it_o be_v needless_a for_o the_o man_n be_v good_a already_o else_o the_o work_n can_v not_o have_v be_v good_a we_o may_v therefore_o say_v work_n be_v rather_o justify_v by_o the_o person_n of_o a_o man_n than_o his_o person_n by_o the_o work_n and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o vain_a thing_n to_o look_v for_o justification_n from_o that_o which_o thou_o thyself_o must_v first_o justify_v afore_o it_o be_v just_a if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n against_o justification_n by_o work_n but_o this_o this_o be_v sufficient_a second_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o till_o a_o man_n be_v call_v and_o his_o person_n justify_v and_o sanctify_v all_o that_o ever_o he_o do_v be_v sin_n 1._o his_o common_a action_n his_o eat_n drink_v sleep_a walk_a talk_a be_v all_o sin_n yea_o 2._o the_o work_n of_o his_o call_n &_o his_o labour_n in_o the_o same_o though_o never_o so_o just_a equal_a and_o upright_o 3._o further_o his_o civil_a action_n namely_o the_o practice_n of_o civil_a virtue_n his_o outward_a gravity_n meekness_n sobriety_n temperance_n quietness_n uprightness_n and_o all_o outward_a conformity_n be_v all_o sin_n yea_o more_o than_o all_o this_o his_o best_a action_n namely_o his_o practise_v of_o the_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o his_o deed_n of_o charity_n his_o prayer_n his_o hear_v the_o word_n his_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n his_o give_v of_o alm_n they_o be_v all_o sin_n unto_o he_o if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o believe_a and_o penitent_a heart_n yea_o such_o sin_n as_o shall_v condemn_v hâ—m_n if_o he_o have_v no_o other_o object_n this_o shall_v seem_v strange_a divinity_n that_o the_o most_o holy_a action_n as_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v damnable_a sin_n i_o answer_v they_o be_v in_o themselves_o holy_a and_o good_a and_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o god_n have_v command_v they_o yet_o in_o the_o doer_n they_o be_v sin_n because_o he_o do_v they_o from_o a_o foul_a &_o unholy_a heart_n for_o the_o same_o action_n may_v be_v holy_a in_o itself_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o a_o sin_n in_o he_o that_o be_v the_o doer_n of_o it_o as_o clear_a water_n pure_a in_o the_o fountain_n be_v corrupt_v or_o poison_v by_o run_v through_o a_o filthy_a and_o pollute_a channel_n so_o be_v even_o the_o best_a action_n sin_n as_o even_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n to_o a_o minister_n who_o heart_n be_v not_o cleanse_v by_o faith_n and_o his_o person_n accept_v of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o he_o and_o if_o he_o repent_v not_o shall_v be_v his_o condemnation_n cain_n sin_v not_o only_o in_o hate_v and_o murder_v his_o brother_n in_o lie_v and_o dissemble_v with_o god_n but_o cain_n sin_v also_o even_o in_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o abel_n sacrifice_n have_v be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n but_o that_o his_o person_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o in_o the_o work_n be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o action_n acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o only_o the_o acceptation_n of_o the_o person_n by_o christ._n this_o be_v so_o it_o stand_v we_o every_o one_o in_o hand_n to_o look_v to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o labour_v above_o all_o thing_n for_o faith_n and_o repentance_n that_o so_o our_o person_n may_v be_v accept_v righteous_a before_o god_n and_o thereby_o our_o action_n accept_v also_o if_o it_o be_v a_o miserable_a thing_n that_o all_o thy_o action_n even_o holy_a action_n shall_v be_v sin_n then_o labour_v to_o be_v justify_v for_o that_o only_o can_v make_v thy_o work_n accept_v if_o not_o then_o though_o thou_o labour_v never_o so_o much_o to_o be_v approve_v in_o the_o world_n &_o set_v never_o so_o glorious_a a_o show_n upon_o thy_o work_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n they_o be_v all_o abominable_a sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n they_o shall_v go_v for_o no_o better_a prithee_o and_o teach_v all_o thy_o life_n long_o nay_o give_v thy_o life_n to_o die_v for_o religion_n give_v all_o thy_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a deprive_v thy_o flesh_n of_o all_o delight_n build_v church_n college_n bridge_n highway_n etc._n etc._n and_o there_o may_v come_v a_o poor_a shepherd_n and_o for_o his_o keep_n of_o his_o sheep_n be_v accept_v when_o thou_o with_o all_o this_o pomp_n of_o outward_a holiness_n may_v be_v reject_v and_o why_o this_o only_o because_o he_o have_v faith_n &_o thou_o have_v none_o his_o person_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o thou_o be_v not_o therefore_o let_v this_o be_v my_o counsel_n from_o abel_n labour_v not_o so_o much_o to_o work_v glorious_a work_n as_o that_o which_o thou_o do_v do_v it_o in_o faith_n faith_n make_v the_o mean_a work_n accept_v and_o want_v of_o faith_n make_v the_o most_o glorious_a work_v reject_v for_o so_o faith_n the_o text._n abel_n must_v be_v accept_v else_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v not_o thus_o we_o see_v abel_n be_v just_a and_o god_n so_o account_v he_o the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o god_n give_v testimony_n he_o be_v so_o in_o these_o word_n god_n give_v testimony_n what_o testimony_n it_o be_v that_o god_n give_v of_o abel_n and_o his_o gift_n it_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o word_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a but_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o when_o he_o &_o cain_n offer_v god_n in_o special_a mercy_n send_v fire_n from_o heaven_n and_o burn_v up_o abel_n sacrifice_n but_o not_o cain_n for_o so_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n often_o afterward_o when_o he_o will_v show_v that_o he_o accept_v any_o man_n or_o his_o work_n he_o answer_v they_o by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n so_o he_o burn_v up_o the_o first_o sacrifice_n that_o aaron_n offer_v levit._n 9.24_o so_o he_o answer_v solomon_n 2._o chron._n 7.1_o and_o so_o elias_n 2._o king_n 18.28_o and_o so_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o he_o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o he_o accept_v abel_n and_o his_o offering_n this_o be_v a_o great_a prerogative_n that_o abel_n and_o the_o father_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v we_o have_v not_o this_o but_o we_o have_v a_o great_a for_o we_o have_v that_o that_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o truth_n and_o body_n of_o this_o for_o we_o have_v also_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n that_o be_v his_o spirit_n come_v down_o into_o our_o heart_n every_o day_n not_o visible_o but_o spiritual_o and_o burn_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o believer_n his_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o light_v the_o light_n of_o true_a faith_n that_o shall_v never_o be_v put_v out_o the_o use_n hereof_o be_v this_o as_o no_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o old_a law_n please_v god_n but_o such_o as_o be_v burn_v by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n send_v down_o either_o then_o or_o afore_o so_o our_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v our_o invocation_n of_o god_n name_n our_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n our_o duty_n of_o religion_n our_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o love_n never_o please_v god_n unless_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o heart_n purge_v by_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o be_v from_o a_o believe_v and_o repentant_a heart_n both_o which_o be_v kindle_v and_o light_v and_o daily_o continue_v by_o that_o fire_n of_o god_n spirit_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o paul_n say_v 1._o tim._n 1.4_o that_o love_n must_v come_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o work_n of_o love_n come_v from_o this_o purge_a heart_n ascend_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o a_o smoke_n of_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n and_o be_v as_o a_o sweet_a perfume_n in_o the_o nostril_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o of_o what_o do_v god_n thus_o testify_v of_o his_o gift_n it_o may_v here_o be_v ask_v at_o the_o first_o how_o can_v abel_n give_v a_o gift_n to_o god_n have_v the_o lord_n need_v of_o any_o thing_n and_o be_v not_o all_o thing_n his_o i_o answer_v god_n be_v sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o creature_n yet_o have_v he_o so_o give_v his_o creature_n unto_o man_n to_o use_v as_o that_o they_o become_v man_n own_o and_o so_o he_o may_v esteem_v &_o use_v they_o and_o be_v man_n a_o man_n may_v in_o token_n of_o his_o thankfulness_n return_v they_o again_o to_o god_n especial_o see_v god_n accept_v they_o be_v so_o offer_v as_o most_o free_a gift_n this_o show_v we_o first_o the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n that_o whereas_o we_o can_v offer_v he_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o accept_v a_o gift_n offer_v of_o his_o own_o even_o as_o though_o we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o to_o offer_v 2._o see_v here_o a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o old_a and_o
glory_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n how_o we_o must_v seek_v god_n the_o second_o be_v how_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o i_o answer_v god_n reward_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o first_o by_o offer_v himself_o gracious_o to_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o for_o he_o never_o hide_v himself_o nor_o turn_v away_o from_o the_o soul_n that_o seek_v he_o but_o rather_o turn_v to_o he_o and_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v to_o he_o he_o be_v that_o good_a father_n which_o see_v the_o prodigal_a son_n afar_o off_o and_o meet_v he_o and_o receive_v he_o luke_n 16._o yea_o rather_o be_v it_o true_a that_o he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o then_o ever_o seek_v by_o any_o that_o find_v he_o not_o and_o hereby_o god_n much_o magnify_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o mankind_n in_o be_v so_o assure_o find_v when_o man_n seek_v he_o for_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v not_o so_o all_o man_n seek_v the_o face_n of_o the_o prince_n say_v solomon_n true_a but_o all_o man_n find_v it_o not_o no._n access_n to_o great_a man_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a they_o and_o their_o favour_n be_v so_o enclose_v that_o man_n may_v long_o seek_v afore_o they_o find_v either_o they_o or_o it_o but_o god_n here_o be_v not_o so_o enclose_v as_o he_o will_v not_o be_v see_v nor_o speak_v to_o he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o as_o hereby_o he_o honour_v himself_o so_o he_o high_o reward_v his_o servant_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a contentment_n to_o a_o subject_n then_o to_o perceive_v his_o service_n please_v his_o prince_n nor_o great_a joy_n then_o to_o find_v his_o gracious_a favour_n when_o they_o seek_v it_o let_v then_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n first_o of_o all_o teach_v the_o great_a one_o of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v find_v when_o they_o be_v seek_v unto_o thereby_o shall_v they_o honour_v themselves_o and_o cheer_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o people_n who_o seek_v unto_o they_o and_o again_o it_o may_v be_v a_o rich_a comfort_n to_o the_o poor_a one_o of_o this_o earth_n who_o when_o they_o see_v they_o must_v long_o look_v and_o wait_v and_o pray_v and_o pay_v and_o seek_v the_o face_n and_o favour_n of_o great_a man_n and_o can_v find_v may_v then_o remember_v yet_o they_o have_v a_o god_n who_o will_v not_o shut_v the_o door_n upon_o they_o will_v not_o turn_v away_o will_v not_o keep_v secret_a will_v not_o fear_v they_o away_o with_o a_o rough_a answer_n or_o a_o sour_a look_n but_o have_v this_o honourable_a and_o princely_a grace_n he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o second_o he_o reward_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o by_o bestow_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n on_o they_o not_o only_o he_o but_o his_o favour_n shall_v be_v find_v of_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o it_o be_v god_n favour_n that_o god_n child_n seek_v and_o his_o favour_n they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v this_o be_v no_o small_a reward_n unto_o they_o for_o in_o this_o world_n a_o man_n think_v he_o have_v enough_o if_o he_o have_v the_o prince_n favour_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o common_a phrase_n in_o old_a time_n let_v i_o find_v grace_n or_o favour_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o my_o lord_n the_o king_n so_o speak_v god_n child_n unto_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o wealth_n nor_o honour_n we_o seeke-for_a at_o god_n hand_n but_o let_v we_o find_v favour_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o so_o they_o do_v whatever_o they_o find_v in_o this_o world_n three_o he_o reward_v they_o not_o with_o his_o naked_a favour_n but_o with_o the_o most_o gracious_a testimony_n thereof_o that_o can_v be_v which_o be_v two_o forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n with_o himself_o this_o be_v all_o a_o prince_n can_v do_v to_o his_o subject_n who_o have_v offend_v he_o to_o forgive_v he_o the_o fault_n and_o remit_v the_o punishment_n and_o to_o advance_v he_o to_o honour_n this_o do_v the_o lord_n to_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o he_o forgive_v they_o the_o debt_n they_o owe_v he_o whereby_o life_n and_o soul_n and_o all_o be_v forfeit_v to_o he_o and_o give_v they_o also_o life_n everlasting_a so_o plentiful_a a_o reward_n be_v give_v they_o from_o that_o god_n under_o who_o wing_n they_o be_v come_v to_o trust_v four_o he_o reward_v they_o with_o the_o beginning_n of_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comfort_n whereof_o be_v more_o even_o in_o the_o bitter_a affliction_n than_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o contentment_n in_o the_o world_n last_o with_o the_o appurtenance_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o eternal_a life_n namely_o the_o good_a blessing_n of_o this_o life_n a_o competent_a portion_n whereof_o god_n give_v his_o child_n in_o this_o world_n as_o token_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o as_o reward_n of_o their_o service_n and_o seek_v he_o now_o as_o this_o place_n do_v aim_n at_o all_o these_o reward_n so_o principal_o and_o direct_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mean_v eternal_a life_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v steadfast_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v able_a and_o most_o willing_a to_o reward_v all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o with_o a_o better_a reward_n than_o this_o world_n can_v yield_v even_o with_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n for_o his_o son_n sake_n but_o then_o will_v some_o object_n god_n reward_v we_o therefore_o we_o merit_v therefore_o good_a work_n deserve_v i_o answer_v this_o place_n indeed_o be_v gross_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n for_o that_o purpose_n but_o we_o be_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o god_n reward_v man_n for_o two_o cause_n first_o for_o his_o promise_n sake_n and_o that_o be_v for_o his_o own_o sake_n for_o it_o be_v his_o own_o goodness_n that_o make_v he_o promise_n and_o no_o former_a debt_n he_o owe_v to_o man_n again_o he_o reward_v our_o good_a work_n not_o for_o our_o merit_n for_o they_o be_v nothing_o but_o of_o death_n and_o curse_n but_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_n for_o their_o worthiness_n be_v our_o good_a work_n reward_v so_o then_o here_o be_v two_o cause_n of_o god_n reward_v and_o yet_o man_n merit_n be_v neither_o of_o both_o and_o so_o the_o argument_n be_v nought_o that_o god_n reward_v therefore_o we_o merit_v for_o god_n do_v it_o for_o other_o cause_n thus_o these_o spider_n gather_v poison_v out_o of_o this_o flower_n but_o let_v we_o suck_v the_o honey_n for_o this_o notable_a sentence_n have_v excellent_a use_n first_o if_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o than_o not_o of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o who_o seek_v not_o god_n wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n seek_v he_o not_o but_o rather_o seek_v to_o avoid_v he_o and_o his_o service_n this_o sentence_n therefore_o be_v heavy_a against_o they_o for_o when_o they_o hear_v it_o their_o conscience_n answer_v but_o we_o seek_v not_o god_n therefore_o we_o can_v look_v for_o no_o reward_n from_o he_o do_v thou_o seek_v the_o world_n then_o must_v the_o world_n be_v thy_o rewarder_n do_v thou_o seek_v to_o please_v thyself_o then_o must_v thou_o reward_v thyself_o and_o if_o thou_o will_v please_v the_o devil_n by_o live_v in_o sin_n then_o must_v he_o be_v thy_o paymaster_n alas_o pitiful_a and_o fearful_a will_v these_o reward_n be_v again_o if_o god_n reward_v none_o but_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o here_o appear_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o papist_n die_v in_o our_o religion_n and_o with_o we_o cleave_v to_o christ_n merit_n alone_o when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v because_o their_o conscience_n then_o tell_v they_o that_o by_o their_o pilgrimage_n relic_n will-worship_n and_o many_o more_o of_o their_o course_n ordinary_a in_o popery_n they_o do_v never_o seek_v god_n but_o themselves_o &_o their_o own_o honour_n gain_n and_o credit_n and_o full_a well_o know_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reward_n due_a for_o such_o service_n and_o therefore_o by_o their_o practice_n they_o make_v it_o a_o true_a say_n that_o it_o be_v good_a live_v a_o papist_n but_o die_v a_o protestant_n second_o if_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o then_o we_o see_v it_o be_v most_o true_a which_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n 1._o cor._n 15.58_o for_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v and_o serve_v he_o therefore_o the_o atheist_n and_o profane_a man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o say_v 3.14_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o what_o profit_n
be_v there_o that_o we_o have_v keep_v his_o commandment_n be_v here_o convince_v to_o be_v liar_n against_o the_o truth_n then_o see_v it_o be_v so_o let_v this_o admonish_v we_o all_o to_o seek_v and_o serve_v god_n in_o all_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n know_v we_o serve_v he_o who_o will_v reward_v it_o nothing_o more_o encourage_v a_o man_n to_o serve_v his_o lord_n and_o king_n then_o to_o see_v that_o his_o pain_n be_v regard_v and_o his_o service_n reward_v nor_o more_o discourage_v a_o man_n then_o the_o contrary_n if_o therefore_o god_n do_v ever_o forget_v any_o that_o serve_v he_o let_v we_o bestow_v service_n elsewhere_o and_o think_v he_o unworthy_a to_o be_v seek_v to_o but_o if_o contrariwise_o he_o never_o forget_v nor_o deceive_v nor_o disappoint_v any_o that_o serve_v he_o then_o be_v he_o most_o worthy_a to_o have_v the_o service_n both_o of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n david_n indeed_o once_o say_v in_o vain_a have_v i_o cleanse_v my_o heart_n and_o wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocence_n &c_n but_o he_o be_v then_o in_o a_o strong_a temptation_n as_o himself_o there_o confess_v but_o afterward_o when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o god_n and_o search_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n 17._o he_o confess_v he_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o as_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n he_o have_v acknowledge_v 1._o that_o god_n be_v good_a to_o israel_n 28._o so_o in_o the_o last_o he_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n and_o so_o though_o the_o temptation_n be_v very_o vehement_a yet_o as_o faith_n appear_v in_o the_o beginning_n so_o it_o have_v victory_n in_o the_o end_n and_o testify_v that_o god_n be_v good_a to_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o another_o time_n also_o for_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o many_o sorrow_n and_o temptation_n be_v in_o some_o extreme_a distress_n his_o corruption_n so_o prevail_v 116.11_o that_o he_o say_v all_o man_n be_v liar_n whatsoever_o samuel_n or_o god_n or_o nathan_n and_o other_o prophet_n have_v tell_v i_o of_o god_n love_n and_o mercy_n and_o of_o his_o promise_n and_o providence_n and_o fatherly_a care_n i_o see_v it_o be_v all_o false_a and_o nothing_o so_o now_o sure_o if_o david_n or_o all_o the_o king_n in_o the_o world_n can_v prove_v this_o than_o god_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v seek_v after_o but_o great_a man_n think_v they_o may_v say_v any_o thing_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v move_v as_o david_n here_o be_v but_o when_o david_n enter_v into_o himself_o &_o consider_v the_o word_n he_o have_v so_o presumptuous_o utter_v upon_o better_a advice_n he_o confess_v and_o write_v it_o up_o for_o all_o posterity_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o his_o own_o shame_n that_o it_o be_v in_o passion_n i_o say_v in_o my_o fear_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n 11._o this_o he_o say_v in_o his_o haste_n or_o in_o his_o fear_n but_o upon_o advice_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o confess_v god_n benefit_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a to_o he_o 12._o as_o he_o can_v tell_v what_o to_o render_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o cry_v out_o in_o admiration_n 31.19_o o_o how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n which_o thou_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v thou_o and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o even_o before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n we_o see_v then_o that_o merciful_a promise_n of_o christ_n be_v ever_o make_v good_a seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v math._n 6._o none_o ever_o seek_v god_n but_o find_v we_o may_v seek_v our_o own_o pleasure_n and_o live_v loose_o and_o be_v deceive_v and_o hear_v that_o fearful_a question_n what_o profit_n have_v you_o now_o of_o these_o thing_n rom._n 6._o what_o reward_n but_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n but_o if_o we_o seek_v god_n aright_o we_o never_o loose_v our_o labour_n let_v we_o therefore_o seek_v god_n let_v the_o hand_n of_o our_o heart_n knock_v at_o god_n mercy_n gate_n in_o christ_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o go_v away_o without_o a_o reward_n the_o prodigal_a child_n flee_v from_o his_o father_n spend_v all_o and_o lose_v his_o favour_n but_o he_o no_o soon_o say_v i_o will_v return_v and_o humble_v myself_o to_o my_o father_n but_o he_o find_v he_o and_o win_v his_o father_n favour_n again_o 16._o so_o let_v we_o but_o offer_v ourselves_o to_o seek_v god_n god_n understand_v our_o thought_n long_o before_o he_o will_v meet_v we_o and_o receive_v we_o 139._o and_o give_v we_o a_o reward_n three_o as_o god_n reward_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o so_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o none_o miss_v he_o all_o find_v that_o seek_v great_a one_o have_v not_o access_n and_o the_o poor_a keep_v out_o but_o all_o receive_a as_o they_o come_v no_o difference_n but_o the_o more_o careful_o any_o seek_v the_o more_o welcome_a be_v they_o here_o let_v prince_n and_o great_a man_n learn_v their_o duty_n at_o god_n by_o who_o grace_n and_o permission_n they_o be_v what_o they_o be_v first_o let_v they_o think_v it_o unbeseeming_a their_o greatness_n to_o let_v any_o serve_v they_o without_o a_o reward_n and_o a_o stain_n to_o their_o honour_n not_o to_o let_v well_o deserve_v subject_n find_v their_o favour_n let_v they_o not_o daunt_v their_o heart_n by_o not_o regard_v they_o and_o their_o pain_n but_o let_v they_o encourage_v they_o to_o serve_v they_o by_o look_v at_o they_o by_o good_a countenance_n and_o good_a speech_n and_o by_o reward_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o worth_n all_o great_a man_n shall_v esteem_v this_o as_o one_o of_o the_o pearl_n of_o their_o crown_n to_o have_v it_o say_v of_o they_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o serve_v he_o again_o let_v they_o learn_v to_o dispense_v their_o favour_n according_a to_o reason_n and_o not_o affection_n only_o god_n be_v indifferent_a and_o equal_a to_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o so_o let_v prince_n be_v for_o that_o be_v true_a honour_n &_o justice_n to_o reward_v each_o one_o as_o he_o deserve_v and_o that_o he_o may_v find_v the_o best_a who_o do_v best_a this_o will_v make_v every_o one_o strive_v who_o shall_v be_v first_o and_o forward_a in_o all_o serviceable_a duty_n further_o this_o must_v teach_v they_o not_o to_o despise_v they_o that_o be_v under_o they_o in_o this_o world_n for_o howsoever_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n require_v that_o difference_n of_o person_n else_o it_o can_v stand_v it_o be_v nothing_o so_o with_o god_n nor_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o there_o the_o subject_n the_o servant_n the_o poor_a man_n may_v challenge_v his_o part_n in_o god_n favour_n as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a nay_o whosoever_o seek_v the_o most_o careful_o shall_v find_v the_o best_a reward_n moreover_o here_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o man_n who_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v underling_n in_o this_o world_n seek_v they_o favour_v here_o and_o find_v it_o not_o work_v they_o here_o and_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o be_v not_o reward_v let_v they_o learn_v to_o seek_v god_n who_o will_v assure_o both_o regard_n what_o they_o do_v and_o abundant_o reward_v it_o four_o see_v god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o here_o be_v a_o comfortable_a encouragement_n against_o two_o great_a impediment_n which_o hinder_v many_o a_o man_n from_o serve_v god_n first_o to_o seek_v god_n be_v but_o a_o matter_n of_o mockery_n to_o profane_a man_n for_o let_v a_o man_n set_v his_o face_n to_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v present_o samaritan_n which_o for_o that_o cause_n will_v hate_v and_o mock_v he_o let_v a_o man_n set_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v god_n by_o hear_v the_o word_n more_o careful_o pray_v to_o god_n instruct_v his_o family_n or_o keep_v the_o sabbaoth_n more_o careful_o than_o afore_o and_o forthwith_o he_o be_v the_o laugh_a stock_n and_o the_o byword_n to_o profane_a man_n but_o lo_o here_o be_v comfort_n the_o god_n who_o thou_o seek_v will_v reward_v thou_o and_o that_o so_o rich_o that_o thou_o will_v think_v thyself_o well_o recompense_v both_o for_o thy_o service_n and_o their_o mock_n in_o this_o world_n man_n care_v not_o who_o think_v or_o speak_v evil_a of_o they_o so_o the_o prince_n like_o they_o and_o shall_v it_o not_o encourage_v we_o to_o seek_v god_n though_o the_o world_n mock_v we_o see_v so_o do_v we_o please_v god_n and_o so_o far_o do_v please_v he_o as_o he_o will_v high_o reward_v we_o those_o therefore_o that_o fall_v from_o religion_n for_o those_o mocker_n it_o appear_v they_o seek_v not_o to_o please_v god_n but_o man_n second_o for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o magistrate_n or_o a_o minister_n to_o do_v his_o duty_n careful_o be_v the_o high_a
not_o only_o believe_v and_o obay_v but_o as_o god_n promise_v so_o he_o go_v to_o it_o and_o take_v possession_n and_o die_v in_o this_o faith_n that_o god_n will_v perform_v his_o promise_n and_o that_o his_o posterity_n shall_v inherit_v it_o all_o as_o afterward_o indeed_o they_o do_v even_o from_o moses_n to_o christ._n if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o this_o can_v be_v the_o answer_n be_v that_o abraham_n know_v that_o god_n be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o have_v the_o world_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o disposition_n and_o therefore_o assure_v himself_o that_o he_o can_v bring_v to_o pass_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o make_v good_a his_o word_n notwithstanding_o all_o such_o impediment_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o as_o he_o believe_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v his_o posterity_n come_v to_o it_o enter_v as_o conqueror_n upon_o this_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n so_o amaze_v all_o these_o king_n and_o their_o people_n as_o some_o submit_v as_o the_o gibeonit_n and_o they_o that_o do_v not_o be_v all_o slay_v and_o their_o country_n conquer_v as_o we_o may_v read_v at_o large_a in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n all_o the_o story_n whereof_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v by_o david_n in_o few_o word_n where_o he_o say_v we_o have_v hear_v with_o our_o ear_n our_o father_n have_v tell_v we_o how_o thou_o o_o lord_n drive_v out_o the_o heathen_a with_o thy_o hand_n and_o plant_v they_o in_o how_o thou_o destroy_v the_o people_n and_o make_v they_o grow_v psal._n 44.1.2_o out_o of_o which_o we_o learn_v two_o instruction_n first_o that_o the_o change_n of_o state_n and_o alteration_n of_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n and_o that_o he_o can_v turn_v they_o one_o way_n or_o other_o as_o it_o please_v he_o to_o this_o purpose_n say_v david_n in_o the_o forenamed_a psalm_n verse_n the_o four_o they_o inherit_v not_o the_o land_n by_o their_o own_o sword_n neither_o do_v their_o own_o arm_n save_o they_o but_o thy_o right_a hand_n and_o thy_o arm_n and_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n because_o thou_o do_v favour_v they_o this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v earnest_o in_o our_o daily_a prayer_n for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o of_o that_o worthy_a prince_n and_o queen_n under_o who_o government_n we_o have_v be_v so_o long_o and_o so_o liberal_o bless_v for_o the_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n the_o certainty_n and_o security_n of_o it_o and_o she_o be_v not_o in_o our_o policy_n might_n munition_n ship_n not_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o navy_n nor_o in_o the_o power_n of_o our_o armour_n nor_o in_o the_o chivalry_n of_o our_o people_n nor_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o council_n though_o for_o all_o these_o we_o be_v a_o people_n honour_v of_o our_o friend_n and_o fear_v of_o our_o enemy_n but_o in_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o our_o god_n who_o as_o daniel_n say_v bear_v rule_v over_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o give_v they_o to_o whosoever_o he_o will_v dan._n 4.22_o see_v therefore_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o giver_n and_o establisher_n the_o remover_n and_o changer_n of_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n let_v we_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o elisha_n be_v the_o horse_n and_o chariot_n of_o israel_n 2._o king_n 13.14_o and_o sure_o if_o elisha_n for_o his_o prayer_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o king_n himself_o to_o be_v his_o father_n then_o doubtless_o the_o godly_a minister_n and_o such_o other_o in_o our_o church_n as_o pray_v daily_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o jerusalem_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v account_v good_a child_n of_o our_o church_n and_o worthy_a member_n of_o our_o state_n second_o here_o we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o kingdom_n and_o overthrow_v of_o estate_n namely_o sin_n and_o ungodliness_n this_o be_v most_o apparent_a in_o the_o present_a example_n for_o why_o do_v god_n take_v this_o land_n from_o the_o canaanite_n and_o give_v it_o to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n the_o story_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n answer_n nothing_o but_o sin_n in_o deuteronomie_n moses_n charge_v the_o israelite_n that_o they_o do_v not_o after_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o heathen_a canaanite_n for_o say_v he_o because_o of_o their_o abominable_a sin_n god_n do_v cast_v they_o out_o before_o you_o deut._n 18.9.12_o and_o why_o do_v not_o god_n instant_o give_v it_o to_o abraham_n to_o inherit_v after_o the_o promise_n even_o because_o the_o wickedness_n of_o these_o amorites_n be_v not_o then_o full_a gen._n 15.16_o that_o be_v their_o sin_n be_v not_o then_o ripe_a for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o though_o god_n be_v the_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o all_o kingdom_n and_o may_v dispose_v they_o as_o he_o will_v yet_o he_o rather_o exercise_v his_o justice_n then_o his_o power_n and_o never_o overturn_v any_o state_n but_o upon_o cause_n of_o their_o apparent_a sinfulness_n nor_o can_v the_o amorites_n or_o canaanite_n plead_v herein_o any_o hard_a measure_n for_o the_o same_o god_n deal_v afterward_o in_o the_o same_o justice_n with_o his_o own_o people_n give_v the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n to_o the_o chaldean_n and_o israel_n to_o the_o assyrian_n and_o the_o cause_n be_v lay_v down_o most_o memorable_o in_o the_o story_n when_o the_o israelite_n sin_v against_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o walk_v after_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o heathen_a who_o the_o lord_n have_v cast_v out_o before_o they_o and_o do_v secret_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a and_o make_v image_n and_o serve_v idol_n and_o though_o god_n warn_v they_o by_o his_o prophet_n yet_o will_v they_o not_o obey_v but_o harden_v their_o neck_n and_o so_o final_o leave_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n then_o the_o lord_n be_v exceed_v wroth_a with_o israel_n and_o cast_v they_o also_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n 2._o king_n 17._o from_o the_o seven_o verse_n to_o the_o 19_o thus_o sin_n be_v able_a to_o overturn_v kingdom_n be_v they_o canaanite_n israelite_n or_o whosoever_o let_v this_o teach_v we_o all_o to_o look_v to_o our_o life_n &_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n especial_o great_a &_o capital_a &_o cry_v sin_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o people_n be_v worm_n and_o canker_n eat_v out_o the_o life_n and_o strength_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o let_v our_o state_n and_o government_n learn_v here_o to_o look_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o people_n especial_o for_o great_a sin_n for_o open_a profaneness_n or_o uncleanness_n or_o oppression_n or_o injustice_n or_o extortion_n or_o cruelty_n and_o exaction_n all_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o sin_n reign_v in_o a_o state_n be_v able_a to_o overturn_v the_o best_a establish_a kingdom_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o will_v at_o last_o do_v power_n and_o policy_n what_o they_o can_v make_v the_o land_n spewe_v out_o her_o inhabitant_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v the_o wily_a wit_n of_o man_n judge_v as_o they_o list_v it_o will_v prove_v true_a that_o the_o sinful_a and_o profane_a man_n be_v the_o worst_a and_o the_o godly_a and_o conscionable_a man_n the_o best_a friend_n to_o a_o state_n and_o best_a subject_n in_o a_o kingdom_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o point_n in_o abraham_n obedience_n namely_o the_o end_n of_o it_o the_o three_o and_o last_o point_n be_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o obedience_n which_o follow_v in_o these_o word_n and_o he_o go_v out_o not_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o his_o leave_v his_o country_n in_o man_n reason_n will_v seem_v strange_a nay_o the_o world_n will_v condemn_v it_o for_o plain_a foolishness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o leave_v a_o certainty_n for_o a_o uncertainty_n but_o it_o may_v here_o be_v doubt_v how_o the_o apostle_n can_v here_o say_v that_o he_o know_v not_o whither_o he_o go_v seeing_z these_o word_n be_v not_o in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v not_o that_o practice_n allow_v tradition_n beside_o scripture_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o refuse_v no_o tradition_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o analogy_n of_o faith_n but_o such_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o one_o of_o these_o we_o receive_v they_o though_o not_o as_o scripture_n second_o if_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v add_v any_o thing_n in_o any_o story_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o old_a as_o s._n paul_n do_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o sorcerer_n of_o egypt_n jannes_n and_o jambre_n 2._o timoth._n 3.8_o that_o circumstance_n by_o they_o so_o add_v be_v to_o be_v hold_v as_o scripture_n and_o no_o tradition_n because_o they_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v have_v insert_v it_o
yet_o never_o be_v save_v unless_o therewithal_o we_o have_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v unto_o we_o and_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o seal_v in_o our_o conscience_n by_o god_n holy_a spirit_n again_o consider_v who_o speak_v these_o word_n but_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v we_o shall_v find_v in_o genesis_n 21.12_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o let_v it_o not_o say_v god_n unto_o abraham_n be_v grievous_a in_o thy_o sight_n for_o the_o child_n and_o for_o the_o bondwoman_n in_o all_o that_o sarah_n shall_v say_v unto_o thou_o hear_v her_o voice_n which_o be_v to_o cast_v out_o the_o bondwoman_n and_o her_o son_n ishmael_n for_o say_v god_n in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v here_o observe_v a_o notable_a practice_n of_o abraham_n as_o a_o good_a direction_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n submit_v themselves_o outward_o to_o the_o ministry_n and_o regiment_n thereof_o abraham_n here_o have_v two_o son_n isaac_n and_o ishmael_n he_o circumcise_v they_o both_o and_o instruct_v they_o both_o for_o he_o teach_v all_o his_o household_n to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o fear_v and_o obey_v he_o gen._n 18.19_o he_o judge_v they_o both_o to_o be_v in_o one_o state_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n covenant_n though_o they_o be_v not_o but_o that_o difference_n be_v make_v by_o god_n abraham_n do_v not_o on_o his_o own_o head_n and_o by_o his_o own_o will_n put_v ishmael_n out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o his_o family_n but_o god_n bid_v he_o put_v he_o out_o and_o then_o he_o put_v he_o out_o and_o not_o before_o till_o such_o time_n he_o keep_v he_o in_o and_o hold_v he_o to_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n be_v even_o so_o must_v we_o deal_v towards_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n secret_a judgement_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n and_o till_o god_n manifest_v the_o contrary_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n we_o must_v hold_v they_o all_o elect_v this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o saint_n paul_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o corinth_n 1._o corinth_n 1.2_o he_o call_v they_o all_o sanctify_a and_o to_o the_o galatian_n gal._n 1.2_o he_o call_v they_o all_o elect_v speak_v so_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n although_o he_o know_v that_o among_o they_o there_o be_v many_o profane_a and_o wicked_a man_n and_o though_o he_o reprove_v many_o great_a error_n and_o heinous_a sin_n among_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o argument_n whereby_o abraham_n faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o namely_o the_o great_a impediment_n which_o may_v hinder_v the_o same_o now_o follow_v the_o second_o argument_n or_o reason_n whereby_o his_o faith_n be_v commend_v to_o wit_n abraham_n victory_n over_o these_o impediment_n or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o overcome_v they_o and_o induce_v himself_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o these_o word_n verse_n 19_o for_o he_o consider_v or_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n that_o make_v abraham_n to_o offer_v his_o son_n and_o yet_o believe_v the_o promise_n that_o in_o he_o his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o abraham_n have_v rather_o have_v die_v himself_o if_o it_o may_v have_v stand_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o to_o have_v sacrifice_v his_o son_n how_o then_o do_v he_o induce_v himself_o to_o offer_v he_o up_o ans._n by_o this_o which_o be_v here_o set_v down_o he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v diverse_a point_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o we_o first_o observe_v the_o text_n say_v not_o that_o abraham_n murmur_v or_o reason_v against_o god_n but_o reason_v with_o himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o his_o son_n again_o and_o thereby_o induce_v himself_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n unto_o god_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o when_o god_n lay_v upon_o we_o any_o hard_a commandment_n we_o must_v not_o plead_v the_o case_n with_o god_n or_o murmur_v against_o he_o but_o with_o all_o quietness_n and_o meekness_n obey_v this_o be_v a_o notable_a grace_n of_o god_n commend_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n himself_o in_o rest_n and_o quietness_n say_v god_n isaiah_n 30.15_o shall_v be_v your_o strength_n in_o quietness_n and_o confidence_n shall_v you_o be_v save_v many_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o endure_v or_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o god_n impose_v on_o his_o child_n but_o our_o spiritual_a strength_n stand_v in_o these_o two_o in_o silence_n or_o rest_n and_o in_o quietness_n by_o these_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v when_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n the_o son_n of_o aaron_n offer_v strange_a fire_n before_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v there_o go_v out_o a_o fire_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o devour_v they_o so_o they_o die_v before_o the_o lord_n 10.1.2_o now_o when_o aaron_n their_o father_n ask_v moses_n a_o cause_n hereof_o moses_n say_v it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n speak_v he_o will_v be_v glorify_v in_o all_o that_o come_v near_o he_o which_o when_o aaron_n hear_v the_o text_n say_v he_o heide_v his_o peace_n and_o say_v not_o a_o word_n so_o david_n behave_v himself_o in_o the_o case_n of_o distress_n i_o hold_v my_o peace_n and_o say_v nothing_o because_o thou_o lord_n do_v it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o special_a point_n for_o we_o to_o learn_v and_o practice_n we_o must_v not_o grudge_v or_o repine_v at_o god_n hard_a commandment_n nor_o plead_v the_o case_n with_o he_o but_o in_o all_o quietness_n and_o silence_n obey_v god_n in_o all_o that_o he_o say_v unto_o us._n again_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o abraham_n reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a etc._n etc._n here_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n that_o believe_v to_o have_v good_a knowledge_n in_o god_n word_n that_o when_o a_o temptation_n come_v against_o his_o faith_n by_o knowledge_n and_o reason_v out_o of_o god_n word_n he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o put_v back_o the_o same_o for_o all_o our_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n so_o do_v abraham_n in_o this_o place_n against_o this_o strong_a temptation_n reason_n out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o stay_v himself_o so_o that_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o therefore_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v erroneous_a and_o here_o condemn_v which_o say_v that_o if_o a_o man_n become_v devout_a &_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v though_o he_o know_v not_o what_o the_o church_n believe_v yet_o this_o faith_n will_v save_v he_o but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a device_n of_o their_o own_o and_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o we_o see_v here_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n be_v necessary_a for_o he_o that_o have_v true_a save_v faith_n but_o what_o be_v abraham_n argument_n whereby_o he_o move_v himself_o to_o obey_v god_n sure_o this_o he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a one_o part_n of_o his_o reason_n he_o take_v for_o grant_v which_o here_o he_o conceal_v for_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o he_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v now_o this_o he_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o god_n will_v never_o change_v his_o promise_n from_o whence_o he_o reason_v thus_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n my_o son_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v sacrifice_v my_o son_n according_a to_o his_o commandment_n for_o this_o i_o know_v certain_o that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v my_o seed_n be_v call_v see_v god_n have_v promise_v that_o as_o well_o as_o he_o command_v this_o other_o in_o this_o example_n we_o see_v a_o mean_n set_v down_o unto_o we_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o hard_a and_o difficult_a case_n impose_v by_o god_n which_o be_v a_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v careful_o of_o every_o one_o of_o us._n for_o say_v that_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o touch_v in_o conscience_n for_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o even_o despair_v of_o our_o own_o salvation_n what_o must_v we_o do_v in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v take_v abraham_n course_n and_o dispute_v with_o ourselves_o for_o ourselves_o &_o we_o must_v draw_v our_o argument_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n we_o must_v join_v the_o promise_n and_o power_n of_o god_n together_o as_o for_o example_n thus_o we_o must_v say_v god_n have_v make_v this_o promise_n this_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o i_o do_v believe_v it_o
keep_v the_o persecutor_n clothes_n that_o stone_a stephen_n act._n 7.58_o whereby_o he_o signify_v his_o consent_n thereupon_o he_o confess_v himself_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o his_o death_n act._n 22.20_o last_o observe_v the_o cause_n or_o rather_o the_o occasion_n that_o move_v the_o parent_n to_o save_v their_o child_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a comeliness_n and_o beauty_n which_o do_v appear_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o child_n when_o he_o be_v bear_v this_o move_v they_o to_o reason_n thus_o with_o themselves_o surely_n god_n have_v give_v such_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n unto_o this_o child_n that_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a he_o will_v use_v he_o hereafter_o to_o be_v some_o notable_a instrument_n of_o some_o great_a work_n we_o therefore_o will_v keep_v he_o alive_a this_o point_n must_v be_v mark_v of_o we_o for_o beside_o their_o natural_a affection_n this_o also_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o make_v the_o parent_n save_o their_o child_n hence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o those_o who_o god_n will_v employ_v above_o other_o in_o some_o special_a service_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n be_v usual_o endow_v with_o some_o special_a gift_n above_o other_o yea_o many_o time_n with_o outward_a grace_n and_o comeliness_n in_o the_o body_n for_o this_o beauty_n in_o moses_n body_n move_v his_o parent_n to_o seek_v to_o save_v his_o life_n they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o god_n have_v not_o imprint_v that_o in_o he_o for_o nought_o saul_n we_o know_v be_v make_v king_n over_o israel_n and_o it_o be_v note_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v he_o a_o goodly_a stature_n for_o he_o be_v high_a than_o any_o of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o shoulder_n upward_o 10.23_o so_o david_n have_v a_o good_a countenance_n 16.12_o and_o a_o comely_a visage_n for_o the_o lord_n purpose_v to_o make_v he_o king_n over_o israel_n now_o as_o he_o do_v excel_v his_o brethren_n in_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n so_o he_o be_v to_o be_v far_o above_o they_o in_o this_o special_a service_n of_o god_n in_o govern_v his_o people_n hence_o we_o learn_v first_o that_o comeliness_n and_o beauty_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n second_o that_o those_o which_o excel_v other_o in_o these_o gift_n of_o nature_n must_v look_v also_o that_o answerable_o they_o excel_v they_o in_o holiness_n and_o zeal_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o do_v good_a unto_o man_n as_o moses_n and_o david_n do_v but_o alas_o wretched_a be_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o time_n for_o common_o those_o which_o have_v comeliness_n and_o beauty_n above_o other_o do_v use_v it_o as_o a_o bait_n &_o occasion_n unto_o all_o sin_n &_o naughtiness_n as_o to_o whoredom_n and_o lasciviousness_n that_o hereby_o they_o may_v more_o full_o satisfy_v their_o own_o wretched_a and_o fatanicall_a lust_n but_o this_o must_v careful_o be_v look_v unto_o of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o nature_n in_o more_o excellent_a manner_n than_o other_o for_o if_o they_o use_v they_o or_o rather_o abuse_v they_o to_o be_v mean_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o their_o heart_n they_o have_v much_o to_o answer_v for_o unto_o god_n at_o the_o dreadful_a day_n of_o judgement_n have_v god_n give_v thou_o beauty_n &_o comeliness_n and_o do_v thou_o use_v it_o as_o a_o bait_n to_o ensnare_v other_o for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o thy_o lust_n then_o look_v unto_o it_o thou_o evil_a servant_n for_o thou_o do_v not_o hide_v but_o consume_v thy_o master_n talon_n employ_v it_o to_o his_o dishonour_n therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o thou_o and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o thou_o shall_v have_v ugliness_n and_o deformity_n and_o so_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v tumble_v into_o hell_n with_o unclean_a spirit_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o action_n of_o their_o faith_n with_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o the_o second_o action_n whereby_o the_o faith_n of_o moses_n parent_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o be_v this_o they_o do_v not_o fear_v the_o king_n commandment_n these_o word_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v absolute_o and_o simple_o but_o with_o limitation_n for_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v speak_v simple_o which_o must_v be_v understand_v with_o respect_n as_o when_o it_o be_v say_v math._n 11.18_o john_n come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v that_o be_v not_o eat_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o eat_v little_a and_o christ_n say_v math._n 10.34_o he_o come_v not_o to_o bring_v peace_n but_o the_o sword_n that_o be_v as_o luke_n expound_v it_o luk._n 12.51_o rather_o debate_n than_o peace_n and_o so_o in_o this_o place_n moses_n parent_n fear_v not_o the_o king_n commandment_n that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o fear_v it_o overmuch_o or_o whole_o or_o only_o or_o so_o much_o as_o other_o do_v in_o the_o like_a case_n here_o than_o first_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o far_o forth_o we_o must_v obey_v superior_n and_o magistrate_n we_o must_v obey_v they_o not_o simple_o but_o in_o the_o lord_n ephes._n 6.1_o that_o be_v in_o all_o their_o lawful_a command_n but_o when_o they_o command_v thing_n evil_a and_o unlawful_a than_o we_o must_v stay_v ourselves_o lest_o obey_v they_o we_o rebel_v against_o god_n for_o this_o we_o have_v sufficient_a warrant_n in_o this_o place_n as_o also_o in_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v command_v act._n 4.18_o 19_o that_o in_o no_o wise_a they_o shall_v speak_v or_o teach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n answer_v whether_o it_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o obey_v you_o rather_o than_o god_n judge_v you_o and_o the_o midwife_n of_o egypt_n be_v commend_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n exod._n 1.17_o for_o save_v the_o young_a child_n alive_a against_o the_o king_n commandment_n and_o the_o three_o man_n of_o the_o jew_n shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n be_v renown_v with_o all_o posterity_n for_o disobey_v the_o commandment_n of_o nebuchadnessar_n dan._n 3.16_o 17._o of_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n by_o which_o example_n we_o may_v see_v plain_o that_o our_o obedience_n to_o man_n must_v be_v in_o the_o lord_n only_o neither_o be_v our_o refuse_v to_o do_v their_o unlawful_a command_n any_o disobedience_n indeed_o because_o the_o five_o commandment_n in_o this_o case_n cease_v to_o bind_v and_o give_v place_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o first_o table_n which_o be_v great_a as_o we_o show_v before_o v_o 17._o second_o see_v here_o this_o godly_a boldness_n in_o not_o overmuch_o fear_v the_o king_n commandment_n be_v make_v a_o work_n of_o faith_n whence_o we_o learn_v that_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v serve_v to_o moderate_v a_o man_n affection_n there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o if_o he_o be_v leave_v to_o himself_o he_o will_v go_v too_o far_o in_o the_o sway_n of_o his_o affection_n experience_n show_v that_o many_o through_o anger_n and_o joy_n have_v lose_v their_o life_n some_o for_o fear_n have_v forsake_v religion_n and_o sorrow_n have_v cost_v many_o a_o man_n his_o life_n yea_o any_o affection_n if_o it_o be_v not_o moderate_v and_o stay_v will_v bereave_v a_o man_n of_o his_o sense_n and_o make_v he_o a_o beast_n and_o no_o man_n but_o behold_v the_o use_n and_o power_n of_o true_a faith_n it_o serve_v to_o mitigate_v a_o man_n affection_n so_o as_o if_o a_o man_n be_v angry_a it_o shall_v be_v with_o moderation_n and_o so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o fear_n joy_n hatred_n or_o any_o other_o affection_n faith_n will_v assuage_v and_o stay_v the_o rage_n thereof_o for_o undoubted_o moses_n parent_n may_v have_v be_v overwhelm_v with_o fear_n of_o pharaoh_n tyranny_n and_o cruelty_n but_o that_o god_n give_v they_o faith_n which_o do_v moderate_v this_o fear_n there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o but_o if_o we_o look_v well_o into_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o we_o be_v excessive_a in_o many_o affection_n sometime_o in_o fear_n sometime_o in_o anger_n sometime_o in_o sorrow_n and_o such_o like_a now_o will_v we_o know_v how_o to_o bridle_v these_o strong_a passion_n then_o get_v true_a faith_n it_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v moderate_v and_o stay_v the_o rage_n of_o his_o affection_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o break_v out_o into_o extremity_n be_v a_o man_n angry_a why_o if_o he_o have_v faith_n he_o will_v bridle_v his_o anger_n be_v he_o sorrowful_a yet_o it_o be_v in_o measure_n and_o so_o for_o the_o rest_n faith_n will_v rule_v they_o all_o and_o yet_o extinguish_v none_o which_o shall_v great_o provoke_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n see_v it_o be_v of_o such_o use_n and_o power_n in_o the_o stay_n of_o our_o affection_n verse_n 24._o by_o faith_n moses_n when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o age_n refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n 25._o and_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v adversity_n with_o
to_o be_v slay_v at_o this_o passeover_n but_o in_o his_o own_o family_n he_o kill_v his_o own_o lamb_n and_o enjoin_v the_o people_n from_o god_n to_o do_v the_o like_a in_o they_o the_o like_a phrase_n be_v often_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n josua_n 5.3_o josua_n be_v say_v to_o circumcise_v the_o son_n of_o israel_n which_o be_v almost_o a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o one_o man_n to_o do_v but_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o be_v this_o that_o josua_n enjoin_v &_o procure_v that_o all_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v circumcise_v and_o see_v it_o do_v and_o so_o we_o must_v understand_v this_o place_n now_o in_o this_o that_o moses_n do_v in_o this_o manner_n celebrate_v this_o passover_o we_o be_v teach_v this_o lesson_n that_o governor_n and_o superior_n in_o their_o place_n must_v procure_v that_o those_o which_o â—e_v under_o their_o government_n do_v keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o especial_o those_o which_o concern_v god_n worship_n it_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o moses_n that_o the_o king_n shall_v have_v the_o law_n write_v that_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v his_o god_n and_o keep_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n write_v to_o do_v they_o now_o how_o shall_v the_o king_n do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n see_v there_o be_v many_o commandment_n that_o do_v not_o concern_v he_o nor_o his_o place_n but_o his_o subject_n and_o other_o particular_a man_n of_o other_o calling_n sure_o thus_o he_o must_v do_v those_o in_o his_o own_o person_n that_o concern_v he_o in_o his_o place_n and_o then_o see_v that_o his_o subject_n and_o servant_n do_v likewise_o such_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n as_o concern_v they_o in_o their_o place_n this_o be_v a_o special_a point_n concern_v all_o magistrate_n and_o superior_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o paul_n say_v rom._n 13.4_o the_o magistrate_n bear_v not_o the_o sword_n for_o nought_o but_o for_o the_o wealth_n of_o god_n people_n that_o be_v for_o their_o good_a not_o in_o body_n only_o but_o principal_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o therefore_o every_o governor_n either_o of_o town_n or_o kingdom_n and_o every_o master_n of_o a_o family_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o call_n be_v to_o see_v that_o those_o which_o be_v under_o he_o keep_v god_n commandment_n especial_o those_o which_o concern_v god_n worship_n when_o a_o magistrate_n shall_v do_v this_o than_o the_o praise_n &_o honour_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v give_v to_o he_o as_o here_o the_o kill_n of_o the_o passeover_n be_v ascribe_v to_o moses_n because_o he_o see_v that_o the_o people_n do_v it_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v negligent_a in_o his_o duty_n he_o become_v the_o great_a sinner_n of_o all_o for_o then_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v through_o his_o default_n be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o nehemiah_n reprove_v the_o ruler_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o break_v the_o lord_n sabbaoth_n nehem._n 13.13_o when_o as_o not_o only_o they_o but_o the_o people_n also_o break_v they_o yet_o there_o he_o charge_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n upon_o they_o because_o it_o come_v through_o their_o negligence_n as_o if_o any_o sin_n be_v commit_v in_o a_o family_n through_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o family_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o particular_a party_n but_o the_o governor_n sin_n and_o so_o when_o any_o man_n sin_n in_o break_v the_o sabbaoth_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o sin_n of_o that_o particular_a man_n but_o of_o the_o governor_n to_o who_o he_o be_v subject_a and_o therefore_o governor_n must_v see_v that_o god_n commandment_n be_v keep_v of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o their_o government_n but_o here_o some_o may_v object_v as_o indeed_o some_o abuse_n the_o place_n to_o this_o end_n that_o it_o seem_v no_o man_n may_v be_v bar_v from_o the_o l._n supper_n for_o the_o like_a reason_n be_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o be_v in_o the_o passeover_n but_o moses_n keep_v the_o pasover_n himself_o and_o command_v all_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n so_o to_o do_v therefore_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v put_v from_o god_n table_n ans._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o in_o egypt_n at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o first_o passover_o moses_n keep_v it_o himself_o &_o command_v every_o master_n of_o a_o family_n among_o the_o israelite_n to_o do_v the_o same_o &_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v because_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n the_o passeover_n be_v both_o a_o sign_n and_o a_o mean_n of_o a_o temporal_a deliverance_n beside_o the_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n then_o why_o all_o the_o israelite_n shall_v eat_v the_o passeover_n and_o none_o be_v put_v back_o because_o all_o of_o they_o be_v to_o escape_v the_o temporal_a punishment_n which_o god_n be_v to_o inflict_v upon_o the_o egyptian_n but_o afterward_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o law_n that_o if_o any_o be_v but_o legal_o unclean_a he_o may_v not_o eat_v the_o passeover_n but_o must_v stay_v till_o the_o next_o month_n &_o they_o come_v and_o only_o the_o clean_a must_v eat_v thereof_o so_o that_o the_o lord_n himself_o do_v inhibit_v some_o from_o that_o sacrament_n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o passove_a be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v warrant_n to_o this_o confusion_n and_o careless_a admit_v of_o all_o to_o the_o communion_n that_o rather_o it_o prove_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o distinction_n make_v and_o a_o separation_n of_o the_o unworthy_a from_o the_o lord_n table_n those_o which_o be_v fit_o prepare_v be_v to_o be_v receive_v but_o notorious_a offender_n who_o be_v moral_o &_o spiritual_o unclean_a be_v to_o be_v put_v back_o till_o by_o repentance_n they_o have_v testify_v their_o worthiness_n 3._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o passove_a for_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a lamb_n of_o god_n shadow_v out_o diverse_a thing_n worthy_a our_o observation_n as_o first_o the_o lamb_n for_o the_o passove_a be_v to_o be_v a_o lamb_n of_o a_o year_n old_a without_o spot_n or_o blemish_n which_o signify_v unto_o we_o that_o christ_n be_v that_o immaculate_a lamb_n of_o god_n and_o without_o spot_n as_o peter_n call_v he_o 1._o peter_n 1.19_o second_o the_o paschall_n lamb_n when_o it_o be_v kill_v &_o eat_v have_v no_o bone_n of_o it_o break_a so_o be_v it_o command_v exod._n 12.46_o &_o numb_a 9.12_o signify_v that_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v crucify_v shall_v not_o have_v a_o bone_n of_o he_o break_v as_o s._n john_n apply_v the_o former_a text_n john_n 19.36_o three_o the_o paschall_n lamb_n must_v be_v eat_v with_o sour_a herb_n exodus_fw-la 12.8_o signify_v that_o no_o man_n can_v feel_v any_o sweetness_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n till_o he_o have_v his_o heart_n full_a of_o bitterness_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o with_o hanna_n be_v sore_o vex_v and_o trouble_v in_o mind_n so_o as_o he_o can_v pour_v out_o his_o soul_n before_o the_o lord_n 1._o sam._n 1.15_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o do_v hear_v god_n word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o reap_v no_o benefit_n by_o they_o four_o before_o the_o paschall_n lamb_n be_v eat_v all_o leaven_n must_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o their_o house_n this_o have_v a_o notable_a signification_n which_o we_o need_v not_o to_o guess_v at_o see_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v it_o down_o namely_o that_o we_o must_v remove_v all_o old_a leaven_n of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n matthew_n 16.12_o out_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o leaven_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n 5.7_o out_o of_o our_o life_n if_o we_o profess_v communion_n with_o christ._n this_o be_v a_o point_n worth_a our_o mark_v for_o unless_o we_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o we_o will_v live_v in_o this_o old_a leaven_n we_o must_v never_o look_v to_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n into_o our_o heart_n last_o every_o person_n receive_v the_o passove_a in_o haste_n with_o shoe_n on_o their_o foot_n with_o staff_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o their_o clothes_n gird_v up_o exod._n 12.11_o yet_o this_o we_o must_v understand_v only_o of_o the_o first_o passove_a in_o egypt_n 22.49_o for_o christ_n do_v eat_v it_o sit_v now_o this_o ceremony_n use_v in_o the_o first_o passove_a signify_v thus_o much_o that_o if_o we_o look_v to_o have_v benefit_n by_o christ_n we_o must_v be_v of_o this_o mind_n to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o be_v prepare_v to_o go_v when_o &_o whither_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o we_o must_v not_o have_v our_o heart_n glue_v to_o earthly_a thing_n but_o always_o ready_a
be_v so_o than_o he_o call_v all_o man_n effectual_o answer_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o apostle_n according_a to_o his_o meaning_n for_o roman_n 11.15_o he_o expound_v himself_o &_o show_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o world_n say_v that_o the_o fall_v away_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o reconcile_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o man_n in_o all_o the_o age_n but_o in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n after_o christ_n ascension_n wherein_o god_n offer_v to_o all_o the_o world_n life_n everlasting_a by_o christ._n further_o rahab_n be_v here_o note_v by_o a_o notorious_a vice_n she_o be_v call_v a_o harlot_n whereby_o she_o be_v infamous_a among_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n certain_a of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o new_a testament_n say_v that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o s._n james_n do_v great_a wrong_n unto_o rahab_n for_o call_v she_o a_o harlot_n for_o say_v they_o in_o josuah_n she_o be_v call_v but_o a_o taverner_n or_o hostess_n answer_n we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o word_n which_o be_v use_v in_o josuah_n signify_v two_o thing_n a_o taverner_n and_o a_o harlot_n now_o take_v the_o word_n proper_o as_o it_o be_v general_o use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o then_o most_o common_o it_o be_v put_v for_o a_o harlot_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n rahab_n have_v no_o wrong_n do_v she_o by_o this_o title_n for_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o josuah_n intend_v to_o show_v what_o a_o one_o she_o have_v be_v and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v of_o she_o to_o the_o spy_n he_o bid_v they_o go_v into_o that_o harlot_n house_n josuah_n 6.22_o use_v such_o a_o article_n as_o imply_v that_o she_o have_v be_v infamous_a and_o notorious_a in_o that_o kind_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o she_o play_v the_o harlot_n after_o she_o have_v receive_v grace_n to_o believe_v but_o long_o before_o for_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n neither_o will_v it_o suffer_v any_o sin_n to_o reign_v therein_o she_o be_v call_v a_o harlot_n therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o her_o life_n past_a for_o which_o she_o be_v infamous_a among_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n before_o her_o call_n to_o the_o faith_n quest._n how_o can_v she_o believe_v be_v a_o harlot_n in_o former_a time_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o neither_o fornicator_n nor_o adulterer_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 1._o cor._n 6.9_o answer_n that_o be_v true_a according_a to_o the_o law_n but_o the_o gospel_n give_v this_o exception_n unless_o they_o repent_v and_o so_o be_v all_o legal_a threaten_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n and_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o her_o sin_n we_o may_v note_v the_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n for_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o call_v most_o notorious_a and_o grievous_a sinner_n to_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n as_o isaiah_n say_v the_o lord_n be_v very_o ready_a to_o forgive_v isaiah_n 55.7_o yea_o with_o the_o lord_n be_v plentiful_a redemption_n psal._n 130.7_o this_o appear_v by_o vouchsafe_v mercy_n to_o rahab_n a_o notable_a harlot_n and_o as_o he_o deal_v with_o rahab_n here_o so_o have_v he_o show_v like_o mercy_n to_o other_o notorious_a sinner_n king_n manasses_n have_v sell_v himself_o to_o idolatry_n and_o witchcraft_n and_o have_v shed_v innocent_a blood_n exceed_v much_o and_o cause_v judah_n to_o sin_n 2._o king_n 21_o 6_o 16_o for_o which_o he_o be_v lead_v captive_a yet_o when_o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o pray_v god_n be_v entreat_v of_o he_o 2._o chron._n 33.13_o and_o paul_n say_v of_o himself_o when_o he_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o persecuter_n and_o a_o oppresser_n he_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n though_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o sinner_n that_o christ_n might_n first_o show_v on_o he_o all_o long_a suffering_n unto_o the_o example_n of_o they_o which_o shall_v in_o time_n to_o come_v believe_v in_o he_o unto_o everlasting_a life_n 1._o tim._n 1_o 13_o 16._o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o exceed_a mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n be_v of_o great_a use_n first_o it_o arm_v a_o poor_a soul_n against_o despair_n whereinto_o the_o devil_n will_v draw_v it_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o sin_n for_o many_o reason_n thus_o my_o sin_n be_v so_o heinous_a so_o many_o and_o so_o vile_a that_o i_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o god_n neither_o can_v i_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o but_o behold_v here_o the_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o forgive_a sin_n to_o they_o that_o repent_v though_o they_o be_v like_o crimson_a and_o scarlet_a and_o never_o so_o many_o this_o must_v comfort_v the_o wound_a soul_n and_o encourage_v all_o touch_v heart_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o sue_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n second_o it_o must_v move_v every_o one_o of_o we_o now_o to_o begin_v to_o repent_v if_o we_o have_v not_o repent_v heretofore_o and_o if_o we_o have_v begin_v to_o do_v it_o more_o earnest_o for_o god_n be_v most_o merciful_a and_o with_o he_o be_v plentiful_a redemption_n yet_o we_o must_v beware_v that_o we_o take_v not_o occasion_n hereby_o to_o live_v in_o sin_n because_o god_n be_v merciful_a for_o this_o be_v to_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n which_o saint_n jude_n make_v a_o brand_n of_o the_o ungodly_a 4._o and_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o reprobate_n who_o as_o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v be_v appoint_v to_o condemnation_n yea_o this_o be_v a_o despise_n of_o the_o bountifulness_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o hereby_o they_o heap_v up_o unto_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n roman_n chapter_n 2_o verses_z 4_o 5._o let_v we_o therefore_o remember_v this_o counsel_n of_o paul_n shall_v we_o sin_v that_o grace_n may_v abound_v god_n forbid_v we_o must_v all_o but_o especial_o young_a man_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o course_n for_o if_o we_o bless_v ourselves_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o say_v we_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o we_o live_v in_o sin_n god_n will_v not_o be_v merciful_a unto_o we_o but_o his_o wrath_n shall_v smoke_v against_o us._n 20._o further_o note_v that_o howsoever_o she_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o a_o most_o infamous_a harlot_n yet_o when_o she_o repent_v god_n do_v honour_n and_o grace_v she_o with_o the_o title_n of_o a_o believer_n and_o that_o among_o those_o most_o renown_a believer_n that_o ever_o live_v before_o christ_n even_o to_o be_v one_o of_o that_o cloud_n of_o witness_n 1._o in_o who_o faith_n be_v commend_v to_o the_o church_n for_o ever_o hence_o also_o it_o be_v 1.5_o that_o saint_n matthew_n reckon_v she_o in_o the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v one_o of_o his_o predecessor_n when_o as_o amasia_n achas_n and_o such_o like_a who_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v do_v never_o repent_v be_v not_o once_o name_v herein_o we_o may_v see_v god_n wonderful_a mercy_n in_o honour_v sinner_n if_o they_o do_v repent_v the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v move_v we_o not_o only_o to_o learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n and_o to_o have_v it_o in_o our_o mouth_n but_o to_o labour_v that_o it_o may_v be_v settle_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v show_v forth_o the_o power_n thereof_o in_o our_o life_n all_o of_o we_o desire_v honour_n and_o reputation_n among_o mâ—n_z well_o if_o we_o will_v be_v honour_v indeed_o we_o must_v repent_v and_o then_o god_n himself_o will_v honour_v we_o neither_o have_v our_o sin_n make_v we_o so_o infamous_a as_o by_o our_o repentance_n god_n shall_v make_v we_o honourable_a further_o concern_v the_o party_n how_o can_v rahab_n come_v by_o faith_n see_v she_o live_v out_o of_o the_o church_n where_o the_o word_n be_v never_o preach_v unto_o she_o answer_n if_o we_o read_v the_o story_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o she_o come_v to_o believe_v by_o a_o report_n of_o god_n marvellous_a act_n 2.20_o for_o when_o the_o lord_n deliver_v the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o drown_v pharaoh_n therein_o with_o all_o his_o â—oast_n as_o they_o go_v further_o he_o deliver_v the_o king_n of_o the_o nation_n into_o their_o hand_n as_o og_n the_o king_n of_o baashan_n with_o the_o king_n of_o the_o amorites_n and_o amalekite_n now_o the_o report_n hereof_o come_v to_o the_o people_n of_o jericho_n whereupon_o they_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o wonderful_a great_a fear_n and_o howsoever_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n make_v no_o other_o use_n of_o it_o but_o to_o arm_v and_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o resist_v and_o beat_v back_o the_o israelite_n yet_o this_o report_n wrought_v further_o with_o rahab_n and_o
rahabs_n weak_a faith_n be_v thus_o commend_v here_o be_v comfort_n for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v god_n word_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o same_o many_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v but_o they_o be_v so_o wonderful_o trouble_v with_o dulness_n and_o want_n of_o memory_n that_o they_o can_v learn_v and_o hereupon_o they_o grow_v to_o doubt_v much_o of_o their_o estate_n towards_o god_n but_o these_o man_n must_v comfort_v themselves_o for_o though_o they_o have_v but_o little_a knowledge_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v care_n to_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n &_o make_v conscience_n of_o obedience_n to_o so_o much_o as_o they_o know_v god_n will_v account_v of_o they_o as_o of_o true_a believer_n &_o in_o truth_n such_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v above_o those_o which_o have_v much_o knowledge_n &_o so_o seem_v to_o have_v much_o faith_n and_o yet_o show_v forth_o no_o obedience_n answerable_a to_o their_o knowledge_n for_o they_o have_v a_o show_n of_o godliness_n but_o want_v the_o power_n of_o it_o three_o this_o confute_v our_o ignorant_a boaster_n who_o say_v they_o have_v as_o much_o knowledge_n as_o any_o man_n need_v to_o have_v for_o they_o know_v that_o a_o man_n must_v love_v god_n above_o all_o &_o that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n &_o this_o say_v they_o be_v enough_o and_o hereupon_o they_o take_v up_o their_o rest_n for_o matter_n of_o religion_n &_o seek_v to_o go_v no_o further_o but_o these_o man_n know_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o if_o they_o will_v add_v to_o this_o which_o they_o know_v though_o it_o be_v but_o little_a a_o care_n to_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n &_o with_o their_o knowledge_n join_v obedience_n they_o it_o be_v something_o but_o while_o they_o have_v no_o care_n neither_o to_o get_v more_o knowledge_n nor_o to_o show_v forth_o obedience_n to_o that_o they_o know_v they_o do_v hereby_o show_v plain_o that_o there_o be_v no_o drop_n of_o save_a knowledge_n nor_o true_a faith_n in_o their_o heart_n four_o see_v god_n commend_v the_o seed_n of_o true_a faith_n for_o true_a faith_n indeed_o this_o must_v encourage_v all_o man_n to_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o come_v by_o true_a faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o though_o as_o yet_o thou_o have_v but_o little_a knowledge_n and_o therefore_o but_o little_a faith_n and_o repentance_n yet_o if_o thou_o join_v hereto_o a_o endeavour_n to_o get_v more_o knowledge_n and_o have_v also_o care_n to_o practice_n that_o which_o thou_o know_v then_o will_v the_o lord_n increase_v thy_o knowledge_n and_o thy_o small_a faith_n till_o thou_o have_v sufficient_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n accept_v of_o thou_o as_o a_o true_a believer_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o measure_n of_o rahabs_n faith_n the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o reward_n which_o rahab_n receive_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o joshua_n and_o the_o israelite_n for_o her_o faith_n she_o perish_v not_o with_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o that_o be_v she_o with_o her_o family_n be_v preserve_v alive_a when_o as_o josuah_n destroy_v all_o that_o live_v in_o jericho_n young_a and_o old_a man_n woman_n and_o child_n but_o some_o will_v say_v the_o israelite_n be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n a_o religious_a people_n now_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o cruel_a part_n to_o destroy_v all_o for_o what_o have_v the_o young_a infant_n do_v answer_n in_o man_n reason_n it_o may_v seem_v so_o indeed_o yet_o it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o cruel_a part_n because_o they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o that_o which_o god_n command_v they_o for_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n that_o the_o canaanite_n shall_v be_v root_v out_o and_o that_o the_o israelite_n shall_v show_v no_o compassion_n on_o they_o deut._n 7.3_o beside_o even_o in_o reason_n the_o israelite_n have_v some_o cause_n to_o deal_v thus_o for_o god_n give_v this_o charge_n to_o the_o israelite_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o any_o city_n or_o people_n first_o they_o must_v offer_v peace_n and_o if_o they_o answer_v peaceable_o than_o they_o must_v be_v save_v and_o become_v their_o tributary_n and_o servant_n deuteronomie_n 20.10_o but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o make_v peace_n than_o they_o must_v put_v they_o to_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n verse_n 17_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n be_v inhabitant_n of_o canaan_n or_o near_o adjoin_v and_o thus_o no_o doubt_n joshua_n deal_v when_o he_o come_v to_o jericho_n first_o he_o offer_v peace_n if_o they_o will_v become_v their_o tributary_n but_o they_o trust_v to_o their_o strong_a wall_n and_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o become_v their_o servant_n for_o which_o cause_n he_o put_v they_o all_o to_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o cruelty_n because_o it_o be_v god_n commandment_n for_o god_n will_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n but_o be_v not_o this_o partial_a deal_n to_o spare_v rahab_n with_o her_o family_n who_o be_v inhabitant_n of_o jericho_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n answer_n there_o be_v two_o cause_n why_o she_o shall_v escape_v first_o because_o she_o yield_v herself_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o join_v herself_o unto_o they_o and_o be_v content_a to_o become_v one_o of_o their_o religion_n and_o therefore_o the_o commandment_n of_o put_v all_o to_o death_n do_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o she_o second_o rahab_n obtain_v this_o of_o the_o spy_n and_o bind_v they_o to_o it_o by_o a_o oath_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o destroy_v jericho_n they_o shall_v spare_v she_o and_o her_o family_n and_o therefore_o also_o do_v she_o escape_v in_o this_o preservation_n of_o rahab_n we_o may_v learn_v sundry_a point_n first_o whereas_o she_o be_v save_v alive_a because_o of_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o spy_n we_o see_v what_o special_a care_n every_o one_o ought_v to_o have_v for_o the_o do_v of_o those_o lawful_a thing_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v whereto_o he_o bind_v himself_o by_o a_o oath_n joshua_n know_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o spy_n to_o rahab_n as_o we_o may_v read_v give_v special_a charge_n for_o her_o preservation_n hence_o david_n say_v 6.22_o if_o a_o man_n bind_v himself_o with_o a_o oath_n he_o must_v keep_v it_o though_o it_o be_v to_o his_o own_o hindrance_n psal._n 15.4_o every_o single_a promise_n bind_v a_o man_n conscience_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a but_o when_o a_o oath_n be_v adjoin_v then_o there_o be_v a_o double_a bond_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n sai_z that_o god_n to_o make_v know_v the_o stableness_n of_o his_o counsel_n promise_v 6.17.18_o bind_v himself_o with_o a_o oath_n that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n to_o wit_n god_n promise_n and_o oath_n we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n so_o that_o a_o oath_n bind_v a_o man_n double_a to_o the_o perform_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o that_o this_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o a_o lawful_a oath_n appear_v thus_o if_o a_o man_n make_v a_o lawful_a oath_n and_o yet_o be_v induce_v to_o do_v it_o by_o fraud_n he_o must_v perform_v it_o and_o not_o fail_v as_o appear_v by_o josuahs_n fact_n to_o the_o gibeonite_n josuah_n 9.19_o for_o when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o jew_n crafty_o as_o though_o they_o have_v be_v man_n of_o a_o far_a country_n and_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o swear_v that_o they_o will_v not_o hurt_v they_o though_o the_o host_n of_o israel_n murmur_v at_o it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o their_o city_n and_o though_o they_o may_v have_v reason_v thus_o that_o they_o get_v it_o of_o they_o by_o fraud_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o keep_v it_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n of_o josuah_n and_o the_o prince_n unto_o the_o people_n that_o they_o have_v swear_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v not_o touch_v they_o and_o when_o king_n saul_n in_o zeal_n to_o israel_n have_v break_v this_o oath_n of_o josuah_n and_o the_o prince_n by_o destroy_v the_o gibeonite_n 2._o sam._n 21._o there_o come_v a_o plague_n upon_o the_o land_n for_o three_o year_n space_n and_o be_v not_o stay_v till_o seven_o of_o saul_n son_n be_v hang_v for_o saul_n fact_n so_o that_o the_o breach_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a thing_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o have_v bind_v himself_o thereby_o must_v have_v great_a care_n to_o keep_v it_o yet_o here_o some_o case_n may_v be_v propound_v worthy_a our_o consideration_n for_o first_o what_o if_o a_o man_n have_v take_v a_o oath_n to_o do_v a_o unlawful_a thing_n must_v he_o then_o keep_v his_o oath_n ans._n if_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o out_o of_o god_n word_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o lawful_a than_o he_o must_v not_o keep_v it_o for_o a_o oath_n may_v not_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n the_o
do_v it_o not_o so_o much_o as_o burn_v their_o garment_n or_o the_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n to_o cause_v the_o same_o to_o smell_v and_o the_o like_a be_v his_o goodness_n towards_o all_o his_o servant_n david_n say_v 21.3_o the_o lord_n prevent_v he_o with_o liberal_a blessing_n that_o be_v when_o david_n never_o ask_v such_o blessing_n at_o god_n hand_n even_o than_o do_v the_o lord_n bestow_v his_o liberal_a blessing_n upon_o he_o as_o namely_o this_o when_o david_n be_v follow_v his_o father_n sheep_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o call_n he_o never_o dream_v of_o any_o kingdom_n yet_o thence_o the_o lord_n take_v he_o to_o be_v king_n over_o his_o people_n israel_n so_o the_o israelite_n have_v be_v 70._o year_n in_o captivity_n never_o think_v of_o return_n and_o yet_o then_o be_v they_o deliver_v and_o their_o deliverance_n be_v so_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a that_o they_o be_v like_o they_o that_o dream_n psal._n 126.1_o when_o peter_n be_v cast_v into_o prison_n by_o herod_n and_o commit_v to_o four_o quaternion_n of_o soldier_n to_o be_v keep_v 12.4_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v and_o awake_v he_o as_o he_o sleep_v and_o lead_v he_o out_o of_o prison_n past_o the_o watch_n and_o through_o the_o iron_n gate_n and_o then_o leave_v he_o now_o this_o deliverance_n be_v so_o strange_a unto_o he_o that_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a but_o think_v he_o have_v see_v a_o vision_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v make_v this_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o answer_v before_o they_o call_v and_o to_o hear_v while_o they_o speak_v isaiah_n 65.24_o so_o endless_a be_v his_o mercy_n and_o his_o goodness_n so_o unspeakable_a towards_o his_o servant_n that_o if_o they_o cleave_v unto_o he_o unfeigned_o they_o shall_v find_v his_o bounty_n far_o surpass_v all_o that_o they_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v the_o consideration_n hereof_o serve_v to_o stir_v up_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o our_o place_n to_o cleave_v unfeigned_o unto_o the_o true_a god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n in_o due_a reverence_n and_o obedience_n if_o a_o servant_n be_v to_o choose_v his_o master_n and_o among_o a_o hundred_o shall_v hear_v of_o one_o that_o beside_o his_o wage_n will_v give_v unto_o his_o servant_n gift_n which_o they_o will_v not_o think_v of_o this_o servant_n will_v forsake_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o come_v unto_o this_o one_o behold_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v this_o bountiful_a master_n who_o do_v not_o only_o keep_v covenant_n with_o his_o servant_n in_o a_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o be_v exceed_o gracious_a prevent_v they_o with_o liberal_a blessing_n above_o all_o that_o they_o can_v wish_v for_o themselves_o wherefore_o let_v we_o forsake_v all_o our_o bad_a master_n the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o resign_v ourselves_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o serve_v this_o our_o good_a god_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v that_o can_v have_v such_o cause_n of_o true_a joy_n in_o heart_n as_o god_n servant_n have_v for_o god_n show_v more_o kindness_n unto_o they_o than_o they_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v of_o and_o take_v this_o for_o truth_n also_o there_o be_v none_o that_o thus_o give_v themselves_o to_o serve_v god_n faithful_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n but_o before_o they_o die_v they_o shall_v find_v this_o to_o be_v true_a that_o god_n be_v a_o most_o merciful_a god_n and_o his_o goodness_n endless_a towards_o they_o above_o their_o desert_n second_o this_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n must_v move_v we_o all_o to_o repent_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o be_v they_o never_o so_o many_o or_o heinous_a for_o they_o can_v never_o reach_v to_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o mercy_n though_o they_o be_v in_o number_n like_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n they_o must_v not_o dismay_v we_o from_o come_v to_o he_o but_o consider_v that_o his_o goodness_n be_v endless_a and_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n we_o must_v come_v unto_o he_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n for_o god_n be_v merciful_a to_o perform_v his_o promise_n yea_o and_o beyond_o his_o promise_n to_o do_v for_o we_o more_o than_o we_o can_v think_v of_o many_o indeed_o abuse_v this_o mercy_n of_o god_n by_o presume_v thereon_o to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n but_o such_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v merciful_a unto_o they_o deut._n 29.20_o it_o be_v the_o penitent_a person_n that_o shall_v find_v mercy_n the_o six_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v in_o these_o word_n escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n be_v thus_o escape_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o sword_n which_o be_v the_o hebrew_n phrase_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o here_o follow_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o before_o where_o he_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o two_o mouth_a sword_n heb._n 4.12_o hereby_o meaning_n as_o it_o be_v translate_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n this_o effect_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o two_o worthy_a prophet_n elias_n and_o elizeus_fw-la for_o elias_n we_o may_v read_v that_o when_o he_o have_v slay_v baal_n priest_n 1._o king_n 19.1_o jezabel_n the_o queen_n threaten_v to_o kill_v he_o which_o he_o hear_v flee_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o thence_o be_v lead_v to_o mount_n horeb_n and_o there_o escape_v by_o mean_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o for_o elizeus_fw-la we_o may_v read_v that_o when_o he_o disclose_v the_o king_n of_o syriah_n his_o counsel_n to_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n 2._o king_n 6._o he_o be_v compass_v about_o in_o dothan_n the_o city_n where_o he_o lay_v with_o a_o huge_a host_n of_o assyrian_n but_o pray_v to_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n smite_v the_o host_n with_o blindness_n and_o so_o the_o prophet_n lead_v they_o in_o safety_n to_o samaria_n so_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o effect_n be_v that_o when_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v in_o distress_n &_o danger_n of_o death_n they_o deny_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o help_n &_o by_o faith_n rely_v upon_o god_n unfeigned_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n &_o so_o find_v deliverance_n with_o god_n from_o the_o peril_n of_o death_n first_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n provide_v for_o the_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o extremity_n of_o peril_n and_o danger_n when_o both_o might_n and_o multitude_n be_v against_o they_o this_o point_n we_o have_v touch_v in_o diverse_a example_n before_o and_o therefore_o do_v here_o only_a name_n it_o second_o in_o that_o these_o man_n in_o the_o extremity_n of_o danger_n believe_v and_o so_o escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n we_o learn_v that_o when_o we_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n so_o as_o we_o see_v no_o way_n to_o escape_v even_o than_o we_o must_v put_v our_o trust_n in_o the_o true_a god_n and_o he_o will_v save_v us._n this_o we_o must_v do_v not_o only_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o body_n but_o more_o especial_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n put_v the_o case_n a_o man_n be_v in_o despair_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o that_o he_o see_v legion_n of_o devil_n compass_v he_o about_o to_o take_v he_o away_o what_o must_v this_o man_n do_v in_o this_o case_n answ._n look_v what_o elias_n and_o elizeus_fw-la do_v the_o same_o thing_n must_v he_o do_v he_o must_v not_o lie_v dead_a in_o desperation_n yield_v thereto_o but_o at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n when_o such_o terror_n oppress_v he_o he_o must_v by_o faith_n lift_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o put_v all_o his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o through_o christ._n and_o if_o he_o can_v this_o do_v he_o may_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v as_o certain_o escape_v these_o fearful_a terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n as_o elias_n &_o elizeus_fw-la do_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n for_o let_v a_o man_n put_v his_o whole_a trust_n in_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o his_o trouble_n be_v god_n will_v deliver_v he_o great_a be_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o lord_n deliver_v he_o out_o of_o they_o all_o psal._n 34.19_o indeed_o we_o must_v not_o limit_v god_n for_o time_n or_o manner_n of_o deliverance_n but_o wait_v on_o god_n by_o faith_n account_v his_o grace_n sufficient_a till_o deliverance_n come_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o six_o effect_n the_o seven_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v this_o of_o weak_a be_v make_v strong_a or_o thus_o of_o weak_a be_v restore_v to_o health_n this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o hezekias_n a_o worthy_a king_n of_o
juda_n who_o as_o we_o may_v read_v 2._o king_n 20._o be_v sore_o sick_a even_o unto_o death_n be_v restore_v to_o health_n and_o obtain_v of_o god_n the_o lengthen_v of_o his_o day_n for_o the_o space_n of_o fifteen_o year_n which_o wonderful_a recovery_n he_o obtain_v by_o mean_n of_o his_o faith_n which_o he_o show_v in_o time_n of_o his_o sickness_n by_o a_o prayer_n he_o make_v unto_o god_n the_o substance_n whereof_o stand_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o be_v very_o sick_a he_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n this_o appear_v by_o his_o thanksgiving_n upon_o his_o recovery_n isaiah_n 38.17_o where_o he_o confess_v that_o god_n have_v cast_v all_o his_o sin_n behind_o his_o back_n now_o look_v for_o what_o he_o give_v thanks_o that_o no_o doubt_n he_o have_v before_o beg_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n second_o he_o make_v request_n unto_o god_n for_o prolong_v of_o his_o day_n for_o some_o reason_n which_o do_v concern_v himself_o and_o this_o he_o also_o pray_v for_o in_o faith_n now_o the_o reason_n move_v he_o to_o pray_v for_o long_a life_n be_v these_o first_o he_o have_v then_o no_o issue_n to_o succeed_v he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o therefore_o he_o pray_v for_o life_n to_o beget_v a_o child_n which_o may_v sit_v upon_o his_o throne_n after_o he_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o prayer_n be_v this_o god_n have_v make_v a_o particular_a promise_n unto_o david_n and_o solomon_n 1._o king_n 8.25_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o want_v issue_n after_o they_o to_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o israel_n so_o that_o their_o child_n take_v heed_n to_o their_o way_n to_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n as_o david_n do_v now_o king_n hezekiah_n know_v this_o promise_n have_v regard_n hereunto_o and_o build_v himself_o hereon_o his_o conscience_n bear_v he_o witness_n that_o he_o have_v walk_v before_o the_o lord_n upright_o he_o pray_v for_o issue_n to_o succeed_v he_o and_o for_o that_o cause_n he_o desire_v strength_n of_o body_n and_o length_n of_o day_n this_o appear_v notable_o by_o his_o prayer_n 2._o king_n 20.3_o lord_n say_v he_o i_o beseech_v thou_o now_o remember_v how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n the_o sum_n of_o his_o prayer_n be_v this_o all_o the_o king_n succeed_v david_n and_o solomon_n which_o walk_v in_o god_n commandment_n shall_v have_v issue_n to_o sit_v on_o their_o throne_n after_o they_o now_o from_o hence_o he_o pray_v thus_o oh_o lord_n i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n and_o hereupon_o the_o conclusion_n follow_v grant_v i_o issue_n to_o sit_v upon_o my_o throne_n after_o i_o and_o therefore_o life_n and_o health_n to_o accomplish_v the_o same_o second_o he_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v live_v to_o glorify_v god_n in_o that_o weighty_a call_n wherein_o god_n have_v place_v he_o over_o his_o people_n this_o appear_v likewise_o by_o his_o thanksgiving_n unto_o the_o lord_n upon_o his_o recovery_n where_o he_o say_v isaiah_n 38.20_o â—he_v lord_n be_v ready_a to_o save_v i_o therefore_o we_o will_v sing_v my_o song_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o by_o his_o worthy_a prayer_n he_o show_v forth_o his_o faith_n notable_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o be_v sick_a unto_o death_n he_o obtain_v of_o the_o lord_n the_o prolong_n of_o his_o day_n for_o the_o space_n of_o fifteen_o year_n and_o so_o we_o see_v to_o who_o this_o seven_o effect_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v here_o we_o be_v teach_v a_o special_a duty_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o our_o health_n in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n to_o wit_n before_o we_o use_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o physic_n we_o must_v according_a to_o this_o example_n first_o put_v our_o faith_n in_o practice_n by_o humble_v ourselves_o for_o our_o sin_n past_a confess_v they_o true_o unto_o god_n and_o pray_v for_o pardon_n from_o a_o resolute_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n and_o also_o by_o entreat_v health_n of_o god_n and_o his_o good_a blessing_n upon_o the_o mean_n which_o we_o shall_v use_v for_o our_o recovery_n thus_o have_v other_o of_o god_n servant_n do_v beside_o hezekias_n when_o david_n be_v grievous_o sick_a the_o principal_a thing_n he_o do_v be_v this_o practice_n of_o faith_n in_o humble_v his_o soul_n before_o god_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o entreat_v earnest_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v psa._n 6._o &_o 38._o this_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n which_o in_o those_o psalm_n be_v propound_v of_o david_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n counsel_n jam._n 5.14_o 15_o be_v any_o man_n sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o must_v they_o do_v sure_o first_o pray_v for_o he_o and_o then_o as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o those_o day_n anoint_v he_o with_o oil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o again_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v any_o sin_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o and_o here_o we_o must_v be_v admonish_v to_o beware_v of_o the_o bad_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n in_o this_o case_n the_o most_o man_n in_o their_o sickness_n first_o seek_v to_o the_o physician_n and_o if_o that_o fail_v they_o they_o send_v for_o the_o minister_n this_o be_v king_n asa_n his_o practice_n for_o which_o he_o be_v brand_v to_o all_o posterity_n that_o be_v disease_v in_o his_o foot_n he_o seek_v unto_o physician_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o lord_n 2._o chron._n 16.12_o though_o otherwise_o he_o have_v good_a thing_n in_o he_o as_o 1._o king_n 15.14_o and_o many_o do_v far_o worse_o who_o seek_v to_o witch_n and_o enchanter_n when_o they_o or_o they_o be_v in_o such_o distress_n but_o this_o be_v to_o forsake_v god_n and_o to_o seek_v help_n of_o the_o devil_n like_v to_o ahaziah_n who_o send_v to_o baalzebub_n the_o god_n of_o ekron_n to_o know_v of_o his_o recovery_n when_o he_o be_v sick_a upon_o a_o fall_n 2._o king_n 1.2_o this_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o all_o god_n child_n for_o as_o ahaziahs_n sickness_n become_v deadly_a through_o his_o send_n to_o baalzebub_n so_o undoubted_o many_o disease_n become_v incurable_a by_o the_o bad_a and_o preposterous_a deal_n of_o the_o patient_n who_o either_o use_v unlawful_a mean_n or_o lawful_a mean_n disordered_o or_o trust_v therein_o we_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n must_v remember_v our_o duty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n as_o hezekiah_n do_v the_o eight_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v this_o wax_v valiant_a in_o battle_n this_o effect_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o the_o judge_n before_o name_v and_o of_o all_o the_o good_a king_n in_o juda_n and_o israel_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v two_o especial_o to_o who_o we_o may_v more_o peculiar_o refer_v it_o to_o wit_n samson_n and_o david_n for_o samson_n he_o by_o mean_n of_o faith_n come_v to_o be_v so_o mighty_a judg._n 15.15_o that_o with_o the_o jaw_n bone_n of_o a_o ass_n he_o slay_v a_o thousand_o philistines_n and_o for_o david_n he_o likewise_o be_v so_o encourage_v by_o faith_n that_o with_o the_o same_o sling_n wherewith_o he_o keep_v his_o father_n sheep_n which_o be_v but_o a_o slender_a weapon_n for_o war_n he_o encounter_v with_o goliath_n that_o huge_a philistim_n and_o hit_v he_o with_o a_o stone_n in_o the_o forehead_n and_o slay_v he_o both_o these_o fact_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o make_v they_o bold_a to_o encounter_v with_o these_o mighty_a enemy_n in_o this_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n first_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o true_a fortitude_n and_o manhood_n right_a valour_n and_o courage_n come_v from_o true_a faith_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o many_o heathen_a man_n have_v great_a strength_n and_o courage_n but_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o true_a valour_n for_o right_a valour_n come_v from_o a_o believe_a heart_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o judge_n and_o prince_n of_o israel_n wax_v strong_a in_o battle_n by_o faith_n second_o do_v true_a faith_n make_v man_n valiant_a in_o battle_n then_o shall_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v set_v up_o and_o maintain_v as_o well_o in_o the_o camp_n and_o guarison_n and_o among_o soldier_n on_o the_o sea_n as_o in_o city_n and_o town_n of_o peace_n for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o this_o faith_n which_o give_v valour_n in_o battle_n to_o they_o that_o fight_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n enjoin_v by_o moses_n that_o when_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n go_v out_o to_o battle_n the_o priest_n
gather_v it_o out_o of_o the_o story_n and_o record_n of_o man_n which_o howsoever_o they_o be_v not_o now_o extant_a yet_o in_o his_o day_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v extant_a know_v and_o approve_a neither_o must_v this_o seem_v strange_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n speak_v of_o man_n have_v oftentimes_o reference_n and_o relation_n therein_o to_o humane_a write_n as_o this_o phrase_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o act_n of_o such_o and_o such_o be_v they_o not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n so_o often_o use_v in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n and_o chronicle_n do_v evident_o declare_v now_o those_o book_n of_o chronicle_n be_v not_o parcelle_v of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a story_n like_v to_o our_o book_n of_o martyr_n and_o chronicle_n 2._o timothy_n chapter_n 3._o verse_n 8_o saint_n paul_n say_v jannes_n and_o jambre_n resist_v moses_n now_o in_o the_o book_n of_o exodus_fw-la we_o shall_v not_o find_v the_o sorcerer_n that_o withstand_v moses_n once_o name_v and_o saint_n jude_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o prophecy_n of_o enoch_n jude_n verse_n 14_o which_o in_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v not_o record_v and_o it_o be_v like_a that_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o penne-manne_n of_o holy_a scripture_n whence_o then_o have_v these_o apostle_n these_o thing_n answer_n no_o doubt_n the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v reveal_v such_o thing_n unto_o they_o though_o they_o have_v be_v unknowen_a in_o those_o time_n but_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n have_v they_o out_o of_o some_o jewish_a writer_n or_o record_v then_o extant_a and_o approve_v among_o the_o jew_n so_o paul_n preach_v to_o the_o athenian_n allege_v the_o say_n of_o aratus_n a_o athenian_a poet_n for_o 17.28_o we_o be_v his_o generation_n and_o to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o propound_v a_o sentence_n of_o menander_n evil_a word_n corrupt_v good_a manner_n 1._o cor._n 15._o and_o to_o titus_n he_o allege_v epimenides_n a_o cretian_a poet_n the_o cretan_n be_v always_o liar_n evil_a beast_n slow_a belly_n titus_n 1.12_o now_o whereas_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n take_v these_o sentence_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o man_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o to_o read_v the_o write_n of_o man_n be_v not_o unlawful_a but_o a_o thing_n of_o good_a use_n to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n but_o whereas_o some_o will_v hence_o prove_v that_o their_o authority_n may_v be_v allege_v ordinary_o at_o every_o man_n pleasure_n in_o the_o public_a ministry_n it_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o these_o place_n for_o first_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o their_o public_a ministry_n that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v but_o no_o minister_n at_o this_o day_n have_v such_o a_o privilege_n second_o the_o apostle_n allege_v or_o record_v the_o say_n of_o man_n in_o their_o sermon_n or_o write_n do_v thereby_o sanctify_v they_o and_o make_v they_o to_o become_v a_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n this_o no_o ordinary_a minister_n can_v do_v but_o let_v he_o allege_v a_o humane_a testimony_n ten_o thousand_o time_n yet_o still_o it_o remain_v humane_a and_o be_v not_o god_n word_n three_o they_o that_o will_v warrant_v their_o practice_n in_o allege_v humane_a testimony_n in_o their_o sermon_n by_o the_o apostle_n aught_o to_o follow_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o manner_n of_o allegation_n now_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o spare_v herein_o that_o in_o many_o book_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v one_o for_o there_o be_v only_o three_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n again_o the_o apostle_n do_v it_o without_o ostentation_n for_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n be_v conceal_v whence_o they_o take_v their_o testimony_n and_o last_o the_o apostle_n do_v it_o upon_o weighty_a cause_n and_o just_a occasion_n to_o wit_n when_o they_o be_v persuade_v in_o conscience_n that_o those_o testimony_n will_v convince_v the_o 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the_o wilderness_n 40._o year_n after_o which_o time_n they_o be_v plant_v safe_o in_o the_o fruitful_a land_n of_o canaan_n a_o land_n that_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n and_o there_o also_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v in_o this_o case_n sometime_o in_o prosperity_n and_o otherwhiles_o in_o adversity_n for_o when_o it_o be_v rule_v by_o judge_n as_o in_o that_o book_n appear_v for_o ten_o twenty_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n together_o the_o israelite_n for_o their_o sin_n be_v in_o subjection_n &_o bondage_n to_o the_o nation_n about_o they_o as_o the_o moabite_n the_o philistines_n the_o ammonite_n etc._n etc._n yet_o then_o when_o they_o cry_v to_o god_n he_o send_v they_o some_o mighty_a judge_n to_o deliver_v they_o for_o so_o long_a time_n again_o this_o be_v the_o interchangeable_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o afterward_o when_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o king_n it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n for_o one_o while_o god_n give_v they_o good_a king_n who_o will_v advance_v religion_n and_o maintain_v and_o cherish_v the_o priest_n and_o prophet_n of_o god_n and_o for_o their_o time_n the_o church_n prosper_v but_o otherwhiles_o for_o their_o sin_n god_n will_v send_v they_o wicked_a prince_n which_o persecute_v the_o prophet_n and_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o king_n and_o chronicle_n after_o the_o reign_n of_o good_a king_n josias_n come_v the_o captivity_n into_o babylon_n &_o 70_o year_n expire_v the_o lord_n by_o k._n cyrus_n return_v they_o again_o after_o their_o return_n they_o be_v one_o while_n in_o peace_n and_o another_o while_n in_o distress_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n and_o nehemias_n but_o above_o all_o other_o that_o persecution_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n be_v
ourselves_o and_o to_o lay_v it_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o then_o no_o doubt_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o word_n of_o power_n able_a to_o reform_v both_o the_o misdemeanour_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o error_n of_o our_o mind_n now_o to_o the_o reason_n more_o particular_o we_o must_v be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n because_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n here_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o for_o their_o faith_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n and_o then_o to_o a_o cloud_n compass_v us._n last_o to_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n they_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n as_o i_o take_v it_o by_o allusion_n to_o the_o cloud_n which_o direct_v and_o lead_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o when_o they_o come_v from_o egypt_n and_o be_v 40._o year_n in_o the_o desert_n of_o arabia_n all_o that_o while_n they_o be_v direct_v by_o a_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n by_o day_n exod._n 13.21_o now_o look_v as_o this_o cloud_n guide_v the_o israelite_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n so_o do_v this_o company_n of_o famous_a believer_n direct_v all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o right_a way_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n to_o the_o spiritual_a canaan_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o these_o worthy_a believer_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n mark_v further_o they_o be_v call_v a_o cloud_n but_o what_o a_o cloud_n namely_o compass_v us._n a_o compass_v cloud_n they_o be_v call_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a company_n of_o believer_n so_o as_o which_o way_n soever_o a_o man_n turn_v he_o he_o shall_v see_v believer_n on_o every_o side_n and_o they_o be_v say_v to_o compass_v we_o because_o they_o give_v we_o direction_n in_o the_o course_n of_o christianity_n as_o the_o cloud_n do_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n now_o whereas_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v a_o cloud_n compass_v we_o here_o be_v answer_v a_o common_a objection_n of_o temporizer_n which_o argue_v thus_o against_o religion_n there_o be_v so_o many_o kind_n of_o religion_n now_o aday_n that_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v which_o to_o be_v of_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n till_o we_o be_v certify_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n this_o carnal_a reason_n be_v here_o answer_v for_o howsoever_o in_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v variety_n of_o opinion_n in_o god_n church_n yet_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n all_o agree_v in_o one_o for_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o world_n resemble_v a_o cloud_n that_o go_v before_o we_o show_v we_o the_o right_a way_n which_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n second_o in_o that_o these_o ancient_a believer_n be_v call_v a_o cloud_n compass_v we_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o as_o the_o israelites_n do_v follow_v the_o cloud_n in_o the_o wilderness_n from_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n to_o canaan_n so_o must_v we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o these_o ancient_a believe_a father_n &_o prophet_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o see_v how_o the_o israelite_n follow_v that_o cloud_n they_o never_o go_v till_o it_o go_v before_o they_o and_o when_o it_o stand_v still_o they_o stand_v still_o also_o though_o it_o be_v 2._o year_n together_o and_o when_o it_o begin_v to_o move_v they_o move_v with_o it_o so_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n must_v we_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o life_n the_o worthy_a example_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n 15.4_o we_o must_v therefore_o be_v follower_n of_o they_o in_o faith_n obedience_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v direct_v to_o life_n everlasting_a in_o the_o spiritual_a canaan_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o follow_v they_o absolute_o for_o all_o of_o they_o have_v their_o infirmity_n &_o some_o of_o they_o have_v their_o grievous_a fault_n whereby_o they_o be_v taint_v &_o their_o commendation_n somewhat_o blemish_v but_o we_o must_v follow_v they_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n &_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o cloud_n that_o guide_v the_o israelite_n have_v two_o part_n 14.20_o a_o light_a part_n &_o a_o dark_a the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n people_n have_v not_o the_o light_a part_n before_o they_o but_o the_o dark_a part_n &_o so_o follow_v that_o they_o rush_v into_o the_o red_a sea_n &_o be_v drown_v when_o as_o the_o israelite_n follow_v the_o light_a part_n go_v through_o in_o safety_n even_o so_o these_o believer_n have_v in_o they_o two_o thing_n their_o sin_n which_o be_v their_o dark_a part_n which_o if_o we_o follow_v we_o cast_v our_o soul_n into_o great_a danger_n &_o destruction_n and_o faith_n with_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v their_o light_a part_n which_o we_o must_v follow_v as_o our_o light_n which_o if_o we_o do_v careful_o it_o will_v bring_v we_o safe_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o paul_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n be_v follower_n of_o he_o yet_o not_o absolute_o in_o every_o thing_n but_o as_o he_o follow_v christ_n and_o so_o must_v we_o follow_v the_o father_n as_o they_o go_v on_o in_o faith_n in_o christ._n further_o they_o be_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n that_o be_v a_o huge_a multitude_n of_o witness_n and_o they_o be_v so_o call_v first_o because_o by_o their_o own_o blood_n they_o confirm_v the_o faith_n which_o they_o profess_v second_o because_o they_o do_v all_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o true_a religion_n whereof_o they_o be_v witness_n partly_o by_o speech_n and_o partly_o by_o action_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o so_o be_v every_o member_n of_o christ_n a_o witness_n as_o the_o lord_n often_o call_v the_o believe_a israelite_n 12_o his_o witness_n quest._n how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v that_o these_o believer_n shall_v be_v god_n witness_n answer_n sure_o because_o they_o testify_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o god_n holy_a religion_n both_o in_o word_n and_o action_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n now_o see_v these_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v christ_n witness_n first_o hereby_o all_o ignorant_a person_n must_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o get_v faith_n and_o to_o learn_v true_a religion_n if_o any_o thing_n will_v move_v a_o man_n to_o become_v religious_a this_o will_n for_o out_o of_o all_o the_o world_n god_n will_v choose_v faithful_a man_n to_o be_v his_o witness_n to_o testify_v of_o his_o religion_n unto_o other_o if_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o some_o worthy_a mighty_a prince_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o call_v he_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o his_o side_n he_o will_v be_v wonderful_a glad_a thereof_o and_o take_v it_o for_o a_o great_a honour_n to_o he_o how_o much_o more_o than_o ought_v we_o to_o labour_n for_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o true_a religion_n that_o we_o may_v become_v witness_n unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n if_o it_o be_v a_o dignity_n to_o be_v witness_n to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n oh_o then_o what_o a_o great_a prerogative_n be_v this_o for_o a_o silly_a sinful_a man_n to_o become_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n &_o who_o word_n need_v no_o confirmation_n this_o must_v make_v we_o all_o to_o labour_v for_o knowledge_n &_o for_o faith_n and_o for_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o we_o will_v remain_v still_o in_o our_o ignorance_n and_o never_o labour_v for_o knowledge_n then_o shall_v these_o servant_n of_o god_n that_o believe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n stand_v up_o and_o witness_v against_o we_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o they_o have_v not_o such_o mean_n as_o we_o have_v and_o yet_o they_o become_v most_o faithful_a witness_n second_o this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v careful_a that_o as_o in_o word_n we_o profess_v christ_n so_o indeed_o we_o may_v confess_v he_o express_v the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o us._n for_o by_o this_o true_a confession_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v make_v his_o witness_n but_o when_o we_o confess_v christ_n in_o word_n only_o and_o yet_o in_o life_n &_o practice_n deny_v he_o than_o we_o be_v unfaithful_a witness_n for_o we_o say_v &_o unsay_v in_o a_o earthly_a court_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v one_o while_o say_v one_o thing_n &_o another_o while_o another_o thing_n he_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v for_o a_o
sacrament_n of_o the_o old_a as_o also_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o aim_a at_o these_o two_o end_n to_o show_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o misery_n by_o sin_n and_o to_o foretell_v or_o represent_v our_o reconciliation_n by_o christ._n which_o be_v so_o our_o lesson_n be_v this_o we_o have_v all_o receive_v those_o two_o sacrament_n the_o first_o once_o the_o second_o often_o now_o if_o they_o have_v be_v due_o receive_v of_o we_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v this_o double_a use_n unto_o we_o 1._o to_o cause_v we_o to_o make_v a_o search_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o of_o our_o misery_n by_o sin_n and_o see_v it_o to_o be_v cast_v down_o and_o humble_v consider_v how_o corrupt_a our_o heart_n be_v and_o how_o wicked_a our_o life_n and_o second_o when_o this_o be_v so_o then_o to_o make_v we_o seek_v for_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o make_v we_o desire_v it_o love_v it_o and_o pray_v for_o it_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n abel_n not_o only_o offer_v but_o offer_v so_o as_o that_o it_o put_v he_o â—n_o mind_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o redemption_n by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v so_o we_o must_v not_o only_o outward_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o so_o receive_v as_o that_o we_o may_v see_v and_o be_v humble_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o seek_v to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n in_o christ._n such_o use_n also_o ought_v we_o to_o make_v of_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o not_o to_o be_v content_a with_o bare_a hear_n of_o it_o or_o to_o get_v a_o general_a knowledge_n out_o of_o it_o but_o it_o must_v give_v we_o a_o special_a sight_n of_o our_o own_o estate_n by_o sin_n and_o urge_v we_o forward_o to_o seek_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n religion_n stand_v not_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o the_o congregation_n though_o it_o be_v do_v never_o so_o often_o and_o never_o so_o formal_o but_o so_o to_o hear_v and_o so_o to_o receive_v as_o that_o they_o may_v work_v in_o we_o those_o two_o thing_n and_o that_o be_v the_o pith_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o profess_v religion_n and_o show_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o these_o two_o that_o man_n profession_n be_v in_o vain_a and_o it_o will_v go_v for_o no_o payment_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n thus_o we_o see_v they_o offer_v and_o what_o they_o offer_v it_o follow_v a_o great_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n the_o three_o &_o last_o point_n be_v the_o difference_n of_o these_o sacrifice_n for_o although_o cain_n offer_v as_o well_o as_o abel_n and_o offer_v sacrifice_n as_o well_o as_o abel_n yet_o be_v there_o a_o difference_n in_o their_o sacrifice_n for_o abel_n be_v better_a than_o cain_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a point_n for_o this_o set_v down_o what_o be_v that_o excellency_n of_o his_o faith_n for_o which_o he_o be_v here_o commend_v abel_n be_v not_o commend_v for_o offering_n by_o his_o faith_n for_o so_o do_v cain_n that_o have_v no_o faith_n nor_o for_o offer_v sacrifice_n by_o his_o faith_n for_o so_o do_v cain_n that_o have_v no_o faith_n but_o because_o that_o by_o his_o faith_n he_o offer_v a_o better_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n can_v the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v abel_n a_o better_a or_o great_a sacrifice_n because_o abel_n bring_v the_o best_a and_o fat_a of_o his_o sheep_n and_o so_o bestow_v the_o most_o cost_n he_o can_v as_o signify_v that_o he_o will_v have_v bestow_v more_o cost_n have_v he_o know_v how_o to_o have_v do_v it_o for_o he_o that_o give_v as_o he_o have_v will_v give_v more_o if_o he_o have_v it_o and_o he_o that_o do_v the_o best_a he_o can_v in_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v certain_a he_o will_v do_v better_a if_o he_o can_v cain_n contrariwise_o bring_v not_o the_o best_a of_o his_o fruit_n but_o either_o the_o worst_a or_o whatsoever_o come_v first_o to_o hand_n as_o think_v that_o whatsoever_o he_o bring_v be_v good_a enough_o therefore_o worthy_o be_v abel_n say_v to_o have_v offer_v a_o better_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n and_o further_o this_o holy_a practice_n of_o abel_n come_v to_o be_v a_o law_n write_v even_o one_o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n namely_o that_o the_o first_o bear_v shall_v be_v offer_v to_o god_n exod._n 34.19_o and_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o corn_n levit._n 23.10_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o nothing_o that_o be_v lame_a blind_a maim_a or_o have_v any_o blemish_n in_o it_o shall_v be_v offer_v to_o the_o lord_n deut._n 15.21_o abel_n here_o do_v even_o that_o which_o these_o law_n command_v and_o these_o law_n command_v the_o same_o that_o he_o do_v thus_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o honour_v his_o servant_n abel_n for_o his_o obedient_a and_o honest_a heart_n even_o to_o make_v his_o practice_n the_o ground_n and_o beginning_n of_o one_o of_o his_o own_o law_n that_o so_o the_o israelite_n in_o all_o their_o generation_n may_v in_o their_o daily_a practice_n remember_v this_o worthy_a deed_n of_o holy_a abel_n to_o his_o perpetual_a honour_n now_o for_o we_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o law_n bind_v we_o not_o for_o it_o be_v a_o ceremony_n and_o be_v end_v in_o christ._n yet_o the_o equity_n and_o use_n of_o it_o reach_v even_o to_o we_o namely_o it_o teach_v we_o when_o we_o will_v give_v any_o thing_n unto_o god_n to_o give_v the_o best_a we_o have_v this_o be_v the_o equity_n of_o all_o those_o law_n ceremonial_a which_o command_v they_o to_o give_v to_o the_o lord_n their_o first_o bear_v and_o their_o first_o fruit_n and_o the_o fat_a of_o their_o cattle_n and_o so_o much_o of_o they_o do_v still_o bind_v us._n now_o from_o this_o rule_n be_v teach_v diverse_a duty_n 1._o to_o the_o parent_n have_v thou_o many_o child_n and_o will_v give_v some_o to_o the_o lord_n namely_o to_o serve_v he_o in_o the_o ministry_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o make_v the_o elder_a a_o gentleman_n the_o next_o a_o lawyer_n the_o next_o a_o merchant_n he_o that_o be_v young_a or_o least_o regard_v or_o that_o have_v some_o infirmity_n in_o wit_n or_o deformity_n in_o body_n set_v he_o to_o school_v let_v he_o be_v a_o minister_n but_o abel_n sacrifice_n control_v this_o profane_a course_n of_o the_o world_n learn_v therefore_o by_o he_o whosoever_o of_o all_o thy_o child_n thou_o find_v fit_a in_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n who_o thou_o love_v best_o and_o most_o esteem_v he_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o lord_n be_v most_o worthy_a of_o he_o consecrate_v he_o to_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o service_n in_o the_o ministry_n 2._o to_o the_o young_a man_n he_o be_v in_o the_o strength_n and_o ripeness_n of_o wit_n sense_n memory_n capacity_n and_o in_o the_o best_a of_o his_o age_n he_o say_v i_o will_v take_v my_o pleasure_n now_o i_o be_o fit_a for_o it_o i_o will_v repent_v at_o the_o end_n of_o my_o day_n and_o that_o be_v a_o fit_a time_n this_o be_v a_o vile_a policy_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o dishonour_n god_n and_o to_o cast_v away_o their_o soul_n what_o a_o grief_n be_v it_o to_o give_v the_o devil_n his_o young_a year_n the_o strength_n of_o his_o body_n and_o wit_n and_o to_o bring_v his_o wither_a old_a age_n unto_o god_n nay_o be_v sure_a god_n will_v not_o accept_v thy_o rot_a sacrifice_n of_o old_a age_n but_o rather_o give_v thou_o up_o to_o the_o devil_n that_o he_o may_v have_v thou_o altogether_o which_o have_v have_v the_o best_a then_o follow_v rather_o salomon_n counsel_n eccles._n 12.1_o who_o bid_v thou_o remember_v thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n remember_v abel_n sacrifice_n it_o be_v of_o the_o best_a so_o thou_o have_v no_o sacrifice_n but_o thyself_o to_o offer_v offer_v then_o the_o best_a thy_o young_a year_n be_v the_o best_a time_n give_v they_o unto_o god_n 3._o to_o all_o christian_n abel_n offer_v the_o best_a it_o teach_v we_o all_o if_o we_o will_v profess_v and_o serve_v god_n not_o to_o do_v it_o by_o the_o half_n or_o for_o show_v and_o fashion_n sake_n or_o negligent_o as_o not_o care_v how_o thus_o to_o do_v be_v but_o to_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o cain_n and_o that_o make_v the_o most_o professor_n go_v away_o with_o their_o service_n unaccept_v as_o cain_n be_v for_o god_n will_v have_v all_o or_o none_o he_o be_v worthy_a to_o have_v no_o partner_n he_o must_v be_v serve_v with_o all_o the_o heart_n with_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v consecrate_v himself_o whole_o unto_o he_o 2._o king_n 23.25_o it_o be_v the_o special_a commendation_n of_o good_a king_n josias_n that_o he_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n
with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o might_n and_o for_o that_o he_o be_v prefer_v afore_o all_o king_n afore_o or_o after_o he_o not_o that_o josias_n can_v fulfil_v the_o law_n perfect_o as_o it_o require_v but_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o endeavour_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n by_o which_o he_o strave_v with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v his_o exsample_n be_v we_o we_o profess_v religion_n we_o must_v look_v that_o our_o heart_n affect_v it_o we_o profess_v a_o turn_n from_o sin_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n it_o be_v not_o formal_a and_o from_o the_o lip_n but_o from_o the_o heart_n so_o when_o we_o practise_v any_o duty_n of_o religion_n whether_o we_o pray_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n this_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n that_o we_o can_v offer_v we_o must_v not_o do_v they_o cold_o and_o careless_o but_o with_o zealous_a affection_n and_o resolution_n from_o the_o heart_n otherwise_o if_o we_o serve_v god_n for_o fashion_n sake_n and_o our_o heart_n be_v on_o the_o world_n and_o our_o own_o lust_n we_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o curse_a cain_n and_o we_o with_o our_o formal_a religion_n shall_v go_v to_o he_o but_o let_v we_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o abel_n that_o be_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o little_a yet_o let_v it_o be_v the_o best_a we_o can_v and_o all_o we_o can_v and_o god_n will_v accept_v we_o as_o he_o do_v abel_n and_o thus_o the_o parent_n shall_v give_v god_n his_o best_a child_n the_o young_a man_n his_o best_a year_n every_o man_n his_o best_a part_n which_o be_v his_o heart_n and_o thus_o we_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o holy_a abel_n who_o offer_v to_o god_n the_o best_a sacrifice_n he_o have_v this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o faith_n even_o so_o that_o parent_n that_o young_a man_n that_o professor_n that_o have_v true_a faith_n will_v do_v so_o likewise_o hitherto_o of_o the_o first_o effect_n of_o abel_n faith_n it_o follow_v by_o the_o which_o he_o obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a this_o be_v the_o second_o effect_n of_o abel_n faith_n whereby_o it_o be_v commend_v 1._o for_o the_o meaning_n by_o faith_n he_o mean_v save_v faith_n which_o make_v a_o man_n just_a before_o god_n and_o no_o other_o for_o whereas_o he_o have_v say_v afore_o that_o by_o faith_n our_o elder_n have_v obtain_v a_o good_a report_n he_o prove_v that_o general_a by_o this_o exsample_n of_o abel_n therefore_o that_o save_v faith_n which_o be_v mean_v there_o be_v also_o mean_v here_o these_o word_n set_v down_o two_o benefit_n which_o abel_n have_v by_o his_o save_a faith_n first_o he_o be_v just_a by_o it_o second_o god_n testify_v that_o he_o be_v so_o for_o the_o first_o abel_n faith_n make_v he_o just_a and_o righteous_a not_o because_o his_o faith_n be_v a_o excellent_a quality_n of_o that_o virtue_n in_o itself_o as_o to_o make_v he_o just_a but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o instrument_n whereby_o he_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v to_o himself_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v whereby_o he_o may_v stand_v just_a before_o god_n this_o be_v his_o righteousness_n which_o he_o have_v by_o faith_n for_o he_o trust_v not_o to_o any_o holiness_n of_o his_o own_o though_o it_o be_v out_o of_o question_n he_o know_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o that_o man_n who_o once_o be_v perfect_o righteous_a but_o the_o trust_n and_o confidence_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o that_o bless_a seed_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n this_o promise_n he_o know_v believe_v it_o apply_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o this_o faith_n make_v he_o righteous_a here_o we_o learn_v a_o worthy_a lesson_n of_o christianity_n namely_o that_o the_o true_a and_o the_o undoubted_a way_n to_o heaven_n be_v a_o holy_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o this_o faith_n make_v a_o man_n righteous_a &_o that_o righteousness_n open_v he_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n to_o this_o end_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n but_o by_o who_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n 5.1_o for_o the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n we_o must_v renew_v our_o former_a exhortation_n which_o indeed_o can_v be_v too_o often_o presle_v to_o the_o conscience_n there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o so_o vile_a none_o so_o profane_a but_o we_o desire_v salvation_n if_o we_o do_v than_o we_o must_v tread_v the_o beat_a way_n to_o it_o for_o we_o be_v not_o bear_v heir_n of_o it_o neither_o can_v we_o come_v thither_o by_o chance_n but_o there_o be_v a_o way_n that_o must_v be_v take_v &_o that_o way_n be_v but_o one_o all_o other_o be_v mislead_v byway_n again_o that_o way_n must_v be_v take_v in_o this_o life_n else_o it_o be_v too_o late_o now_o this_o way_n be_v to_o be_v a_o just_a &_o righteous_a man_n with_o this_o never_o man_n fail_v and_o without_o this_o never_o man_n attain_v to_o salvation_n for_o 21.27_o no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v come_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n never_o be_v man_n justify_v there_o which_o be_v not_o just_a before_o and_o that_o must_v be_v here_o begin_v which_o in_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v perfect_v in_o this_o life_n therefore_o we_o must_v seek_v to_o be_v just_a now_o our_o own_o good_a work_n will_v not_o serve_v to_o make_v we_o just_a for_o they_o be_v all_o unable_a to_o endure_v the_o trial_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o if_o we_o stand_v to_o they_o and_o they_o prove_v not_o able_a to_o satisfy_v god_n justice_n then_o in_o stead_n of_o save_v we_o they_o will_v condemn_v us._n therefore_o with_o abel_n let_v we_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o cleave_v only_o to_o christ_n righteousness_n in_o life_n &_o death_n this_o be_v the_o way_n that_o never_o will_v deceive_v us._n but_o some_o will_v say_v we_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n i_o answer_v he_o that_o walk_v in_o a_o way_n may_v be_v trace_v by_o his_o step_n so_o then_o show_v your_o step_n of_o holiness_n of_o devotion_n of_o charity_n etc._n etc._n these_o must_v show_v your_o faith_n leave_v these_o step_n behind_o you_o and_o then_o your_o faith_n be_v good_a thus_o do_v holy_a abel_n believe_v thou_o it_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o follow_v thou_o after_o he_o and_o renounce_v all_o by_o path_n which_o the_o papist_n or_o thy_o own_o brain_n imagine_v let_v this_o one_o doctrine_n sink_v into_o thy_o heart_n in_o stead_n of_o many_o and_o let_v not_o the_o devil_n strike_v it_o out_o for_o if_o thou_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n my_o soul_n for_o thou_o it_o will_v bring_v thou_o to_o heaven_n if_o not_o at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o doctrine_n will_v condemn_v thou_o because_o it_o show_v thou_o this_o way_n and_o thou_o will_v not_o walk_v in_o it_o second_o observe_v he_o say_v abel_n be_v approve_v and_o accept_v of_o god_n how_o prove_v he_o that_o because_o his_o work_n please_v god_n as_o who_o say_v his_o work_n can_v please_v god_n unless_o his_o person_n do_v therefore_o in_o that_o his_o work_n do_v thence_o he_o conclude_v that_o his_o person_n do_v it_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o infallible_a in_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o reason_n the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v we_o a_o great_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n namely_o that_o first_o a_o man_n person_n must_v please_v god_n afore_o his_o action_n can_v and_o after_o the_o person_n than_o the_o action_n this_o be_v plain_a in_o these_o word_n for_o it_o be_v say_v he_o first_o obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a himself_n and_o then_o god_n testify_v of_o his_o gift_n so_o likewise_o more_o plain_o genesis_n 4._o 4_o god_n have_v respect_n first_o to_o abel_n and_o then_o to_o his_o offering_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n be_v manifest_a no_o work_n please_v god_n afore_o the_o worker_n do_v this_o be_v so_o have_v excellent_a use_n first_o it_o overthrow_v a_o main_a pillar_n of_o romish_a religion_n justification_n by_o work_n for_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o his_o work_n when_o he_o himself_o must_v be_v just_a afore_o the_o work_n can_v be_v unless_o he_o be_v just_a his_o work_n be_v wicked_a if_o they_o be_v wicked_a afore_o his_o person_n be_v just_a how_o can_v they_o then_o justify_v he_o and_o if_o the_o person_n be_v once_o just_a what_o need_v it_o then_o to_o be_v again_o justify_v by_o work_n good_a work_n make_v not_o a_o man_n good_a but_o a_o good_a man_n make_v a_o work_n good_a &_o shall_v that_o work_n that_o a_o man_n make_v good_a return_v again_o &_o make_v the_o man_n good_a 1._o that_o be_v absurd_a in_o reason_n and_o 2._o