he_o worship_v upon_o the_o end_n of_o his_o staff_n yet_o further_o there_o may_v be_v a_o question_n move_v about_o the_o word_n for_o if_o we_o read_v the_o history_n in_o genesis_n it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o jacob_n worship_v towards_o the_o end_n or_o top_n of_o his_o bed_n genesis_n 47._o now_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o to_o worship_v on_o the_o top_n of_o his_o staff_n and_o on_o the_o top_n of_o his_o bed_n how_o therefore_o can_v they_o stand_v together_o ans._n they_o may_v stand_v well_o together_o and_o be_v both_o true_a for_o when_o jacob_n be_v about_o to_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v he_o raise_v up_o himself_o upon_o his_o pillow_n towards_o the_o bed_n head_n and_o thereon_o rest_v his_o body_n now_o because_o his_o body_n be_v weak_a and_o feeble_a he_o stay_v himself_o also_o upon_o his_o staff_n and_o thus_o compare_v the_o place_n together_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o repugnancy_n in_o they_o again_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o same_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v diverse_o read_v in_o diverse_a place_n of_o scripture_n without_o any_o impeachment_n to_o the_o truth_n certainty_n or_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n for_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v the_o same_o thing_n often_o yet_o in_o different_a term_n as_o in_o this_o place_n the_o diversity_n of_o word_n do_v enlarge_v or_o open_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n but_o no_o way_n corrupt_v or_o deprave_v the_o same_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o word_n now_o to_o come_v to_o the_o fact_n itself_o in_o jacob_n worship_n three_o circumstance_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o the_o occasion_n 2._o the_o time_n 3._o the_o manner_n of_o it_o the_o occasion_n of_o jacob_n worship_n here_o speak_v of_o as_o we_o may_v read_v genesis_n 47_o be_v this_o when_o the_o time_n draw_v near_o that_o jacob_n must_v die_v he_o call_v for_o his_o son_n joseph_n and_o charge_v he_o deep_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o bury_v he_o in_o egypt_n when_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o that_o he_o shall_v carry_v he_o thence_o and_o bury_v he_o in_o the_o burial_n of_o his_o father_n joseph_n consent_v unto_o his_o father_n request_n and_o yet_o jacob_n for_o certainty_n make_v he_o to_o swear_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o joseph_n swear_v unto_o he_o now_o upon_o this_o issue_n that_o jacob_n have_v with_o joseph_n the_o text_n say_v that_o israel_n worship_v towards_o the_o bed_n â—ead_a that_o be_v he_o praise_v god_n and_o give_v thanks_n unto_o he_o for_o this_o benefit_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v bury_v with_o his_o father_n abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o yet_o this_o benefit_n do_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v himself_o as_o his_o child_n for_o the_o carry_v of_o his_o bone_n thither_o be_v to_o be_v a_o token_n and_o pledge_n and_o a_o certain_a assurance_n unto_o they_o that_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n shall_v be_v they_o and_o that_o god_n will_v bring_v they_o thither_o again_o in_o this_o circumstance_n observe_v a_o notable_a duty_n belong_v unto_o father_n and_o master_n of_o family_n they_o must_v in_o their_o life_n time_n have_v care_n of_o their_o posterity_n and_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o help_v they_o and_o benefit_n they_o in_o the_o faith_n not_o only_o while_o they_o be_v alive_a but_o also_o after_o they_o be_v dead_a after_o the_o example_n of_o this_o holy_a patriarch_n and_o when_o they_o have_v obtain_v this_o benefit_n for_o they_o they_o must_v be_v glad_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o rejoice_v and_o thereupon_o take_v occasion_n to_o praise_v the_o lord_n as_o jacob_n do_v in_o this_o place_n 2._o circumstance_n the_o manner_n how_o he_o worship_v which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n on_o the_o end_n of_o his_o staff_n this_o circumstance_n be_v worth_a the_o mark_v for_o good_a jacob_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o body_n and_o old_a age_n be_v not_o able_a to_o come_v forth_o of_o his_o bed_n and_o kneel_v down_o or_o prostrate_v himself_o but_o raise_v himself_o up_o upon_o his_o pillow_n towards_o his_o bed_n head_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o feebleness_n be_v not_o yet_o able_a to_o sit_v upright_o he_o do_v lean_a and_o bear_v himself_o upon_o his_o staff_n here_o we_o learn_v that_o we_o must_v not_o only_a worship_n god_n with_o our_o soul_n and_o heart_n but_o with_o our_o body_n also_o for_o god_n have_v create_v both_o and_o therefore_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o both_o 1._o corinthian_n 6._o verse_n 20._o old_a jacob_n may_v have_v excuse_v himself_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o body_n he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o adore_v god_n with_o any_o bodily_a reverence_n but_o yet_o we_o see_v he_o lean_v upon_o his_o staff_n and_o so_o make_v supply_n to_o his_o bodily_a weakness_n adore_v god_n with_o his_o body_n question_n in_o what_o kind_n of_o gesture_n than_o must_v we_o worship_v god_n with_o our_o body_n answer_n the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o prescribe_v any_o by_o way_n of_o limitation_n for_o sometime_o our_o saviour_n christ_n pray_v kneel_v luke_n chapter_n 21._o verse_n 41_o sometime_o grovel_v matthew_n chapter_n 26._o verse_n 59_o sometime_o stand_v john_n chapter_n 11._o verse_n 41_o as_o also_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o scripture_n approve_v the_o publican_n who_o stand_v afar_a off_o and_o pray_v luke_n chapter_n 18._o verse_n 13._o elias_n also_o 1._o king_n chapter_n 18._o verse_n 42_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v with_o his_o head_n between_o his_o leg_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a form_n prescribe_v we_o only_o this_o we_o must_v use_v that_o gesture_n which_o may_v best_o set_v forth_o and_o declare_v our_o humble_a heart_n and_o holy_a affection_n unto_o god_n here_o then_o be_v confute_v a_o opinion_n of_o those_o which_o think_v that_o a_o man_n may_v worship_n god_n with_o his_o heart_n &_o yet_o worship_v image_n with_o his_o body_n that_o he_o may_v be_v present_a at_o idolatrous_a worship_n yet_o keep_v his_o heart_n unto_o god_n but_o jacob_n behaviour_n in_o this_o place_n do_v both_o confute_v and_o condemn_v they_o for_o he_o think_v his_o body_n as_o due_a to_o god_n as_o his_o soul_n and_o therefore_o worship_v god_n with_o both_o 3._o circumstance_n the_o time_n when_o he_o worship_v god_n thus_o namely_o when_o he_o be_v die_v even_o than_o he_o worship_v god_n in_o this_o circumstance_n we_o may_v note_v diverse_a thing_n first_o here_o behold_v the_o bad_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n for_o many_o man_n when_o they_o be_v die_v nowadays_a be_v so_o far_o from_o follow_v jacob_n example_n in_o worship_v and_o praise_v god_n that_o then_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o call_v for_o man_n to_o teach_v they_o how_o they_o shall_v worship_v god_n have_v spend_v the_o former_a part_n of_o their_o life_n careless_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o soul_n follow_v worldly_a profit_n and_o pleasure_n never_o think_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n till_o they_o die_v but_o what_o a_o fearful_a course_n be_v this_o that_o man_n shall_v thus_o brutish_o go_v on_o from_o day_n to_o day_n not_o know_v how_o to_o worship_v god_n well_o all_o such_o as_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o will_v be_v like_a to_o godly_a jacob_n or_o as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v to_o nathaniel_n will_v be_v true_a israelite_n joh._n 1.47_o the_o natural_a son_n of_o old_a israel_n indeed_o they_o must_v have_v care_n so_o to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o may_v worship_n god_n when_o they_o die_v &_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o defer_v but_o learn_v betimes_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o when_o death_n come_v they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o show_v forth_o and_o practise_v the_o same_o it_o be_v a_o lamentable_a thing_n to_o consider_v how_o the_o devil_n bewitch_v man_n heart_n so_o as_o they_o live_v in_o the_o world_n as_o though_o they_o shall_v never_o go_v out_o of_o it_o never_o care_v for_o religion_n till_o the_o day_n of_o death_n come_v upon_o they_o &_o than_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o learn_v but_o this_o be_v to_o follow_v esau_n and_o not_o jacob_n who_o be_v therefore_o condemn_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o again_o in_o this_o that_o jacob_n worship_v god_n at_o his_o death_n we_o learn_v this_o that_o as_o man_n live_v so_o they_o die_v for_o the_o most_o part_n jacob_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o god_n worship_n &_o therein_o live_v all_o his_o life_n long_o and_o look_v as_o he_o live_v so_o he_o die_v for_o when_o he_o die_v he_o worship_v god_n rest_v his_o body_n on_o the_o end_n of_o his_o staff_n this_o same_o truth_n be_v verify_v now_o and_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o let_v a_o man_n worship_n god_n through_o the_o course_n of_o
it_o be_v needless_a for_o the_o man_n be_v good_a already_o else_o the_o work_n can_v not_o have_v be_v good_a we_o may_v therefore_o say_v work_n be_v rather_o justify_v by_o the_o person_n of_o a_o man_n than_o his_o person_n by_o the_o work_n and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o vain_a thing_n to_o look_v for_o justification_n from_o that_o which_o thou_o thyself_o must_v first_o justify_v afore_o it_o be_v just_a if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n against_o justification_n by_o work_n but_o this_o this_o be_v sufficient_a second_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o till_o a_o man_n be_v call_v and_o his_o person_n justify_v and_o sanctify_v all_o that_o ever_o he_o do_v be_v sin_n 1._o his_o common_a action_n his_o eat_n drink_v sleep_a walk_a talk_a be_v all_o sin_n yea_o 2._o the_o work_n of_o his_o call_n &_o his_o labour_n in_o the_o same_o though_o never_o so_o just_a equal_a and_o upright_o 3._o further_o his_o civil_a action_n namely_o the_o practice_n of_o civil_a virtue_n his_o outward_a gravity_n meekness_n sobriety_n temperance_n quietness_n uprightness_n and_o all_o outward_a conformity_n be_v all_o sin_n yea_o more_o than_o all_o this_o his_o best_a action_n namely_o his_o practise_v of_o the_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o his_o deed_n of_o charity_n his_o prayer_n his_o hear_v the_o word_n his_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n his_o give_v of_o alm_n they_o be_v all_o sin_n unto_o he_o if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o believe_a and_o penitent_a heart_n yea_o such_o sin_n as_o shall_v condemn_v hâ—m_n if_o he_o have_v no_o other_o object_n this_o shall_v seem_v strange_a divinity_n that_o the_o most_o holy_a action_n as_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v damnable_a sin_n i_o answer_v they_o be_v in_o themselves_o holy_a and_o good_a and_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o god_n have_v command_v they_o yet_o in_o the_o doer_n they_o be_v sin_n because_o he_o do_v they_o from_o a_o foul_a &_o unholy_a heart_n for_o the_o same_o action_n may_v be_v holy_a in_o itself_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o a_o sin_n in_o he_o that_o be_v the_o doer_n of_o it_o as_o clear_a water_n pure_a in_o the_o fountain_n be_v corrupt_v or_o poison_v by_o run_v through_o a_o filthy_a and_o pollute_a channel_n so_o be_v even_o the_o best_a action_n sin_n as_o even_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n to_o a_o minister_n who_o heart_n be_v not_o cleanse_v by_o faith_n and_o his_o person_n accept_v of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o he_o and_o if_o he_o repent_v not_o shall_v be_v his_o condemnation_n cain_n sin_v not_o only_o in_o hate_v and_o murder_v his_o brother_n in_o lie_v and_o dissemble_v with_o god_n but_o cain_n sin_v also_o even_o in_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o abel_n sacrifice_n have_v be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n but_o that_o his_o person_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o in_o the_o work_n be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o action_n acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o only_o the_o acceptation_n of_o the_o person_n by_o christ._n this_o be_v so_o it_o stand_v we_o every_o one_o in_o hand_n to_o look_v to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o labour_v above_o all_o thing_n for_o faith_n and_o repentance_n that_o so_o our_o person_n may_v be_v accept_v righteous_a before_o god_n and_o thereby_o our_o action_n accept_v also_o if_o it_o be_v a_o miserable_a thing_n that_o all_o thy_o action_n even_o holy_a action_n shall_v be_v sin_n then_o labour_v to_o be_v justify_v for_o that_o only_o can_v make_v thy_o work_n accept_v if_o not_o then_o though_o thou_o labour_v never_o so_o much_o to_o be_v approve_v in_o the_o world_n &_o set_v never_o so_o glorious_a a_o show_n upon_o thy_o work_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n they_o be_v all_o abominable_a sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n they_o shall_v go_v for_o no_o better_a prithee_o and_o teach_v all_o thy_o life_n long_o nay_o give_v thy_o life_n to_o die_v for_o religion_n give_v all_o thy_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a deprive_v thy_o flesh_n of_o all_o delight_n build_v church_n college_n bridge_n highway_n etc._n etc._n and_o there_o may_v come_v a_o poor_a shepherd_n and_o for_o his_o keep_n of_o his_o sheep_n be_v accept_v when_o thou_o with_o all_o this_o pomp_n of_o outward_a holiness_n may_v be_v reject_v and_o why_o this_o only_o because_o he_o have_v faith_n &_o thou_o have_v none_o his_o person_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o thou_o be_v not_o therefore_o let_v this_o be_v my_o counsel_n from_o abel_n labour_v not_o so_o much_o to_o work_v glorious_a work_n as_o that_o which_o thou_o do_v do_v it_o in_o faith_n faith_n make_v the_o mean_a work_n accept_v and_o want_v of_o faith_n make_v the_o most_o glorious_a work_v reject_v for_o so_o faith_n the_o text._n abel_n must_v be_v accept_v else_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v not_o thus_o we_o see_v abel_n be_v just_a and_o god_n so_o account_v he_o the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o god_n give_v testimony_n he_o be_v so_o in_o these_o word_n god_n give_v testimony_n what_o testimony_n it_o be_v that_o god_n give_v of_o abel_n and_o his_o gift_n it_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o word_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a but_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o when_o he_o &_o cain_n offer_v god_n in_o special_a mercy_n send_v fire_n from_o heaven_n and_o burn_v up_o abel_n sacrifice_n but_o not_o cain_n for_o so_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n often_o afterward_o when_o he_o will_v show_v that_o he_o accept_v any_o man_n or_o his_o work_n he_o answer_v they_o by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n so_o he_o burn_v up_o the_o first_o sacrifice_n that_o aaron_n offer_v levit._n 9.24_o so_o he_o answer_v solomon_n 2._o chron._n 7.1_o and_o so_o elias_n 2._o king_n 18.28_o and_o so_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o he_o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o he_o accept_v abel_n and_o his_o offering_n this_o be_v a_o great_a prerogative_n that_o abel_n and_o the_o father_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v we_o have_v not_o this_o but_o we_o have_v a_o great_a for_o we_o have_v that_o that_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o truth_n and_o body_n of_o this_o for_o we_o have_v also_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n that_o be_v his_o spirit_n come_v down_o into_o our_o heart_n every_o day_n not_o visible_o but_o spiritual_o and_o burn_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o believer_n his_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o light_v the_o light_n of_o true_a faith_n that_o shall_v never_o be_v put_v out_o the_o use_n hereof_o be_v this_o as_o no_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o old_a law_n please_v god_n but_o such_o as_o be_v burn_v by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n send_v down_o either_o then_o or_o afore_o so_o our_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v our_o invocation_n of_o god_n name_n our_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n our_o duty_n of_o religion_n our_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o love_n never_o please_v god_n unless_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o heart_n purge_v by_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o be_v from_o a_o believe_v and_o repentant_a heart_n both_o which_o be_v kindle_v and_o light_v and_o daily_o continue_v by_o that_o fire_n of_o god_n spirit_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o paul_n say_v 1._o tim._n 1.4_o that_o love_n must_v come_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o work_n of_o love_n come_v from_o this_o purge_a heart_n ascend_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o a_o smoke_n of_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n and_o be_v as_o a_o sweet_a perfume_n in_o the_o nostril_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o of_o what_o do_v god_n thus_o testify_v of_o his_o gift_n it_o may_v here_o be_v ask_v at_o the_o first_o how_o can_v abel_n give_v a_o gift_n to_o god_n have_v the_o lord_n need_v of_o any_o thing_n and_o be_v not_o all_o thing_n his_o i_o answer_v god_n be_v sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o creature_n yet_o have_v he_o so_o give_v his_o creature_n unto_o man_n to_o use_v as_o that_o they_o become_v man_n own_o and_o so_o he_o may_v esteem_v &_o use_v they_o and_o be_v man_n a_o man_n may_v in_o token_n of_o his_o thankfulness_n return_v they_o again_o to_o god_n especial_o see_v god_n accept_v they_o be_v so_o offer_v as_o most_o free_a gift_n this_o show_v we_o first_o the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n that_o whereas_o we_o can_v offer_v he_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o accept_v a_o gift_n offer_v of_o his_o own_o even_o as_o though_o we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o to_o offer_v 2._o see_v here_o a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o old_a and_o
the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o second_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n and_o believe_v they_o where_o by_o believe_v we_o must_v understand_v not_o so_o much_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o be_v note_v before_o as_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o the_o word_n import_v a_o confirmation_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o a_o resolution_n in_o assurance_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v not_o unusual_a in_o scripture_n for_o paul_n pray_v for_o the_o church_n who_o have_v true_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o love_n that_o they_o may_v increase_v and_o abound_v therein_o more_o and_o more_o ephesian_n 3.16.17_o philippian_n 1.9.11_o colossian_n 1.9.11_o here_o than_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o example_n of_o these_o patriarch_n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o property_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n to_o go_v forward_o and_o increase_v in_o faith_n till_o he_o come_v to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n in_o god_n promise_n all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o faith_n be_v the_o lord_n talent_n and_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v the_o lord_n servant_n call_v to_o occupy_v therewith_o now_o god_n have_v put_v his_o talon_n into_o any_o man_n hand_n do_v require_v the_o increase_n thereof_o as_o the_o parable_n show_v luke_n 19.13_o and_o this_o paul_n teach_v for_o pray_v for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o and_o be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n ephesian_n 3.16_o he_o signify_v that_o he_o that_o do_v true_o believe_v in_o christ_n must_v go_v on_o from_o grace_n to_o grace_n till_o he_o be_v a_o tall_a man_n in_o christ_n as_o a_o child_n grow_v from_o year_n to_o year_n till_o he_o come_v to_o be_v a_o strong_a man_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v like_a unto_o fire_n which_o will_v not_o go_v out_o so_o long_o as_o wood_n or_o other_o fuel_n be_v put_v unto_o it_o but_o will_v take_v hold_v thereof_o and_o grow_v unto_o a_o great_a flame_n and_o so_o will_v faith_n grow_v up_o to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n in_o all_o those_o that_o conscionablie_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o worde_n and_o prayer_n but_o go_v the_o case_n thus_o with_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n nay_o very_o general_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o many_o among_o we_o have_v no_o regard_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o think_v they_o may_v live_v as_o they_o lust_n their_o good_a meaning_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n other_o and_o those_o not_o a_o few_o be_v so_o far_o from_o go_v forward_o in_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v every_o day_n worse_o and_o worse_o and_o still_o go_v backward_o more_o and_o more_o a_o three_o sort_n we_o have_v that_o will_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o yet_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v very_o slender_a they_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n and_o profit_v little_a now_o howsoever_o it_o may_v be_v think_v but_o a_o small_a fault_n not_o to_o profit_v in_o religion_n yet_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n when_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n in_o any_o congregation_n be_v daily_o teach_v and_o do_v not_o profit_v thereby_o and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n note_v those_o woman_n to_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n which_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2._o timoth._n 3.7_o if_o a_o child_n late_o bear_v like_v not_o well_o nor_o grow_v when_o it_o have_v good_a keep_n the_o common_a say_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o changeling_n so_o if_o a_o man_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n we_o may_v most_o true_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o spiritual_a changeling_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n we_o must_v first_o labour_n for_o faith_n &_o have_v faith_n increase_v therein_o and_o in_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n till_o we_o come_v to_o be_v strong_a man_n in_o christ._n it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o those_o patriarch_n increase_v in_o faith_n but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o do_v attain_v hereto_o answer_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n we_o may_v find_v three_o way_n whereby_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o do_v grow_v up_o in_o grace_n the_o first_o mean_n be_v from_o god_n himself_o for_o when_o he_o have_v make_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n merciful_o renew_v the_o same_o during_o his_o life_n as_o occasion_n serve_v sundry_a time_n he_o stay_v not_o there_o suffer_v it_o to_o die_v with_o abraham_n but_o when_o abraham_n be_v dead_a god_n renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o isaac_n and_o rebecka_n and_o with_o jacob_n also_o after_o they_o now_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n can_v utter_v what_o a_o wonderful_a furtherance_n it_o be_v unto_o their_o faith_n to_o have_v the_o lord_n himself_o to_o renew_v his_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o they_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o increase_a their_o faith_n be_v their_o holy_a converse_v one_o with_o another_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o to_o nurture_n they_o up_o in_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o do_v not_o only_o implant_v god_n promise_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o child_n but_o be_v themselves_o confirm_v in_o the_o same_o for_o he_o that_o teach_v another_o from_o a_o feel_a heart_n great_o strengthen_v his_o own_o soul_n now_o god_n himself_o do_v testify_v this_o thing_n of_o abraham_n 18.19_o say_v i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o son_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v righteousness_n and_o judgement_n now_o look_v what_o abraham_n herein_o do_v to_o isaac_n that_o no_o doubt_n do_v isaac_n unto_o jacob_n the_o three_o mean_n to_o increase_v their_o faith_n be_v from_o each_o one_o to_o himself_o for_o they_o give_v themselves_o often_o time_n in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o muse_n &_o meditate_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n 24.63_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o isaac_n that_o he_o go_v out_o to_o pray_v or_o to_o meditate_v in_o the_o field_n towards_o evening_n and_o we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o it_o be_v concern_v this_o and_o other_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o and_o we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o abraham_n and_o jaacob_n do_v the_o like_a these_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o these_o godly_a patriarch_n be_v strengthen_v in_o their_o faith_n all_o which_o must_v be_v mark_v of_o we_o diligent_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n for_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n often_o and_o yet_o profit_v little_a by_o it_o be_v chief_o this_o because_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o man_n shall_v grow_v up_o in_o faith_n be_v so_o slender_o use_v among_o us._n for_o the_o first_o mean_n which_o be_v on_o god_n behalf_n to_o man_n be_v through_o his_o great_a and_o unspeakable_a mercy_n plentiful_o afford_v in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o land_n in_o the_o holy_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o god_n gracious_a promise_n of_o mercy_n be_v open_v and_o apply_v to_o man_n heart_n and_o his_o judgement_n against_o sin_n be_v sharp_o denounce_v to_o drive_v man_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ._n but_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o second_o mean_n which_o be_v mutual_a instruction_n of_o father_n to_o child_n of_o master_n to_o servant_n and_o of_o one_o neighbour_n to_o another_o together_o with_o mutual_a conference_n about_o that_o we_o be_v teach_v or_o else_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o three_o mean_n which_o be_v private_a meditation_n upon_o god_n word_n and_o promise_n teach_v unto_o we_o which_o meditation_n be_v to_o a_o christian_a soul_n like_o the_o chew_v of_o the_o cud_n unto_o a_o beast_n for_o as_o chew_v the_o cud_n turn_v that_o which_o be_v eat_v into_o true_a feed_n so_o do_v holy_a meditation_n make_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n spiritual_a refresh_n by_o digest_v they_o in_o the_o heart_n if_o i_o say_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o these_o two_o latter_a we_o shall_v find_v they_o seldom_o use_v of_o very_a many_o or_o not_o at_o all_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o use_v these_o mean_n with_o care_n and_o reverence_n but_o alas_o these_o some_o be_v very_o few_o and_o because_o this_o duty_n be_v so_o slack_o perform_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o though_o the_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v oft_o repeat_v yet_o man_n reap_v little_a profit_n by_o it_o so_o that_o we_o
must_v learn_v to_o follow_v this_o notable_a practice_n of_o these_o godly_a patriarch_n and_o look_v what_o mean_v they_o use_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o same_o also_o must_v we_o use_v and_o that_o diligent_o so_o shall_v we_o grow_v and_o increase_v and_o wax_v strong_a in_o faith_n as_o they_o do_v the_o three_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v this_o and_o receive_v they_o thankful_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n signify_v to_o salute_v and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o speech_n but_o any_o way_n else_o as_o by_o embrace_v etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o place_n be_v not_o unfit_o translate_v and_o receive_v they_o thankful_o that_o be_v they_o take_v they_o kind_o at_o god_n hand_n this_o be_v a_o notable_a fruit_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o be_v commend_v that_o see_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n afar_o off_o do_v yet_o take_v they_o most_o kind_o at_o god_n hand_n but_o here_o we_o must_v consider_v how_o they_o take_v they_o kind_o namely_o by_o do_v 2._o thing_n 1._o by_o a_o action_n of_o their_o heart_n 2._o by_o a_o action_n of_o their_o life_n the_o action_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v this_o that_o howsoever_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o accomplish_v in_o their_o day_n yet_o they_o be_v wonderful_o glad_a thereof_o for_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n your_o father_n abraham_n rejoice_v to_o see_v my_o day_n &_o he_o see_v it_o &_o be_v glad_a 8.56_o it_o do_v abraham_n heart_n good_a to_o see_v christ_n afar_o off_o and_o so_o we_o may_v safe_o think_v of_o sarah_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n that_o their_o heart_n be_v also_o ravish_v with_o joy_n to_o hear_v the_o wonderful_a promise_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o to_o think_v of_o the_o most_o joyful_a performance_n which_o they_o know_v shall_v follow_v in_o due_a time_n second_o they_o take_v this_o promise_n kind_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o life_n for_o when_o they_o come_v to_o any_o strange_a place_n as_o we_o may_v often_o read_v in_o the_o story_n there_o they_o build_v up_o altar_n 33.10_o &_o offer_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n and_o call_v on_o his_o name_n all_o which_o they_o do_v to_o testify_v their_o inward_a joy_n &_o thankful_a acceptance_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o promise_a land_n though_o neither_o be_v accomplish_v in_o their_o day_n now_o as_o touch_v ourselves_o the_o same_o main_a promise_n of_o god_n that_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n have_v the_o lord_n make_v and_o continue_v unto_o we_o nay_o we_o have_v the_o same_o already_o accomplish_v &_o we_o see_v the_o same_o verify_v more_o evident_o and_o plain_o than_o any_o of_o the_o patriarch_n do_v which_o be_v true_a our_o duty_n be_v to_o take_v the_o same_o much_o more_o thankful_o and_o kind_o at_o god_n hand_n than_o they_o do_v or_o can_v do_v because_o we_o have_v more_o light_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n than_o ever_o the_o patriarch_n have_v but_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o bewail_v the_o day_n and_o time_n wherein_o we_o live_v for_o whereas_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n most_o joyful_o and_o kind_o the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o general_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o our_o nation_n and_o people_n that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n we_o be_v a_o unkind_a people_n and_o that_o this_o be_v true_a for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o all_o of_o we_o if_o weâ—_n will_v but_o a_o little_a examine_v the_o matter_n we_o shall_v find_v too_o apparent_a by_o many_o evidence_n for_o first_o let_v any_o of_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o place_n where_o we_o may_v behold_v some_o vain_a interlude_n or_o show_v a_o man_n will_v not_o think_v how_o wonderful_o we_o be_v ravish_v therewithal_o so_o as_o we_o can_v find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o spend_v whole_a day_n in_o behold_v they_o but_o let_v we_o be_v bring_v to_o hear_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n his_o holy_a word_n preach_v and_o teach_v as_o it_o be_v unto_o abraham_n isaac_n &_o jaacob_n wherein_o they_o much_o rejoice_v and_o there_o we_o sit_v heavy_a and_o drowsy_a so_o as_o the_o word_n seem_v loathsome_a unto_o we_o &_o one_o hour_n be_v so_o tedious_a as_o we_o hardly_o hold_v it_o out_o without_o sleep_v and_o if_o it_o pass_v the_o hour_n a_o little_a o_o how_o impatient_o our_o nature_n take_v it_o all_o which_o show_v plain_o that_o we_o have_v no_o such_o joy_n to_o hear_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o merciful_a promise_n as_o these_o godly_a patriarch_n have_v so_o that_o we_o be_v both_o hard_a heart_a &_o unkind_a &_o altogether_o insensible_a of_o so_o great_a favour_n of_o our_o god_n towards_o us._n second_o consider_v man_n behaviour_n in_o god_n worship_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o people_n worship_n god_n but_o in_o formal_a show_n for_o fashion_n sake_n these_o godly_a patriarch_n abraham_n etc._n etc._n build_v altar_n in_o every_o place_n where_o they_o come_v and_o offer_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n to_o signify_v their_o kindness_n &_o willing_a heart_n towards_o god_n for_o his_o promise_n but_o now_o man_n worship_n god_n formal_o not_o in_o way_n of_o thankfulness_n but_o either_o because_o the_o law_n compel_v they_o to_o it_o or_o else_o because_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n and_o order_n which_o must_v be_v keep_v for_o proof_n thereof_o take_v some_o one_o of_o the_o common_a sort_n &_o ask_v he_o why_o he_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n he_o will_v say_v he_o come_v to_o do_v as_o other_o man_n do_v but_o what_o they_o do_v he_o know_v not_o or_o what_o he_o himself_o ought_v to_o do_v he_o can_v tell_v nor_o care_v much_o to_o know_v other_o also_o come_v to_o worship_n god_n but_o ask_v they_o how_o they_o do_v it_o they_o will_v say_v by_o say_v over_o the_o ten_o commandment_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o belief_n but_o if_o the_o word_n be_v either_o preach_v or_o read_v they_o regard_v it_o not_o think_v that_o all_o god_n worship_n stand_v in_o the_o repeat_n of_o those_o three_o thing_n which_o show_v that_o they_o worship_n god_n but_o for_o fashion_n sake_n and_o with_o little_a more_o than_o a_o plain_a lip-labour_n another_o sort_n there_o be_v which_o come_v near_o to_o god_n with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o for_o though_o their_o body_n be_v present_a in_o the_o congregation_n yet_o their_o heart_n be_v wander_v about_o their_o worldly_a business_n or_o the_o work_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o we_o may_v true_o say_v god_n be_v not_o worship_v with_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v a_o unkind_a people_n and_o quite_o degenerate_a from_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o forefather_n these_o holy_a patriarch_n who_o receive_v god_n promise_n so_o kind_o and_o thankful_o three_o we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n daily_o preach_v and_o teach_v unto_o we_o but_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o make_v conscience_n of_o obey_v the_o same_o in_o their_o life_n and_o calling_n man_n do_v come_v and_o hear_v and_o shall_v learn_v but_o when_o they_o come_v home_o they_o do_v sâ—at_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v now_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a unthankfulness_n nor_o unkindness_n towards_o god_n than_o this_o that_o man_n shall_v hear_v and_o not_o obey_v 66.3_o for_o disobedience_n be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n nay_o the_o lord_n himself_o say_v that_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o obedience_n in_o his_o life_n be_v in_o his_o action_n of_o god_n worship_n no_o more_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n than_o a_o murderer_n be_v when_o he_o kill_v a_o man_n wherefore_o see_v obedience_n be_v so_o rare_a to_o be_v find_v among_o we_o and_o disobedience_n abound_v every_o where_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o we_o take_v not_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n kind_o nor_o thankful_o at_o his_o hand_n for_o if_o we_o do_v we_o will_v at_o least_o endeavour_v ourselves_o to_o do_v what_o god_n command_v in_o his_o law_n and_o desire_v in_o his_o gospel_n and_o so_o be_v thankful_a unto_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n show_v forth_o our_o thankfulness_n by_o our_o obedience_n so_o that_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o hand_n every_o man_n to_o look_v unto_o himself_o for_o his_o own_o part_n see_v god_n have_v give_v we_o his_o gospel_n the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n that_o therefore_o we_o receive_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o lest_o god_n do_v either_o take_v the_o same_o from_o we_o or_o we_o from_o it_o for_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o one_o of_o these_o two_o will_v follow_v if_o we_o do_v daily_o hear_v and_o make_v no_o conscience_n to_o
his_o life_n and_o when_o he_o die_v he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o worship_n &_o praise_n god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o he_o that_o live_v in_o covetousness_n in_o profaneness_n in_o fornication_n and_o wantonness_n for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o die_v come_v to_o a_o covetous_a man_n at_o his_o death_n and_o talk_v with_o he_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v nothing_o in_o he_o ordinary_o but_o rave_v &_o talk_v about_o his_o bargain_n his_o bill_n and_o indenture_n &_o other_o worldly_a thing_n and_o so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o other_o lewd_a liver_n look_v what_o mind_n they_o have_v while_o they_o be_v live_v &_o that_o shall_v you_o find_v most_o in_o their_o mouth_n while_o they_o be_v die_v which_o show_v plain_o that_o as_o man_n live_v so_o they_o die_v but_o some_o will_v say_v that_o oftentimes_o the_o godly_a man_n rave_v and_o speak_v lewd_o and_o it_o may_v be_v profane_o before_o his_o death_n ans._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o best_a man_n be_v not_o free_v from_o any_o kind_n of_o bodily_a sickness_n but_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o wicked_a as_o to_o burn_a fever_n and_o such_o like_a by_o the_o violence_n and_o rage_n of_o which_o disease_n they_o be_v often_o drive_v to_o rave_v to_o speak_v fond_o and_o sometime_o lewd_o yea_o it_o may_v be_v profane_o but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o though_o a_o godly_a man_n for_o the_o time_n of_o his_o fit_n can_v express_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o heart_n but_o rather_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n yet_o when_o he_o have_v recover_v himself_o he_o be_v sorry_a for_o the_o same_o &_o be_v then_o ready_a &_o willing_a to_o praise_n god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v die_v well_o as_o jacob_n do_v praise_v god_n then_o let_v we_o lead_v our_o life_n as_o he_o do_v namely_o by_o faith_n and_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n then_o come_v death_n when_o it_o will_v and_o how_o it_o will_v we_o may_v indeed_o be_v sore_o assault_v by_o sickness_n and_o temptation_n but_o yet_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v overcome_v for_o god_n be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v a_o issue_n to_o his_o child_n in_o temptation_n 1._o corinth_n 10.13_o last_o whereas_o jacob_n worship_v god_n at_o his_o death_n here_o we_o learn_v that_o sound_a zeal_n will_v never_o decay_v many_o man_n have_v zeal_n indeed_o but_o it_o come_v only_o from_o the_o strength_n and_o soundness_n of_o their_o bodily_a constitution_n and_o look_v as_o strength_n decay_v so_o do_v that_o kind_n of_o zeal_n but_o sound_a zeal_n will_v not_o decay_v and_o weaken_v with_o the_o body_n but_o as_o david_n say_v of_o the_o righteous_a psal._n 92.13_o 15._o will_v flourish_v like_o a_o palm_n tree_n and_o grow_v like_o a_o cedar_n in_o libanon_n it_o shall_v still_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o a_o man_n age_n and_o flourish_v this_o we_o see_v be_v true_a in_o jacob_n for_o though_o he_o be_v old_a and_o feeble_a with_o sickness_n yet_o he_o show_v forth_o sound_a zeal_n in_o his_o heart_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o his_o death_n even_o so_o will_v it_o be_v with_o we_o that_o profess_v religion_n if_o zeal_n be_v sound_a in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v show_v itself_o and_o the_o old_a we_o be_v the_o more_o fruit_n of_o grace_n we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o and_o then_o show_v forth_o more_o true_a zeal_n than_o in_o young_a year_n for_o though_o bodily_a strength_n decay_n yet_o sound_a zeal_n will_v never_o decay_v but_o when_o strength_n fail_v then_o will_v zeal_n flourish_v if_o it_o be_v sound_a like_v to_o the_o palm_n tree_n which_o will_v bud_v and_o sprout_v though_o the_o root_n of_o it_o be_v cut_v off_o wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v show_v forth_o zeal_n in_o our_o age_n we_o must_v get_v soundness_n of_o it_o in_o our_o youth_n for_o that_o will_v put_v forth_o itself_o in_o the_o time_n of_o death_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o jacob_n example_n josephs_n faith_n verse_n 22._o by_o faith_n joseph_n when_o he_o die_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o depart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o give_v commandment_n of_o his_o bone_n we_o have_v hear_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n the_o several_a example_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o three_o patriarch_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n now_o in_o this_o verse_n the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v down_o the_o example_n of_o josephs_n faith_n the_o word_n in_o this_o verse_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a &_o need_v no_o exposition_n they_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o brief_a sum_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 50._o chapter_n of_o genesis_n let_v we_o therefore_o come_v to_o the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n which_o be_v to_o be_v learned_a and_o gather_v forth_o of_o the_o word_n first_o note_v in_o general_a the_o great_a resemblance_n of_o this_o example_n with_o the_o former_a of_o joseph_n a_o godly_a son_n with_o jacob_n a_o godly_a father_n for_o both_o of_o they_o show_v forth_o their_o faith_n when_o they_o die_v for_o it_o be_v say_v of_o both_o by_o faith_n when_o he_o die_v so_o that_o in_o ground_n and_o circumstance_n of_o time_n they_o both_o agree_v herein_o we_o may_v observe_v first_o that_o the_o good_a example_n of_o superior_n whether_o they_o be_v civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o bring_v other_o man_n on_o and_o to_o make_v they_o forward_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n their_o zeal_n as_o paul_n say_v to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o the_o case_n of_o alm_n provoke_v many_o jacob_n the_o father_n be_v a_o worthy_a prophet_n and_o patriarch_n &_o give_v a_o holy_a and_o bless_a example_n unto_o joseph_n and_o his_o child_n do_v show_v forth_o at_o his_o death_n most_o notable_a behaviour_n wherein_o he_o worthy_o express_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o faith_n now_o his_o example_n work_v with_o joseph_n and_o he_o in_o his_o death_n behave_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o his_o godly_a father_n do_v before_o he_o and_o therefore_o superior_n must_v look_v to_o all_o their_o say_n and_o do_n careful_o that_o they_o may_v be_v worthy_a example_n to_o their_o inferior_n to_o draw_v they_o on_o in_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n second_o hence_o inferior_n also_o must_v learn_v to_o follow_v the_o godly_a holy_a and_o religious_a example_n of_o their_o governor_n and_o superious_a whether_o they_o be_v civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o this_o place_n joseph_n do_v imitate_v the_o godly_a example_n of_o his_o father_n jacob_n hereof_o saint_n paul_n give_v straight_o charge_n unto_o the_o philippian_n say_v brethren_n be_v follower_n of_o i_o and_o look_v on_o they_o which_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o example_n phil._n 3.17_o and_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n exhort_v they_o to_o honest_a conversation_n he_o bid_v they_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v receive_v and_o see_v in_o he_o but_o be_v these_o duty_n practise_v among_o we_o be_v the_o elder_a sort_n teacher_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o the_o young_a &_o do_v the_o young_a follow_v their_o elder_n in_o welldoing_a nay_o very_o but_o such_o be_v our_o time_n too_o many_o among_o we_o both_o those_o that_o give_v and_o those_o which_o follow_v good_a example_n be_v as_o sign_n &_o wonder_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v they_o be_v make_v a_o reproach_n &_o a_o byword_n among_o man_n and_o be_v foul_o disgrace_v by_o odious_a term_n isaiah_n 8.18_o but_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o practice_n of_o ishmael_n that_o mock_v isaac_n genesis_n 21._o ver_fw-la 9_o and_o we_o again_o must_v undoubted_o know_v that_o unless_o it_o be_v reform_v that_o hand_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v stretch_v out_o against_o we_o in_o many_o fearful_a judgement_n will_v not_o be_v pull_v back_o but_o stretch_v out_o still_o till_o it_o bring_v we_o to_o destruction_n for_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o ordinance_n to_o be_v contemn_v and_o his_o holy_a one_o to_o be_v abuse_v he_o look_v for_o better_a fruit_n at_o our_o hand_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v learn_v of_o these_o godly_a patriarch_n both_o to_o give_v and_o to_o follow_v good_a example_n in_o the_o example_n of_o joseph_n more_o particular_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v two_o point_n 1._o josephs_n faith_n 2._o the_o action_n of_o his_o faith_n whereby_o it_o be_v commend_v for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v say_v that_o by_o faith_n joseph_n when_o he_o die_v etc._n etc._n joseph_n for_o aught_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n have_v not_o such_o mean_n to_o come_v by_o faith_n as_o his_o ancestor_n have_v before_o he_o for_o the_o three_o patriarch_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n have_v otherwhiles_o the_o appearance_n of_o god_n unto_o
this_o beside_o the_o instance_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n appear_v plain_o in_o christ_n apostle_n they_o be_v call_v by_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o plant_v his_o church_n universal_o and_o thereupon_o howsoever_o they_o be_v simple_a man_n before_o be_v furnish_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n zeal_n &_o knowledge_n and_o with_o this_o excellent_a grace_n of_o save_v faith_n which_o do_v sanctify_v their_o other_o gift_n for_o howsoever_o judas_n be_v number_v among_o they_o have_v be_v a_o disciple_n yet_o he_o never_o come_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o apostleship_n but_o go_v astray_o from_o that_o ministration_n act_v 1.25_o and_o in_o these_o late_a day_n when_o god_n restore_v his_o gospel_n to_o light_v out_o of_o the_o dark_a mist_n of_o popery_n he_o raise_v up_o extraordinary_a man_n who_o he_o endue_v with_o wisdom_n zeal_n and_o judgement_n which_o gift_n also_o he_o seal_v up_o in_o they_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n which_o they_o testify_v by_o their_o piety_n and_o godliness_n in_o life_n &_o conversation_n and_o this_o course_n he_o observe_v usual_o in_o all_o those_o who_o he_o raise_v up_o extraordinary_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n this_o we_o must_v observe_v to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o a_o special_a difference_n between_o those_o who_o god_n raise_v up_o extraordinary_o for_o special_a good_a and_o all_o arch_a heretic_n and_o traitor_n that_o set_v up_o themselves_o unsent_a of_o god_n for_o many_o such_o wretch_n have_v excel_v in_o wisdom_n in_o worldly_a policy_n in_o zeal_n and_o authority_n whereupon_o they_o have_v pretend_v and_o persuade_v many_o that_o they_o be_v call_v of_o god_n but_o hereby_o especial_o they_o be_v to_o be_v discover_v that_o they_o be_v void_a of_o this_o rare_a gift_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n for_o look_v at_o their_o life_n and_o ordinary_o for_o impiety_n they_o have_v be_v and_o be_v arch-divel_n so_o that_o though_o they_o want_v not_o authority_n or_o outward_a zeal_n and_o wisdom_n yet_o they_o want_v faith_n which_o shall_v purify_v their_o heart_n or_o else_o they_o will_v never_o have_v live_v in_o such_o notorious_a sin_n as_o they_o be_v discover_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o trial_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n direct_v we_o unto_o saying_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n math._n 7.16_o let_v they_o therefore_o pretend_v what_o knowledge_n what_o zeal_n or_o authority_n soever_o they_o will_v if_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n appear_v not_o in_o their_o life_n by_o obedience_n they_o be_v not_o call_v of_o god_n for_o the_o special_a good_a of_o his_o church_n thus_o much_o of_o these_o man_n in_o general_a now_o we_o come_v to_o entreat_v of_o they_o several_o as_o they_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o text._n the_o first_o person_n here_o commend_v unto_o we_o be_v gedeon_n the_o history_n of_o who_o act_n be_v lay_v down_o at_o large_a judge_n chap._n 6._o in_o his_o example_n note_v one_o point_n especial_o to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o manner_n which_o god_n use_v in_o beget_v and_o increase_a true_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n if_o we_o read_v the_o story_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o angel_n call_v gedeon_n once_o twice_o 6.12.14.16_o yea_o thrice_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n to_o his_o people_n but_o gedeon_n great_o doubt_v of_o his_o call_n &_o therefore_o desire_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o god_n give_v he_o for_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v be_v burn_v up_o with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n yet_o still_o he_o doubt_v and_o be_v in_o a_o great_a fear_n than_o before_o even_o of_o death_n itself_o but_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o angel_n and_o set_v a-work_o he_o break_v down_o the_o altar_n of_o baal_n and_o build_v one_o to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o thereon_o offer_v sacrifice_n as_o god_n command_v though_o with_o some_o fear_n and_o when_o the_o midianite_n and_o amalekite_n come_v arm_v against_o israel_n he_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o their_o defence_n but_o yet_o still_o he_o doubt_v of_o his_o call_n and_o therefore_o again_o ask_v a_o sign_n at_o god_n hand_n and_o have_v it_o and_o after_o that_o ask_v another_o which_o god_n also_o grant_v now_o have_v all_o these_o one_o in_o the_o neck_n of_o another_o at_o length_n he_o know_v his_o call_n and_o so_o go_v in_o faith_n and_o defend_v israel_n so_o that_o he_o get_v the_o assurance_n of_o his_o call_n by_o sundry_a particular_a sign_n and_o confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o though_o he_o doubt_v great_o at_o the_o first_o yet_o after_o he_o believe_v not_o only_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o judge_n and_o deliverer_n of_o god_n people_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n but_o this_o principal_o that_o god_n be_v his_o god_n and_o will_v give_v unto_o he_o everlasting_a life_n here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a precedent_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n work_v true_a and_o sound_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n they_o receive_v not_o this_o grace_n at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n god_n work_v it_o in_o they_o by_o little_a and_o little_a when_o a_o man_n be_v first_o call_v of_o god_n he_o have_v much_o doubt_v and_o fear_n but_o then_o god_n send_v sundry_a help_n to_o weaken_v this_o fear_n and_o doubt_v and_o as_o they_o decrease_v so_o be_v faith_n increase_v no_o man_n believe_v sound_o at_o the_o first_o but_o weak_o even_o as_o he_o grow_v in_o year_n so_o he_o must_v grow_v in_o faith_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v by_o continuance_n in_o the_o mean_n and_o by_o experience_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n and_o indeed_o the_o more_o faith_n increase_v the_o more_o we_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o grow_v therein_o and_o the_o more_o we_o delight_v in_o the_o mean_n and_o at_o length_n after_o long_a experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n we_o shall_v have_v wrought_v in_o our_o heart_n this_o gift_n of_o true_a &_o lively_a faith_n which_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o all_o fear_n and_o doubt_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o person_n of_o gedeon_n the_o second_o person_n commend_v unto_o we_o be_v barac_n of_o who_o we_o may_v read_v judge_n 4._o his_o story_n be_v large_a and_o plain_a enough_o and_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o stand_v upon_o it_o the_o three_o person_n be_v samson_n of_o who_o we_o may_v also_o read_v judge_n 13.14_o etc._n etc._n now_o touch_v samson_n this_o question_n may_v well_o be_v ask_v how_o he_o can_v be_v just_o commend_v for_o his_o faith_n see_v it_o may_v seem_v he_o kill_v himself_o answer_n samson_n do_v not_o kill_v himself_o for_o he_o be_v call_v extraordinary_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n over_o israel_n for_o their_o defence_n and_o delivery_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o philistimes_fw-la now_o when_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o philistimes_fw-la be_v gather_v together_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o his_o people_n he_o cast_v the_o house_n down_o upon_o their_o head_n to_o kill_v they_o therein_o because_o be_v blind_a he_o can_v not_o pursue_v they_o in_o battle_n and_o therefore_o have_v they_o by_o god_n providence_n in_o his_o hand_n he_o destroy_v they_o as_o his_o call_n be_v albeit_o he_o lose_v his_o own_o life_n in_o the_o same_o action_n again_o samson_n in_o pull_v down_o the_o house_n purpose_v not_o direct_o and_o wilful_o to_o kill_v himself_o but_o to_o adventure_v his_o own_o life_n by_o take_v just_a revenge_n upon_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o god_n servant_n he_o pray_v first_o unto_o god_n and_o so_o do_v no_o more_o than_o the_o soldier_n in_o the_o field_n ought_v to_o do_v who_o bear_v a_o love_a mind_n towards_o his_o country_n be_v content_a to_o adventure_v his_o own_o life_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o country_n and_o be_v resolve_v that_o if_o he_o die_v in_o that_o defence_n he_o die_v in_o his_o lawful_a place_n and_o calling_n and_o die_v god_n servant_n yea_o god_n champion_n this_o do_v samson_n and_o therefore_o may_v just_o be_v commend_v for_o his_o faith_n neither_o be_v this_o fact_n of_o his_o any_o disgrace_n but_o rather_o a_o notable_a commendation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o a_o evidence_n of_o great_a zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o of_o singular_a love_n to_o his_o people_n the_o four_o person_n commend_v here_o be_v jephte_n of_o who_o we_o may_v read_v judge_n 11._o jephte_n be_v the_o base_a son_n of_o gilead_n bear_v of_o a_o harlot_n to_o be_v base_a bear_v be_v note_v in_o scripture_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o reproach_n and_o