aaron_n and_o her_o name_n be_v elizabeth_n in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v we_o a_o description_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o be_v the_o harbinger_n and_o forerunner_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n he_o be_v describe_v first_o by_o his_o parentage_n be_v the_o son_n of_o zacharias_n and_o elizabeth_n this_o zacharias_n be_v a_o priest_n who_o have_v a_o course_n in_o the_o temple_n or_o a_o right_a to_o officiate_v there_o when_o it_o come_v to_o his_o turn_n for_o we_o read_v in_o 1_o chron._n 24.10_o that_o david_n appoint_v the_o priest_n the_o son_n of_o aaron_n to_o minister_v by_o turn_v and_o divide_v they_o into_o four_o and_o twenty_o course_n every_o one_o minister_a in_o the_o temple_n by_o their_o week_n here_o note_v that_o zacharias_n a_o priest_n and_o attend_v the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v a_o marry_a person_n have_v one_o of_o the_o daughter_n of_o aaron_n to_o wife_n according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n 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winnow_v his_o corn_n separate_v it_o from_o the_o chaff_n preserve_v the_o one_o and_o consume_v the_o other_o learn_v hence_o 1._o that_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n floor_n 2._o that_o this_o floor_n christ_n will_v purge_v and_o that_o thorough_o 3._o that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o fan_n in_o his_o hand_n by_z and_o with_o which_o he_o will_v thorough_o purge_v his_o floor_n the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o floor_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o mixture_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n in_o a_o floor_n there_o be_v straw_n as_o well_o as_o grain_n chaff_n as_o well_o as_o corn_n tare_n as_o well_o as_o wheat_n cockle_n and_o darnel_n as_o well_o as_o good_a seed_n thus_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v and_o will_v be_v a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a saint_n and_o sinner_n hypocrite_n and_o sincere_a christian_n but_o this_o floor_n christ_n will_v purge_v purge_v it_o but_o not_o break_v it_o up_o purge_v out_o its_o corruption_n but_o not_o 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the_o modesty_n of_o john_n refusal_n john_n forbid_v he_o and_o refuse_v to_o admit_v he_o but_o why_o 1._o in_o regard_n of_o christ_n because_o he_o know_v he_o need_v it_o not_o such_o be_v his_o majesty_n and_o greatness_n that_o he_o be_v above_o it_o and_o such_o be_v his_o purity_n and_o holiness_n that_o he_o can_v not_o want_v it_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o himself_o he_o know_v his_o own_o uncleanness_n i_o have_v need_n to_o be_v baptise_a of_o thou_o etc._n etc._n he_o think_v it_o unsuitable_a that_o a_o sinner_n shall_v baptise_v and_o wash_v he_o that_o be_v no_o sinner_n 3._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o people_n lest_o they_o see_v christ_n baptise_a shall_v apprehend_v he_o to_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o one_o that_o want_v the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o obs_n 2._o as_o the_o modesty_n of_o john_n refusal_n so_o the_o reason_n he_o assign_v for_o it_o i_o have_v need_n to_o be_v baptise_a of_o thou_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thou_o be_v purity_n i_o be_o pollution_n thou_o be_v spirit_n i_o be_o flesh_n thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n such_o a_o humble_a apprehension_n have_v this_o holy_a man_n of_o himself_o learn_v that_o the_o more_o holy_a a_o person_n be_v the_o more_o sensible_a he_o be_v of_o his_o unholiness_n where_o there_o be_v most_o grace_n there_o be_v the_o great_a sense_n of_o the_o want_n of_o grace_n 15_o and_o jesus_n answer_v say_v unto_o he_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o now_o for_o thus_o it_o become_v we_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n then_o he_o suffer_v he_o these_o word_n contain_v our_o saviour_n reason_n why_o he_o submit_v to_o john_n baptism_n because_o it_o become_v he_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n that_o be_v particular_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o require_v the_o wash_v of_o the_o priest_n in_o water_n when_o they_o enter_v upon_o their_o office_n exod._n 29.4_o learn_v hence_o 1._o that_o whatever_o the_o law_n require_v in_o order_n to_o perfect_a righteousness_n that_o christ_n fulfil_v in_o most_o absolute_a perfection_n both_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o also_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o believer_n 2._o that_o as_o it_o become_v christ_n to_o fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n for_o himself_o so_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n for_o ourselves_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v righteous_a in_o god_n sight_n 1_o joh._n 3.7_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a 16_o and_o jesus_n when_o he_o be_v baptize_v go_v up_o straightway_o out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o lo_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_v unto_o he_o and_o he_o see_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n descend_v like_o a_o dove_n and_o light_v upon_o he_o 17_o and_o lo_n a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v 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likeness_n of_o a_o dove_n hence_o we_o gather_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o a_o quality_n or_o a_o operation_n but_o a_o person_n and_o a_o person_n real_o distinct_a from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n but_o why_o do_v the_o holy_a spirit_n now_o descend_v upon_o christ_n first_o for_o the_o designation_n of_o his_o person_n to_o show_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o person_n set_v apart_o for_o the_o work_n and_o office_n of_o a_o mediator_n second_o for_o the_o qualification_n of_o his_o person_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o office_n this_o be_v christ_n unction_n isa_n 61.1_o when_o he_o be_v anoint_v above_o his_o fellow_n to_o be_v the_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n last_o of_o all_o we_o have_v the_o audible_a voice_n
have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n you_o will_v not_o have_v condemn_v the_o guiltless_a learn_v hence_o that_o the_o law_n of_o mercy_n be_v much_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o law_n of_o ceremony_n and_o where_o both_o can_v be_v observe_v the_o less_o must_v give_v place_n to_o the_o great_a god_n never_o intend_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o his_o service_n in_o the_o first_o table_n shall_v hinder_v work_n of_o mercy_n prescribe_v in_o the_o second_o table_n all_o god_n command_n be_v for_o man_n good_n where_o both_o can_v be_v obey_v he_o will_v have_v the_o moral_a duty_n perform_v and_o the_o ceremonial_a service_n omit_v he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v he_o will_v have_v mercy_n rather_o than_o sacrifice_n where_o both_o can_v be_v have_v 8_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v lord_n even_o of_o the_o sabbath-day_n as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v i_o who_o be_o lord_n of_o the_o sabbath_n declare_v to_o you_o that_o i_o have_v a_o power_n to_o dispense_v with_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v my_o will_n that_o the_o sabbath_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o man_n shall_v yield_v to_o man_n safety_n and_o welfare_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v real_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o as_o such_o have_v power_n over_o the_o sabbath_n to_o dispense_v with_o it_o yea_o to_o abrogate_v and_o change_v it_o at_o his_o pleasure_n 9_o and_o when_o he_o be_v depart_v thence_o he_o go_v into_o their_o synagogue_n 10_o and_o behold_v there_o be_v a_o man_n which_o have_v his_o hand_n wither_v and_o they_o ask_v he_o say_v be_v it_o lawful_a to_o heal_v on_o the_o sabbath-day_n that_o they_o may_v accuse_v he_o 11_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o what_o man_n shall_v there_o be_v among_o you_o that_o shall_v have_v one_o sheep_n and_o if_o it_o fall_v into_o a_o pit_n on_o the_o sabbath-day_n will_v he_o not_o lay_v hold_n on_o it_o and_o lift_v it_o out_o 12_o how_o much_o then_o be_v a_o man_n better_o than_o a_o sheep_n wherefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v well_o on_o the_o sabbath-day_n here_o we_o have_v another_o dispute_n betwixt_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o pharisee_n concern_v the_o sabbath_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o that_o day_n merciful_o to_o heal_n a_o person_n have_v a_o wither_a hand_n christ_n confute_v they_o from_o their_o own_o practice_n tell_v the_o pharisee_n that_o they_o themselves_o judge_v it_o lawful_a to_o help_v out_o a_o sheep_n or_o a_o ox_n if_o fall_v into_o a_o pit_n on_o that_o day_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v the_o life_n of_o a_o man_n to_o be_v prefer_v here_o we_o may_v remark_n how_o inveterate_a a_o malice_n the_o pharisee_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n when_o they_o can_v find_v no_o crime_n to_o charge_v he_o with_o they_o blame_v he_o for_o work_v a_o merciful_a and_o miraculous_a cure_n upon_o the_o sabbath-day_n when_o envy_n and_o malice_n which_o be_v evermore_o quick-sighted_a can_v find_v no_o occasion_n of_o quarrel_n it_o will_v invent_v one_o against_o the_o innocent_a 13_o then_o say_v he_o to_o the_o man_n stretch_v forth_o thy_o hand_n and_o he_o stretch_v it_o forth_o and_o it_o be_v restore_v whole_a like_o as_o the_o other_o 14_o then_o the_o pharisee_n go_v out_o and_o hold_v a_o council_n against_o he_o how_o they_o may_v destroy_v he_o 15_o but_o when_o jesus_n know_v it_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o thence_o and_o great_a multitude_n follow_v he_o and_o he_o heal_v they_o all_o 16_o and_o charge_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o make_v he_o know_v obs_n 1._o the_o merciful_a and_o miraculous_a cure_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n power_n upon_o the_o impotent_a man_n he_o say_v unto_o he_o stretch_v out_o thy_o hand_n and_o his_o hand_n be_v restore_v obs_n 2._o what_o a_o contrary_a effect_v this_o cure_n have_v upon_o the_o pharisee_n instead_o of_o convince_a they_o they_o conspire_v against_o he_o christ_n enemy_n when_o argument_n fail_v fall_v to_o violence_n obs_n 3._o the_o prudent_a mean_n which_o our_o saviour_n use_v for_o his_o own_o preservation_n he_o withdraw_v himself_o christ_n example_n teach_v his_o minister_n their_o duty_n to_o avoid_v the_o hand_n of_o persecutor_n and_o prudent_o to_o preserve_v their_o life_n unless_o when_o their_o suffering_n be_v like_a to_o do_v more_o good_a than_o their_o life_n obs_n 4._o the_o great_a humility_n of_o christ_n in_o conceal_v his_o own_o praise_n he_o have_v no_o ambition_n that_o the_o fame_n of_o his_o miracle_n shall_v be_v spread_v abroad_o for_o he_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o glory_n neither_o will_v he_o by_o the_o noise_n of_o his_o miracle_n enrage_v the_o pharisee_n against_o he_o to_o take_v away_o his_o life_n know_v that_o his_o time_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v and_o he_o have_v much_o work_n to_o do_v before_o his_o death_n 17_o that_o it_o may_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v speak_v by_o esaias_n the_o prophet_n say_v 18_o behold_v my_o servant_n who_o i_o have_v choose_v my_o belove_a in_o who_o my_o soul_n be_v well_o please_v i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n upon_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v show_v judgement_n to_o the_o gentile_n 19_o he_o shall_v not_o strive_v nor_o cry_v neither_o shall_v any_o man_n hear_v his_o voice_n in_o the_o street_n 20_o a_o bruise_a reed_n shall_v he_o not_o break_v and_o smoke_a flax_n shall_v he_o not_o quench_v till_o he_o send_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o victory_n 21_o and_o in_o his_o name_n shall_v the_o gentile_n trust_v that_o be_v our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v those_o good_a act_n before_o speak_v of_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n prophesy_v of_o by_o isaias_n the_o prophet_n chap._n 42.1_o 2._o behold_v my_o servant_n who_o i_o have_v set_v apart_o for_o accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o salvation_n for_o a_o lose_a world_n he_o by_o the_o fullness_n of_o my_o spirit_n shall_v teach_v the_o nation_n the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n he_o shall_v not_o subdue_v man_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o as_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n shall_v deal_v gentle_o with_o the_o weak_a and_o cherish_v the_o lest_o measure_v of_o grace_n and_o degree_n of_o goodness_n obs_n here_o 1._o a_o description_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n he_o be_v god_n the_o father_n servant_n employ_v in_o the_o most_o noble_a service_n namely_o that_o of_o the_o instruct_v and_o save_v a_o lose_a world_n obs_n 2._o with_o what_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n christ_n set_v up_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n he_o do_v not_o with_o noise_n and_o clamour_n with_o force_n and_o violence_n subdue_v and_o conquer_v but_o with_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n gain_v person_n consent_v to_o his_o government_n and_o authority_n observe_v 3._o the_o gentle_a carriage_n of_o christ_n in_o treat_v those_o of_o infirmer_n grace_n he_o do_v and_o will_v gracious_o preserve_v and_o tender_o cherish_v the_o small_a begining_n the_o weak_a measure_n and_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o sincere_a grace_n which_o he_o observe_v in_o any_o of_o his_o child_n â—nd_v people_n 22_o then_o be_v bring_v unto_o he_o one_o possess_v with_o a_o devil_n blind_a and_o dumb_a and_o he_o heal_v he_o insomuch_o that_o the_o blind_a and_o dumb_a both_o speak_v and_o see_v 23_o and_o all_o the_o people_n be_v amaze_v and_o say_v be_v not_o this_o the_o son_n of_o david_n 24_o but_o when_o the_o pharisee_n hear_v it_o they_o say_v this_o fellow_n do_v not_o cast_v out_o devil_n but_o by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o a_o far_a instance_n of_o christ_n miraculous_a power_n he_o heal_v one_o who_o the_o devil_n have_v cast_v into_o a_o disease_n which_o deprive_v he_o both_o of_o speech_n and_o sight_n at_o this_o miracle_n the_o multitude_n wonder_n say_v be_v not_o this_o the_o son_n of_o david_n that_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n the_o pharisee_n hear_v this_o with_o great_a bitterness_n and_o contempt_n say_v this_o fellow_n cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o devil_n observe_v from_o hence_o how_o obstinacy_n and_o malice_n will_v make_v man_n misconstrue_v the_o action_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o innocent_a christ_n cast_v out_o devil_n say_v the_o pharisee_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o devil_n there_o never_o be_v any_o person_n so_o good_a nor_o any_o action_n so_o gracious_a but_o they_o have_v be_v subject_a both_o to_o censure_n and_o misconstruction_n the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o square_v our_o action_n by_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o then_o let_v the_o world_n pass_v their_o censure_n at_o their_o pleasure_n when_o the_o holy_a and_o innocent_a jesus_n be_v thus_o assault_v what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o we_o his_o sinful_a servant_n be_v brand_v on_o
of_o those_o that_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n be_v straight_a and_o narrow_a than_o those_o that_o live_v under_o the_o law_n observe_v far_o in_o who_o name_n person_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n where_o we_o have_v a_o profession_n of_o our_o belief_n in_o the_o holy_a trinity_n a_o dedication_n of_o the_o person_n to_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o a_o stipulation_n or_o covenant_n promise_v that_o we_o will_v continue_v faithful_a in_o the_o service_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o our_o life_n end_v the_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o power_n which_o christ_n delegated_a to_o his_o apostle_n be_v by_o their_o ministry_n to_o press_v upon_o all_o their_o convert_v a_o universal_a observance_n of_o and_o obedience_n to_o all_o his_o command_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o where_o note_n 1._o that_o preach_v be_v the_o 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be_v i_o be_o and_o will_v be_v with_o you_o and_o your_o successor_n lawful_o call_v by_o my_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o the_o blessing_n and_o assistance_n of_o my_o holy_a spirit_n i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o to_o uphold_v my_o own_o ordinance_n to_o protect_v encourage_v and_o reward_v you_o and_o all_o your_o successor_n in_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o your_o trust_n and_o this_o not_o for_o a_o day_n a_o year_n or_o a_o age_n but_o to_o the_o end_n and_o consummation_n of_o all_o age_n learn_v hence_o that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o stand_n and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n throughout_o all_o age_n learn_v 2._o that_o all_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o what_o part_n of_o the_o world_n soever_o god_n shall_v cast_v their_o lot_n and_o in_o what_o time_n soever_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o live_v may_v comfortable_o expect_v christ_n gracious_a presence_n with_o their_o person_n and_o his_o blessing_n upon_o their_o endeavour_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o i_o be_o always_o with_o you_o and_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o thanks_o be_v to_o christ_n for_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o his_o spiritual_a and_o perpetual_a presence_n with_o his_o minister_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n may_v this_o promise_n cause_v we_o to_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o our_o mind_n increase_v our_o diligence_n zeal_n and_o fervour_n account_v no_o labour_n too_o great_a no_o service_n too_o much_o no_o suffering_n too_o severe_a so_o that_o we_o may_v but_o finish_v our_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o fulfil_v the_o ministry_n we_o be_v engage_v in_o amen_n amen_n the_o end_n of_o st._n matthew_n expository_n note_n with_o practical_a observation_n upon_o the_o holy_a gospel_n according_a to_o st._n mark_n deut._n vi_fw-la ver._n 6_o and_o 7._o these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o unto_o thy_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o thou_o sit_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o when_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o expository_n note_n with_o practical_a observation_n upon_o the_o holy_a gospel_n according_a to_o s_n t._n mark_n st._n mark_v the_o writer_n of_o this_o compendious_a history_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n life_n and_o death_n be_v the_o disciple_n and_o companion_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o some_o affirm_v that_o he_o write_v his_o gospel_n from_o st._n peter_n mouth_n it_o be_v dictate_v by_o st._n peter_n and_o indict_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o since_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n indict_v the_o book_n we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o find_v out_o who_o hand_n it_o be_v that_o hold_v the_o pen._n chap._n i._n 1_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o word_n gospel_n signify_v a_o message_n of_o glad_a tiding_n and_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contain_v the_o most_o gladsome_a tiding_n the_o most_o joyful_a message_n that_o ever_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o mankind_n happy_a tiding_n concern_v our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n oh_o how_o high_o shall_v we_o prize_v how_o steadfast_o believe_v how_o cordial_o embrace_v these_o good_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n observe_v 2._o this_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n because_o christ_n as_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o gospel_n and_o also_o the_o principal_a subject_a and_o matter_n of_o it_o indeed_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n be_v the_o first_o publisher_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n doctrine_n but_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a author_n and_o likewise_o the_o chief_a subject-matter_n of_o it_o for_o whatever_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n relate_v either_o to_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o the_o benefit_n receive_v by_o he_o or_o the_o mean_n of_o enjoy_v those_o benefit_n from_o he_o observe_v 3._o how_o st._n mark_n style_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o st._n matthew_n have_v style_v he_o before_o the_o son_n of_o david_n the_o one_o set_v forth_o the_o verity_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n the_o other_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n signify_v to_o we_o that_o the_o true_a and_o promise_a messiah_n be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n in_o two_o distinct_a nature_n and_o one_o person_n for_o ever_o he_o be_v true_a and_o real_a god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o a_o mere_a man_n but_o god_n as_o well_o as_o man._n 2_o as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n behold_v i_o send_v my_o messenger_n before_o thy_o face_n which_o shall_v prepare_v thy_o way_n before_o thou_o st._n mark_n begin_v his_o gospel_n with_o a_o account_n of_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n preach_v and_o ministry_n and_o declare_v 1._o that_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a particular_o isaiah_n and_o malachy_n do_v long_o before_o foretell_v the_o baptist_n message_n and_o ministry_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v before_o christ_n as_o his_o harbinger_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o he_o behold_v i_o send_v my_o messenger_n to_o prepare_v thy_o way_n where_o note_n 1._o the_o dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v his_o messenger_n send_v by_o he_o to_o deliver_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o his_o people_n this_o ministerial_a mission_n be_v twofold_a extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a the_o former_a when_o god_n immediate_o by_o himself_o call_v man_n to_o the_o holy_a function_n the_o latter_a when_o he_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o man_n in_o order_n thereunto_o observe_v 2._o the_o work_n and_o office_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n declare_v and_o that_o be_v to_o prepare_v people_n to_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n offer_v and_o tender_v to_o they_o in_o the_o gospel_n behold_v i_o send_v my_o messenger_n to_o prepare_v thy_o way_n before_o thou_o learn_v thence_o that_o the_o great_a design_n and_o end_v of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o prepare_v and_o fit_a man_n for_o entertain_v the_o holy_a religion_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n 3_o the_o voice_n of_o one_o cry_v in_o the_o wilderness_n prepare_v you_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o path_n straight_o here_o note_v 1._o the_o title_n give_v to_o john_n the_o baptist_n he_o be_v call_v a_o voice_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o ministerial_a office_n which_o be_v to_o speak_v forth_o to_o
the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_n who_o set_v four_o governor_n over_o they_o call_v tetrarch_n so_o name_v from_o their_o rule_n over_o a_o four_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n from_o hence_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v observe_v have_v not_o prejudice_v blind_v their_o eye_n that_o the_o sceptre_n be_v thus_o depart_v from_o judah_n according_a to_o jacob_n prophecy_n gen._n 49._o shilo_n or_o the_o messiah_n be_v now_o come_v again_o the_o time_n when_o st._n john_n begin_v his_o ministry_n be_v when_o annas_n and_o caiphas_n be_v high-priest_n under_o the_o law_n there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o minister_n that_o attend_v the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n namely_o priest_n levite_n and_o nethenims_n over_o these_o the_o highpriest_n be_v chief_a who_o by_o god_n command_n be_v to_o be_v the_o first_o bear_v of_o aaron_n family_n but_o how_o come_v two_o high-priest_n here_o see_v god_n never_o appoint_v but_o one_o at_o a_o time_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o say_v some_o the_o power_n and_o covetousness_n of_o the_o roman_n put_v in_o high-priest_n at_o pleasure_n to_o officiate_v for_o gain_v say_v other_o the_o highpriest_n be_v allow_v his_o assistant_n or_o deputy_n who_o in_o case_n of_o his_o pollution_n or_o sickness_n do_v officiate_v in_o his_o place_n but_o that_o which_o we_o may_v profitable_o observe_v from_o hence_o be_v this_o the_o exactness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o this_o historian_n st._n luke_n in_o relate_v the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n and_o the_o baptist_n ministry_n that_o the_o truth_n may_v evident_o appear_v he_o be_v exact_a in_o record_v the_o time_n 3_o and_o he_o come_v into_o all_o the_o country_n about_o jordan_n preach_v the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n 4_o as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o word_n of_o isaiah_n the_o prophet_n say_v the_o voice_n of_o one_o cry_v in_o the_o wilderness_n prepare_v you_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o path_n straight_o 5_o every_o valley_n shall_v be_v fill_v and_o every_o mountain_n and_o hill_n shall_v be_v lay_v low_a and_o the_o crooked_a shall_v be_v make_v straight_o and_o the_o rough_a way_n shall_v be_v make_v smooth_a 6_o and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n observe_v here_o 1._o the_o place_n where_o the_o baptist_n exercise_v his_o ministry_n in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o judea_n where_o be_v some_o city_n and_o village_n though_o thin_o inhabit_v note_v here_o the_o great_a humility_n of_o the_o baptist_n in_o preach_v in_o a_o obscure_a place_n and_o to_o a_o small_a handful_n of_o people_n jerusalem_n some_o may_v think_v a_o fit_a place_n for_o so_o celebrate_v a_o preacher_n but_o god_n have_v call_v he_o to_o preach_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o there_o he_o open_v his_o commission_n learn_v hence_o that_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o god_n minister_n must_v be_v content_a to_o execute_v their_o office_n and_o exercise_v their_o ministry_n where_o god_n call_v they_o be_v the_o place_n never_o so_o mean_a and_o obscure_a and_o the_o people_n never_o so_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a in_o the_o place_n where_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n fix_v we_o we_o must_v abide_v till_o he_o that_o call_v we_o thither_o remove_v we_o thence_o and_o this_o be_v the_o baptist_n case_n here_o he_o leave_v the_o wilderness_n at_o god_n command_n and_o come_v to_o more_o inhabit_a place_n he_o come_v into_o the_o country_n about_o jordan_n preach_v it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o a_o necessary_a duty_n for_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o remove_v from_o one_o place_n and_o people_n to_o another_o provide_v their_o call_n be_v clear_a their_o way_n plain_a the_o good_a of_o soul_n their_o motive_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o end_n obs_n 2._o the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o baptist_n preach_v namely_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n which_o seal_v remission_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o party_n baptise_a learn_v hence_o that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n be_v the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o every_o gospel-minister_n john_n the_o baptist_n preach_v it_o our_o saviour_n preach_v it_o his_o apostle_n preach_v it_o they_o go_v out_o every_o where_o preach_v that_o man_n shall_v repent_v till_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sinless_a perfection_n the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n must_v be_v preach_v unto_o we_o and_o practise_v by_o we_o obs_n 3._o the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n which_o prompt_v the_o baptist_n to_o his_o duty_n which_o be_v to_o fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n that_o go_v before_o of_o he_o as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o voice_n of_o one_o cry_v in_o the_o wilderness_n prepare_v you_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o path_n straight_o every_o valley_n shall_v be_v fill_v etc._n etc._n where_o note_n 1._o the_o title_n give_v to_o john_n the_o baptist_n a_o voice_n a_o cry_a voice_n this_o imply_v both_o his_o vehemency_n and_o earnestness_n and_o also_o his_o freedom_n and_o boldness_n in_o deliver_v of_o his_o message_n when_o a_o minister_n own_o heart_n be_v warm_o affect_v with_o what_o he_o preach_v he_o may_v hope_v to_o affect_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o note_v 2_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o cry_v prepare_v you_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v make_v yourselves_o ready_a to_o receive_v the_o messiah_n to_o embrace_v and_o entertain_v his_o doctrine_n as_o loyal_a subject_n when_o their_o prince_n be_v come_v near_o their_o city_n they_o remove_v every_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o may_v hinder_v his_o progress_n all_o annoyance_n and_o all_o impediment_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o preparatory_a work_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n lie_v in_o pull_v down_o mountain_n and_o fill_v up_o valley_n that_o be_v in_o humble_v the_o proud_a heart_n of_o sinner_n puff_v up_o as_o the_o pharisee_n be_v with_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n who_o will_v be_v their_o own_o saviour_n and_o not_o behold_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o free_a grace_n for_o salvation_n learn_v hence_o 1_o that_o man_n heart_n be_v natural_o very_o unfit_a to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o holy_a doctrine_n we_o have_v natural_o no_o sitness_n no_o inclination_n nor_o disposition_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o or_o submit_v unto_o he_o 2._o that_o if_o ever_o we_o desire_v to_o entertain_v christ_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o must_v first_o prepare_v and_o make_v ready_a our_o heart_n for_o the_o receive_n and_o embrace_v of_o he_o for_o though_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n yet_o he_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o faculty_n and_o the_o use_n of_o our_o endeavour_n he_o prepare_v our_o heart_n by_o enable_v we_o to_o prepare_v our_o own_o heart_n by_o get_v a_o sight_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o misery_n without_o christ_n a_o hunger_a desire_n after_o he_o and_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o he_o god_n do_v not_o work_v upon_o man_n as_o mason_n work_v upon_o stone_n what_o he_o do_v in_o we_o and_o for_o we_o he_o do_v it_o by_o we_o he_o work_v by_o set_v we_o to_o work_v therefore_o say_v the_o holy_a baptist_n prepare_v you_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v etc._n etc._n the_o act_n of_o endeavour_n be_v we_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n be_v god_n obs_n last_o the_o encouragement_n which_o the_o baptist_n give_v to_o person_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o say_v he_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n that_o be_v now_o be_v the_o time_n that_o all_o person_n jew_n and_o gentiles_n may_v see_v the_o author_n of_o salvation_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o world_n and_o may_v by_o faith_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o salvation_n which_o the_o messiah_n shall_v purchase_v for_o they_o and_o in_o his_o gospel_n tender_a to_o they_o the_o great_a end_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v to_o purchase_v salvation_n for_o all_o flesh_n willing_a to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o 7_o then_o say_v he_o to_o the_o multitude_n that_o come_v forth_o to_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o o_o generation_n of_o viper_n who_o have_v warn_v you_o to_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v 8_o bring_v forth_o therefore_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n and_o begin_v not_o to_o say_v within_o yourselves_o we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o god_n be_v able_a of_o these_o stone_n to_o raise_v up_o child_n unto_o abraham_n st._n matthew_n ch._n 3.7_o 8._o say_v that_o the_o baptist_n speak_v these_o word_n to_o the_o