_o not_o capable_a of_o those_o heavenly_a mystery_n which_o they_o have_v reveal_v in_o their_o write_n 22.16.18_o hos_fw-la 11.1_o zach._n 11.12.13_o psal_n 22.16.18_o they_o be_v not_o learned_a and_o yet_o they_o foresee_v thing_n to_o come_v as_o if_o they_o be_v present_a and_o foretell_v many_o thing_n which_o many_o hundred_o year_n after_o do_v come_v to_o pass_v they_o be_v not_o eloquent_a and_o yet_o more_o powerful_a in_o move_v the_o affection_n than_o tully_n demosthenes_n and_o all_o the_o rhetorician_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o they_o live_v not_o together_o but_o in_o divers_a age_n and_o several_a place_n and_o yet_o they_o agree_v so_o perfect_o without_o the_o least_o contradiction_n as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v but_o one_o mind_n among_o they_o in_o a_o word_n 4.9_o deut._n 32.51_o jonah_n 1.3.6_o jonah_n 4.9_o they_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n give_v over_o to_o sin_n but_o live_v more_o upright_o than_o the_o most_o in_o their_o time_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v register_v their_o own_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n to_o remain_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o file_n unto_o all_o posterity_n which_o have_v they_o be_v lead_v by_o humane_a wisdom_n they_o will_v never_o have_v do_v all_o which_o show_v that_o howsoever_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v here_o by_o man_n yet_o they_o be_v indict_v by_o god_n in_o heaven_n three_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v call_v the_o decalogue_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o none_o but_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o good_a either_o outward_a or_o inward_a which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v to_o god_n or_o man_n but_o it_o be_v there_o command_v nor_o any_o evil_n from_o which_o we_o be_v to_o abstain_v but_o it_o be_v there_o prohibit_v all_o which_o to_o be_v comprise_v in_o so_o few_o word_n far_o exceed_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n man_n law_n howsoever_o they_o fill_v many_o large_a volume_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o imperfect_a and_o daily_o want_v something_o to_o be_v add_v unto_o they_o which_o when_o they_o be_v make_v be_v not_o think_v upon_o sometime_o again_o they_o must_v have_v something_o detract_v that_o be_v think_v convenient_a for_o the_o time_n when_o the_o law_n be_v make_v which_o afterward_o be_v find_v to_o be_v inconvenient_a in_o regard_n that_o man_n condition_n do_v so_o often_o change_v so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o fable_n when_o the_o moon_n upon_o a_o time_n beg_v a_o new_a coat_n of_o her_o mother_n her_o mother_n reply_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v she_o a_o coat_n which_o will_v be_v fit_a for_o she_o by_o reason_n that_o her_o shape_n do_v so_o often_o alter_v as_o be_v now_o in_o the_o full_a now_o in_o the_o wane_n one_o while_o in_o one_o form_n and_o straight_o in_o another_o so_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n or_o angel_n to_o make_v law_n which_o without_o add_v or_o detract_n shall_v serve_v for_o all_o person_n and_o all_o age_n because_o their_o manner_n and_o condition_n do_v so_o often_o change_v but_o this_o law_n which_o we_o find_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a that_o it_o serve_v for_o all_o person_n in_o all_o place_n and_o all_o age_n and_o yet_o need_v nothing_o to_o be_v add_v or_o detract_v all_o other_o law_n extend_v no_o further_o then_o to_o man_n saying_n or_o do_n their_o word_n and_o their_o action_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o they_o only_o if_o they_o be_v not_o answerable_a to_o the_o law_n but_o for_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n heart_n they_o do_v not_o inflict_v any_o penalty_n upon_o they_o but_o do_v leave_v they_o free_a the_o civilian_n say_v cogitationis_fw-la paenam_fw-la in_o foro_fw-la nostro_fw-la nemo_fw-la luat_fw-la let_v no_o man_n be_v punish_v in_o our_o court_n for_o a_o thought_n but_o this_o law_n do_v search_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n not_o only_o restrain_v our_o actual_a sin_n but_o our_o sinful_a thought_n even_o our_o very_a first_o motion_n and_o inclination_n to_o sin_n though_o we_o do_v not_o yield_v our_o consent_n thereunto_o to_o put_v the_o same_o in_o execution_n 7.7_o rom._n 7.7_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 7._o that_o he_o have_v not_o know_v concupiscence_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n if_o the_o law_n have_v not_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v for_o like_a as_o the_o sunshine_n do_v make_v we_o to_o see_v the_o least_o atom_n or_o moth_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o bright_a light_n of_o the_o sun_n we_o can_v not_o discern_v so_o this_o bright_a light_n of_o the_o law_n discover_v the_o least_o and_o most_o secret_a sin_n which_o without_o this_o law_n we_o can_v not_o have_v know_v all_o other_o law_n because_o they_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o heart_n do_v require_v no_o more_o then_o outward_a obedience_n and_o judge_v well_o of_o he_o that_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n for_o his_o outward_a carriage_n but_o this_o law_n which_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v heb._n 4._o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n 1â—_n heb._n 4_o 1â—_n require_v both_o outward_a and_o inward_a obedience_n and_o judge_v not_o he_o to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n who_o frame_v himself_o outward_o to_o the_o observe_v of_o the_o law_n but_o not_o inward_o for_o as_o a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v well_o and_o in_o good_a health_n though_o his_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o
describe_v the_o good_a ground_n first_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o receive_n of_o seed_n and_o then_o of_o the_o bear_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n so_o that_o the_o first_o mean_n of_o a_o good_a ground_n be_v the_o receive_n of_o seed_n or_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v many_o profitable_a instruction_n partly_o concern_v the_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n the_o sower_n of_o this_o seed_n and_o partly_o concern_v the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n the_o ground_n that_o receive_v it_o doct._n and_o first_o for_o the_o preacher_n see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v resemble_v to_o seed_n that_o therefore_o he_o omit_v no_o fit_a opportunity_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n the_o sour_a you_o know_v when_o seedtime_n come_v he_o lay_v all_o other_o business_n whatsoever_o aside_o and_o betake_v himself_o whole_o to_o the_o sow_v of_o his_o ground_n as_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n to_o sow_v and_o a_o time_n to_o reap_v first_o to_o sow_v and_o then_o to_o reap_v and_o never_o any_o reap_v unless_o there_o have_v be_v sow_v and_o thus_o we_o must_v omit_v no_o fit_a opportunity_n of_o preach_v nay_o we_o must_v be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n expect_v no_o harvest_n where_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n have_v not_o first_o be_v sow_v the_o less_o pain_n the_o husbandman_n take_v with_o his_o ground_n and_o the_o thin_a he_o sow_n it_o the_o thin_a the_o corn_n must_v needs_o come_v up_o and_o he_o can_v but_o expect_v the_o less_o fruit_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o the_o less_o pain_n we_o take_v with_o our_o auditor_n the_o less_o we_o instruct_v they_o we_o can_v but_o expect_v the_o less_o fruit_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o morning_n say_v the_o preacher_n sow_v thy_o seed_n 6._o eccles_n iii._o 6._o and_o in_o the_o evening_n withhold_v not_o thy_o hand_n second_o see_v the_o word_n be_v resemble_v to_o seed_n that_o therefore_o we_o sow_v nothing_o but_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n the_o sour_a you_o know_v before_o he_o sow_n his_o seed_n he_o will_v first_o sift_v and_o winnow_v it_o he_o will_v cleanse_v it_o at_o home_n before_o he_o come_v into_o the_o field_n and_o he_o will_v take_v away_o the_o chaff_n and_o the_o refuse_v from_o it_o and_o thus_o before_o we_o come_v into_o the_o pulpit_n we_o must_v examine_v the_o doctrine_n that_o we_o be_v to_o deliver_v we_o must_v weigh_v and_o premeditate_v what_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v that_o nothing_o pass_v from_o we_o but_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o 23._o of_o jeremy_n the_o 28._o verse_n the_o prophet_n say_v god_n that_o have_v my_o word_n let_v he_o speak_v my_o word_n faithful_o what_o be_v the_o chaff_n to_o the_o wheat_n say_v the_o lord_n last_o see_v the_o word_n be_v resemble_v to_o seed_n it_o show_v to_o what_o end_n we_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n namely_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v it_o the_o sour_n you_o know_v when_o he_o sow_n his_o seed_n he_o propound_v no_o other_o end_n to_o himself_o but_o this_o that_o he_o may_v make_v the_o earth_n fructify_v and_o give_v she_o increase_v and_o thus_o the_o end_n of_o our_o preach_n must_v be_v the_o good_a of_o our_o auditor_n not_o to_o show_v learning_n wit_n or_o eloquence_n or_o to_o purchase_v credit_n and_o reputation_n to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o make_v they_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n therefore_o the_o sour_a to_o make_v his_o ground_n the_o more_o fruitful_a he_o first_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o ground_n and_o sow_n it_o with_o that_o seed_n which_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o every_o soil_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o every_o seed_n but_o one_o for_o barley_n another_o for_o wheat_n and_o thus_o that_o our_o preach_n may_v be_v the_o more_o profitable_a we_o must_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o hearer_n and_o consider_v what_o doctrine_n be_v fit_a for_o they_o we_o speak_v wisdom_n say_v the_o apostle_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a but_o to_o you_o say_v he_o that_o be_v babe_n in_o christ_n 2.6_o 〈◊〉_d cor._n 2.6_o i_o give_v milk_n to_o drink_v and_o not_o meat_n for_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o thus_o much_o in_o a_o word_n for_o the_o sour_a of_o this_o seed_n second_o for_o the_o ground_n that_o receive_v this_o seed_n the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n see_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o receive_n of_o seed_n therefore_o we_o be_v first_o to_o be_v fit_v and_o prepare_v before_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n the_o ground_n you_o know_v before_o it_o be_v sow_v it_o must_v be_v first_o plough_v and_o break_v up_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o receive_v the_o seed_n and_o thus_o before_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n we_o must_v break_v up_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v the_o follow_v ground_n of_o our_o heart_n 4.3_o jer._n 4.3_o otherwise_o we_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o indeed_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n be_v less_o fruitful_a in_o some_o than_o it_o be_v in_o other_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o fit_v and_o prepare_v alike_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n the_o seed_n which_o fall_v before_o by_o the_o highway_n side_n and_o the_o seed_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o stony_a ground_n as_o likewise_o the_o seed_n which_o fall_v among_o thorn_n the_o seed_n be_v all_o alike_o and_o altogether_o as_o good_a as_o the_o seed_n which_o fall_v here_o into_o good_a ground_n and_o the_o sower_n be_v the_o same_o that_o sow_v the_o seed_n yet_o in_o the_o one_o it_o become_v fruitful_a &_o in_o none_o of_o the_o other_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n no_o difference_n in_o the_o sour_a no_o difference_n in_o the_o seed_n but_o only_o in_o the_o ground_n the_o ground_n be_v not_o fit_v and_o dispose_v alike_o to_o receive_v the_o seed_n and_o thus_o where_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n be_v sow_o though_o the_o preacher_n and_o doctrine_n be_v both_o the_o same_o yet_o it_o be_v fruitful_a in_o one_o and_o not_o in_o another_o and_o not_o by_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o word_n or_o he_o that_o deliver_v it_o but_o by_o default_n of_o the_o hearer_n as_o be_v not_o fit_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n therefore_o when_o the_o people_n be_v to_o hear_v the_o law_n god_n command_v moses_n exod._n 19_o to_o sanctify_v the_o people_n three_o day_n before_o 19.10.11_o exod._n 19.10.11_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o prepare_v to_o hear_v it_o if_o we_o have_v but_o a_o field_n or_o piece_n of_o ground_n of_o our_o own_o to_o be_v sow_v with_o seed_n we_o will_v first_o trim_a and_o dress_v it_o we_o will_v pick_v out_o the_o stone_n and_o root_v up_o the_o weed_n before_o we_o sow_v any_o seed_n in_o it_o so_o careful_a we_o be_v that_o our_o seed_n be_v not_o lose_v how_o careful_a belove_v then_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v that_o god_n seed_n be_v not_o lose_v and_o therefore_o not_o to_o harden_v our_o heart_n if_o we_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n but_o to_o come_v with_o prepare_v and_o sanctify_a affection_n 95.7.8_o psal_n 95.7.8_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o fit_a to_o receive_v his_o word_n second_o see_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o receive_n of_o seed_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o be_v diligent_a in_o hear_v the_o word_n seed_n though_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v the_o earth_n fructify_v yet_o it_o have_v not_o this_o virtue_n unless_o it_o be_v sow_v and_o the_o earth_n receive_v it_o while_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o barn_n or_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o our_o garner_n it_o yield_v no_o increase_n and_o have_v not_o any_o power_n to_o make_v the_o earth_n fruitful_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v likewise_o with_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n though_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o fruitful_a in_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o this_o virtue_n before_o it_o be_v hear_v &_o receive_v of_o we_o while_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o house_n or_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o our_o library_n it_o have_v no_o such_o effect_n but_o by_o hear_v thereof_o it_o become_v fruitful_a in_o we_o for_o the_o word_n must_v first_o take_v root_n in_o the_o heart_n before_o it_o can_v ftuctifie_v it_o can_v come_v into_o the_o heart_n but_o by_o the_o ear_n the_o ear_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o door_n where_o the_o word_n must_v enter_v therefore_o when_o moses_n deut._n 5._o be_v to_o repeat_v the_o law_n unto_o the_o people_n to_o show_v they_o how_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o law_n he_o begin_v the_o same_o with_o hear_n o_o israel_n and_o therefore_o when_o solomon_n will_v teach_v we_o wisdom_n and_o
understanding_n 5.1_o deut._n 5.1_o he_o first_o knock_v as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o door_n where_o wisdom_n must_v enter_v â—8_o prov._n 1_o â—8_o and_o cry_n harken_v my_o son_n the_o king_n daughter_n 10.13_o psal_n â—45_n 10.13_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n before_o she_o become_v all_o glorious_a within_o must_v first_o hearken_v and_o consider_v and_o incline_v her_o ear_n and_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n fold_n 10.4_o john_n 10.4_o must_v first_o hear_v his_o voice_n before_o they_o can_v follow_v he_o if_o either_o with_o the_o adder_n we_o stop_v our_o ear_n and_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o charmer_n 58.4.5_o psal_n 58.4.5_o or_o fall_v asleep_a with_o eutichus_n 20.9_o act_n 20.9_o when_o we_o be_v come_v into_o the_o church_n or_o be_v busy_v with_o martha_n about_o other_o matter_n 10.4_o luke_n 10.4_o no_o marvel_n though_o the_o word_n be_v not_o fruitful_a in_o we_o for_o as_o the_o ground_n can_v fructify_v without_o the_o receive_n of_o seed_n no_o more_o can_v we_o without_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n last_o see_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o receive_n of_o seed_n it_o show_v we_o from_o whence_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n become_v fruitful_a in_o we_o not_o from_o any_o virtue_n that_o we_o have_v in_o ourselves_o but_o from_o god_n blessing_n as_o the_o ground_n which_o be_v sow_v can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n but_o by_o the_o influence_n and_o virtue_n which_o it_o receive_v from_o heaven_n the_o ground_n you_o know_v when_o it_o have_v be_v sow_v with_o seed_n must_v have_v the_o rain_n from_o heaven_n to_o moisten_v it_o it_o must_v have_v the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o cherish_v it_o otherwise_o it_o become_v fruitless_a and_o yield_v no_o increase_n and_o thus_o unless_o god_n give_v a_o blessing_n to_o his_o word_n unless_o he_o mollify_v our_o heart_n and_o illuminate_v our_o mind_n the_o word_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v can_v fructify_v in_o we_o for_o paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n may_v water_v but_o it_o be_v god_n that_o must_v give_v the_o increase_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o ground_n when_o it_o have_v be_v sow_o with_o seed_n if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o while_n without_o the_o rain_n it_o will_v thirst_v after_o it_o it_o will_v open_v as_o it_o be_v the_o mouth_n and_o gape_v towards_o heaven_n with_o a_o long_a desire_n to_o be_v refresh_v with_o it_o and_o when_o the_o blade_n come_v forth_o it_o will_v seem_v even_o to_o droop_v and_o to_o hang_v down_o the_o head_n till_o the_o sun_n do_v strengthen_v it_o so_o must_v we_o be_v affect_v when_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n we_o must_v long_o for_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n upon_o it_o we_o must_v pray_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o we_o must_v thirst_v after_o grace_n even_o as_o the_o heart_n do_v bray_v after_o the_o river_n of_o water_n 42.1_o psal_n 42.1_o and_o as_o the_o dry_a land_n do_v thirst_n after_o rain_n in_o the_o drought_n of_o summer_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o mean_n of_o a_o good_a ground_n the_o receive_n of_o seed_n or_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n the_o second_o mean_n of_o a_o good_a ground_n be_v the_o receive_n in_o of_o the_o seed_n or_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o word_n the_o ground_n though_o seed_n be_v sow_o upon_o it_o yet_o if_o the_o seed_n stay_v there_o and_o go_v no_o further_o and_o if_o the_o ground_n receive_v not_o the_o seed_n into_o it_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v fruitless_a and_o thus_o though_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o unless_o it_o do_v pierce_v further_a than_o the_o outward_a ear_n unless_o what_o we_o hear_v with_o our_o ear_n we_o understand_v with_o our_o heart_n the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n can_v fructify_v in_o we_o and_o therefore_o saint_n james_n by_o a_o other_o like_o metaphor_n will_v we_o to_o receive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o engraft_a word_n to_o note_v unto_o we_o 1.21_o james_n 1.21_o the_o word_n must_v likewise_o be_v engraft_v in_o the_o heart_n like_o a_o sience_n in_o a_o stock_n before_o it_o can_v bear_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n the_o seed_n which_o fall_v before_o upon_o the_o stony_a ground_n soon_o wither_v away_o and_o become_v fruitless_a and_o our_o saviour_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o it_o have_v no_o root_n for_o though_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n never_o so_o often_o yet_o till_o the_o understanding_n be_v inform_v and_o the_o heart_n affect_v our_o superficial_a hear_n will_v profit_v we_o nothing_o therefore_o when_o saint_n paul_n do_v preach_v at_o philippi_n and_o convert_v lydia_n it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o god_n open_v her_o heart_n so_o that_o she_o attend_v unto_o that_o which_o he_o speak_v 16.14_o act_n 16.14_o and_o when_o our_o saviour_n instruct_v his_o disciple_n out_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o he_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n 24â—45_n luke_n 24â—45_n the_o scripture_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o letter_n send_v down_o from_o heaven_n wherein_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o man_n the_o hear_n and_o read_v whereof_o be_v singular_a mean_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o righteousness_n but_o neither_o of_o they_o sufficient_a unless_o we_o understand_v what_o we_o hear_v and_o read_v therefore_o our_o saviour_n require_v understanding_n to_o be_v join_v with_o hear_v 7.14_o mark_v 7.14_o hear_v say_v he_o and_o understand_v 8.30_o act_n 8.30_o and_o therefore_o philip_n require_v understanding_n to_o be_v join_v with_o read_v est_fw-la legere_n &_o non_fw-la intelligere_fw-la negligire_v est_fw-la imò_fw-la neo_fw-la legere_fw-la est_fw-la understand_v thou_o say_v he_o what_o thou_o read_v as_o if_o read_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n without_o understanding_n for_o the_o end_n why_o we_o must_v hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n be_v that_o we_o may_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o by_o endeavour_v to_o conform_v our_o life_n unto_o it_o which_o we_o can_v never_o do_v unless_o we_o understand_v it_o no_o more_o than_o the_o ground_n which_o be_v sow_v can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unless_o it_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o it_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o second_o mean_n of_o a_o good_a ground_n the_o understanding_n of_o the_o word_n use_v 1_o see_v then_o the_o word_n must_v be_v understand_v this_o first_o confute_v that_o erroneous_a doctrine_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a to_o have_v the_o scripture_n translate_v into_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o people_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o his_o people_n then_o must_v they_o not_o know_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v even_o as_o saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o for_o our_o learning_n 15.4_o rom._n 15.4_o then_o must_v we_o not_o know_v and_o understand_v what_o be_v write_v and_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v as_o saint_n john_n tell_v we_o 20.31_o john_n 20.31_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v and_o by_o believe_v have_v life_n everlasting_a then_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v must_v we_o not_o necessary_o know_v what_o be_v write_v to_o what_o end_n be_v the_o apostle_n so_o miraculous_o furnish_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n 5.39_o john_n 5.39_o but_o that_o all_o may_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n reveal_v in_o the_o word_n while_o every_o one_o hear_v it_o in_o his_o own_o language_n to_o what_o end_n be_v all_o command_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n if_o they_o may_v not_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n that_o the_o people_n may_v read_v and_o understand_v they_o 17.11_o act_n 17.11_o we_o see_v the_o berean_o be_v commend_v in_o the_o act_n for_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n paul_n by_o the_o scripture_n we_o see_v when_o our_o saviour_n do_v preach_v to_o the_o people_n he_o both_o preach_v and_o read_v the_o text_n in_o a_o know_a language_n 4._o luke_n 4._o and_o we_o see_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o write_v his_o law_n upon_o the_o gate_n of_o their_o house_n 6.7_o dent._n 6.7_o to_o teach_v they_o their_o child_n &_o to_o talk_v thereof_o in_o their_o ordinary_a conference_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v so_o skilful_a in_o the_o scripture_n then_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o be_v now_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o who_o god_n require_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n use_v 2_o second_o see_v the_o word_n must_v be_v understand_v this_o therefore_o serve_v
both_o to_o tax_v those_o minister_n who_o in_o their_o preach_n do_v affect_v obscurity_n and_o likewise_o the_o people_n who_o mislike_v their_o minister_n if_o they_o preach_v plain_o whereas_o indeed_o every_o minister_n ought_v to_o preach_v as_o plain_o as_o he_o can_v and_o to_o do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n to_o speak_v so_o perspicuous_o that_o the_o simple_a in_o his_o auditory_a may_v understand_v he_o god_n promise_v this_o as_o a_o blessing_n to_o his_o church_n jer._n 3.15_o that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o pastor_n according_a to_o his_o own_o heart_n which_o shall_v feed_v they_o with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o their_o auditory_a that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o ready_o conceive_v their_o doctrine_n minister_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v interpreter_n now_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o interpreter_n 33.23_o job_n 33.23_o to_o open_v and_o explain_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v understand_v who_o he_o do_v interpret_v and_o thus_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v god_n interpreter_n be_v to_o reveal_v and_o explain_v his_o will_n to_o make_v know_v with_o st_n paul_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o john_n the_o baptist_n 5.14_o ephes_n 6.19_o luke_n 1.77_o mat._n 5.14_o to_o give_v knowledge_n of_o salvation_n unto_o his_o people_n minister_n be_v call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n now_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o light_n wheresoever_o it_o come_v to_o expel_v darkness_n and_o to_o make_v thing_n apparent_a and_o manifest_a to_o the_o light_n and_o thus_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o people_n be_v to_o remove_v ignorance_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o auditor_n and_o so_o to_o explain_v god_n word_n unto_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n 1.19_o ephes_n 1.19_o inall_a wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n use_v 3_o last_o see_v the_o word_n must_v be_v understand_v this_o therefore_o show_v the_o great_a folly_n of_o many_o who_o regard_v not_o to_o have_v any_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n you_o shall_v have_v some_o that_o have_v more_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n in_o any_o thing_n then_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n talk_v with_o they_o about_o any_o worldly_a affair_n you_o shall_v find_v they_o very_o cunning_a their_o tongue_n be_v like_o the_o pen_n of_o any_o ready_a writer_n and_o they_o will_v discourse_v thereof_o at_o large_a if_o occasion_n be_v offer_v they_o but_o talk_v with_o they_o again_o about_o any_o point_n in_o the_o scripture_n you_o shall_v have_v they_o as_o speechless_a as_o the_o guest_n in_o the_o gospel_n 3.15_o mat._n 22._o â—_o 1_o cor._n 14.20_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o you_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v child_n in_o understanding_n and_o not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n because_o they_o take_v no_o delight_n in_o the_o word_n they_o regard_v not_o to_o have_v any_o knowledge_n in_o it_o but_o be_v they_o as_o careful_a for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n as_o for_o their_o worldly_a affair_n they_o will_v be_v more_o skilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o perish_v as_o they_o do_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n i_o have_v long_v say_v david_n for_o thy_o salvation_n o_o lord_n 109.174_o psal_n 109.174_o and_o thy_o law_n be_v my_o delight_n he_o that_o do_v long_o to_o be_v save_v like_o david_n he_o will_v use_v the_o mean_n to_o attain_v unto_o it_o he_o will_v take_v delight_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o will_v meditate_v in_o it_o and_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v want_v it_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o gospel_n he_o will_v sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v for_o the_o purchase_n of_o it_o 13.46_o mat._n 13.46_o for_o this_o be_v that_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a as_o christ_n tell_v martha_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a of_o all_o other_o 10.42_o luke_n 10.42_o thus_o it_o be_v sometime_o compare_v unto_o food_n what_o can_v there_o be_v name_v so_o necessary_a as_o food_n and_o what_o so_o intolerable_a as_o the_o want_n of_o it_o for_o a_o man_n will_v suffer_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o famine_n you_o know_v when_o there_o be_v a_o famine_n among_o the_o egyptan_n how_o they_o part_v with_o all_o that_o they_o have_v for_o food_n first_o with_o their_o money_n then_o with_o their_o attell_n in_o the_o end_n they_o sell_v their_o land_n and_o their_o body_n for_o bread_n yet_o food_n be_v no_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o body_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o as_o the_o body_n can_v live_v without_o the_o natural_a food_n no_o more_o can_v the_o soul_n without_o the_o spiritual_a food_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o and_o to_o desire_v it_o as_o earnest_o as_o one_o that_o be_v hungry_a desire_n food_n 2.2_o â—_o pet._n 2.2_o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n say_v the_o apostle_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o young_a child_n of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o most_o impatient_a of_o hunger_n they_o must_v present_o have_v the_o dug_n or_o they_o will_v cry_v for_o it_o they_o can_v abide_v to_o be_v long_o without_o it_o but_o ever_o and_o anon_o they_o must_v be_v feed_v again_o and_o thus_o say_v the_o apostle_n shall_v we_o be_v desirous_a of_o the_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n like_o new_a bear_v babe_n we_o shall_v long_o after_o it_o and_o not_o endure_v to_o be_v long_o without_o it_o and_o therefore_o such_o be_v in_o a_o miserable_a case_n who_o by_o reject_v this_o spiritual_a food_n do_v starve_v and_o famish_v their_o own_o soul_n physician_n say_v that_o when_o a_o man_n appetite_n refuse_v meat_n and_o can_v away_o with_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o death_n and_o a_o manifest_a token_n that_o he_o can_v live_v long_o 107.18_o psal_n 107.18_o and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n david_n say_v to_o this_o purpose_n their_o soul_n abhor_v all_o manner_n of_o meat_n and_o they_o draw_v near_o unto_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n and_o sure_o when_o a_o man_n be_v once_o come_v to_o this_o pass_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v wholesome_a doctrine_n but_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o food_n of_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o be_v irksome_a and_o unsavoury_a unto_o he_o then_o questionless_a his_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o desperate_a case_n it_o be_v even_o pine_v away_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o consumption_n sometime_o again_o the_o word_n be_v call_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n 6.17_o ephes_n 6.17_o now_o what_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o a_o soldier_n in_o the_o field_n than_o the_o use_n of_o a_o sword_n our_o life_n be_v a_o warfare_n upon_o the_o earth_n as_o job_n say_v and_o we_o be_v all_o soldier_n have_v give_v up_o our_o name_n at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o baptism_n to_o christ_n jesus_n our_o captain_n to_o fight_v the_o lord_n battle_n the_o enemy_n with_o who_o we_o be_v to_o encounter_v be_v the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n with_o all_o his_o force_n and_o god_n word_n be_v the_o weapon_n which_o we_o be_v to_o use_v against_o they_o how_o then_o shall_v our_o hand_n be_v able_a to_o war_n and_o our_o finger_n to_o fight_v if_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o have_v no_o skill_n how_o to_o handle_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o particular_n the_o word_n as_o you_o see_v here_o be_v resemble_v to_o seed_n what_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o make_v the_o earth_n fructify_v as_o the_o receive_n of_o seed_n the_o best_a soil_n that_o be_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o fertile_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n yet_o if_o it_o receive_v not_o the_o seed_n into_o it_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v unfruitful_a and_o thus_o the_o best_a man_n that_o be_v though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o furnish_v with_o all_o natural_a part_n yet_o till_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n have_v be_v sow_v in_o his_o heart_n he_o can_v never_o be_v fruitful_a in_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v god_n husbandry_n as_o st._n paul_n call_v we_o 3.16_o 1_o cor._n 5.9_o colos_n 3.16_o let_v we_o receive_v this_o seed_n into_o the_o furrow_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o suffer_v god_n word_n to_o dwell_v plenteous_o in_o we_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o good_a ground_n the_o
receive_n of_o seed_n or_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o the_o seed_n or_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o word_n ground_n sign_n of_o a_o good_a ground_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a ground_n and_o first_o that_o it_o beaâ—es_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n as_o the_o mean_n whereof_o we_o have_v already_o hear_v will_v teach_v we_o how_o we_o may_v become_v this_o good_a ground_n if_o as_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o so_o the_o sign_n will_v teach_v we_o whether_o we_o be_v this_o good_a ground_n or_o no._n for_o like_a as_o the_o ground_n when_o it_o have_v be_v sow_v with_o seed_n it_o will_v show_v itself_o by_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o fertile_a or_o a_o barren_a soil_n so_o when_o a_o man_n have_v be_v teach_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o word_n he_o will_v show_v by_o the_o fruit_n which_o he_o bring_v forth_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o profitable_a or_o a_o fruitless_a hearer_n the_o ground_n therefore_o when_o it_o have_v be_v sow_v it_o first_o cease_v to_o bring_v forth_o thorn_n and_o brier_n and_o be_v not_o so_o plentiful_a in_o thistle_n and_o weed_n as_o it_o be_v before_o and_o thus_o when_o a_o man_n have_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o word_n if_o he_o be_v a_o profitable_a hearer_n thereof_o the_o word_n will_v have_v this_o operation_n in_o he_o that_o first_o he_o will_v relinquish_v his_o former_a vice_n and_o will_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o commit_v any_o evil_a as_o he_o be_v before_o two_o psal_n 119._o two_o i_o have_v hide_v say_v david_n thy_o word_n in_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o sin_v against_o thou_o so_o that_o this_o be_v one_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n that_o it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n leave_v and_o forsake_v sin_n if_o heretofore_o thou_o have_v be_v give_v to_o swear_v yet_o when_o this_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n have_v be_v sow_v in_o thy_o heart_n 20.7_o jer._n 23.10_o exod._n 20.7_o that_o because_o of_o oath_n the_o land_n shall_v mourn_v and_o that_o god_n will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a this_o will_v cause_v thou_o to_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o oath_n and_o will_v root_v out_o this_o weed_n of_o unnecessary_a swear_n if_o heretofore_o thou_o have_v slander_v and_o defame_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o wrong_v he_o in_o his_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n yet_o when_o this_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n have_v be_v sow_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o a_o false_a witness_n shall_v not_o be_v unpunished_a and_o he_o that_o speak_v lie_n shall_v not_o escape_v 19.5_o prov._n 19.5_o this_o will_v root_v out_o this_o weed_n of_o slander_n and_o detraction_n in_o a_o word_n what_o sin_n soever_o thou_o have_v commit_v heretofore_o yet_o when_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n have_v be_v sow_v in_o thy_o heart_n it_o will_v root_v it_o out_o and_o cause_v thou_o to_o leave_v it_o second_o the_o ground_n when_o it_o have_v be_v sow_v with_o seed_n it_o not_o only_o leave_v bring_v forth_o evil_a fruit_n but_o likewise_o it_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n it_o not_o only_o cease_v from_o bring_v forth_o weed_n but_o it_o bring_v forth_o corn_n for_o the_o use_n of_o man_n and_o thus_o he_o that_o be_v a_o profitable_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n he_o will_v not_o only_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o will_v likewise_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o will_v not_o only_o leave_v evil_a but_o he_o will_v do_v good_a two_o titus_n 2._o two_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n there_o be_v the_o former_a fruit_n of_o the_o word_n the_o leave_v of_o evil_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n there_o be_v the_o other_o the_o do_v of_o good_a god_n word_n herein_o be_v like_o a_o sweet_a perfume_n which_o not_o only_o take_v away_o the_o evil_n send_v but_o leave_v a_o sweet_a send_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o if_o heretofore_o thou_o have_v have_v a_o overween_a conceit_n of_o thyself_o and_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o pride_n and_o arrogancy_n yet_o when_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n have_v take_v root_n in_o thy_o heart_n it_o will_v not_o only_o dispossess_v and_o root_v out_o pride_n but_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o it_o will_v place_v humility_n so_o that_o thou_o will_v be_v little_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n and_o think_v thyself_o with_o st._n paul_n the_o least_o of_o all_o other_o if_o heretofore_o thou_o have_v live_v in_o hatred_n and_o enmity_n yet_o when_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n have_v take_v root_n in_o thy_o heart_n it_o will_v not_o only_o remove_v and_o root_v out_o hatred_n but_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o it_o will_v place_v charity_n so_o that_o thou_o will_v bless_v they_o that_o curse_v thou_o thou_o will_v do_v good_a to_o those_o that_o hate_v thou_o and_o thou_o will_v pray_v with_o st._n steven_n for_o they_o that_o persecute_v thou_o 7.60_o act_n 7.60_o and_o thus_o in_o a_o word_n wheresoever_o this_o seed_n have_v take_v root_n it_o will_v not_o only_o weed_v out_o the_o former_a vice_n but_o it_o will_v place_n in_o their_o room_n the_o contrary_a virtue_n three_o the_o ground_n when_o it_o have_v be_v sow_v with_o seed_n as_o it_o leave_v bring_v forth_o evil_a fruit_n and_o bring_v forth_o that_o which_o be_v good_a so_o it_o deferr_v not_o the_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n but_o bring_v forth_o the_o same_o at_o the_o expect_a time_n and_o thus_o he_o that_o be_v a_o profitable_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n as_o he_o will_v abstain_v from_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a so_o he_o will_v not_o defer_v the_o do_v thereof_o but_o in_o a_o seasonable_a time_n he_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n which_o be_v require_v of_o he_o when_o occasion_n be_v offer_v he_o of_o do_v any_o good_a whether_o such_o as_o concern_v he_o after_o a_o more_o general_a manner_n as_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n or_o more_o particular_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o call_n he_o will_v take_v the_o opportunity_n and_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o a_o seasonable_a time_n if_o god_n have_v increase_v thy_o wealth_n and_o substance_n and_o give_v thou_o sufficient_a not_o only_o for_o thyself_o but_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o other_o when_o thou_o see_v the_o hungry_a that_o will_v be_v glad_a of_o the_o crumb_n that_o fall_v from_o thy_o table_n when_o thou_o see_v the_o naked_a and_o the_o strange_a that_o want_n clothe_v and_o harbour_n or_o any_o that_o be_v in_o any_o want_n and_o necessity_n than_o thou_o have_v opportunity_n to_o do_v good_a and_o if_o thou_o be_v this_o good_a ground_n which_o be_v here_o mention_v than_o thou_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o mercy_n if_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o enable_v thou_o to_o exhort_v with_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o to_o convince_v the_o gainsayers_a of_o it_o when_o thou_o see_v thy_o brother_n ready_a to_o fall_v into_o error_n and_o to_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n than_o thou_o have_v opportunity_n to_o do_v good_a and_o if_o thou_o be_v this_o ground_n which_o be_v here_o mention_v than_o thou_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o knowledge_n if_o god_n have_v advance_v thou_o to_o the_o place_n of_o authority_n and_o commit_v into_o thy_o hand_n the_o sword_n of_o justice_n when_o thou_o see_v the_o poor_a to_o be_v deprive_v of_o hiâ—_n right_n and_o the_o innocent_a oppress_v when_o thou_o see_v iniquity_n to_o abound_v in_o the_o land_n and_o robbery_n and_o violence_n in_o all_o quarter_n than_o thou_o have_v opportunity_n to_o do_v good_a and_o if_o thou_o be_v this_o good_a ground_n which_o be_v here_o mention_v than_o thou_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o justice_n the_o ground_n indeed_o when_o it_o have_v be_v sow_v yet_o before_o it_o do_v bear_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n it_o shall_v have_v many_o impediment_n to_o hinder_v the_o grow_v and_o increase_v thereof_o it_o must_v undergo_v many_o storm_n and_o tempest_n many_o frost_n in_o winter_n much_o scorch_a in_o summer_n but_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o a_o fertile_a soil_n it_o will_v overcome_v they_o all_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n at_o the_o time_n expect_v and_o thus_o when_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n have_v take_v root_n in_o thy_o heart_n yet_o before_o thou_o can_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o thou_o shall_v meet_v indeed_o with_o many_o let_v and_o hindrance_n partly_o from_o thy_o own_o unruly_a affection_n and_o
the_o lord_n deut._n 32._o kill_v and_o make_v alive_a i_o wound_v &_o i_o heal_v therefore_o he_o will_v we_o to_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o he_o will_v deliver_v we_o 32.32_o deut._n 32.32_o for_o howsoever_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o provoke_v he_o to_o afflict_v we_o yet_o if_o we_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o grace_n he_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v we_o a_o eye_n to_o behold_v we_o a_o heart_n to_o pity_v we_o and_o a_o hand_n to_o help_v we_o and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o first_o point_n the_o agent_n or_o party_n afflict_v that_o it_o be_v god_n that_o chasten_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o namely_o the_o patient_n or_o party_n afflict_v the_o belove_a of_o god_n he_o chasten_v who_o he_o love_v doct._n god_n though_o he_o love_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v make_v yet_o among_o all_o his_o creature_n he_o love_v man_n best_o and_o among_o man_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v his_o church_n these_o he_o love_v with_o a_o everlasting_a love_n he_o have_v give_v his_o only_a son_n for_o their_o redemption_n and_o have_v adopt_v they_o in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v his_o child_n and_o yet_o howsoever_o he_o love_v they_o so_o dear_o yet_o many_o time_n he_o do_v afflict_v and_o chasten_v they_o for_o so_o we_o see_v here_o who_o he_o love_v he_o chasten_v the_o doctrine_n that_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o hence_o be_v this_o that_o they_o who_o be_v in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v nevertheless_o afflict_v in_o the_o 11_o of_o saint_n john_n behold_v lord_n 11.3_o john_n 11.3_o he_o who_o thou_o love_v be_v sick_a christ_n love_v lazarus_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o free_a and_o exempt_v he_o from_o sickness_n 9.23_o dan._n 9.23_o daniel_n be_v great_o belove_v of_o god_n as_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n tell_v he_o yet_o daniel_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o lion_n den_n the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v free_o belove_v of_o god_n as_o the_o same_o gabriel_n tell_v she_o luke_n 1._o yet_o a_o sword_n be_v to_o pierce_v through_o her_o heart_n 1.1_o luke_n 1.28_o luke_n 2.35_o 1_o sam._n 13.14_o job_n 1.1_o as_o old_a simeon_n prophesy_v david_n be_v a_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n yet_o david_n be_v often_o and_o many_o way_n afflict_v job_n be_v a_o just_a and_o a_o upright_a man_n yet_o job_n be_v extraordinary_o afflict_v saint_n paul_n be_v a_o choose_a vessel_n of_o god_n yet_o after_o he_o be_v convert_v his_o whole_a life_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o continue_a affliction_n in_o a_o word_n 9.15_o act_n 9.15_o all_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o belove_a child_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o present_a time_n have_v suffer_v affliction_n therefore_o christ_n say_v revel_v 3._o as_o many_o as_o i_o love_v 3.19_o revel_v 3.19_o i_o rebuke_v and_o chasten_v read_v over_o the_o scripture_n and_o you_o see_v example_n hereof_o almost_o in_o every_o leaf_n 39.20_o gen._n 39.20_o in_o one_o place_n you_o shall_v see_v joseph_n cast_v into_o the_o dungeon_n 3.20_o dan._n 3.20_o in_o another_o the_o three_o child_n into_o a_o fiery_a furnace_n 22.27_o 1_o king_n 22.27_o here_o you_o shall_v see_v michea_n feed_v with_o the_o bread_n of_o affliction_n there_o david_n wash_v his_o couch_n with_o tear_n in_o one_o place_n you_o shall_v see_v steven_n stone_v to_o death_n 6.6_o psal_n 6.6_o in_o another_o you_o shall_v find_v john_n the_o baptist_n behead_v 7.59_o act_n 7.59_o to_o be_v short_a as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o rome_n heretofore_o 6.27_o mark_n 6.27_o that_o a_o man_n can_v not_o step_v into_o any_o part_n thereof_o but_o he_o shall_v tread_v upon_o a_o martyr_n so_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o read_v any_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o he_o shall_v light_v upon_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n either_o one_o or_o other_o affliction_n be_v common_a to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o more_o common_a than_o any_o thing_n the_o flood_n that_o overspr_v the_o whole_a face_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n be_v common_a &_o general_a yet_o eight_o person_n you_o know_v be_v free_v from_o the_o flood_n 6.18_o gen._n 6.18_o &_o preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n death_n be_v more_o cómon_a &_o general_a than_o the_o flood_n 5.24_o gen._n 5.24_o seize_v upon_o the_o whole_a offspring_n of_o adam_n and_o yet_o two_o person_n enoch_n and_o elias_n have_v be_v free_v from_o death_n 2.,11_o a_o king_n 2.,11_o and_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n while_o they_o be_v live_v upon_o the_o earth_n sin_n be_v more_o common_a and_o general_a than_o death_n and_o yet_o one_o person_n even_o christ_n and_o he_o alone_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n but_o affliction_n be_v more_o general_a than_o any_o of_o they_o all_o which_o have_v light_v upon_o all_o man_n without_o any_o exception_n for_o even_o christ_n himself_o though_o he_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n 53.3_o esay_n 53.3_o yet_o he_o be_v vir_fw-la dolorum_fw-la as_o the_o prophet_n esay_n call_v he_o a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n as_o be_v subject_a through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n to_o much_o sorrow_n &_o affliction_n for_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o god_n child_n that_o first_o they_o must_v wear_v a_o crown_n of_o thorn_n before_o they_o receive_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n first_o they_o must_v suffer_v with_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n before_o they_o reign_v with_o he_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v therefore_o christ_n will_v we_o if_o we_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n every_o day_n 14._o act_n 14._o and_o follow_v he_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o through_o many_o affliction_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n use_v 1_o the_o use_n to_o be_v make_v hereof_o be_v twofold_n first_o see_v god_v visit_v his_o own_o child_n with_o the_o rod_n of_o affliction_n then_o much_o less_o shall_v the_o wicked_a escape_n god_n judgement_n if_o god_n chasten_v the_o godly_a who_o he_o love_v and_o be_v love_v of_o they_o much_o less_o will_v he_o spare_v his_o enemy_n &_o those_o that_o hate_v he_o 11.31_o prov._n 11.31_o therefore_o solomon_n proverb_n 1â—_n behold_v the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v recompense_v in_o the_o earth_n much_o more_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o peter_n 1_o epist_n 4._o chapter_n if_o judgement_n say_v he_o 4.17.18_o 1_o peter_n 4.17.18_o first_o begin_v at_o we_o what_o shall_v the_o end_n of_o they_o be_v that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v for_o if_o god_n chasten_v the_o one_o much_o less_o out_o of_o doubt_n will_v he_o spare_v the_o other_o you_o will_v say_v but_o it_o be_v ordinary_o see_v in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o wicked_a be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o like_a affliction_n that_o the_o godly_a be_v their_o house_n as_o job_n in_o his_o 21._o chapt._n 21.9_o job_n 21.9_o say_v of_o the_o wicked_a be_v peaceable_a without_o fear_n and_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n be_v not_o upon_o they_o and_o as_o the_o prophet_n david_n say_v of_o the_o ungodly_a they_o prosper_v in_o all_o their_o way_n and_o flourish_v like_o a_o green_a bay-tree_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o godly_a many_o time_n do_v suffer_v in_o this_o world_n more_o cross_n and_o affliction_n than_o the_o wicked_a but_o therefore_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v keep_v and_o reserve_v till_o the_o world_n to_o come_v lazarus_n be_v far_o more_o afflict_v in_o this_o life_n that_o lay_v full_a of_o sore_n at_o the_o rich_a man_n gate_n and_o will_v have_v be_v glad_a of_o a_o morsel_n of_o bread_n then_o the_o rich_a man_n be_v that_o fare_v so_o sumptuous_o and_o live_v in_o pleasure_n but_o therefore_o what_o say_v abraham_n to_o the_o rich_a man_n son_n say_v he_o 15.25_o luke_n 15.25_o remember_v that_o then_o in_o thy_o life-time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n and_o lazarus_n evil_a but_o now_o be_v he_o comfort_v and_o thou_o be_v torment_v whensoever_o therefore_o we_o see_v the_o godly_a to_o live_v in_o affliction_n and_o misery_n and_o the_o wicked_a in_o prosperity_n and_o hearts-ease_n yet_o it_o need_v not_o trouble_v we_o because_o there_o will_v come_v a_o time_n when_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v punish_v and_o the_o godly_a comfort_v when_o the_o godly_a shall_v have_v all_o their_o tear_n wipe_v from_o their_o eye_n 7.17_o revel_v 7.17_o and_o the_o wicked_a shall_v suffer_v god_n wrath_n and_o vengeance_n for_o if_o god_n afflict_v and_o chasten_v such_o as_o he_o love_v much_o less_o
he_o show_v by_o the_o author_n thereof_o two_o way_n first_o negative_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o man_n invention_n for_o the_o prophecy_n say_v he_o come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n second_o affirmative_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n say_v he_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o some_o man_n may_v say_v indeed_o the_o apostle_n say_v thus_o but_o how_o do_v he_o prove_v it_o he_o say_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v inspire_v of_o god_n 3.16_o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o but_o how_o do_v he_o prove_v it_o when_o aristotle_n that_o great_a profound_a philosopher_n see_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o read_v what_o he_o write_v about_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o mislike_v his_o book_n because_o he_o prove_v not_o that_o which_o he_o write_v hic_fw-la omne_fw-la dicit_fw-la nihil_fw-la probat_fw-la this_o man_n say_v he_o say_v every_o thing_n but_o he_o proye_v nothing_o but_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o though_o we_o may_v doubt_v of_o that_o which_o man_n say_v because_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o so_o need_v proof_n to_o consume_v their_o say_n yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o credit_n and_o need_v not_o any_o proof_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o say_n that_o the_o law_n do_v not_o need_v any_o fortification_n in_o regard_n that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o so_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n it_o need_v no_o fortification_n or_o proof_n to_o strengthen_v it_o but_o whatsoever_o we_o find_v write_v therein_o we_o need_v make_v no_o question_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o but_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o true_o may_v some_o say_v if_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o that_o god_n &_o not_o man_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o than_o we_o need_v make_v no_o question_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o find_v therein_o but_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v god_n word_n and_o that_o no_o other_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o which_o because_o it_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v in_o these_o word_n i_o purpose_v brief_o to_o handle_v this_o question_n how_o a_o man_n may_v know_v and_o be_v full_o assure_v that_o the_o scripture_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v which_o question_n there_o be_v a_o great_a controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o say_v that_o the_o only_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n we_o can_v not_o give_v any_o credit_n to_o it_o we_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v to_o be_v god_n word_n by_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o that_o without_o this_o testimony_n to_o persuade_v we_o hereunto_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o be_v insufficient_a 37._o titubabit_fw-la side_n nostra_fw-la si_fw-la scripturae_fw-la vacillet_fw-la autoritas_fw-la august_n de_fw-fr doct._n christ_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 37._o our_o faith_n will_v stagger_v say_v st._n augustine_n if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n stand_v not_o firm_a but_o how_o can_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n stand_v firm_a if_o it_o be_v build_v only_o upon_o so_o weak_a a_o foundation_n as_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n for_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o error_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n and_o therefore_o this_o testimony_n may_v deceive_v we_o but_o we_o require_v a_o infallible_a proof_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o say_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a and_o when_o we_o will_v have_v they_o to_o prove_v it_o they_o prove_v it_o thus_o because_o it_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 3.15_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o thus_o if_o a_o man_n doubt_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o prove_v it_o they_o send_v he_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o while_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n to_o prove_v it_o they_o send_v he_o back_o again_o to_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o turk_n &_o insidel_n who_o have_v often_o hear_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n how_o many_o thousand_o of_o jew_n be_v now_o live_v in_o italy_n and_o many_o of_o they_o in_o rome_n who_o deny_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o persuade_v that_o christ_n be_v come_v if_o the_o only_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_a why_o make_v they_o not_o proof_n thereof_o upon_o they_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o but_o we_o know_v experience_n tell_v they_o daily_o to_o their_o face_n that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o and_o if_o you_o ask_v they_o the_o reason_n they_o can_v give_v none_o but_o this_o because_o of_o the_o blindness_n and_o unbelief_n of_o the_o jew_n why_o therefore_o say_v we_o that_o that_o which_o be_v able_a to_o assure_v a_o man_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n must_v be_v able_a to_o illuminate_v his_o understanding_n and_o to_o give_v he_o faith_n that_o he_o may_v believe_v it_o but_o this_o be_v only_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a among_o the_o prophet_n then_o when_o they_o deliver_v god_n word_n to_o the_o people_n to_o tell_v the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v god_n word_n which_o they_o deliver_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v esay_n 1.10_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v unto_o i_o say_v jeremy_n 1.4_o and_o thus_o every_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o do_v testify_v that_o they_o deliver_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 53.1_o esay_n 53.1_o but_o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n say_v esay_n so_o that_o where_o there_o be_v one_o that_o believe_v it_o there_o be_v many_o that_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o if_o neither_o the_o word_n itself_o nor_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o word_n can_v persuade_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n much_o less_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n sufficient_a when_o st._n paul_n preach_v at_o phylippi_n act_n 16._o there_o be_v many_o that_o hear_v he_o but_o it_o be_v say_v there_o of_o liddia_n only_o that_o god_n open_v her_o heart_n so_o that_o she_o attend_v unto_o that_o which_o he_o speak_v 16.14_o act_n 16.14_o now_o if_o she_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o attend_v unto_o those_o thing_n which_o st._n paul_n deliver_v unless_o that_o god_n have_v first_o open_v her_o heart_n much_o less_o can_v she_o have_v believe_v that_o that_o which_o he_o speak_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o word_n be_v sometime_o call_v a_o light_n because_o it_o be_v lightsome_a in_o itself_o as_o the_o sun_n but_o as_o the_o sun_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o lightsome_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o those_o that_o be_v blind_a so_o the_o word_n though_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v never_o so_o glorious_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o apparent_a to_o we_o till_o our_o heart_n be_v open_v the_o word_n be_v sometime_o compare_v to_o seed_n because_o it_o be_v fruitful_a like_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_v but_o as_o the_o seed_n which_o be_v sow_v can_v bring_v forth_o increase_n but_o by_o the_o influence_n and_o virtue_n which_o it_o receive_v from_o heaven_n no_o more_o be_v the_o word_n fruitful_a and_o effectual_a in_o we_o till_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n give_v a_o blessing_n unto_o it_o the_o word_n be_v not_o unlike_o the_o pool_n in_o jerusalem_n whereof_o there_o be_v mention_n john_n 5._o the_o pool_n though_o it_o cure_v all_o outward_a disease_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o this_o virtue_n but_o then_o only_o when_o the_o angel_n do_v stir_v the_o water_n the_o word_n though_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o cure_v our_o inward_a infirmity_n yet_o it_o can_v do_v it_o but_o only_o by_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n now_o the_o first_o disease_n which_o be_v to_o be_v cure_v be_v out_o spiritual_a blindnss_n whereby_o we_o be_v
&_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n excuse_v his_o disciple_n for_o not_o fast_v by_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o time_n can_v the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n fast_o while_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o 9.15_o mat._n 9.15_o as_o long_o as_o they_o have_v the_o bridegroom_n with_o they_o they_o can_v fast_v give_v of_o alm_n be_v another_o duty_n which_o be_v much_o commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o we_o yet_o give_v of_o alm_n have_v a_o limitation_n of_o person_n for_o all_o be_v not_o enjoin_v to_o give_v alm_n but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v of_o ability_n and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o ability_n be_v not_o enjoin_v to_o give_v alm_n unto_o all_o but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o want_n and_o necessity_n but_o as_o every_o one_o be_v enjoin_v to_o pray_v so_o to_o pray_v for_o all_o man_n i_o exhort_v say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 2.1_o that_o supplication_n prayer_n intercession_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n so_o that_o if_o we_o put_v all_o these_o together_o that_o every_o one_o be_v enjoin_v to_o pray_v to_o pray_v for_o all_o person_n to_o pray_v at_o all_o time_n to_o pray_v in_o all_o place_n and_o to_o pray_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o supplication_n and_o prayer_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a necessary_a duty_n because_o it_o be_v so_o general_o and_o absolute_o enjoin_v we_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o prayer_n shall_v have_v no_o limitation_n because_o every_o man_n may_v easy_o perform_v the_o same_o if_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o offer_v goat_n and_o bullock_n unto_o he_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o needy_a may_v have_v excuse_v themselves_o for_o want_n of_o ubility_n if_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o go_v a_o pilgrimage_n into_o faâ—re_v country_n and_o there_o do_v he_o service_n the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a may_v have_v excuse_v themselves_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o impotency_n but_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v any_o just_a excuse_n why_o he_o shall_v not_o pray_v because_o every_o man_n may_v easy_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o thus_o much_o brief_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n the_o object_n of_o prayer_n prayer_n object_n of_o prayer_n you_o see_v be_v god_n every_o one_o that_o be_v godly_a shall_v pray_v unto_o thou_o he_o do_v not_o say_v shall_v pray_v to_o saint_n or_o angel_n or_o the_o virgin_n but_o unto_o thou_o for_o this_o be_v the_o title_n which_o david_n give_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o hearer_n of_o prayer_n psal_n 65.25_o o_o thou_o that_o hear_v prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v for_o prayer_n be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n service_n and_o worship_n and_o so_o to_o be_v give_v to_o no_o other_o but_o god_n therefore_o god_n command_v we_o to_o pray_v unto_o he_o call_v upon_o i_o faith_n god_n in_o the_o fifty_o psalm_n christ_n teach_v we_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n the_o spirit_n teach_v we_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n gal._n 4.6_o have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o our_o heart_n cry_v abba_n father_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v instruct_v to_o who_o we_o must_v pray_v can_v we_o have_v better_a instructer_n than_o these_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a guest_n who_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n only_o therefore_o if_o we_o search_v all_o over_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o genesis_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o revelation_n among_o all_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v register_v therein_o among_o all_o the_o psalm_n one_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o whereof_o two_o part_n at_o the_o least_o be_v prayer_n yet_o we_o find_v not_o one_o prayer_n among_o they_o all_o which_o be_v ever_o make_v to_o cherubin_n or_o seraphim_n to_o raphael_n gabriel_n or_o any_o of_o the_o angeb_n to_o abraham_n or_o isaac_n or_o any_o of_o the_o patriarch_n to_o moses_n or_o samuel_n or_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n to_o peter_n or_o paul_n or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n or_o any_o of_o the_o saint_n but_o only_o to_o god_n thus_o if_o we_o will_v have_v precedent_n of_o prayer_n can_v we_o have_v better_a precedent_n than_o these_o which_o the_o scripture_n record_v and_o which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o faithful_a in_o all_o age_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o pray_v to_o any_o other_o but_o god_n and_o they_o know_v beside_o that_o god_n and_o no_o other_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o see_v our_o want_n indeed_o the_o papist_n who_o prey_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n hold_v that_o they_o can_v but_o see_v our_o want_n and_o hear_v our_o prayer_n for_o how_o say_v they_o shall_v not_o they_o see_v all_o thing_n who_o sea_n the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o see_v all_o thing_n as_o if_o by_o see_v god_n they_o must_v see_v all_o thing_n that_o god_n see_v which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a their_o knowledge_n you_o know_v must_v needs_o be_v infinite_a as_o god_n be_v and_o beside_o this_o be_v plain_o confute_v by_o christ_n for_o christ_n who_o tell_v we_o math._n 18._o 13.32_o mat._n 18.10_o mar._n 13.32_o that_o the_o angel_n do_v always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n he_o likewise_o tell_v we_o mark_v 13._o that_o the_o angel_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o for_o the_o saint_n depart_v the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o know_v no_o more_o what_o be_v do_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v no_o understanding_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o live_n so_o solomon_n tell_v we_o eccles_n 9_o that_o the_o dead_a know_v not_o any_o thing_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o more_o a_o portion_n for_o ever_o 9.6_o eceles_n 9.6_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n if_o any_o of_o the_o dead_a shall_v have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o live_n then_o questionless_a prince_n of_o the_o state_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o father_n of_o their_o child_n but_o that_o prince_n after_o they_o be_v depart_v have_v not_o any_o knowledge_n of_o their_o subject_n we_o see_v by_o josias_n where_o god_n gracious_o promise_v to_o take_v he_o away_o 22.20_o 2_o king_n 22.20_o that_o he_o may_v not_o see_v the_o evil_n which_o he_o will_v bring_v upon_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o father_n have_v no_o knowledge_n after_o their_o departure_n of_o the_o state_n of_o their_o child_n job_n plain_o tell_v we_o in_o his_o 14._o chapter_n the_o 20._o verse_n speak_v of_o a_o father_n that_o be_v dead_a and_o leave_v child_n behind_o he_o his_o son_n say_v he_o come_v to_o honour_n and_o he_o know_v it_o not_o and_o they_o be_v bring_v low_a and_o he_o perceive_v it_o not_o nay_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o who_o god_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v multiply_v his_o seed_n as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n yet_o he_o have_v no_o knowledge_n after_o his_o departure_n what_o become_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o israelite_n esay_n 63.16_o ver_fw-la acknowledge_v that_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n that_o be_v dead_a have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o their_o misery_n doubtless_o say_v they_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n though_o abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o we_o and_o jacob_n know_v we_o not_o yet_o thou_o o_o lord_n be_v our_o father_n and_o redeemer_n thy_o name_n be_v for_o ever_o si_fw-mi tanti_fw-la patriarche_n etc._n etc._n if_o say_v st._n augustine_n so_o great_a patriarch_n be_v ignorant_a what_o become_v of_o the_o people_n that_o come_v from_o their_o loin_n how_o shall_v the_o dead_a have_v aught_o to_o do_v in_o the_o knowledge_n or_o aid_n of_o the_o affair_n and_o action_n of_o their_o dear_a surviver_n but_o suppose_v they_o do_v know_v our_o affair_n and_o action_n yet_o our_o heart_n they_o can_v know_v for_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n only_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n now_o our_o heart_n you_o know_v be_v the_o seat_n of_o our_o prayer_n the_o lip_n do_v but_o vent_v they_o to_o the_o ear_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o solomon_n in_o the_o 1_o of_o the_o king_n the_o 8._o chapter_n use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n why_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o no_o other_o but_o god_n because_o god_n and_o no_o other_o can_v hear_v our_o prayer_n because_o he_o only_o know_v our_o heart_n hear_v thou_o say_v he_o 8.39_o 1_o king_n 8.39_o in_o heaven_n thy_o dwell_a place_n and_o do_v and_o give_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o way_n who_o heart_n thou_o know_v for_o thou_o even_o thou_o only_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o man_n so_o that_o he_o
will_v profane_v the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o swear_v as_o they_o will_v have_v have_v he_o by_o the_o fortune_n of_o caesar_n so_o heinous_a a_o sin_n be_v it_o think_v by_o this_o martyr_n to_o swear_v by_o the_o creature_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o some_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v swear_v by_o the_o creature_n as_o that_o joseph_n swear_v by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n 2.4_o gen._n 42.16_o 2_o king_n 2.4_o gen._n 42.16_o and_o that_o etisha_n swear_v by_o the_o soul_n of_o eliah_n 2_o king_n 2.4_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o either_o they_o be_v not_o oath_n but_o only_o vehement_a obtestation_n as_o some_o divine_n do_v hold_v or_o if_o they_o be_v oath_n yet_o because_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v their_o example_n but_o we_o may_v say_v of_o they_o as_o st._n angustine_n say_v in_o another_o case_n haec_fw-la quidem_fw-la in_o scripture_n santis_fw-la legimus_fw-la non_fw-la ideò_fw-la tamen_fw-la quia_fw-la facta_fw-la credimus_fw-la facienda_fw-la creáamus_fw-la ne_fw-la dun_v passins_n sectamur_fw-la exempla_fw-la violemus_fw-la pracepta_fw-la we_o read_v say_v he_o indeed_o of_o such_o example_n in_o the_o scripture_n not_o that_o because_o we_o believe_v they_o be_v do_v we_o shall_v therefore_o believe_v they_o may_v lawful_o be_v do_v leave_v so_o we_o violate_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n while_o that_o we_o seek_v to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o man_n but_o thus_o much_o likewise_o for_o the_o object_n of_o a_o oath_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o condition_n thou_o shall_v swear_v in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n the_o first_o condition_n which_o be_v require_v in_o a_o oath_n be_v that_o we_o swear_v in_o truth_n god_n to_o inflame_v we_o the_o more_o with_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n 3.15_o deut._n 32.4_o john_n 14.6_o john_n 15.26.1_o tim._n 3.15_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n our_o saviour_n call_v himself_o the_o truth_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n god_n word_n be_v call_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o his_o church_n be_v call_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n to_o note_v unto_o we_o that_o they_o who_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n they_o who_o be_v instruct_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n they_o who_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n they_o who_o be_v redeem_v by_o his_o son_n and_o adopt_v by_o god_n to_o be_v his_o child_n they_o of_o all_o other_o be_v to_o stand_v for_o the_o truth_n to_o imbrance_n it_o in_o their_o heart_n to_o testisie_n it_o in_o their_o word_n and_o when_o occasion_n require_v to_o confirm_v it_o in_o their_o oath_n and_o to_o this_o end_n god_n have_v give_v we_o his_o sacred_a name_n as_o a_o seal_n to_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n that_o in_o matter_n of_o importance_n the_o truth_n whereof_o can_v otherwise_o be_v know_v but_o by_o take_v a_o oath_n we_o may_v use_v god_n name_n and_o call_v god_n as_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o speech_n whensoever_o therefore_o we_o take_v a_o oath_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o matter_n be_v true_a which_o we_o swear_v otherwise_o we_o commit_v a_o most_o bainous_a sin_n in_o call_v god_n as_o a_o witness_n to_o that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o whereas_o a_o oath_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o assertory_n of_o thing_n that_o we_o affirm_v or_o promissory_a of_o thing_n which_o we_o promise_v to_o perform_v we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o in_o they_o both_o we_o do_v swear_v the_o truth_n for_o if_o either_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o have_v not_o a_o full_a purpose_n to_o perform_v our_o promise_n in_o take_v such_o a_o oath_n we_o for-swear_a ourselves_o there_o be_v some_o that_o will_v make_v conscience_n of_o a_o assertory_n oath_n and_o will_v be_v sure_a they_o swear_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v the_o truth_n yet_o for_o keep_v their_o promise_n they_o make_v no_o great_a reckon_n though_o they_o have_v bind_v themselves_o by_o oath_n for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o but_o every_o single_a promise_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o a_o man_n have_v promise_v do_v bind_v a_o man_n conscience_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o when_o a_o oath_n be_v add_v there_o be_v a_o double_a bond_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v heb._n 6.17_o that_o god_n wide_v more_o abundant_o to_o show_v the_o stableness_n of_o his_o counsel_n to_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n bind_v himself_o by_o a_o oath_n that_o so_o say_v he_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n namely_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v and_o the_o oath_n which_o he_o have_v take_v we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n so_o that_o take_v of_o a_o oath_n do_v bind_v a_o man_n double_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n nay_o if_o that_o a_o man_n have_v once_o take_v a_o oath_n though_o he_o be_v induce_v thereunto_o by_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n yet_o the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a he_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v it_o and_o this_o we_o may_v see_v by_o the_o example_n of_o that_o oath_n which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o gibeonite_n josh_n 9.19_o for_o when_o the_o gibiâ—nites_n come_v crafty_o to_o the_o jew_n as_o though_o they_o have_v be_v man_n of_o a_o far_a country_n and_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o swear_v that_o they_o will_v not_o hurt_v they_o and_o the_o jew_n know_v afterward_o who_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o be_v offend_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v spare_v yet_o joshua_n and_o the_o prince_n dia_z save_o their_o life_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o oath_n which_o they_o have_v make_v unto_o they_o and_o because_o saul_n afterward_o break_v this_o oath_n by_o destroy_v the_o gibeonits_n there_o be_v a_o famine_n in_o the_o land_n for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n and_o till_o seven_o of_o saul_n son_n be_v bang_v for_o this_o fact_n god_n be_v not_o appease_v so_o grievous_a a_o sin_n be_v the_o breach_n of_o a_o oath_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o whensoever_o we_o take_v a_o oath_n we_o must_v always_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o this_o first_o condition_n that_o we_o swear_v in_o truth_n now_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o oath_n first_o fraudulent_a and_o deceitful_a swear_n when_o we_o take_v a_o oath_n with_o a_o intent_n to_o deceive_v they_o unto_o who_o we_o swear_v pretend_v one_o thing_n and_o intend_v another_o such_o a_o oath_n be_v that_o which_o cleomenes_n take_v who_o have_v make_v a_o truce_n with_o his_o enemy_n for_o certain_a day_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n set_v upon_o they_o perfidious_o in_o the_o night_n pretend_v that_o the_o truce_n be_v make_v only_o for_o the_o day_n such_o a_o oath_n be_v that_o which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o theodoret._n a_o woman_n with_o child_n be_v hire_v by_o some_o to_o father_n her_o child_n upon_o eustathius_n the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n the_o woman_n be_v examine_v and_o put_v to_o her_o oath_n swear_v that_o eustathius_n of_o antioch_n be_v the_o father_n of_o it_o whereupon_o the_o bishop_n be_v depose_v and_o banish_v she_o afterward_o fall_v into_o grievous_a sickness_n confess_v that_o she_o have_v wrongful_o accuse_v the_o bishop_n and_o yet_o deny_v that_o she_o be_v forswear_v because_o howsoever_o she_o pretend_v the_o bishop_n yet_o she_o mean_v it_o not_o of_o he_o but_o of_o another_o in_o the_o city_n of_o the_o same_o name_n and_o such_o a_o oath_n be_v that_o which_o be_v take_v by_o lasus_n when_o he_o have_v steal_v a_o fish_n out_o of_o a_o fishmonger_n shop_n as_o we_o see_v in_o atheneus_n for_o lasus_n have_v steal_v it_o &_o another_o receive_v it_o &_o both_o denyy_v it_o be_v both_o bring_v before_o the_o magistrate_n &_o put_v to_o their_o oath_n deipnos_fw-la athen._n deipnos_fw-la lasus_n swear_v thus_o that_o he_o neither_o have_v it_o nor_o know_v any_o other_o that_o steal_v it_o the_o other_o swear_v thus_o that_o he_o neither_o steal_v it_o nor_o know_v any_o other_o that_o have_v it_o because_o he_o himself_o have_v it_o and_o lasus_n steal_v it_o these_o be_v fraudulent_a and_o deceitful_a oath_n second_o contrary_a to_o swear_v in_o truth_n be_v false_a swear_n or_o perjury_n when_o a_o man_n take_v a_o oath_n and_o yet_o know_v that_o that_o which_o he_o swear_v be_v false_a and_o this_o have_v be_v always_o account_v both_o before_o god_n and_o man_n a_o most_o horrible_a odious_a and_o damnable_a sin_n lie_v of_o itself_o be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n and_o therefore_o call_v prov._n 12.22_o a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n because_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n can_v but_o hate_v and_o abhor_v
only_o be_v to_o be_v pray_v unto_o that_o can_v hear_v our_o prayer_n &_o he_o only_o can_v hear_v they_o that_o know_v our_o heart_n and_o understand_v with_o what_o affection_n we_o pray_v unto_o he_o but_o suppose_v again_o that_o saint_n and_o angel_n can_v hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o do_v know_v our_o heart_n and_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v put_v it_o to_o our_o choice_n whether_o we_o will_v pray_v to_o he_o or_o to_o they_o have_v we_o not_o more_o reason_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n then_o unto_o they_o who_o be_v but_o vessel_n of_o grace_n will_v they_o be_v so_o propitious_a as_o he_o be_v unto_o we_o will_v they_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n as_o he_o command_v we_o to_o pray_v unto_o he_o so_o he_o promise_v to_o give_v we_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v 16.23_o john_n 16.23_o whatsoever_o say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 16._o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o will_v give_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o because_o of_o ourselves_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pray_v nor_o what_o to_o ask_v he_o give_v we_o his_o spirit_n to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v he_o prepar_v our_o heart_n as_o david_n say_v 10.17_o psal_n 10.17_o and_o his_o ear_n hearken_v thereunto_o and_o because_o we_o be_v not_o so_o ready_a to_o ask_v as_o he_o will_v have_v we_o he_o therefore_o many_o time_n prevent_v our_o ask_n &_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o grant_v our_o request_n than_o we_o be_v to_o make_v they_o so_o he_o promise_v esay_n 65.24_o antequam_fw-la clament_fw-la ego_fw-la exaudiam_fw-la before_o they_o call_v i_o will_v answer_v and_o while_o they_o be_v yet_o speak_v i_o will_v hear_v so_o he_o deal_v with_o david_n in_o this_o 32_o psalm_n who_o have_v no_o soon_o say_v he_o will_v confess_v his_o sin_n but_o god_n forgive_v he_o nay_o as_o he_o prevent_v our_o ask_n so_o many_o time_n he_o exceed_v our_o desire_n and_o give_v we_o more_o than_o we_o ask_v of_o he_o 3.13_o 1_o king_n 3.13_o so_o he_o deal_v with_o solomon_n when_o he_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o a_o wise_a and_o understand_a heart_n god_n give_v he_o both_o that_o which_o he_o do_v desire_n and_o tell_v he_o beside_o i_o have_v also_o give_v thâ—e_n that_o which_o thou_o have_v not_o ask_v both_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o can_v we_o have_v great_a encouragement_n than_o these_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n who_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o grant_v our_o prayer_n and_o so_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v pray_v only_o to_o he_o and_o thus_o much_o likewise_o for_o the_o object_n of_o prayer_n i_o now_o proc_v unto_o the_o last_o point_n the_o time_n when_o the_o godly_a shall_v come_v unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n nuncly_a 〈◊〉_d time_n when_o he_o may_v be_v find_v but_o some_o man_n may_v say_v why_o be_v there_o time_n when_o god_n may_v not_o be_v find_v will_v god_n at_o any_o time_n absent_a himself_o and_o keep_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o way_n when_o man_n seek_v after_o he_o indeed_o befall_v priest_n 1_o king_n 18._o they_o seek_v and_o all_o to_o beseech_v their_o god_n sâ—â—â—_n morning_n to_o noon_n but_o can_v not_o find_v he_o cry_v say_v eluck_v 〈◊〉_d aloud_o unto_o your_o god_n for_o it_o may_v be_v he_o be_v talk_v with_o some_o body_n anâ—_n do_v not_o mark_v you_o or_o it_o may_v be_v he_o be_v rid_v on_o of_o town_n and_o be_v in_o his_o journey_n or_o it_o may_v be_v he_o be_v take_v a_o nap_n and_o â—â—ust_v be_v waken_v before_o he_o can_v hear_v you_o thus_o the_o prophet_n deride_v their_o counterfeit_a good_a but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n 4_o psal_n 12â—_n 4_o the_o keeper_n of_o israel_n neither_o slumber_n nor_o sleep_v if_o david_n seek_v he_o david_n shall_v find_v he_o nay_o david_n and_o every_o godly_a man_n shall_v find_v he_o whensoever_o they_o seek_v he_o paul_n and_o silas_n can_v pray_v at_o midnight_n but_o the_o will_v hear_v they_o 18.20_o act_n 16.25_o mat._n 18.20_o two_o or_o three_o can_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n but_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o not_o be_v find_v that_o if_o thou_o offer_v thyself_o unto_o he_o with_o the_o prodigal_n he_o will_v go_v forth_o to_o meet_v thou_o 15.4.5_o luke_n 15.20_o luke_n 15.4.5_o nay_o though_o thou_o be_v stray_v away_o with_o the_o lose_a sheep_n he_o will_v go_v after_o to_o seek_v thou_o and_o never_o lin_v seek_v until_o he_o have_v find_v thou_o why_o then_o say_v david_n here_o in_o a_o time_n when_o thou_o may_v be_v find_v why_o be_v there_o a_o time_n when_o god_n may_v not_o be_v find_v the_o answer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n as_o the_o very_a word_n imply_v when_o god_n may_v not_o be_v find_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v find_v god_n we_o must_v come_v in_o a_o time_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v the_o time_n when_o god_n may_v not_o be_v find_v be_v twofold_a tempus_fw-la impossibilitatis_fw-la and_o tempus_fw-la improbabilitatis_fw-la the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v he_o and_o the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v unlikely_a to_o find_v he_o the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v he_o be_v when_o this_o life_n be_v end_v for_o after_o this_o life_n there_o be_v no_o time_n for_o grace_n no_o time_n for_o repentance_n no_o time_n for_o good_a work_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n say_v john_n 9.4_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v and_o then_o no_o man_n can_v work_v by_o day_n understand_v the_o time_n of_o this_o life_n and_o by_o night_n death_n hie_v amittitur_fw-la vita_fw-la aut_fw-la reciperatur_fw-la say_v â—â—prian_a in_o this_o life_n the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v either_o lose_v or_o get_v he_o that_o defer_v the_o seek_v thereof_o till_o this_o life_n be_v past_a he_o knock_v with_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n when_o the_o gate_n be_v shut_v and_o then_o it_o be_v to_o late_a he_o that_o seek_v not_o for_o mercy_n till_o after_o this_o life_n he_o shall_v find_v none_o no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o drop_n of_o cold_a water_n to_o cool_v his_o tongue_n for_o as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o lie_v and_o as_o the_o day_n of_o our_o death_n do_v leave_v we_o so_o shall_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n find_v we_o the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v unlikely_a to_o find_v god_n be_v when_o he_o offer_v we_o grace_n and_o we_o reject_v the_o same_o when_o he_o call_v we_o by_o his_o word_n and_o we_o harden_v our_o heart_n and_o when_o upon_o presumption_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n whensoever_o we_o repent_v we_o defer_v our_o repentance_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n and_o so_o indeed_o do_v never_o true_o repent_v and_o therefore_o the_o counsel_n be_v very_o good_a ecclesiasticus_fw-la 5.7_o make_v no_o tarry_v to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o put_v it_o not_o off_o from_o day_n to_o day_n for_o sudden_o shall_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n break_v forth_o and_o in_o thy_o security_n thou_o shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o as_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o god_n may_v not_o be_v find_v so_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o he_o may_v be_v find_v &_o this_o time_n be_v likewise_o twofold_a either_o more_o common_a and_o general_a or_o more_o proper_a and_o special_a the_o common_a and_o general_a time_n when_o god_n may_v be_v find_v be_v this_o whole_a life_n time_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o life_n till_o the_o end_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o must_v come_v unto_o god_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v and_o he_o may_v be_v find_v this_o whole_a life_n time_n than_o we_o can_v begin_v to_o soon_o to_o come_v unto_o he_o therefore_o solomon_n counsel_v we_o to_o remember_v our_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o youth_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v season_v with_o godliness_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o life_n the_o more_o special_a time_n when_o god_n may_v be_v find_v be_v when_o he_o call_v we_o unto_o he_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n for_o than_o he_o offer_v his_o grace_n unto_o we_o and_o knock_v by_o his_o spirit_n at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o he_o may_v have_v entrance_n if_o we_o open_v unto_o he_o he_o will_v say_v to_o our_o soul_n here_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o i_o have_v a_o delight_n herein_o but_o if_o we_o refuse_v to_o give_v he_o entrance_n if_o we_o harden_v our_o heart_n when_o we_o hear_v his_o voice_n we_o know_v not_o when_o whether_o ever_o or_o never_o he_o will_v come_v again_o
and_o therefore_o to_o conclude_v with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n behold_v now_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o time_n accept_v defer_v not_o the_o time_n but_o come_v unto_o he_o while_o salvation_n be_v offer_v the_o time_n that_o be_v pass_v be_v altogether_o irrevocable_a the_o time_n that_o be_v to_o come_v be_v altogether_o uncertain_a only_o the_o time_n present_a be_v the_o time_n accept_v and_o therefore_o come_v now_o while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v finis_fw-la the_o fourteen_o sermon_n act_n 7.59.60_o and_o they_o stone_v steven_n call_v upon_o god_n and_o say_n lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n and_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n division_n to_o pass_v over_o the_o coherence_n of_o these_o word_n with_o the_o former_a we_o may_v observe_v in_o they_o these_o two_o thing_n the_o great_a impiety_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o martyr_v steven_n and_o stevens_n great_a piety_n in_o his_o martyrdom_n their_o impiety_n be_v set_v down_o brief_o in_o the_o first_o word_n wherein_o be_v mention_v both_o the_o person_n that_o be_v martyr_v and_o that_o be_v steven_n the_o kind_n of_o his_o martyrdom_n and_o that_o be_v ston_a and_o by_o who_o he_o be_v thus_o martyr_v namely_o by_o the_o jew_n they_o stone_v steven_n stevens_n great_a piety_n in_o his_o martyrdom_n be_v set_v down_o more_o large_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v and_o herein_o be_v declare_v both_o his_o faith_n towards_o god_n and_o his_o charity_n towards_o man_n both_o which_o he_o show_v by_o a_o double_a prayer_n which_o he_o make_v first_o for_o himself_o he_o call_v upon_o god_n say_v lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n then_o for_o his_o persecutor_n he_o kneel_v down_o and_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n first_o then_o concern_v the_o impiety_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o person_n that_o be_v martyr_v here_o be_v steven_n who_o according_a to_o his_o name_n which_o in_o the_o greek_a do_v signify_v a_o crown_n be_v the_o first_o who_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n martyr_n 3._o sort_n of_o martyr_n be_v crown_v with_o martyrdom_n now_o there_o be_v martyr_n of_o three_o sort_n first_o such_o as_o be_v martyr_n voluntate_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la opere_fw-la in_o will_n and_o desire_n but_o not_o in_o act_n so_o eusebius_n write_v of_o origen_n that_o while_o he_o be_v young_a he_o have_v such_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v a_o martyr_n that_o his_o mother_n be_v fain_o to_o hide_v all_o his_o apparel_n that_o she_o may_v keep_v he_o at_o home_n because_o otherwise_o he_o will_v have_v go_v to_o his_o father_n who_o be_v then_o in_o prison_n to_o have_v suffer_v martyrdom_n with_o he_o and_o so_o he_o be_v a_o martyr_n in_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o it_o be_v very_o memorable_a which_o sotrate_v theodoret_n and_o likewise_o sozomen_n in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a history_n do_v report_n of_o a_o woman_n who_o so_o affect_v martyrdom_n that_o when_o she_o understand_v that_o valens_n the_o emperor_n have_v send_v modestus_n the_o governor_n of_o edessa_n with_o a_o band_n of_o soldier_n to_o kill_v all_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v assemble_v there_o at_o st._n thomas_n church_n she_o run_v thither_o in_o all_o haste_n with_o a_o child_n of_o she_o modestus_n observe_v how_o fast_o she_o run_v cause_v she_o to_o be_v call_v and_o ask_v she_o whether_o she_o be_v run_v she_o answer_v to_o the_o church_n where_o the_o christian_n be_v assemble_v why_o do_v you_o not_o know_v say_v modestus_n that_o the_o emperor_n have_v send_v i_o thither_o to_o put_v they_o all_o to_o death_n i_o know_v it_o well_o say_v the_o woman_n and_o therefore_o i_o make_v the_o more_o have_v thither_o that_o i_o may_v die_v with_o they_o but_o why_o say_v he_o do_v you_o carry_v your_o child_n with_o you_o that_o he_o say_v she_o may_v likewise_o be_v crown_v with_o martyrdom_n this_o answer_n of_o she_o so_o move_v modestus_n that_o he_o return_v back_o and_o dissuade_v the_o emperor_n from_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o and_o these_o be_v martyr_n in_o will_n and_o affection_n but_o not_o in_o act_n second_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v martyr_n opere_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la voluntate_fw-la martyr_n in_o act_n but_o not_o in_o will_n and_o affection_n such_o be_v those_o innocent_a babe_n of_o bethlehem_n that_o herod_n slay_v who_o st_n augustine_n call_v primitias_fw-la martyrum_fw-la the_o first_o fruit_n of_o martyr_n for_o these_o die_v for_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o die_v for_o they_o and_o be_v witness_n unto_o he_o speak_v with_o their_o blood_n as_o chrysostom_n say_v that_o can_v not_o speak_v with_o their_o tongue_n and_o confess_v and_o show_v forth_o his_o praise_n not_o in_o speak_v but_o in_o die_v and_o such_o a_o martyr_n be_v that_o babe_n whereof_o we_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n which_o spring_v out_o of_o his_o mother_n womb_n while_o she_o be_v burn_v at_o the_o stake_n and_o be_v by_o the_o papist_n cast_v again_o into_o the_o fire_n as_o thy_o brood_n of_o heritick_n a_o more_o horrible_a and_o impious_a act_n in_o they_o then_o it_o have_v be_v be_v commit_v by_o any_o other_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o doctrine_n because_o they_o hold_v it_o as_o a_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o all_o child_n be_v damn_v that_o dye_n without_o baptism_n and_o yet_o they_o wilful_o burn_v this_o innocent_a before_o he_o be_v baptise_a and_o so_o as_o they_o think_v do_v not_o only_o cast_v his_o body_n into_o the_o fire_n but_o his_o soul_n into_o hell_n though_o indeed_o this_o bless_a babe_n do_v not_o want_v baptism_n but_o be_v baptise_a with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n and_o be_v no_o soon_o bear_v but_o die_v a_o martyr_n martyr_n opere_fw-la non_fw-la voluntate_fw-la a_o martyr_n in_o act_n though_o not_o in_o will_n and_o desire_n three_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v martyr_n voluntate_fw-la et_fw-la opere_fw-la martyr_n both_o in_o will_n and_o act_n and_o such_o a_o martyr_n be_v steven_n who_o both_o in_o will_n and_o act_n do_v suffer_v martyrdom_n now_o because_o as_o st._n austin_n say_v out_o of_o cyprian_a non_fw-la paena_fw-la sed_fw-la causa_fw-la facit_fw-la martyrem_fw-la it_o be_v not_o the_o punishment_n which_o a_o man_n do_v suffer_v but_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o he_o suffer_v that_o make_v he_o a_o martyr_n let_v we_o see_v for_o what_o it_o be_v that_o steven_n be_v here_o martyr_a and_o this_o be_v as_o we_o see_v verse_n 52._o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n which_o of_o the_o prophet_n say_v he_o have_v not_o your_o father_n persecute_v and_o they_o have_v slay_v they_o which_o show_v before_o of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o just_a one_o of_o who_o you_o have_v be_v now_o the_o betrayer_n and_o murderer_n he_o know_v that_o they_o hate_v christ_n to_o the_o death_n and_o have_v therefore_o crucify_a he_o he_o know_v that_o they_o have_v imprison_v his_o disciple_n and_o strict_o charge_v they_o to_o preach_v no_o more_o in_o his_o name_n he_o know_v that_o for_o preach_v in_o his_o name_n he_o himself_o be_v here_o bring_v before_o the_o council_n and_o have_v false_a witness_n suborn_v against_o he_o and_o so_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o his_o bear_a witness_n to_o christ_n must_v needs_o endanger_v he_o and_o yet_o with_o great_a boldness_n he_o bear_v witness_v to_o christ_n and_o for_o this_o it_o be_v that_o he_o suffer_v martyrdom_n here_o then_o in_o steven_n we_o may_v observe_v a_o difference_n between_o true_a and_o false_a martyr_n true_a martyr_n suffer_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o false_a martyr_n suffer_v in_o a_o bad_a cause_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o error_n 80._o epipha_n contra_fw-la har._n lib._n 3._o to_o 2._o har._n 80._o so_o epiphanius_n write_v of_o a_o sect_n call_v martyriani_fw-la who_o count_v themselves_o martyr_n though_o they_o suffer_v indeed_o for_o their_o worship_v of_o idol_n so_o many_o have_v be_v register_v for_o martyr_n and_o canonize_v for_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o have_v suffer_v as_o traitor_n and_o die_v for_o treason_n but_o true_a martyr_n do_v suffer_v in_o a_o just_a cause_n and_o such_o only_o can_v have_v comfort_n in_o their_o suffering_n 10.39_o mat._n 10.39_o he_o say_v our_o saviour_n that_o lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n shall_v find_v it_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o lose_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v lose_v for_o christ_n sake_n otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n make_v of_o find_v it_o 5.10_o mat._n 5.10_o bless_a be_v