enquiry_n and_o fan_v of_o themselves_o and_o one_o of_o another_o and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n they_o will_v gather_v and_o recollect_v themselves_o and_o meet_v together_o in_o solemn_a assembly_n for_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n and_o that_o they_o will_v do_v this_o timous_o before_o he_o decree_v vengeance_n which_o in_o god_n long-suffering_a have_v be_v yet_o suspend_v break_v forth_o and_o before_o a_o day_n of_o patience_n pass_v over_o swift_o as_o the_o chaff_n before_o the_o wind_n or_o before_o the_o day_n come_v wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o chaff_n before_o the_o wind_n and_o the_o free_a vengeance_n shall_v break_v forth_o in_o execution_n sudden_o and_o easy_o and_o wherein_o the_o great_a fierce_a anger_n from_o the_o lord_n shall_v inflict_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n doct._n 1._o when_o the_o lord_n speak_v in_o hard_a term_n to_o his_o sinfúl_a people_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o read_v in_o it_o a_o invitation_n and_o allowance_n to_o come_v to_o he_o by_o repentance_n and_o not_o that_o he_o be_v put_v they_o away_o from_o any_o duty_n of_o that_o kind_n therefore_o though_o the_o lord_n have_v utter_v his_o sentence_n as_o a_o conclude_a business_n chap._n 1._o v._n 2._o yet_o here_o he_o show_v what_o use_n they_o shall_v make_v of_o it_o in_o turn_v to_o he_o by_o repentance_n 2._o repentance_n be_v not_o acceptable_o endeavour_v where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o thorough_a and_o harrow_v search_n &_o enquiry_n make_v into_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n and_o a_o help_a one_o of_o another_o in_o our_o station_n to_o perform_v that_o duty_n that_o so_o our_o conscience_n from_o clear_a conviction_n may_v charge_v upon_o we_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o the_o word_n threaten_v and_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o they_o and_o may_v stir_v up_o to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o so_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a may_v be_v render_v search_v narrow_o into_o yourselves_o and_o search_v as_o man_n do_v after_o stubble_n scatter_v here_o and_o there_o as_o the_o word_n be_v use_v exod._n 5.12_o or_o after_o what_o be_v lose_v among_o it_o that_o be_v search_n and_o search_v again_o &_o while_o you_o be_v thus_o employ_v about_o your_o self_n stir_v up_o and_o help_v other_o to_o search_v for_o so_o the_o original_a construction_n do_v import_v 3._o for_o stir_v up_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o search_v and_o make_v it_o effectual_a it_o be_v necessary_a that_o every_o man_n recollect_v his_o wander_a thought_n whereby_o he_o have_v snuff_v up_o the_o wind_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o hunt_v after_o vanity_n and_o that_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v entertain_v particular_o in_o solemn_a and_o public_a humiliation_n for_o so_o do_v the_o word_n signify_v according_a to_o the_o translation_n gather_v yourselves_o together_o yea_o gather_v together_o see_v joel_n 2.15_o 16._o 4._o as_o this_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o self-searching_a be_v of_o great_a importance_n and_o concernment_n in_o all_o time_n and_o case_n and_o especial_o when_o god_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v angry_a so_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o the_o performance_n whereof_o there_o be_v need_n of_o much_o stir_v up_o from_o the_o lord_n so_o much_o also_o do_v the_o double_n of_o exhortation_n gather_v yea_o gather_v import_n 5._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o humiliation_n and_o for_o set_v forth_o the_o freedom_n of_o god_n love_n and_o how_o much_o he_o tender_v our_o welfare_n that_o we_o know_v ourselves_o well_o and_o what_o we_o be_v to_o who_o the_o lord_n give_v invitation_n or_o make_v gracious_a offer_n for_o this_o end_n be_v it_o declare_v here_o that_o the_o lord_n invite_v to_o repentance_n a_o nation_n not_o affect_v with_o desire_n to_o wit_n of_o turn_v to_o god_n or_o of_o their_o own_o good_a and_o not_o desire_v or_o worthy_a to_o be_v belove_v of_o he_o the_o original_a word_n will_v import_v both_o 6._o it_o be_v a_o great_a addition_n unto_o and_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v general_a and_o overspread_v a_o land_n either_o by_o general_a corruption_n or_o by_o ruler_n their_o connivance_n at_o sin_n of_o particular_a person_n which_o bring_v guilt_n upon_o the_o whole_a land_n or_o by_o private_a person_n their_o not_o mourn_v for_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o time_n which_o involve_v they_o in_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o all_o which_o also_o may_v contribute_v to_o commend_v god_n kindness_n in_o follow_v such_o a_o crew_n and_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n when_o the_o disease_n be_v so_o desperate_a for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v mark_v that_o they_o be_v a_o nation_n not_o desire_v especial_o by_o reason_n of_o overflow_a sin_n 7._o as_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o long-suffering_a do_v not_o always_o execute_v vengeance_n immediate_o upon_o his_o purpose_v or_o threaten_v so_o to_o do_v but_o allow_v some_o time_n for_o bring_v forth_o of_o that_o conceive_a birth_n as_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n import_v so_o the_o lord_n most_o absolute_a threaten_n do_v not_o seclude_v the_o penitent_a from_o hope_n but_o rather_o invite_v to_o speedy_a repentance_n so_o be_v we_o teach_v here_o gather_v yourselves_o before_o the_o decree_n bring_v forth_o as_o give_v time_n to_o they_o to_o repent_v and_o ground_n of_o hope_n if_o they_o shall_v so_o do_v for_o however_o the_o lord_n eternal_a purpose_n be_v unalterable_a yet_o his_o threaten_n which_o be_v his_o pronounce_v decree_n or_o sentence_n according_a to_o the_o law_n when_o most_o absolute_o pronounce_v to_o exclude_v the_o exception_n of_o repentance_n jon._n 3.4_o 10._o the_o lord_n threaten_v so_o sharp_o that_o upon_o our_o pervert_n of_o he_o he_o may_v not_o execute_v it_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o promise_v that_o he_o may_v fulfil_v and_o when_o his_o threaten_n do_v hold_v forth_o even_o his_o irrevocable_a purpose_n to_o send_v outward_a land-judgement_n notwithstanding_o the_o repentance_n of_o any_o as_o 2_o king_n 23.26.27_o yet_o repentance_n before_o it_o be_v execute_v be_v to_o good_a purpose_n for_o remove_v the_o penitent_a before_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v as_o be_v do_v to_o josiah_n for_o moderate_v it_o to_o he_o if_o he_o be_v continue_v as_o jeremiah_n and_o the_o godly_a remnant_n find_v jer._n 15.11_o &_o for_o take_v off_o wrath_n out_o of_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v taste_v of_o the_o cup._n 8._o it_o be_v a_o horrid_a iniquity_n to_o despise_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n or_o to_o neglect_v the_o set_n up_o of_o our_o furnace_n of_o examination_n &_o self-searching_a when_o he_o threaten_v and_o will_v provoke_v he_o to_o set_v up_o his_o furnace_n of_o judgement_n so_o much_o the_o hot_a that_o it_o have_v be_v long_o forbear_v for_o if_o they_o let_v the_o decree_n bring_v forth_o and_o a_o day_n of_o patience_n blow_v over_o without_o repentance_n and_o fan_v themselves_o he_o will_v make_v the_o day_n pass_v and_o drive_v they_o as_o chaff_n and_o will_v send_v his_o fierce_a anger_n upon_o they_o 9_o none_o who_o do_v believe_v divine_a wrath_n how_o forcible_a it_o be_v and_o how_o weak_a themselves_o be_v to_o resist_v but_o they_o do_v proclaim_v their_o own_o madness_n if_o they_o set_v not_o about_o repenrance_n when_o god_n threaten_v therefore_o it_o be_v thrice_o hold_v out_o what_o this_o day_n will_v be_v that_o it_o shall_v pass_v as_o chaff_n that_o the_o fierce_a anger_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n anger_n shall_v come_v upon_o they_o as_o sufficient_a to_o move_v any_o who_o be_v not_o quite_o bereave_v of_o sense_n to_o gather_v together_o before_o the_o decree_n bring_v forth_o ver._n 3._o seek_v you_o the_o lord_z all_z you_o meek_a of_o the_o earth_n which_o have_v wrought_v his_o judgement_n seek_v righteousness_n seek_v meekness_n it_o may_v be_v you_o shall_v be_v hide_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n anger_n there_o be_v little_a hope_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o land_n that_o they_o will_v be_v repentance_n avert_v a_o day_n of_o anger_n therefore_o the_o lord_n turn_v to_o the_o godly_a remnant_n in_o the_o land_n who_o be_v humble_v and_o make_v meek_a under_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o god_n hand_n and_o who_o have_v study_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n these_o he_o exhort_v to_o go_v on_o in_o seek_v the_o lord_n face_n and_o favour_n and_o to_o grow_v in_o humility_n in_o meekness_n and_o in_o righteous_a walk_n and_o in_o make_v use_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v the_o certain_a way_n to_o be_v hide_v from_o wrath_n to_o come_v &_o the_o only_a way_n give_v any_o ground_n of_o hope_n to_o get_v safety_n in_o outward_a judgement_n though_o he_o will_v not_o make_v they_o absolute_o sure_a of_o it_o for_o this_o sort_n of_o speech_n see_v on_o jon._n
leisure_n office_n etc._n etc._n enable_v with_o advantage_n and_o bind_v to_o know_v more_o than_o other_o and_o to_o put_v their_o knowledge_n in_o practice_n that_o they_o may_v be_v example_n to_o other_o o_o head_n of_o jacob_n and_o you_o prince_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v it_o not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v judgement_n 7._o it_o be_v a_o good_a evidence_n that_o a_o man_n be_v one_o who_o delight_v to_o know_v and_o obey_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n when_o he_o be_v careful_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o particular_a station_n to_o walk_v by_o that_o rule_n therefore_o he_o put_v they_o to_o trial_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o know_v judgement_n or_o justice_n and_o equity_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o in_o their_o particular_a station_n as_o be_v judge_n to_o the_o people_n 8._o whatever_o man_n may_v oppose_v to_o the_o challenge_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o affect_a ignorance_n or_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o know_a duty_n yet_o these_o excuse_n will_v not_o satisfy_v their_o own_o conscience_n when_o they_o be_v serious_o put_v to_o it_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n pose_v they_o with_o a_o question_n which_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v be_v it_o not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v judgement_n ver._n 2._o who_o hate_v the_o good_a and_o love_v the_o evil_a who_o pluck_v off_o their_o skin_n from_o off_o they_o and_o their_o flesh_n from_o off_o their_o bone_n 3._o who_o also_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o my_o people_n and_o flay_v their_o skin_n from_o off_o they_o and_o they_o break_v their_o bone_n and_o chap_v they_o in_o piece_n as_o for_o the_o pot_n and_o as_o flesh_n within_o the_o cauldron_n in_o opposition_n to_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v he_o set_v forth_o their_o contrary_a disposition_n and_o practice_n that_o they_o be_v abhorrer_n of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o lover_n of_o ill_a and_o they_o do_v so_o cruel_o oppress_v and_o undo_v the_o lord_n people_n by_o take_v away_o the_o very_a mean_n of_o their_o subsistence_n and_o livelihood_n as_o if_o they_o have_v flay_v their_o skin_n from_o off_o they_o eat_v their_o flesh_n and_o break_v their_o bone_n to_o boil_v they_o for_o meat_n as_o butcher_n and_o cook_n do_v with_o beast_n for_o man_n food_n doct._n 1._o the_o lord_n do_v not_o reckon_v that_o man_n know_v aught_o when_o the_o truth_n be_v know_v be_v not_o affect_v nor_o any_o endeavour_n use_v to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n for_o so_o do_v he_o clear_v here_o their_o not_o know_v of_o judgement_n in_o that_o they_o hate_v the_o good_a and_o oppress_v 2._o the_o lord_n respect_v chief_o the_o disposition_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n heart_n towards_o good_a or_o ill_a it_o be_v a_o desperate_a condition_n when_o not_o only_o practice_v be_v out_o of_o course_n but_o affection_n also_o be_v alienate_v from_o god_n and_o incline_v to_o evil_a who_o hate_v the_o good_a and_o love_v the_o evil_n 3._o whatever_o oppressor_n may_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o cruelty_n towards_o their_o inferior_n as_o if_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n and_o behoove_v to_o live_v of_o their_o own_o etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o lord_n see_v it_o to_o flow_v from_o their_o perverse_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n therefore_o say_v he_o of_o oppressor_n you_o hate_v the_o good_a and_o love_v the_o evil_n 4._o great_a perversity_n be_v usual_o find_v in_o such_o as_o aught_o and_o may_v and_o will_v not_o or_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o may_v promote_v piety_n and_o justice_n for_o all_o this_o pervesitie_n be_v in_o the_o head_n of_o jacob_n who_o have_v mean_n and_o occasion_n to_o set_v they_o on_o to_o do_v otherwise_o you_o be_v they_o say_v he_o who_o hate_v the_o good_a etc._n etc._n 5._o oppression_n be_v in_o god_n account_v inhuman_a butchery_n and_o murder_n in_o a_o degree_n far_o above_o simple_a slaughter_n while_o the_o oppress_a pine_n for_o want_n and_o the_o oppressor_n as_o barbarian_n or_o wild_a beast_n eat_v that_o which_o be_v the_o poor_n very_a life_n and_o flesh_n so_o much_o do_v this_o description_n of_o oppression_n teach_v we_o who_o pluck_v off_o their_o skin_n from_o off_o they_o and_o their_o flesh_n from_o off_o their_o bone_n who_o also_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o my_o people_n etc._n etc._n 6._o albeit_o magistrate_n and_o great_a man_n think_v themselves_o to_o be_v above_o all_o law_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o oppress_v a_o people_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v god_n people_n and_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o they_o will_v but_o must_v be_v accountable_a for_o their_o carriage_n towards_o they_o and_o howsoever_o the_o oppress_a or_o other_o dare_v not_o challenge_v they_o for_o their_o injurious_a deal_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o will_v lay_v it_o to_o their_o charge_n for_o here_o they_o be_v challenge_v by_o god_n for_o their_o oppress_v his_o people_n ver._n 4._o then_o shall_v they_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n but_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o he_o will_v even_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o they_o at_o that_o time_n as_o they_o have_v behave_v themselves_o ill_a in_o their_o do_n follow_v their_o particular_a sentence_n and_o judgement_n by_o way_n of_o retaliation_n that_o as_o they_o oppress_v the_o poor_a have_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o their_o cry_n so_o they_o will_v meet_v with_o judgement_n without_o mercy_n or_o compassion_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v own_v of_o god_n though_o out_o of_o feeel_v of_o their_o trouble_n they_o seek_v unto_o he_o doct._n 1._o the_o great_a of_o man_n and_o they_o who_o most_o wicked_o forget_v god_n shall_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o be_v sensible_o in_o god_n reverence_n and_o their_o errand_n come_v in_o his_o way_n for_o so_o do_v this_o threaten_a import_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o seek_v god_n who_o otherwise_o they_o misregarded_a then_o shall_v they_o cry_v 2._o natural_a man_n may_v make_v some_o show_n of_o seek_v god_n in_o trouble_n not_o in_o faith_n or_o out_o of_o love_n but_o out_o of_o sense_n of_o trouble_n then_o that_o be_v when_o the_o common_a calamity_n former_o threaten_v or_o their_o own_o particular_a correction_n for_o their_o sin_n be_v lie_v on_o shall_v they_o cry_v 3._o it_o be_v righteous_a with_o god_n not_o to_o own_o this_o cry_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o their_o trouble_n because_o of_o their_o former_a wickedness_n and_o present_a unsoundnesse_n and_o particular_o that_o he_o may_v recompense_v they_o for_o not_o harken_v to_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o poor_a oppress_v by_o they_o they_o shall_v cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n but_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o 4._o it_o be_v extreme_a misery_n to_o be_v desert_v total_o of_o god_n in_o trouble_n and_o to_o want_v his_o favour_n and_o sense_n of_o reconciliation_n which_o may_v support_v they_o in_o any_o extromity_n for_o it_o be_v here_o the_o extremity_n of_o misery_n that_o in_o their_o trouble_n he_o will_v even_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o they_o as_o that_o time_n 5._o god_n by_o not_o own_v of_o a_o man_n in_o trouble_n will_v have_v wickedness_n see_v and_o lament_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o however_o he_o seem_v also_o to_o do_v this_o sometime_o that_o he_o may_v try_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o child_n for_o so_o do_v this_o reason_n import_v as_o they_o have_v behave_v themselves_o ill_a in_o their_o do_n ver._n 5._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n concern_v the_o prophet_n that_o make_v my_o poople_n err_v that_o bite_v with_o their_o tooth_n and_o cry_v peace_n and_o he_o that_o put_v not_o into_o their_o mouth_n they_o even_o prepare_v war_n against_o he_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o accuse_v the_o false_a prophet_n who_o by_o false_a doctrine_n deceive_v the_o people_n and_o who_o by_o preach_v peace_n do_v in_o effect_n destroy_v people_n soul_n with_o delusion_n as_o if_o these_o dog_n have_v devour_v the_o lord_n sheep_n with_o their_o tooth_n or_o they_o flatter_v the_o people_n in_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v get_v somewhat_o to_o eat_v and_o devour_v their_o substance_n wherein_o if_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v and_o humour_v according_a to_o their_o own_o desire_n they_o turn_v bitter_a enemy_n and_o denounce_v judgement_n though_o they_o former_o flatter_v they_o doct._n 1._o false_a teacher_n be_v not_o the_o least_o among_o the_o sad_a companion_n of_o a_o decline_a time_n nor_o will_v the_o lord_n forget_v to_o reckon_v with_o they_o for_o here_o the_o lord_n have_v such_o to_o deal_v with_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o not_o one_o prophet_n envy_v another_o concern_v the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n see_v lam._n 2.14_o 2._o a_o unfaithful_a ministry_n be_v a_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o prevail_v with_o people_n and_o carry_v they_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n for_o the_o
eminent_a strength_n and_o greatness_n imaginable_a and_o can_v only_o make_v strong_a hold_v a_o vain_a refuge_n in_o a_o day_n of_o vengeance_n but_o be_v able_a to_o overturn_v more_o confidence_n than_o man_n can_v build_v up_o for_o his_o own_o security_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n be_v but_o a_o small_a thing_n for_o god_n power_n to_o reach_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o that_o which_o edom_n have_v to_o boast_v of_o for_o though_o thou_o exalt_v thyself_o as_o the_o eagle_n and_o though_o thou_o set_v thy_o nest_n among_o the_o star_n thence_o will_v i_o bring_v thou_o down_o ver._n 5._o if_o thief_n come_v to_o thou_o if_o robber_n by_o night_n how_o be_v thou_o cut_v off_o will_v they_o not_o have_v steal_v till_o they_o have_v enough_o if_o the_o grape_n gatherer_n come_v to_o thou_o will_v they_o not_o leave_v some_o grape_n 6._o how_o be_v the_o thing_n of_o esau_n search_v out_o how_o be_v his_o hide_a thing_n seek_v up_o a_o second_o vain_a confidence_n be_v their_o wealth_n and_o treasure_n wherewith_o man_n use_v to_o help_v themselves_o in_o their_o extremity_n the_o lord_n threaten_v to_o make_v these_o a_o prey_n to_o their_o enemy_n who_o after_o their_o victory_n be_v without_o fear_n of_o ambush_n shall_v at_o leisure_n seek_v out_o and_o carry_v away_o even_o their_o hide_a treasure_n and_o so_o their_o spoil_v shall_v not_o be_v ordinary_a but_o complete_a even_o to_o admiration_n whence_o learn_v 1._o riches_n treasure_v by_o those_o who_o god_n have_v a_o quarrel_n at_o be_v so_o far_o from_o help_v or_o deliver_v they_o in_o a_o day_n of_o wrath_n or_o from_o do_v the_o owner_n good_a that_o they_o be_v just_o give_v as_o a_o prey_n to_o their_o enemy_n edom_n thing_n a_o search_v out_o and_o seek_v up_o 2._o as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n art_n to_o read_v the_o mercy_n of_o their_o trial_n by_o consider_v how_o moderate_a they_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o judgement_n upon_o enemy_n so_o the_o wicked_a may_v see_v the_o severity_n of_o god_n in_o what_o their_o stroke_n be_v beyond_o ordinary_a for_o this_o end_n be_v edom_n spoil_v set_v before_o he_o as_o be_v beyond_o what_o thief_n and_o robber_n by_o night_n use_v to_o do_v who_o use_v not_o to_o take_v all_o away_o but_o what_o may_v suffice_v as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o carry_v all_o or_o not_o dare_v for_o fear_n to_o stay_v and_o search_v out_o all_o and_o beyond_o what_o grape-gatherers_a do_v in_o vineyard_n who_o according_a to_o the_o law_n leu._n 19.10_o or_o because_o they_o can_v reach_v all_o with_o their_o eye_n do_v still_o leave_v some_o grape_n whereas_o the_o thing_n of_o esau_n be_v search_v out_o and_o his_o hide_a thing_n seek_v up_o 3._o the_o stroke_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o such_o as_o not_o only_o live_v wicked_o but_o also_o turn_v enemy_n and_o persecutor_n of_o his_o church_n be_v complete_a and_o far_o beyond_o the_o ordinary_a visitation_n that_o come_v upon_o the_o child_n of_o man_n this_o comparison_n betwixt_o esau_n stroke_n and_o robber_n their_o pick_v import_v that_o the_o one_o have_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n a_o mercy_n and_o delivery_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o other_o 4._o however_o the_o wicked_a be_v senseless_a and_o fearless_a when_o god_n threaten_v they_o yet_o his_o stroke_n will_v make_v they_o feel_v and_o awake_v they_o for_o this_o exclamation_n how_o be_v thou_o cut_v off_o how_o be_v the_o thing_n of_o esau_n search_v out_o etc._n etc._n do_v imply_v not_o any_o pity_n in_o the_o lord_n or_o his_o prophet_n towards_o they_o but_o that_o the_o judgement_n shall_v astonish_v and_o affect_v themselves_o when_o it_o come_v upon_o they_o ver._n 7._o all_o the_o man_n of_o thy_o confederacy_n have_v bring_v thou_o even_o to_o the_o border_n the_o man_n that_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o thou_o have_v deceive_v thou_o and_o prevail_v against_o thou_o they_o that_o eat_v thy_o bread_n have_v lay_v a_o wound_n under_o thou_o there_o be_v none_o understand_v in_o he_o 8._o shall_v i_o not_o in_o that_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n even_o destroy_v the_o wise_a man_n out_o of_o edom_n and_o understand_v out_o of_o the_o mount_n of_o esau_n the_o three_o vain_a confidence_n be_v the_o help_n of_o their_o confederate_n the_o narion_n round_o about_o they_o and_o especial_o egypt_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o engage_v the_o edomines_fw-la who_o lie_v in_o their_o frontier_n against_o the_o chaldean_n the_o lord_n threaten_v to_o make_v these_o the_o occasion_n and_o instrument_n to_o promote_v their_o ruin_n for_o all_o their_o confederate_n shall_v engage_v they_o to_o oppose_v the_o chaldean_n at_o the_o border_n of_o their_o country_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o it_o as_o the_o phrase_n also_o in_o the_o original_a signify_v their_o friend_n and_o intimate_v familiar_n by_o subtlety_n and_o fair_a pretence_n shall_v ensnare_v they_o to_o run_v on_o their_o own_o hurt_n and_o ruin_n as_o if_o they_o have_v give_v they_o a_o bed_n to_o lie_v on_o and_o yet_o hide_v a_o dagger_n in_o it_o with_o the_o point_n upward_o to_o slay_v they_o and_o this_o be_v more_o full_o clear_v by_o read_v the_o word_n thus_o as_o the_o original_a hâ—th_n it_o without_o addition_n of_o any_o word_n which_o be_v put_v in_o the_o translation_n they_o have_v lay_v thy_o bread_n a_o wound_n ander_fw-mi thou_o signify_v that_o their_o bread_n which_o they_o have_v from_o egypt_n be_v the_o snare_n that_o draw_v they_o on_o their_o ruin_n doct._n 1._o according_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o person_n or_o nation_n so_o ordinary_o be_v their_o judgement_n for_o edom_n break_v off_o that_o brotherly_a amity_n that_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v betwixt_o his_o brother_n jacob_n and_o he_o therefore_o he_o be_v peid_v in_o his_o own_o coin_n his_o heathen_a confederate_n be_v his_o ruin_n he_o sin_v in_o break_v bond_n and_o he_o be_v plague_v in_o that_o other_o bond_n break_v he_o and_o be_v break_v to_o he_o all_o the_o man_n of_o thy_o confedracie_n have_v bring_v thou_o even_o to_o the_o border_n etc._n etc._n 2._o god_n can_v make_v those_o to_o be_v instrument_n of_o sinner_n ruin_n who_o in_o appearance_n be_v very_o near_a friend_n and_o can_v make_v confederacy_n wherein_o man_n conside_fw-la the_o short_a cut_n to_o their_o destruction_n edom_n be_v ruin_v by_o his_o confederate_n and_o the_o man_n that_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o 3._o the_o confederacy_n and_o alliance_n of_o politic_a man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v in_o they_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o their_o own_o state-interest_n and_o not_o mind_v their_o benefit_n with_o who_o they_o carry_v fair_a but_o only_o their_o own_o advantage_n for_o so_o do_v edom_n confederate_n the_o man_n that_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o deceive_v he_o they_o give_v he_o bread_n for_o a_o wound_n under_o he_o to_o put_v they_o betwixt_o themselves_o and_o the_o dint_n of_o the_o enemy_n the_o four_o vain_a confidence_n be_v their_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n whereby_o they_o may_v think_v to_o manage_v their_o affair_n dexterous_o and_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n as_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v be_v famous_a for_o this_o jer._n 49.7_o concern_v this_o the_o lord_n foretell_v that_o for_o all_o their_o wisdom_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o discern_v and_o prevent_v the_o treachery_n of_o their_o confederate_n and_o that_o because_o the_o lord_n will_v when_o they_o be_v ready_a for_o the_o stroke_n deprive_v they_o of_o wisdom_n either_o by_o take_v away_o such_o as_o be_v wise_a or_o turn_v their_o wisdom_n into_o folly_n hence_o learn_v 1._o when_o the_o lord_n have_v ruin_v to_o bring_v upon_o a_o people_n their_o wisdom_n and_o policy_n will_v not_o avert_v it_o he_o can_v deprive_v man_n of_o wisdom_n to_o manage_v their_o affair_n he_o can_v make_v the_o wise_a to_o be_v overreach_v and_o out-witted_n and_o can_v make_v what_o they_o think_v their_o wise_a course_n prove_v great_a folly_n in_o the_o issue_n for_o edom_n be_v wise_a and_o many_o confederacy_n seem_v a_o wise_a course_n to_o strengthen_v themselves_o and_o yet_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o understanding_n in_o he_o to_o discern_v the_o snare_n in_o it_o 2._o that_o wherein_o man_n be_v most_o eminent_a and_o be_v ready_a to_o conside_fw-la most_o in_o will_v prove_v vain_a when_o they_o have_v most_o need_n that_o the_o pride_n of_o all_o glory_n will_v be_v stain_v for_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v destroy_v out_o of_o edom_n and_o understand_v out_o of_o the_o mount_n of_o esau_n who_o be_v a_o wise_a people_n excellency_n confide_v in_o be_v a_o disadvantage_n 3._o whatever_o wisdom_n or_o excellency_n be_v in_o man_n they_o be_v all_o god_n gift_n and_o
nor_o exempt_v they_o from_o shame_n and_o confusion_n doct_n 1._o the_o lord_n word_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o messenger_n aught_o to_o be_v refresh_v and_o a_o mean_n of_o fructify_a unto_o the_o church_n and_o will_v prove_v so_o except_o it_o be_v to_o such_o as_o be_v near_o unto_o curse_v therefore_o be_v prophesy_v in_o the_o original_a call_v drop_v by_o a_o name_n take_v from_o rain_n which_o refresh_v and_o fructifi_v the_o earth_n 2._o a_o decline_a time_n and_o a_o faithful_a ministry_n will_v be_v still_o at_o odds_o and_o contend_v decliner_n will_v either_o be_v rid_v of_o the_o word_n and_o ministry_n altogether_o or_o if_o they_o think_v that_o too_o gross_a yet_o they_o will_v allow_v of_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v make_v to_o their_o mind_n not_o of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v instrumental_a to_o frame_v they_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n prophesy_v you_o not_o say_v they_o to_o they_o that_o prophesy_v or_o prophesy_v you_o not_o let_v these_o prophesy_v 3._o howsoever_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v his_o truth_n publish_v so_o song_n as_o he_o see_v fit_v or_o have_v use_v for_o it_o oppose_v who_o will_v and_o so_o the_o word_n may_v be_v read_v that_o when_o the_o wicked_a say_v prophesy_v not_o the_o lord_n answer_v they_o shall_v prophesy_v yet_o when_o man_n become_v so_o desperate_o wicked_a as_o not_o only_o not_o to_o care_v for_o the_o word_n but_o study_n to_o affront_v and_o injure_v the_o carrier_n of_o it_o it_o be_v righteous_a with_o god_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o it_o for_o a_o judgement_n to_o they_o and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o wrong_a servant_n they_o shall_v not_o prophesy_v to_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o take_v shame_n see_v ezek._n 3.26_o 4_o albeit_o wicked_a man_n think_v all_o sure_a enough_o if_o they_o be_v free_v from_o that_o eyesore_n of_o a_o reprove_v and_o threaten_a word_n and_o ministry_n yet_o that_o will_v put_v they_o never_o a_o whit_n the_o further_a from_o judgement_n for_o sin_n for_o so_o much_o do_v that_o other_o read_v hold_v forth_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o prophesy_v shall_v they_o take_v no_o shame_n as_o if_o he_o say_v will_v that_o exempt_v they_o from_o judgement_n that_o upon_o their_o contempt_n the_o word_n be_v remove_v no_o very_o but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o judgement_n in_o itself_o so_o it_o be_v a_o presage_n of_o more_o follow_v ver._n 7._o o_o thou_o that_o be_v name_v the_o house_n of_o jacob_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_z straighten_a be_v these_o his_o do_n do_v not_o my_o word_n do_v good_a to_o he_o that_o walk_v upright_o unto_o this_o accusation_n and_o threaten_v the_o lord_n subjoin_v a_o sad_a expostulation_n with_o this_o people_n now_o so_o far_o degenerate_v as_o thus_o to_o contemn_v and_o oppose_v his_o messenger_n as_o if_o they_o may_v limit_v his_o spirit_n to_o speak_v only_o what_o please_v they_o or_o as_o if_o his_o spirit_n be_v straighten_a to_o do_v they_o good_a and_o preach_v comfort_n if_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o that_o he_o must_v only_o threaten_v and_o pose_v they_o if_o their_o way_n and_o do_n be_v approve_v of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o call_v for_o comfortable_a doctrine_n and_o whether_o they_o can_v allege_v that_o threaten_n and_o judgement_n be_v his_o usual_a way_n of_o deal_n with_o his_o people_n in_o which_o he_o delight_v if_o he_o be_v not_o provoke_v thereunto_o by_o their_o sin_n and_o appeal_v to_o themselves_o if_o his_o word_n do_v not_o both_o speak_v and_o perform_v good_a thing_n and_o will_v prove_v so_o to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v holy_a and_o consequent_o it_o be_v not_o he_o nor_o his_o prophet_n but_o themselves_o that_o be_v to_o blame_v that_o the_o word_n speak_v hard_a thing_n unto_o they_o and_o that_o according_o they_o be_v punish_v doct._n 1._o it_o be_v a_o deplorable_a case_n and_o sad_o to_o be_v lament_v when_o man_n stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o carrier_n thereof_o so_o much_o do_v this_o expostulation_n and_o these_o press_a interrogatory_n imply_v 2._o man_n may_v both_o think_v and_o do_v many_o thing_n with_o great_a boldness_n which_o yet_o if_o they_o shall_v serious_o think_v upon_o they_o will_v be_v force_v to_o condemn_v and_o find_v a_o witness_n against_o in_o their_o own_o bosom_n for_o these_o question_n put_v to_o their_o conscience_n imply_v that_o god_n have_v a_o witness_n for_o he_o there_o and_o they_o dare_v not_o say_v nor_o do_v as_o they_o do_v if_o their_o conscience_n be_v put_v to_o it_o as_o in_o his_o sight_n 3._o many_o have_v and_o study_v to_o keep_v up_o a_o name_n which_o they_o be_v ill_o worthy_a of_o and_o no_o way_n answerable_a to_o it_o o_o thou_o that_o be_v name_v the_o house_n of_o jacob_n say_v he_o but_o no_o way_n like_o that_o which_o jacob_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v see_v john_n 8.40_o hos_fw-la 12.3_o 4._o god_n can_v discover_v betwixt_o show_n and_o substance_n and_o will_v see_v a_o fault_n in_o such_o as_o glory_n in_o fair_a title_n for_o he_o call_v they_o as_o they_o be_v thou_o be_v name_v the_o house_n of_o jacob_n and_o have_v but_o a_o name_n 5._o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v degenerate_v whatever_o show_n they_o have_v when_o they_o turn_v opposer_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o of_o his_o servant_n for_o their_o message_n cause_n it_o be_v the_o true_a glory_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v messenger_n carry_v god_n mind_n unto_o they_o and_o to_o entertain_v the_o message_n and_o messenger_n as_o become_v for_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n they_o get_v this_o title_n thou_o be_v name_v etc._n etc._n 6._o such_o as_o oppose_v and_o fight_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o messenger_n do_v in_o effect_n fight_v against_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o word_n it_o be_v for_o these_o opposer_n be_v challenge_v as_o straighten_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n 7._o it_o be_v a_o high_a presumption_n and_o injury_n do_v to_o the_o spirit_n to_o think_v to_o imprison_v and_o deny_v he_o liberty_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o servant_n to_o speak_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o man_n please_v for_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lird_o straighten_a import_v that_o it_o be_v not_o seemly_a they_o shall_v limit_v he_o in_o give_v commission_n to_o his_o servant_n 8._o the_o lord_n have_v a_o store-house_n of_o spirit_n to_o bring_v forth_o comfort_n and_o of_o power_n to_o produce_v mercy_n if_o his_o people_n be_v fit_a for_o they_o for_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n straighten_a import_v also_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o fullness_n in_o his_o spirit_n to_o publish_v or_o perform_v good_a thing_n that_o the_o prophet_n get_v only_a commission_n to_o threaten_v see_v isa_n 50.2_o 9_o when_o the_o lord_n send_v forth_o sad_a threaten_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o servant_n it_o become_v a_o people_n serious_o to_o examine_v their_o way_n to_o see_v they_o disapprove_v of_o god_n and_o deserve_v such_o entertainment_n therefore_o he_o lead_v they_o from_o quarrel_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o his_o servant_n serious_o to_o consider_v be_v these_o his_o do_n that_o be_v whether_o their_o own_o way_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n or_o such_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v in_o his_o people_n 10._o the_o lord_n ordinary_a way_n of_o deal_n with_o his_o people_n in_o which_o he_o delight_v be_v mercy_n for_o be_v these_o his_o do_n import_v also_o that_o however_o he_o do_v now_o threaten_v and_o deal_v harsh_o with_o they_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v abundant_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v not_o his_o usual_a way_n so_o to_o do_v nor_o a_o course_n in_o which_o he_o take_v pleasure_n if_o their_o case_n do_v not_o call_v for_o it_o see_v mic._n 7.18_o lam._n 3.33_o 11._o that_o which_o god_n look_v to_o and_o require_v in_o his_o people_n be_v not_o so_o much_o their_o profession_n &_o speak_v as_o their_o walk_n and_o carriage_n and_o that_o they_o study_v a_o constant_a course_n of_o uprightness_n and_o sincerity_n although_o they_o can_v attain_v to_o perfection_n for_o it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o walk_v upright_o 12._o as_o the_o upright_a walker_n will_v need_v the_o word_n much_o for_o direction_n and_o encouragement_n so_o to_o such_o the_o word_n speak_v only_o good_a however_o they_o may_v read_v and_o apply_v it_o wrong_v sometime_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o distemper_n and_o fear_n and_o may_v mistake_v when_o the_o word_n speak_v against_o their_o corruption_n which_o be_v without_o prejudice_n to_o their_o sincerity_n and_o when_o the_o word_n speak_v hard_a thing_n whereby_o their_o further_a good_a be_v
instrument_n of_o true_a good_a to_o other_o who_o yet_o be_v not_o regenerate_v himself_o 3._o as_o minister_n need_v not_o only_a furniture_n of_o matter_n but_o such_o life_n and_o zeal_n in_o publish_v the_o word_n as_o become_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n so_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o furnisher_n there_o will_v be_v efficacy_n life_n and_o zeal_n accompany_v the_o doctrine_n for_o i_o be_o full_a of_o power_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o 4._o a_o faithful_a minister_n ought_v also_o to_o be_v endow_v not_o only_o with_o sufficient_a knowledge_n to_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o not_o falsify_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n through_o ignorance_n and_o with_o prudence_n to_o speak_v it_o seasonable_o but_o with_o fidelity_n and_o streigtnesse_n in_o tell_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n according_a to_o equity_n and_o truth_n without_o partiality_n or_o regard_n to_o one_o or_o other_o for_o so_o much_o do_v the_o word_n judgement_n import_n 5._o minister_n also_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o fortitude_n and_o courage_n to_o speak_v out_o bold_o what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o constant_o adhere_v to_o it_o without_o fear_n of_o any_o or_o be_v blow_v over_o with_o the_o wind_n of_o flattery_n and_o this_o a_o faithful_a minister_n must_v and_o aught_o to_o expect_v from_o god_n only_o i_o be_o full_a of_o might_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n 6._o a_o faithful_a minister_n look_v on_o all_o his_o endowment_n as_o not_o give_v to_o be_v lay_v up_o and_o contract_v rest_n beside_o he_o or_o for_o himself_o only_o but_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o improve_v they_o for_o god_n and_o his_o people_n in_o his_o place_n and_o station_n i_o be_o full_a say_v he_o to_o declare_v unto_o jacob_n etc._n etc._n and_o empty_a out_o that_o goodness_n for_o their_o good_a and_o behoof_n 7._o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o faithful_a and_o able_a minister_n to_o be_v much_o in_o opposition_n to_o sin_n and_o free_o to_o charge_v it_o home_o and_o declare_v transgression_n and_o sin_n to_o the_o sinner_n and_o not_o be_v deceive_v or_o blind_v with_o fair_a title_n or_o show_n but_o to_o discern_v and_o reprove_v sin_n even_o in_o judah_n and_o israel_n ver._n 9_o hear_v this_o i_o pray_v you_o you_o head_n of_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n that_o abhor_v judgement_n and_o pervert_v all_o equity_n 10._o they_o build_v up_o zion_n with_o blood_n and_o jerusalem_n with_o iniquity_n 11._o the_o head_n thereof_o judge_v for_o reward_n and_o the_o priest_n thereof_o teach_v for_o hire_n and_o the_o prophet_n thereof_o divine_a for_o money_n yet_o will_v they_o lean_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v be_v not_o the_o lord_n among_o we_o none_o evil_a can_v come_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n micah_n give_v a_o proof_n of_o what_o he_o have_v say_v of_o his_o own_o fidelity_n in_o speak_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o ruler_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a conjunct_o seet_v before_o they_o their_o sin_n and_o how_o they_o procure_v zions_n ruin_n he_o accuse_v the_o ruler_n in_o state_n that_o they_o who_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v patron_n of_o justice_n do_v abhor_v and_o pervert_v it_o ver_fw-la 9_o that_o in_o stead_n of_o adorn_v the_o holy_a city_n with_o justice_n and_o judgement_n their_o care_n be_v set_v upon_o stately_a building_n and_o they_o gather_v mean_n for_o that_o end_n by_o cruel_a oppression_n ver_fw-la 10._o and_o general_o he_o accuse_v all_o of_o they_o that_o justice_n be_v pervert_v through_o bribery_n and_o covetuousnesse_n and_o that_o their_o churchman_n be_v mercenary_a and_o make_v their_o call_n of_o ordinary_a teach_n and_o extraordinary_a divine_a subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o gain_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o be_v carnal_o confident_a and_o presumptuous_a of_o god_n favour_n and_o presence_n among_o they_o and_o of_o exemption_n from_o judgement_n ver_fw-la 11._o doct._n 1._o person_n in_o eminency_n especial_o be_v accustom_v to_o sin_n be_v usual_o deaf_a to_o what_o the_o lord_n say_v and_o therefore_o must_v be_v often_o call_v to_o hear_v as_o here_o they_o be_v after_o that_o former_a call_n vers_n 1._o 2._o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o give_v over_o when_o their_o message_n be_v not_o receive_v but_o must_v cry_v till_o either_o they_o get_v audience_n or_o have_v deliver_v their_o soul_n for_o micah_n repeat_v hear_v i_o pray_v you_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o faithful_a minister_n in_o reprove_v the_o fault_n of_o ruler_n to_o give_v evidence_n they_o do_v not_o condemn_v their_o authority_n when_o they_o reprove_v their_o fault_n and_o not_o to_o be_v want_v in_o any_o respective_a carriage_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o therefore_o do_v micah_n give_v they_o their_o title_n and_o again_o entreat_v hear_v i_o pray_v you_o you_o head_n of_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n where_o the_o prince_n of_o judah_n to_o who_o this_o be_v speak_v jer._n 26.18_o be_v call_v ruler_n in_o jacob_n and_o israel_n not_o only_o because_o the_o house_n of_o david_n have_v still_o a_o right_a to_o govern_v all_o israel_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o title_n seem_v to_o be_v give_v to_o jehoshaphat_n 2_o chroâ—_n 2.2_o or_o because_o their_o carriage_n be_v more_o like_a israel_n then_o judah_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v give_v to_o ahaz_n 2_o chron._n 28.12_o gr._n because_o there_o be_v no_o more_o leave_v of_o all_o jacob_n race_n after_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n which_o be_v in_o hezekiah_n day_n but_o only_a judah_n to_o govern_v but_o because_o they_o be_v ruler_n of_o a_o people_n that_o come_v of_o the_o stock_n of_o jacob_n otherwise_o call_v israel_n 4._o the_o lord_n quarrel_n against_o man_n be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infirmity_n as_o for_o such_o as_o flow_v from_o a_o perverse_a disposition_n go_v wrong_a because_o they_o love_v to_o do_v so_o and_o do_v hate_v what_o be_v right_a therefore_o be_v they_o again_o challenge_v that_o they_o abhor_v judgement_n and_o so_o pervert_v all_o equity_n 5._o the_o lord_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o fair_a precence_n to_o palliate_v any_o sinful_a deed_n for_o it_o be_v no_o excuse_n that_o they_o build_v zion_n if_o it_o be_v do_v by_o blood_n and_o iniquity_n or_o with_o good_n take_v by_o bloody_a oppression_n from_o the_o poor_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o it_o be_v incident_a to_o all_o pretence_n that_o they_o prove_v snow-water_n and_o defile_v that_o the_o more_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o cleanse_v so_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o sad_a quarrel_n that_o they_o shall_v build_v the_o holy_a city_n by_o such_o mean_n they_o build_v up_o zion_n with_o blood_n and_o jerusalem_n with_o iniquity_n 6._o those_o be_v unsure_o build_v house_n and_o estate_n at_o the_o way_n of_o raise_v whereof_o and_o gather_v mean_n for_o that_o end_n god_n be_v angry_a for_o it_o be_v a_o quarrel_n against_o they_o and_o the_o house_n which_o they_o build_v with_o blood_n and_o iniquity_n see_v hab._n 2.12_o 7._o howsoever_o the_o lord_n allow_v lawful_a maintenance_n to_o such_o as_o be_v public_o employ_v in_o church_n and_o state_n yet_o to_o receive_v hire_n or_o gift_n so_o as_o to_o judge_v partial_o because_o of_o the_o gift_n receive_v be_v gross_a iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v a_o quarrel_n here_o the_o head_n thereof_o judge_v for_o reward_n etc._n etc._n see_v exod._n 18.21_o 8._o when_o bribe_n be_v receive_v by_o man_n in_o office_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n they_o will_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n faithful_o and_o in_o singleness_n for_o judge_v for_o reward_n teach_v for_o hire_n and_o divine_v for_o money_n be_v all_o one_o with_o false_a judgement_n and_o erroneous_a teach_n and_o divination_n for_o true_a be_v he_o who_o say_v a_o gift_n blind_v the_o wise_a etc._n etc._n exod._n 23.8_o 9_o presumption_n will_v feed_v up_o man_n with_o delusion_n under_o very_o gross_a sin_n and_o when_o a_o stroke_n be_v near_o for_o yet_o will_v they_o lean_v on_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n 10._o external_n privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o external_a reformation_n of_o worship_n be_v ordinary_o turn_v by_o secure_a sinner_n into_o a_o snare_n or_o plague_n to_o themselves_o make_v they_o dream_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o of_o peace_n when_o wrath_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o trouble_v at_o hand_n such_o a_o snare_n be_v god_n presence_n in_o his_o temple_n and_o hezekiah_n reformation_n to_o these_o profane_a ruler_n be_v not_o the_o lord_n among_o we_o etc._n etc._n 11._o external_n privilege_n will_v not_o exempt_v profane_a sinner_n from_o deserve_a judgement_n nor_o
king_n 8.18_o for_o which_o sin_n whatever_o pretence_n they_o hold_v out_o the_o lord_n threaten_v they_o yet_o further_o with_o extreme_a desolation_n doct._n 1._o idolatry_n and_o corruption_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o god_n controversy_n with_o his_o visible_a church_n for_o the_o statute_n of_o omri_n be_v beot_n 2._o the_o author_n and_o promoter_n of_o idolatry_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v mark_v and_o observe_v by_o the_o lord_n as_o omri_n and_o ahab_n be_v 3._o no_o injunction_n of_o ruler_n nor_o concurrence_n of_o public_a authority_n can_v make_v idolatry_n lawful_a nor_o justify_v those_o who_o walk_v in_o such_o way_n be_v enjoin_v for_o it_o be_v a_o controversy_n the_o statute_n of_o omri_n be_v keep_v and_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o house_n of_o ahab_n 4._o no_o example_n of_o multitude_n nor_o show_n of_o prudence_n can_v justify_v idolatry_n or_o pervert_v of_o truth_n the_o work_n of_o the_o house_n of_o ahab_n be_v keep_v and_o you_o both_o judah_n and_o israel_n walk_v in_o their_o counsel_n they_o think_v it_o a_o prudential_a way_n by_o conformity_n with_o the_o heathen_a to_o keep_v peace_n with_o they_o and_o be_v free_a of_o the_o scorn_n of_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o world_n because_o of_o a_o singular_a religion_n but_o all_o this_o excuse_v not_o 5._o whatever_o outward_a advantage_n man_n expect_v by_o corrupt_v of_o religion_n yet_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o work_n tend_v to_o a_o contrary_a end_n and_o do_v draw_v on_o all_o those_o evil_n which_o they_o by_o sin_v study_n to_o decline_v for_o whatever_o pretence_n they_o have_v yet_o you_o walk_v say_v he_o in_o their_o counsel_n that_o i_o shall_v make_v thou_o a_o desolation_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o a_o hiss_a it_o expose_v they_o both_o to_o spoil_v and_o reproach_n which_o they_o seek_v to_o shun_v 6_o idolatry_n be_v a_o land-destroying_a sin_n and_o make_v a_o people_n extreme_o desolate_a and_o contemptible_a so_o much_o also_o do_v this_o threaten_a teach_v wherein_o there_o be_v sad_a thing_n threaten_v then_o for_o their_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n i_o will_v make_v thou_o a_o desolation_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n a_o hiss_a etc._n etc._n 7._o as_o the_o lord_n people_n have_v their_o peculiar_a privilege_n so_o also_o their_o peculiar_a reproach_n or_o punishment_n proportionable_a to_o their_o profane_v of_o that_o great_a privilege_n of_o his_o people_n ezek._n 36.20_o 23._o and_o that_o because_o sin_n in_o they_o who_o boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v singular_o great_a therefore_o say_v he_o you_o shall_v bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o my_o people_n chap._n vii_o in_o this_o chapter_n micab_n in_o name_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a lament_n the_o paucity_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o universal_a corruption_n of_o all_o rank_n as_o a_o presage_n of_o approach_a ruin_n verse_n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o and_o that_o no_o relation_n can_v tie_v man_n to_o saithfulness_n v._o 5_o 6._o yet_o comsort_v himself_o and_o the_o godly_a in_o god_n v._o 7._o by_o the_o expectation_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o satisfactory_a deliverance_n v._o 8_o 9_o 10._o by_o god_n promise_n of_o restore_v they_o after_o some_o trouble_n v._o 11_o 12_o 13._o by_o his_o promise_n to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n v._o 14_o 15._o and_o that_o to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o all_o her_o enemy_n v._o 16_o 17._o he_o conclude_v all_o with_o exalt_v of_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n bounty_n and_o fidelity_n of_o god_n v._o 18_o 19_o 20._o verse_n 1._o woe_n be_v i_o for_o i_o be_o as_o when_o they_o have_v gather_v the_o summer-fruit_n as_o the_o grape-gleaning_n of_o the_o vintage_n there_o be_v no_o cluster_n to_o eat_v my_o soul_n desire_v the_o first_o ripe_a fruit_n the_o prophet_n lament_v the_o paucity_n of_o godly_a man_n who_o be_v as_o earnest_o desire_v by_o he_o as_o a_o traveller_n will_v desire_v fruit_n by_o the_o way_n and_o as_o precious_a in_o his_o eye_n as_o the_o first_o ripe_a fruit_n be_v to_o man_n isa_n 28.4_o hosea_n 9_o 10._o yet_o they_o be_v as_o rare_a to_o be_v have_v as_o fruit_n be_v after_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o vintage_n there_o be_v only_o some_o few_o glean_n lieu_n as_o isa_n 17.6_o to_o bemoan_v with_o he_o this_o decay_n and_o in_o who_o name_n he_o now_o lament_v doct._n 1._o the_o true_o godly_a be_v very_o precious_a and_o useful_a in_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o be_v not_o only_o restreshful_a to_o other_o godly_a man_n but_o instrument_n and_o mean_n of_o bring_v down_o blessing_n by_o deal_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n by_o stand_v in_o the_o breach_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o say_v he_o my_o soul_n desire_v the_o first_o ripe_a fruit_n so_o precious_a be_v they_o in_o his_o eye_n 2._o the_o true_o godly_a maybe_o reduce_v to_o a_o very_a small_a number_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n many_o who_o appear_v to_o be_v such_o make_v defection_n and_o many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v indeed_o such_o be_v take_v away_o by_o death_n i_o be_o as_o when_o they_o have_v gather_v the_o summer-fruit_n as_o the_o grape-gleaning_n of_o the_o vintage_n say_v he_o 3._o the_o want_n and_o decay_v of_o godly_a man_n be_v much_o to_o be_v lament_v by_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o such_o be_v leave_v behind_o especial_o by_o faithful_a minister_n woe_n be_v i_o and_o my_o soul_n desire_v the_o first_o ripe_a fruit_n say_v he_o for_o not_o only_o be_v it_o sae_z to_o zealous_a minister_n when_o they_o see_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n but_o in_o such_o a_o time_n all_o the_o godly_a be_v deprive_v of_o sweet_a fellowship_n and_o be_v by_o this_o decay_n forewarn_v of_o judgement_n to_o come_v see_v psal_n 12.1_o isa_n 57.1_o verse_n 2._o the_o good_a man_n be_v perish_v on_o it_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o there_o be_v none_o upright_o among_o man_n they_o all_o lie_n in_o wait_n for_o blood_n they_o hunt_v every_o man_n hiâ—_n brother_n with_o anet_n he_o explain_v in_o proper_a term_n what_o be_v figurative_o for_o down_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n to_o wit_n that_o in_o stead_n of_o justice_n and_o humaniry_n among_o man_n cruelty_n and_o craft_n abound_v doct._n 1._o corruption_n once_o begin_n among_o a_o people_n will_v soon_o become_v universal_a if_o the_o lord_n prevent_v not_o sin_n of_o a_o time_n be_v such_o as_o few_o have_v zeal_n to_o oppose_v or_o guard_v against_o the_o good_a man_n perish_v they_o all_o lie_n in_o wait_n every_o man_n hunt_v his_o brother_n say_v he_o 2._o those_o only_o be_v true_o merciful_a to_o other_o who_o have_v themselves_o obtain_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o sense_n thereof_o be_v tender_a towards_o other_o for_o the_o word_n render_v the_o good_a man_n signify_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v so_o to_o say_v mercify_v or_o make_v up_o of_o mercy_n from_o god_n and_o be_v active_o merciful_a to_o other_o 3._o when_o mercifulnesse_n depart_v from_o among_o man_n than_o also_o uprightness_n or_o do_v what_o justice_n or_o strict_a obligation_n require_v will_v not_o stay_v the_o lord_n plague_v the_o cast_n off_o of_o the_o one_o with_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o other_o therefore_o be_v these_o link_v together_o the_o good_a man_n be_v perish_v and_o there_o be_v none_o upright_o 4._o the_o defection_n of_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v ordinary_o plague_v of_o god_n by_o give_v they_o up_o to_o be_v most_o gross_o wicked_a for_o they_o all_o lie_n in_o wait_n for_o blood_n to_o oppress_v or_o murder_v they_o hunt_v every_o man_n even_o his_o brother_n with_o a_o net_n they_o be_v most_o intent_n and_o subtle_a in_o undermine_v and_o oppression_n and_o seek_v to_o entrap_v their_o near_a friend_n as_o hunter_n do_v pursue_v wild_a beast_n and_o fowler_n bird_n verse_n 3._o that_o they_o may_v do_v evil_a with_o both_o hand_n earnest_o the_o prince_n ask_v and_o the_o judge_n ask_v for_o a_o reward_n and_o the_o great_a man_n he_o utter_v his_o mischievous_a desire_n so_o they_o wrap_v it_o up_o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o universal_a defection_n he_o instance_v it_o in_o several_a rank_n the_o first_o instance_n be_v in_o the_o person_n of_o great_a one_o who_o be_v bend_v on_o evil_n such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n as_o prince_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o delegate_v judge_n do_v avow_v bribery_n and_o they_o who_o request_n be_v command_n do_v ask_v for_o gift_n and_o expose_v justice_n to_o sale_n and_o so_o such_o other_o in_o the_o land_n as_o be_v great_a and_o can_v give_v money_n fear_v not_o to_o communicate_v counsel_n with_o the_o judge_n to_o defraud_v and_o oppress_v the_o poor_a and_o the_o judge_n and_o
scoff_n at_o the_o king_n and_o the_o prince_n shall_v be_v a_o scorn_n to_o they_o 4._o fort_n and_o strong_a hold_n wherein_o man_n do_v ofttimes_o place_v their_o confidence_n will_v prove_v but_o matter_n of_o derision_n to_o the_o instrument_n of_o god_n vengeance_n for_o they_o shall_v deride_v every_o strong_a hold_n and_o however_o man_n boast_v of_o these_o yet_o they_o be_v easy_o reach_v for_o a_o enemy_n can_v heap_v up_o dust_n which_o lie_v under_o his_o foot_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n take_v it_o ver._n 11._o then_o shall_v his_o mind_n change_n and_o he_o shall_v pass_v over_o and_o offend_v impute_v this_o his_o power_n unto_o his_o god_n the_o lord_n subjoin_v to_o all_o this_o as_o a_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n and_o hope_n to_o the_o godly_a that_o the_o chaldaean_n and_o especial_o their_o king_n will_v make_v a_o sinful_a use_n of_o all_o their_o victory_n and_o of_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o drink_v with_o success_n as_o his_o swell_a thought_n of_o himself_o shall_v increase_v and_o in_o his_o arrogancy_n shall_v pass_v all_o bound_n of_o modesty_n and_o humanity_n which_o former_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v and_o shall_v grievous_o transgress_v in_o ascribe_v all_o his_o victory_n and_o increase_v of_o his_o power_n to_o his_o idol_n and_o take_v the_o glory_n from_o god_n who_o employ_v he_o as_o his_o scourge_n all_o which_o may_v assure_v the_o godly_a that_o such_o a_o power_n shall_v not_o stand_v long_o some_o instance_n of_o this_o carriage_n we_o may_v read_v dan._n 4.30_o and_o 5.4_o doct._n 1._o prosperity_n be_v no_o less_o a_o trial_n to_o bring_v out_o what_o be_v in_o man_n heart_n and_o no_o less_o difficult_a to_o bear_v then_o adversity_n be_v for_o here_o adversity_n try_v the_o jew_n and_o prosperity_n bring_v out_o more_o of_o the_o chaldaean_n naughtiness_n thus_o also_o be_v hezekiah_n try_v 2_o chron._n 32.31_o 2._o albeit_o that_o many_o be_v employ_v in_o war_n and_o make_v conquest_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o reap_v any_o great_a benefit_n by_o all_o their_o toil_n the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o conqueror_n as_o well_o as_o the_o conquer_a be_v but_o slave_n to_o promote_v the_o ambitious_a design_n of_o a_o few_o and_o furnish_v fuel_n to_o their_o lust_n for_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v great_a army_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n yet_o all_o this_o swell_a which_o they_o account_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o victory_n be_v enjoy_v chief_o by_o their_o king_n his_o mind_n change_v he_o shall_v pass_v over_o etc._n etc._n 3._o it_o be_v the_o plague_n attend_v prosperity_n in_o a_o evil_a course_n that_o it_o be_v curse_v to_o the_o enjoyer_n of_o it_o and_o wicked_a man_n be_v plague_v with_o pride_n by_o reason_n of_o prosperity_n and_o be_v encourage_v not_o only_o to_o overrun_v man_n but_o to_o transgress_v all_o bound_n of_o modesty_n in_o themselves_o and_o to_o be_v more_o insolent_a and_o bold_a upon_o sin_n for_o when_o nabuchadnezzar_n prevail_v against_o the_o jew_n then_o shall_v his_o mind_n change_n and_o he_o shall_v pass_v over_o etc._n etc._n 4._o as_o it_o be_v a_o judgement_n for_o man_n follow_v a_o false_a religion_n to_o prosper_v in_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v a_o further_a judgement_n when_o man_n be_v not_o lead_v to_o repentance_n by_o god_n liberal_a deal_n towards_o they_o but_o be_v give_v up_o to_o advance_v a_o false_a religion_n the_o more_o they_o prosper_v for_o this_o be_v a_o plague_n on_o the_o chaldaean_n that_o be_v idolater_n and_o yet_o prosper_v against_o the_o people_n of_o the_o true_a god_n they_o go_v on_o and_o he_o offend_v impute_v this_o his_o power_n unto_o his_o god_n 5._o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o difficult_a step_n of_o man_n life_n and_o which_o will_v never_o be_v clear_v without_o the_o sure_a word_n to_o read_v the_o language_n of_o divine_a providence_n without_o mistake_v and_o so_o father_n favourable_a dispensation_n right_o to_o see_v aright_o who_o bestow_v they_o and_o upon_o what_o ground_n to_o see_v what_o good_a thing_n in_o man_n providence_n do_v encourage_v what_o evil_a it_o do_v reprove_v to_o observe_v whether_o the_o good_a success_n man_n have_v be_v because_o of_o any_o good_a in_o their_o way_n or_o for_o any_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o their_o opposite_n herein_o the_o chaldaean_n fail_v for_o whereas_o the_o lord_n employ_v they_o and_o punish_v judah_n by_o they_o not_o because_o they_o be_v right_a but_o because_o of_o judah_n sin_n yet_o they_o applaud_v themselves_o as_o if_o they_o have_v prosper_v because_o of_o their_o idolatry_n and_o do_v impuâ—e_v all_o this_o power_n to_o their_o idol_n 6._o albeit_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n nor_o disposition_n of_o the_o true_o godly_a to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o any_o yet_o it_o furnish_v ground_n of_o confidence_n to_o they_o that_o god_n will_v own_v their_o quarrel_n in_o due_a time_n when_o they_o see_v their_o enemy_n abuse_v their_o prosperity_n they_o will_v gather_v that_o insolency_n and_o arrogancy_n shall_v not_o escape_v unpunished_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o stable_a conquest_n which_o be_v either_o hold_v of_o or_o consecrate_v to_o idol_n and_o a_o false_a religion_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o true_a god_n for_o to_o this_o end_n and_o to_o clear_v this_o truth_n do_v the_o lord_n subjoin_v their_o sinful_a carriage_n here_o to_o their_o great_a success_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n verse_n 12._o be_v thou_o not_o from_o everlasting_a o_o lord_z my_o god_n my_o holy_a one_o we_o shall_v not_o die_v o_o lord_n thou_o have_v ordain_v they_o for_o judgement_n and_o o_o mighty_a god_n thou_o have_v estabilsh_v they_o for_o correction_n follow_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o prophet_n exercise_n about_o this_o answer_n and_o his_o reply_n unto_o it_o in_o this_o verse_n in_o a_o speech_n direct_v to_o god_n he_o confirm_v his_o own_o and_o the_o godlies'_n faith_n in_o their_o be_v preserve_v from_o destruction_n in_o this_o calamity_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o godly_a from_o eternal_a destruction_n what_o ever_o become_v of_o they_o outward_o nor_o yet_o of_o the_o particular_a preservation_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n wicked_a or_o godly_a further_o than_o they_o may_v have_v a_o particular_a promise_n for_o it_o as_o baruch_n and_o ebedmelech_n have_v nor_o be_v it_o strict_o to_o be_v apply_v by_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n as_o if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v destroy_v by_o judgement_n for_o however_o the_o lord_n may_v bring_v many_o judgement_n on_o a_o church_n before_o he_o give_v she_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n and_o cause_v she_o to_o ceaâ—e_v to_o be_v a_o church_n yet_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o many_o other_o do_v refute_v that_o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v resolve_v to_o keep_v a_o church_n continual_o in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o enjoy_v that_o privilege_n to_o be_v the_o only_a people_n of_o god_n till_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v of_o they_o the_o prophet_n upon_o that_o general_a ground_n and_o particular_a promise_n gather_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v not_o be_v total_o extinguish_v or_o cut_v off_o by_o her_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o yet_o further_o confirm_v this_o his_o confidence_n from_o god_n covenant_n with_o they_o from_o his_o eternal_a immutability_n who_o have_v also_o from_o of_o old_a be_v in_o covenant_n with_o they_o as_o the_o word_n will_v also_o bear_v and_o his_o holiness_n and_o from_o his_o purpose_n power_n and_o providence_n in_o appoint_v the_o chaldaean_n to_o punish_v and_o correct_v but_o not_o to_o destroy_v the_o church_n doct._n 1._o judgement_n threaten_v or_o inflict_v may_v speak_v sad_a thing_n to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o godly_a then_o god_n real_o intend_v by_o they_o for_o so_o be_v insinuate_v that_o to_o die_v or_o irreparable_a desolation_n be_v present_v to_o their_o mind_n in_o this_o stroke_n 2._o as_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o continue_v a_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o their_o calamity_n so_o he_o will_v never_o want_v a_o church_n and_o people_n in_o the_o world_n however_o he_o may_v correct_v and_o he_o may_v inflict_v many_o judgement_n on_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o cast_v she_o off_o and_o he_o will_v be_v good_a everlasting_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n albeit_o he_o toss_v their_o body_n and_o their_o mind_n both_o in_o the_o world_n all_o which_o shall_v be_v account_v of_o as_o great_a mercy_n in_o a_o time_n of_o captivity_n and_o