sign_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n and_o humble_a soul_n doct._n 42.3_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n for_o a_o man_n to_o confess_v his_o own_o ignorance_n pro._n 3â—_n 2_o psal_n 73.22_o job_n 42.3_o to_o confess_v his_o own_o ignorance_n thus_o auger_n sure_o i_o be_o more_o brutish_a than_o any_o man_n and_o have_v not_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n thus_o david_n so_o foolish_a be_v i_o and_o ignorant_a as_o a_o beast_n before_o thou_o thus_o job_n i_o have_v utter_v word_n that_o i_o understand_v not_o thing_n too_o wonderful_a for_o i_o which_o i_o know_v not_o this_o eunuch_n here_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n and_o humble_a soul_n see_v how_o ready_a he_o be_v to_o make_v publication_n to_o the_o world_n of_o his_o own_o ignorance_n and_o weakness_n to_o shame_v himself_o and_o to_o become_v nothing_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v be_v a_o meet_a scholar_n in_o christ_n school_n and_o indeed_o that_o man_n that_o see_v his_o own_o ignorance_n and_o sin_n be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n mourn_v for_o that_o he_o know_v so_o little_a in_o god_n matter_n this_o be_v a_o soul_n fit_o qualify_v to_o be_v teach_v of_o christ_n 25.9_o psal_n 25.9_o they_o that_o be_v meek_a shall_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o teach_v the_o humble_a his_o waâ—_n to_o such_o the_o promise_n belong_v the_o reason_n be_v first_o reas_n 1_o till_o a_o man_n see_v his_o own_o ignorance_n he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o instruction_n this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o bless_a virgin_n in_o her_o song_n he_o have_v fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o but_o the_o rich_a he_o have_v send_v empty_a away_o the_o rich_a that_o be_v such_o as_o see_v not_o nor_o perceive_v their_o own_o spiritual_a poverty_n these_o 〈◊〉_d profit_n aright_o by_o the_o mean_n the_o reason_n be_v they_o be_v like_o a_o â—â—â—â—ne_a bladder_n puff_v up_o with_o â—â—â—â—ceit_n of_o their_o own_o worth_n 〈◊〉_d and_o knowledge_n and_o 〈…〉_o â—â—â—ze_fw-mi the_o mean_n of_o life_n 〈…〉_o second_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n people_n be_v right_o inform_v which_o give_v they_o 〈…〉_o and_o more_o to_o discoâ—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o â—â—rall_a defect_n â—haâ—_n 〈…〉_o lord_n 〈…〉_o â—â—â—â—â—standing_v a_o 〈…〉_o which_o the_o 〈…〉_o into_o the_o miâ—â—â—_n â—he_v more_o 〈◊〉_d it_o discover_v the_o spiritual_a 〈◊〉_d thereof_o use_v 1_o by_o this_o then_o a_o man_n may_v be_v able_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o own_o estate_n do_v thou_o discover_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o in_o thou_o thy_o natural_a ignorance_n and_o blindness_n in_o god_n matter_n can_v thou_o deny_v thyself_o and_o thy_o own_o will_n see_v thy_o own_o emptiness_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o free_o confess_v the_o same_o with_o this_o eunuch_n here_o this_o be_v a_o good_a sign_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n and_o this_o self_n denial_n of_o thou_o do_v qualify_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o scholar_n in_o christ_n school_n to_o beâ—_n teach_v of_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v to_o teach_v the_o humble_a whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o upon_o examination_n thou_o find_v no_o such_o want_n in_o thyself_o but_o rather_o with_o the_o church_n of_o lâ—odicea_n think_v thyself_o to_o be_v rich_a rich_a in_o knowledge_n understanding_n and_o grace_n know_v o_o know_v these_o very_a thought_n of_o thou_o prove_v sufficient_o thy_o spiritual_a poverty_n and_o nakedness_n that_o thou_o know_v as_o yet_o nothing_o as_o thou_o ought_v to_o know_v use_v 2_o let_v this_o serve_v to_o admonish_v every_o man_n therefore_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o try_v his_o own_o heart_n how_o far_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n it_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o sound_n and_o save_a knowledge_n for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o own_o ignorance_n with_o this_o eunuch_n here_o for_o till_o we_o come_v to_o find_v out_o this_o natural_a ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o we_o in_o heavenly_a matter_n and_o mystery_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o mourn_v and_o lament_v for_o the_o same_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o ever_o to_o attain_v to_o sound_v and_o save_a knowledge_n but_o how_o shall_v i_o attain_v to_o this_o save_a knowledge_n you_o speak_v of_o quest_n the_o way_n be_v answ_n 1_o first_o to_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o water_n be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o well_o so_o be_v save_v knowledge_n from_o the_o word_n as_o from_o a_o fountain_n this_o do_v our_o saviour_n point_n at_o unto_o the_o pharise_n 12.5_o mat._n 12.5_o have_v you_o not_o read_v in_o the_o law_n and_o when_o the_o young_a man_n demand_v of_o our_o saviour_n what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o inherit_v eternal_a life_n the_o answer_n be_v 10.26_o luk._n 10.26_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n how_o read_v thou_o answ_n 2_o the_o second_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v be_v earnest_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v one_o of_o god_n gift_n save_v knowledge_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v seek_v for_o at_o his_o hand_n without_o who_o blessing_n no_o man_n can_v profit_v aright_o for_o he_o that_o be_v the_o author_n or_o the_o scripture_n know_v best_a how_o to_o give_v understanding_n to_o his_o servant_n to_o edify_v that_o â—â—â—ues_n in_o their_o holy_a say_v answ_n 3_o the_o three_o mean_n be_v our_o daâ—â—â—_n fellowship_n with_o god_n servant_n and_o conference_n with_o those_o that_o 〈◊〉_d make_v wise_a by_o the_o word_n this_o be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o build_v man_n up_o in_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n thus_o those_o two_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n they_o talk_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o have_v happen_v touch_v christ_n and_o be_v further_o instruct_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o understand_v of_o the_o scripture_n how_o can_v i_o without_o a_o guide_n notwithstanding_o philip_n plainness_n this_o nobleman_n do_v not_o catch_v and_o câ—â—pe_v at_o he_o again_o as_o to_o reply_v what_o be_v it_o 〈◊〉_d thou_o whether_o i_o understand_v or_o not_o etc._n etc._n but_o â—â—e_v free_o confess_v his_o ignorance_n that_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v without_o a_o guide_n wherein_o we_o have_v further_a to_o observe_v the_o great_a humility_n that_o be_v in_o this_o holy_a servant_n of_o god_n and_o in_o he_o be_v teach_v what_o a_o excellent_a ornament_n humility_n in_o a_o christian_n be_v doct._n christian_n humility_n a_o excellent_a ornament_n in_o a_o christian_n no_o one_o grace_n do_v more_o adorn_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o man_n make_v profession_n of_o the_o same_o than_o this_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o true_a humility_n humility_n indeed_o be_v the_o very_a first_o step_n unto_o christianity_n as_o the_o first_o sin_n be_v pride_n so_o when_o god_n do_v repair_v the_o decay_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n the_o first_o grace_n wrought_v in_o the_o renew_a man_n be_v humility_n the_o first_o work_n of_o true_a grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o be_v to_o cast_v down_o the_o high_a thought_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o lay_v they_o low_o a_o man_n this_o be_v not_o humble_a and_o have_v not_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—ained_v a_o base_a and_o mean_a 〈◊〉_d of_o himself_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o any_o good_a for_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n child_n come_v once_o to_o be_v open_v to_o see_v their_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o vileness_n of_o their_o nature_n they_o abhor_v themselves_o the_o comb_n of_o their_o natural_a pride_n be_v pool_n down_o and_o they_o then_o come_v to_o abase_v themselves_o before_o god_n and_o man_n see_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o in_o those_o excellent_a worthy_n of_o the_o lord_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n who_o be_v memorable_a as_o for_o their_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n so_o especial_o for_o this_o mother_n grace_n the_o grace_n of_o true_a humility_n thus_o ahraham_n 18.17_o gen._n 18.17_o i_o be_o but_o dust_n and_o ash_n this_o be_v jacobs_n voice_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a of_o the_o least_o of_o god_n mercy_n this_o be_v david_n voice_n who_o be_o i_o lord_n this_o be_v gideons_n voice_n 6.15_o judg._n 6.15_o my_o father_n house_n be_v the_o least_o in_o all_o israel_n this_o be_v the_o baptist_n voice_n who_o shoe_n latchet_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o unlose_v this_o be_v peter_n voice_n lord_n go_v from_o i_o for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n this_o be_v paul_n voice_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v a_o apostle_n thus_o thus_o have_v god_n child_n cast_v themselves_o down_o that_o god_n may_v raise_v they_o up_o humble_v themselves_o that_o he_o may_v exâ—â—â—â—â—â—em_v and_o the_o more_o vile_a in_o our_o 〈…〉_o eye_n at_o any_o time_n the_o more_o preâ—â—â—â—â—_n god_n sight_n
every_o man_n his_o own_o family_n when_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v thorough_o ground_v reas_n 6_o six_o by_o this_o mean_n minister_n shall_v leave_v all_o man_n without_o excuse_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o use_v follow_v use_v 1_o this_o serve_v then_o to_o reprove_v the_o great_a and_o general_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n both_o in_o minister_n and_o people_n first_o minister_n that_o go_v about_o to_o raise_v up_o a_o build_n without_o a_o foundation_n that_o teach_v their_o people_n the_o high_a mystery_n of_o christ_n and_o salvation_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o remain_v ignorant_a even_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n what_o scholar_n when_o he_o be_v first_o set_v to_o school_v be_v put_v the_o first_o day_n in_o his_o grammar_n sure_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o in_o so_o many_o congregation_n of_o this_o land_n there_o be_v so_o much_o preach_v to_o so_o little_a edification_n second_o such_o people_n that_o take_v it_o ill_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o pastor_n if_o either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a their_o minister_n take_v trial_n of_o their_o estate_n by_o ask_v they_o question_n they_o think_v philip_n too_o overbold_a to_o question_v they_o this_o be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n of_o a_o barren_a and_o graceless_a heart_n bankrupt_n will_v not_o have_v man_n to_o pry_v into_o their_o estate_n but_o a_o man_n of_o sufficiency_n will_v never_o fear_v it_o second_o use_v 2_o this_o serve_v to_o justify_v that_o excellent_a and_o commendable_a duty_n now_o so_o much_o press_v upon_o we_o even_o by_o authority_n of_o catechise_v our_o people_n and_o may_v provoke_v both_o minister_n and_o people_n to_o be_v more_o frequent_a therein_o minister_n that_o they_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n instruct_v their_o people_n thorough_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n such_o may_v they_o with_o comfort_n admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o open_o wicked_a scandalous_a and_o profane_a for_o there_o be_v more_o hope_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n or_o close_a hypocrite_n that_o have_v knowledge_n so_o long_o as_o his_o life_n be_v not_o open_o profane_a then_o of_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n that_o be_v civil_a and_o void_a of_o knowledge_n so_o shall_v it_o encourage_v master_n and_o parent_n yea_o all_o head_n of_o family_n to_o train_v up_o their_o child_n and_o those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o in_o instruction_n and_o information_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o howsoever_o in_o the_o best_a family_n some_o esau_n and_o ismaels_n may_v be_v find_v yet_o if_o man_n belong_v to_o god_n this_o course_n will_v prove_v one_o day_n no_o small_a advantage_n unto_o they_o understand_v thou_o what_o thou_o read_v in_o this_o question_n of_o philip_n how_o plain_o or_o blunt_o soever_o propound_v we_o may_v further_o doct._n what_o be_v those_o thing_n that_o god_n require_v of_o every_o christian_a understanding_n holy_a duty_n must_v be_v perform_v with_o understanding_n namely_o that_o we_o understand_v the_o thing_n we_o read_v or_o hear_v or_o speak_v or_o sing_v all_o these_o duty_n must_v be_v perform_v with_o understanding_n who_o so_o read_v 24.15_o mat._n 24.15_o let_v he_o understand_v thus_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n when_o he_o appear_v unto_o his_o disciple_n and_o they_o know_v he_o not_o 24.45_o luk_n 24.45_o he_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n so_o paul_n 3.3.4_o eph._n 3.3.4_o i_o write_v afore_o in_o few_o word_n that_o when_o you_o read_v you_o may_v understand_v this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o david_n often_o pray_v for_o at_o god_n hand_n give_v i_o understanding_n 119.34_o ps_n 119.34_o that_o i_o may_v keep_v thy_o law_n so_o paul_n 14.15_o 1_o cor._n 14.15_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o and_o this_o be_v that_o grace_n the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n pray_v for_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o philippian_n 1.9_o phil._n 1.9_o i_o pray_v that_o you_o may_v abound_v more_o and_o more_o in_o know_v ledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n that_o you_o may_v discern_v thing_n that_o be_v most_o excellent_a without_o this_o true_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n reas_n 1_o the_o word_n do_v not_o profit_n for_o the_o comfort_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o scirpture_n lie_v in_o the_o true_a sense_n knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therein_o and_o this_o be_v true_a know_v and_o right_o apply_v yield_v sound_a comfort_n reas_n 2_o second_o without_o this_o true_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n both_o in_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n pray_v sing_v of_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n we_o do_v but_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o fool_n which_o be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o lord_n delight_v that_o his_o servant_n shall_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o service_n and_o worship_n in_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n which_o such_o do_v not_o that_o remain_v ignorant_a of_o that_o they_o do_v this_o serve_v to_o reprove_v such_o as_o content_v themselves_o to_o read_v now_o and_o then_o a_o chapter_n use_v 1_o and_o never_o care_v to_o get_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o same_o even_o as_o a_o boy_n faith_n his_o lesson_n or_o like_o a_o parrot_n that_o know_v not_o what_o he_o say_v but_o we_o must_v by_o all_o holy_a help_n and_o mean_n labour_v to_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therein_o otherwise_o we_o lose_v our_o labour_n and_o all_o our_o read_n will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a second_o who_o in_o sing_v or_o give_v of_o thanks_n neigh_o mark_v nor_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v how_o many_o have_v we_o among_o we_o that_o will_v run_v over_o the_o lord_n prayer_n ten_o commandment_n and_o creed_n for_o prayer_n &_o know_v not_o the_o meaning_n nor_o regard_n to_o know_v it_o this_o be_v indeed_o little_o better_a than_o to_o take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a lip_n labour_n and_o such_o a_o service_n as_o god_n can_v no_o way_n accept_v three_o our_o common_a papist_n who_o have_v all_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o such_o wise_a that_o whether_o they_o bless_v or_o curse_v they_o can_v tell_v use_v 2_o second_o this_o serve_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o all_o that_o we_o do_v in_o read_v hear_v sing_a pray_v etc._n etc._n that_o we_o labour_v to_o understand_v what_o we_o do_v in_o all_o and_o every_o of_o these_o that_o so_o we_o may_v do_v the_o same_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n without_o which_o no_o duty_n can_v find_v acceptation_n with_o he_o how_o can_v i_o here_o we_o have_v the_o mild_a modest_a and_o meek_a answer_n of_o the_o eunuch_n wherein_o he_o do_v free_o confess_v his_o ignorance_n and_o that_o for_o want_n of_o a_o interpreter_n he_o can_v not_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o how_o desirous_a he_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o he_o show_v by_o his_o request_n to_o philip_n to_o come_v up_o into_o his_o chariot_n to_o instruct_v he_o though_o philip_n speak_v thus_o blunt_o and_o as_o it_o may_v seem_v uncivil_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o by_o and_o by_o in_o a_o heat_n as_o common_o great_a man_n be_v when_o they_o be_v thus_o roundly_o and_o plain_o deal_v withal_o as_o jeroboam_fw-la that_o when_o the_o prophet_n have_v denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o the_o altat_fw-la in_o bethel_n he_o command_v say_v â—_o 1._o kinâ—_n 13_o â—_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o and_o as_o the_o proud_a sodomite_n say_v sometime_o to_o lot_n 9_o gen._n â—9_n 9_o this_o fellow_n come_v in_o as_o a_o stranger_n and_o shall_v he_o be_v a_o judge_n and_o as_o the_o priest_n deal_v with_o jeremy_n 8_o jer._n â—6_n 8_o who_o when_o he_o have_v denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o jerusalem_n take_v he_o and_o say_v thou_o sualt_v sure_o die_v and_o thus_o deal_v ahab_n with_o micha_n amaziah_n with_o amos_n and_o herod_n with_o the_o baptist_n and_o thus_o be_v it_o with_o many_o in_o these_o day_n if_o they_o be_v tell_v of_o their_o fault_n will_v swell_v and_o control_v a_o man_n man_n can_v abide_v to_o be_v question_v withal_o touch_v religion_n a_o manifest_a sign_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o envy_n and_o of_o pride_n dwell_v in_o they_o they_o have_v rather_o retain_v their_o swinish_a affection_n and_o sottish_a manner_n then_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o be_v teach_v like_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o fester_a sore_n that_o can_v abide_v the_o search_n of_o it_o but_o this_o man_n be_v lead_v by_o another_o spirit_n and_o guide_v by_o another_o principle_n he_o do_v true_o confess_v his_o ignorance_n and_o desire_v philip_n to_o instruct_v he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n note_v hence_o that_o it_o be_v a_o
lose_v labour_n since_o himself_o confess_v that_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v without_o a_o guide_n as_o he_o read_v with_o a_o desire_n to_o learn_v so_o he_o be_v edify_v thereby_o answ_n sunt_fw-la quamuis_fw-la multa_fw-la obscura_fw-la multa_fw-la oâ—uia_fw-la sunt_fw-la as_o it_o appear_v by_o his_o travel_n up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n and_o howsoever_o he_o confess_v his_o ignorance_n in_o that_o place_n he_o now_o read_v yet_o no_o man_n be_v so_o ignorant_a but_o in_o read_v of_o that_o book_n may_v get_v some_o profit_n though_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v doct._n obscure_a man_n must_v read_v the_o scripture_n though_o man_n thing_n be_v therein_o obscure_a yet_o we_o must_v not_o give_v over_o read_v for_o that_o which_o seem_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o one_o place_n may_v be_v easy_a and_o plain_a in_o another_o and_o when_o man_n make_v conscience_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o god_n will_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n and_o be_v desirous_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o their_o salvation_n god_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o give_v such_o to_o understand_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o some_o philip_n or_o other_o that_o shall_v open_v the_o same_o unto_o they_o thus_o god_n commend_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n unto_o the_o people_n not_o only_o to_o the_o learned_a but_o even_o to_o the_o unlearned_a also_o that_o all_o sort_n &_o condition_n of_o man_n may_v be_v familiar_a therein_o 31.11.12_o deut._n 31.11.12_o thou_o shall_v read_v the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n before_o all_o israel_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v it_o and_o learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o name_v their_o man_n woman_n 36.6_o jer._n 36.6_o and_o child_n so_o jeremy_n command_v baruch_n to_o read_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n before_o all_o juda_n and_o in_o the_o audience_n of_o all_o the_o people_n therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o and_o to_o this_o end_n our_o saviour_n give_v this_o charge_n unto_o all_o search_v the_o scripture_n 5.39_o joh._n 5.39_o now_o all_o these_o be_v not_o clergy_n to_o who_o these_o speak_v what_o though_o some_o one_o place_n we_o meet_v withal_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v shall_v we_o therefore_o lie_v aside_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n and_o read_v none_o at_o all_o god_n forbid_v the_o scripture_n be_v such_o a_o fountain_n wherein_o the_o elephant_n may_v swim_v and_o the_o lamb_n may_v wade_v what_o man_n be_v there_o that_o have_v a_o deed_n whereby_o he_o hold_v his_o land_n will_v cast_v the_o same_o away_o because_o it_o be_v hard_a and_o he_o can_v understand_v it_o nay_o will_v he_o not_o the_o often_o look_v into_o it_o and_o desire_v the_o help_n of_o those_o that_o have_v more_o skill_n then_o much_o less_o shall_v we_o cast_v aside_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o some_o place_n therein_o seem_v to_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o be_v our_o deed_n and_o show_v unto_o we_o our_o assurance_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n nay_o we_o shall_v read_v it_o the_o more_o often_o and_o desire_v the_o help_n of_o other_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o same_o reas_n 1_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a and_o dark_a only_a to_o natural_a man_n the_o natural_a perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v now_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v of_o these_o man_n be_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o but_o in_o this_o blind_a and_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o we_o a_o blind_a man_n he_o see_v not_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v most_o bright_a be_v the_o fault_n in_o the_o sun_n no_o but_o rather_o in_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o man_n sight_n thus_o be_v it_o with_o the_o scripture_n with_o natural_a man_n but_o to_o that_o man_n who_o eye_n god_n have_v open_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o obscure_a but_o this_o man_n come_v thereunto_o with_o humility_n and_o fear_n in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o want_n with_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v instruct_v he_o be_v sure_a to_o understand_v they_o at_o least_o so_o much_o as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a for_o his_o own_o salvation_n according_a to_o that_o of_o solomon_n 8.9_o â—o_o 8.9_o they_o be_v all_o plaiâ—_n to_o he_o that_o understand_v and_o straight_o to_o he_o that_o will_v sinde_v knowledge_n reas_n 2_o second_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o teach_v all_o the_o elect_a and_o to_o give_v they_o his_o spirit_n to_o inlighten_v their_o mind_n according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n 6.45_o joh._n 6.45_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o again_o he_o will_v teach_v the_o humble_a in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o shall_v choose_v 12._o psal_n 25_o 9_o verse_n 12._o and_o what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n he_o shall_v he_o teach_v in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o shall_v choose_v so_o the_o bless_a virgin_n in_o she_o magnificat_fw-la he_o fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n and_o have_v send_v the_o rich_a away_o empty_a use_v 1_o this_o then_o serve_v again_o to_o meet_v with_o tabt_a damnable_a doctrine_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o teach_v and_o hold_v that_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v teach_v that_o we_o must_v not_o read_v they_o neither_o have_v they_o in_o a_o know_a tongue_n but_o lock_v they_o up_o from_o the_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o simple_a teach_v they_o to_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o the_o church_n and_o by_o a_o general_a implicit_a faith_n to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v to_o rest_v there_o a_o most_o damnable_a doctrine_n be_v not_o this_o left_a in_o the_o great_a praise_n and_o commendation_n of_o this_o eunuch_n that_o he_o search_v into_o the_o scripture_n do_v philip_n any_o where_o blame_v he_o for_o this_o his_o pry_n into_o the_o scripture_n nay_o rather_o to_o show_v how_o please_a and_o acceptable_a this_o be_v with_o god_n the_o lord_n declare_v by_o send_v of_o philip_n unto_o he_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v he_o wherein_o he_o be_v ignorant_a use_v 2_o second_o let_v this_o admonish_v we_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o be_v frequent_a in_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o beat_v off_o this_o duty_n through_o the_o hardness_n of_o any_o one_o place_n we_o see_v in_o other_o thing_n use_n make_v perfect_a nesse_n and_o that_o which_o at_o first_o seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v attain_v unto_o yet_o by_o industry_n be_v attain_v unto_o at_o last_o as_o this_o be_v true_a in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n in_o the_o world_n so_o in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n here_o be_v milk_n for_o babe_n and_o meat_n for_o strong_a man_n this_o be_v that_o river_n wherein_o child_n may_v wade_v and_o the_o elephant_n may_v swim_v and_o to_o provoke_v we_o to_o the_o more_o diligent_a search_n into_o the_o scripture_n consider_v scripture_n motive_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n first_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a evidence_n a_o christian_n have_v for_o his_o eternal_a inheritance_n use_v 1_o thy_o testimony_n have_v i_o claim_v as_o my_o heritage_n for_o ever_o etc._n etc._n 119._o psal_n 119._o use_v 2_o second_o the_o word_n be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n 7_o â—â—â—l_n â—9_n 7_o how_o simple_a soever_o thou_o be_v use_v 3_o three_o it_o be_v able_a to_o convert_v thy_o soul_n hoâ—_n strong_a soever_o thy_o corruption_n be_v use_v 4_o four_o the_o word_n be_v able_a to_o give_v thou_o comfort_v in_o thy_o affliction_n how_o bitter_a soever_o they_o be_v so_o david_n i_o have_v perish_v in_o my_o affliction_n 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o thy_o word_n verse_n 29._o then_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o philip_n text_n text_n go_v near_o and_o join_v thyself_o to_o this_o chariot_n here_o we_o have_v philip_n commission_n to_o go_v and_o instruct_v the_o eunuch_n where_o we_o be_v to_o note_v first_o of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n when_o he_o go_v then_o that_o be_v when_o the_o eunuch_n be_v thus_o religious_o employ_v in_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o worship_n god_n aright_o and_o to_o know_v he_o â—hen_o be_v philip_n send_v to_o instruct_v he_o and_o to_o preach_v christ_n jesus_n unto_o he_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n note_v hence_o that_o god_n usual_o deal_v with_o his_o child_n doct._n 〈…〉_o god_n will_v â—e_v find_v in_o the_o 〈…〉_o as_o with_o this_o eunuch_n and_o poor_a heathen_a man_n he_o read_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n conscionable_o
opportunity_n serve_v he_o take_v all_o occasion_n with_o this_o eunuch_n here_o to_o edify_v and_o build_v up_o himself_o in_o his_o holy_a faith_n and_o what_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o he_o know_v his_o want_n and_o withal_o the_o worth_n of_o this_o heavenly_a treasure_n and_o this_o make_v he_o the_o more_o he_o receive_v the_o mote_n to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o use_v 1_o this_o show_v how_o far_o such_o man_n be_v from_o approve_v themselves_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o in_o who_o heart_n the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v true_o wrought_v who_o hate_v to_o be_v instruct_v who_o say_v to_o the_o prophet_n 30.10_o isa_n 30.10_o prophesy_v not_o and_o with_o those_o wicked_a one_o job_n speak_v of_o 21._o job_n 21._o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n way_n who_o refuse_v instrudion_fw-la though_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n do_v tender_a their_o service_n unto_o they_o they_o scorn_v they_o and_o care_v not_o for_o they_o 1.22_o pro._n 1.22_o o_o you_o fool_n how_o long_o will_v you_o learn_v foolishness_n and_o the_o scornful_a take_v pleasure_n in_o scorn_v and_o the_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n they_o think_v themselves_o wise_a enough_o and_o good_a enough_o and_o therefore_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o word_n but_o what_o say_v wisdom_n there_o verse_n 26_o i_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o destruction_n how_o many_o have_v we_o in_o the_o world_n that_o conceit_n themselves_o to_o have_v knowledge_n enough_o yea_o they_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v they_o know_v as_o much_o as_o the_o preacher_n can_v tell_v they_o and_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o their_o pride_n they_o sleight_v god_n ordinance_n but_o let_v such_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n testify_v in_o this_o case_n to_o the_o conceit_a laodicean_n 3.17_o reu._n 3.17_o when_o they_o say_v they_o be_v rich_a etc._n etc._n christ_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o wretched_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a he_o that_o have_v as_o much_o knowledge_n as_o he_o do_v desire_v do_v never_o as_o yet_o desire_v to_o know_v as_o he_o ought_v and_o this_o serve_v likewise_o for_o the_o just_a reproof_n of_o those_o that_o make_v no_o reckon_v and_o account_n of_o phillip_n company_n or_o use_v of_o philip_n presence_n this_o nobleman_n desire_v his_o company_n and_o make_v good_a use_n thereof_o many_o in_o our_o day_n will_v have_v their_o household_n chaplain_n and_o sometime_o a_o philip_n about_o they_o to_o be_v in_o their_o company_n and_o at_o their_o table_n but_o what_o use_v make_v they_o of_o they_o sure_o little_a more_o than_o if_o they_o be_v a_o dumb_a minister_n let_v a_o lawyer_n be_v with_o they_o and_o they_o will_v make_v use_n of_o his_o knowledge_n let_v a_o physician_n be_v with_o they_o and_o they_o will_v make_v some_o use_n of_o his_o skill_n but_o how_o long_o may_v many_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o company_n of_o many_o before_o he_o be_v ask_v one_o question_n or_o have_v one_o doubt_n or_o case_n of_o conscience_n propound_v unto_o he_o let_v this_o then_o admonish_v all_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o as_o we_o desire_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o have_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n true_o wrought_v in_o we_o that_o we_o manifest_v the_o same_o by_o this_o our_o hunger_a and_o thirst_a desire_n after_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n and_o even_o to_o long_o after_o the_o sabbath-day_n and_o such_o time_n when_o we_o may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o rejoice_v in_o the_o fellow_n ship_n of_o god_n people_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v edify_v in_o our_o holy_a faith_n this_o be_v it_o that_o will_v yield_v sound_a comfort_n at_o last_o when_o all_o other_o comfort_n fail_v and_o thus_o shall_v we_o be_v enrich_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o with_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o shine_v forth_o as_o light_n to_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o forward_a generation_n verse_n 32.33_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o he_o read_v be_v this_o he_o be_v lead_v as_o a_o sheep_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o like_o a_o lamb_n dumb_a before_o the_o shearer_n so_o open_v he_o not_o his_o mouth_n in_o his_o humiliation_n his_o judgement_n be_v take_v away_o and_o who_o shall_v declare_v his_o generation_n for_o his_o life_n be_v take_v from_o the_o earth_n the_o text_n be_v a_o relation_n of_o that_o portion_n of_o scripture_n which_o the_o eunuch_n be_v read_v at_o such_o time_n as_o philip_n join_v himself_o to_o his_o chariot_n the_o place_n be_v esay_n 53.7_o where_o the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v the_o eunuch_n desire_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o man_n salvation_n and_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o word_n whereby_o he_o may_v attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o same_o by_o god_n special_a providence_n light_v here_o upon_o such_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o very_a sum_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n yea_o such_o a_o place_n wherein_o christ_n death_n passion_n and_o glorious_a resurrection_n be_v most_o clear_o and_o perspicuous_o set_v out_o unto_o us._n in_o handle_v these_o word_n we_o have_v 1_o the_o preface_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o he_o read_v 2_o the_o scripture_n itself_o he_o be_v etc._n etc._n in_o the_o preface_n 1_o who_o the_o eunuch_n 2_o what_o he_o read_v 3_o the_o subject_n matter_n the_o scripture_n in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o we_o have_v 1_o christ_n humiliation_n v._o 32._o 2_o christ_n exaltation_n v._o 33._o in_o christ_n humiliation_n 〈◊〉_d have_v 1_o the_o person_n he_o 2_o the_o passion_n be_v lea_n 3_o the_o illustration_n 1_o as_o a_o sheep_n 2_o like_o a_o lamb_n 4_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o passion_n 1_o to_o be_v slay_v 2_o to_o be_v shear_v 5_o the_o reddition_n or_o application_n so_o open_v he_o not_o his_o mouth_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o he_o read_v he_o that_o be_v preface_n the_o preface_n the_o eunuch_n this_o great_a noble_a man_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v before_o the_o note_n be_v that_o great_a man_n must_v be_v great_a possessor_n doct._n abraham_n a_o prince_n his_o great_a commendation_n professor_n great_a man_n must_v be_v great_a professor_n be_v his_o zeal_n in_o religion_n so_o david_n heze_n chias_fw-la josias_n king_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n all_o of_o they_o very_o memorable_a in_o the_o scripture_n for_o their_o forwardensse_n in_o religion_n the_o point_n we_o handle_v before_o he_o read_v he_o be_v not_o idle_a nor_o give_v himself_o to_o his_o ease_n or_o pleasure_n but_o be_v well_o employ_v in_o read_v and_o because_o he_o may_v read_v many_o idle_a lascivious_a book_n to_o no_o profit_n therefore_o this_o be_v it_o that_o add_v great_o to_o his_o praise_n that_o he_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o therein_o spend_v his_o time_n in_o his_o journey_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o he_o read_v etc._n etc._n we_o be_v teach_v hence_o doct._n scripture_n christian_n â—â—ght_n to_o be_v converâ—â—nt_a in_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a duty_n belong_v to_o every_o christian_a to_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n the_o lord_n will_v have_v man_n familiar_o acquaint_v with_o the_o word_n and_o to_o have_v it_o at_o hand_n with_o they_o as_o their_o councillor_n upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o advise_v they_o and_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v beside_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o teach_v by_o the_o levite_n in_o the_o temple_n 6.6.7_o deut._n 6.6.7_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 etc._n etc._n and_o thou_o shall_v bind_v they_o as_o a_o sign_n upon_o thy_o hand_n and_o shall_v write_v they_o upon_o the_o post_n of_o thy_o house_n and_o upon_o thy_o gate_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o to_o this_o end_n that_o man_n may_v be_v familiar_o acquaint_v with_o the_o word_n this_o be_v christ_n own_o charge_n search_v the_o scripture_n 15_o io._n 5.39_o col._n 3.16_o 2_o tim._n 3_o 15_o so_o be_v it_o likewise_o a_o apostolical_a injunction_n let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v plentiful_o in_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o great_a reason_n reas_n 1_o because_o the_o word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n that_o god_n have_v sanctify_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o work_n of_o save_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o elect_a 19.7_o psal_n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_n the_o soul_n when_o paul_n have_v preach_v unto_o the_o people_n the_o text_n say_v 48_o act_n â—3_n 48_o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v unto_o eternal_a life_n believe_v and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 1.23_o
make_v himself_o fit_a to_o speak_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o not_o to_o do_v as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v trot_v up_o and_o down_o all_o the_o week_n about_o worldly_a affair_n and_o then_o on_o the_o sabbath_n deliver_v whatsoever_o come_v to_o hand_n this_o be_v not_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o god_n aright_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n must_v first_o eat_v the_o roll_n of_o god_n book_n 2.1_o ezek._n 2.1_o and_o have_v their_o tongue_n touch_v wito_o a_o coal_n from_o the_o altar_n 7._o isa_n 6_o 7._o before_o they_o come_v â—â—to_o god_n place_n and_o in_o his_o stâ—â—d_n to_o speak_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o be_v there_o not_o reason_n think_v you_o reas_n 1_o let_v such_o but_o consider_v who_o place_n they_o occupy_v be_v it_o not_o the_o place_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v it_o not_o his_o message_n they_o deliver_v unto_o the_o people_n now_o will_v a_o ambassador_n of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n go_v about_o his_o service_n but_o will_v premeditate_v aforehand_o what_o to_o say_v and_o be_v it_o not_o much_o more_o requisite_a that_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n shall_v in_o a_o holy_a manner_n prepare_v themselves_o to_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o lord_n message_n reas_n 2_o second_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o lord_n own_o ordinance_n his_o work_n that_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o do_v jer._n jer._n and_o be_v not_o such_o accurse_a that_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n negligent_o reas_n 3_o three_o it_o be_v no_o less_o requisite_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o people_n to_o who_o they_o speak_v and_o over_o who_o they_o be_v set_v be_v not_o the_o priest_n lip_n to_o preserve_v knowledge_n and_o be_v not_o the_o people_n to_o hear_v the_o law_n from_o his_o mouth_n 2.7_o mal._n 2.7_o now_o if_o the_o people_n must_v learn_v to_o know_v god_n will_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o minister_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o god_n will_n for_o to_o this_o end_n be_v he_o place_v over_o they_o use_v 1_o and_o sure_o this_o show_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o sin_n that_o sleight_v this_o work_n of_o the_o minister_n study_v little_a read_v little_a pray_v little_a and_o meditate_v least_o of_o all_o yet_o will_v seem_v to_o speak_v something_o unto_o the_o people_n this_o be_v indeed_o no_o better_a than_o to_o tempt_v god_n when_o man_n shall_v neglect_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o this_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n wherefore_o have_v god_n give_v art_n and_o science_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o tongue_n but_o that_o man_n may_v use_v they_o as_o help_v and_o handmaid_n to_o this_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n i_o can_v wish_v such_o man_n will_v but_o consider_v jacobs_n diligence_n and_o pain_n in_o attend_v of_o laban_n flock_n 40_o gen_n 31_o 40_o in_o the_o day_n time_n say_v he_o i_o be_v consume_v with_o heat_n in_o the_o night_n with_o frost_n and_o my_o sleep_n depart_v from_o i_o alas_o what_o comparison_n between_o christ_n and_o laban_n the_o one_o a_o churlish_a master_n the_o other_o a_o merciful_a redeemer_n and_o what_o comparison_n between_o the_o sheep_n of_o laban_n and_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o 〈◊〉_d the_o sheep_n of_o laban_n shall_v be_v better_o serve_v than_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n if_o this_o move_v we_o not_o cast_v we_o our_o eye_n upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n sometime_o in_o the_o temple_n sometime_o in_o the_o garden_n sometime_o preach_v sometime_o pray_v and_o sometime_o suffer_v a_o minister_n that_o be_v so_o spare_v of_o a_o little_a sweaet_fw-la for_o christ_n what_o will_v he_o do_v if_o he_o shall_v call_v for_o his_o blood_n sure_o he_o will_v ill_o abide_v the_o pang_n of_o burn_a for_o christ_n that_o will_v not_o abide_v the_o pain_n of_o preach_v for_o christ_n will_v any_o man_n give_v wage_n to_o such_o a_o shepherd_n that_o shall_v neglect_v his_o flock_n and_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v starve_v for_o want_v of_o pasture_n or_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v devour_v i_o trow_v not_o what_o then_o can_v such_o expect_v at_o god_n hand_n that_o feed_v themselves_o and_o not_o the_o flock_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n use_v 2_o second_o as_o minister_n be_v bind_v in_o this_o solemn_a manner_n to_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n so_o be_v people_n in_o as_o solemn_a a_o manner_n bind_v to_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o same_o both_o preach_v and_o hear_v be_v god_n work_v and_o both_o lie_n under_o the_o curse_n that_o do_v the_o same_o negligent_o when_o peter_n be_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o cornelius_n cornelius_n and_o his_o whole_a company_n be_v ready_o prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o same_o we_o be_v all_o here_o before_o god_n say_v he_o to_o hear_v whatsoever_o be_v command_v we_o of_o god_n 10._o act._n 10._o he_o begin_v at_o the_o same_o scripture_n philip_n be_v to_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n unto_o this_o eunuch_n and_o have_v consider_v what_o to_o say_v he_o begin_v at_o this_o scripture_n herein_o take_v the_o present_a occasion_n that_o be_v thus_o by_o divine_a providence_n offer_v it_o serve_v so_o fit_o to_o his_o purpose_n in_o hand_n for_o albeit_o there_o be_v many_o place_n that_o set_v forth_o christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n through_o he_o yet_o none_o to_o this_o for_o indeed_o throughout_o all_o the_o prophet_n we_o have_v not_o where_o a_o clear_a prophecy_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o resurrection_n than_o this_o place_n of_o the_o prophet_n esay_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v in_o his_o good_a providence_n to_o direct_v the_o eunuch_n at_o this_o time_n to_o fall_v upon_o this_o scripture_n to_o read_v it_o philip_n take_v the_o present_a opportunity_n &_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n now_o read_v as_o the_o fit_a text_n to_o preach_v of_o unto_o he_o and_o herein_o will_v teach_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n a_o necessary_a duty_n namely_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o wise_a to_o make_v choice_n of_o special_a text_n doct._n occasion_n minister_n must_v make_v choice_n of_o special_a text_n for_o special_a occasion_n and_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o treat_v of_o unto_o their_o people_n as_o occasion_n still_o shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o they_o for_o albeit_o that_o all_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a truth_n yet_o some_o scripture_n fit_v some_o person_n and_o occasion_n better_o than_o other_o there_o be_v many_o comfortable_a promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v in_o his_o word_n come_v let_v we_o reason_n together_o though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a etc._n etc._n 11.28_o esay_n 1.18_o mat._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o travail_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v etc._n etc._n but_o for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o true_o humble_v the_o threat_n of_o the_o law_n be_v fit_a that_o place_n of_o john_n 9.31_o joh._n 9.31_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n be_v a_o excellent_a scripture_n &_o very_o requisite_a to_o be_v teach_v but_o not_o to_o one_o distress_v in_o conscience_n and_o beat_v down_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n a_o steward_n in_o a_o family_n must_v have_v aswell_o wisdom_n to_o know_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o member_n of_o the_o family_n as_o fidelity_n to_o dispense_v his_o master_n good_n the_o minister_n be_v to_o know_v when_o to_o speak_v and_o what_o to_o speak_v for_o as_o solomon_n say_v a_o word_n speak_v in_o due_a time_n be_v like_a apple_n of_o gold_n &_o picture_n of_o silver_n aaron_n bell_n must_v be_v wise_o ring_v sometime_o the_o treble_a of_o mercy_n sound_v well_o at_o another_o time_n the_o tenor_n of_o judgement_n sound_v better_a a_o minister_n be_v wise_o to_o change_v his_o note_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v approve_v himself_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 4.2_o 2_o cor._n 4.2_o sometime_o we_o be_v to_o come_v in_o a_o still_a voice_n as_o the_o lord_n appear_v to_o elias_n sometime_o again_o to_o play_v the_o part_n of_o a_o bonarges_n a_o son_n of_o thunder_n use_v 1_o this_o show_v then_o what_o wisdom_n &_o skill_n be_v require_v of_o every_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n like_o a_o faithful_a steward_n in_o god_n house_n he_o must_v measure_v out_o to_o every_o man_n his_o due_a exhortation_n to_o who_o exhortation_n be_v due_a reprehension_n to_o who_o reprehension_n belong_v use_v 2_o and_o it_o serve_v likewise_o to_o admonish_v hearer_n not_o to_o expect_v that_o their_o pastor_n shall_v at_o all_o time_n come_v unto_o they_o with_o the_o same_o
teach_v he_o the_o main_a principle_n sof_o our_o faith_n and_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n through_o christ_n such_o as_o be_v christ_n incarnation_n christ_n humiliation_n and_o those_o great_a thing_n he_o suffer_v for_o our_o sake_n his_o resurrection_n and_o exaltation_n on_o high_a at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n together_o with_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n baptism_n and_o christ_n last_o supper_n that_o these_o thing_n be_v teach_v unto_o the_o eunuch_n this_o text_n do_v make_v it_o clear_a by_o his_o desire_v of_o philip_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v to_o the_o water_n to_o baptise_v he_o and_o as_o they_o go_v on_o their_o way_n text._n text._n they_o come_v to_o a_o certain_a water_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o see_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o philip_n ministry_n in_o another_o particular_a first_o we_o have_v hear_v before_o that_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o be_v a_o believer_n here_o again_o to_o put_v on_o christ_n by_o the_o badge_n and_o livery_n of_o his_o profession_n baptism_n it_o teach_v we_o then_o what_o be_v the_o true_a end_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n doct._n christ_n the_o end_n of_o true_a preach_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o christ_n namely_o to_o bring_v man_n to_o christ_n see_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o in_o the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o paul_n ministry_n unto_o the_o jew_n i_o become_v a_o jew_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o jew_n 22._o 1._o cor._n 9.20_o 2d_o 22._o to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o law_n to_o what_o end_n that_o i_o may_v save_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n to_o the_o weak_a i_o become_v as_o weak_a that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o weak_a i_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o i_o may_v by_o all_o mean_n save_o some_o and_o this_o i_o do_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n ver._n 23_o see_v we_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o in_o the_o commission_n christ_n give_v unto_o his_o disciple_n go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o every_o nation_n 16.16_o mar._n 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v so_o that_o salvation_n be_v the_o end_n of_o preach_v so_o paul_n i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 16.17_o rom._n 16.17_o because_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n for_o therein_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n beget_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o be_v therefore_o call_v 4.6_o 1._o tim._n 4.6_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n servant_n this_o be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n see_v the_o exhortation_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n instruct_v they_o with_o meekness_n which_o be_v contrary_a mind_a 2.25_o 2._o tim._n 2.25_o prove_v if_o at_o any_o time_n god_n will_v give_v they_o repentance_n unto_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o true_a end_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n must_v aim_v at_o namely_o to_o bring_v man_n out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvelous_a light_n thus_o paul_n and_o sylas_n will_v the_o jailor_n to_o be_v leeve_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 16._o act._n 16._o and_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v all_o true_a preach_a aim_n at_o this_o as_o the_o true_a end_n thereof_o use_v 1_o see_v then_o that_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o christ_n every_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n must_v then_o propound_v unto_o himself_o god_n end_v in_o every_o ministerial_a duty_n whether_o he_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o his_o exhortation_n reprehension_n and_o instruction_n must_v still_o aim_v at_o this_o and_o tend_v to_o this_o and_o indeed_o the_o true_a glory_n of_o a_o minister_n consist_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o by_o his_o ministry_n be_v gain_v to_o christ_n such_o be_v his_o crown_n and_o glory_n the_o seal_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o comfortable_a will_v the_o reckon_n and_o account_n of_o such_o one_o day_n be_v when_o they_o shall_v say_v here_o come_v i_o father_n with_o those_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o use_v 2_o and_o as_o minister_n be_v teach_v their_o duty_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o ministry_n so_o be_v hearer_n likewise_o to_o be_v admonish_v to_o stoop_v unto_o god_n ordinance_n in_o their_o ministry_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o christ_n if_o we_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v this_o mean_n no_o creature_n in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n can_v do_v we_o any_o good_a fast_o pray_v afflict_v thy_o soul_n yea_o give_v thy_o body_n that_o it_o burn_v be_v thou_o never_o so_o rich_a in_o the_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o mercy_n if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n thou_o turn_v thy_o back_n upon_o the_o word_n this_o ordinance_n of_o god_n 2._o jon._n 2._o thou_o forsake_v thy_o own_o mercy_n for_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n use_v 3_o and_o last_o of_o all_o this_o may_v serve_v for_o matter_n of_o trial_n whether_o or_o no_o we_o have_v profit_v aright_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n for_o then_o indeed_o have_v we_o be_v fruitful_a hearer_n and_o then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o have_v we_o hear_v the_o word_n save_o when_o our_o judgement_n have_v be_v thereby_o inform_v and_o our_o life_n reform_v and_o we_o bring_v to_o christ_n now_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o have_v thus_o hear_v the_o word_n the_o drunkard_n swearer_n profane_a and_o beastly_a liver_n have_v not_o yet_o profit_v aright_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n all_o the_o husbandry_n bestow_v upon_o such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o labour_n such_o ground_n be_v near_o to_o curse_v and_o burn_v for_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n the_o earth_n that_o drink_v in_o the_o rain_n that_o come_v often_o upon_o it_o 6.7_o 1._o cor._n 3._o heb._n 6.7_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v dress_v receive_v the_o blessing_n from_o god_n but_o that_o which_o bear_v thorn_n and_o brier_n be_v near_o unto_o curse_v who_o end_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v let_v we_o then_o at_o last_o my_o brethren_n be_v awaken_v out_o of_o our_o security_n and_o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n not_o to_o harden_v our_o heart_n but_o answer_v the_o lord_n call_v lest_o we_o come_v at_o last_o to_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o our_o wilful_a rebellion_n and_o contempt_n of_o grace_n offer_v shut_v up_o at_o last_o the_o gate_n of_o grace_n against_o ourselves_o and_o as_o they_o go_v on_o their_o way_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o philip_n preach_v in_o his_o travel_n sit_v in_o the_o chariot_n and_o as_o they_o iourny_v certain_o great_a be_v the_o zeal_n and_o piety_n of_o this_o man_n in_o the_o improve_v of_o his_o time_n so_o well_o he_o will_v either_o read_v himself_o or_o hear_v philip_n preach_v even_o in_o their_o travel_n and_o in_o their_o journey_n now_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v so_o careful_a in_o set_v down_o this_o diligence_n of_o he_o in_o every_o circumstance_n thereof_o it_o teach_v we_o doct._n spend_v time_n be_v to_o be_v well_o spend_v that_o the_o careful_a improve_v of_o our_o time_n be_v a_o thing_n well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o that_o delight_v he_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o redeem_v the_o time_n and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o 5._o eph._n 5._o that_o for_o every_o idle_a word_n that_o man_n shall_v speak_v 12.36_o mat._n 12.36_o they_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n our_o saviour_n reprove_v this_o in_o those_o husbandman_n in_o the_o gospel_n why_o stand_v you_o here_o all_o the_o day_n idle_a 20._o mat._n 20._o time_n precious_a time_n be_v one_o of_o those_o talent_n for_o the_o which_o we_o be_v one_o day_n to_o give_v up_o account_n unto_o god_n which_o show_v indeed_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o sin_n use_v that_o make_v no_o reckon_v or_o account_n of_o time_n as_o if_o it_o be_v their_o own_o to_o spend_v it_o they_o listen_v many_o man_n set_v their_o wit_n on_o work_n how_o to_o spend_v time_n and_o to_o drive_v it_o away_o as_o they_o say_v as_o if_o time_n be_v so_o slow_a footed_a as_o that_o it_o stand_v in_o need_n to_o be_v drive_v sure_o there_o be_v many_o thousand_o now_o in_o hell_n that_o shall_v there_o suffer_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o damn_a for_o evermore_o that_o will_v give_v a_o thousand_o world_n if_o