wish_v themselves_o to_o be_v dog_n toad_n or_o serpent_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o yet_o though_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a of_o that_o exchange_n of_o state_n they_o shall_v never_o compass_v it_o but_o shall_v remain_v woeful_a man_n and_o woman_n for_o evermore_o because_o that_o once_o they_o make_v so_o profane_a a_o choice_n when_o the_o path_n of_o life_n be_v set_v before_o they_o they_o choose_v the_o way_n of_o death_n rather_o than_o of_o life_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o will_v desire_v death_n they_o shall_v not_o have_v it_o but_o shall_v live_v a_o life_n more_o bitter_a for_o ever_o then_o any_o death_n in_o the_o great_a pang_n thus_o we_o see_v in_o general_a their_o choice_n be_v of_o the_o better_a particular_o the_o text_n add_v that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a in_o which_o word_n be_v lay_v down_o the_o last_o and_o chief_a point_n in_o this_o reason_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o patriarch_n desire_v a_o better_a country_n than_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a country_n even_o heaven_n itself_o the_o proof_n whereof_o be_v principal_o intend_v in_o this_o place_n now_o whereas_o the_o patriarch_n be_v our_o forefather_n in_o faith_n and_o pattern_n who_o we_o must_v follow_v do_v desire_v heaven_n by_o their_o example_n every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v teach_v the_o same_o duty_n to_o aim_v at_o another_o and_o a_o better_a country_n then_o that_o in_o which_o we_o live_v even_o at_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o not_o to_o think_v that_o this_o world_n be_v the_o country_n we_o be_v bear_v for_o this_o better_a country_n we_o must_v all_o seek_v for_o whatsoever_o we_o be_v high_a and_o low_o young_a and_o old_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a if_o we_o will_v follow_v these_o godly_a patriarch_n and_o this_o we_o must_v do_v not_o at_o death_n only_o seek_v this_o world_n all_o our_o life_n long_o for_o that_o be_v to_o despise_v heaven_n but_o even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o youth_n &_o strength_n of_o our_o day_n must_v we_o set_v our_o heart_n on_o heaven_n endeavour_v so_o to_o use_v this_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o that_o when_o we_o die_v we_o may_v come_v to_o heaven_n that_o bless_a country_n which_o we_o desire_v and_o seek_v for_o in_o our_o life_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o hereunto_o consider_v the_o reason_n follow_v first_o worldly_a wisdom_n teach_v this_o if_o a_o man_n dwell_v on_o his_o own_o land_n and_o in_o his_o own_o house_n he_o be_v careless_a but_o if_o in_o another_o man_n house_n whereof_o he_o have_v no_o lease_n but_o contrariwise_o be_v certain_a to_o be_v put_v out_o he_o know_v not_o when_o this_o man_n will_v in_o time_n provide_v himself_o of_o another_o that_o so_o he_o may_v remove_v into_o it_o and_o not_o be_v destitute_a and_o if_o it_o be_v within_o his_o power_n he_o will_v provide_v a_o better_a that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o remove_v for_o the_o worse_o behold_v while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n our_o body_n be_v tent_n and_o tabernacle_n wherein_o our_o soul_n do_v dwell_v for_o a_o time_n and_o beside_o this_o time_n be_v uncertain_a for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o can_v say_v certain_o he_o shall_v live_v to_o the_o next_o hour_n therefore_o we_o must_v every_o one_o of_o we_o provide_v for_o himself_o a_o dwell_a place_n in_o heaven_n where_o we_o may_v abide_v for_o ever_o in_o all_o blessedness_n again_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o sin_n atheism_n and_o profaneness_n abound_v every_o where_o the_o blaspheme_n of_o god_n holy_a name_n and_o the_o break_n of_o his_o sabbath_n beside_o daily_a sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n now_o all_o these_o cry_n continual_o for_o vengeance_n and_o for_o god_n judgement_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o we_o for_o own_o sin_n whether_o he_o will_v take_v from_o we_o our_o good_n and_o good_a name_n our_o health_n friend_n or_o life_n itself_o and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o hand_n to_o provide_v for_o ourselves_o a_o rest_a place_n wherein_o we_o may_v abide_v for_o ever_o after_o this_o frail_a life_n full_a of_o misery_n be_v end_v three_o if_o we_o shall_v not_o do_v this_o mark_v what_o follow_v this_o and_o no_o other_o be_v our_o estate_n by_o nature_n we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o by_o our_o manifold_a sin_n we_o have_v make_v our_o ease_n far_o worse_o now_o what_o be_v due_a unto_o we_o for_o this_o corruption_n and_o for_o these_o transgression_n sure_o not_o heaven_n but_o another_o place_n even_o the_o contrary_a the_o place_n of_o eternal_a woe_n and_o destruction_n the_o bottomless_a pit_n of_o hell_n now_o if_o this_o be_v our_o due_n by_o nature_n then_o let_v not_o sin_n nor_o satan_n deceive_v we_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o heaven_n and_o still_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n but_o let_v we_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o eschew_v this_o place_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o we_o by_o nature_n that_o through_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o heavenly_a city_n which_o these_o godly_a patriarch_n so_o serious_o soght_v for_o but_o if_o we_o remain_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o so_o die_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o go_v to_o the_o place_n of_o destruction_n and_o there_o to_o remain_v in_o woe_n and_o torment_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n for_o evermore_o so_o that_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o hand_n to_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o come_v to_o heaven_n or_o else_o our_o case_n will_v be_v the_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o creature_n for_o perdition_n and_o destruction_n will_v be_v our_o portion_n world_n without_o end_n this_o must_v awake_v and_o stir_v up_o our_o dead_a and_o drowsy_a heart_n that_o be_v so_o besot_v with_o sin_n that_o though_o we_o hear_v yet_o we_o neither_o learn_v nor_o practice_n in_o worldly_a thing_n we_o can_v take_v care_n and_o pain_n but_o if_o we_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o our_o own_o everlasting_a good_a let_v we_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o heaven_n for_o if_o we_o miss_v of_o that_o city_n it_o have_v be_v good_a for_o we_o we_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v or_o that_o we_o have_v be_v the_o vile_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o man_n for_o when_o the_o unreasonable_a creature_n die_v there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o their_o misery_n but_o if_o we_o die_v and_o be_v not_o prepare_v for_o that_o place_n our_o death_n will_v be_v unto_o we_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o woe_n and_o misery_n wherefore_o god_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o they_o to_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d their_o god_n for_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o a_o city_n in_o these_o word_n be_v lay_v down_o a_o second_o reason_n whereby_o be_v prove_v that_o these_o patriarch_n die_v in_o the_o faith_n seek_v their_o country_n in_o heaven_n the_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o record_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o book_n of_o exodus_fw-la where_o god_n say_v he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n exodus_fw-la 3.16_o the_o exposition_n wherefore_o that_o be_v that_o this_o may_v appear_v and_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o patriarch_n die_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o seek_v this_o country_n of_o heaven_n god_n be_v content_a to_o vouchsafe_v &_o grant_v unto_o they_o this_o favour_n to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v or_o not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o one_o proper_o belong_v to_o man_n and_o it_o can_v be_v affirm_v proper_o of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v ashamed_a or_o blush_v as_o the_o word_n signify_v but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o god_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o this_o favour_n and_o show_v they_o this_o honour_n and_o dignity_n quest._n what_o be_v this_o honour_n and_o dignity_n which_o he_o show_v unto_o they_o answer_n to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v thus_o much_o that_o god_n accept_v they_o in_o his_o mercy_n to_o be_v such_o with_o who_o he_o will_v make_v his_o covenant_n of_o salvation_n and_o not_o with_o they_o alone_o but_o with_o their_o seed_n after_o they_o second_o that_o he_o choose_v they_o to_o make_v the_o covenant_n in_o their_o name_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n three_o he_o vouchsafe_v they_o a_o special_a and_o extraordinary_a favour_n even_o that_o himself_o will_v bear_v their_o name_n &_o they_o shall_v bear_v he_o make_v his_o glorious_a name_n renown_v to_o the_o world_n end_n by_o this_o title_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n &_o jacob_n hereupon_o the_o reason_n be_v frame_v thus_o
we_o but_o seek_v it_o in_o the_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o will_v minister_v such_o comfort_n in_o this_o life_n and_o such_o glory_n in_o heaven_n as_o have_v a_o foundation_n and_o will_v never_o fail_v us._n further_o this_o must_v put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a king_n advice_n which_o be_v to_o remember_v our_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o youth_n eccles._n 12.1_o see_v this_o world_n be_v so_o uncertain_a and_o our_o life_n have_v so_o weak_a a_o foundation_n as_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a to_o live_v to_o come_v to_o old_a age_n every_o man_n therefore_o be_v to_o hear_v the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o which_o be_v to_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o this_o the_o soon_o the_o better_a for_o else_o for_o a_o little_a foolish_a and_o vain_a pleasure_n transitory_a &_o which_o have_v no_o foundation_n we_o shall_v venture_v the_o lose_n of_o that_o glorious_a city_n which_o have_v a_o sure_a foundation_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o description_n who_o maker_n and_o builder_n be_v god_n the_o second_o point_n in_o the_o description_n of_o this_o city_n be_v that_o god_n be_v the_o maker_n builder_n or_o author_n of_o it_o these_o two_o word_n be_v both_o one_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o needless_a labour_n of_o some_o that_o will_v distinguish_v betwixt_o they_o for_o the_o meaning_n be_v god_n make_v that_o be_v prepare_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o he_o build_v it_o as_o though_o he_o shall_v say_v heavenly_a jerusalem_n be_v a_o glorious_a city_n and_o no_o marvel_n though_o it_o be_v so_o for_o god_n make_v it_o and_o if_o you_o will_v needs_o that_o be_v a_o city_n it_o must_v be_v build_v be_v it_o so_o for_o god_n be_v the_o builder_n of_o it_o this_o doctrine_n be_v evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n psal._n 136.5_o god_n by_o his_o wisdom_n make_v the_o heaven_n and_o here_o be_v another_o main_a difference_n betwixt_o this_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n the_o city_n of_o this_o world_n be_v build_v by_o man_n but_o heaven_n by_o god_n himself_o the_o art_n and_o skill_n of_o man_n build_v the_o city_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o sometime_o the_o covetousness_n or_o other_o corruption_n of_o man_n as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o beginning_n for_o cain_n a_o covetous_a cruel_a and_o ambitious_a man_n build_v the_o first_o city_n in_o the_o world_n but_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n have_v not_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v builder_n of_o this_o city_n no_o they_o be_v citizen_n of_o it_o but_o god_n only_o be_v the_o author_n and_o builder_n of_o it_o no_o man_n may_v doubt_v hereof_o because_o this_o three_o heaven_n be_v invisible_a for_o the_o angel_n also_o be_v invisible_a and_o yet_o god_n creature_n beside_o our_o creed_n teach_v that_o god_n be_v creator_n of_o all_o thing_n visible_a and_o invisible_a if_o we_o doubt_v why_o god_n make_v it_o see_v he_o make_v all_o thing_n for_o man_n and_o man_n in_o this_o world_n have_v no_o sight_n nor_o use_v of_o it_o the_o answer_n be_v god_n make_v it_o for_o two_o end_n first_o to_o be_v his_o own_o glorious_a palace_n not_o wherein_o he_o will_v confine_v his_o be_v or_o his_o presence_n but_o wherein_o he_o will_v make_v his_o glory_n most_o apparent_a and_o wherein_o his_o glory_n shall_v in_o a_o sort_n dwell_v in_o which_o regard_v it_o be_v call_v his_o throne_n isaiah_n 66._o and_o in_o our_o lord_n prayer_n we_o say_v by_o christ_n own_o teach_v that_o god_n our_o father_n be_v in_o heaven_n therefore_o as_o prince_n build_v themselves_o palace_n to_o show_v their_o power_n and_o puissance_n and_o to_o magnify_v themselves_o and_o to_o be_v fit_a habitation_n for_o their_o greatness_n so_o god_n make_v the_o three_o heaven_n to_o be_v the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n second_o he_o have_v also_o a_o respect_n herein_o to_o his_o creature_n for_o he_o make_v that_o heaven_n therein_o to_o reveal_v his_o majesty_n and_o glory_n to_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n angel_n and_o mâ—â—_n and_o by_o show_v they_o his_o glory_n to_o glorify_v they_o for_o in_o god_n presence_n be_v the_o fullness_n of_o joy_n psalm_n 16._o ultim_fw-la and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v it_o true_a that_o god_n make_v all_o thing_n for_o man_n as_o man_n for_o himself_o namely_o all_o thing_n either_o for_o his_o soul_n or_o body_n or_o both_o either_o for_o his_o use_n in_o this_o life_n or_o in_o the_o other_o and_o so_o the_o three_o heaven_n be_v make_v for_o man_n use_n not_o in_o this_o life_n but_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o his_o soul_n until_o the_o last_o judgement_n and_o after_o that_o for_o both_o soul_n &_o body_n hence_o we_o learn_v diverse_a instruction_n first_o in_o that_o the_o three_o heaven_n which_o never_o be_v see_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v here_o positive_o affirm_v to_o be_v make_v by_o god_n we_o learn_v that_o therefore_o it_o be_v one_o of_o god_n creature_n and_o not_o eternal_a as_o some_o hold_n and_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v thus_o god_n be_v eternal_a but_o he_o must_v be_v in_o some_o place_n and_o heaven_n be_v the_o seat_n and_o place_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v coeternal_a with_o god_n but_o i_o answer_v from_o god_n word_n that_o though_o heaven_n be_v the_o seat_n and_o throne_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o where_o he_o manifest_v and_o magnify_v his_o glory_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o the_o place_n of_o his_o substance_n and_o be_v for_o that_o be_v infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a and_o it_o be_v against_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o imagine_v the_o godhead_n to_o be_v comprehend_v or_o contain_v in_o any_o place_n 1._o king_n 8.27_o the_o heaven_n yea_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n can_v comprehend_v thou_o o_o lord_n how_o much_o more_o unable_a be_v this_o house_n that_o i_o have_v build_v nor_o be_v it_o material_a that_o we_o know_v not_o on_o what_o day_n it_o be_v create_v or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o name_v among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o the_o same_o be_v true_a of_o the_o angel_n also_o and_o it_o please_v god_n wisdom_n for_o special_a cause_n to_o name_v no_o creature_n particular_o in_o the_o creation_n but_o visible_a whereas_o we_o know_v both_o from_o our_o creed_n and_o god_n word_n itself_o that_o he_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n both_o visible_a and_o invisible_a therefore_o though_o we_o know_v not_o what_o day_n the_o three_o heaven_n be_v make_v yet_o be_v it_o sufficient_a that_o here_o be_v say_v it_o be_v make_v and_o build_v by_o god_n himself_o whereupon_o it_o necessary_o follow_v it_o be_v a_o creature_n and_o not_o coeternal_a with_o the_o godhead_n second_o here_o appear_v the_o weakness_n of_o one_o of_o the_o common_a argument_n use_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o ubiquity_n and_o consubstantiation_n christ_n say_v they_o be_v present_a bodily_a in_o the_o eucharist_n and_o they_o prove_v it_o thus_o christ_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o he_o be_v god_n but_o heaven_n be_v every_o where_o for_o god_n be_v every_o where_o and_o where_o god_n be_v there_o heaven_n be_v as_o where_o the_o king_n be_v there_o the_o court_n be_v therefore_o christ_n may_v be_v in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o be_v in_o heaven_n notwithstanding_o i_o answer_v the_o ground_n be_v false_a heaven_n be_v not_o every_o where_o for_o than_o it_o be_v in_o hell_n which_o to_o affirm_v be_v absurdity_n confusion_n and_o impiety_n indeed_o god_n presence_n be_v every_o where_o and_o where_o his_o presence_n be_v there_o be_v his_o power_n as_o where_o the_o king_n presence_n be_v there_o be_v also_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o there_o may_v be_v any_o seat_n or_o course_n of_o justice_n and_o so_o where_o he_o be_v the_o court_n be_v but_o if_o you_o take_v the_o court_n for_o some_o one_o of_o his_o chief_a house_n than_o the_o say_n be_v not_o true_a but_o contrariwise_o as_o the_o king_n power_n be_v wheresoever_o his_o presence_n be_v and_o yet_o he_o may_v have_v one_o house_n more_o sumptuous_a and_o magnificent_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o may_v be_v call_v his_o court_n by_o a_o excellency_n above_o other_o and_o that_o court_n be_v not_o always_o where_o the_o king_n be_v but_o in_o some_o set_n and_o certain_a place_n and_o not_o removable_a so_o god_n power_n and_o glory_n be_v every_o where_o and_o yet_o his_o most_o glorious_a court_n the_o three_o heaven_n be_v not_o every_o where_o but_o in_o his_o limit_a and_o appoint_a place_n where_o god_n glory_n shine_v more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o place_n again_o if_o heaven_n proper_o take_v be_v every_o where_o than_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o for_o that_o that_o be_v every_o where_o must_v needs_o be_v deify_v and_o indeed_o some_o to_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n
glory_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n how_o we_o must_v seek_v god_n the_o second_o be_v how_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o i_o answer_v god_n reward_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o first_o by_o offer_v himself_o gracious_o to_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o for_o he_o never_o hide_v himself_o nor_o turn_v away_o from_o the_o soul_n that_o seek_v he_o but_o rather_o turn_v to_o he_o and_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v to_o he_o he_o be_v that_o good_a father_n which_o see_v the_o prodigal_a son_n afar_o off_o and_o meet_v he_o and_o receive_v he_o luke_n 16._o yea_o rather_o be_v it_o true_a that_o he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o then_o ever_o seek_v by_o any_o that_o find_v he_o not_o and_o hereby_o god_n much_o magnify_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o mankind_n in_o be_v so_o assure_o find_v when_o man_n seek_v he_o for_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v not_o so_o all_o man_n seek_v the_o face_n of_o the_o prince_n say_v solomon_n true_a but_o all_o man_n find_v it_o not_o no._n access_n to_o great_a man_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a they_o and_o their_o favour_n be_v so_o enclose_v that_o man_n may_v long_o seek_v afore_o they_o find_v either_o they_o or_o it_o but_o god_n here_o be_v not_o so_o enclose_v as_o he_o will_v not_o be_v see_v nor_o speak_v to_o he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o as_o hereby_o he_o honour_v himself_o so_o he_o high_o reward_v his_o servant_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a contentment_n to_o a_o subject_n then_o to_o perceive_v his_o service_n please_v his_o prince_n nor_o great_a joy_n then_o to_o find_v his_o gracious_a favour_n when_o they_o seek_v it_o let_v then_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n first_o of_o all_o teach_v the_o great_a one_o of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v find_v when_o they_o be_v seek_v unto_o thereby_o shall_v they_o honour_v themselves_o and_o cheer_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o people_n who_o seek_v unto_o they_o and_o again_o it_o may_v be_v a_o rich_a comfort_n to_o the_o poor_a one_o of_o this_o earth_n who_o when_o they_o see_v they_o must_v long_o look_v and_o wait_v and_o pray_v and_o pay_v and_o seek_v the_o face_n and_o favour_n of_o great_a man_n and_o can_v find_v may_v then_o remember_v yet_o they_o have_v a_o god_n who_o will_v not_o shut_v the_o door_n upon_o they_o will_v not_o turn_v away_o will_v not_o keep_v secret_a will_v not_o fear_v they_o away_o with_o a_o rough_a answer_n or_o a_o sour_a look_n but_o have_v this_o honourable_a and_o princely_a grace_n he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o second_o he_o reward_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o by_o bestow_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n on_o they_o not_o only_o he_o but_o his_o favour_n shall_v be_v find_v of_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o it_o be_v god_n favour_n that_o god_n child_n seek_v and_o his_o favour_n they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v this_o be_v no_o small_a reward_n unto_o they_o for_o in_o this_o world_n a_o man_n think_v he_o have_v enough_o if_o he_o have_v the_o prince_n favour_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o common_a phrase_n in_o old_a time_n let_v i_o find_v grace_n or_o favour_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o my_o lord_n the_o king_n so_o speak_v god_n child_n unto_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o wealth_n nor_o honour_n we_o seeke-for_a at_o god_n hand_n but_o let_v we_o find_v favour_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o so_o they_o do_v whatever_o they_o find_v in_o this_o world_n three_o he_o reward_v they_o not_o with_o his_o naked_a favour_n but_o with_o the_o most_o gracious_a testimony_n thereof_o that_o can_v be_v which_o be_v two_o forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n with_o himself_o this_o be_v all_o a_o prince_n can_v do_v to_o his_o subject_n who_o have_v offend_v he_o to_o forgive_v he_o the_o fault_n and_o remit_v the_o punishment_n and_o to_o advance_v he_o to_o honour_n this_o do_v the_o lord_n to_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o he_o forgive_v they_o the_o debt_n they_o owe_v he_o whereby_o life_n and_o soul_n and_o all_o be_v forfeit_v to_o he_o and_o give_v they_o also_o life_n everlasting_a so_o plentiful_a a_o reward_n be_v give_v they_o from_o that_o god_n under_o who_o wing_n they_o be_v come_v to_o trust_v four_o he_o reward_v they_o with_o the_o beginning_n of_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comfort_n whereof_o be_v more_o even_o in_o the_o bitter_a affliction_n than_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o contentment_n in_o the_o world_n last_o with_o the_o appurtenance_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o eternal_a life_n namely_o the_o good_a blessing_n of_o this_o life_n a_o competent_a portion_n whereof_o god_n give_v his_o child_n in_o this_o world_n as_o token_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o as_o reward_n of_o their_o service_n and_o seek_v he_o now_o as_o this_o place_n do_v aim_n at_o all_o these_o reward_n so_o principal_o and_o direct_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mean_v eternal_a life_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v steadfast_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v able_a and_o most_o willing_a to_o reward_v all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o with_o a_o better_a reward_n than_o this_o world_n can_v yield_v even_o with_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n for_o his_o son_n sake_n but_o then_o will_v some_o object_n god_n reward_v we_o therefore_o we_o merit_v therefore_o good_a work_n deserve_v i_o answer_v this_o place_n indeed_o be_v gross_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n for_o that_o purpose_n but_o we_o be_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o god_n reward_v man_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o for_o his_o promise_n sake_n and_o that_o be_v for_o his_o own_o sake_n for_o it_o be_v his_o own_o goodness_n that_o make_v he_o promise_n and_o no_o former_a debt_n he_o owe_v to_o man_n again_o he_o reward_v our_o good_a work_n not_o for_o our_o merit_n for_o they_o be_v nothing_o but_o of_o death_n and_o curse_n but_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_n for_o their_o worthiness_n be_v our_o good_a work_n reward_v so_o then_o here_o be_v two_o cause_n of_o god_n reward_v and_o yet_o man_n merit_n be_v neither_o of_o both_o and_o so_o the_o argument_n be_v nought_o that_o god_n reward_v therefore_o we_o merit_v for_o god_n do_v it_o for_o other_o cause_n thus_o these_o spider_n gather_v poison_v out_o of_o this_o flower_n but_o let_v we_o suck_v the_o honey_n for_o this_o notable_a sentence_n have_v excellent_a use_n first_o if_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o than_o not_o of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o who_o seek_v not_o god_n wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n seek_v he_o not_o but_o rather_o seek_v to_o avoid_v he_o and_o his_o service_n this_o sentence_n therefore_o be_v heavy_a against_o they_o for_o when_o they_o hear_v it_o their_o conscience_n answer_v but_o we_o seek_v not_o god_n therefore_o we_o can_v look_v for_o no_o reward_n from_o he_o do_v thou_o seek_v the_o world_n then_o must_v the_o world_n be_v thy_o rewarder_n do_v thou_o seek_v to_o please_v thyself_o then_o must_v thou_o reward_v thyself_o and_o if_o thou_o will_v please_v the_o devil_n by_o live_v in_o sin_n then_o must_v he_o be_v thy_o paymaster_n alas_o pitiful_a and_o fearful_a will_v these_o reward_n be_v again_o if_o god_n reward_v none_o but_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o here_o appear_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o papist_n die_v in_o our_o religion_n and_o with_o we_o cleave_v to_o christ_n merit_n alone_o when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v because_o their_o conscience_n then_o tell_v they_o that_o by_o their_o pilgrimage_n relic_n will-worship_n and_o many_o more_o of_o their_o course_n ordinary_a in_o popery_n they_o do_v never_o seek_v god_n but_o themselves_o &_o their_o own_o honour_n gain_n and_o credit_n and_o full_a well_o know_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reward_n due_a for_o such_o service_n and_o therefore_o by_o their_o practice_n they_o make_v it_o a_o true_a say_n that_o it_o be_v good_a live_v a_o papist_n but_o die_v a_o protestant_n second_o if_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o then_o we_o see_v it_o be_v most_o true_a which_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n 1._o cor._n 15.58_o for_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v and_o serve_v he_o therefore_o the_o atheist_n and_o profane_a man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o say_v 3.14_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o what_o profit_n
wealth_n and_o pleasure_n be_v grant_v they_o by_o &_o from_o god_n as_o their_o portion_n reserve_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o portion_n of_o his_o child_n for_o a_o better_a life_n therefore_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o dives_fw-la receive_v and_o all_o wicked_a man_n do_v receive_v in_o this_o life_n 16.25_o be_v not_o any_o reward_n of_o satan_n but_o gift_n of_o god_n so_o unworthy_a a_o master_n be_v the_o devil_n to_o serve_v indeed_o he_o will_v promise_v his_o poor_a slave_n any_o thing_n but_o can_v perform_v nothing_o but_o will_v lie_v unto_o they_o and_o deceive_v they_o he_o tell_v christ_n confident_o when_o he_o let_v he_o see_v the_o glory_n and_o greatness_n of_o this_o world_n all_o this_o be_v i_o and_o i_o give_v it_o to_o who_o i_o will_v 4.6.7_o but_o he_o be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n 3.4.5_o &_o so_o he_o be_v here_o he_o lie_v to_o the_o first_o adam_n and_o no_o marvel_n that_o dare_v avouch_v so_o fond_a and_o loud_a a_o lie_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n jesus_n christ._n he_o promise_v the_o first_o adam_n to_o make_v he_o god_n and_o here_o the_o second_o adam_n to_o make_v he_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o but_o he_o perform_v both_o alike_o he_o deceive_v the_o first_o and_o so_o have_v the_o second_o also_o if_o he_o have_v trust_v he_o nor_o do_v ever_o any_o trust_v he_o but_o he_o deceive_v he_o i_o mean_v even_o for_o the_o base_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n witness_v else_o all_o his_o witch_n his_o most_o devote_a and_o profess_a servant_n of_o all_o other_o if_o ever_o he_o make_v any_o one_o of_o they_o wealthy_a all_o age_n be_v not_o able_a to_o show_v one_o whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v never_o man_n that_o serve_v god_n but_o have_v a_o competent_a measure_n of_o comfort_n for_o this_o life_n and_o some_o abundance_n and_o yet_o all_o that_o but_o the_o first_o fruit_n and_o beginning_n of_o that_o reward_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v true_a be_v it_o not_o a_o strange_a and_o lamentable_a case_n to_o see_v man_n for_o all_o this_o debase_v themselves_o to_o this_o base_a and_o slavish_a service_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o refuse_v this_o high_a and_o honourable_a service_n of_o almighty_a god_n a_o common_a servant_n in_o this_o world_n have_v more_o wit_n he_o if_o he_o can_v hear_v of_o a_o better_a service_n a_o master_n who_o give_v better_a wage_n and_o who_o better_o prefer_v his_o servant_n will_v leave_v his_o old_a master_n &_o make_v mean_n to_o get_v the_o other_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o be_v as_o wise_a for_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n as_o they_o for_o the_o body_n alone_o shall_v they_o leave_v a_o man_n for_o a_o man_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o leave_v the_o devil_n for_o god_n let_v we_o therefore_o abandon_v the_o base_a service_n of_o satan_n who_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v reward_v they_o that_o serve_v he_o put_v away_o so_o ill_a a_o master_n who_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o meat_n and_o drink_v to_o give_v we_o for_o we_o have_v even_o that_o from_o god_n but_o of_o his_o own_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o give_v we_o save_v in_o this_o world_n sorrow_n and_o shame_n and_o a_o ill_a conscience_n and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o torment_n of_o hell_n with_o himself_o and_o let_v we_o all_o seek_v the_o bless_a service_n of_o god_n if_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o attain_v it_o go_v to_o christ_n by_o hearty_a confession_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o he_o will_v prefer_v thou_o to_o god_n his_o father_n for_o never_o be_v any_o deny_v that_o with_o a_o good_a and_o true_a heart_n offer_v himself_o to_o god_n service_n then_o shall_v we_o feel_v and_o find_v what_o a_o bless_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v god_n servant_n of_o who_o it_o be_v ever_o true_a which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o say_v and_o be_v and_o ever_o shall_v be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o honourable_a rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v in_o some_o part_n the_o meaning_n and_o use_n of_o this_o notable_a sentence_n wherein_o we_o have_v stand_v the_o long_a because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o excellent_a principle_n of_o all_o practical_a divinity_n now_o put_v all_o together_o and_o we_o shall_v see_v how_o it_o prove_v henoch_n to_o be_v take_v away_o by_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o first_o ground_n and_o the_o main_a matter_n of_o all_o this_o exsample_n and_o of_o these_o two_o verse_n god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o all_o his_o child_n that_o seek_v he_o by_o faith_n therefore_o it_o be_v faith_n by_o which_o god_n child_n please_v god_n and_o therefore_o holy_a henoch_n who_o be_v take_v up_o by_o god_n from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n both_o please_v god_n by_o faith_n and_o by_o faith_n be_v take_v away_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o commendation_n of_o henochs_n faith_n and_o consequent_o the_o exsample_n of_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o first_o world_n before_o the_o flood_n now_o follow_v the_o exsample_n of_o noah_n who_o live_v in_o both_o world_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n noah_n faith_n hebrewes_n 11.7_o by_o faith_n noah_n be_v warn_v of_o god_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o yet_o not_o see_v move_v with_o reverence_n prepare_v the_o ark_n to_o the_o save_n of_o his_o household_n through_o the_o which_o ark_n he_o condemn_v the_o world_n and_o be_v make_v heir_n of_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o verse_n be_v contain_v the_o three_o exsample_n noah_n and_o the_o last_o in_o order_n of_o those_o who_o live_v afore_o the_o flood_n in_o the_o first_o and_o old_a world_n namely_o of_o the_o renown_a patriarch_n noah_n the_o ten_o from_o adam_n of_o who_o and_o who_o faith_n great_a &_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v in_o this_o verse_n and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a and_o excellent_a stile_n full_a of_o majesty_n and_o divine_a eloquence_n concern_v noah_n faith_n two_o point_n be_v lay_v down_o first_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n second_o the_o commendation_n of_o it_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v a_o special_a revelation_n from_o god_n in_o these_o word_n noah_n be_v warn_v of_o god_n the_o thing_n reveal_v whereof_o god_n warn_v he_o be_v lay_v down_o two_o way_n first_o general_o to_o be_v thing_n as_o yet_o not_o see_v then_o particular_o three_o in_o number_n 1._o god_n judgement_n upon_o the_o sinful_a world_n that_o he_o be_v purpose_v to_o destroy_v it_o by_o water_n 2._o god_n mercy_n on_o noah_n that_o he_o will_v save_v he_o and_o his_o family_n 3._o that_o he_o will_v save_v he_o by_o a_o ark_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v make_v one_o and_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n whereof_o noah_n be_v warn_v of_o god_n his_o faith_n be_v commend_v by_o three_o worthy_a effect_n or_o operation_n in_o he_o 1._o it_o move_v in_o he_o a_o reverence_n or_o a_o reverend_a regard_n of_o the_o warning_n send_v he_o from_o god_n 2._o it_o make_v he_o prepare_v the_o ark_n of_o which_o ark_n there_o be_v set_v down_o two_o end_n 1._o it_o save_v his_o household_n 2._o it_o condemn_v the_o world_n 3._o it_o make_v he_o heir_n of_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n this_o i_o take_v it_o be_v the_o true_a resolution_n of_o these_o word_n and_o they_o contain_v many_o excellent_a thing_n concern_v his_o faith_n by_o faith_n noah_n be_v warn_v of_o god_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o yet_o not_o see_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o a_o general_a and_o historical_a faith_n and_o also_o by_o a_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v noah_n be_v warn_v of_o god_n of_o the_o just_a judgement_n he_o purpose_v to_o bring_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o a_o universal_a flood_n and_o of_o his_o merciful_a providence_n to_o he_o and_o his_o family_n that_o he_o will_v save_v they_o by_o a_o ark_n all_o which_o thing_n be_v then_o to_o come_v and_o therefore_o unseen_a he_o believe_v these_o forewarning_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o reverence_n to_o this_o message_n from_o god_n he_o prepare_v the_o ark_n and_o thereby_o save_v his_o household_n and_o condemn_v the_o wicked_a world_n and_o so_o his_o faith_n by_o all_o these_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n do_v make_v he_o a_o just_a and_o righteous_a man_n in_o god_n sight_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o noah_n exsample_n let_v we_o speak_v of_o the_o several_a part_n in_o order_n the_o first_o point_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n a_o warning_n or_o a_o answer_n from_o god_n
man_n to_o some_o particular_a estate_n and_o duty_n in_o family_n church_n or_o commonwealth_n as_o when_o a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o magistrate_n minister_n master_n of_o a_o family_n lawyer_n physician_n etc._n etc._n three_o god_n call_v some_o man_n to_o some_o private_a personal_a duty_n which_o he_o design_v not_o to_o other_o but_o to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o alone_o such_o a_o calling_n have_v he_o assign_v he_o matthew_n 19.21_o that_o will_v needs_o be_v perfect_a go_v sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v etc._n etc._n now_o the_o call_n of_o abraham_n in_o this_o place_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o this_o three_o kind_n for_o it_o be_v a_o private_a and_o personal_a call_n to_o leave_v his_o country_n his_o kindred_n his_o land_n his_o possession_n and_o to_o go_v seek_v another_o and_o to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o to_o receive_v the_o covenant_n and_o this_o duty_n belong_v to_o none_o but_o who_o shall_v personal_o &_o by_o name_n be_v call_v unto_o it_o yet_o all_o these_o three_o calling_n may_v concur_v in_o one_o as_o here_o in_o he_o for_o he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o the_o general_a and_o a_o governor_n of_o a_o great_a family_n for_o the_o particular_a calling_n but_o that_o that_o be_v in_o this_o place_n understand_v be_v this_o extraordinary_a and_o personal_a calling_n to_o leave_v his_o country_n and_o in_o it_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v three_o circumstance_n 1._o who_o be_v call_v 2._o when_o 3._o how_o he_o be_v call_v for_o the_o first_o abraham_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o terah_n but_o neither_o his_o father_n terah_n nor_o his_o brother_n nahor_n be_v call_v but_o abraham_n alone_o but_o it_o may_v worthy_o be_v demand_v why_o god_n shall_v not_o call_v his_o father_n and_o his_o kindred_n there_o can_v be_v no_o answer_n but_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n give_v rom._n 9.18_o god_n have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v and_o withhold_v it_o from_o who_o he_o will_n he_o call_v isaak_n and_o refuse_v ishmael_n love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n take_v abel_n and_o leave_v cain_n even_o because_o he_o will_v and_o for_o no_o cause_n that_o we_o know_v but_o why_o then_o call_v he_o abraham_n and_o not_o his_o kindred_n be_v not_o that_o partiality_n i_o answer_v he_o be_v tie_v to_o none_o he_o may_v refuse_v all_o therefore_o the_o marvel_n be_v that_o he_o call_v any_o but_o why_o some_o and_o not_o other_o why_o abraham_n and_o not_o his_o kindred_n no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v for_o god_n judgement_n be_v wonderful_a but_o as_o that_o that_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n math._n 19.26_o so_o that_o that_o be_v injustice_n or_o partiality_n with_o man_n be_v justice_n with_o god_n and_o it_o be_v extreme_a folly_n and_o intolerable_a presumption_n for_o we_o to_o weigh_v god_n action_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o our_o shallow_a reason_n for_o the_o second_o but_o when_o be_v abraham_n call_v for_o the_o time_n there_o be_v two_o circumstance_n worth_a the_o observation_n first_o abraham_n be_v call_v to_o this_o dignity_n when_o he_o live_v in_o idolatry_n with_o his_o father_n so_o say_v joshua_n 24.2_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n your_o father_n dwell_v beyond_o the_o flood_n in_o old_a time_n even_o terah_n the_o father_n of_o abraham_n and_o serve_v other_o god_n if_o abraham_n be_v call_v by_o god_n when_o he_o be_v a_o idolater_n than_o it_o be_v apparent_a he_o have_v not_o purchase_v god_n favour_n by_o his_o work_n where_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o a_o man_n salvation_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n mere_a mercy_n who_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o isaiah_n 65.1_o abraham_n never_o dream_v of_o the_o true_a god_n nor_o of_o any_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n when_o god_n call_v he_o and_o so_o when_o paul_n be_v go_v arm_v with_o bloody_a fury_n and_o his_o fury_n arm_v with_o commission_n and_o authority_n against_o the_o saint_n than_o god_n from_o heaven_n call_v he_o and_o of_o a_o persecuter_n make_v he_o the_o principal_a instrument_n of_o his_o glory_n act_v 9.2_o etc._n etc._n therefore_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o ourselves_o if_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v we_o the_o same_o grace_n and_o take_v we_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o salvation_n with_o we_o which_o in_o former_a time_n have_v be_v sinner_n of_o the_o gentile_n we_o must_v learn_v here_o to_o see_v whence_o this_o favour_n be_v and_o therefore_o to_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o ourselves_o but_o give_v all_o the_o glory_n unto_o god_n and_o particular_o for_o every_o one_o of_o we_o if_o god_n have_v be_v so_o merciful_a to_o any_o of_o we_o as_o when_o we_o be_v popish_a or_o superstitious_a with_o our_o parent_n or_o kindred_n to_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o bring_v we_o home_o to_o his_o holy_a truth_n or_o when_o we_o welter_v in_o wickedness_n and_o sensuality_n with_o the_o profane_a world_n to_o touch_v our_o heart_n and_o to_o call_v we_o to_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n let_v we_o often_o remember_v and_o free_o acknowledge_v this_o his_o undeserued_a mercy_n and_o say_v with_o the_o holy_a prophet_n unto_o thâ—e_n belong_v mercy_n but_o unto_o we_o open_a shame_n second_o for_o the_o time_n when_o abraham_n be_v call_v it_o be_v when_o he_o be_v 75._o year_n of_o age_n or_o thereabouts_o as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o story_n genesis_n 12.4_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o god_n for_o a_o long_a time_n let_v he_o lie_v in_o his_o blindness_n and_o idolatry_n ere_o he_o call_v he_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a that_o abraham_n in_o that_o mean_a time_n live_v civil_o &_o follow_v learning_n &_o other_o civil_a course_n and_o in_o that_o time_n it_o be_v likely_a he_o attain_a to_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o astronomy_n and_o other_o learning_n for_o which_o he_o be_v renown_v in_o old_a writer_n but_o this_o be_v the_o first_o time_n that_o he_o be_v call_v to_o know_v and_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n in_o his_o true_a service_n here_o we_o learn_v that_o though_o a_o man_n persevere_v in_o his_o sin_n for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o pass_v his_o best_a year_n in_o vanity_n without_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o be_v in_o a_o grievous_a and_o fearful_a estate_n yet_o true_a believer_n and_o man_n penitent_a must_v not_o therefore_o judge_v they_o castaway_n for_o god_n mercy_n call_v a_o man_n in_o his_o old_a age_n and_o touch_v the_o heart_n when_o it_o please_v he_o christ_n in_o the_o parable_n call_v some_o at_o the_o 11._o hour_n mat._n 20.6_o and_o so_o god_n call_v man_n to_o grace_n in_o their_o old_a age_n we_o must_v therefore_o spare_v these_o sharp_a &_o unsavourie_a censure_n which_o some_o unaduised_o cast_v upon_o such_o man_n for_o charity_n think_v not_o evil_a 1._o corinth_n 13_o where_o it_o may_v think_v or_o suppose_v any_o possibibility_n of_o good_a but_o contrariwise_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o hope_v of_o their_o conversion_n because_o we_o know_v that_o at_o what_o time_n soever_o a_o sinner_n repent_v of_o his_o sin_n god_n will_v forgive_v he_o ezek._n 18.27.28_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o man_n must_v not_o presume_v to_o live_v careless_o in_o their_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v desperate_o to_o tempt_v god_n but_o must_v follow_v the_o holy_a counsel_n of_o solomon_n eccles._n 12.1_o to_o remember_v their_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o youth_n and_o to_o turn_v unto_o god_n when_o they_o have_v mean_n lest_o god_n take_v away_o the_o mean_n and_o with_o the_o mean_n his_o favour_n from_o they_o abraham_n be_v not_o call_v till_o he_o be_v old_a but_o when_o he_o be_v call_v he_o hearken_v and_o obey_v so_o must_v thou_o when_o god_n call_v thou_o by_o affliction_n or_o by_o his_o word_n than_o answer_n and_o obey_v as_o abraham_n do_v or_o else_o abraham_n calling_n in_o his_o old_a age_n will_v be_v little_a comfort_n to_o thou_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o time_n three_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o call_n it_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o story_n of_o genesis_n to_o be_v in_o a_o earnest_a kind_n of_o counsel_n go_v out_o say_v god_n from_o thy_o kindred_n and_o from_o thy_o father_n house_n unto_o the_o land_n that_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v he_o say_v not_o bare_o go_v or_o come_v forth_o but_o he_o amplifi_v and_o urge_v it_o with_o many_o word_n and_o circumstance_n if_o any_o ask_v why_o god_n do_v so_o when_o he_o may_v have_v give_v the_o commandment_n in_o one_o word_n i_o answer_v the_o reason_n be_v that_o abraham_n may_v have_v cause_n more_o serious_o to_o consider_v of_o god_n calling_n and_o to_o
a_o city_n also_o and_o the_o best_a on_o earth_n be_v but_o shadow_n of_o it_o and_o it_o may_v shame_v they_o that_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delicacy_n of_o earthly_a city_n and_o care_v not_o nor_o look_v after_o the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n as_o it_o be_v call_v heb._n 12.22_o but_o alas_o it_o seem_v they_o care_v not_o for_o this_o shame_n for_o where_o be_v security_n wantonness_n profaneness_n oppression_n so_o common_a as_o in_o these_o great_a city_n and_o as_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o country_n town_n berea_n be_v more_o zealous_a and_o religious_a than_o the_o rich_a and_o stately_a city_n of_o thessalonica_n act_n 17.11_o so_o be_v it_o general_o to_o this_o day_n especial_o at_o such_o place_n in_o the_o country_n where_o teach_v and_o knowledge_n be_v but_o let_v such_o city_n know_v that_o as_o they_o have_v better_a mean_n &_o more_o comfort_n and_o their_o very_a name_n shall_v put_v they_o in_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o in_o love_n with_o heaven_n so_o they_o shall_v receive_v great_a damnation_n last_o city_n be_v place_n of_o freedom_n and_o all_o such_o great_a place_n have_v some_o notable_a privilege_n therefore_o man_n desire_v to_o be_v free_a in_o such_o place_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o london_n rome_n venice_n etc._n etc._n even_o the_o great_a person_n will_v be_v content_a to_o be_v free_a of_o they_o and_o many_o seek_v it_o and_o pay_v dear_a for_o it_o or_o at_o least_o work_v a_o long_a time_n for_o it_o but_o heaven_n be_v the_o city_n of_o city_n the_o perfection_n of_o beauty_n and_o true_a happiness_n therefore_o let_v every_o one_o that_o desire_v either_o honour_n or_o happiness_n labour_n and_o strive_v to_o be_v a_o freeman_n of_o heaven_n and_o never_o rest_v till_o he_o know_v he_o be_v and_o let_v those_o that_o live_v in_o city_n when_o they_o be_v admit_v freeman_n as_o daily_o some_o be_v remember_v what_o a_o blessedness_n it_o will_v be_v if_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v freeman_n of_o the_o glorious_a city_n which_o be_v above_o and_o how_o little_a that_o shall_v avail_v they_o if_o they_o want_v this_o which_o be_v the_o hope_n and_o joy_n of_o abraham_n and_o all_o holy_a man_n to_o go_v further_o this_o city_n which_o abraham_n faith_n wait_v for_o be_v describe_v by_o two_o point_n 1._o that_o it_o have_v a_o foundation_n 2._o that_o the_o maker_n and_o builder_n be_v god_n for_o the_o first_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n have_v a_o foundation_n such_o a_o one_o as_o no_o city_n in_o this_o world_n have_v &_o by_o this_o phrase_n the_o holy_a ghost_n insinuate_v unto_o we_o what_o be_v the_o property_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v two_o 1._o the_o state_n of_o heaven_n be_v unchangeable_a 2._o everlasting_a and_o eternal_a first_o the_o state_n of_o the_o elect_a in_o heaven_n &_o their_o glory_n there_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o corruption_n or_o the_o least_o alteration_n as_o appear_v in_o that_o notable_a and_o lofty_a description_n of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n apoc._n 21.14_o and_o from_o the_o 10._o verse_n to_o the_o 21_o it_o have_v a_o great_a wall_n and_o high_a 12._o gate_n 12._o angel_n for_o porter_n and_o the_o wall_n have_v 12._o foundation_n of_o 12._o sort_n of_o most_o excellent_a precious_a stone_n and_o the_o wall_n itself_o be_v jasper_n and_o the_o city_n pure_a gold_n like_a crystal_n the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v shadow_v by_o precious_a stone_n and_o gold_n to_o signify_v as_o well_o the_o durableness_n as_o the_o excellency_n thereof_o and_o in_o the_o 15._o psalm_n vers_fw-la 1._o it_o be_v call_v the_o mountain_n of_o god_n holiness_n hill_n be_v hardly_o remove_v and_o therefore_o david_n say_v that_o mount_n zion_n can_v be_v remove_v but_o remain_v for_o ever_o psal._n 125.1_o now_o if_o that_o be_v true_a of_o mount_n zion_n in_o this_o world_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v take_v either_o literal_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o can_v be_v utter_o overthrow_v or_o mystical_o for_o the_o state_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o in_o this_o world_n can_v total_o &_o final_o be_v lose_v i_o say_v if_o this_o mount_n zion_n stand_v fast_o and_o can_v be_v remove_v how_o much_o more_o true_a iâ—_n it_o of_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o triumphant_a church_n and_o of_o heavenly_a zion_n that_o it_o be_v so_o unchangeable_a so_o durable_a so_o unremovable_a that_o it_o can_v be_v shake_v but_o stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n well_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v here_o it_o have_v a_o foundation_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o revelation_n say_v to_o have_v 12._o foundation_n second_o the_o state_n of_o the_o elect_a in_o heaven_n be_v not_o only_o sure_a but_o everlasting_a that_o be_v without_o end_n psal._n 37.18_o the_o inheritance_n of_o holy_a man_n be_v perpetual_a and_o therefore_o s._n peter_n 1.1.4_o say_v that_o the_o inheritance_n reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o be_v immortal_a &_o not_o fade_v away_o it_o fade_v not_o away_o there_o be_v the_o unchangeableness_n it_o be_v immortal_a there_o be_v the_o eternity_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v mean_v by_o have_v a_o foundation_n for_o in_o this_o world_n so_o much_o the_o long_o do_v any_o thing_n endure_v as_o the_o foundation_n be_v strong_a therefore_o see_v the_o heavenly_a city_n have_v such_o a_o foundation_n no_o marvel_n though_o it_o endure_v for_o ever_o now_o put_v these_o two_o together_o and_o they_o show_v the_o perfect_a excellency_n of_o that_o city_n which_o be_v both_o unchangeable_a and_o eternal_a where_o we_o learn_v the_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o state_n of_o that_o world_n and_o this_o present_a world_n wherein_o we_o live_v in_o the_o body_n for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o this_o world_n so_o excellent_a so_o precious_a so_o costly_a so_o artificial_a but_o be_v subject_a both_o to_o alteration_n and_o in_o the_o end_n to_o dissolution_n the_o long_a day_n have_v his_o night_n and_o the_o long_a life_n end_v in_o death_n after_o many_o misery_n and_o toss_n the_o long_a empire_n and_o mighty_a monarchy_n have_v their_o period_n after_o many_o mutation_n the_o stately_a and_o strong_a city_n end_v in_o ruin_n after_o many_o civil_a broil_n massacre_n and_o other_o misery_n so_o that_o no_o glory_n no_o strength_n no_o happiness_n nothing_o at_o all_o be_v there_o in_o this_o world_n that_o be_v either_o constant_a or_o perpetual_a but_o subject_a to_o utter_v dissolution_n in_o the_o end_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o pitiful_a alteration_n so_o weak_a a_o foundation_n have_v this_o world_n and_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o it_o but_o contrariwise_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n have_v such_o a_o foundation_n as_o it_o be_v both_o unchaâ—geable_a and_o eternal_a the_o consideration_n of_o this_o difference_n have_v manifold_a &_o profitable_a use_n first_o we_o may_v see_v how_o reasonable_a the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v 1._o tim_n 6._o â—7_n charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o high_a mind_v and_o put_v not_o their_o trust_n in_o uncertain_a riches_n but_o in_o the_o live_a god_n for_o what_o a_o misery_n and_o vanity_n be_v it_o to_o trust_v in_o that_o that_o be_v uncertain_a and_o therefore_o will_v deceive_v they_o the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o what_o to_o do_v namely_o do_v good_a and_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o distribute_v lay_v up_o in_o store_n for_o themselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n that_o be_v that_o they_o so_o spend_v their_o riches_n in_o holiness_n &_o charity_n that_o they_o may_v 〈◊〉_d the_o end_n attain_v heaven_n which_o be_v the_o city_n that_o have_v a_o foundation_n and_o who_o will_v not_o spend_v riches_n which_o be_v so_o uncertain_a for_o heaven_n which_o be_v so_o certain_a a_o glory_n second_o this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o christ_n jesus_n math._n 6.19.20_o lay_v not_o up_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n on_o earth_n where_o moth_n and_o canker_n corrupt_v &_o thief_n steal_v but_o in_o heaven_n where_o be_v neither_o canker_n moth_n thief_n nor_o any_o other_o corruption_n every_o man_n natural_o must_v have_v his_o treasure_n and_o that_o be_v it_o whereon_o he_o set_v his_o heart_n now_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o a_o man_n heart_n which_o will_v be_v lose_v we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o but_o let_v we_o make_v heaven_n our_o treasure_n the_o glory_n whereof_o be_v both_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a again_o see_v nothing_o here_o be_v certain_a we_o must_v learn_v to_o seek_v sound_a comfort_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v seek_v it_o in_o this_o world_n and_o it_o will_v fail_v
have_v say_v little_o less_o but_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v moderate_v this_o disputation_n he_o plain_o tell_v we_o here_o that_o god_n be_v the_o maker_n &_o builder_n of_o it_o therefore_o assure_o it_o be_v not_o god_n but_o one_o of_o god_n creature_n three_o and_o last_o let_v we_o observe_v the_o description_n of_o heaven_n include_v in_o these_o two_o word_n maker_n and_o builder_n god_n make_v it_o that_o be_v it_o be_v one_o of_o his_o creature_n he_o make_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n and_o he_o build_v it_o that_o be_v as_o the_o word_n signify_v make_v it_o with_o art_n or_o he_o bestow_v skill_n and_o wisdom_n upon_o it_o for_o though_o we_o may_v not_o imagine_v any_o substantial_a difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o word_n for_o matter_n yet_o in_o signification_n they_o differ_v and_o so_o far_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v it_o here_o than_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o three_o heaven_n be_v like_o a_o piece_n of_o work_n wherein_o a_o excellent_a workman_n have_v spend_v his_o art_n and_o show_v his_o skill_n that_o be_v that_o the_o high_a heaven_n be_v a_o most_o glorious_a place_n and_o surpass_v all_o other_o creature_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n and_o excellency_n so_o far_o as_o therein_o shine_v the_o glory_n skill_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o creator_n more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o creature_n in_o which_o regard_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n though_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v in_o another_o place_n that_o the_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o the_o ear_n hear_v nor_o man_n heart_n conceive_v what_o god_n have_v there_o prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o 1._o corinth_n 2.9_o and_o saint_n paul_n himself_o though_o he_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v take_v up_o into_o this_o three_o heaven_n and_o to_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o glory_n which_o be_v there_o yet_o afterward_o can_v not_o he_o express_v the_o glory_n he_o have_v see_v and_o this_o be_v figure_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o mirror_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o building_n whereof_o god_n both_o choose_v the_o skilful_a man_n and_o endue_v they_o also_o with_o extraordinary_a gift_n namely_o bezaleel_n and_o aholiab_n now_o as_o thereby_o that_o temple_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a piece_n of_o work_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o this_o world_n make_v by_o man_n so_o the_o high_a heaven_n which_o be_v mystical_o prefigure_v in_o salomon_n temple_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v first_o if_o that_o be_v so_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a a_o place_n we_o must_v all_o labour_n to_o come_v thither_o for_o above_o all_o thing_n it_o seem_v worthy_a to_o be_v seek_v for_o people_z come_v out_o of_o all_o place_n of_o the_o country_n to_o dwell_v in_o great_a town_n and_o rich_a city_n and_o man_n labour_v to_o be_v freeman_n there_o and_o to_o have_v their_o child_n free_a in_o they_o and_o even_o the_o great_a man_n will_v have_v their_o house_n either_o in_o or_o near_o they_o that_o so_o though_o they_o will_v not_o always_o dwell_v in_o they_o yet_o they_o may_v sojourn_v in_o they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n now_o and_o then_o and_o why_o all_o this_o but_o because_o first_o they_o be_v place_n beautiful_a and_o many_o way_n pleasant_a to_o the_o eye_n second_o full_a and_o frequent_v with_o the_o best_a company_n three_o replenish_v with_o abundance_n of_o all_o thing_n needful_a for_o man_n life_n for_o necessity_n comfort_n and_o delight_n four_o they_o enjoy_v many_o privilege_n and_o freedom_n and_o last_o all_o this_o be_v most_o true_a of_o such_o city_n where_o the_o king_n keep_v his_o court._n if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o how_o be_v heaven_n to_o be_v seek_v for_o behold_v here_o a_o goodly_a city_n a_o city_n of_o god_n whereof_o london_n paris_n rome_n venice_n nay_o jerusalem_n be_v scarce_o shadow_n the_o true_a jerusalem_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n nay_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o god_n creature_n make_v immediate_o with_o the_o hand_n and_o build_v with_o the_o skill_n and_o cunning_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n &_o even_o of_o rome_n itself_o wonder_v at_o the_o beauty_n and_o be_v amaze_v at_o the_o magnificence_n of_o jerusalem_n city_n &_o temple_n &_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o type_n and_o figure_n hereof_o for_o that_o have_v indeed_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o she_o but_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n have_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n upon_o she_o reu._n 21.4_o shall_v we_o then_o seek_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o city_n of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o labour_v to_o come_v to_o heaven_n be_v they_o any_o way_n excellent_a wherein_o heaven_n be_v not_o much_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v be_v they_o beautiful_a and_o be_v not_o it_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n read_v the_o 21._o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o suppose_v that_o the_o beauty_n of_o it_o be_v but_o outward_a and_o worldly_a and_o sensible_a to_o humane_a capacity_n yet_o be_v it_o far_o more_o excellent_a than_o ever_o any_o be_v in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v not_o there_o the_o company_n of_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n humanity_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o all_o good_a man_n and_o be_v not_o there_o abundance_n of_o whatsoever_o belong_v to_o perfect_a happiness_n and_o be_v not_o there_o freedom_n from_o the_o devil_n sin_n and_o death_n and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o court_n of_o god_n the_o king_n of_o glory_n then_o why_o do_v we_o not_o sigh_v and_o groan_v and_o long_o to_o be_v freeman_n of_o this_o glorious_a city_n and_o though_o we_o can_v come_v to_o it_o as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o why_o do_v we_o not_o strive_v to_o come_v as_o near_o it_o as_o may_v be_v in_o this_o world_n when_o a_o man_n can_v dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o city_n yet_o he_o will_v rather_o dwell_v in_o the_o suburb_n than_o he_o will_v not_o be_v near_o it_o and_o be_v there_o he_o know_v he_o can_v soon_o step_v into_o the_o city_n so_o let_v we_o in_o this_o life_n come_v as_o near_o heaven_n as_o we_o may_v let_v we_o get_v into_o the_o suburb_n and_o dwell_v there_o the_o suburb_n of_o heaven_n be_v god_n true_a church_n on_o earth_n where_o his_o word_n be_v free_o know_v and_o preach_v and_o his_o holy_a sacrament_n administer_v and_o therein_o god_n true_o serve_v let_v we_o associate_v ourselves_o to_o this_o church_n and_o live_v according_a to_o the_o holy_a law_n thereof_o this_o be_v the_o suburb_n of_o heaven_n so_o shall_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o glorious_a city_n itself_o when_o the_o lord_n call_v us._n and_o as_o this_o be_v for_o ourselves_o so_o if_o we_o love_v our_o child_n or_o care_n for_o their_o advancement_n let_v we_o make_v they_o freeman_n of_o that_o city_n who_o maker_n and_o builder_n be_v god_n so_o shall_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v comfort_n and_o joy_n of_o they_o here_o and_o with_o they_o in_o heaven_n but_o if_o we_o will_v have_v they_o freeman_n in_o heaven_n we_o must_v make_v they_o god_n apprentize_n on_o earth_n they_o must_v serve_v out_o their_o time_n else_o they_o get_v no_o freedom_n this_o time_n be_v all_o their_o life_n man_n be_v deceive_v that_o let_v their_o child_n be_v the_o devil_n slave_n here_o and_o think_v to_o have_v they_o free_a in_o heaven_n let_v we_o then_o bind_v our_o child_n prentice_n to_o god_n that_o be_v make_v they_o his_o servant_n here_o then_o assure_o as_o in_o their_o repentance_n and_o regeneration_n here_o they_o be_v bear_v freeman_n of_o heaven_n so_o after_o this_o life_n they_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o freedom_n and_o privilege_n of_o that_o heavenly_a city_n which_o be_v make_v and_o build_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n last_o here_o we_o see_v how_o true_a it_o be_v that_o david_n teach_v psalm_n 15.4_o no_o vile_a person_n can_v come_v in_o heaven_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o if_o man_n thus_o and_o thus_o defame_v can_v be_v free_a man_n in_o the_o city_n on_o earth_n build_v by_o man_n be_v it_o likely_a that_o sinner_n and_o profane_a man_n that_o care_v not_o for_o repentance_n &_o regeneration_n for_o they_o be_v the_o vile_a man_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o that_o city_n who_o maker_n and_o builder_n be_v god_n it_o be_v the_o holy_a city_n no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v into_o it_o revel_v 21._o it_o be_v god_n holy_a mountain_n how_o shall_v ungodliness_n ascend_v thither_o psalm_n 15.1_o it_o be_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n how_o shall_v the_o old_a man_n that_o be_v sinful_a corruption_n get_v into_o it_o we_o must_v therefore_o cast_v off_o the_o old_a man_n
obey_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o three_o fruit_n of_o the_o patriarch_n faith_n the_o four_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n follow_v and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n herein_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v diverse_a point_n 1._o the_o text_n say_v they_o confess_v that_o be_v they_o profess_v open_o what_o they_o be_v and_o what_o their_o religion_n be_v and_o that_o not_o only_o among_o themselves_o but_o before_o the_o face_n of_o god_n enemy_n and_o heathen_a man_n gen._n 23.4_o abraham_n tell_v the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n that_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n and_o a_o foreigner_n among_o they_o and_o when_o jacob_n come_v before_o pharaoh_n he_o confess_v that_o both_o his_o day_n &_o the_o day_n of_o his_o father_n be_v day_n of_o pilgrimage_n gen._n 47.9_o now_o affirm_v so_o open_o that_o they_o be_v stranger_n in_o those_o country_n they_o intimate_v a_o plain_a denial_n and_o dislike_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o idolatry_n of_o those_o heathen_a country_n and_o proclaim_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o another_o religion_n so_o that_o this_o be_v true_a which_o here_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o make_v confession_n and_o profession_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o their_o faith_n and_o that_o to_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o that_o holy_a profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o which_o we_o be_v call_v our_o calling_n be_v to_o profess_v the_o gospel_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n now_o to_o many_o it_o be_v a_o reproach_n &_o ignominy_n but_o we_o must_v learn_v this_o special_a lesson_n by_o the_o example_n of_o these_o man_n that_o howsoever_o the_o world_n judge_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n yet_o we_o have_v enter_v into_o this_o holy_a profession_n and_o be_v call_v hereunto_o must_v never_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o much_o less_o deny_v or_o forsake_v the_o same_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n it_o be_v a_o contemptible_a thing_n both_o among_o the_o jew_n &_o grecian_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n to_o the_o one_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o other_o a_o laughingstock_n 1._o corin._n 1.23_o and_o yet_o paul_n profess_v open_o that_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o that_o holy_a gospel_n rom._n 1.16_o and_o so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o we_o we_o profess_v christ_n religion_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o some_o there_o be_v that_o know_v but_o little_a &_o yet_o have_v a_o good_a mind_n to_o religion_n but_o when_o they_o see_v some_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o make_v a_o mock_n and_o a_o jest_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v thereby_o daunt_v and_o hold_v back_o from_o the_o open_a profession_n and_o embrace_v of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n as_o these_o man_n be_v we_o must_v learn_v by_o their_o example_n not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n whereto_o we_o be_v call_v but_o must_v follow_v this_o notable_a example_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o patriarch_n who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a nor_o afraid_a to_o testify_v their_o profession_n among_o the_o heathen_a whensoever_o any_o occasion_n be_v offer_v for_o whosoever_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n christ_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o he_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n behis_a father_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v luke_n 9.26_o to_o go_v further_o these_o patriarch_n profess_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v stranger_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n a_o stranger_n be_v one_o that_o have_v his_o abode_n not_o in_o his_o own_o but_o in_o a_o strange_a country_n though_o he_o travail_v not_o and_o a_o pilgrim_n be_v one_o that_o be_v go_v through_o a_o foreign_a country_n to_o his_o own_o home_n abraham_n isaac_n &_o jacob_n be_v stranger_n because_o they_o dwell_v as_o stranger_n in_o tent_n not_o in_o their_o own_o country_n where_o they_o be_v bear_v but_o in_o that_o strange_a country_n whither_o god_n have_v call_v they_o and_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n because_o they_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o go_v thence_o whithersoever_o god_n will_v call_v they_o and_o in_o all_o place_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v still_o they_o wait_v on_o god_n and_o seek_v to_o he_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o this_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o these_o patriarch_n but_o be_v also_o common_a to_o all_o christian_n that_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o the_o same_o faith_n for_o david_n long_o after_o they_o confess_v unto_o god_n psal._n 39.12_o that_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n and_o a_o pilgrim_n or_o soiourner_n with_o he_o as_o all_o his_o father_n be_v and_o even_o we_o also_o must_v follow_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o profession_n dwell_v here_o on_o the_o earth_n we_o must_v testify_v &_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v both_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n but_o how_o will_n some_o say_v shall_v we_o be_v answerable_a to_o this_o profession_n answer_n for_o the_o practice_n hereof_o we_o must_v do_v these_o 3._o thing_n 1._o we_o must_v use_v this_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o as_o though_o we_o use_v they_o not_o 1._o cor_fw-la 7.31_o the_o temporal_a blessing_n we_o here_o enjoy_v we_o must_v so_o use_v as_o though_o they_o be_v not_o we_o but_o as_o stranger_n do_v only_o for_o the_o present_a occasion_n but_o we_o must_v not_o set_v our_o heart_n thereon_o and_o the_o rather_o to_o persuade_v we_o hereunto_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o godly_a patriarch_n they_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n distinct_o &_o absolute_o so_o as_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v more_o right_a to_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o possess_v than_o they_o have_v to_o this_o land_n yet_o when_o they_o come_v into_o it_o they_o enjoy_v it_o and_o all_o thing_n therein_o as_o stranger_n and_o possess_v nothing_o but_o do_v even_o buy_v ground_n to_o bury_v their_o dead_a in_o and_o so_o must_v we_o use_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v in_o this_o world_n for_o our_o house_n we_o must_v use_v they_o as_o stranger_n do_v a_o inn_n and_o for_o our_o good_n we_o must_v use_v they_o as_o pilgrim_n do_v other_o man_n good_n where_o they_o stay_v for_o a_o night_n we_o must_v so_o use_v they_o always_o as_o be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o leave_v they_o the_o next_o morning_n or_o at_o any_o time_n when_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o away_o second_o we_o must_v cast_v off_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n that_o may_v any_o whit_n hinder_v we_o in_o our_o journey_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n like_v unto_o good_a traveller_n who_o will_v carry_v nothing_o with_o they_o in_o the_o way_n but_o that_o which_o may_v further_o they_o to_o their_o journey_n end_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n hinder_v they_o in_o the_o way_n they_o will_v cast_v it_o from_o they_o and_o rather_o lose_v it_o then_o be_v hinder_v from_o their_o home_n but_o what_o be_v that_o which_o be_v burdensome_a unto_o we_o in_o this_o our_o journey_n to_o heaven_n this_o s._n paul_n show_v when_o he_o say_v 2._o tim._n 3.6_o that_o certain_a simple_a woman_n be_v lade_v with_o sin_n behold_v sin_n be_v that_o that_o lade_v uâ—_n and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n call_v sin_n the_o thing_n that_o hang_v on_o so_o fast_o and_o press_v we_o down_o heb._n 1â—_n 1â—_n therefore_o if_o we_o will_v be_v good_a traveller_n and_o pilgrim_n towards_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o all_o sin_n for_o that_o will_v hold_v we_o down_o that_o we_o can_v go_v one_o step_n forward_o but_o will_v draw_v we_o backward_o unto_o hell_n for_o the_o way_n be_v straight_o that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o the_o gate_n narrow_a and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o can_v enter_v into_o it_o math._n 7.13_o he_o that_o will_v come_v hither_o must_v come_v with_o a_o humble_a and_o pure_a heart_n for_o the_o gate_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o that_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n to_o enter_v therein_o the_o proud_a man_n who_o heart_n be_v puff_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o the_o covetous_a man_n who_o heart_n be_v enlarge_v with_o desire_n of_o gain_n the_o ambitious_a man_n who_o iâ—_n with_o child_n with_o worldly_a pomp_n &_o state_n and_o the_o luxurious_a and_o voluptuous_a man_n who_o fat_v himself_o with_o earthly_a and_o carnal_a pleasure_n all_o these_o be_v grow_v too_o big_a to_o enter_v into_o this_o straight_a gate_n but_o the_o meek_a in_o spirit_n who_o lead_v a_o humble_a and_o innocent_a life_n these_o shall_v tread_v this_o path_n though_o it_o be_v narrow_a and_o enter_v in_o at_o this_o door_n though_o it_o be_v straight_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v cast_v off_o
every_o sin_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a repentance_n and_o so_o make_v ourselves_o fit_a pilgrim_n for_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n three_o we_o must_v learn_v contentation_n of_o heart_n in_o every_o estate_n of_o life_n which_o god_n shall_v send_v upon_o we_o we_o must_v be_v content_v as_o well_o in_o sickness_n as_o in_o health_n in_o poverty_n as_o in_o plenty_n in_o trouble_n as_o in_o peace_n and_o in_o good_a report_n and_o ill_a report_n and_o in_o all_o estate_n of_o life_n and_o death_n a_o pilgrim_n in_o his_o way_n take_v all_o thing_n patient_o that_o befall_v he_o and_o if_o he_o be_v injury_v any_o way_n he_o put_v it_o up_o quiet_o without_o seek_v revenge_n or_o make_v complaint_n till_o he_o come_v home_o where_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v have_v audience_n and_o redress_v even_o so_o must_v we_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o this_o our_o pilgrimage_n to_o heaven_n in_o hope_n of_o that_o redress_n and_o rest_n we_o shall_v have_v we_o must_v bear_v all_o thing_n patient_o that_o befall_v we_o in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o way_n and_o do_v these_o three_o thing_n we_o shall_v become_v good_a pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o this_o world_n here_o two_o question_n offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v consider_v first_o if_o every_o man_n both_o in_o profession_n and_o practice_n must_v show_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o this_o world_n whether_o then_o be_v it_o not_o a_o good_a estate_n of_o life_n for_o a_o man_n to_o contemn_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o and_o to_o betake_v himself_o to_o perpetual_a beggary_n and_o voluntary_a poverty_n answ._n the_o world_n in_o scripture_n be_v take_v diverse_a way_n first_o for_o the_o corruption_n and_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n and_o these_o must_v be_v contemn_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a yea_o that_o be_v the_o best_a religion_n which_o teach_v best_a how_o to_o contemn_v these_o and_o he_o the_o best_a man_n who_o most_o forsake_v they_o in_o what_o call_v soever_o he_o live_v second_o for_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o money_n land_n wealth_n sustenance_n and_o such_o like_a outward_a thing_n as_o concern_v the_o necessary_a or_o convenient_a maintenance_n of_o this_o natural_a life_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v contemn_v for_o in_o themselves_o these_o earthly_a thing_n be_v the_o good_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o no_o man_n can_v simple_o contemn_v without_o injury_n to_o god_n dispose_v hand_n and_o providence_n who_o have_v ordain_v they_o for_o natural_a life_n the_o papist_n esteem_v it_o a_o angelical_a state_n of_o perfection_n approach_v near_o to_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n when_o a_o man_n forsake_v all_o and_o betake_v himself_o to_o voluntary_a poverty_n as_o beg_v friar_n do_v but_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a device_n of_o man_n brain_n and_o have_v no_o warrant_n in_o god_n word_n which_o decree_v thus_o that_o he_o that_o will_v not_o labour_v in_o some_o lawful_a calling_n shall_v not_o eat_v object_n but_o here_o they_o will_v say_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n speak_v to_o the_o young_a rich_a man_n bid_v he_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o he_o shall_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n mar._n 10._o answ._n that_o commandment_n be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o special_a belong_v to_o that_o young_a man_n it_o be_v a_o commandment_n of_o trial_n give_v to_o he_o only_o as_o this_o be_v to_o abraham_n when_o god_n say_v abraham_n kill_v thy_o son_n gen._n 22.2_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o commandment_n be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o namely_o to_o show_v he_o his_o corruption_n and_o to_o discover_v his_o hypocrisy_n again_o howsoever_o the_o young_a man_n be_v command_v to_o sell_v all_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o command_v to_o give_v all_o but_o only_o thus_o sell_v all_o &_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a 2._o object_n again_o they_o object_n that_o christ_n himself_o be_v a_o beggar_n and_o his_o disciple_n also_o and_o have_v nothing_o of_o their_o own_o but_o go_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n as_o beggar_n and_o live_v of_o that_o which_o other_o minister_v unto_o they_o answ._n this_o be_v a_o mere_a forgery_n and_o can_v be_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o bag_n which_o judas_n carry_v do_v prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o steward_n in_o christ_n family_n who_o look_v to_o their_o provision_n and_o to_o their_o contribution_n to_o the_o poor_a as_o may_v be_v see_v joh._n 13.27_o 28_o 29._o yea_o christ_n disciple_n though_o they_o leave_v the_o present_a use_n of_o their_o house_n and_o place_n yet_o they_o give_v not_o over_o their_o title_n and_o possession_n in_o they_o for_o christ_n go_v to_o peter_n house_n where_o he_o heal_v his_o wife_n mother_n math._n 8.14_o and_o after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n passion_n peter_n and_o the_o other_o disciple_n return_v to_o their_o ship_n again_o and_o become_v fisher_n for_o a_o time_n for_o christ_n john_n 21._o after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v fish_v 2._o quest._n whether_o may_v a_o man_n lawful_o seek_v to_o be_v rich_a see_v we_o must_v profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o this_o life_n ans._n riches_n be_v take_v two_o way_n 1._o for_o thing_n sufficient_a 2._o for_o abundance_n for_o the_o first_o by_o thing_n sufficient_a i_o mean_v thing_n necessary_a and_o meet_a for_o a_o man_n estate_n to_o maintain_v he_o and_o his_o family_n and_o thus_o a_o man_n may_v seek_v to_o be_v rich_a for_o so_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o four_o petition_n give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n that_o be_v thing_n meet_v and_o needful_a for_o the_o day_n from_o whence_o i_o reason_n thus_o that_o which_o we_o may_v lawful_o ask_v at_o god_n hand_n we_o may_v lawful_o seek_v for_o but_o we_o may_v lawful_o ask_v of_o god_n all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o this_o life_n therefore_o we_o may_v lawful_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o attain_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o 30.8_o agurs_n prayer_n show_v also_o give_v i_o not_o poverty_n nor_o riches_n feed_v i_o with_o food_n convenient_a for_o i_o where_o we_o see_v it_o be_v requisite_a a_o man_n shall_v labour_v for_o thing_n necessary_a to_o this_o life_n now_o because_o man_n corrupt_a nature_n be_v so_o gripple_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v content_v with_o the_o whole_a world_n though_o it_o be_v all_o he_o therefore_o we_o must_v learn_v this_o rule_n of_o contentation_n for_o worldly_a thing_n namely_o to_o follow_v the_o counsel_n and_o example_n of_o wise_a and_o godly_a man_n who_o be_v neither_o covetous_a nor_o riotous_a but_o rest_v content_v with_o that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a as_o for_o the_o wear_n of_o apparel_n we_o have_v no_o special_a rule_n nor_o precept_n in_o god_n word_n and_o therefore_o our_o direction_n must_v be_v the_o example_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o most_o grave_a and_o godly_a in_o that_o call_n whereof_o we_o be_v who_o precedent_n must_v be_v our_o direction_n in_o all_o case_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o precept_n nor_o rule_n in_o god_n word_n but_o if_o riches_n be_v take_v in_o the_o second_o sense_n for_o abundance_n above_o that_o which_o be_v competent_a and_o sufficient_a than_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o seek_v to_o be_v rich_a for_o proof_n hereof_o we_o have_v the_o plain_a testimony_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n paul_n say_v 1._o tim._n 6.8_o 9_o when_o we_o have_v food_n and_o raiment_n we_o must_v therewith_o be_v content_v for_o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o tentation_n and_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o noisome_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o perdition_n and_o destruction_n where_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o simple_o condemn_v a_o rich_a estate_n but_o rather_o the_o desire_n to_o be_v rich_a that_o be_v a_o desire_n to_o have_v more_o than_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o a_o man_n estate_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o common_a sin_n of_o the_o world_n man_n be_v so_o covetous_a that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v content_v with_o that_o which_o be_v enough_o but_o still_o toil_n and_o moil_n for_o more_o till_o they_o have_v get_v so_o much_o under_o their_o hand_n as_o will_v honest_o and_o sufficient_o maintain_v ten_o man_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o calling_n but_o all_o such_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o place_n afore_o name_v quest._n what_o if_o god_n give_v abundance_n to_o a_o man_n by_o lawful_a mean_n what_o must_v such_o a_o man_n do_v answ._n when_o god_n send_v riches_n in_o abundance_n to_o any_o man_n he_o must_v think_v himself_o to_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n as_o a_o
steward_n over_o they_o for_o the_o good_a dispose_n of_o they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n always_o remember_v this_o rule_n of_o the_o prophet_n david_n psal._n 62.10_o if_o riches_n increase_v set_v not_o thy_o heart_n on_o they_o he_o say_v not_o if_o riches_n increase_v refuse_v they_o but_o set_v not_o thy_o heart_n on_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o these_o question_n now_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v as_o necessary_a for_o we_o in_o these_o day_n as_o ever_o it_o be_v for_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o profit_v little_a after_o much_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n be_v this_o we_o have_v not_o behave_v ourselves_o like_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o this_o world_n but_o the_o care_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n have_v choke_v it_o up_o math._n 13_o 2d_o that_o it_o can_v take_v no_o ground_n nor_o root_n in_o our_o heart_n when_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n we_o remember_v it_o not_o because_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o affection_n thereof_o be_v set_v on_o the_o pleasure_n and_o commodity_n of_o the_o world_n we_o therefore_o must_v shake_v off_o this_o filthy_a sin_n and_o learn_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o like_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n not_o entangle_v ourselves_o with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o use_v they_o as_o though_o we_o use_v they_o not_o so_o as_o they_o be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o the_o growth_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o us._n for_o they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n declare_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n be_v set_v down_o the_o constancy_n of_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o faith_n now_o in_o the_o 14.15_o and_o 16._o verse_n the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v to_o amplify_v and_o enlarge_v the_o commendation_n of_o their_o perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o scope_n of_o all_o these_o verse_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o all_o these_o particular_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n unto_o the_o end_n the_o proof_n be_v make_v by_o one_o substantial_a reason_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n seek_v for_o their_o country_n which_o be_v heaven_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o true_a faith_n but_o some_o may_v think_v that_o this_o reason_n be_v not_o substantial_a for_o man_n may_v seek_v for_o heaven_n that_o never_o have_v true_a save_v faith_n as_o balaam_n desire_v that_o his_o end_n may_v be_v like_o the_o end_n of_o the_o righteous_a numb_a 23.10_o wherewith_o no_o doubt_n he_o desire_v the_o state_n of_o the_o righteous_a after_o this_o life_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o desire_n of_o balaams_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o any_o constant_a persuasion_n nor_o settle_a resolution_n but_o upon_o some_o sudden_a motion_n second_o though_o he_o desire_v to_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a yet_o he_o will_v not_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o righteous_a he_o have_v no_o delight_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n to_o come_v to_o that_o end_n which_o they_o walk_v in_o without_o which_o no_o man_n ordinary_o can_v come_v to_o it_o yet_o further_o some_o will_v say_v many_o shall_v seek_v as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a luke_n 13.24_o therefore_o to_o seek_v for_o heaven_n be_v no_o sufficient_a argument_n of_o true_a faith_n answer_n true_a indeed_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o enter_v because_o they_o seek_v when_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n be_v shut_v and_o when_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v past_a for_o there_o be_v a_o time_n of_o grace_n wherein_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v find_v now_o if_o man_n seek_v he_o not_o in_o this_o time_n though_o they_o seek_v he_o never_o so_o long_o after_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v he_o but_o the_o seek_n of_o these_o patriarch_n be_v a_o sound_n and_o constant_a seek_v and_o so_o a_o notable_a fruit_n of_o their_o true_a faith_n for_o 1._o they_o seek_v a_o heavenly_a country_n 2._o they_o seek_v it_o in_o due_a time_n not_o for_o a_o brunt_n but_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n 3._o they_o go_v the_o right_a way_n deny_v themselves_o and_o their_o estate_n in_o this_o life_n as_o be_v stranger_n upon_o earth_n and_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o forsake_v all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n to_o attain_v heaven_n esteem_v it_o as_o their_o true_a dwell_a place_n and_o their_o eternal_a rest_n now_o more_o particular_o the_o holy_a ghost_n divide_v this_o reason_n into_o two_o part_n &_o handle_v the_o same_o several_o 1._o he_o prove_v that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n in_o this_o verse_n and_o 2._o that_o this_o country_n which_o they_o seek_v be_v heaven_n itself_o verse_n 15.16_o for_o the_o first_o part_n that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n be_v thus_o prove_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n they_o show_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n but_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n say_v of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n therefore_o they_o show_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v evident_a in_o itself_o for_o he_o that_o say_v he_o be_v a_o pilgrim_n and_o a_o stranger_n in_o any_o place_n show_v plain_o that_o he_o be_v forth_o 〈◊〉_d his_o own_o country_n and_o therefore_o seek_v one_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v assume_v from_o their_o confession_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o former_a verse_n and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n on_o the_o earth_n from_o whence_o the_o conclusion_n be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o 14._o verse_n that_o therefore_o these_o patriarch_n seek_v a_o country_n in_o this_o reason_n observe_v first_o that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n have_v diligent_o read_v the_o history_n of_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n pen_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n and_o in_o read_v have_v observe_v that_o which_o they_o particular_o confess_v of_o themselves_o in_o many_o place_n of_o that_o book_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n yea_o also_o he_o gather_v from_o their_o confession_n this_o most_o heavenly_a meditation_n that_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o country_n but_o seek_v another_o these_o three_o thing_n then_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n use_v about_o the_o holy_a scripture_n read_v meditation_n and_o observation_n whence_o we_o learn_v that_o all_o god_n minister_n and_o those_o which_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v diligent_o to_o read_v and_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o meditate_v therein_o no_o doubt_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v a_o apostle_n and_o have_v most_o notable_a gift_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o call_n and_o yet_o he_o bestow_v pain_n in_o view_v the_o particular_a word_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n record_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n daniel_n also_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a prophet_n yet_o as_o we_o may_v read_v daniel_n 9.2_o he_o study_v with_o admirable_a diligence_n the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremie_n and_o ezekiel_n and_o timothy_n though_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n act_n 16.1_o and_o well_o learned_a yet_o paul_n charge_v he_o to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v to_o exhortation_n and_o to_o doctrine_n 1._o timothy_n 4.13_o and_o ezekiel_n be_v command_v to_o eat_v the_o role_n and_o to_o fill_v his_o belly_n with_o it_o ezekiel_n 3.3_o and_o saint_n john_n likewise_o be_v command_v to_o eat_v up_o the_o little_a book_n revelation_n 10.9.10_o which_o thing_n he_o do_v all_o which_o strong_o enforce_v the_o former_a duty_n show_v that_o god_n servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n must_v as_o it_o be_v eat_v up_o god_n book_n that_o in_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n he_o may_v digest_v as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hard_a place_n of_o the_o scripture_n here_o must_v he_o lay_v his_o foundation_n and_o hither_o have_v recourse_n from_o all_o other_o write_v whatsoever_o in_o any_o matter_n of_o doubt_n this_o direction_n be_v most_o necessary_a for_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o for_o all_o god_n minister_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o contrary_a practice_n bear_v sway_n in_o the_o world_n for_o in_o the_o popish_a university_n most_o of_o their_o divine_n apply_v themselves_o to_o study_v the_o book_n of_o certain_a schoolman_n and_o the_o expositor_n or_o commenter_n thereupon_o these_o be_v apply_v day_n and_o night_n though_o they_o be_v both_o many_o and_o large_a and_o full_a of_o needless_a quiddity_n and_o oftentimes_o they_o be_v also_o
remember_v his_o sin_n but_o with_o dislike_n and_o detestation_n be_v grieve_v with_o they_o and_o angry_a with_o himself_o for_o they_o or_o else_o to_o teach_v other_o how_o to_o avoid_v they_o and_o as_o this_o kind_n of_o forgetfulness_n be_v a_o good_a virtue_n so_o there_o be_v also_o a_o virtuous_a and_o good_a remembrance_n namely_o to_o be_v mindful_a of_o that_o which_o may_v please_v god_n as_o of_o god_n judgement_n to_o be_v humble_v thereby_o and_o of_o his_o mercy_n to_o be_v thankful_a unto_o almighty_a god_n for_o they_o and_o of_o his_o commandment_n to_o become_v obedient_a to_o his_o will_n these_o thing_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o imprint_v by_o diligence_n in_o our_o memory_n second_o here_o observe_v god_n call_v they_o out_o of_o their_o own_o country_n and_o bid_v they_o live_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n as_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n and_o so_o they_o do_v abide_v there_o without_o any_o purpose_n to_o return_v nay_o they_o be_v not_o mindful_a of_o their_o former_a home_n hence_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o be_v constant_a in_o that_o call_n whereunto_o god_n have_v call_v us._n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a sin_n for_o a_o man_n to_o go_v back_o from_o that_o call_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v he_o when_o the_o israelite_n abide_v not_o patient_o and_o constant_o with_o god_n in_o the_o wilderness_n but_o desire_v to_o shake_v off_o the_o call_n of_o god_n &_o to_o return_v to_o egypt_n there_o to_o sit_v by_o the_o fleshpot_n again_o they_o have_v god_n hand_n upon_o they_o grievous_o as_o we_o may_v read_v at_o large_a psalm_n 78._o lot_n wife_n for_o look_v back_o when_o she_o be_v command_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v fearful_o and_o strange_o punish_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o pillar_n of_o salt_n gen._n 19.26_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v luk._n 9.62_o no_o man_n that_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o lord_n plough_v and_o look_v back_o again_o be_v apt_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v he_o that_o start_v from_o the_o plough_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o field_n no_o more_o be_v he_o that_o shift_v from_o his_o call_n fit_a for_o god_n service_n to_o apply_v this_o to_o ourselves_o god_n have_v call_v we_o to_o profess_v christian_a religion_n whence_o we_o be_v call_v protestant_n we_o therefore_o must_v profess_v the_o same_o constant_o and_o hold_v it_o fast_o without_o waver_v or_o doubt_v even_o without_o be_v mindful_a of_o that_o spiritual_a egypt_n of_o darkness_n and_o superstition_n whence_o we_o be_v deliver_v much_o more_o without_o turn_v to_o any_o other_o this_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v ground_v on_o god_n word_n again_o in_o this_o our_o call_n of_o christianity_n we_o have_v vow_v unto_o god_n for_o ourselves_o to_o renounce_v the_o flesh_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n now_o this_o be_v our_o call_n as_o we_o have_v promise_v and_o undertake_v it_o so_o we_o must_v obey_v it_o in_o our_o life_n fight_v manful_o every_o day_n against_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n for_o if_o we_o profess_v religion_n in_o word_n and_o do_v not_o obey_v it_o in_o deed_n we_o make_v ourselves_o unfit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o alas_o man_n be_v like_a to_o the_o swine_n that_o return_v to_o the_o puddle_n though_o he_o be_v wash_v never_o so_o clean_o and_o to_o the_o dog_n that_o return_v to_o his_o vomit_n for_o most_o man_n do_v but_o serve_v the_o flesh_n &_o the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n thereof_o therein_o be_v their_o joy_n and_o their_o heart_n ease_v take_v away_o these_o thing_n from_o they_o and_o take_v away_o their_o life_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o these_o patriarch_n do_v thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o part_n which_o be_v this_o but_o they_o seek_v not_o a_o place_n in_o earth_n and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n follow_v that_o they_o desire_v a_o country_n which_o be_v heaven_n in_o these_o word_n but_o now_o they_o desire_v a_o better_a but_o some_o will_v say_v the_o patriarch_n be_v dead_a many_o hundred_o year_n before_o this_o be_v write_v how_o then_o can_v they_o be_v now_o say_v to_o desire_v a_o country_n answ._n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n here_o observe_v and_o follow_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o that_o write_v history_n who_o speak_v of_o thing_n past_o long_a ago_o as_o though_o they_o be_v now_o present_a now_o it_o be_v say_v they_o desire_v a_o better_a country_n these_o patriarch_n have_v lay_v before_o they_o two_o country_n the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o these_o two_o they_o may_v choose_v whether_o they_o will_v to_o be_v their_o portion_n and_o inheritance_n upon_o which_o they_o will_v bestow_v their_o heart_n now_o they_o esteem_v heaven_n though_o it_o be_v to_o come_v better_o than_o canaan_n though_o present_a and_o therefore_o make_v choice_n of_o heaven_n and_o long_v for_o it_o where_o we_o learn_v that_o as_o we_o must_v be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o all_o his_o blessing_n so_o among_o they_o all_o we_o shall_v choose_v the_o best_a this_o david_n do_v for_o be_v put_v to_o choose_v whether_o he_o have_v rather_o live_v in_o safeguard_n and_o in_o solace_n with_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a than_o in_o base_a estate_n and_o in_o great_a danger_n near_o to_o god_n sanctuary_n he_o say_v psal._n 84.10_o he_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o his_o god_n than_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o wickedness_n and_o solomon_n be_v high_o commend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1._o king_n 3.10.11_o for_o choose_v a_o wise_a and_o understand_a heart_n before_o riches_n and_o honour_n moses_n also_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o have_v his_o choice_n whether_o he_o will_v live_v glorious_o &_o at_o ease_n in_o pharoh_n court_n or_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o adversity_n now_o moses_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o discern_v refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v adversity_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n which_o holy_a example_n do_v all_o teach_v we_o that_o when_o god_n set_v before_o we_o diverse_a sort_n of_o his_o blessing_n we_o in_o spiritual_a wisdom_n must_v make_v choice_n of_o the_o best_a on_o the_o contrary_a esau_n have_v this_o choice_n set_v before_o he_o his_o brother_n red_a broth_n and_o his_o birthright_n but_o he_o choose_v the_o worse_o &_o therefore_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o holy_a ghost_n note_v he_o with_o this_o mark_n to_o be_v profane_a esau_n for_o his_o labour_n and_o the_o gaderens_n also_o be_v brand_v with_o a_o note_n of_o infamy_n to_o all_o age_n for_o choose_v their_o hog_n before_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n and_o the_o like_a choice_n be_v set_v before_o we_o every_o day_n for_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n in_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n for_o his_o part_n do_v set_v forth_o unto_o we_o christ_n jesus_n crucify_v and_o in_o he_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n come_v the_o devil_n and_o set_v before_o we_o all_o sort_n of_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n show_v to_o every_o man_n those_o sin_n to_o which_o he_o be_v give_v and_o with_o they_o all_o the_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n that_o usual_o accompany_v such_o sin_n now_o most_o man_n have_v this_o choice_n set_v before_o they_o do_v leave_v the_o true_a and_o substantial_a blessing_n of_o god_n and_o come_v to_o satan_n paint_a pageant_n and_o there_o make_v choice_n of_o sin_n with_o those_o base_a companion_n that_o do_v attend_v she_o this_o be_v too_o apparent_a to_o be_v deny_v for_o howsoever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v unto_o we_o and_o we_o do_v hear_v the_o same_o yet_o we_o prefer_v the_o vanity_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o sinful_a world_n before_o christ_n crucify_v make_v no_o account_n of_o he_o nor_o of_o our_o own_o salvation_n by_o he_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o present_a profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n but_o we_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n to_o give_v we_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o discern_v that_o now_o when_o god_n set_v before_o we_o thing_n so_o far_o differ_v we_o may_v have_v grace_n to_o discern_v between_o they_o and_o withal_o to_o prefer_v and_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o best_a and_o to_o refuse_v the_o worst_a but_o as_o for_o they_o that_o be_v so_o mad_a in_o their_o choice_n that_o they_o now_o prefer_v sin_n before_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n they_o shall_v see_v the_o day_n when_o they_o will_v
do_v the_o gadaren_n there_o be_v set_v before_o they_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o their_o hog_n and_o cattle_n now_o they_o prefer_v their_o hog_n before_o christ_n a_o most_o miserable_a and_o senseless_a choice_n and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o ill_o with_o we_o there_o be_v set_v before_o we_o on_o the_o one_o side_n heaven_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n hell_n but_o man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n choose_v hell_n &_o forsake_v heaven_n civil_a worldly_a man_n who_o delight_n be_v all_o in_o riches_n they_o prefer_v earth_n before_o heaven_n the_o service_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o great_a slavery_n before_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v perfect_a freedom_n and_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o thus_o do_v all_o man_n without_o god_n special_a grace_n whereupon_o paul_n pray_v in_o his_o epistle_n for_o the_o church_n that_o god_n will_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n 1.10_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v and_o this_o wisdom_n we_o must_v labour_v for_o that_o when_o these_o different_a thing_n be_v set_v before_o we_o we_o may_v make_v a_o wise_a choice_n otherwise_o we_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v like_o brute_n beast_n without_o understanding_n &_o do_v quite_o overturn_v our_o own_o salvation_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n we_o have_v life_n and_o death_n good_a &_o evil_n set_v before_o we_o as_o moses_n say_v to_o the_o people_n deut._n 30.15_o 19_o let_v we_o therefore_o endeavour_n ourselves_o to_o choose_v life_n by_o embrace_v and_o obey_v the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o so_o shall_v we_o follow_v both_o his_o precept_n and_o practice_n to_o suffer_v adversity_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v what_o be_v the_o ordinary_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o god_n church_n and_o people_n in_o this_o world_n namely_o to_o be_v in_o affliction_n and_o under_o the_o cross_n hence_o paul_n say_v that_o we_o must_v come_v to_o heaven_n through_o manifold_a affliction_n act_n 14.23_o the_o lord_n know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o his_o servant_n and_o child_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v set_v down_o this_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n 2._o tim._n 3.12_o thus_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n for_o special_a cause_n for_o first_o all_o cross_n as_o loss_n of_o good_n friend_n liberty_n or_o good_a name_n they_o be_v mean_n to_o stir_v up_o and_o awake_v god_n people_n out_o of_o the_o slumber_a fit_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o godly_a be_v many_o time_n overtake_v this_o way_n the_o wise_a virgin_n sleep_v as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a now_o affliction_n rouse_v they_o out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o security_n see_v this_o in_o josephs_n brethren_n who_o go_v on_o a_o long_a time_n without_o any_o remorse_n for_o sell_v their_o brother_n but_o when_o they_o be_v stay_v in_o egypt_n than_o they_o be_v rouse_v up_o and_o can_v say_v genesis_n 42.21_o this_o trouble_n be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o sell_v our_o brother_n second_o affliction_n serve_v to_o humble_a god_n child_n leviticus_fw-la 26.41_o so_o the_o church_n of_o god_n speak_v i_o will_v bear_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o i_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o micah_n 7.9_o three_o they_o serve_v to_o wean_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o to_o drive_v they_o from_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n for_o if_o man_n may_v always_o live_v in_o ease_n they_o will_v make_v their_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n which_o may_v not_o be_v and_o herein_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o child_n like_o a_o nurse_n when_o she_o will_v wean_v her_o child_n she_o lay_v some_o bitter_a thing_n upon_o the_o pap_n head_n to_o make_v the_o child_n to_o loathe_v the_o pap_n so_o the_o lord_n to_o draw_v our_o heart_n from_o the_o world_n and_o to_o cause_v we_o to_o love_n and_o seek_v after_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n he_o make_v we_o to_o taste_v of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o affliction_n in_o tâ—is_n world_n four_o affliction_n ferâ—e_v to_o make_v god_n child_n to_o go_v out_o of_o themselves_o to_o seek_v sincere_o unto_o god_n and_o to_o rely_v only_o upon_o he_o which_o in_o prosperity_n they_o will_v not_o do_v this_o paul_n confess_v of_o himself_o and_o other_o we_o say_v he_o receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n in_o ourselves_o because_o we_o shall_v not_o trust_v in_o ourselves_o but_o in_o god_n 2._o corinthian_n chapter_n 1._o verse_n 9_o so_o good_a king_n jehosaphat_n when_o he_o be_v compass_v of_o his_o enemy_n he_o cry_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v lord_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v but_o our_o eye_n be_v towards_o thou_o 2._o chronicle_n chapter_n 20._o verse_n 12._o yea_o the_o rebellious_a jew_n be_v hereby_o drive_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n who_o in_o prosperity_n they_o forsake_v as_o we_o may_v see_v at_o large_a psal._n 107.6.12.13.19_o last_o affliction_n serve_v to_o make_v manifest_a the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o his_o child_n the_o lord_n say_v job_n know_v my_o way_n and_o try_v i_o job_n 23.10_o deuteronomie_n 8.2_o remember_v all_o the_o way_n say_v moses_n to_o the_o israelite_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n lead_v thou_o this_o forty_o year_n for_o to_o prove_v thou_o and_o to_o know_v what_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n hence_o james_n call_v temptation_n the_o trial_n of_o faith_n james_n chapter_n 1._o verse_n 2.3_o and_o paul_n make_v patience_n the_o fruit_n of_o tribulation_n roman_n chapter_n 5._o verse_n 3._o for_o look_v as_o the_o shower_n in_o the_o spring_n time_n cause_v the_o bud_n to_o appear_v so_o do_v affliction_n make_v manifest_a god_n grace_n in_o his_o child_n patience_n hope_v and_o other_o virtue_n lie_v close_o in_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o day_n of_o peace_n but_o when_o tribulation_n come_v than_o they_o break_v forth_o and_o show_v themselves_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o a_o token_n of_o god_n wrath_n to_o suffer_v affliction_n if_o any_o man_n or_o people_n be_v lade_v with_o cross_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o as_o peter_n say_v judgement_n begin_v at_o god_n house_n 1._o peter_n chapter_n 4._o verse_n 17_o and_o any_o cross_n upon_o a_o people_n family_n or_o particular_a person_n if_o it_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o be_v a_o true_a sign_n they_o belong_v to_o god._n yea_o when_o man_n wander_v from_o god_n by_o a_o evil_a way_n these_o affliction_n be_v mean_n to_o call_v they_o home_o to_o god._n psalm_n 119.67_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o and_o they_o that_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o return_v to_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n be_v certain_o god_n people_n for_o the_o wicked_a man_n fret_v and_o murmure_v against_o god_n when_o a_o cross_n come_v and_o he_o can_v abide_v it_o but_o the_o godly_a man_n be_v humble_v thereby_o and_o it_o make_v he_o more_o obedient_a in_o all_o duty_n unto_o god_n this_o we_o shall_v consider_v for_o by_o a_o outward_a profession_n we_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n and_o therefore_o we_o come_v to_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o to_o learn_v how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o beseem_v his_o child_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v know_v to_o be_v god_n child_n indeed_o then_o when_o any_o of_o god_n judgement_n do_v befall_v we_o we_o must_v make_v this_o use_n of_o they_o namely_o labour_v thereby_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o bad_a way_n for_o ever_o afterward_o and_o then_o we_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v god_n child_n indeed_o but_o if_o under_o the_o cross_n or_o after_o the_o cross_n we_o be_v as_o dissolute_a as_o ever_o we_o be_v and_o still_o follow_v our_o old_a sin_n than_o we_o can_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v god_n people_n and_o child_n but_o rather_o a_o wicked_a and_o stubborn_a generation_n which_o the_o more_o they_o be_v correct_v the_o worse_o they_o be_v like_o a_o stithy_n the_o more_o it_o be_v beat_v the_o hard_a it_o be_v let_v we_o therefore_o by_o the_o use_n of_o god_n judgement_n show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v god_n child_n so_o shall_v we_o say_v with_o david_n with_o much_o joy_n and_o comfort_n it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o that_o we_o have_v be_v in_o trouble_n psal._n 119.71_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o moses_n choose_v now_o come_v we_o to_o the_o thing_n he_o refuse_v to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n by_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o riches_n and_o dignity_n that_o moses_n
set_v down_o unto_o we_o example_n of_o faith_n more_o at_o large_a but_o from_o this_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o heap_n up_o brief_o together_o many_o example_n of_o faith_n one_o upon_o another_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v first_o because_o the_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v very_o great_a and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o here_o stand_v to_o set_v they_o down_o in_o order_n one_o by_o one_o second_o by_o handle_v all_o the_o example_n at_o large_a which_o the_o author_n propound_v in_o this_o short_a epistle_n he_o shall_v have_v seem_v to_o have_v restrain_v the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o faith_n to_o a_o very_a few_o for_o all_o that_o be_v here_o name_v and_o commend_v for_o their_o faith_n be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o all_o that_o true_o believe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o he_o heap_n up_o the_o rest_n together_o to_o intimate_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v more_o than_o he_o can_v record_v and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o a_o rhetorical_a preterition_n or_o pass_v over_o call_v in_o school_n paralepsis_n whereby_o matter_n be_v brief_o dispatch_v and_o pass_v over_o with_o the_o very_o name_v only_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o that_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o have_v propound_v diverse_a worthy_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v also_o many_o more_o but_o the_o time_n of_o write_v a_o epistle_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o handle_v they_o all_o at_o large_a first_o in_o this_o particular_a quick_a dispatch_n of_o believer_n by_o our_o apostle_n we_o may_v observe_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o infinite_a understanding_n of_o god_n and_o the_o create_a understanding_n that_o be_v in_o man_n mind_n man_n indeed_o understand_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v to_o he_o of_o god_n but_o yet_o in_o a_o manner_n and_o order_n far_o different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v in_o god_n for_o man_n can_v conceive_v in_o his_o mind_n all_o the_o thing_n he_o know_v at_o once_o by_o one_o act_n of_o his_o understanding_n but_o must_v have_v distinct_a time_n to_o conceive_v of_o they_o one_o by_o one_o distinct_o for_o look_v as_o he_o utter_v they_o distinct_o one_o by_o one_o as_o we_o see_v in_o this_o place_n so_o likewise_o do_v he_o apprehend_v they_o in_o conceit_n and_o understanding_n but_o with_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o god_n at_o once_o by_o one_o act_n of_o understanding_n without_o distinction_n of_o time_n do_v conceive_v of_o all_o thing_n at_o once_o both_o past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v and_o so_o can_v utter_v and_o express_v they_o if_o any_o creature_n be_v able_a in_o conceit_n so_o to_o comprehend_v they_o second_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v the_o time_n will_v be_v too_o short_a etc._n etc._n he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v very_o great_a and_o that_o a_o long_a time_n will_v not_o serve_v to_o repeat_v they_o or_o to_o write_v of_o they_o this_o direct_v we_o unto_o a_o good_a answer_n to_o a_o question_n which_o much_o trouble_v our_o common_a people_n to_o wit_n how_o great_a be_v the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v whether_o be_v it_o great_a than_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v damn_v ans._n we_o must_v consider_v the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_v 2._o way_n 1._o in_o comparison_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v condemn_v second_o in_o themselves_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o elect_a with_o the_o reprobate_n the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n for_o in_o most_o age_n the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v be_v but_o a_o handful_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n this_o likewise_o be_v true_a many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o that_o be_v call_v but_o yet_o consider_v the_o elect_a as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o they_o be_v a_o huge_a great_a number_n yea_o innumerable_a as_o saint_n john_n say_v speak_v of_o the_o elect_a among_o the_o gentile_n beside_o the_o choose_a jew_n for_o all_o that_o do_v true_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v now_o believer_n be_v innumerable_a this_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n will_v insinuate_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o phrase_n of_o speech_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o etc._n etc._n in_o handle_v these_o example_n we_o must_v observe_v the_o order_n here_o use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o in_o this_o 32._o verse_n he_o set_v down_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n that_o believe_v all_o joint_o together_o rehearse_v they_o one_o by_o one_o and_o in_o the_o 33_o 34_o 45_o verse_n he_o lay_v down_o brief_o the_o fruit_n of_o all_o their_o faith_n in_o number_n ten_o most_o notable_a action_n serve_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o most_o worthy_o to_o commend_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o they_o we_o will_v follow_v the_o order_n observe_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o first_o speak_v of_o the_o person_n then_o of_o their_o action_n the_o four_o first_o be_v these_o gedeon_n barac_n samson_n and_o jephte_n these_o four_o be_v judge_n in_o israel_n the_o five_o be_v david_n who_o be_v both_o a_o prophet_n and_o a_o king_n the_o six_o be_v samuel_n both_o a_o judge_n and_o a_o prophet_n last_o the_o prophet_n general_o by_o who_o we_o must_v understand_v especial_o these_o three_o elias_n eliseus_n and_o daniel_n in_o speak_v of_o these_o person_n here_o commend_v unto_o we_o first_o we_o will_v entreat_v of_o they_o general_o and_o then_o in_o particular_a in_o general_n let_v we_o first_o observe_v the_o order_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o use_v in_o name_v they_o gedeon_n for_o time_n be_v after_o barac_n and_o yet_o here_o he_o be_v first_o name_v so_o samson_n be_v after_o jephte_n and_o yet_o here_o he_o be_v put_v before_o he_o this_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v never_o do_v without_o some_o special_a cause_n we_o therefore_o must_v know_v that_o the_o scripture_n use_v a_o twofold_a order_n in_o reckon_v up_o of_o person_n to_o wit_n the_o order_n of_o time_n when_o as_o he_o that_o live_v first_o be_v first_o name_v and_o the_o order_n of_o dignity_n when_o the_o most_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a be_v name_v first_o though_o he_o be_v late_a in_o time_n now_o the_o scripture_n account_v best_a of_o they_o that_o do_v excel_v in_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o so_o in_o this_o place_n whereas_o gedeon_n be_v set_v before_o barac_n &_o samson_n before_o jephte_n the_o holy_a ghost_n observe_v not_o the_o order_n of_o time_n but_o the_o order_n of_o dignity_n according_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o faith_n name_v they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o be_v most_o famous_a for_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o do_v exceed_v the_o other_o in_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o here_o we_o learn_v this_o special_a point_n that_o the_o more_o man_n excel_v in_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o more_o god_n will_v honour_v they_o for_o look_v who_o most_o honour_n god_n shall_v be_v most_o honour_v of_o he_o but_o the_o more_o a_o man_n excel_v in_o grace_n the_o more_o he_o honour_v god_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v gedeon_n prefer_v before_o barac_n and_o samson_n before_o jephte_n because_o they_o be_v more_o plentiful_a in_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n this_o must_v move_v we_o not_o only_o to_o seek_v to_o have_v faith_n but_o to_o labour_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n for_o the_o more_o a_o man_n abound_v in_o grace_n before_o god_n the_o more_o will_v god_n honour_v he_o both_o here_o and_o in_o heaven_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o order_n wherein_o they_o be_v propound_v second_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n these_o be_v gedeon_n barac_n and_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v extraordinary_a man_n in_o their_o time_n raise_v up_o by_o god_n for_o the_o special_a good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o may_v help_v and_o defend_v they_o in_o distress_n and_o therefore_o as_o their_o call_n be_v extraordinary_a so_o god_n endue_v they_o with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n strength_n zeal_n and_o authority_n for_o which_o they_o be_v here_o renown_v in_o this_o catalogue_n of_o most_o worthy_a believer_n in_o their_o example_n we_o may_v observe_v this_o point_n that_o who_o god_n do_v raise_v up_o extraordinary_o for_o some_o special_a good_a in_o his_o church_n they_o he_o endue_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n to_o discharge_v that_o call_n and_o withal_o he_o give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n with_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n
witness_n but_o rather_o be_v except_v against_o as_o altogether_o unworthy_a and_o so_o will_v prove_v a_o discredit_n to_o his_o friend_n cause_n &_o a_o shame_n to_o himself_o so_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o christ_n cause_n if_o we_o profess_v in_o word_n &_o deny_v indeed_o we_o discredit_v christ_n and_o his_o profession_n &_o shame_v ourselves_o for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o only_o in_o word_n and_o judgement_n but_o in_o life_n &_o conversation_n to_o make_v a_o true_a &_o constant_a confession_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o exhortation_n now_o follow_v the_o 2._o point_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o verse_n namely_o the_o manner_n how_o god_n church_n &_o people_n may_v put_v in_o practice_n this_o worthy_a exhortation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o three_o duty_n 1._o they_o must_v cast_v away_o that_o which_o press_v down_o 2._o they_o must_v cast_v away_o that_o sin_n that_o hang_v so_o fast_o on_o or_o sin_n which_o so_o ready_o do_v compass_v we_o about_o 3._o they_o must_v run_v the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o they_o with_o patience_n whosoever_o in_o god_n church_n either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n can_v perform_v these_o 3._o thing_n shall_v be_v able_a no_o doubt_n to_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o continue_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o these_o 3._o in_o order_n the_o 1._o thing_n then_o to_o be_v do_v be_v this_o we_o must_v cast_v away_o that_o which_o press_v down_o or_o thus_o cast_v away_o the_o weight_n or_o burden_n for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n signify_v even_o that_o burden_n which_o so_o press_v down_o the_o poor_a christian_a that_o he_o can_v go_v on_o forward_o in_o the_o course_n of_o godliness_n and_o christianity_n by_o burden_n or_o weight_n here_o we_o must_v understand_v 5._o thing_n 1._o the_o love_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n 2._o care_v for_o earthly_a thing_n 3._o riches_n &_o temporal_a wealth_n 4._o worldly_n honour_n &_o preferment_n 5._o worldly_n delight_n and_o pleasure_n all_o these_o be_v thing_n which_o lie_v heavy_a on_o man_n soul_n as_o weighty_a burden_n which_o press_v it_o down_o especial_o then_o when_o the_o soul_n shall_v lift_v up_o itself_o to_o seek_v heavenly_a thing_n so_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a riches_n pleasure_n &_o care_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v call_v thorn_n which_o choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o man_n heart_n and_o make_v it_o unfruitful_a and_o surfeit_v &_o drunkenness_n be_v say_v to_o be_v thing_n which_o oppress_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o heavy_a and_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o show_v by_o many_o testimony_n that_o all_o these_o five_o thing_n do_v press_v down_o the_o heart_n especial_o then_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v lift_v up_o in_o the_o seek_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n now_o in_o this_o that_o these_o 5._o thing_n be_v weighty_a burden_n we_o may_v learn_v first_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o in_o these_o our_o day_n every_o where_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v publish_v preach_v &_o expound_v take_v so_o little_a place_n in_o man_n heart_n whether_o we_o regard_v knowledge_n &_o understanding_n or_o affection_n and_o obedience_n for_o god_n word_n be_v a_o word_n of_o power_n mighty_a in_o operation_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v then_o that_o the_o ground_n be_v barren_a where_o it_o be_v cast_v why_o make_v it_o not_o man_n learned_a &_o religious_a ans._n sure_o in_o every_o place_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v especial_o among_o we_o these_o five_o thing_n possess_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n &_o exercise_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o after_o long_o preach_v there_o be_v little_a fruit_n or_o profit_n either_o for_o knowledge_n or_o obedience_n for_o where_o the_o heart_n be_v press_v down_o with_o the_o weight_n of_o these_o earthly_a thing_n there_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v take_v no_o place_n nor_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o this_o be_v general_o true_a among_o we_o though_o we_o hear_v god_n word_n from_o year_n to_o year_n and_o thereby_o may_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n &_o obedience_n if_o we_o will_v yet_o in_o many_o there_o be_v little_a show_n of_o either_o and_o the_o cause_n be_v in_o these_o worldly_a care_n which_o take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n for_o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o so_o long_o as_o our_o heart_n be_v addict_v to_o the_o greedy_a seek_v after_o these_o earthly_a thing_n honour_n pleasure_n etc._n etc._n so_o long_o will_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v barren_a the_o good_a seed_n of_o god_n word_n may_v be_v sow_v therein_o but_o little_a fruit_n shall_v come_v thereof_o save_o brier_n and_o weed_n which_o will_v increase_v our_o damnation_n again_o whereas_o the_o love_n of_o temporal_a life_n &_o care_n of_o earthly_a thing_n etc._n etc._n be_v sore_a burden_n press_v down_o a_o man_n heart_n from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n and_o make_v it_o heavy_a and_o sad_a and_o dead_a in_o regard_n of_o all_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o contemplation_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v oftentimes_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o elevate_v and_o lift_v up_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n to_o god_n partly_o by_o meditation_n in_o his_o word_n partly_o by_o invocation_n on_o his_o name_n and_o partly_o by_o thanksgiving_n and_o to_o do_v these_o thing_n the_o better_a we_o must_v remember_v to_o set_v apart_o some_o special_a time_n every_o day_n for_o this_o special_a work_n so_o as_o we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n psal._n 25.1_o lord_n i_o lift_v up_o my_o heart_n unto_o thou_o david_n be_v well_o acquint_v with_o this_o exercise_n and_o so_o be_v daniel_n for_o both_o of_o they_o use_v this_o as_o we_o may_v read_v psa._n 55.17_o evening_n and_o morning_n say_v david_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v &_o make_v a_o noise_n and_o daniel_n use_v to_o pray_v unto_o god_n 3._o time_n a_o day_n wherein_o 6.10_o he_o will_v hearty_o &_o unfeigned_o call_v upon_o god_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o great_a reason_n we_o shall_v do_v so_o for_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n wherein_o be_v innumerable_a weighty_a thing_n which_o press_v down_o our_o heart_n from_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n &_o therefore_o we_o must_v often_o practise_v ourselves_o in_o holy_a meditation_n &_o prayer_n unto_o god_n that_o so_o we_o may_v lift_v up_o our_o soul_n unto_o god_n from_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o use_v a_o fit_a comparison_n we_o know_v that_o those_o who_o keep_v clock_n if_o they_o will_v have_v the_o clock_n still_o go_v must_v once_o or_o twice_o a_o day_n wind_v up_o the_o plummet_n which_o cause_n the_o wheel_n to_o go_v about_o because_o they_o be_v still_o draw_v downward_o even_o so_o see_v our_o heart_n have_v plummet_n of_o lead_n which_o be_v worldly_a care_n and_o desire_n to_o press_v they_o down_o from_o seek_v up_o to_o heaven_n we_o must_v do_v with_o our_o heart_n as_o the_o clock-keeper_n do_v with_o his_o plummet_n wind_v they_o up_o unto_o god_n every_o day_n &_o for_o this_o end_n must_v set_v apart_o some_o particular_a time_n to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o holy_a duty_n why_o do_v god_n command_v the_o 7._o day_n to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o set_v apart_o from_o all_o bodily_a exercise_n &_o worldly_a care_n undoubted_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n to_o cause_n man_n to_o elevate_v their_o heart_n from_o all_o worldly_a thing_n to_o seek_v the_o thing_n above_o else_o if_o the_o mind_n shall_v be_v always_o press_v down_o with_o worldly_a care_n it_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o heaven_n joy_n he_o that_o have_v not_o conscience_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o lift_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o heaven_n by_o prayer_n and_o hear_v god_n word_n with_o meditation_n thereon_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o soundness_n in_o religion_n nor_o his_o heart_n firm_o settle_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n three_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o the_o hebrew_n must_v cast_v away_o the_o weight_n that_o press_v down_o here_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o what_o manner_n and_o how_o far_o forth_o we_o must_v use_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o riches_n honour_n and_o lawful_a pleasure_n yea_o and_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n whatsoever_o namely_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o will_v further_o we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o no_o further_o but_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o these_o temporal_a thing_n be_v a_o burden_n unto_o we_o press_v we_o down_o and_o make_v we_o unfit_a for_o